The Immediate Significance of Montana State’s Ground Game Success Against the Nationally Ranked SFA Rushing Defense
The Montana State Bobcats defeated the Stephen F. Austin (SFA) Lumberjacks with a final score of 44-28 on Friday night, December 12, 2025, at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana. This decisive victory, which saw the Bobcats pull away in the second half, secured Montana State a spot in the FCS Playoff Semifinals. The game, a hard fought quarterfinal matchup, was defined by the Bobcats' relentless rushing attack and their defense's ability to clamp down in the pivotal third quarter.
The immediate score update for the SFA vs Montana State contest shows that Montana State was, in fact, leading 34-21 after the third quarter, before sealing the victory in the fourth. The Bobcats established an early lead, taking a 24-8 advantage into halftime, but the Lumberjacks fought back valiantly in the third quarter. However, Montana State's defense ensured the lead remained secure. The Bobcats finished the game with 473 yards of total offense, dominating the line of scrimmage, while holding the Lumberjacks to just 334 total yards. The win extends Montana State's season record to 12-2.
The strategic success for SFA vs Montana State centered on the Bobcats' ability to neutralize the Lumberjacks' historically strong run defense. Montana State, which entered the game ranked fourth nationally in rushing offense, delivered on its strength, accumulating an impressive amount of yards on the ground against an SFA defense ranked third nationally against the rush. This power running game, combined with a disciplined defense that limited SFA quarterback Sam Vidlak's passing opportunities, allowed Montana State to wear down the Lumberjacks in the later stages of the game, ultimately leading to the comfortable margin of victory.
Looking ahead, the future outlook for the SFA vs Montana State matchup sees Montana State advancing to the FCS Semifinals where they will face the winner of the contest between Montana and South Dakota. The Lumberjacks’ strong season, which included an 11 game winning streak and a conference title, comes to a respectable end in the quarterfinal round. For Montana State, the win is a statement victory, proving they can execute their powerful ground attack against top tier defenses and solidifying their status as a major contender for the FCS National Championship.