Box Score BOZEMAN, MONT. - The Stetson Hatters football team made the trek all the way to Big Sky Country for a meeting with the third-ranked Montana State Bobcats at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana, on Saturday, September 16. Despite showing grit and resilience throughout the game, the Hatters fell on the road to the Bobcats, 20-57.

The first half proved challenging for the Hatters. The game started with promise as Kaderris Roberts began the game with an 11-yard rush for Stetson. However, the Hatters struggled to maintain momentum and punted after going three and out. The Bobcats seized the opportunity, starting from their 29-yard line, and managed to drive down the field, capping it with a 4-yard rushing touchdown after a successful 4th & 1 conversion earlier in the drive.

Despite a couple of receptions by Nazeviah Burris during their next possession, the Hatters once again found themselves punting. However, Marshall Golick executed a masterful punt, pinning the Bobcats inside their own ten-yard line. Nevertheless, Montana State mounted a 90-yard drive in just 3 minutes and 9 seconds, capped off by a 7-yard rushing touchdown by their quarterback.

Roberts made a valiant effort, mirroring his opening drive with an 11-yard run to secure a first down. Unfortunately for the Hatters, a hit on QB Matt O'Connor led to an interception by the Bobcats. Only two plays later, Montana State found the end zone again with a 30-yard quarterback rush. After another Stetson three and out, Golick unleashed another impressive punt, covering 60 yards. Montana State responded with a 40-yard rushing play, aided by a face mask penalty, which pushed them to the 4-yard line, and they capitalized by punching it into the end zone.

With 10:43 left in the second quarter and facing a 3rd and 9, O'Connor demonstrated composure in the pocket, connecting with Aanjay Feliciano for a 20-yard reception. Stetson was eventually forced to settle for a field goal as freshman kicker Daniel Holbrook successfully converted from 45 yards.

However, Montana State was quick to respond, scoring a 51-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a defensive touchdown on a pick-six at the Stetson 25-yard line.

The Hatters mounted a 12-play drive that consumed 5 minutes and 20 seconds, displaying resilience. On a crucial 4th and 5, Feliciano was targeted with a quick pass but couldn't make the connection. Fortunately, defensive pass interference was called, extending their drive. However, what initially appeared to be a strip sack fumble return for a Bobcats touchdown was overturned and ruled as intentional grounding.

As halftime approached, O'Connor connected with Gabe Atkin for a 30-yard reception, placing the Hatters in field goal range. Holbrook delivered again, this time with a 38-yard field goal.

The halftime score stood at 6-41 in favor of Montana State, but the Hatters showcased moments of determination and resilience.

In the second half of the game, the Hatters displayed some fight. The Bobcats kicked off the half with a 25-yard reception but faced a turning point when Davion Maxwell forced a fumble upon a catch down the left sideline. Rassie Littlejohn recovered the fumble, advancing it just short of midfield.

Stetson capitalized on this opportunity with a big 30-yard rush to the right side by Roberts, followed by a 22-yard catch by Burris. This set up the Hatters in a goal-line position, and tight end Kaleb Costner carried the ball for a four-yard touchdown, narrowing the score to 13-41.

Montana State responded with a 56-yard drive lasting 3 minutes and 22 seconds, but the Hatters managed to hold them to a 36-yard field goal.

A subsequent 3-and-out by the Hatters followed, despite O'Connor's near connection with Feliciano down the right sideline. Montana State returned the 42-yard punt from the Stetson 38 to the Stetson 47. The Bobcats connected on a 24-yard contested pass, and a pair of runs set up another Montana State touchdown, extending their lead to 13-51.

After another Stetson three and out, the Bobcats managed to drive 59 yards down the field, but the Hatters' defense held strong, limiting them to a 36-yard field goal.

Brady Meitz took over at QB to start the fourth quarter and showed promise. After an 8-yard run from Donovan Shepard, he completed his first attempt, a toe-dragging catch by Atkin for 13 yards. He then connected with Burris for 12 yards, and Atkin again for 20 yards. Following several rushes, Roberts punched it in from the 1-yard line, reducing the lead to 54-20.

Despite a significant 23-yard catch for Montana State, the Hatters' defense once again stood tall, forcing them to settle for a 44-yard field goal, bringing the score to 20-57. Neither team managed to score after that, making it the final score.

Roberts carried the ball nine times for 67 yards and a touchdown. Atkin and Burris recorded four receptions each, culminating in 71 and 54 yards, respectively. Holbrook hit both of his field goal attempts and both PATs as he remains perfect on the year.

The Hatters will return home to DeLand next week to host the Butler Bulldogs for conference play at Spec Martin Stadium.



About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.

Get in on the conversation on social media by following Stetson Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter . For video content, visit our YouTube channels: Stetson Hatters, Stetson Athletics For a recap of the week's notable stories, sign up for the Stetson Athletics Newsletter HERE