BOZEMAN, Mont. — Fresh off their first win of the season, the Montana State University Bobcats will look to get another win against their last non-conference opponent, the Mercyhurst Univer Lakers this Saturday at Bobcat Stadium.
This is the first instance of a non-conference opponent traveling to Bozeman back-to-back seasons since 2008 and 2009 when South Dakota ventured to Bobcat Stadium.
The Lakers are 1-2 on the season, falling to Youngstown State in their season opener 24-15, beating New Haven in their home opener 48-14, and then coming up short to Sacramento State last week 49-28, despite leading 18-14 late in the second quarter.
Mercyhurst has some solid offensive pieces that the Bobcats defense will look to shut down like they did to San Diego last weekend, including quarterback Adam Urena who has averaged 313 passing yards a game this season. Along with running back Brian Trobel with an average of 72 yards on the ground and wide receiver Dylan Evans racking up 98 receiving yards per game so far.
In their second season of FCS competition, Mercyhurst finished last season 4-7, including a 52-13 loss to the Bobcats in week 4.
Despite the seemingly easy matchup for the Cats, Head Coach Brent Vigen does not want his team to underestimate any opponent they face.
“That’s the expectation. I hope our guys don’t even know we play next. I know conference play starts next, and I know who we play, but I don’t think they’re even into who that is. So this effort, this week has to be all about Mercyhurst and more so what do we need to do to get better,” Vigen said.
Vigen also said that there is a lot of talent on Mercyhurst’s team and they have continued to take strides as a group over the last year.
The player with the most notable performance last weekend for the Cats was quarterback Justin Lamson, who had a career day passing the ball, and got his first win as a member of his new team. Lamson had 293 yards and 4 total touchdowns.
Under Vigen the Bobcats are 29-0 against non-ranked FCS opponents.
The Cats will take on the Lakers Saturday at Bobcat Stadium at 1 p.m.
