Bobcats keep EWU winless

CHENEY, Wash. - Fourth-ranked Montana State outgained No. 21 Eastern Washington 129-56 in the fourth quarter and defeated the still winless Eagles 36-21 on Saturday in a Big Sky Conference showdown before a sold-out crowd of 10,422 at Roos Field.

The crowd was the fifth most in the 45-year history of the stadium, and the most in a game that did not involve Montana. Eastern (0-4) was a perfect 8-0 on the red carpet before Saturday's loss to Montana State (3-1).

“We were just a hair off on a few things that might be the difference,” Eastern coach Beau Baldwin said. “I think there are some things that we have done better in the last two weeks and we just have to keep progressing. It is a tough pill to swallow, but at the same time it’s part of the game. When you’re in these situations you have to find ways to dig deep and battle back.”

Denarius McGhee passed and ran for a touchdown, and Jason Cunningham kicked five field goals for Montana State. Cody Kirk rushed for 117 yards and a TD for the Bobcats.

Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 263 yards and a touchdown for the Eagles.

After Eastern Washington closed to within 26-21 early in the fourth quarter on Jordan Talley’s 3-yard TD run, Montana State answered with McGee’s 12-yard scoring toss to Elvis Akpla. The 12-play, 78-yard drive included three third-down conversions.

Eastern plays host to Weber State next Saturday.