2005 Brawl of the Wild: Montana at Montana State - Big Sky Football

Travis Lulay saved the best for last. Montana State's record-setting senior quarterback fell short of the Big Sky Conference total offense record, but claimed something more long-lasting. The senior from Aumsville, Ore., captured his third Big Sky Championship ring and the third win over Montana in his star-studded career Saturday, leading Montana State to a 16-6 win over the Grizzlies. Lulay entered the game 306 yards short of the league total offense record, and finished the day with 223. But Lulay became only the fourth Bobcat to beat Montana three times, and joins Dennis Erickson as Bobcat quarterbacks to lead the school to three Big Sky crowns. "Spectacular," Bobcat coach Mike Kramer said of his senior quarterback, a word he also used to describe Montana State's defense. The Bobcats held Montana to 220 yards of total offense, and only one touchdown. In two of MSU's wins over the Grizzlies in the last four years, the Bobcats limited UM to only one trip into the end zone. "It's a great feeling," said Bobcat linebacker Nick Marudas, who led the defensive charge with six tackles -- all solo -- and two sacks. Aaron Papich also had a sack, giving MSU three quarterback sacks from Montana high school products. The Bobcat defense held UM to 14-for-33 passing, and just 103 rushing yards and a 3.1 per-carry average. The day's big story was Evin Groves. The redshirt freshman running back tallied 143 yards for the Bobcats, capping a 90-yard drive with a three-yard run late in the first quarter. Jeff Hastings provided the rest of Montana State's offense, nailing field goals of 40, 39, and 19 yards. MSU also held the ball for much of the second half. Montana State held the ball for nearly 18 minutes. The Bobcats finish the season with seven wins against its all-Division I schedule, and a share of the Big Sky title for the third time in four years. Watch more Big Sky videos: http://www.youtube.com/bigskyconf Subscribe to the Big Sky channel: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=bigskyconf Visit our Homepage: http://www.bigskyconf.com Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigskyconf Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigskyconf Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/bigskyconf Find us on Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103551304471488784521 The Big Sky Conference (BSC) is collegiate athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division I, with football competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Member institutions include Eastern Washington, Idaho State, University of Montana, Montana State, University of North Dakota, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, Portland State, Sacramento State, Southern Utah, and Weber State. UC Davis and Cal Poly are football-only participants. The Big Sky sponsors championships in 15 sports, including men's and women's basketball, indoor and outdoor track and field, cross country, and tennis. There are championships in football and women's volleyball, golf, soccer, and softball.