Utah Tech’s Offense Struggles Mightily In Blowout Loss To Montana State
Aug 31, 2024, 11:22 PM
(Photo courtesy of Utah Tech Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Utah Tech Athletics)
SAINT GEORGE, Utah – The Utah Tech Trailblazers were outmatched in their season opener against the Montana State Bobcats on Saturday.
The Blazers were unable to get on the board until the fourth. Meanwhile, the Bobcats had already built a 24-0 lead through the first three quarters and looked extremely comfortable in front of the UTT fans.
The offensive struggles didn’t just come with a lack of points. Utah Tech’s first ten drives ended in three-and-outs.
Tonight’s final score#UtahTechBlazers🦬 pic.twitter.com/UqXxaSPSFp
— Utah Tech Football (@UtahTechFB) September 1, 2024
Utah Tech Opens Season With Home Loss To Montana State
The first ten minutes were all defense from both sides.
All of the first four drives ended in a punt and three were quick three-and-outs.
It took a long punt return from Montana State to finally lead to a score. Set up at the 11-yard line, Adam Jones took a rush to the left side to give the Cats a 7-0 lead.
𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝗕𝗼𝗯𝗰𝗮𝘁𝘀!
😤 Adam Jones 😤@AJonessy | #BobcatBuilt pic.twitter.com/gatoO6LcVw
— Montana State Football (@MSUBobcats_FB) September 1, 2024
Another three-and-out from the Blazers offense gave the ball right back to MSU.
QB Tommy Mellott moved the chains a few times before an option play struck gold. Mellott called his own number and maneuvered through the Utah Tech defense to take the ball 47 yards to the house.
All of a sudden, the momentum swung entirely in Montana State’s favor.
⚡️𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗬. 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗗. @Tommy_Mellott | #BobcatBuilt pic.twitter.com/VmHYSdqMhL
— Montana State Football (@MSUBobcats_FB) September 1, 2024
Unfortunately for the home side, the offensive struggles continued. Both of the Blazers’ next two drives ended in three-and-outs which made it six straight in the first half.
Utah Tech went into the half trailing 14-0.
Halftime in Greater Zion Stadium #UtahTechBlazers🦬 pic.twitter.com/OjNrbObiPT
— Utah Tech Football (@UtahTechFB) September 1, 2024
It didn’t get much better in the second half.
Utah Tech had three drives in the third quarter. Once again, all of which ended in three-and-outs. The Blazers moved the chains for the first time in the fourth quarter.
Montana State added to its lead early in the third on a rollout pass from Mellott to Rohan Jones. Joens got past the Blazers’ secondary and sprinted toward the goalline with two defenders hot on his trail.
A field goal later in the quarter made it 24-0 going into the final 15.
𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡’ 𝗥𝗢𝗛𝗔𝗡
First touchdown as a Bobcat for Rohan Jones! ⚡️@Rohan_Jones2 x @Tommy_Mellott pic.twitter.com/UaakUQUs3a
— Montana State Football (@MSUBobcats_FB) September 1, 2024
Once Utah Tech was finally able to pick up a first down, it took just three plays to get into the end zone.
QB Deacon Hill faked out the MSU defense and had a wide-open lane to jog down the right sideline.
Unsurprisingly, the first score of the game did not change much for the Trailblazers.
4Q – TOUCHDOWN!!! Deacon Hill with the 24-yard QB keeper to get the Trailblazers on the board!#UtahTechBlazers | #UACFootball pic.twitter.com/8Pq7GB3Djb
— Utah Tech Football (@UtahTechFB) September 1, 2024
Their next two drives weren’t as fruitless as some earlier ones, but they still didn’t end in scores.
Utah Tech opened its 2024 season with a 31-7 loss to Montana State at home. Up next for the Blazers is a road game against the UNLV Rebels on Saturday, September 7.
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Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on Twitter @CHoltSports or on Threads @chandlerho1t.
