HUNTSVILLE – The top-seeded Sam Houston Bearkats saw their run to a second straight FCS national championship come to an end on Saturday night, falling 42-19 to the No. 8 Montana State Bobcats in the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs at Bowers Stadium.
 
The Kats (11-1) suffered their first loss since November of 2019, snapping a streak of 22 consecutive wins and falling for the first time ever in the FCS Playoffs at home.
 
Meanwhile, Montana State (11-2) will move on to host South Dakota State for a berth in the title game.
 
Montana State came out of the gates swinging, opening up a 28-0 lead in the first half behind stellar play from freshman quarterback Tommy Mellott, who finished with 76 yards and two scores on the ground and another 165 yards and two scores in the air.
 
For SHSU, Eric Schmid threw for 354 yards and two scores, but was picked off three times for the first time in his career. The Kats outgained MSU 433-359, but was only able to muster 79 yards on the ground.
 
Ife Adeyi turned in a big game receiving with nine grabs for 184 yards and two touchdowns.
 
Defensively the Kats were led by Trevor Williams' 13 tackles, while Tim Hart finished with 10 stops.
 
The Kats did not get on the scoreboard until late in the opening half, and cut the lead to 28-12 on a 61-yard score from Schmid to Adeyi early in the third quarter; however, Mellott connected with wide receiver Lance McCutcheon for a 68-yard touchdown on the ensuing drive to answer and keep the Kats at bay.