No. 1 Montana State defeats FBS Nevada 20-7
8 sourcesUpdated Sep 13, 2026
No. 1 Montana State defeated Nevada 20-7, extending its school-record winning streak to 17 games and earning its second victory over a Mountain West opponent in three seasons. The Bobcats scored on their opening possession and built a 17-0 halftime lead behind quarterback Justin Lamson’s touchdown pass to Dane Steel, a 45-yard field goal and Adam Jones’ 6-yard touchdown run. Montana State’s defense forced multiple turnovers, held Nevada to 4-for-13 on third downs and stopped a late scoring threat with an interception in the end zone. Nevada finally scored early in the fourth quarter on A.J. Bianco’s 28-yard touchdown pass to Marshaun Brown, but Montana State responded with a field goal after forcing a fumble. The loss was Nevada’s first to an FCS opponent since 2023 and marked a difficult reunion for Wolf Pack coach Jeff Choate, who previously led Montana State.
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Nevada's penalties kept killing drives and handed Montana State easy opportunities to pull ahead.
Montana State's defense made the difference with those first half takeaways that set the tone for the win.
