Murray's 2 TDs led Montana State top Portland State 30-22

Posted October 07, 2017 7:00 am

By TOM STUBER

Montana State quarterback Chris Murray dives to avoid a tackle from Portland State linebacker Kasun Jackett during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Bobcat Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Bozeman, Mont. (Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez/Montana State University via AP) The Associated Press

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) - Chris Murray ran for two touchdowns and Montana State defeated Portland State 30-22 on Saturday.

The Bobcats (2-3, 2-1 Big Sky Conference) scored on their first possession of the second half and the Vikings' following possession to break the game open.

Murray's second touchdown, a 5-yard run, capped a 12-play, 75-yard drive on the ground. Then PSU punter Hayden Cowden dropped the snap in the MSU end zone and Chad Kanow recovered for another MSU touchdown and a 23-7 lead.

Murray, who was only 2 of 9 passing in the windy conditions, ran for 126 yards on 18 carries and threw a key block to spring Justin Paige on a 23-yard TD run on a reverse midway through the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Josh Kraght hit Charlie Taumoepeau for a 26-yard touchdown late in the third quarter and a 24-yarder with 1:21 to play for the Vikings (0-5, 0-3). Kraght was 28 of 52 for 317 yards despite the cross wind.

Cowden was averaging just 29.0 yards per punt before his miscue in the end zone. He also had a punt blocked in the fourth quarter. MSU's Jared Padmos went with a roll punt and averaged 43.8.

Montana State quarterback Chris Murray runs the ball for a touchdown against Portland State during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Bobcat Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Bozeman, Mont. (Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez/Montana State University via AP) The Associated Press

Portland State running back Antwone Williamsm eludes a tackle from Montana State defensive back Bryson McCabe during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Bobcat Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Bozeman, Mont. (Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez/Montana State University via AP) The Associated Press

Portland State quarterback Josh Kraght throws a pass against Montana State during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Bobcat Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Bozeman, Mont.(Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez/Montana State University via AP) The Associated Press

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