Even the Big Sky’s Not Limit to Losing for Oregon State

Oregon State--the perennial Pacific 10 Conference doormat--was out of its league again Saturday, losing to defending I-AA champion Montana, 35-14.

“Montana played a great game,” said Oregon State running back Akili King. “We underestimated them because they were a I-AA team.”

Oregon State helped the Grizzlies of the Big Sky Conference by committing nine penalties for 93 yards in the season opener for both teams. Five of Montana’s first eight first downs came by penalty.

“I don’t think we were in sync all day,” Oregon State Coach Jerry Pettibone said. “It’s difficult for me to imagine what happened. We practiced well, and I really felt like we were ready to play. We were probably penalized more today than we have been in six years.”

Montana won its eighth game in a row and extended Oregon State’s losing streak to 11 games.

Montana scored on its first three possessions, building a 21-0 lead. Quarterback Brian Ah Yat completed 15 of 24 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown in the first half. He finished 20 for 36 passing for 177 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.