Montana State tops Stephen F. Austin 43-35

The lead changed hands four times in the fourth quarter, but Kirk's TD made it 40-35, and the Bobcats' Steven Bethley intercepted a pass to set up Rory Perez's 45-yard field goal with 31 seconds left. Kirk finished with a career-best 105 yards on 30 carries for Montana State, off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 1978.

"I thought the defense did a great job," Montana State coach Rob Ash said. "You don't usually say that after giving up 35 points and some big numbers, but I really don't care. The bottom line is the score at the end of the game.

"Our guys were fundamentally sound."

Tanner Bleskin caught 10 passes for 180 yards, also career highs, for Montana State in a game played in a thick fog of smoke caused by nearby forest fires.

"Everybody is coming after us," Bleskin said. "They mark Montana State on their calendar, so we know we're going to get their best shot."

Brady Attaway threw for 418 yards, a career high, and three touchdowns for Stephen F. Austin (1-2), with Cordell Roberson accounting for 10 receptions, 163 yards and a TD. Montana State held the Lumberjacks to 55 yards rushing and SFA was assessed 130 yards in penalties.