Bozeman, MT - Portland State gave 15th-ranked Montana State much more than it wanted behind a big game from Viking redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Kraght. But the Bobcats hung on for an important win, 29-22.

Kraght had 314 yards of total offense in his starting debut, including a 50-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Carter inside the final minute of the game. The Vikings tried, but failed, to recover an ensuing onside kick and MSU was able to run out the clock.

The Bobcats stay in the Big Sky title hunt with a 5-1 league record, 7-3 overall. The Vikings drop to 3-7, 2-4 on the season.

Both teams had offensive success early. The Bobcats got touchdowns on their first two drives. The Vikings had a touchdown and a field goal. PSU trailed 15-10 at the end of the first quarter.

A 65-yard run by Shaquille Richard set up the first TD for the Vikings. Kraght went in from one yard out on the next play for his first career score.

Defense took over in the second quarter. After allowing touchdowns on their first two drives, the Vikings shut down the Bobcats for most of the half. Finally, Prukop engineered a 10-play, 56-yard scoring drive late in the half. A six-yard touchdown run by Connor Brekke put MSU ahead 22-10.

But Kraght wasn't done. He took the Vikings 51 yards on five plays in the last 32 seconds of the half. Kicker Jonathan Gonzales booted a 41-yard field goal, making it 22-13 at intermission.

A big special teams play in the third quarter closed the gap even more. Anthony Jenkins blocked a Montana State punt through the end zone, good for a safety. That sent the game to the fourth quarter at 22-15.

Prukop had the Vikings in peril early in the fourth quarter. He finished a lightning fast drive, going 85 yards in only six plays, with a 13-yard TD run. That gave the Bobcats a two-touchdown lead for the first time at 29-15.

Kraght was able to direct the late scoring drive, throwing his first career TD to Carter, but the Vikings still took the defeat. For the game, Kraght rushed 19 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. He completed 19-38 passes for 218 yards and a score. And, the Viking offense did not commit a turnover after having six a week ago.

"(Montana State is) great, but we knew coming in we had to run the football, and we did. That was a huge confidence boost," said Kraght. "I thought we had too many three-and-outs. The (Viking) defense was amazing out there giving us more than enough opportunities, but in the end we didn't get it done."

Darnell Adams led the PSU receiving corps with nine receptions for 105 yards. Carter caught four passes for 73 yards and a score. Shaq Richard rushed for 82 yards on seven carries.

Jeremy Lutali led the defense again with 11 tackles. Junior Alexis made a career-high stops. Corey Crowder had a sack, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.

Prukop rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bobcats. He completed 10-16 passes for 93 yards.

In all, the Bobcats ran for 329 yards and four touchdowns. They had 424 yards of total offense. The Vikings nearly matched that with 407 yards.

GAME NOTES: Gonzales made his first two field goals in the game, extending his streak of converted field goals to eight in a row. He missed a 55-yarder in the fourth quarter. Gonzales has made 14 field goals in his last six games… MSU has beaten the Vikings straight times… PSU is 1-5 on the road this year… Portland State continues Big Sky Conference play next Saturday at Sacramento State. Game time is 2 p.m. It will air on Rip City Radio 620 AM and www.ripcityradio.com.