Montana State defeats Eastern Washington 36-21

CHENEY, Wash. (AP) — Denarius McGhee passed and ran for a touchdown, and Jason Cunningham kicked five field goals as Montana State kept defending FCS champion Eastern Washington winless with a 36-21 victory on Saturday.

Cody Kirk rushed for 117 yards and a TD for the Bobcats (3-1, 1-0 Big Sky).

Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 263 yards and a touchdown for the Eagles (0-4, 0-2), who lost for the first time on the signature red turf that was installed last year.

After Eastern Washington closed to within 26-21 early in the fourth quarter on Jordan Talley’s 3-yard TD run, Montana State answered with McGee’s 12-yard scoring toss to Elvis Akpla. The 12-play, 78-yard drive included three third-down conversions.

Cunningham kicked his fifth field goal, a 43-yarder, with 2:56 remaining. In the first half, he booted two 55-yard field goals, tying his career long.

McGhee had 150 yards passing and 83 yards rushing.