On Montana State’s first drive of last week’s game, quarterback Justin Lamson received a shotgun snap and presented a handoff to running back Adam Jones. All four of San Diego’s linebackers lunged forward.

Lamson faked the handoff, rolled slightly to his right and fired a pass 15 yards down the field to Taco Dowler, who was running an out route to the right. The wide receiver broke a tackle and got a couple good blocks en route to a 45-yard touchdown.

That was one of six passes the Bobcats attempted on the seven-play drive — the third straight week they passed more than they rushed on their first drive of the game. They attempted more throws than runs on opening drives six times in the previous three seasons combined. On opening drives that lasted more than three plays, they did it once

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