BOZEMAN — Big play after big play after big play.

Montana State’s offense was explosive in the first half Saturday as the third-place team in the FCS shut out visiting Maine 41-24 in their “Gold Rush” home game at Bobcat Stadium.

Scottre Humphrey’s 79-yard rushing touchdown four minutes into the game set the tone for MSU, which earned its third straight win to open the season.

Fellow running back Adam Jones broke through for a 40-yard touchdown dash late in the first quarter and a blocked punt by MSU linebacker Taki Uluilakepa helped the Bobcats take a three-touchdown lead.

Humphrey and Jones both scored touchdown runs in the second quarter, giving the Cats a 35-0 lead. Humphrey had a 6-yard rush and Jones a 19-yard burst.

The Black Bears got on the board late in the third quarter with a nice jump-ball throw from QB Carter Peevy to Montigo Moss from 16 feet, but it was too little, too late.

Maine was without linebacker Christian Thomas, who has been suspended indefinitely for a team rules violation. Thomas was the team’s leading tackler last week.

Turning point: There was no real turning point in this game. The Bobcats came out and scored touchdowns on their first five possessions to put the game out of reach before Maine could even begin to catch up.

Statistics of the game: The Bobcats flexed their muscles again with their running game, led by Humphrey and Jones. Humphrey rushed for 110 yards and two TDs on just four carries, while Jones had 63 yards and a pair of scores on four attempts. As a team, MSU had 344 rushing yards and averaged 9.6 yards per pop.

Bobcat game balls: RBs Scottre Humphrey and Adam Jones (offense). Humphrey and Jones have proven to be a dynamic running back duo, and they were dominant again against Maine. And this is a running back group that also includes Jared White (99 yards Saturday) and the injured Julius Davis, so depth is important, too.

DE Brody Grebe (defense)This was a game for second- and third-string players to get their chance, but Grebe was his typical self when he was in the game, finishing with two solo tackles, a sack, a pass breakup and two QB hurries.

DB Taki Uluilakepa (Special teams)In the first quarter, Uluilakepa — the brother of MSU linebacker Danny Uluilakepa — came from the sideline and blocked a punt that was picked up by teammate Garrett Walchli at the Maine 22.

That led to a 4-yard touchdown pass from QB Tommy Mellott to Ryan Lonergan, giving the Bobcats a 21-0 lead.

What’s next?: Now 3-0, the Bobcats get a chance to catch their breath with a bye this coming week. It’s one of two bye weeks for MSU in this 12-game regular season.

Montana State returns to action on Sept. 21 with a home game against Mercyhurst of the Northeast Conference. The Lakers, from Erie, Pa., are playing in their first season in the FCS. It will be the first-ever meeting between the programs.