Havre, Mont. – The Montana State University-Northern football team opened its 2024 season at home Saturday afternoon, but No. 25 Carroll College spoiled the debut, shutting out the Lights 20-0.

The Fighting Saints struck early, putting up 10 points in the first quarter and adding a field goal in the second to take a 13-0 lead into halftime. Neither side could find the end zone in the third quarter, but Carroll sealed the win late with a touchdown at the 3:41 mark in the fourth.

Northern struggled to find rhythm offensively, finishing with 150 total yards (60 rushing, 90 passing). Quarterback Ashton Platt went 4-of-14 through the air for 80 yards, highlighted by a 38-yard completion to Tim Arnold. Roman Bradley paced the ground game with 15 carries for 60 yards.

Defensively, the Lights showed fight, recording three sacks and an interception. Michael Watkins was a standout with 10 tackles, two breakups, and 2.5 tackles for loss. Brady Smelser added nine tackles as the Lights' defense forced Carroll to work for its points.

The Saints, however, controlled the tempo with 355 total yards. Quarterback Kaden Huot threw for 256 yards and a touchdown on 21-of-33 passing while also rushing for another score. Jake Jeske contributed 40 yards on the ground, and Carson Ochoa led the receiving corps with seven catches for 85 yards. Carroll's defense matched Northern with three sacks, while also forcing two fumbles, five pass breakups, and an interception.

With the loss, MSU-Northern falls to 0-1 and will face another tough test on the road next week against No. 5 Montana Western in Dillon on Sept. 6 at 1 p.m.