Billings, Mont. - The 16th ranked University of Montana Western Bulldogs (6-2) dropped a tough game on the road to 13th ranked Rocky Mountain College (6-2) 43-14. The loss dropped the Bulldogs into a first-place tie with the Battlin' Bears. 

The Bulldogs started the game strong with an eight-play 71 yard drive that culminated in a Jon Jund 23 yard touchdown strike to Walker McKitrick. From that point the offense struggled and the Battlin' Bears scored 43 unanswered points to beat the Bulldogs in convincing fashion.

 The Bulldog offense had trouble moving the ball recording a season low in both passing yards, 127, and total yards, 187. The Bulldogs gave up seven sacks, committed two turnovers, and had a punt blocked and returned for a touchdown. 

Backup quarterback Sean Miller was able to orchestrate an eight-play 70 yard scoring drive midway through the fourth quarter, which ended in his first career touchdown pass, a two-yard toss to Nate Simkins. 

The Bulldogs are still in first place in the conference, tied with Rocky with two games left to play. They still have a chance at the Frontier title and postseason play. The path to the playoffs isn't easy as they host the hottest team in the conference in The College of Idaho on Saturday, Nov. 3. Kick-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. 

Before the game there will be a short ceremony celebrating the 2018 senior class.