La Grande, Ore. - The University of Montana Western Bulldogs (3-1) fell in a thrilling triple overtime contest to the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers (2-2) 54-51.

The No. 22 Bulldogs battled back to force overtime in a epic 28 point fourth quarter comeback to force overtime, only to fall in triple overtime when their game tying field goal attempt was blocked. 

Trailing 41-13 entering the final frame Jon Jund orchestrated a six-play 83 yard drive to bring the score to 41-20 with 10:45 remaining in the fourth quarter. 
The Bulldog defense stepped up on the ensuing EOU possessions. Freshman Damaen Bentley picked off EOU quarterback Kai Quinn and returned it 27 yards for the score. Not to be out done, sophomore linebacker Joe Caicedo picked up a fumble and rumbled 36 yards for the touchdown and suddenly the Bulldogs had scored three touchdowns in 1:32 of game time.

Jund was able to complete the comeback when he connected with Walker McKitrick for the third time in the game for a 53 yard strike with just over two-minutes remaining. 

 "Our guys will never stop fighting," head coach Ryan Nourse said.  "I'd rather coach guys that fight to the end and care about each other. I am proud of the guys, I love coaching them."

In the first overtime, the teams traded field goals forcing a second extra session. The Bulldogs scored first when Jake Messerly hauled in a 10-yard pass from Jund. EOU responded with a 1-yard score to force a third overtime. The Bulldogs held the Mountaineers to a three-and out and a field goal. The Bulldogs had a chance to tie or escape with the win. However, the Bulldogs drive stalled and the potential game-tying kick was blocked giving the Mountaineers the upset victory. 

Jund finished the game 28-45 for 390 yards and four touchdown passes. McKitrick caught 10 balls for 162 yards and three scores. Nate Simkins also eclipsed the century mark with  seven catches for 114 yards. 

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The Bulldogs are off next week, but will return home to face Montana Tech in the Homecoming/Hall of Fame Game on Oct. 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.