Denarius McGhee completed his first six passes in Saturday's scrimmage.
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Bobcat Defense Registers Big Plays in First Scrimmage
8/14/2010 7:52:45 PM | Football
Montana State's 2010 defense looked a lot like the 2008 and 2009 versions
Montana State's hour-long, 60-play scrimmage in Bobcat Stadium Saturday may have been the team's first live work of fall camp, but the play of his defense looked awfully familiar to MSU head coach Rob Ash.
“The defense did a nice job forcing a lot of stops, forcing field goal situations instead of touchdowns, they didn't give up any big plays, and that's how we play,” Ash said. “Getting out of drives, stopping people on third down, making people settle for a field goal, getting turnovers in the end zone, that's how (the defense played on Saturday).”
The defense punctuated a solid day with two turnovers with their backs to the goal line. Bryce Stacy intercepted a Denarius McGhee pass on the 11th series of the scrimmage, and two possessions later Dustin O'Connell stripped CJ Palmer at the goal line and Aleksei Grosulak recovered.
“We had the first down-and-goal situation where we threw the interception and we had a fumble down there on a play that should have been a touchdown,” Ash said. “So there's (two) touchdowns that we gave up today. That's a huge concern for me and tempers any enthusiasm coming out of the offensive day. I'm very concerned about our ball security.”
MSU's defensive efficiency started up front, Ash said. “I thought the defense played exceptionally well, I thought the front was especially good. I thought the defense did a very good job stopping the run today, especially with the ones and twos. I was very happy with the defenses ability to get out of third down situations.”
MSU's offense had its moments as well. Denarius McGhee completed seven of his nine pass attempts, including his first six straight. “I did feel myself getting into a rhythm,” McGhee said of his quick start, “and that gave me a little more confidence. I just came out and made sure I stayed calm from the get-go and just tried to let the ball come out of my hand.”
McGhee threw for 77 yards, and in addition to the interception threw a 10-yard touchdown to Kruiz Siewing. Senior signal caller Cody Kempt completed just one of his first five passes, but finished the day 5-for-9 for 41 yards.
A trio of freshmen made significant impacts on the Bobcat offense on Saturday. Running backs Cody Kirk (seven carries, 30 yards) and David Dash (seven carries, 24 yards and one touchdown) punched up the ground game, and redshirt receiver Tanner Bleskin caught all five balls thrown his way for 34 yards. “I thought Tanner Bleskin had a very good day, catching the ball in crucial situations,” Ash said.
Ash also lauded MSU's veteran offensive front. “I actually thought our offensive line did a little better on pass protection today than we've done in practice, so I was happy with the improvement there. I thought the offense did a decent job on some third down conversions and making some plays in the red zone, but the defense as always was stout inside the five.”
The day's steadiest and most effective performer may have been kicker Jason Cunningham. The junior from Amarillo, TX, converted all five of his field goal attempts, including a booming 57-yarder, and both of his PATs. “Jason Cunningham had a fabulous day,” Ash said, “a 57-yarder, he was perfect on the day with all his field goals, and that means a lot today because those were all live-rush. Those were game-type field goals with the clock on and a live rush.” Punter Rory Perez also kicked well, averaging 43 yards on three punts.
The Bobcats practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 am, and begin the two-a-day segment of fall drills with Monday-Wednesday-Friday practices at 3:45 pm.
RUSHING: CJ Palmer 5-10, Orenzo Davis 4-4, David Dash 7-24-1, Cody Kirk 7-30, Blayde Becksted 1- -1.
PASSING: Cody Kempt 9-5-0, 41; Denarius McGhee 9-7-1, 77, 1; Grayson Galloway 1-0-0; Cody Davies 7-4-0, 63.
RECEIVING: Tanner Bleskin 5-34, Steven Foster 2-17, Kruiz Siewing 1-10-1, Tiai Salanoa 1-23, David Dash 1-9, John Ellis 1-33, Kyle Begger 1-11, Orenzo Davis 1-15, Lee Perkins 1-13, Danny Trittler 1-8.
DEFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Jody Owens – 1 PB; Michael Rider – 1 PB; Zach Minter – 2 TL; Connor Verlanic - 1 sack; Arnold Briggs – 1 PB; Bryce Stacy – 1 TL, 1 Int, 1 PB; Aleksei Grosulak – 1 FR; John Laidet – 1 sack; Dustin O'Connell – 1 FF.
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