Drake Stadium, hours before kickoff
Photo by: MSU Sports Information
Bobcat Game Day Notebook #2: MSU at Drake
9/8/2012 2:15:00 PM | Football
Ash visits old haunts; Bobcat D-linemen present and accounted for
Hours before Montana State's first road game of 2012, Bobcat head coach Rob Ash already felt a difference.
"There are a few more flip-flops in the stomach today," MSU's sixth-year mentor said with a smile. "I'm looking forward to the game starting and making those first calls. Then it will feel like any other game."
Ash's accomplishment's as Drake's head coach for 18 seasons are well-documented, but he faces a different challenge on a sunny Saturday in the Heartland - facing a program he built, almost literally from the ground up. He lists that process as among his highlights at Drake.
"Seeing the program rise up from really nothing," Ash said, "because Drake didn't have a team in 1985 (two years before he arrived). Creating the Pioneer Football League was a huge accomplishment, rennovating Drake Stadium and getting the lights up, those were all highlights. And we had some signature wins over Dayton, Florida Atlantic, South Florida, San Diego with Jim Harbaugh."
But Ash knows once the ball is teed up, the game will feel like any other. "Once the game kicks off, it will feel like just another game."
* * * * *
One of Ash's chief concerns Saturday is getting placements airborne, a process which should be aided by the return of short snapper Donny Tudahl and first-time place kicker Rory Perez, who also returns for punts.
"Drake is very good on PAT/field goal block," Ash said. "They got one last week, and they work really hard on that and take a lot of pride in it. Rory will handle placements today, and having Donny back on snaps will help us. We have to get those dialed up today."
Chadron State blocked MSU's first two extra points of the season last week. Ash indicated Jake Olson will remain on long snap duty for punts, even as Tudahl returns on placement snaps.
* * * * *
Montana State's highly productive defensive line was wounded during the week, with end Brad Daly and tackle Zach Minter each battling lingering tweaks. Ash said he expects both to line up at the game's outset on Saturday.
"Brad is such a tough kid, I know he'll be out there, and Zach has shown a tremendous desire to play," Ash said. "I can't imagine anything keeping those two from playing if they're physically able."
Daly's week of rehabilitation included possible preparation for a different type of sporting event, Ash said with a laugh. "Brad told me he's ready for the Tour de France after spending so much time on the stationary bike this week."
"There are a few more flip-flops in the stomach today," MSU's sixth-year mentor said with a smile. "I'm looking forward to the game starting and making those first calls. Then it will feel like any other game."
Ash's accomplishment's as Drake's head coach for 18 seasons are well-documented, but he faces a different challenge on a sunny Saturday in the Heartland - facing a program he built, almost literally from the ground up. He lists that process as among his highlights at Drake.
"Seeing the program rise up from really nothing," Ash said, "because Drake didn't have a team in 1985 (two years before he arrived). Creating the Pioneer Football League was a huge accomplishment, rennovating Drake Stadium and getting the lights up, those were all highlights. And we had some signature wins over Dayton, Florida Atlantic, South Florida, San Diego with Jim Harbaugh."
But Ash knows once the ball is teed up, the game will feel like any other. "Once the game kicks off, it will feel like just another game."
* * * * *
One of Ash's chief concerns Saturday is getting placements airborne, a process which should be aided by the return of short snapper Donny Tudahl and first-time place kicker Rory Perez, who also returns for punts.
"Drake is very good on PAT/field goal block," Ash said. "They got one last week, and they work really hard on that and take a lot of pride in it. Rory will handle placements today, and having Donny back on snaps will help us. We have to get those dialed up today."
Chadron State blocked MSU's first two extra points of the season last week. Ash indicated Jake Olson will remain on long snap duty for punts, even as Tudahl returns on placement snaps.
* * * * *
Montana State's highly productive defensive line was wounded during the week, with end Brad Daly and tackle Zach Minter each battling lingering tweaks. Ash said he expects both to line up at the game's outset on Saturday.
"Brad is such a tough kid, I know he'll be out there, and Zach has shown a tremendous desire to play," Ash said. "I can't imagine anything keeping those two from playing if they're physically able."
Daly's week of rehabilitation included possible preparation for a different type of sporting event, Ash said with a laugh. "Brad told me he's ready for the Tour de France after spending so much time on the stationary bike this week."
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