MSU vs. Portland State Game Notes
10/13/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
THE STORYLINE
Buoyed by a sensational comeback against Weber State, Montana State takes a 2-0 Big Sky record into this weekend’s contest against resurgent Portland State. The matchup features the Big Sky’s top two defensive teams, and pits MSU’s front seven against fabulous PSU running back Ryan Fuqua. The Bobcats have scored exactly two touchdowns in the last six games, dating to last season, and look to get the offense untracked behind running back Justin Domineck and quarterback Travis Lulay.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 1:05 pm MST
SITE: Bozeman
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
PRESS BOX PHONE: 406/994-6180
RADIO: State Farm Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Omega (Dean Alexander, Ryan Elliott)
HIGHLIGHTS
l EJ Cochrane’s game-winning field goal Saturday was the second of his career, and was MSU’s third game-winner in the last five seconds in the past three seasons
STREAKS
l MSU has played six straight October 16 home games without a loss (5-0-1) l After starting the season 31-for-77 in the first two games, Travis Lulay has been over 50% in three straight games (59-for-103, 3 TDs/3 picks) l MSU is in the midst of its longest homestand (3 games) since 2000
MILESTONES
l Mike Kramer is now tied with Jim Criner for third on the Big Sky career wins list (59)
SHINING
l QB TRAVIS LULAY is 39-for-67 in the past two games
l P TRAVIS LULAY has averaged 45.6 yards on 13 punts in the last two weeks, with two pins inside the 20 l RB JUSTIN DOMINECK had his first 100-yard rushing game at MSU, and caught 9 passes vs. WSU l FS/CB RYAN FORCE had three tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup Saturday
ABOUT THE ‘CATS...
MSU in ‘04 3-2
Conf./Record Big Sky/2-0
Home/Road 2-1/1-1
Grass/Turf 2-2/1-0
Day/Night 3-2/0-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 59-63/11th
At MSU/Years 22-31/5th
vs PSU 5-5
Home/Road 3-2/2-3
SERIES MSU 21-19-1
At MSU 11-8-1
At PSU 10-11
At Neutral never met
Current Streak MSU 3W
ABOUT PORTLAND STATE ...
PSU in ‘04 3-2
Conf./Record Big Sky/1-1
Home/Road 2-1/1-1
Grass/Turf 1-1/2-1
Day/Night 0-0/3-2
HEAD COACH Tim Walsh
Alma Mater UC Riverside/’77
Overall/Years 100-71/16th
At School/Years 73-57/13th
vs MSU 5-3
Home/Road/Neu 2-2/3-1
ABOUT PSU The Vikings
School Colors Green, white
Location Portland, OR
Enrollment 30,000
Stadium PGE Park
OPPONENT ‘04 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 Western State W 38-0
S18 at Fresno State L 17-27
S25 McNeese State W 35-14
O2 Eastern Wash. L 21-41
O9 at Sacramento St W 24-0
O16 at Montana State 1:35 pm
O23 at Northern Arizona 3:35 pm
O30 Montana 3:35 pm
N6 Idaho State 3:35 pm
N13 at Weber State 1:05 pm
N20 UC Davis 12:05 pm
BOBCAT 2004 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S11 Adams State W 19-0 First season-opening shutout since ‘65
S18 Cal Poly L 14-27 Mustangs have won six straight vs. MSU
S25 at Colorado State L 14-39 Bobcats beaten by Lubick, Arnold, Rams
O2 *at Idaho State W 17-13 ‘Cats snap three-game streak in Holt
O9 *Weber State W 20-17 Cochrane kicks walk-off 44-yarder
O16 *Portland State 1:05 pm ‘Cats won in Rose City last year
O23 South Daokata St 1:05 pm The renewal of an old rivalry
O30 *at NAU 7:05 pm MSU hasn’t won in Flagstaff since ‘79
N6 *at Sac State 5:05 pm Hornets look to move up in Big Sky standings
N13 *Eastern Wash. 12:05 pm ‘Cats face Eagles in home finale
N20 *at Montana 12:05 pm The 104th ‘Cat-Griz game
NOTING THE ‘CATS
What to Watch
F Thin Secondary... The ‘Cats remain thin at cornerback. Kory Austin missed half of last week’s game with a hip pointer. In his stead, free safety Ryan Force slides over to corerback, joining freshman Andre Fuller. True freshman Ryan Kelley could be activated this week.
F The Force is with MSU... It is becoming apparent that sophomore Ryan Force is one of the key figures of this year’s team. Force has been outstanding at free safety, but because of injuries has seen considerable action at cornerback. On Saturday, after a fumble by Mike Williams, Force became MSU’s punt returner. His steady play and versatility have earned him the nickname ‘Jim Thorpe’ by Mike Kramer.
F Battling Backs... After a Saturday afternoon date with Weber State battering ram Nick Chournos, one would think things would get easier for the Bobcat front seven this weekend. One would be wrong. On the horizon, Portland State’s fabulous Ryan Fuqua awaits. Fuqua is one of four Big Sky backs averaging over 100 yards a game rushing, and is among the top backs in league history in rushing yards. Pinning ‘Em After becoming Montana State’s punter last season, Travis Lulay used a rugby-like roll punt to average 36.2 yards a punt, and pinned the opponent inside the 20 nine times. Lulay has pinned the opponent inside the 20 five times this year on 25 kicks, averaging 43.9 yards per punt. He has drilled three line drives of 60+ yards, 16 of 40 or more. Included in that total is an 81-yarder against Adams State, the second-longest punt in school history.
1-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89
3 7 13 4 2 0 1
Finishing Strong
Mike Kramer’s teams have shown the ability to finish strong. Between 1990 and ‘99, the Bobcats were 6-20 in the month of November without a single winning month. Mike Kramer’s ‘Cats are 7-9 in November, including a 6-4 mark in the last two Novembers that have culminated in Big Sky Championships.
Third’s a Charm
MSU surrendered only 24 third-quarter points last year, and only 13 in the first five third quarters of the 2004 campaign.
Whitewashin’
Montana State has shut out an opponent in each of the past two seasons. The Bobcats blanked Saint Mary’s last October, and shut out Adams State in the season opener this year. The St. Mary’s shutout was the team’s first since blanking Sacramento State in 2001. Mike Kramer’s Bobcats have three shutouts in the past four seasons, the same number of goose eggs the ‘Cats tossed in the 15 years before Kramer arrived.
Under Half is Good
The Bobcat defense has held opposing quarterbacks to below 50% passing in eight of the last 12 games. The Bobcats have held Idaho State’s prolific Mark Hetherington under 50% passing in each of their two meetings.
Stingy
Only four of Montana State’s last 22 opponents have managed 400 yards against the Bobcats. MSU snapped a string of two straight over 400 by limiting Weber to 251 yards. Idaho State and CSU each passed the 400-yard mark, the first time MSU has allowed two straight 400-yard games seven, eight and nine of 2001.
Youngsters
Montana State entered this season with only one senior offensive starter, and with only three seniors on defense. That youth notwithstanding, the Bobcats also have a player with at least one career start at 16 of the 22 positions.
Turning it Over
Montana State was +6 in turnovers in the first seven games last season, with a 3-4 record in that span, but were -2 in turnovers in the last six games of the season, going 4-2. MSU was even with Adams State, Cal Poly, and Idaho State, but lost the Cal Poly game, in which MSU was +1 in turnover margin. MSU won the Weber State game despite four turnovers, and is -1 on the season.
Dominant Defense, Part I
Here is how MSU’s defense stacked up against the rest of the nation last year...
Big Sky NCAA Yds
Rank Rank All’d
Total Def 1st 8th 274.2
Pass Def 1st 22nd 166.8
Rush Def 2nd 14th 107.4
Scoring Def 1st 7th 14.6
Dominant Defense, Part II
Montana State’s defense played at a historically-significant pace last year. Here is how the Bobcats stacked up against the Big Sky’s best defenses since 1981, when new pass-blocking rules changed the way football is played (including only regular-season statistics, which is how final statistics were figured before 2002)...
Scoring Defense
1. 13.7 Idaho State, 1981
2. 14.1 Nevada, 1985
3. 14.8 Northern Arizona, 1995
4. 15.0 Montana State, 2003
5. 15.8 Montana, 1988
Total Defense
1. 265.0 Montana, 2000
2. 269.4 Boise State, 1986
3. 273.7 Weber State, 1998
4. 279.9 Montana, 1988
5. 282.1 Montana State, 2003
Passing Defense
1. 99.3 Weber State, 1998
2. 165.5 Montana State, 2003
2. 173.9 Idaho State, 1981
4. 175.6 Weber State, 1992
5. 182.1 Montana, 1988
Playing Quarters
The Bobcats held the opponent scoreless in 26 of the team’s 52 quarters last year, and in 10 of the 18 quarters this year. The Bobcats have held their opponents scoreless in 40 of the last 78 quarters the team has played.
Third’s a Charm
Since the beginning of the 2003 season, MSU has surrendered only 31 third-quarter points. Of those, 14 came in the playoff loss at Northern Iowa.
Anti-Air
MSU held opposing quarterbacks to 46% passing in the last eight regular-sason games last year, and to 49% in the first five games this season.
Good Start
Montana State is 2-0 in Big Sky play for the first time since 2001, but have won their first two league games four times in the past eight years. MSU has won its conference opener three times in the past four seasons.
Better Handles
Montana State fumbled four times in the opener against Adams State, but after fumbling only twice in the next three games (recovering both) let the ball slip out of its hands three times on Saturday. Ironically, the winning team has fumbled 13 times in MSU’s first four games, losing six, while the losing team has fumbled only twice, losing one.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 2-0/2nd Qtr: 1-0/3rd Qtr: 1-0
MSU WhenTrailing After...
1st Qtr: 1-1/2nd Qtr: 2-2/3rd Qtr: 1-2
By the Numbers
1
Number of 100-yard rushing games by Bobcat running backs this season, that by Justin Domineck against Weber State
4
Number of consecutive home games that the Bobcats have drawn at least 12,000 fans, the longest stretch in history
12,644
Average number of fans present at Montana State’s first three home games of the 2004 season
159
Number of combined victories by Portland State coach Tim Walsh (100) and Mike Kramer (59)
Current Montana State Two-Deep (with pro-nuns-ee-AY-shuns) Player Notes
Offense
LEFT TACKLE 53 Peder Jensen (just like Peter) 6-5 276 Fr* Started all five games as RS frosh
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 285 Fr* Played extensively vs. CSU
72 Garrin Brewton 6-5 283 So* Played sparingly twice
LEFT GUARD 57 Brant Birkeland 6-1 266 So* Started all five games
67 Joaquin Echauri (walk-EEN uh-CHAR-ee) 6-3 282 Sr+ Serves in a backup capacity
CENTER 50 Zack Wolf 6-2 281 Jr Second-year starting center
62 Troy Watson 6-2 265 Fr True freshman, has not yet played
RIGHT GUARD 74 Lawrence Figueroa (fig-uh-ROE-uh) 6-1 285 Sr Started first five games at guard
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-4 295 Fr On redshirt alert
RIGHT TACKLE 64 Jeff Bolton 6-4 307 Jr A-A candidate moved to OT this year
73 Joe Hirst 6-7 275 So Has not yet played (knee)
QUARTERBACK 14 Travis Lulay 6-2 203 Jr Started last 26 straight games
16 Rick Coppack (COP-uck) 6-0 185 Fr* Has played in two games this year
RUNNING BACK 8 Justin Domenick 5-11 217 Jr+ Led ‘Cats in rushing in last 2 games
34 Morris Milton 5-9 200 Jr+ Started twice
27 Jimmy Beal 5-7 165 So* Can play RB and WR
X RECEIVER 19 Chaz Guinn (like Gwynn) 6-2 194 Jr+ Led the ‘Cats in catches first 3 games
82 Matt McCullough 5-11 175 Sr* Played in all five games
SLOT RECEIVER 1 Rick Gatewood 6-0 180 Jr*+ His 56-yarder is MSU’s longest play
29 Michael Williams 5-8 155 So* Returns punts/kickoffs, also
82 Matt McCullough 5-11 175 Sr* Fifth-year senior, team’s holder
Z RECEIVER 5 Eddie Sullivan 6-0 190 Sr+ 11 catches in last three games
80 Kellen Alley 6-2 199 So* Can play both outside receiver spots
TIGHT END 85 Blake Wolf 6-2 239 Sr* 10 catches, two away from career-hi
95 Elliott Barnhart 6-3 225 Fr True freshman, has played in 2 games
Defense
ANCHOR END 58 Ray Sebestyen (like Sebastian) 6-2 253 Sr* 6 TL, 3 sacks, 3 FR, 2 FF
90 Ryan Cogley (like frog) 6-3 225 So* Special teams ace
NOSE 98 Beau Clark 6-2 239 Sr* Two sacks at CSU
93 Andy Matakis (muh-TAKE-us) 6-2 249 So+ Transfer from Texas A&M
99 Aaron Papich (Pap like rap) 6-2 248 Fr* True freshman after grayshirting in ‘03
TACKLE 92 Daryl Rogers 6-1 256 Jr+ 4 TL in last three games
94 Tim O’Tool 6-3 249 Jr+ Played extensively at CSU
RUSH 40 Chad Gluhm (gloom) 6-0 227 Sr* 24 tackles, forced an ISU fumble
42 Clive Lowe 6-3 232 So* Missed first two games (oral surgery)
WILL LINEBACKER 47 Jonathan Molock (MOE-lock) 6-1 226 Sr+ Missed CSU, ISU games
44 Epikopo King (epp-ee-COE-poe) 6-1 205 Fr* Three pass breakups at ISU
MIKE LINEBACKER 33 Mac Mollohan 6-0 215 Jr All-Big Sky, 2 sacks vs. Weber
39 Brandon Eggart 6-1 213 Sr* Started vs. CSU, ISU
SAM LINEBACKER 91 Roger Cooper 6-3 233 Sr* Preseason All-America
36 Clayton Curley 6-1 196 Jr Special teams standout
LEFT CORNER 20 Ryan Force 6-2 203 So* Has started all five games
13 Kory Austin 5-11 176 Fr* Missed three of last four halves (inj.)
3 Ryan Kelley 5-9 175 Fr True frosh on redshirt alert
FREE SAFETY 25 Toph Grenfell 6-0 196 Jr+ Six tackles, first pick vs. CSU
26 Demond Goins (duh-MOND GO-ins) 5-10 170 Jr* Has started twice this year
STRONG SAFETY 4 Corky Lindsay 5-9 205 Jr+ Has started last 2 games
26 Demond Goins (duh-MOND GO-ins) 5-10 170 Jr* Has started twice this year
RIGHT CORNER 9 Andre Fuller 5-10 159 Fr* Has started all five games
30 Michael McGuinness 5-11 170 Jr* Special teams standout
*-indicates player has used redshirt year, +-indicates player is a transfer
KICKOFFS: 35-Travis Doroski PLACE KICKER: 11-EJ Cochrane
PUNTS: 14-Travis Lulay LONG SNAPS: 96-Dusty Daws
KICK RETURNS: 1-Rick Gatewood PUNT RETURNS: 20-Ryan Force
HOLDER: 82-Matt McCullough
KRAMER’S QUOTES
On the Weber game: “Our offensive front got excellent push on Saturday. One key aspect to the game when you play a team like Weber State is that they’re not going to trick you. Their players are going to be where they’re supposed to be, and their technique is excellent. When you play a team like that you have to play with very good technique, and I thought we did that on Saturday. You have to earn your yards one play at a time, slowly, like peeling an orange. When we accepted that approach in the second half, we started to click. Weber did a nice job denying us any big plays and quick-scoring opportunities, and forced us to play methodically, within the confines of what we were trying to do. In the end it will prove a real confidence win, because a lot of what we are teaching emerged as being pretty evident in that game.”
On Portland State: “Portland State is a pretty confident team right now, and they bounced back well from their loss to Eastern Washington. I’m particularly impressed with how well they played against Fresno State and McNeese State. For them, this is a must-have game, a very important game. Their defensive front is very solid. They are physical, and really get after you. Offensively, they are starting to warm into a typical Portland State team. They are running back-centered and quarterback-led. Joe Wiser has had some nice numbers, and Ryan Fuqua is obviously an outstanding weapon.”
On the Bobcats: “The offensive line has played well in the last few games, and that is allowing our offense to continue to evolve. As that happens Travis’ productivity will increase, and our running game will improve. Justin Domineck had a nice game on Saturday, and we look forward to the return of Morris Milton, which should also boost our ability to run the ball. EJ Cochrane scored five points in the Idaho State game, which we won by four, and eight points in the Weber State game, which we won by three, so his importance to this team is pretty apparent. But his kick wouldn’t have been possible Saturday without a pretty superb effort by the defense. Ray Sebestyen and Beau Clark really played well, and their excellence at the point of attack influences every play. The young cornerbacks continue to improve, and Ryan Force is joining Roger Cooper and Mac Mollohan as truly outstanding, consistent performers. The ability of our safeties to continue to play physical, aggressive football will be important.”
Buoyed by a sensational comeback against Weber State, Montana State takes a 2-0 Big Sky record into this weekend’s contest against resurgent Portland State. The matchup features the Big Sky’s top two defensive teams, and pits MSU’s front seven against fabulous PSU running back Ryan Fuqua. The Bobcats have scored exactly two touchdowns in the last six games, dating to last season, and look to get the offense untracked behind running back Justin Domineck and quarterback Travis Lulay.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 1:05 pm MST
SITE: Bozeman
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
PRESS BOX PHONE: 406/994-6180
RADIO: State Farm Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Omega (Dean Alexander, Ryan Elliott)
HIGHLIGHTS
l EJ Cochrane’s game-winning field goal Saturday was the second of his career, and was MSU’s third game-winner in the last five seconds in the past three seasons
STREAKS
l MSU has played six straight October 16 home games without a loss (5-0-1) l After starting the season 31-for-77 in the first two games, Travis Lulay has been over 50% in three straight games (59-for-103, 3 TDs/3 picks) l MSU is in the midst of its longest homestand (3 games) since 2000
MILESTONES
l Mike Kramer is now tied with Jim Criner for third on the Big Sky career wins list (59)
SHINING
l QB TRAVIS LULAY is 39-for-67 in the past two games
l P TRAVIS LULAY has averaged 45.6 yards on 13 punts in the last two weeks, with two pins inside the 20 l RB JUSTIN DOMINECK had his first 100-yard rushing game at MSU, and caught 9 passes vs. WSU l FS/CB RYAN FORCE had three tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup Saturday
ABOUT THE ‘CATS...
MSU in ‘04 3-2
Conf./Record Big Sky/2-0
Home/Road 2-1/1-1
Grass/Turf 2-2/1-0
Day/Night 3-2/0-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 59-63/11th
At MSU/Years 22-31/5th
vs PSU 5-5
Home/Road 3-2/2-3
SERIES MSU 21-19-1
At MSU 11-8-1
At PSU 10-11
At Neutral never met
Current Streak MSU 3W
ABOUT PORTLAND STATE ...
PSU in ‘04 3-2
Conf./Record Big Sky/1-1
Home/Road 2-1/1-1
Grass/Turf 1-1/2-1
Day/Night 0-0/3-2
HEAD COACH Tim Walsh
Alma Mater UC Riverside/’77
Overall/Years 100-71/16th
At School/Years 73-57/13th
vs MSU 5-3
Home/Road/Neu 2-2/3-1
ABOUT PSU The Vikings
School Colors Green, white
Location Portland, OR
Enrollment 30,000
Stadium PGE Park
OPPONENT ‘04 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 Western State W 38-0
S18 at Fresno State L 17-27
S25 McNeese State W 35-14
O2 Eastern Wash. L 21-41
O9 at Sacramento St W 24-0
O16 at Montana State 1:35 pm
O23 at Northern Arizona 3:35 pm
O30 Montana 3:35 pm
N6 Idaho State 3:35 pm
N13 at Weber State 1:05 pm
N20 UC Davis 12:05 pm
BOBCAT 2004 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S11 Adams State W 19-0 First season-opening shutout since ‘65
S18 Cal Poly L 14-27 Mustangs have won six straight vs. MSU
S25 at Colorado State L 14-39 Bobcats beaten by Lubick, Arnold, Rams
O2 *at Idaho State W 17-13 ‘Cats snap three-game streak in Holt
O9 *Weber State W 20-17 Cochrane kicks walk-off 44-yarder
O16 *Portland State 1:05 pm ‘Cats won in Rose City last year
O23 South Daokata St 1:05 pm The renewal of an old rivalry
O30 *at NAU 7:05 pm MSU hasn’t won in Flagstaff since ‘79
N6 *at Sac State 5:05 pm Hornets look to move up in Big Sky standings
N13 *Eastern Wash. 12:05 pm ‘Cats face Eagles in home finale
N20 *at Montana 12:05 pm The 104th ‘Cat-Griz game
NOTING THE ‘CATS
What to Watch
F Thin Secondary... The ‘Cats remain thin at cornerback. Kory Austin missed half of last week’s game with a hip pointer. In his stead, free safety Ryan Force slides over to corerback, joining freshman Andre Fuller. True freshman Ryan Kelley could be activated this week.
F The Force is with MSU... It is becoming apparent that sophomore Ryan Force is one of the key figures of this year’s team. Force has been outstanding at free safety, but because of injuries has seen considerable action at cornerback. On Saturday, after a fumble by Mike Williams, Force became MSU’s punt returner. His steady play and versatility have earned him the nickname ‘Jim Thorpe’ by Mike Kramer.
F Battling Backs... After a Saturday afternoon date with Weber State battering ram Nick Chournos, one would think things would get easier for the Bobcat front seven this weekend. One would be wrong. On the horizon, Portland State’s fabulous Ryan Fuqua awaits. Fuqua is one of four Big Sky backs averaging over 100 yards a game rushing, and is among the top backs in league history in rushing yards. Pinning ‘Em After becoming Montana State’s punter last season, Travis Lulay used a rugby-like roll punt to average 36.2 yards a punt, and pinned the opponent inside the 20 nine times. Lulay has pinned the opponent inside the 20 five times this year on 25 kicks, averaging 43.9 yards per punt. He has drilled three line drives of 60+ yards, 16 of 40 or more. Included in that total is an 81-yarder against Adams State, the second-longest punt in school history.
1-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89
3 7 13 4 2 0 1
Finishing Strong
Mike Kramer’s teams have shown the ability to finish strong. Between 1990 and ‘99, the Bobcats were 6-20 in the month of November without a single winning month. Mike Kramer’s ‘Cats are 7-9 in November, including a 6-4 mark in the last two Novembers that have culminated in Big Sky Championships.
Third’s a Charm
MSU surrendered only 24 third-quarter points last year, and only 13 in the first five third quarters of the 2004 campaign.
Whitewashin’
Montana State has shut out an opponent in each of the past two seasons. The Bobcats blanked Saint Mary’s last October, and shut out Adams State in the season opener this year. The St. Mary’s shutout was the team’s first since blanking Sacramento State in 2001. Mike Kramer’s Bobcats have three shutouts in the past four seasons, the same number of goose eggs the ‘Cats tossed in the 15 years before Kramer arrived.
Under Half is Good
The Bobcat defense has held opposing quarterbacks to below 50% passing in eight of the last 12 games. The Bobcats have held Idaho State’s prolific Mark Hetherington under 50% passing in each of their two meetings.
Stingy
Only four of Montana State’s last 22 opponents have managed 400 yards against the Bobcats. MSU snapped a string of two straight over 400 by limiting Weber to 251 yards. Idaho State and CSU each passed the 400-yard mark, the first time MSU has allowed two straight 400-yard games seven, eight and nine of 2001.
Youngsters
Montana State entered this season with only one senior offensive starter, and with only three seniors on defense. That youth notwithstanding, the Bobcats also have a player with at least one career start at 16 of the 22 positions.
Turning it Over
Montana State was +6 in turnovers in the first seven games last season, with a 3-4 record in that span, but were -2 in turnovers in the last six games of the season, going 4-2. MSU was even with Adams State, Cal Poly, and Idaho State, but lost the Cal Poly game, in which MSU was +1 in turnover margin. MSU won the Weber State game despite four turnovers, and is -1 on the season.
Dominant Defense, Part I
Here is how MSU’s defense stacked up against the rest of the nation last year...
Big Sky NCAA Yds
Rank Rank All’d
Total Def 1st 8th 274.2
Pass Def 1st 22nd 166.8
Rush Def 2nd 14th 107.4
Scoring Def 1st 7th 14.6
Dominant Defense, Part II
Montana State’s defense played at a historically-significant pace last year. Here is how the Bobcats stacked up against the Big Sky’s best defenses since 1981, when new pass-blocking rules changed the way football is played (including only regular-season statistics, which is how final statistics were figured before 2002)...
Scoring Defense
1. 13.7 Idaho State, 1981
2. 14.1 Nevada, 1985
3. 14.8 Northern Arizona, 1995
4. 15.0 Montana State, 2003
5. 15.8 Montana, 1988
Total Defense
1. 265.0 Montana, 2000
2. 269.4 Boise State, 1986
3. 273.7 Weber State, 1998
4. 279.9 Montana, 1988
5. 282.1 Montana State, 2003
Passing Defense
1. 99.3 Weber State, 1998
2. 165.5 Montana State, 2003
2. 173.9 Idaho State, 1981
4. 175.6 Weber State, 1992
5. 182.1 Montana, 1988
Playing Quarters
The Bobcats held the opponent scoreless in 26 of the team’s 52 quarters last year, and in 10 of the 18 quarters this year. The Bobcats have held their opponents scoreless in 40 of the last 78 quarters the team has played.
Third’s a Charm
Since the beginning of the 2003 season, MSU has surrendered only 31 third-quarter points. Of those, 14 came in the playoff loss at Northern Iowa.
Anti-Air
MSU held opposing quarterbacks to 46% passing in the last eight regular-sason games last year, and to 49% in the first five games this season.
Good Start
Montana State is 2-0 in Big Sky play for the first time since 2001, but have won their first two league games four times in the past eight years. MSU has won its conference opener three times in the past four seasons.
Better Handles
Montana State fumbled four times in the opener against Adams State, but after fumbling only twice in the next three games (recovering both) let the ball slip out of its hands three times on Saturday. Ironically, the winning team has fumbled 13 times in MSU’s first four games, losing six, while the losing team has fumbled only twice, losing one.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 2-0/2nd Qtr: 1-0/3rd Qtr: 1-0
MSU WhenTrailing After...
1st Qtr: 1-1/2nd Qtr: 2-2/3rd Qtr: 1-2
By the Numbers
1
Number of 100-yard rushing games by Bobcat running backs this season, that by Justin Domineck against Weber State
4
Number of consecutive home games that the Bobcats have drawn at least 12,000 fans, the longest stretch in history
12,644
Average number of fans present at Montana State’s first three home games of the 2004 season
159
Number of combined victories by Portland State coach Tim Walsh (100) and Mike Kramer (59)
Current Montana State Two-Deep (with pro-nuns-ee-AY-shuns) Player Notes
Offense
LEFT TACKLE 53 Peder Jensen (just like Peter) 6-5 276 Fr* Started all five games as RS frosh
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 285 Fr* Played extensively vs. CSU
72 Garrin Brewton 6-5 283 So* Played sparingly twice
LEFT GUARD 57 Brant Birkeland 6-1 266 So* Started all five games
67 Joaquin Echauri (walk-EEN uh-CHAR-ee) 6-3 282 Sr+ Serves in a backup capacity
CENTER 50 Zack Wolf 6-2 281 Jr Second-year starting center
62 Troy Watson 6-2 265 Fr True freshman, has not yet played
RIGHT GUARD 74 Lawrence Figueroa (fig-uh-ROE-uh) 6-1 285 Sr Started first five games at guard
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-4 295 Fr On redshirt alert
RIGHT TACKLE 64 Jeff Bolton 6-4 307 Jr A-A candidate moved to OT this year
73 Joe Hirst 6-7 275 So Has not yet played (knee)
QUARTERBACK 14 Travis Lulay 6-2 203 Jr Started last 26 straight games
16 Rick Coppack (COP-uck) 6-0 185 Fr* Has played in two games this year
RUNNING BACK 8 Justin Domenick 5-11 217 Jr+ Led ‘Cats in rushing in last 2 games
34 Morris Milton 5-9 200 Jr+ Started twice
27 Jimmy Beal 5-7 165 So* Can play RB and WR
X RECEIVER 19 Chaz Guinn (like Gwynn) 6-2 194 Jr+ Led the ‘Cats in catches first 3 games
82 Matt McCullough 5-11 175 Sr* Played in all five games
SLOT RECEIVER 1 Rick Gatewood 6-0 180 Jr*+ His 56-yarder is MSU’s longest play
29 Michael Williams 5-8 155 So* Returns punts/kickoffs, also
82 Matt McCullough 5-11 175 Sr* Fifth-year senior, team’s holder
Z RECEIVER 5 Eddie Sullivan 6-0 190 Sr+ 11 catches in last three games
80 Kellen Alley 6-2 199 So* Can play both outside receiver spots
TIGHT END 85 Blake Wolf 6-2 239 Sr* 10 catches, two away from career-hi
95 Elliott Barnhart 6-3 225 Fr True freshman, has played in 2 games
Defense
ANCHOR END 58 Ray Sebestyen (like Sebastian) 6-2 253 Sr* 6 TL, 3 sacks, 3 FR, 2 FF
90 Ryan Cogley (like frog) 6-3 225 So* Special teams ace
NOSE 98 Beau Clark 6-2 239 Sr* Two sacks at CSU
93 Andy Matakis (muh-TAKE-us) 6-2 249 So+ Transfer from Texas A&M
99 Aaron Papich (Pap like rap) 6-2 248 Fr* True freshman after grayshirting in ‘03
TACKLE 92 Daryl Rogers 6-1 256 Jr+ 4 TL in last three games
94 Tim O’Tool 6-3 249 Jr+ Played extensively at CSU
RUSH 40 Chad Gluhm (gloom) 6-0 227 Sr* 24 tackles, forced an ISU fumble
42 Clive Lowe 6-3 232 So* Missed first two games (oral surgery)
WILL LINEBACKER 47 Jonathan Molock (MOE-lock) 6-1 226 Sr+ Missed CSU, ISU games
44 Epikopo King (epp-ee-COE-poe) 6-1 205 Fr* Three pass breakups at ISU
MIKE LINEBACKER 33 Mac Mollohan 6-0 215 Jr All-Big Sky, 2 sacks vs. Weber
39 Brandon Eggart 6-1 213 Sr* Started vs. CSU, ISU
SAM LINEBACKER 91 Roger Cooper 6-3 233 Sr* Preseason All-America
36 Clayton Curley 6-1 196 Jr Special teams standout
LEFT CORNER 20 Ryan Force 6-2 203 So* Has started all five games
13 Kory Austin 5-11 176 Fr* Missed three of last four halves (inj.)
3 Ryan Kelley 5-9 175 Fr True frosh on redshirt alert
FREE SAFETY 25 Toph Grenfell 6-0 196 Jr+ Six tackles, first pick vs. CSU
26 Demond Goins (duh-MOND GO-ins) 5-10 170 Jr* Has started twice this year
STRONG SAFETY 4 Corky Lindsay 5-9 205 Jr+ Has started last 2 games
26 Demond Goins (duh-MOND GO-ins) 5-10 170 Jr* Has started twice this year
RIGHT CORNER 9 Andre Fuller 5-10 159 Fr* Has started all five games
30 Michael McGuinness 5-11 170 Jr* Special teams standout
*-indicates player has used redshirt year, +-indicates player is a transfer
KICKOFFS: 35-Travis Doroski PLACE KICKER: 11-EJ Cochrane
PUNTS: 14-Travis Lulay LONG SNAPS: 96-Dusty Daws
KICK RETURNS: 1-Rick Gatewood PUNT RETURNS: 20-Ryan Force
HOLDER: 82-Matt McCullough
KRAMER’S QUOTES
On the Weber game: “Our offensive front got excellent push on Saturday. One key aspect to the game when you play a team like Weber State is that they’re not going to trick you. Their players are going to be where they’re supposed to be, and their technique is excellent. When you play a team like that you have to play with very good technique, and I thought we did that on Saturday. You have to earn your yards one play at a time, slowly, like peeling an orange. When we accepted that approach in the second half, we started to click. Weber did a nice job denying us any big plays and quick-scoring opportunities, and forced us to play methodically, within the confines of what we were trying to do. In the end it will prove a real confidence win, because a lot of what we are teaching emerged as being pretty evident in that game.”
On Portland State: “Portland State is a pretty confident team right now, and they bounced back well from their loss to Eastern Washington. I’m particularly impressed with how well they played against Fresno State and McNeese State. For them, this is a must-have game, a very important game. Their defensive front is very solid. They are physical, and really get after you. Offensively, they are starting to warm into a typical Portland State team. They are running back-centered and quarterback-led. Joe Wiser has had some nice numbers, and Ryan Fuqua is obviously an outstanding weapon.”
On the Bobcats: “The offensive line has played well in the last few games, and that is allowing our offense to continue to evolve. As that happens Travis’ productivity will increase, and our running game will improve. Justin Domineck had a nice game on Saturday, and we look forward to the return of Morris Milton, which should also boost our ability to run the ball. EJ Cochrane scored five points in the Idaho State game, which we won by four, and eight points in the Weber State game, which we won by three, so his importance to this team is pretty apparent. But his kick wouldn’t have been possible Saturday without a pretty superb effort by the defense. Ray Sebestyen and Beau Clark really played well, and their excellence at the point of attack influences every play. The young cornerbacks continue to improve, and Ryan Force is joining Roger Cooper and Mac Mollohan as truly outstanding, consistent performers. The ability of our safeties to continue to play physical, aggressive football will be important.”
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
