MSU vs. Eastern Washington Game Notes
11/10/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
THE STORYLINE
Montana State doesn’t have long to shake off the effects of its first conference loss, a 38-28 defeat at Sacramento State Saturday, as Eastern Washington brings an offensive juggernaut that has statistically dominated the Big Sky to Bozeman on Saturday. Eastern leads the Big Sky in total offense, scoring offense, and total defense by comfortable margins, leads the Big Sky in 10 different categories, and has won its last three games by an average of 45-13. Saturday’s contest, which is MSU’s Senior Day, amounts to an elimination game in the Big Sky title chase.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 12:05 pm MST
SITE: Bozeman, MT
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
* Travis Lulay threw for a school-record 516 yards at Sacramento State on Saturday
STREAKS
* MSU’s longest win streak since 1984 (five) was snapped Saturday
* The Bobcats have 5 straight 400-yard total offense games, a school record, and 2 straight over 500
* Travis Lulay has thrown for at least 300 yards in four straight games, a school record
MILESTONES
* Three Bobcat receivers caught at least 100-yards worth of passes on Saturday, an MSU first
* Montana State’s 3,651 total yards through nine games is already more than MSU gained in 10 of the previous 20 full seasons
SHINING
* QB TRAVIS LULAY has 2,667 passing yards this year, already the third-best season in school history and less than 100 yards from second
* WRs EDDIE SULLIVAN & RICK GATEWOOD have combined for 1,291 passing yards this year, including 930 in the last four games
* LB MAC MOLLOHAN leads the Bobcats in tackles (68) and sacks (6)
ABOUT THE ‘CATS...
MSU in ‘04 6-3
Conf./Record Big Sky/4-1
Home/Road 4-1/2-2
Grass/Turf 4-3/2-0
Day/Night 5-3/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 61-64/11th
At MSU/Years 24-31/5th
vs EWU 2-2
Home/Road 1-1/1-1
SERIES EWU 18-9
At MSU EWU 9-6
At EWU EWU 6-1
At Neutral EWU 3-2
Current Streak EWU 1W
ABOUT EASTERN...
EWU in ‘04 7-3
Conf./Record Big Sky/5-1
Home/Road 5-1/2-2
Grass/Turf 6-2/1-1
Day/Night 4-2/3-1
HEAD COACH Paul Wulf
Alma Mater Wash. St./’90
Overall/Years 32-22/5th
At School/Years same
vs MSU 2-2
Home/Road 1-1/1-1
ABOUT EWU The Eagles
School Colors Red, white
Location Cheney, WA
Enrollment 8,597
Stadium Woodward Stadium
OPPONENT ‘04 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 at Nicholls State L 14-37
S11 at Air Force L 20-42
S18 Central Wash. W 39-8
S25 Idaho State W 47-22
O2 at Portland State W 41-21
O9 Northern Arizona W 45-14
O16 Montana L 28-31
O23 at Weber State W 51-7
O30 Sacramento State W 45-10
N6 Cal Poly W 38-21
N13 at Montana State
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/W/31-24/MSU rallies for overtime win
O23 South Dakota St/W/27-24/Another game-winner on last possession
O30 *at NAU/W/60-14/MSU’s first win at the Skydome since 1979
N6 *at Sac State/L/28-38/Lulay throws for school-record 516
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
* Screaming Eagles... Montana State faces the hottest and possibly best team it has played so far this year, Eastern Washington, which looks a lot like a turbo-charged version of the Bobcats. Eastern is balanced on offense, and explosive on both sides of the ball. Payton Trophy candidate Erik Meyer has easily the best passer rating in the Big Sky, Darius Washington is second in the league in rushing, and Eric Kimble is the league’s top all-around offensive weapon. EWU coach Paul Wulf’s defense is also 25 yards a game better on average than Montana State’s vaunted unit.
* Senior Send-off... Saturday will mark the final home appearance for Montana State’s 14 seniors. This group of players will always hold a special place in Bobcat history. The group includes nine fifth-year seniors that comprised the heart of Mike Kramer’s first MSU recruiting class. These seniors, in their four varsity seasons, have a 25-21 overall record, and more impressively an 18-8 Big Sky mark, with two conference titles. That 25-21 mark is more impressive when compared to MSU’s 61-115 record in the 16 years before these guys arrived.
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 a dozen times this year on 43 kicks, averaging 43.4 yards per punt, second in the Big Sky and sixth in the nation. He has drilled five line drives of 60+ yards, 28 of 40 yards 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
6 9 17 6 4 0 1
Finishing Strong
From 1990 to ‘99, the Bobcats were 6-20 in November, without a single winning month. Mike Kramer’s ‘Cats are 7-10 in November, including a 6-4 mark in the last two Novembers that have culminated in Big Sky Championships. MSU is 0-1 in November this year
Third’s a Charm
MSU surrendered only 24 third-quarter points last year, and just 33 in the first eight third quarters of 2004.
Big Play Bobcats
In the last two-plus seasons, Montana State has returned seven punts or kicks for TDs, and is 5-0 in those games. MSU has six defensive TDs in that same span (5-0).
Whitewashin’
Montana State has shut out an opponent in each of the past two seasons (Adams State in ‘04, Saint Mary’s in ‘03). 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 nine of the last 16 games. The Bobcats held Idaho State’s prolific Mark Hetherington under 50% passing in each of their two meetings.
Stingy
Only five of Montana State’s last 26 opponents have managed 400 yards against the Bobcats. MSU surrendered two straight 400-yard (CSU and Idaho State) earlier, and Sacramento State blasted that barrier with 489 yards last week.
Passing Yards Piling Up
Montana State has thrown for 2,680 yards this season, which is already the sixth-best total in school history. That total includes the MSU’s best and fifth-best single games. If the 2004 ‘Cats meet their passing average once they will move into third, and twice into second.
Making Bad Seem Good
In the past two seasons, a strange trend has emerged regarding MSU and turnover margin...
Year Span Margin Record
2003 First Seven Games +6 3-4
2003 Last Six Games -2 4-2
2004 First Three Games +1 1-2
2004 Next Four Games -4 5-1
Senior Day
Citizens
MSU will have the distinction of celebrating Senior Day four straight weeks. In addition to their own, the ‘Cats are guests for the home finale at Sac, NAU, and UM.
Totally Terrific
Travis Lulay set MSU’s career total offense record at Sac, and now has 8,036 yards.
Third’s a Charm
Since the beginning of the 2003 season, MSU has surrendered only 55 third-quarter points. Of those, 14 came in the playoff loss at Northern Iowa.
Anti-Air
MSU held opposing quarterbacks to 47% passing in the last nine regular-sason games last year, and to 50% in the first seven games this season.
Keep Rollin’ Along
Montana State’s offense has found a new gear as autumn fades into winter. MSU has gained over 400 yards in the last five games, the first time on record that has happened in school history.
Funny Fumble Facts
The winning team in MSU’s nine games has fumbled 19 times, losing 10, while the loser has fumbled 11 times, losing seven.
Big Plays
MSU’s 8 plays of 20+ yards at NAU matched the total from the 1st 3 games. The ‘Cats have 15 such plays in the last two games.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 3-0/2nd Qtr: 2-0/3rd Qtr: 3-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 2-2/2nd Qtr: 3-3/3rd Qtr: 2-3
By the Numbers
2
Number of 100-yard receiving games by Bobcat receivers during the 2003 season, both by Scott Turnquist
8
Number of 100-yard receivers in Montana State’s last four games (Sullivan and Gatewood thrice each, Guinn and Wolf once each)
417.0
Travis Lulay’s passing average in Montana State’s last four games
1st
Travis Lulay’s standing in the Big Sky in total offense, with 325.24 yards per game
KRAMER’S QUOTES
On the Sac State game: “We played well offensively at times, and Travis (Lulay) put up spectacular numbers, but we plagued ourselves with mistakes that prevented us from winning. The loss is disappointing, but the after-effect of that game is just chicken salad. I don’t believe in the concept of a meaningless loss, but the mathematical reality of the Big Sky world is that our loss last week had no relevance to our championship chances. Sacramento State deserves a lot of credit, those kids played a whale of a game. That doesn’t obscure the fact that we really hurt ourselves with penalties and turnovers. We caused ourselves a lot of misery Saturday night.”
On Eastern Washington: “Eastern Washington is really hot right now, and throw in the fact that this is a rivalry game and they are playing for a share of the Big Sky Championship and we know we’ll take their very best shot. We’ll get the best they have. The only way to counter that is to give them our absolute best. Both teams face a one-game season, although we have the possibility of two one-game seasons. Eastern has the best overall team speed among the Big Sky teams we’ve looked at. Eastern has done a nice job solving some early drama in the interior part of their offensive line, but everything else on that team pales in comparison to the two Erics. Erik Meyer and Eric Kimble are having great years. They are primarily a man-to-man team on defense, an evolutionary change in that program. They’ve withstood an onslaught of injuries and are playing some new faces, like us. This is a very good, very sound, well-coached team that is playing outstanding football right now.”
On the Bobcats: “This team continues to grow and evolve through some difficult circumstances brought about by injuries, but it continues to respond and compete. Our defense just doesn’t give up the kind of games that Sacramento State put together against us on Saturday, and I know they will face this week with renewed focus and energy. Offensively we have put up some big numbers, but mistakes at crucial times continue to be a limiting factor, and I know that will be addressed this week. To a large degree, our ability to eliminate mistakes will dictate the success we have in the our final two games.”
Current Montana State Two-Deep (with pro-nuns-ee-AY-shuns) Player Notes
Offense
LEFT TACKLE: 64 Jeff Bolton, 6-4, 307, Jr, A-A candidate, plays OT & OG
73 Joe Hirst, 6-7, 275, So, Played for only time this yr vs. SDSU
72 Garrin Brewton, 6-5, 283, So*, Played sparingly in three games
LEFT GUARD: 57 Brant Birkeland, 6-1, 266, So*, Started eight 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 all nine at guard
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe), 6-4, 295, Fr, On redshirt alert
RIGHT TACKLE: 79 Adam DeCock, 6-6, 285, Fr*, Has played in all nine games
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe), 6-4, 295, Fr, On redshirt alert
QUARTERBACK: 14 Travis Lulay, 6-2, 203, Jr, Started last 30 straight games 15 Cory Carpenter, 6-2, 197, Fr*, Made his Bobcat debut at NAU 16 Rick Coppack (COP-uck), 6-0, 185, Fr*, Has played in three games this year
RUNNING BACK: 8 Justin Domenick, 5-11, 217, Jr+, Led ‘Cats in rushing in last 6 games
27 Jimmy Beal, 5-7, 165, So*, Can play RB and WR
X RECEIVER: 19 Chaz Guinn (like Gwynn), 6-2, 194, Jr+, Leads MSU in catches (43)
82 Matt McCullough, 5-11, 175, Sr*, Caught 1st career pass at NAU
SLOT RECEIVER: 1 Rick Gatewood, 6-0, 180, Jr*+, 469 yards, 5 TDs in last four games
80 Kellen Alley, 6-2, 199, So*, Can play all three receiver spots
Z RECEIVER 5 Eddie Sullivan, 6-0, 190, Sr+, Three 100-yarders in the last four gms
80 Kellen Alley, 6-2, 199, So*, Can play both outside receiver spots
TIGHT END: 85 Blake Wolf, 6-2, 239, Sr*, Career-high 137 yards vs. SDSU
95 Elliott Barnhart, 6-3, 225, Fr, True freshman, has played in 4 games
Defense
ANCHOR END: 58 Ray Sebestyen (like Sebastian), 6-2, 253, Sr*, 10 TL, 5 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*, 6 TL, 4 sacks
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+, His 9 TL is most for Big Sky DT
94 Tim O’Tool, 6-3, 249, Jr+, Played extensively at CSU, NAU
RUSH: 40 Chad Gluhm (gloom), 6-0, 227, Sr*, 6 tackles, 4 TL, 2 sacks vs. SDSU
42 Clive Lowe, 6-3, 232, So*, Missed first two games (oral surgery)
WILL LINEBACKER: 47 Jonathan Molock (MOE-lock), 6-1, 226, Sr+, Had two sacks at NAU
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, leads ‘Cats in TT, sacks
39 Brandon Eggart 6-1, 213, Sr*, Started twice, special teams ace
SAM LINEBACKER: 91 Roger Cooper, 6-3, 233, Sr*, Preseason All-America, 12 TL leads tm
39 Brandon Eggart, 6-1, 213, Sr*, Scored TD on fumble at NAU
LEFT CORNER: 13 Kory Austin, 5-11, 176, Fr*, Returned after missing most of prev. 5
30 Michael McGuinness, 5-11, 170, Jr*, Special teams standout
FREE SAFETY: 20 Ryan Force, 6-2, 203, So*, Has started all nine games, plays CB/FS 26 Demond Goins (duh-MOND GO-ins), 5-10, 170, Jr*, Has started twice this year
STRONG SAFETY: 25 Toph Grenfell, 6-0, 196, Jr+, Had int. and fumble recovery at NAU 4 Corky Lindsay, 5-9, 205, Jr+, Has started 5 games
RIGHT CORNER: 9 Andre Fuller, 5-10, 159, Fr*, Leads MSU with 12 pass breakups 20 Ryan Force, 6-2, 203, So*, Has started all nine games *-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: 8-Justin Domineck PUNT RETURNS: 20-Ryan Force
HOLDER: 82-Matt McCullough
Montana State doesn’t have long to shake off the effects of its first conference loss, a 38-28 defeat at Sacramento State Saturday, as Eastern Washington brings an offensive juggernaut that has statistically dominated the Big Sky to Bozeman on Saturday. Eastern leads the Big Sky in total offense, scoring offense, and total defense by comfortable margins, leads the Big Sky in 10 different categories, and has won its last three games by an average of 45-13. Saturday’s contest, which is MSU’s Senior Day, amounts to an elimination game in the Big Sky title chase.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 12:05 pm MST
SITE: Bozeman, MT
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
* Travis Lulay threw for a school-record 516 yards at Sacramento State on Saturday
STREAKS
* MSU’s longest win streak since 1984 (five) was snapped Saturday
* The Bobcats have 5 straight 400-yard total offense games, a school record, and 2 straight over 500
* Travis Lulay has thrown for at least 300 yards in four straight games, a school record
MILESTONES
* Three Bobcat receivers caught at least 100-yards worth of passes on Saturday, an MSU first
* Montana State’s 3,651 total yards through nine games is already more than MSU gained in 10 of the previous 20 full seasons
SHINING
* QB TRAVIS LULAY has 2,667 passing yards this year, already the third-best season in school history and less than 100 yards from second
* WRs EDDIE SULLIVAN & RICK GATEWOOD have combined for 1,291 passing yards this year, including 930 in the last four games
* LB MAC MOLLOHAN leads the Bobcats in tackles (68) and sacks (6)
ABOUT THE ‘CATS...
MSU in ‘04 6-3
Conf./Record Big Sky/4-1
Home/Road 4-1/2-2
Grass/Turf 4-3/2-0
Day/Night 5-3/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 61-64/11th
At MSU/Years 24-31/5th
vs EWU 2-2
Home/Road 1-1/1-1
SERIES EWU 18-9
At MSU EWU 9-6
At EWU EWU 6-1
At Neutral EWU 3-2
Current Streak EWU 1W
ABOUT EASTERN...
EWU in ‘04 7-3
Conf./Record Big Sky/5-1
Home/Road 5-1/2-2
Grass/Turf 6-2/1-1
Day/Night 4-2/3-1
HEAD COACH Paul Wulf
Alma Mater Wash. St./’90
Overall/Years 32-22/5th
At School/Years same
vs MSU 2-2
Home/Road 1-1/1-1
ABOUT EWU The Eagles
School Colors Red, white
Location Cheney, WA
Enrollment 8,597
Stadium Woodward Stadium
OPPONENT ‘04 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 at Nicholls State L 14-37
S11 at Air Force L 20-42
S18 Central Wash. W 39-8
S25 Idaho State W 47-22
O2 at Portland State W 41-21
O9 Northern Arizona W 45-14
O16 Montana L 28-31
O23 at Weber State W 51-7
O30 Sacramento State W 45-10
N6 Cal Poly W 38-21
N13 at Montana State
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/W/31-24/MSU rallies for overtime win
O23 South Dakota St/W/27-24/Another game-winner on last possession
O30 *at NAU/W/60-14/MSU’s first win at the Skydome since 1979
N6 *at Sac State/L/28-38/Lulay throws for school-record 516
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
* Screaming Eagles... Montana State faces the hottest and possibly best team it has played so far this year, Eastern Washington, which looks a lot like a turbo-charged version of the Bobcats. Eastern is balanced on offense, and explosive on both sides of the ball. Payton Trophy candidate Erik Meyer has easily the best passer rating in the Big Sky, Darius Washington is second in the league in rushing, and Eric Kimble is the league’s top all-around offensive weapon. EWU coach Paul Wulf’s defense is also 25 yards a game better on average than Montana State’s vaunted unit.
* Senior Send-off... Saturday will mark the final home appearance for Montana State’s 14 seniors. This group of players will always hold a special place in Bobcat history. The group includes nine fifth-year seniors that comprised the heart of Mike Kramer’s first MSU recruiting class. These seniors, in their four varsity seasons, have a 25-21 overall record, and more impressively an 18-8 Big Sky mark, with two conference titles. That 25-21 mark is more impressive when compared to MSU’s 61-115 record in the 16 years before these guys arrived.
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 a dozen times this year on 43 kicks, averaging 43.4 yards per punt, second in the Big Sky and sixth in the nation. He has drilled five line drives of 60+ yards, 28 of 40 yards 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
6 9 17 6 4 0 1
Finishing Strong
From 1990 to ‘99, the Bobcats were 6-20 in November, without a single winning month. Mike Kramer’s ‘Cats are 7-10 in November, including a 6-4 mark in the last two Novembers that have culminated in Big Sky Championships. MSU is 0-1 in November this year
Third’s a Charm
MSU surrendered only 24 third-quarter points last year, and just 33 in the first eight third quarters of 2004.
Big Play Bobcats
In the last two-plus seasons, Montana State has returned seven punts or kicks for TDs, and is 5-0 in those games. MSU has six defensive TDs in that same span (5-0).
Whitewashin’
Montana State has shut out an opponent in each of the past two seasons (Adams State in ‘04, Saint Mary’s in ‘03). 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 nine of the last 16 games. The Bobcats held Idaho State’s prolific Mark Hetherington under 50% passing in each of their two meetings.
Stingy
Only five of Montana State’s last 26 opponents have managed 400 yards against the Bobcats. MSU surrendered two straight 400-yard (CSU and Idaho State) earlier, and Sacramento State blasted that barrier with 489 yards last week.
Passing Yards Piling Up
Montana State has thrown for 2,680 yards this season, which is already the sixth-best total in school history. That total includes the MSU’s best and fifth-best single games. If the 2004 ‘Cats meet their passing average once they will move into third, and twice into second.
Making Bad Seem Good
In the past two seasons, a strange trend has emerged regarding MSU and turnover margin...
Year Span Margin Record
2003 First Seven Games +6 3-4
2003 Last Six Games -2 4-2
2004 First Three Games +1 1-2
2004 Next Four Games -4 5-1
Senior Day
Citizens
MSU will have the distinction of celebrating Senior Day four straight weeks. In addition to their own, the ‘Cats are guests for the home finale at Sac, NAU, and UM.
Totally Terrific
Travis Lulay set MSU’s career total offense record at Sac, and now has 8,036 yards.
Third’s a Charm
Since the beginning of the 2003 season, MSU has surrendered only 55 third-quarter points. Of those, 14 came in the playoff loss at Northern Iowa.
Anti-Air
MSU held opposing quarterbacks to 47% passing in the last nine regular-sason games last year, and to 50% in the first seven games this season.
Keep Rollin’ Along
Montana State’s offense has found a new gear as autumn fades into winter. MSU has gained over 400 yards in the last five games, the first time on record that has happened in school history.
Funny Fumble Facts
The winning team in MSU’s nine games has fumbled 19 times, losing 10, while the loser has fumbled 11 times, losing seven.
Big Plays
MSU’s 8 plays of 20+ yards at NAU matched the total from the 1st 3 games. The ‘Cats have 15 such plays in the last two games.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 3-0/2nd Qtr: 2-0/3rd Qtr: 3-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 2-2/2nd Qtr: 3-3/3rd Qtr: 2-3
By the Numbers
2
Number of 100-yard receiving games by Bobcat receivers during the 2003 season, both by Scott Turnquist
8
Number of 100-yard receivers in Montana State’s last four games (Sullivan and Gatewood thrice each, Guinn and Wolf once each)
417.0
Travis Lulay’s passing average in Montana State’s last four games
1st
Travis Lulay’s standing in the Big Sky in total offense, with 325.24 yards per game
KRAMER’S QUOTES
On the Sac State game: “We played well offensively at times, and Travis (Lulay) put up spectacular numbers, but we plagued ourselves with mistakes that prevented us from winning. The loss is disappointing, but the after-effect of that game is just chicken salad. I don’t believe in the concept of a meaningless loss, but the mathematical reality of the Big Sky world is that our loss last week had no relevance to our championship chances. Sacramento State deserves a lot of credit, those kids played a whale of a game. That doesn’t obscure the fact that we really hurt ourselves with penalties and turnovers. We caused ourselves a lot of misery Saturday night.”
On Eastern Washington: “Eastern Washington is really hot right now, and throw in the fact that this is a rivalry game and they are playing for a share of the Big Sky Championship and we know we’ll take their very best shot. We’ll get the best they have. The only way to counter that is to give them our absolute best. Both teams face a one-game season, although we have the possibility of two one-game seasons. Eastern has the best overall team speed among the Big Sky teams we’ve looked at. Eastern has done a nice job solving some early drama in the interior part of their offensive line, but everything else on that team pales in comparison to the two Erics. Erik Meyer and Eric Kimble are having great years. They are primarily a man-to-man team on defense, an evolutionary change in that program. They’ve withstood an onslaught of injuries and are playing some new faces, like us. This is a very good, very sound, well-coached team that is playing outstanding football right now.”
On the Bobcats: “This team continues to grow and evolve through some difficult circumstances brought about by injuries, but it continues to respond and compete. Our defense just doesn’t give up the kind of games that Sacramento State put together against us on Saturday, and I know they will face this week with renewed focus and energy. Offensively we have put up some big numbers, but mistakes at crucial times continue to be a limiting factor, and I know that will be addressed this week. To a large degree, our ability to eliminate mistakes will dictate the success we have in the our final two games.”
Current Montana State Two-Deep (with pro-nuns-ee-AY-shuns) Player Notes
Offense
LEFT TACKLE: 64 Jeff Bolton, 6-4, 307, Jr, A-A candidate, plays OT & OG
73 Joe Hirst, 6-7, 275, So, Played for only time this yr vs. SDSU
72 Garrin Brewton, 6-5, 283, So*, Played sparingly in three games
LEFT GUARD: 57 Brant Birkeland, 6-1, 266, So*, Started eight 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 all nine at guard
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe), 6-4, 295, Fr, On redshirt alert
RIGHT TACKLE: 79 Adam DeCock, 6-6, 285, Fr*, Has played in all nine games
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe), 6-4, 295, Fr, On redshirt alert
QUARTERBACK: 14 Travis Lulay, 6-2, 203, Jr, Started last 30 straight games 15 Cory Carpenter, 6-2, 197, Fr*, Made his Bobcat debut at NAU 16 Rick Coppack (COP-uck), 6-0, 185, Fr*, Has played in three games this year
RUNNING BACK: 8 Justin Domenick, 5-11, 217, Jr+, Led ‘Cats in rushing in last 6 games
27 Jimmy Beal, 5-7, 165, So*, Can play RB and WR
X RECEIVER: 19 Chaz Guinn (like Gwynn), 6-2, 194, Jr+, Leads MSU in catches (43)
82 Matt McCullough, 5-11, 175, Sr*, Caught 1st career pass at NAU
SLOT RECEIVER: 1 Rick Gatewood, 6-0, 180, Jr*+, 469 yards, 5 TDs in last four games
80 Kellen Alley, 6-2, 199, So*, Can play all three receiver spots
Z RECEIVER 5 Eddie Sullivan, 6-0, 190, Sr+, Three 100-yarders in the last four gms
80 Kellen Alley, 6-2, 199, So*, Can play both outside receiver spots
TIGHT END: 85 Blake Wolf, 6-2, 239, Sr*, Career-high 137 yards vs. SDSU
95 Elliott Barnhart, 6-3, 225, Fr, True freshman, has played in 4 games
Defense
ANCHOR END: 58 Ray Sebestyen (like Sebastian), 6-2, 253, Sr*, 10 TL, 5 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*, 6 TL, 4 sacks
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+, His 9 TL is most for Big Sky DT
94 Tim O’Tool, 6-3, 249, Jr+, Played extensively at CSU, NAU
RUSH: 40 Chad Gluhm (gloom), 6-0, 227, Sr*, 6 tackles, 4 TL, 2 sacks vs. SDSU
42 Clive Lowe, 6-3, 232, So*, Missed first two games (oral surgery)
WILL LINEBACKER: 47 Jonathan Molock (MOE-lock), 6-1, 226, Sr+, Had two sacks at NAU
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, leads ‘Cats in TT, sacks
39 Brandon Eggart 6-1, 213, Sr*, Started twice, special teams ace
SAM LINEBACKER: 91 Roger Cooper, 6-3, 233, Sr*, Preseason All-America, 12 TL leads tm
39 Brandon Eggart, 6-1, 213, Sr*, Scored TD on fumble at NAU
LEFT CORNER: 13 Kory Austin, 5-11, 176, Fr*, Returned after missing most of prev. 5
30 Michael McGuinness, 5-11, 170, Jr*, Special teams standout
FREE SAFETY: 20 Ryan Force, 6-2, 203, So*, Has started all nine games, plays CB/FS 26 Demond Goins (duh-MOND GO-ins), 5-10, 170, Jr*, Has started twice this year
STRONG SAFETY: 25 Toph Grenfell, 6-0, 196, Jr+, Had int. and fumble recovery at NAU 4 Corky Lindsay, 5-9, 205, Jr+, Has started 5 games
RIGHT CORNER: 9 Andre Fuller, 5-10, 159, Fr*, Leads MSU with 12 pass breakups 20 Ryan Force, 6-2, 203, So*, Has started all nine games *-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: 8-Justin Domineck PUNT RETURNS: 20-Ryan Force
HOLDER: 82-Matt McCullough
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
