'Cat-Griz Game Notes
11/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
THE STORYLINE
Montana State ends its 2004 season in Missoula with the 104th renewal of the Bobcat-Grizzly game. Montana State lost a heartbreaking 51-44 overtime contest to Eastern Washington last week in a game that featured 64 first downs (35 by MSU) and 1,219 total yards. The Bobcat offense has played effectively in recent weeks, getting 1,262 yards and 65 first downs in the past two games. MSU’s loss on Saturday eliminated the team from contention for a third straight Big Sky title, although Montana has a share of the championship and the league’s outright berth on the line this week.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 12:05 pm MST
SITE: Missoula, MT
STADIUM: Wash.-Grizzly Stadium
PRESS BOX PHONE: 406/243-4167
RADIO: State Farm Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: KPAX-TV (Tom Katz, Grady Bennett, Mike Callaghan)
HIGHLIGHTS
l Montana State has 1,262 yards of total offense in the last two games
STREAKS
l MSU has lost two straight games for the second time this year
l The Bobcats have six straight games over 400 total yards and three straight over 500, both MSU records
l Travis Lulay has five straight 300+ yard passing games, a school record
MILESTONES
l Travis Lulay’s 542 yards of total offense on Saturday was the second-best day in MSU history, the 11th-best day in Big Sky history, and the 35th best day in I-AA history
l Montana State’s 683 yards of total offense vs. EWU was a school record
l MSU’s 44 points last week was its most ever in a loss
SHINING
l QB TRAVIS LULAY has 3,099 passing yards this year, the second-best season in school history
l WRs EDDIE SULLIVAN & RICK GATEWOOD have combined for 1,580 receiving yards this year, 1,219 in the last five games, and 586 in the last two
l LB MAC MOLLOHAN leads the Bobcats in tackles (78) and sacks (7)
ABOUT THE ‘CATS...
MSU in ‘04 6-4
Conf./Record Big Sky/4-2
Home/Road 4-2/2-2
Grass/Turf 4-4/2-0
Day/Night 5-4/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 61-65/11th
At MSU/Years 24-32/5th
vs UM 3-7
Home/Road 1-5/2-2
SERIES UM 64-34-5
At MSU UM 20-17-3
At EWU UM 26-14-1
At Neutral UM 18-3-1
Current Streak MSU 2W
ABOUT MONTANA...
UM in ‘04 8-2
Conf./Record Big Sky/5-1
Home/Road 6-0/2-2
Grass/Turf 2-0/6-2
Day/Night 7-1/1-1
HEAD COACH Bobby Hauck
Alma Mater Montana/’88
Overall/Years 17-6/2nd
At School/Years same
vs MSU 0-1
Home/Road 0-0/0-1
ABOUT UM The Grizzlies
Spirit Colors Maroon, silver
Location Missoula, MT
Enrollment 13,000
Stadium Washinton-Grizzly
OPPONENT ‘04 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S4 Maine W 27-20
S11 Hofstra W 41-23
S18 at Sam Houston L 29-41
S25 Northern Colorado W 27-16
O2 at Weber State W 42-21
O9 Idaho State W 24-22
O16 at Eastern Wash. W 31-28
O30 at Portland State L 32-35
N6 Northern Arizona W 35-32
N13 Sacramento State W 52-21
N20 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. L 44-51 MSU’s highest point total in a loss
N20 *at Montana 12:05 pm The 104th ‘Cat-Griz game
NOTING THE ‘CATS
What to Watch
F The 104th Meeting... Montana State faces its traditional rival this weekend in one of the oldest, most tradition-steeped games in college football. Montana clinches a share of the title and the league’s automatic playoff berth with a win. For the first time since 2001, Montana State enters its regular season finale with no hopes of a title of post-season play.
F Passing Fancy... For the second straight week, Bobcat QB Travis Lulay squares off against one of the best signal callers in I-AA. Here is the matchup:
Pass Avg Pass Eff Total Off
YPG/BSC/I-AA Rtg/BSC/I-AA YPG/BSC/I-AA
Lulay 309.9/1st/NA 122.24/3rd/45th 346.9/1st/2nd
Ochs 245.8/4th/NA 154.94/2nd/8th 250.1/4th/19th
F Come On In and Cover Me... The ability of MSU’s secondary to deal with one of the league’s top receivers -- or, this week, two top receivers -- is a repeating storyline. Two weeks ago, Sac State’s Fred Amey gained 165 receiving yards with two TDs. Last week, Eric Kimble had 196 yards and three TDs. This week, MSU corners Andre Fuller and Kory Austin face Jefferson Heidelberger (86.9 yds/gm) and Jon Talmage (61.3).
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 47 kicks, averaging 42.9 yards per punt, fourth in the Big Sky and eighth in the nation. He has drilled five line drives of 60+ yards, 29 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 12 18 6 4 0 1
Big Play Bobcats
In the first five games of 2004, MSU registered 12 big plays, none of which made it to the paint. In the last five games, MSU’s offense produced 27 big plays, seven for touchdowns.
Third Quarter Nightmare
MSU surrendered only 24 third-quarter points last year, and 33 in the first eight third quarters of 2004. Last week, Eastern gouged MSU for 20 third-quarter points.
Big Plays, Redux
In the last three 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 as in the 15 years before Kramer arrived.
Under Half is Good
The ‘Cat defense has held quarterbacks to below 50% passing in nine of the last 17 games. The Bobcats held Idaho State’s prolific Mark Hetherington under 50% passing in each of their two meetings.
Stingy?
Only six of Montana State’s last 27 foes have gained 400 yards against the Bobcats. In the last two weeks, though, Sac and Eastern have combined for 1,025 yards.
Passing Yards Piling Up
Montana State has thrown for 3,112 yards this season, the second-best total in school history. That total includes the MSU’s best, fifth- and sixth-best games ever.
Making Bad Seem Good
In the past two seasons, a strange turnover trend has emerged for MSU...
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 Seven Games -4 5-2
Totally Terrific
MSU’s 4,334 yards of offense this year is fifth in school history, behind ‘84 (4,921), ‘76 (4,870), ‘03 (4,484), and ‘02 (4,342).
First Down Facts
MSU has gained 220 first downs, the seventh-best season in school history.
Senior Day
Citizens
Saturday’s game will mark MSU’s third straight Senior Day. In addition to their own, the ‘Cats are guests for the home finale at Sac and UM. So far, MSU is 0-2 on Senior Days.
A Total Success
Travis Lulay’s 3,469 total yards this year is 2nd in school history. His 8,578 career yards is a record.
Third’s a Charm
Since the beginning of the 2003 season, MSU has surrendered only 75 third-quarter points. Of those, 14 came in the playoff loss at Northern Iowa.
Anti-Air
In a 15-game span that covered the last nine regular-season games last year and the first six this year, opposing QBs completed only 46% of their passes. In the last four games, opposing QBs have completed 54.6% of their passes.
Keep Rollin’ Along
MSU’s offense has found a new gear as autumn fades into winter. MSU has gained over 400 yards in the last six games, the longest such streak in MSU history.
Funny Fumble Facts
The winning team in MSU’s nine games has fumbled 20 times, losing 11, while the loser has fumbled 11 times, losing seven.
Coming From Ahead
Saturday’s loss was MSU’s first this season when leading at the end of any quarter, and Mike Kramer’s first at MSU when his team scored at least 30 points.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 3-1/2nd Qtr: 2-1/3rd Qtr: 3-1
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
10
Number of 100-yard receivers in Montana State’s last five games (Sullivan and Gatewood four each, Guinn and Wolf once each)
431.3
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 346.9 yards per game
KRAMER’S QUOTES
On the Eastern Washington game: “It was like a basketball game where you miss a couple of free throws at the end. It was an old-school Big Sky game. We were six feet away, 72 inches. They scored touchdowns in the second half while we kicked field goals, and that was the difference. Erik Meyer and Eric Kimble form a very dynamic combination. We are in a pretty somber mood (at the beginning of the week) because winning the conference and going to the playoffs is our no. one goal, and the realization that we can’t reach those goals is sobering. Our crowd was great Saturday, nearly 13,000 strong that stayed in it until the very end, and they were entertained by two excellent quarterbacks that made plays all day long.”
On Montana: “This is a great rivalry, and the game is heightened by a strong sense of fun. There is a lot of ribbing and kidding around the state. Montana has an excellent program and a very sound, solid, talented football team. These two teams have really found their offensive rhythm lately. Craig Ochs is really proving that he’s an outstanding quarterback. Montana has an excellent quarterback and good, veteran receivers that make plays. They get good offensive line play. Defensively, we anticipate that they will play very sound, solid football. I expect both defenses to try to keep plays in front of them.”
On the Bobcats: “We are functioning at a very high level offensively right now, and our excellent quarterback play and improving play in the receiving corps is happening coincidentally to the best line play in this program’s history. I’ve watched Montana State play since 1970, when I saw them play against Idaho in Pullman, and I believe this is the best this program’s offensive line has ever played. When the Bobcats had (Larry) Rubens at center and (Scott) Sax at guard and (John) Borchardt at tackle, I’ve always considered Montana State’s best line, but I believe this year’s line is that good. The numbers back that up, based on the overall marks in passing, total offense average per game, total offense average per play, and now in the latter part of the season in our ability to move the ball on the ground. Statistically, we have the best quarterback in school history. All this is a culmination of steady play by a good and improving group of linemen, and excellent coaching by Jason McEndoo. Defensively, we will do what we do. It’s too late to put in a new scheme. You have two defensive choices, to be passive or be aggressive. We are an aggressive defense.”
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
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 285 Fr* Has played in all 10 games
LEFT GUARD 57 Brant Birkeland 6-1 266 So* Started nine 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 10 at guard
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-4 295 Fr On redshirt alert
RIGHT TACKLE 73 Joe Hirst 6-7 275 So Made first start vs. EWU (knee)
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-4 295 Fr On redshirt alert
QUARTERBACK 14 Travis Lulay 6-2 203 Jr 1,098 total offense yards in last 2 gms
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 7 games
27 Jimmy Beal 5-7 165 So* Can play RB and WR
X RECEIVER 19 Chaz Guinn (like Gwynn) 6-2 194 Jr+ Second on team with 48 catches
82 Matt McCullough 5-11 175 Sr* Caught 1st career pass at NAU
SLOT RECEIVER 1 Rick Gatewood 6-0 180 Jr*+ 615 yards, 7 TDs in last five games
80 Kellen Alley 6-2 199 So* Can play all three receiver spots
Z RECEIVER 5 Eddie Sullivan 6-0 190 Sr+ Three straight 100-yard games
80 Kellen Alley 6-2 199 So* Can play all three 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, had first catch at Sac
Defense
ANCHOR END 58 Ray Sebestyen (like Sebastian) 6-2 253 Sr* 4 caused fumbles, 3 recovered
90 Ryan Cogley (like frog) 6-3 225 So* Special teams ace
NOSE 98 Beau Clark 6-2 239 Sr* 7 TL, 4 sacks
99 Aaron Papich (Pap like rap) 6-2 248 Fr* True freshman after grayshirting in ‘03
TACKLE 93 Andy Matakis (muh-TAKE-us) 6-2 249 So+ Three tackles, one for a loss, vs. EWU
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+ Six tackles-for-loss in last three 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, 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* Buchanan candidate, 12 TL leads team
39 Brandon Eggart 6-1 213 Sr* Scored TD on fumble at NAU
LEFT CORNER 13 Kory Austin 5-11 176 Fr* Played last 2 after missing previous 5
30 Michael McGuinness 5-11 170 Jr* Special teams standout
FREE SAFETY 20 Ryan Force 6-2 203 So* Has started all 10 games at 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 13 pass breakups
20 Ryan Force 6-2 203 So* Has started all 10 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 ends its 2004 season in Missoula with the 104th renewal of the Bobcat-Grizzly game. Montana State lost a heartbreaking 51-44 overtime contest to Eastern Washington last week in a game that featured 64 first downs (35 by MSU) and 1,219 total yards. The Bobcat offense has played effectively in recent weeks, getting 1,262 yards and 65 first downs in the past two games. MSU’s loss on Saturday eliminated the team from contention for a third straight Big Sky title, although Montana has a share of the championship and the league’s outright berth on the line this week.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 12:05 pm MST
SITE: Missoula, MT
STADIUM: Wash.-Grizzly Stadium
PRESS BOX PHONE: 406/243-4167
RADIO: State Farm Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: KPAX-TV (Tom Katz, Grady Bennett, Mike Callaghan)
HIGHLIGHTS
l Montana State has 1,262 yards of total offense in the last two games
STREAKS
l MSU has lost two straight games for the second time this year
l The Bobcats have six straight games over 400 total yards and three straight over 500, both MSU records
l Travis Lulay has five straight 300+ yard passing games, a school record
MILESTONES
l Travis Lulay’s 542 yards of total offense on Saturday was the second-best day in MSU history, the 11th-best day in Big Sky history, and the 35th best day in I-AA history
l Montana State’s 683 yards of total offense vs. EWU was a school record
l MSU’s 44 points last week was its most ever in a loss
SHINING
l QB TRAVIS LULAY has 3,099 passing yards this year, the second-best season in school history
l WRs EDDIE SULLIVAN & RICK GATEWOOD have combined for 1,580 receiving yards this year, 1,219 in the last five games, and 586 in the last two
l LB MAC MOLLOHAN leads the Bobcats in tackles (78) and sacks (7)
ABOUT THE ‘CATS...
MSU in ‘04 6-4
Conf./Record Big Sky/4-2
Home/Road 4-2/2-2
Grass/Turf 4-4/2-0
Day/Night 5-4/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 61-65/11th
At MSU/Years 24-32/5th
vs UM 3-7
Home/Road 1-5/2-2
SERIES UM 64-34-5
At MSU UM 20-17-3
At EWU UM 26-14-1
At Neutral UM 18-3-1
Current Streak MSU 2W
ABOUT MONTANA...
UM in ‘04 8-2
Conf./Record Big Sky/5-1
Home/Road 6-0/2-2
Grass/Turf 2-0/6-2
Day/Night 7-1/1-1
HEAD COACH Bobby Hauck
Alma Mater Montana/’88
Overall/Years 17-6/2nd
At School/Years same
vs MSU 0-1
Home/Road 0-0/0-1
ABOUT UM The Grizzlies
Spirit Colors Maroon, silver
Location Missoula, MT
Enrollment 13,000
Stadium Washinton-Grizzly
OPPONENT ‘04 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S4 Maine W 27-20
S11 Hofstra W 41-23
S18 at Sam Houston L 29-41
S25 Northern Colorado W 27-16
O2 at Weber State W 42-21
O9 Idaho State W 24-22
O16 at Eastern Wash. W 31-28
O30 at Portland State L 32-35
N6 Northern Arizona W 35-32
N13 Sacramento State W 52-21
N20 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. L 44-51 MSU’s highest point total in a loss
N20 *at Montana 12:05 pm The 104th ‘Cat-Griz game
NOTING THE ‘CATS
What to Watch
F The 104th Meeting... Montana State faces its traditional rival this weekend in one of the oldest, most tradition-steeped games in college football. Montana clinches a share of the title and the league’s automatic playoff berth with a win. For the first time since 2001, Montana State enters its regular season finale with no hopes of a title of post-season play.
F Passing Fancy... For the second straight week, Bobcat QB Travis Lulay squares off against one of the best signal callers in I-AA. Here is the matchup:
Pass Avg Pass Eff Total Off
YPG/BSC/I-AA Rtg/BSC/I-AA YPG/BSC/I-AA
Lulay 309.9/1st/NA 122.24/3rd/45th 346.9/1st/2nd
Ochs 245.8/4th/NA 154.94/2nd/8th 250.1/4th/19th
F Come On In and Cover Me... The ability of MSU’s secondary to deal with one of the league’s top receivers -- or, this week, two top receivers -- is a repeating storyline. Two weeks ago, Sac State’s Fred Amey gained 165 receiving yards with two TDs. Last week, Eric Kimble had 196 yards and three TDs. This week, MSU corners Andre Fuller and Kory Austin face Jefferson Heidelberger (86.9 yds/gm) and Jon Talmage (61.3).
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 47 kicks, averaging 42.9 yards per punt, fourth in the Big Sky and eighth in the nation. He has drilled five line drives of 60+ yards, 29 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 12 18 6 4 0 1
Big Play Bobcats
In the first five games of 2004, MSU registered 12 big plays, none of which made it to the paint. In the last five games, MSU’s offense produced 27 big plays, seven for touchdowns.
Third Quarter Nightmare
MSU surrendered only 24 third-quarter points last year, and 33 in the first eight third quarters of 2004. Last week, Eastern gouged MSU for 20 third-quarter points.
Big Plays, Redux
In the last three 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 as in the 15 years before Kramer arrived.
Under Half is Good
The ‘Cat defense has held quarterbacks to below 50% passing in nine of the last 17 games. The Bobcats held Idaho State’s prolific Mark Hetherington under 50% passing in each of their two meetings.
Stingy?
Only six of Montana State’s last 27 foes have gained 400 yards against the Bobcats. In the last two weeks, though, Sac and Eastern have combined for 1,025 yards.
Passing Yards Piling Up
Montana State has thrown for 3,112 yards this season, the second-best total in school history. That total includes the MSU’s best, fifth- and sixth-best games ever.
Making Bad Seem Good
In the past two seasons, a strange turnover trend has emerged for MSU...
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 Seven Games -4 5-2
Totally Terrific
MSU’s 4,334 yards of offense this year is fifth in school history, behind ‘84 (4,921), ‘76 (4,870), ‘03 (4,484), and ‘02 (4,342).
First Down Facts
MSU has gained 220 first downs, the seventh-best season in school history.
Senior Day
Citizens
Saturday’s game will mark MSU’s third straight Senior Day. In addition to their own, the ‘Cats are guests for the home finale at Sac and UM. So far, MSU is 0-2 on Senior Days.
A Total Success
Travis Lulay’s 3,469 total yards this year is 2nd in school history. His 8,578 career yards is a record.
Third’s a Charm
Since the beginning of the 2003 season, MSU has surrendered only 75 third-quarter points. Of those, 14 came in the playoff loss at Northern Iowa.
Anti-Air
In a 15-game span that covered the last nine regular-season games last year and the first six this year, opposing QBs completed only 46% of their passes. In the last four games, opposing QBs have completed 54.6% of their passes.
Keep Rollin’ Along
MSU’s offense has found a new gear as autumn fades into winter. MSU has gained over 400 yards in the last six games, the longest such streak in MSU history.
Funny Fumble Facts
The winning team in MSU’s nine games has fumbled 20 times, losing 11, while the loser has fumbled 11 times, losing seven.
Coming From Ahead
Saturday’s loss was MSU’s first this season when leading at the end of any quarter, and Mike Kramer’s first at MSU when his team scored at least 30 points.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 3-1/2nd Qtr: 2-1/3rd Qtr: 3-1
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
10
Number of 100-yard receivers in Montana State’s last five games (Sullivan and Gatewood four each, Guinn and Wolf once each)
431.3
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 346.9 yards per game
KRAMER’S QUOTES
On the Eastern Washington game: “It was like a basketball game where you miss a couple of free throws at the end. It was an old-school Big Sky game. We were six feet away, 72 inches. They scored touchdowns in the second half while we kicked field goals, and that was the difference. Erik Meyer and Eric Kimble form a very dynamic combination. We are in a pretty somber mood (at the beginning of the week) because winning the conference and going to the playoffs is our no. one goal, and the realization that we can’t reach those goals is sobering. Our crowd was great Saturday, nearly 13,000 strong that stayed in it until the very end, and they were entertained by two excellent quarterbacks that made plays all day long.”
On Montana: “This is a great rivalry, and the game is heightened by a strong sense of fun. There is a lot of ribbing and kidding around the state. Montana has an excellent program and a very sound, solid, talented football team. These two teams have really found their offensive rhythm lately. Craig Ochs is really proving that he’s an outstanding quarterback. Montana has an excellent quarterback and good, veteran receivers that make plays. They get good offensive line play. Defensively, we anticipate that they will play very sound, solid football. I expect both defenses to try to keep plays in front of them.”
On the Bobcats: “We are functioning at a very high level offensively right now, and our excellent quarterback play and improving play in the receiving corps is happening coincidentally to the best line play in this program’s history. I’ve watched Montana State play since 1970, when I saw them play against Idaho in Pullman, and I believe this is the best this program’s offensive line has ever played. When the Bobcats had (Larry) Rubens at center and (Scott) Sax at guard and (John) Borchardt at tackle, I’ve always considered Montana State’s best line, but I believe this year’s line is that good. The numbers back that up, based on the overall marks in passing, total offense average per game, total offense average per play, and now in the latter part of the season in our ability to move the ball on the ground. Statistically, we have the best quarterback in school history. All this is a culmination of steady play by a good and improving group of linemen, and excellent coaching by Jason McEndoo. Defensively, we will do what we do. It’s too late to put in a new scheme. You have two defensive choices, to be passive or be aggressive. We are an aggressive defense.”
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
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 285 Fr* Has played in all 10 games
LEFT GUARD 57 Brant Birkeland 6-1 266 So* Started nine 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 10 at guard
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-4 295 Fr On redshirt alert
RIGHT TACKLE 73 Joe Hirst 6-7 275 So Made first start vs. EWU (knee)
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-4 295 Fr On redshirt alert
QUARTERBACK 14 Travis Lulay 6-2 203 Jr 1,098 total offense yards in last 2 gms
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 7 games
27 Jimmy Beal 5-7 165 So* Can play RB and WR
X RECEIVER 19 Chaz Guinn (like Gwynn) 6-2 194 Jr+ Second on team with 48 catches
82 Matt McCullough 5-11 175 Sr* Caught 1st career pass at NAU
SLOT RECEIVER 1 Rick Gatewood 6-0 180 Jr*+ 615 yards, 7 TDs in last five games
80 Kellen Alley 6-2 199 So* Can play all three receiver spots
Z RECEIVER 5 Eddie Sullivan 6-0 190 Sr+ Three straight 100-yard games
80 Kellen Alley 6-2 199 So* Can play all three 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, had first catch at Sac
Defense
ANCHOR END 58 Ray Sebestyen (like Sebastian) 6-2 253 Sr* 4 caused fumbles, 3 recovered
90 Ryan Cogley (like frog) 6-3 225 So* Special teams ace
NOSE 98 Beau Clark 6-2 239 Sr* 7 TL, 4 sacks
99 Aaron Papich (Pap like rap) 6-2 248 Fr* True freshman after grayshirting in ‘03
TACKLE 93 Andy Matakis (muh-TAKE-us) 6-2 249 So+ Three tackles, one for a loss, vs. EWU
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+ Six tackles-for-loss in last three 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, 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* Buchanan candidate, 12 TL leads team
39 Brandon Eggart 6-1 213 Sr* Scored TD on fumble at NAU
LEFT CORNER 13 Kory Austin 5-11 176 Fr* Played last 2 after missing previous 5
30 Michael McGuinness 5-11 170 Jr* Special teams standout
FREE SAFETY 20 Ryan Force 6-2 203 So* Has started all 10 games at 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 13 pass breakups
20 Ryan Force 6-2 203 So* Has started all 10 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
