The Best, Three of Four!
11/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Travis Lulay saved the best for last.
Montana State's record-setting senior quarterback fell short of the Big Sky Conference total offense record, but claimed something more long-lasting. The senior from Aumsville, Ore., captured his third Big Sky Championship ring and the third win over Montana in his star-studded career Saturday, leading Montana State to a 16-6 win over the Grizzlies.
Lulay entered the game 306 yards short of the league total offense record, and finished the day with 223. But Lulay became only the fourth Bobcat to beat Montana three times, and joins Dennis Erickson as Bobcat quarterbacks to lead the school to three Big Sky crowns.
"Spectacular," Bobcat coach Mike Kramer said of his senior quarterback, a word he also used to describe Montana State's defense. The Bobcats held Montana to 220 yards of total offense, and only one touchdown. In two of MSU's wins over the Grizzlies in the last four years, the Bobcats limited UM to only one trip into the end zone.
"It's a great feeling," said Bobcat linebacker Nick Marudas, who led the defensive charge with six tackles -- all solo -- and two sacks. Aaron Papich also had a sack, giving MSU three quarterback sacks from Montana high school products. The Bobcat defense held UM to 14-for-33 passing, and just 103 rushing yards and a 3.1 per-carry average.
The day's big story was Evin Groves. The redshirt freshman running back tallied 143 yards for the Bobcats, capping a 90-yard drive with a three-yard run late in the first quarter. Jeff Hastings provided the rest of Montana State's offense, nailing field goals of 40, 39, and 19 yards. MSU also held the ball for much of the second half. Montana State held the ball for nearly 18 minutes.
Montana State learns its playoff fate on Sunday morning. The Bobcats finish the season with seven wins against its all-Division I schedule, and a share of the Big Sky title for the third time in four years.
Montana State's record-setting senior quarterback fell short of the Big Sky Conference total offense record, but claimed something more long-lasting. The senior from Aumsville, Ore., captured his third Big Sky Championship ring and the third win over Montana in his star-studded career Saturday, leading Montana State to a 16-6 win over the Grizzlies.
Lulay entered the game 306 yards short of the league total offense record, and finished the day with 223. But Lulay became only the fourth Bobcat to beat Montana three times, and joins Dennis Erickson as Bobcat quarterbacks to lead the school to three Big Sky crowns.
"Spectacular," Bobcat coach Mike Kramer said of his senior quarterback, a word he also used to describe Montana State's defense. The Bobcats held Montana to 220 yards of total offense, and only one touchdown. In two of MSU's wins over the Grizzlies in the last four years, the Bobcats limited UM to only one trip into the end zone.
"It's a great feeling," said Bobcat linebacker Nick Marudas, who led the defensive charge with six tackles -- all solo -- and two sacks. Aaron Papich also had a sack, giving MSU three quarterback sacks from Montana high school products. The Bobcat defense held UM to 14-for-33 passing, and just 103 rushing yards and a 3.1 per-carry average.
The day's big story was Evin Groves. The redshirt freshman running back tallied 143 yards for the Bobcats, capping a 90-yard drive with a three-yard run late in the first quarter. Jeff Hastings provided the rest of Montana State's offense, nailing field goals of 40, 39, and 19 yards. MSU also held the ball for much of the second half. Montana State held the ball for nearly 18 minutes.
Montana State learns its playoff fate on Sunday morning. The Bobcats finish the season with seven wins against its all-Division I schedule, and a share of the Big Sky title for the third time in four years.
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
