MSU Game Notes vs. Sac State
11/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Montana State enters November mathematically alive in the Big Sky title chase for the fifth straight year, a testament to Mike Kramer and his staff and players, but it doesn't take a long memory to conjure images of what Sacramento State did to the 'Cats in similar circumstances a year ago. The Bobcats rolled into Sacramento leading the Big Sky in 2004, and limped out with a 38-28 loss. Hornet running back Ryan Mole thrashed the 'Cats for 245 yards last year in a game which started Montana State's three-game season-ending skid.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 12:05 pm
SITE: Bozeman, MT
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
MSU PRESS BOX: 406/994-6180
RADIO: State Farm Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Mont. Sports Network (Chris Byers, Dean Alexander)
HIGHLIGHTS
. Travis Lulay has thrown for 1,026 yards against Sac State, including a school-record 516 last year . Seven of MSU's 10 I-AA foes have spent time in the national polls . Two of MSU's three fake punts this year resulted in touchdown drives . MSU has converted 12 opponent turnovers into 62 points this year . NAU's 22 second-half points Saturday was the most vs. MSU in the second half this year
STREAKS
. The Bobcats have been nationally-ranked for all nine weeks this year . A Bobcat receiver has caught 100-yards worth of passes in four straight . MSU's 19-game streak without a kick or punt return for TD is the Mike Kramer's longest as a head coach
MILESTONES
. Travis Lulay is 10th in I-AA history in total offense, 16th in passing
SHINING
. LB Mac Mollohan, a two-time All-Big Sky choice, earned Big Sky POW honors for the first time . PK Jeff Hastings' 12 FGs is two from MSU's season record . WR Rick Gatewood has 296 receiving yards in the last two games
ABOUT THE 'CATS...
MSU in '05 5-3
Conf./Rec. Big Sky/3-1
Home/Road 4-0/1-3
Grass/Turf 5-1/0-2
Day/Night 5-0/0-3
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/'76
Overall/Yrs 67-69/12th
At MSU/Yrs 30-37/6th
vs SAC 7-2
Home/Road 4-0/3-2
SERIES MSU leads 7-6
At MSU MSU leads 4-1
At SAC SAC leads 5-3
At Neutral none
Streak SAC 1W
.ABOUT THE HORNETS...
SAC in '05 2-7
Conf./Rec. Big Sky/1-4
Home/Road 2-3/0-4
Grass/Turf 2-5/0-2
Day/Night 0-2/2-5
HEAD COACH Steve Mooshagian
Alma Mater Fresno State/'82
Overall/Yrs 7-24/3rd
At School/Yrs same
vs MSU 1-1
Home/Road 1-0/0-1
ABOUT SAC The Hornets
Colors Green, gold
Location Sacramento, CA
Enrollment 28,558
Stadium Hornet Stadium
OPPONENT '05 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S3 at Cal L 3-41
S10 at Cal Poly L 13-37
S17 at Portland State L 12-28
S24 UC Davis L 7-37
O1 Northern Arizona W 38-24
O8 Azusa Pacific W 41-19
O15 at Weber State L 14-26
O22 Idaho State L 17-27
O29 Eastern Wash. L 17-45
N5 at Montana State 12:05 pm
N12 Montana 4:05 pm
BOBCAT 2005 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S3 at Oklahoma St L 10-15 First-ever game vs. Big 12
opponent
S10 Stephen F. Austin W 42-6 Biggest home-opening win
vs I-AA foe
S17 at Cal Poly L 10-38 Bobcats have lost seven straight
to Mustangs
S24 North Dakota St W 20-17 'Cats snap five-game skein vs.
ranked teams
O1 *Idaho State W 30-28 Second straight win over ranked
opponent
O8 *at Weber State W 27-24 'Cats win fourth straight at
Weber State
O15 *at Portland State L 41-44 MSU loses on walk-off
field goal
O29 *Northern Ariz. W 29-22 MSU wins third straight against
'Jacks
N5 *Sac State 12:05 pm 'Cats look to avenge 38-28 loss
N12 *at Eastern Wash. 3:05 pm Bobcats face preseason Big Sky
faves
N19 *Montana 12:05 pm The 105th 'Cat-Griz game
What to Watch
.. Big Play Surplus... While the Bobcat offense has produced 22 big plays this season, the Bobcat defense has done a good job stopping big plays (runs of 15 yards or more, passes of 20 yards or more). Here is a look at this year's league games...
15+ Rushes (Long) 20+ Passes (Long)
NAU none 2 (36)
PSU 4 (22) 2 (63)
WEB 3 (32) 1 (42)
ISU 1 (23) 1 (24)
.. Great-wood... Rick Gatewood's performance in his last 11 games -- the equivalent of a full collegiate season -- has been historically significant. In the last six games of 2004, Gatewood averaged 9.3 catches and 141.6 yards. This year, he has averaged 9.2 catches and 116.2 yards a game. Taking those 11 games together, Gatewood has 102 catches for 1,421 yards. Gatewood isn't eligible for Big Sky or NCAA rankings after missing the first three games of 2005.
Pinpoint Punting
After becoming Montana State's punter early in 2003, Travis Lulay used a rugby-like roll punt to average 36.2 yards a punt, and pinned the opponent inside the 20 nine times. In his two seasons as MSU's full-season, full-time punter, Lulay has been consistent his terms of
distance:
1-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-89
2005 2 12 15 0 1 1
2004 6 14 19 6 4 1
Sixty-one percent (48 total) of Lulay's 76 punts in the past two seasons have traveled at least 40 yards.
Pins
Travis Lulay has become proficient at Punter Pins, or pinning the opponent inside the 20 as the result of a punt. In this year's eight games he has done so nine times in 32 attempts. He has spotted the opponent inside its own 10 five times in the last four games.
3rd Quarter Turnaround
MSU has allowed just seven points more in the eight third quarters of 2005 (44) than it did in the final three of 2004 (37).
TO Turnaround
MSU was +1 in turnovers against Idaho State, the only time in positive numbers this year.
Possession, Etc.
Northern Arizona held the ball for nearly two-thirds of Saturday's game, but taking the league season to this point as a whole that seems an aberration. In the first three conference games, MSU owned the ball for 13 seconds a game longer than the opponent (90:31 to 89:21). The Bobcat defense has had trouble getting the opposition off the field in the second half lately, forcing just two second-half punts in the last two ball games.
The Total Travis
Travis Lulay may impact a game more than any player in I-AA. He averages 58.4 yards a game rushing, 247.9 yards a game passing, and 40.0 yards per punt.
To the Paint
MSU has scored two defensive touchdowns this year, and in Pete Kwiatkowski's six seasons as Bobcat defensive coordinator has found the paint a dozen times. Aaron Papich came up six yards short of making it 13 TDs against NAU, fumbling a fumble return.
Stops
Montana State's defense made stops in 70% of the opponents' offensive possessions in the first six games, and in 80% of NAU's offensive drives. Portland State, however, scored on 58% of its offensive drives.
Picking Up the Picks
When the Bobcats transitioned from a straight man-to-man team to playing zone during the off-season, Mike Kramer said the team needs to intercept three passes a game to be effective. The 'Cats have fallen short of that goal, picking off eight passes through eight games this year, but has converted each of the possessions following the interceptions into touchdowns.
Opportunistic
Montana State's defense has forced 13 turnovers in 2005. The Bobcat D turned two of those into immediate points (Daryl Rogers' fumble recovery against Weber and Epikopo King's interception return against Idaho State), and on another fumbled the fumble return. Of the 10 offensive possessions after turnovers, MSU has scored six touchdowns and two field goals.
20 is Terrific
Montana State is 19-3 in Mike Kramer's five-plus seasons when holding the opposing offense to 20 points or fewer. The Bobcats have won six of their last seven games under those circumstances.
Quite A Difference
MSU allowed 82 points and 899 yards against Cal Poly and Portland State. In the other six games, the 'Cats allowed 18.7 points, and 325.7 yards per outing.
They're Tight
All four Bobcat TEs are in-state players, with only Brandon Bostick (Missoula Big Sky) from a large school. Starter Elliott Barnhart played at Powder River in Broadus, Nick Parker at Missoula Loyola, and Ty McDonald at Geyser.
Anti-Air Defense
Montana State continues to lead the Big Sky in pass defense (177.5), and is 31st nationally. The team is now third in the league and 25th nationally in pass efficiency defense (109.19) after NAU threw for 303 yards Saturday.
Bonus Football
MSU is 4-2 all-time in overtime games after splitting a pair of decisions last fall. Below is a look at MSU's all-time overtime encounters...
2004 44-51 Eastern Washington+
2004 31-24 Portland State+
1994 31-34 Eastern Washington++
1990 28-25 Eastern Washington+
1984 44-41 Nevada+
1982 30-27 Idaho State+
Deep Snaps
MSU has forced 30 punts this year, 13 of them in the season's first two games.
Bye Week Betterment
Mike Kramer is 1-3 at MSU and 2-4 all-time after bye weeks after the NAU win.
Long Runs
MSU has nine runs of 20 yards or more this year. Travis Lulay has eight of them.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 4-0/2nd Qtr: 4-1/3rd Qtr: 4-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 1-3/2nd Qtr: 1-2/3rd Qtr: 1-3
By the Numbers
0
The number of interceptions by MSU in its three losses this season
8
The number of interceptions in the the team's four 2005 victories
5
Offensive touchdowns scored by MSU this year not rushed or thrown by Travis Lulay
2
Touchdowns scored by Montana State's defense this season
MSU Career Records
Career Passing Yards
1. 10,100 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 8,152 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86 (7,183)
3. 6,828 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Career Attempts
1. 1,441 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 1,238 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86
3. 901 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Career Completions
1. 829 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 714 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86
3. 516 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Career Touchdown Passes
1. 60 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86
2. 56 Travis Lulay, 2002-
3. 54 Rob Compson, 1995-98
4. 28 Paul Dennehy, 1976-78
4. 28 Tyler Thomas, 2001-02
Career Total Offense
1. 11,415 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 7,730 Kelly Bradley, 1983-96
3. 6,788 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Big Sky Career Records
Career Passing Yards
1. 12,207 Jamie Martin, WSU, 89-92
2. 11,400 Travis Brown, NAU, 96-99
3. 11,080 Dave Dickenson, UM,92-95
4. 10,824 Doug Nussmeier, UI, 90-93
5. 10,277 Greg Wyatt, NAU, 86-89
6. 10,187 John Friesz, UI, 10,187
7. 10,100 Travis Lulay, MSU, '02-05
8. 9,639 Jeff Lewis, NAU, 92-95
9. 9,315 Brian Ah Yat, UM, 95-98
10. 9,300 Ken Hobart, UI, 80-83
Career Total Offense Yards
1. 12,287 Jamie Martin, WSU, 89-92
2. 12,027 Doug Nussmeier, UI, 90-93
3. 11,513 Dave Dickenson, UM,92-95
4. 11,415 Travis Lulay, MSU, 02-
5. 11,400 Travis Brown, NAU, 96-99
6. 11,126 Ken Hobart, UI, 80-83
7. 10,277 Greg Wyatt, NAU, 86-89
8. 10,187 John Friesz, UI, 10,187
9. 9,454 Marcus Brady, CSN, 98-00
10. 9,230 Brian Ah Yat, UM, 95-98
I-AA Career Records
Career Passing Yards
1. 14,496 Steve McNair, Alcorn St
2. 12,711 Willie Totten, Miss. Valley
3. 12,479 Marcus Brady, Northridge
4. 12,207 Jamie Martin, Weber State
5. 11,784 Robert Kent, Jackson St
6. 11,716 Bruce Eugene, Grambling
7. 11,550 Neil Lomax, Portland St
8. 11,400 Travis Brown, NAU
9. 11,080 Dave Dickenson, Montana
10. 10,824 Doug Nussmeier, Idaho
11. 10,697 John Friesz, Idaho
12. 10,697 Greg Wyatt, NAU
13. 10,655 Sean Payton, E. Ill.
14. 10,329 Donald Carrie, Alcorn St
15. 10,254 Niel Loebig, Duquesne
16. 10,100 Travis Lulay, Montana St
17. 9,819 Marko Glavic, Lafayette
18. 9,805 David Corley, Wm & Mary
19. 9,698 Jeff Wiley, Holy Cross
20 9,669 Phil Stambaugh, Lehigh
21. 9,655 Jeff Lewis, NAU
22. 9,611 Ted White, Howard
23. 9,548 Robbie Jutino, Liberty
24. 9,538 Chris Boden, Villanova
25. 9,371 Giovanni Carmazzi, Hofstra
26. 9,315 Brian Ah Yat, Montana
27. 9,305 Kirk Schulz, Villanova
28. 9,300 Ken Hobart, Idaho
29. 9,294 James Perry, Brown
30. 9,288 Matt DeGennaro, UConn
Career Total Offense Yards
1. 16,823 Steve McNair, Alcorn St
2. 13,095 Marcus Brady, Northridge
3. 13,007 Willie Totten, Miss Valley
4. 12,895 Bruce Eugene, Grambling
5. 12,538 Robert Kent, Jackson St
6. 12,287 Jamie Martin, Weber St
7. 12,054 Doug Nussmeier, Idaho
8. 11,647 Neil Lomax, Portland St
9. 11,523 Dave Dickenson, Montana
10. 11,415 Travis Lulay, Montana St
11. 11,267 Travis Brown, NAU
12. 11,127 Ken Hobart, Idaho
13. 10,948 David Corley, Wm & Mary
14. 10,416 Giovanni Carmazzi, Hofstra
15. 10,298 Sean Payton, E. Ill
15. 10,277 Greg Wyatt, NAU
16. 10,187 John Friesz, Idaho
17. 10,169 Marko Glavic, Lafayette
19. 10,039 Niel Loebig, Duquesne
20. 10,026 Donald Carrie, Alcorn St
21. 9,886 Michael Proctor, Murray St
22. 9,877 Jeff Wiley, Holy Cross
23. 9,769 Jeff Leewis, NAU
MSU Career Receiving
Career Receiving Yards
1. 2,070 Chip Hobbs, 1995-99
2. 1,920 Rob Tesch, 1989-92
3. 1,856 Scott Turnquist, 2000-03
4. 1,840 Eric Hopkins, 1992-95
5. 1,720 Ron Bain, 1966-68
6. 1,635 Junior Adams, 2001-02
7. 1,598 Joe Bignell, 1981-84
8. 1,576 Rick Gatewood, 2004-05
9. 1,482 Tom White, 1981-84
10. 1,452 Pat Bergman, 1985-87
Career Receptions
1. 169 Joe Bignell, 1981-84
2. 162 David Pandt, 1982-85
3. 144 Chip Hobbs, 1995-99
4. 135 Scott Turnquist, 2000-03
5. 127 Eric Hopkins, 1992-95
6. 123 Rob Tesch, 1989-92
7. 119 Tom White, 1982-85
8. 110 Rick Gatewood, 2004-05
9. 109 Ron Bain, 1966-68
10. 106 Junior Adams, 2001-02
Career Touchdown Catches
1. 21 Kelly Davis, 1983-86
2. 18 Chip Hobbs, 1995-99
3. 16 Sam McCullum, 1971-73
4. 14 Tom White, 1982-85
4. 14 Ron Bain, 1966-68
6. 13 Rick Gatewood, 2004-05
7. 12 Rob Tesch, 1989-92
8. 10 Joe Bignell, 1981-84
8. 10 Bryan Flaig, 1973-76
10. 9 five tied
MSU Kicking Records
Season Field Goals
1. 14 Jeff Muri, 1976
1. 14 Pat Bolton, 1975
1. 14 Pat Bolton, 1973
4. 13 Jeff Stevens, 1993
4. 13 Mark Carter, 1983
12 Jeff Hastings, 2005
Longest Punt
1. 85 Brad Brisbin vs. Idaho, '72
2. 81 Travis Lulay vs. ISU, '04
3. 80 Hank Urza vs. ISU, '67
4. 78 Hank Urza vs. Idaho, '66
4. 78 Hank Urza vs. Idaho, '66
6. 77 Travis Lulay vs. ISU, '05
Career Punting Average
1. 48.2 Hank Urza, 1965-67
2. 42.1 Matthew Peot, 1997-99
3. 41.6 Dirk Nelson, 1982-84
4. 41.2 Stuart Dodds, 1976-79
5. 40.9 Pat Bergman, 1987-88
6. 40.0 Travis Lulay (123-4773)
KRAMER'S QUOTES
On last week's win: "Defensively we were much improved last week from the Portland State game. That was extremely important. Northern Arizona ran a lot of plays, they held the ball for a huge portion of the game, but they didn't gouge us with big plays. They made a pretty prolonged effort to run the ball, but our rush defense showed up and their yards-per-carry averaged was what we look for. The guy that won the Big Sky MVP trophy two years ago got hot, but overall there were a lot of positives in our defensive effort."
On Sacramento State: "Regardless of who we play, it's important for us to play with the pace and passion we showed in the first half Saturday. That's the type of performance we've come to expect from ourselves. We're very mindful of what Sacramento State did to us a year ago, and I think we're anxious to absolve ourselves of that night. It's important not to give up that monster play, the kind Ryan Mole created last year on his long touchdown runs."
On the Bobcats: "For the fifth year in a row, this program enters November with a chance. Each of those teams have had different personas and different modus operendi. We may not always be aesthetically beautiful or artistically great, but we have a great opportunity in front of us. The return of Clive Lowe to the starting lineup and of Mac Mollohan to his old form buoys us as we enter Big Man Month. We need to create turnovers and make stops and present our offense with scoring opportunities. That's the kind of defense we're familiar with. I was happy that we played some limited amount of man-to-man coverage, which seemed pretty effective."
Current Montana State Two-Deep (with pro-nuns-ee-AY-shuns) Player
Notes
Offense
LEFT TACKLE
53 Peder Jensen 6-6 277 So* Started last seven games
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 307 So* Played in all 11 games
last year
LEFT GUARD
57 Brant Birkeland 6-2 271 Jr* Missed NDSU with a leg
injury
76 Jeff Hansen 6-4 255 Fr True freshman on
redshirt alert
CENTER
64 Jeff Bolton 6-4 302 Sr* Returning All-America,
moves to C
61 Jim Verlanic 6-0 249 Fr* Started vs. NDSU, NAU
RIGHT GUARD
74 Lawrence Figueroa (fig-uh-ROE-uh) 6-2 285 Sr+*
String of 16 straight starts broken (NAU)
66 Chris Smith 6-3 290 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
RIGHT TACKLE
73 Joe Hirst 6-7 292 Jr* Started all eight this
year
68 Bryan Beniger (BEN-egg-er) 6-4 276 Fr*
Redshirted in 2004
QUARTERBACK
14 Travis Lulay (LOO-lay) 6-2 205 Sr Six career
fourth-quarter comeback wins
15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 So* Played sparingly in 2004
16 Rick Coppack (COP-uck) 6-0 187 So* MSU's holder on
placements
RUNNING BACK
11 Michael Bass (like the fish, not the instrument) 5-6
190 Sr+* Returned as starter after missing 3 (knee)
28 Evin Groves 5-8 185 Fr* Made first career start
at PSU
8 Justin Domineck 5-11 206 Sr+ Rushed for 96 yards vs.
ISU
23 Jason Gathing (like gather) 6-1 208 Sr*+ Moves
from LB, got two carries vs ISU
X RECEIVER
19 Chaz Guinn (like Gwynn) 6-2 194 Sr+ Second career
100-yarder vs. NAU
81 Jevon Miller (juh-VAWN) 6-0 200 Sr+* Missed CP, NDSU
games (shoulder)
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Rick Gatewood 6-0 180 Sr*+ 296 receiving yards in
last two games
83 Mike Brown 5-9 186 Fr* First career start at
Cal Poly
Z RECEIVER
17 Tramaine Murray 5-10 180 Sr+* Has three 100-yard games
this year
6 Brandon Roosevelt 5-11 166 Jr* Had first catch
since knee surgery at CP
TIGHT END
95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 So 14 catches this
year, fifth on team
86 Nick Parker 6-4 225 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
84 Brandon Bostick (BOSS-stick) 6-4 251 Fr*
Redshirted in 2004
45 Ty McDonald 6-2 223 So* Special teams standout,
out (knee)
Defense
END
92 Daryl Rogers 6-1 275 Sr+ Recovered fumble for TD
at Weber State
97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 Fr*+ Possible
for Sac State game (leg)
96 Jason Macciola (muh-CHO-luh) 6-3 235 Jr+ JC
transfer
NOSE
94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Jr+* 10
tackles in first start (ISU), 3 at WSU
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-5 317 Fr* A dozen
tackles for redshirt freshman
TACKLE
99 Aaron Papich (like rap) 6-2 263 So* Leads DL with 33
tackles, FR vs. NAU
96 Jason Macciola (muh-CHO-luh) 6-3 235 Jr+ JC
transfer
71 Joe Rothenberger 6-3 285 Jr* JC transfer
63 Sean Neill 6-3 225 Fr* US Army veteran,
redshirted in '04
ROVER
43 Nick Marudas (muh-ROOD-us) 6-2 218 Sr* Big Sky
PoW after ISU game, int vs NAU
24 Dan Ashley 6-1 195 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
WILL LINEBACKER
44 Epikopo King 6-1 205 So* Turned second pick into
first TD vs. ISU
37 Grant Elliott 6-0 217 Jr Questionable with back
injury
MIKE LINEBACKER
33 Mac Mollohan 6-0 205 Sr Two-time All-Big Sky
54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 Fr* Sack and FF that led to
TD vs. Weber
49 Wes Mauia (mou-EE-yah) 6-0 237 Fr* Redshirted in
2004
SAM LINEBACKER
36 Clayton Curley 6-1 195 Sr Three-time letterman
42 Clive Lowe 6-3 232 So* 5 TT, 1 PB vs NAU in
return from ankle
FIELD CORNER
22 Kahiam Hunter (KIE-am) 5-10 165 Sr* Big PB led to
INT-for-TD vs. ISU
4 Derrick Davis 5-9 175 Jr*+ Played at MSU in '02,
returns this year
FIELD SAFETY
25 Toph Grenfell 6-0 191 Sr+ Int vs. Weber set up
game-winning FG
7 Luke Holden 6-1 175 Fr* Redshirt in '04
BOUNDARY SAFETY
20 Ryan Force 6-2 207 Jr* 15 tackles vs. Weber
5 Marcosus Le Blanc 6-0 200 Jr*+ Transferred from
Boise State in late Aug.
7 Brian Williams 6-0 195 Fr Enrolled at MSU in
January '05
BOUNDARY CORNER
9 Andre Fuller 5-10 159 Fr* Picked off passes vs.
SFA, Weber
13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 So* 2004 starter, plays in
nickel situations
*-indicates player has used redshirt year, +-indicates player is a transfer
KICKOFFS: 12-Tyler Bolton PLACE KICKER: 46-Jeff Hastings
PUNTS: 14-Travis Lulay SHORT SNAPS: 57-Brant Birkeland
KICK RETURNS: 17-Tramaine Murray LONG SNAPS: 84-Brandon Bostick
PUNT RETURNS: 17-Tramaine Murray HOLDER: 16-Rick Coppack
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 12:05 pm
SITE: Bozeman, MT
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
MSU PRESS BOX: 406/994-6180
RADIO: State Farm Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Mont. Sports Network (Chris Byers, Dean Alexander)
HIGHLIGHTS
. Travis Lulay has thrown for 1,026 yards against Sac State, including a school-record 516 last year . Seven of MSU's 10 I-AA foes have spent time in the national polls . Two of MSU's three fake punts this year resulted in touchdown drives . MSU has converted 12 opponent turnovers into 62 points this year . NAU's 22 second-half points Saturday was the most vs. MSU in the second half this year
STREAKS
. The Bobcats have been nationally-ranked for all nine weeks this year . A Bobcat receiver has caught 100-yards worth of passes in four straight . MSU's 19-game streak without a kick or punt return for TD is the Mike Kramer's longest as a head coach
MILESTONES
. Travis Lulay is 10th in I-AA history in total offense, 16th in passing
SHINING
. LB Mac Mollohan, a two-time All-Big Sky choice, earned Big Sky POW honors for the first time . PK Jeff Hastings' 12 FGs is two from MSU's season record . WR Rick Gatewood has 296 receiving yards in the last two games
ABOUT THE 'CATS...
MSU in '05 5-3
Conf./Rec. Big Sky/3-1
Home/Road 4-0/1-3
Grass/Turf 5-1/0-2
Day/Night 5-0/0-3
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/'76
Overall/Yrs 67-69/12th
At MSU/Yrs 30-37/6th
vs SAC 7-2
Home/Road 4-0/3-2
SERIES MSU leads 7-6
At MSU MSU leads 4-1
At SAC SAC leads 5-3
At Neutral none
Streak SAC 1W
.ABOUT THE HORNETS...
SAC in '05 2-7
Conf./Rec. Big Sky/1-4
Home/Road 2-3/0-4
Grass/Turf 2-5/0-2
Day/Night 0-2/2-5
HEAD COACH Steve Mooshagian
Alma Mater Fresno State/'82
Overall/Yrs 7-24/3rd
At School/Yrs same
vs MSU 1-1
Home/Road 1-0/0-1
ABOUT SAC The Hornets
Colors Green, gold
Location Sacramento, CA
Enrollment 28,558
Stadium Hornet Stadium
OPPONENT '05 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S3 at Cal L 3-41
S10 at Cal Poly L 13-37
S17 at Portland State L 12-28
S24 UC Davis L 7-37
O1 Northern Arizona W 38-24
O8 Azusa Pacific W 41-19
O15 at Weber State L 14-26
O22 Idaho State L 17-27
O29 Eastern Wash. L 17-45
N5 at Montana State 12:05 pm
N12 Montana 4:05 pm
BOBCAT 2005 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S3 at Oklahoma St L 10-15 First-ever game vs. Big 12
opponent
S10 Stephen F. Austin W 42-6 Biggest home-opening win
vs I-AA foe
S17 at Cal Poly L 10-38 Bobcats have lost seven straight
to Mustangs
S24 North Dakota St W 20-17 'Cats snap five-game skein vs.
ranked teams
O1 *Idaho State W 30-28 Second straight win over ranked
opponent
O8 *at Weber State W 27-24 'Cats win fourth straight at
Weber State
O15 *at Portland State L 41-44 MSU loses on walk-off
field goal
O29 *Northern Ariz. W 29-22 MSU wins third straight against
'Jacks
N5 *Sac State 12:05 pm 'Cats look to avenge 38-28 loss
N12 *at Eastern Wash. 3:05 pm Bobcats face preseason Big Sky
faves
N19 *Montana 12:05 pm The 105th 'Cat-Griz game
What to Watch
.. Big Play Surplus... While the Bobcat offense has produced 22 big plays this season, the Bobcat defense has done a good job stopping big plays (runs of 15 yards or more, passes of 20 yards or more). Here is a look at this year's league games...
15+ Rushes (Long) 20+ Passes (Long)
NAU none 2 (36)
PSU 4 (22) 2 (63)
WEB 3 (32) 1 (42)
ISU 1 (23) 1 (24)
.. Great-wood... Rick Gatewood's performance in his last 11 games -- the equivalent of a full collegiate season -- has been historically significant. In the last six games of 2004, Gatewood averaged 9.3 catches and 141.6 yards. This year, he has averaged 9.2 catches and 116.2 yards a game. Taking those 11 games together, Gatewood has 102 catches for 1,421 yards. Gatewood isn't eligible for Big Sky or NCAA rankings after missing the first three games of 2005.
Pinpoint Punting
After becoming Montana State's punter early in 2003, Travis Lulay used a rugby-like roll punt to average 36.2 yards a punt, and pinned the opponent inside the 20 nine times. In his two seasons as MSU's full-season, full-time punter, Lulay has been consistent his terms of
distance:
1-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-89
2005 2 12 15 0 1 1
2004 6 14 19 6 4 1
Sixty-one percent (48 total) of Lulay's 76 punts in the past two seasons have traveled at least 40 yards.
Pins
Travis Lulay has become proficient at Punter Pins, or pinning the opponent inside the 20 as the result of a punt. In this year's eight games he has done so nine times in 32 attempts. He has spotted the opponent inside its own 10 five times in the last four games.
3rd Quarter Turnaround
MSU has allowed just seven points more in the eight third quarters of 2005 (44) than it did in the final three of 2004 (37).
TO Turnaround
MSU was +1 in turnovers against Idaho State, the only time in positive numbers this year.
Possession, Etc.
Northern Arizona held the ball for nearly two-thirds of Saturday's game, but taking the league season to this point as a whole that seems an aberration. In the first three conference games, MSU owned the ball for 13 seconds a game longer than the opponent (90:31 to 89:21). The Bobcat defense has had trouble getting the opposition off the field in the second half lately, forcing just two second-half punts in the last two ball games.
The Total Travis
Travis Lulay may impact a game more than any player in I-AA. He averages 58.4 yards a game rushing, 247.9 yards a game passing, and 40.0 yards per punt.
To the Paint
MSU has scored two defensive touchdowns this year, and in Pete Kwiatkowski's six seasons as Bobcat defensive coordinator has found the paint a dozen times. Aaron Papich came up six yards short of making it 13 TDs against NAU, fumbling a fumble return.
Stops
Montana State's defense made stops in 70% of the opponents' offensive possessions in the first six games, and in 80% of NAU's offensive drives. Portland State, however, scored on 58% of its offensive drives.
Picking Up the Picks
When the Bobcats transitioned from a straight man-to-man team to playing zone during the off-season, Mike Kramer said the team needs to intercept three passes a game to be effective. The 'Cats have fallen short of that goal, picking off eight passes through eight games this year, but has converted each of the possessions following the interceptions into touchdowns.
Opportunistic
Montana State's defense has forced 13 turnovers in 2005. The Bobcat D turned two of those into immediate points (Daryl Rogers' fumble recovery against Weber and Epikopo King's interception return against Idaho State), and on another fumbled the fumble return. Of the 10 offensive possessions after turnovers, MSU has scored six touchdowns and two field goals.
20 is Terrific
Montana State is 19-3 in Mike Kramer's five-plus seasons when holding the opposing offense to 20 points or fewer. The Bobcats have won six of their last seven games under those circumstances.
Quite A Difference
MSU allowed 82 points and 899 yards against Cal Poly and Portland State. In the other six games, the 'Cats allowed 18.7 points, and 325.7 yards per outing.
They're Tight
All four Bobcat TEs are in-state players, with only Brandon Bostick (Missoula Big Sky) from a large school. Starter Elliott Barnhart played at Powder River in Broadus, Nick Parker at Missoula Loyola, and Ty McDonald at Geyser.
Anti-Air Defense
Montana State continues to lead the Big Sky in pass defense (177.5), and is 31st nationally. The team is now third in the league and 25th nationally in pass efficiency defense (109.19) after NAU threw for 303 yards Saturday.
Bonus Football
MSU is 4-2 all-time in overtime games after splitting a pair of decisions last fall. Below is a look at MSU's all-time overtime encounters...
2004 44-51 Eastern Washington+
2004 31-24 Portland State+
1994 31-34 Eastern Washington++
1990 28-25 Eastern Washington+
1984 44-41 Nevada+
1982 30-27 Idaho State+
Deep Snaps
MSU has forced 30 punts this year, 13 of them in the season's first two games.
Bye Week Betterment
Mike Kramer is 1-3 at MSU and 2-4 all-time after bye weeks after the NAU win.
Long Runs
MSU has nine runs of 20 yards or more this year. Travis Lulay has eight of them.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 4-0/2nd Qtr: 4-1/3rd Qtr: 4-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 1-3/2nd Qtr: 1-2/3rd Qtr: 1-3
By the Numbers
0
The number of interceptions by MSU in its three losses this season
8
The number of interceptions in the the team's four 2005 victories
5
Offensive touchdowns scored by MSU this year not rushed or thrown by Travis Lulay
2
Touchdowns scored by Montana State's defense this season
MSU Career Records
Career Passing Yards
1. 10,100 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 8,152 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86 (7,183)
3. 6,828 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Career Attempts
1. 1,441 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 1,238 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86
3. 901 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Career Completions
1. 829 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 714 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86
3. 516 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Career Touchdown Passes
1. 60 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86
2. 56 Travis Lulay, 2002-
3. 54 Rob Compson, 1995-98
4. 28 Paul Dennehy, 1976-78
4. 28 Tyler Thomas, 2001-02
Career Total Offense
1. 11,415 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 7,730 Kelly Bradley, 1983-96
3. 6,788 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Big Sky Career Records
Career Passing Yards
1. 12,207 Jamie Martin, WSU, 89-92
2. 11,400 Travis Brown, NAU, 96-99
3. 11,080 Dave Dickenson, UM,92-95
4. 10,824 Doug Nussmeier, UI, 90-93
5. 10,277 Greg Wyatt, NAU, 86-89
6. 10,187 John Friesz, UI, 10,187
7. 10,100 Travis Lulay, MSU, '02-05
8. 9,639 Jeff Lewis, NAU, 92-95
9. 9,315 Brian Ah Yat, UM, 95-98
10. 9,300 Ken Hobart, UI, 80-83
Career Total Offense Yards
1. 12,287 Jamie Martin, WSU, 89-92
2. 12,027 Doug Nussmeier, UI, 90-93
3. 11,513 Dave Dickenson, UM,92-95
4. 11,415 Travis Lulay, MSU, 02-
5. 11,400 Travis Brown, NAU, 96-99
6. 11,126 Ken Hobart, UI, 80-83
7. 10,277 Greg Wyatt, NAU, 86-89
8. 10,187 John Friesz, UI, 10,187
9. 9,454 Marcus Brady, CSN, 98-00
10. 9,230 Brian Ah Yat, UM, 95-98
I-AA Career Records
Career Passing Yards
1. 14,496 Steve McNair, Alcorn St
2. 12,711 Willie Totten, Miss. Valley
3. 12,479 Marcus Brady, Northridge
4. 12,207 Jamie Martin, Weber State
5. 11,784 Robert Kent, Jackson St
6. 11,716 Bruce Eugene, Grambling
7. 11,550 Neil Lomax, Portland St
8. 11,400 Travis Brown, NAU
9. 11,080 Dave Dickenson, Montana
10. 10,824 Doug Nussmeier, Idaho
11. 10,697 John Friesz, Idaho
12. 10,697 Greg Wyatt, NAU
13. 10,655 Sean Payton, E. Ill.
14. 10,329 Donald Carrie, Alcorn St
15. 10,254 Niel Loebig, Duquesne
16. 10,100 Travis Lulay, Montana St
17. 9,819 Marko Glavic, Lafayette
18. 9,805 David Corley, Wm & Mary
19. 9,698 Jeff Wiley, Holy Cross
20 9,669 Phil Stambaugh, Lehigh
21. 9,655 Jeff Lewis, NAU
22. 9,611 Ted White, Howard
23. 9,548 Robbie Jutino, Liberty
24. 9,538 Chris Boden, Villanova
25. 9,371 Giovanni Carmazzi, Hofstra
26. 9,315 Brian Ah Yat, Montana
27. 9,305 Kirk Schulz, Villanova
28. 9,300 Ken Hobart, Idaho
29. 9,294 James Perry, Brown
30. 9,288 Matt DeGennaro, UConn
Career Total Offense Yards
1. 16,823 Steve McNair, Alcorn St
2. 13,095 Marcus Brady, Northridge
3. 13,007 Willie Totten, Miss Valley
4. 12,895 Bruce Eugene, Grambling
5. 12,538 Robert Kent, Jackson St
6. 12,287 Jamie Martin, Weber St
7. 12,054 Doug Nussmeier, Idaho
8. 11,647 Neil Lomax, Portland St
9. 11,523 Dave Dickenson, Montana
10. 11,415 Travis Lulay, Montana St
11. 11,267 Travis Brown, NAU
12. 11,127 Ken Hobart, Idaho
13. 10,948 David Corley, Wm & Mary
14. 10,416 Giovanni Carmazzi, Hofstra
15. 10,298 Sean Payton, E. Ill
15. 10,277 Greg Wyatt, NAU
16. 10,187 John Friesz, Idaho
17. 10,169 Marko Glavic, Lafayette
19. 10,039 Niel Loebig, Duquesne
20. 10,026 Donald Carrie, Alcorn St
21. 9,886 Michael Proctor, Murray St
22. 9,877 Jeff Wiley, Holy Cross
23. 9,769 Jeff Leewis, NAU
MSU Career Receiving
Career Receiving Yards
1. 2,070 Chip Hobbs, 1995-99
2. 1,920 Rob Tesch, 1989-92
3. 1,856 Scott Turnquist, 2000-03
4. 1,840 Eric Hopkins, 1992-95
5. 1,720 Ron Bain, 1966-68
6. 1,635 Junior Adams, 2001-02
7. 1,598 Joe Bignell, 1981-84
8. 1,576 Rick Gatewood, 2004-05
9. 1,482 Tom White, 1981-84
10. 1,452 Pat Bergman, 1985-87
Career Receptions
1. 169 Joe Bignell, 1981-84
2. 162 David Pandt, 1982-85
3. 144 Chip Hobbs, 1995-99
4. 135 Scott Turnquist, 2000-03
5. 127 Eric Hopkins, 1992-95
6. 123 Rob Tesch, 1989-92
7. 119 Tom White, 1982-85
8. 110 Rick Gatewood, 2004-05
9. 109 Ron Bain, 1966-68
10. 106 Junior Adams, 2001-02
Career Touchdown Catches
1. 21 Kelly Davis, 1983-86
2. 18 Chip Hobbs, 1995-99
3. 16 Sam McCullum, 1971-73
4. 14 Tom White, 1982-85
4. 14 Ron Bain, 1966-68
6. 13 Rick Gatewood, 2004-05
7. 12 Rob Tesch, 1989-92
8. 10 Joe Bignell, 1981-84
8. 10 Bryan Flaig, 1973-76
10. 9 five tied
MSU Kicking Records
Season Field Goals
1. 14 Jeff Muri, 1976
1. 14 Pat Bolton, 1975
1. 14 Pat Bolton, 1973
4. 13 Jeff Stevens, 1993
4. 13 Mark Carter, 1983
12 Jeff Hastings, 2005
Longest Punt
1. 85 Brad Brisbin vs. Idaho, '72
2. 81 Travis Lulay vs. ISU, '04
3. 80 Hank Urza vs. ISU, '67
4. 78 Hank Urza vs. Idaho, '66
4. 78 Hank Urza vs. Idaho, '66
6. 77 Travis Lulay vs. ISU, '05
Career Punting Average
1. 48.2 Hank Urza, 1965-67
2. 42.1 Matthew Peot, 1997-99
3. 41.6 Dirk Nelson, 1982-84
4. 41.2 Stuart Dodds, 1976-79
5. 40.9 Pat Bergman, 1987-88
6. 40.0 Travis Lulay (123-4773)
KRAMER'S QUOTES
On last week's win: "Defensively we were much improved last week from the Portland State game. That was extremely important. Northern Arizona ran a lot of plays, they held the ball for a huge portion of the game, but they didn't gouge us with big plays. They made a pretty prolonged effort to run the ball, but our rush defense showed up and their yards-per-carry averaged was what we look for. The guy that won the Big Sky MVP trophy two years ago got hot, but overall there were a lot of positives in our defensive effort."
On Sacramento State: "Regardless of who we play, it's important for us to play with the pace and passion we showed in the first half Saturday. That's the type of performance we've come to expect from ourselves. We're very mindful of what Sacramento State did to us a year ago, and I think we're anxious to absolve ourselves of that night. It's important not to give up that monster play, the kind Ryan Mole created last year on his long touchdown runs."
On the Bobcats: "For the fifth year in a row, this program enters November with a chance. Each of those teams have had different personas and different modus operendi. We may not always be aesthetically beautiful or artistically great, but we have a great opportunity in front of us. The return of Clive Lowe to the starting lineup and of Mac Mollohan to his old form buoys us as we enter Big Man Month. We need to create turnovers and make stops and present our offense with scoring opportunities. That's the kind of defense we're familiar with. I was happy that we played some limited amount of man-to-man coverage, which seemed pretty effective."
Current Montana State Two-Deep (with pro-nuns-ee-AY-shuns) Player
Notes
Offense
LEFT TACKLE
53 Peder Jensen 6-6 277 So* Started last seven games
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 307 So* Played in all 11 games
last year
LEFT GUARD
57 Brant Birkeland 6-2 271 Jr* Missed NDSU with a leg
injury
76 Jeff Hansen 6-4 255 Fr True freshman on
redshirt alert
CENTER
64 Jeff Bolton 6-4 302 Sr* Returning All-America,
moves to C
61 Jim Verlanic 6-0 249 Fr* Started vs. NDSU, NAU
RIGHT GUARD
74 Lawrence Figueroa (fig-uh-ROE-uh) 6-2 285 Sr+*
String of 16 straight starts broken (NAU)
66 Chris Smith 6-3 290 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
RIGHT TACKLE
73 Joe Hirst 6-7 292 Jr* Started all eight this
year
68 Bryan Beniger (BEN-egg-er) 6-4 276 Fr*
Redshirted in 2004
QUARTERBACK
14 Travis Lulay (LOO-lay) 6-2 205 Sr Six career
fourth-quarter comeback wins
15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 So* Played sparingly in 2004
16 Rick Coppack (COP-uck) 6-0 187 So* MSU's holder on
placements
RUNNING BACK
11 Michael Bass (like the fish, not the instrument) 5-6
190 Sr+* Returned as starter after missing 3 (knee)
28 Evin Groves 5-8 185 Fr* Made first career start
at PSU
8 Justin Domineck 5-11 206 Sr+ Rushed for 96 yards vs.
ISU
23 Jason Gathing (like gather) 6-1 208 Sr*+ Moves
from LB, got two carries vs ISU
X RECEIVER
19 Chaz Guinn (like Gwynn) 6-2 194 Sr+ Second career
100-yarder vs. NAU
81 Jevon Miller (juh-VAWN) 6-0 200 Sr+* Missed CP, NDSU
games (shoulder)
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Rick Gatewood 6-0 180 Sr*+ 296 receiving yards in
last two games
83 Mike Brown 5-9 186 Fr* First career start at
Cal Poly
Z RECEIVER
17 Tramaine Murray 5-10 180 Sr+* Has three 100-yard games
this year
6 Brandon Roosevelt 5-11 166 Jr* Had first catch
since knee surgery at CP
TIGHT END
95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 So 14 catches this
year, fifth on team
86 Nick Parker 6-4 225 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
84 Brandon Bostick (BOSS-stick) 6-4 251 Fr*
Redshirted in 2004
45 Ty McDonald 6-2 223 So* Special teams standout,
out (knee)
Defense
END
92 Daryl Rogers 6-1 275 Sr+ Recovered fumble for TD
at Weber State
97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 Fr*+ Possible
for Sac State game (leg)
96 Jason Macciola (muh-CHO-luh) 6-3 235 Jr+ JC
transfer
NOSE
94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Jr+* 10
tackles in first start (ISU), 3 at WSU
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-5 317 Fr* A dozen
tackles for redshirt freshman
TACKLE
99 Aaron Papich (like rap) 6-2 263 So* Leads DL with 33
tackles, FR vs. NAU
96 Jason Macciola (muh-CHO-luh) 6-3 235 Jr+ JC
transfer
71 Joe Rothenberger 6-3 285 Jr* JC transfer
63 Sean Neill 6-3 225 Fr* US Army veteran,
redshirted in '04
ROVER
43 Nick Marudas (muh-ROOD-us) 6-2 218 Sr* Big Sky
PoW after ISU game, int vs NAU
24 Dan Ashley 6-1 195 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
WILL LINEBACKER
44 Epikopo King 6-1 205 So* Turned second pick into
first TD vs. ISU
37 Grant Elliott 6-0 217 Jr Questionable with back
injury
MIKE LINEBACKER
33 Mac Mollohan 6-0 205 Sr Two-time All-Big Sky
54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 Fr* Sack and FF that led to
TD vs. Weber
49 Wes Mauia (mou-EE-yah) 6-0 237 Fr* Redshirted in
2004
SAM LINEBACKER
36 Clayton Curley 6-1 195 Sr Three-time letterman
42 Clive Lowe 6-3 232 So* 5 TT, 1 PB vs NAU in
return from ankle
FIELD CORNER
22 Kahiam Hunter (KIE-am) 5-10 165 Sr* Big PB led to
INT-for-TD vs. ISU
4 Derrick Davis 5-9 175 Jr*+ Played at MSU in '02,
returns this year
FIELD SAFETY
25 Toph Grenfell 6-0 191 Sr+ Int vs. Weber set up
game-winning FG
7 Luke Holden 6-1 175 Fr* Redshirt in '04
BOUNDARY SAFETY
20 Ryan Force 6-2 207 Jr* 15 tackles vs. Weber
5 Marcosus Le Blanc 6-0 200 Jr*+ Transferred from
Boise State in late Aug.
7 Brian Williams 6-0 195 Fr Enrolled at MSU in
January '05
BOUNDARY CORNER
9 Andre Fuller 5-10 159 Fr* Picked off passes vs.
SFA, Weber
13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 So* 2004 starter, plays in
nickel situations
*-indicates player has used redshirt year, +-indicates player is a transfer
KICKOFFS: 12-Tyler Bolton PLACE KICKER: 46-Jeff Hastings
PUNTS: 14-Travis Lulay SHORT SNAPS: 57-Brant Birkeland
KICK RETURNS: 17-Tramaine Murray LONG SNAPS: 84-Brandon Bostick
PUNT RETURNS: 17-Tramaine Murray HOLDER: 16-Rick Coppack
Wednesday, August 19
Wednesday, June 10
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
