Bobcat Game Notes vs. EWU
11/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Montana State faces a familiar scenario in an unfamiliar setting Saturday, as the Bobcats square off with Eastern Washington in a crucial Big Sky showdown. This is the second straight year MSU faces an Eagles team battling for the Big Sky title in its league finale. Last year, the Bobcats watched Eastern celebrate a share of the Big Sky crown in Bobcat Stadium with a 51-44 OT win, overcoming a 21-point second-half deficit. Saturday marks MSU’s first trip to Woodward Stadium on the EWU campus since 1998. The Eagles have won four straight vs. MSU in Cheney.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 3:05 pm MST/2:05 pm PST
SITE: Cheney, WA
STADIUM: Woodward 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
. Tyler Bolton’s two touchbacks last week snapped a string of four straight games without
. MSU has forced 12 punts in the last two games, one less than in the previous five games combined
. The ‘Cats had scored on the last possession of the first half in five straight games before a mis-snapped field goal try last week
. MSU has converted 15 opponent turnovers into 62 points this year
STREAKS
. The Bobcats have been nationally-ranked for all 10 weeks this year
. MSU has four straight winning seasons for the first time since ‘76-79
. Aaron Papich has recovered a fumble in two straight games
MILESTONES
. Travis Lulay is one of seven players in college football history with 10,000 career yards passing and 1,000 rushing
SHINING
. LB NICK MARUDAS, the only ‘Cat with a multi-sack game, has two
. PK Jeff Hastings’ 13 FGs is one from MSU’s season record
. C Jeff Bolton is the FB Gazette I-AA Lineman of the Week
ABOUT THE ‘CATS...
MSU in ‘05 6-3
Conf./Record Big Sky/4-1
Home/Road 5-0/1-3
Grass/Turf 6-1/0-2
Day/Night 6-0/0-3
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 68-69/12th
At MSU/Years 31-37/6th
vs EWU 2-3
Home/Road 1-2/1-1
SERIES EWU leads 19-9
At MSU EWU leads 10-6
At Cheney EWU leads 6-1
At Spokane 2-2
At Great Falls EWU leads 1-0
Current Streak EWU 2W
ABOUT THE EAGLES...
EWU in ‘05 5-4
Conf./Record Big Sky/4-2
Home/Road 2-1/3-3
Grass/Turf 3-3/2-1
Day/Night 4-3/1-1
HEAD COACH Paul Wulff
Alma Mater Washington St/’90
Overall/Years 39-27/6th
At School/Years same
vs MSU 3-2
Home/Road 1-1/2-1
ABOUT EWU The Eagles
Colors Red, white
Location Cheney, WA
Enrollment 9,775
Stadium Woodward Stadium
OPPONENT ‘05 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S3 at San Jose State L 24-35
S17 W. Oregon W 48-7
S24 at Idaho State L 30-34
O1 Portland State W 42-24
O8 at NAU W 42-14
O15 at Montana W 34-20
O22 Weber State L 23-28
O29 at Sac State W 45-17
N5 at Cal Poly L 35-40
N12 Montana State
N19 UC Davis
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 W 37-16 ‘Cats avenge last year’s loss in Sacramento
N12 *at Eastern Wash. 3:05 pm Bobcats face preseason Big Sky faves
N19 *Montana 12:05 pm The 105th ‘Cat-Griz game
Big Play Surplus
While the Bobcat offense has produced 25 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)
SAC 3 (28) none
NAU none 2 (36)
PSU 4 (22) 2 (63)
WEB 3 (32) 1 (42)
ISU 1 (23) 1 (24)
Century Rushing
Two Bobcats have accounted for MSU’s three 100-yard rushing games this year. That number is noteable because of who has accounted for those 100-yard efforts. Starting QB Travis Lulay has rushed for 100 yards, twice, and last week freshman Evin Groves became the first Bobcat RB to pass the 100-yard mark this year. Groves began the year fourth on the depth chart.
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 3 12 17 0 2 1
2004 6 14 19 6 4 1
Sixty-three percent (50 total) of Lulay’s 79 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 nine games he has done so 10 times in 35 attempts. He has spotted the opponent inside its own 10 six times in the last five games.
3rd Quarter Turnaround
MSU has allowed just four points more in the nine third quarters of 2005 (41) 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 Patterns
In the last two games, the Bobcat defense has spent a considerable amount of time on the field. NAU held the ball for 40 minutes, Sac State had possession for 36 minutes. That amounts to 76 minutes of possession for the opponent to MSU’s 44 minutes in the past two games. 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 forced just two second-half punts vs PSU and NAU.
The Total Travis
Travis Lulay may impact a game more than any player in I-AA. He averages 54.1 yards a game rushing, 246.8 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 76% of the opponents’ offensive possessions in each of the team’s eight games other than Portland State. In that contest, MSU registered stops on only 42% of PSU’s 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 nine passes through nine games this year, but has converted eight of the possessions following the interceptions into touchdowns. MSU has not intercepted a pass in its three losses.
Opportunistic
The Bobcat defense has forced 15 turnovers in 2005, turning two into immediate points (Daryl Rogers’ fumble recovery against Weber and Epikopo King’s interception return against Idaho State). On another, MSU fumbled the fumble return. Of the 12 offensive possessions after turnovers, MSU has six touchdowns and two field goals.
20 is Terrific
Montana State is 20-3 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 18.3 points, and 315.7 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 (165.3), and is 31st nationally. The team is now third in the league and 25th nationally in pass efficiency defense (105.4). Sac State threw for just 68 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 forced 13 total punts in games three through seven, 12 in games eight and nine.
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 12 runs of 20 yards or more this year. Travis Lulay has nine of them.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 5-0/2nd Qtr: 5-1/3rd Qtr: 5-0
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’s defense in its three losses this season
9
The number of interceptions in the the team’s six 2005 victories
5
Offensive touchdowns scored in the first eight games not rushed or thrown by Travis Lulay
3
Rushing touchdowns by redshirt freshman Evin Groves in Saturday’s win over Sac State
TRAVIS LULAY RECORD REPORT
MSU Career Records
Career Passing Yards
1. 10,338 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 8,152 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86 (7,183)
3. 6,828 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Career Attempts
1. 1,478 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 1,238 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86
3. 901 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Career Completions
1. 849 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. 57 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. 11,673 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. 10,338 Travis Lulay, MSU, ‘02-05
6. 10,277 Greg Wyatt, NAU, 86-89
7. 10,187 John Friesz, UI, 10,187
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. 11,673 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. 10,338 Travis Lulay, Montana St
15. 10,329 Donald Carrie, Alcorn St
16. 10,254 Niel Loebig, Duquesne
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. 11,673 Travis Lulay, Montana St
9. 11,647 Neil Lomax, Portland St
10. 11,523 Dave Dickenson, Montana
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 Lewis, NAU
KRAMER’S QUOTES
On last week’s win: “We played ferocious and determined against Sacramento State. That may be the most determined game we’ve played here in quite a while. In my history here the Portland State game in 2002 was the most determined we played, and this game ranks close to it. We ran the ball effectively, and that’s important. We will not become a running team this year, that’s not who we are, but we will be that in the future, and it was fun to see a glimpse of that future. Defensively we played a solid game. That’s the best way to describe how we played the entire day on both sides of the ball, solid.”
On Eastern Washington: “Eastern Washington is an outstanding football team, and I expect to face an onslaught. This game should be just like last year, it should go down to the last seconds, the last play. Erik Meyer is a tremendous, tremendous player. He is so dangerous in the pocket, but he’s even more dangerous outside the pocket on the run. Eric Kimble is a major weapon, a very dangerous player. They have a very young defensive line and a nice return game. Joey Cwik is an excellent linebacker with good speed. We need a solid, consistent effort all day. We don’t want to ride the surfboard of ups and downs, we need to play steady football.”
On the Bobcats: “We’re turning the corner defensively because we’re putting our speed on display. Nick (Marudas), Epikopo (King), Mac (Mollohan), and Clive (Lowe) really give us that element. Attitude-wise we’re squared away. One of the major positives out of last week’s game is that Travis Lulay didn’t have to shoulder the load and carry us to another win late in the game. He was able to manage the victory, which is important because we can see what is on the horizon. Kahiam Hunter is playing as well as any corner in the league, and Kory Austin is making strides. Getting our speed players on the outside changes the face of our defense as we head into the final two games.”
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 eight 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 nine 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 28 Evin Groves 5-8 185 Fr* First 100-yard game vs. Sac State
11 Michael Bass (like the fish, not the instrument) 5-6 190 Sr+* Questionable vs. EWU (knee)
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*+ 373 receiving yards in last three games
83 Mike Brown 5-9 186 Fr* First career start at Cal Poly
Z RECEIVER 17 Tramaine Murray 5-10 180 Sr+* Three 100-yard games, questionable vs. EW
6 Brandon Roosevelt 5-11 166 Jr* Had first catch since knee surgery at CP
TIGHT END 95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 So 16 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 97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 Fr*+ Probable for Eastern Wash. (leg)
92 Daryl Rogers 6-1 275 Sr+ Recovered fumble for TD at Weber State
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* Recovered fumble in two straight
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 (epp-ee-COE-poe) 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 42 Clive Lowe 6-3 232 So* 5 TT, 1 PB vs NAU in return from ankle
36 Clayton Curley 6-1 195 Sr Three-time letterman
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 13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 So* 2004 starter, plays in nickel situations
9 Andre Fuller 5-10 159 Fr* Picked off passes vs. SFA, Weber
*-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: 3:05 pm MST/2:05 pm PST
SITE: Cheney, WA
STADIUM: Woodward 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
. Tyler Bolton’s two touchbacks last week snapped a string of four straight games without
. MSU has forced 12 punts in the last two games, one less than in the previous five games combined
. The ‘Cats had scored on the last possession of the first half in five straight games before a mis-snapped field goal try last week
. MSU has converted 15 opponent turnovers into 62 points this year
STREAKS
. The Bobcats have been nationally-ranked for all 10 weeks this year
. MSU has four straight winning seasons for the first time since ‘76-79
. Aaron Papich has recovered a fumble in two straight games
MILESTONES
. Travis Lulay is one of seven players in college football history with 10,000 career yards passing and 1,000 rushing
SHINING
. LB NICK MARUDAS, the only ‘Cat with a multi-sack game, has two
. PK Jeff Hastings’ 13 FGs is one from MSU’s season record
. C Jeff Bolton is the FB Gazette I-AA Lineman of the Week
ABOUT THE ‘CATS...
MSU in ‘05 6-3
Conf./Record Big Sky/4-1
Home/Road 5-0/1-3
Grass/Turf 6-1/0-2
Day/Night 6-0/0-3
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 68-69/12th
At MSU/Years 31-37/6th
vs EWU 2-3
Home/Road 1-2/1-1
SERIES EWU leads 19-9
At MSU EWU leads 10-6
At Cheney EWU leads 6-1
At Spokane 2-2
At Great Falls EWU leads 1-0
Current Streak EWU 2W
ABOUT THE EAGLES...
EWU in ‘05 5-4
Conf./Record Big Sky/4-2
Home/Road 2-1/3-3
Grass/Turf 3-3/2-1
Day/Night 4-3/1-1
HEAD COACH Paul Wulff
Alma Mater Washington St/’90
Overall/Years 39-27/6th
At School/Years same
vs MSU 3-2
Home/Road 1-1/2-1
ABOUT EWU The Eagles
Colors Red, white
Location Cheney, WA
Enrollment 9,775
Stadium Woodward Stadium
OPPONENT ‘05 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S3 at San Jose State L 24-35
S17 W. Oregon W 48-7
S24 at Idaho State L 30-34
O1 Portland State W 42-24
O8 at NAU W 42-14
O15 at Montana W 34-20
O22 Weber State L 23-28
O29 at Sac State W 45-17
N5 at Cal Poly L 35-40
N12 Montana State
N19 UC Davis
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 W 37-16 ‘Cats avenge last year’s loss in Sacramento
N12 *at Eastern Wash. 3:05 pm Bobcats face preseason Big Sky faves
N19 *Montana 12:05 pm The 105th ‘Cat-Griz game
Big Play Surplus
While the Bobcat offense has produced 25 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)
SAC 3 (28) none
NAU none 2 (36)
PSU 4 (22) 2 (63)
WEB 3 (32) 1 (42)
ISU 1 (23) 1 (24)
Century Rushing
Two Bobcats have accounted for MSU’s three 100-yard rushing games this year. That number is noteable because of who has accounted for those 100-yard efforts. Starting QB Travis Lulay has rushed for 100 yards, twice, and last week freshman Evin Groves became the first Bobcat RB to pass the 100-yard mark this year. Groves began the year fourth on the depth chart.
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 3 12 17 0 2 1
2004 6 14 19 6 4 1
Sixty-three percent (50 total) of Lulay’s 79 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 nine games he has done so 10 times in 35 attempts. He has spotted the opponent inside its own 10 six times in the last five games.
3rd Quarter Turnaround
MSU has allowed just four points more in the nine third quarters of 2005 (41) 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 Patterns
In the last two games, the Bobcat defense has spent a considerable amount of time on the field. NAU held the ball for 40 minutes, Sac State had possession for 36 minutes. That amounts to 76 minutes of possession for the opponent to MSU’s 44 minutes in the past two games. 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 forced just two second-half punts vs PSU and NAU.
The Total Travis
Travis Lulay may impact a game more than any player in I-AA. He averages 54.1 yards a game rushing, 246.8 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 76% of the opponents’ offensive possessions in each of the team’s eight games other than Portland State. In that contest, MSU registered stops on only 42% of PSU’s 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 nine passes through nine games this year, but has converted eight of the possessions following the interceptions into touchdowns. MSU has not intercepted a pass in its three losses.
Opportunistic
The Bobcat defense has forced 15 turnovers in 2005, turning two into immediate points (Daryl Rogers’ fumble recovery against Weber and Epikopo King’s interception return against Idaho State). On another, MSU fumbled the fumble return. Of the 12 offensive possessions after turnovers, MSU has six touchdowns and two field goals.
20 is Terrific
Montana State is 20-3 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 18.3 points, and 315.7 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 (165.3), and is 31st nationally. The team is now third in the league and 25th nationally in pass efficiency defense (105.4). Sac State threw for just 68 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 forced 13 total punts in games three through seven, 12 in games eight and nine.
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 12 runs of 20 yards or more this year. Travis Lulay has nine of them.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 5-0/2nd Qtr: 5-1/3rd Qtr: 5-0
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’s defense in its three losses this season
9
The number of interceptions in the the team’s six 2005 victories
5
Offensive touchdowns scored in the first eight games not rushed or thrown by Travis Lulay
3
Rushing touchdowns by redshirt freshman Evin Groves in Saturday’s win over Sac State
TRAVIS LULAY RECORD REPORT
MSU Career Records
Career Passing Yards
1. 10,338 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 8,152 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86 (7,183)
3. 6,828 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Career Attempts
1. 1,478 Travis Lulay, 2002-
2. 1,238 Kelly Bradley, 1983-86
3. 901 Rob Compson, 1995-98
Career Completions
1. 849 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. 57 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. 11,673 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. 10,338 Travis Lulay, MSU, ‘02-05
6. 10,277 Greg Wyatt, NAU, 86-89
7. 10,187 John Friesz, UI, 10,187
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. 11,673 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. 10,338 Travis Lulay, Montana St
15. 10,329 Donald Carrie, Alcorn St
16. 10,254 Niel Loebig, Duquesne
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. 11,673 Travis Lulay, Montana St
9. 11,647 Neil Lomax, Portland St
10. 11,523 Dave Dickenson, Montana
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 Lewis, NAU
KRAMER’S QUOTES
On last week’s win: “We played ferocious and determined against Sacramento State. That may be the most determined game we’ve played here in quite a while. In my history here the Portland State game in 2002 was the most determined we played, and this game ranks close to it. We ran the ball effectively, and that’s important. We will not become a running team this year, that’s not who we are, but we will be that in the future, and it was fun to see a glimpse of that future. Defensively we played a solid game. That’s the best way to describe how we played the entire day on both sides of the ball, solid.”
On Eastern Washington: “Eastern Washington is an outstanding football team, and I expect to face an onslaught. This game should be just like last year, it should go down to the last seconds, the last play. Erik Meyer is a tremendous, tremendous player. He is so dangerous in the pocket, but he’s even more dangerous outside the pocket on the run. Eric Kimble is a major weapon, a very dangerous player. They have a very young defensive line and a nice return game. Joey Cwik is an excellent linebacker with good speed. We need a solid, consistent effort all day. We don’t want to ride the surfboard of ups and downs, we need to play steady football.”
On the Bobcats: “We’re turning the corner defensively because we’re putting our speed on display. Nick (Marudas), Epikopo (King), Mac (Mollohan), and Clive (Lowe) really give us that element. Attitude-wise we’re squared away. One of the major positives out of last week’s game is that Travis Lulay didn’t have to shoulder the load and carry us to another win late in the game. He was able to manage the victory, which is important because we can see what is on the horizon. Kahiam Hunter is playing as well as any corner in the league, and Kory Austin is making strides. Getting our speed players on the outside changes the face of our defense as we head into the final two games.”
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 eight 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 nine 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 28 Evin Groves 5-8 185 Fr* First 100-yard game vs. Sac State
11 Michael Bass (like the fish, not the instrument) 5-6 190 Sr+* Questionable vs. EWU (knee)
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*+ 373 receiving yards in last three games
83 Mike Brown 5-9 186 Fr* First career start at Cal Poly
Z RECEIVER 17 Tramaine Murray 5-10 180 Sr+* Three 100-yard games, questionable vs. EW
6 Brandon Roosevelt 5-11 166 Jr* Had first catch since knee surgery at CP
TIGHT END 95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 So 16 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 97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 Fr*+ Probable for Eastern Wash. (leg)
92 Daryl Rogers 6-1 275 Sr+ Recovered fumble for TD at Weber State
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* Recovered fumble in two straight
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 (epp-ee-COE-poe) 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 42 Clive Lowe 6-3 232 So* 5 TT, 1 PB vs NAU in return from ankle
36 Clayton Curley 6-1 195 Sr Three-time letterman
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 13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 So* 2004 starter, plays in nickel situations
9 Andre Fuller 5-10 159 Fr* Picked off passes vs. SFA, Weber
*-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
WBB - Montana State vs Portland - Behind the Mic
Friday, March 27
2025 Code of a Champion
Monday, March 23
Spring Football Preview Press Conference
Friday, March 13
WBB - #2 Montana State vs #1 Idaho - Behind the Mic
Thursday, March 12
