MSU Game Notes vs. Idaho State
9/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Fresh off an impressive 20-17 win over nationally-ranked North Dakota State, the task gets no easier Saturday for the 2-2 Bobcats. Idaho State, after upending previously fifth-ranked Eastern Washington in each team’s league opener, arrives looking to spoil Montana State’s Homecoming for the second time in three years. The Bengals have beefed up their ground game, rushing for 187.5 yards a game, almost 120 yards per game more than last season, with Ken Cornist gaining 94.5 an outing. MSU plays a nationally-ranked foe this week for the third time this season.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 1:35 pm MDT
SITE: Bozeman, MT
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
MSU PRESS BOX: 406/994-6180
RADIO: State Farm Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Altitude (Mitch Hyder, Irv Brown)
HIGHLIGHTS
l MSU’s non-conference foes -- all Division I schools -- are 12-3 in ‘05
l Travis Lulay is 13-4 as MSU’s starting quarterback in Bobcat Stadium, but one of those losses is to Idaho State (10/11/03)
STREAKS
l MSU opens league play against Idaho State for the fourth straight year
l MSU’s five-game losing streak to nationally-ranked foes ended with Saturday’s win over NDSU
l Montana State has back-to-back sellouts in the same season for the first time in school history
MILESTONES
l Travis Lulay moved into 20th place in I-AA history in total offense last week, and broke MSU’s career completions record
l Travis Lulay’s 20th win as MSU’s starting quarterback vaulted him into a second-place tie on the MSU list with Dennis Erickson
SHINING
l QB Travis Lulay led his fifth successful fourth-quarter comeback last week
l LB Nick Marudas had a career-high 11 tackles
l WR Rick Gatewood caught nine balls in his ‘05 debut
ABOUT THE ‘CATS...
MSU in ‘05 2-2
Conf./Record Big Sky/0-0
Home/Road 2-0/0-2
Grass/Turf 2-1/0-1
Day/Night 2-0/0-2
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 64-68/12th
At MSU/Years 27-36/6th
vs ISU 6-5
Home/Road 3-2/3-3
SERIES MSU leads 38-30-3
At MSU MSU leads 24-9-1
At ISU ISU leads 21-14-2
At Neutral none
Current Streak MSU 1W
ABOUT THE BENGALS...
ISU in ‘05 3-1
Conf./Record Big Sky/1-0
Home/Road 3-0/0-1
Grass/Turf 0-1/3-0
Day/Night 1-1/2-0
HEAD COACH Larry Lewis
Alma Mater Boise State/’81
Overall/Years 36-35/7th
At School/Years same
vs MSU 4-2
Home/Road 3-1/1-1
ABOUT ISU The Bengals
Colors Black, orange
Location Pocatello, ID
Enrollment 13,263
Stadium Holt Arena
OPPONENT ‘05 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S1 Southern Utah W 38-13
S10 at Kentucky L 29-41
S17 UM-Western W 37-0
S24 *Eastern Wash. W 34-30
O1 *at Montana State 1:35 pm
O8 *Montana 1:35 pm
O22 *at Sac State 7:05 pm
O29 *at Weber State 1:05 pm
N5 *Portland State 3:05 pm
N12 *at NAU 3:05 pm
N19 at Cal Poly TBA
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 1:35 pm MSU, oldest out-of-state rivals open league
O8 *at Weber State 1:35 pm Ron McBride leads rejuvenated Wildcats
O15 *at Portland State 7:05 pm PSU boasted league’s top D in ‘04
O29 *NAU 12:05 pm MSU’s first two-game streak vs. NAU since ‘79
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
F Grounded... Montana State has faced four squads intent on running the ball in 2005, with Idaho State’s rejuvenated ground game on the immediate horizon. Here is a look at MSU’s success in stopping opposing ground games...
Rushes Net Yards Yds/Rush Result
at OSU 41 244 6.0 L, 10-15
SFA 34 106 3.1 W, 42-6
at CP 47 237 5.0 L, 10-38
NDSU 44 135 3.1 W, 20-17
F Gallopin’ Gatewood and Terrific Tramaine... Rick Gatewood returned to the lineup last week, joining Tramaine Murray as one of the top big-play receiving tandems in I-AA. While Gatewood’s return may bode ill for each individual’s stats, it benefits the team’s offensive production.
Rec/Game Yds/Game
Murray, gms 1-3 5.3 95.0
Murray/Gatewood 13 155
Each Individual 6.5 77.5
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 70-79
2005 0 12 6 0 0 0
2004 6 14 19 6 4 1
Sixty percent (37 total) of Lulay’s 62 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 four games, he has done so four times in 18 attempts, although he has none in the last two games. Last season, Lulay nailed the opponent inside its own 20 a dozen times on 50 punts.
3rd Quarter Turnaround
MSU surrendered 34 points in the final three third quarters of 2004, but has given up 20 points in this year’s third quarters.
TO Turnaround
After facing three straight foes positive in turnover margin, the Bobcats face an ISU squad even (nine gives, nine takes) in TOs.
Not So Special
The 2004 season marked only the second time in Mike Kramer’s career as a head coach at any level that his teams didn’t return at least one punt or kickoff for a touchdown. The other season was 2000. From 2001-03, MSU returned 11 punts or kickoffs to the paint.
The Young Ones
Montana State entered 2005 with a new defensive alignment, but also with new personnel filling out the odd-man front. The Bobcats typically start two freshmen (Louis Saucedo at nose and Chris Kolone at end), and a sophomore (Aaron Papich at tackle). Junior David Siataga also plays the nose, while senior Daryl Rogers is in the rotation at tackle and end.
The Total Travis
Travis Lulay may impact any single game more than any player in college football. He averages 40.0 yards a game rushing, 202.5 yards a game passing, and 38.9 yards per punt.
Short Gains
MSU has allowed 3.1 yards a rush in each of its two wins, 5.0 and 6.0 in the losses.
To the Paint
Travis Lulay has thrown three interceptions for TDs in his career, including one each in the last two Cal Poly games.
Neighborly
Montana State’s matchup Saturday against Idaho State marks the 59th consecutive season the Bengals and Bobcats have met on the gridiron. ISU joined the ‘Cats in the Rocky Mountain Conference after WWII, continued to play MSU when the Bobcats played as an independent in the late ‘50s, and became charter members of the Big Sky along with MSU in 1963. MSU is 33-28 in the series since 1947.
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.
10 is Not Enough
The ‘Cats have scored only 10 points in two of this year’s four games. In Mike Kramer’s tenure, the Bobcats are only 3-22 when scoring 19 points or less.
A Kick
Of Tyler Bolton’s 19 kickoffs in 2005, eight have been touchbacks. Four more resulted in drives that began inside the 20. MSU leads the league in kick coverage.
Quite A Difference
MSU allowed 38 points and 417 yards against Cal Poly. In the other three games, the ‘Cats allowed a total of 38 points, and 297.7 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
Four games into 2005, Montana State’s team statistics have a familiar look. The Bobcats allow 327.5 yards a game, fourth in the Big Sky, and surrender just 147.0 passing yards a game, the best mark in the Big Sky. Opposing quarterbacks operate at an efficiency rate of just 87.3, the best mark in the Big Sky and eighth-best in the nation. The credit goes to MSU’s revamped defensive look, a 3-4 zone pressure scheme, a revitalized secondary, and a big, young front line.
Bonus Football
When the ‘Cats split a pair of overtime decisions last fall, it marked the first time Mike Kramer’s Bobcats had played extra football. 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 only five punts in the last two weeks.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 2-0/2nd Qtr: 2-1/3rd Qtr: 2-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-2/2nd Qtr: 0-1/3rd Qtr: 0-2
KRAMER’S QUOTES
On the North Dakota State game: “We tackled. I won’t say we tackled well, but we tackled, and that’s an improvement over the Cal Poly game, when we didn’t really tackle at all. The attitude was much more characteristic of this program, much more together. We played very, very calm on offense throughout the day, and that allowed us to make a pretty impressive drive to win the game. We executed in a lot of facets in that game in ways in which we were incapable of functioning last week. The players did a nice job taking a week of coaching, then they applied it during the game. It was never about North Dakota State, where they were ranked, how good they are. It was always about ourselves. We needed to absolve ourselves of the Cal Poly effort, and to a degree we did that.”
On Idaho State: “I was very impressed with their effort against Kentucky, and with their effort against Eastern Washington. They have immensely improved their ability to run the football, which really balances their offense. They will bring a very mentally strong football team to our Homecoming game. We need to improve our third-down efficiency on defense.”
On the Bobcats: Defensive injuries -- “We feel pretty strong about the quality of our depth. We continue to run our defensive scheme and when we lose a player we’ll put the next one in and expect him to perform at the same level. We understand that the recognition factor may not be as fast as with more experienced players, but the reserves play just as well.” The team’s comeback ability -- “It’s never the fourth quarter for us, it’s just another opportunity for our offense. Travis (Lulay) is a fast learner, and he never forgets. By the time the fourth quarter rolls around a defense has shown nearly everything it will show, and when that is the case Travis is very effective.” Rick Gatewood’s return -- “The two primary reasons for our improved play was better tackling and our performance at wide receiver. That goes hand-in-hand with Travis’ ability to lead us down the field, which goes hand-in-hand with having Rick back.”
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 three games
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 307 So* Played in all 11 games last year
LEFT GUARD 64 Jeff Bolton 6-4 302 Sr* Returning All-America, Preseason A-A
76 Jeff Hansen 6-4 255 Fr True freshman on redshirt alert
CENTER 61 Jim Verlanic 6-0 249 Fr* First career start vs. MSU
57 Brant Birkeland 6-2 271 Jr* Questionable after missing NDSU
RIGHT GUARD 74 Lawrence Figueroa (fig-uh-ROE-uh) 6-2 285 Sr+* 14 straight starts
66 Chris Smith 6-3 290 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
RIGHT TACKLE 73 Joe Hirst 6-7 292 Jr* Started all four 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 Five 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 pass) 5-6 190 Sr*+ MSU’s leading rusher (220 yards)
8 Justin Domineck 5-11 206 Sr+ Scored game-winner vs. NDSU
28 Evin Groves 5-8 185 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
X RECEIVER 19 Chaz Guinn (like Gwynn) 6-2 194 Sr+ 19 catches, second on team
81 Jevon Miller (juh-VAWN) 6-0 200 Sr+* Probable after missing Cal Poly(shoulder)
SLOT RECEIVER 1 Rick Gatewood 6-0 180 Sr*+ Nine catches in ‘05 debut vs NDSU
83 Mike Brown 5-9 186 Fr* First career start at Cal Poly
Z RECEIVER 17 Tramaine Murray 5-10 180 Sr+* Leads team with 285 receiving yards
6 Brandon Roosevelt 5-11 166 Jr* Had first catch since knee surger at CP
TIGHT END 95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 So Six catches, fourth 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
Defense
END 92 Daryl Rogers 6-1 275 Sr+ Four tackles vs. NDSU
96 Jason Macciola (muh-CHO-luh) 6-3 235 Jr+ JC transfer
97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 Fr*+ Doubtful for ISU (leg)
NOSE 94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Jr+* Made first start vs. NDSU
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-5 317 Fr* Seven tackles for redshirt freshman
TACKLE 99 Aaron Papich (like rap) 6-2 263 So* Leads DL with 17 tackles
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* Career-high 11 tackles vs. NDSU
23 Jason Gathing (like gather) 6-1 208 Sr*+ Special teams ‘soldier’
24 Dan Ashley 6-1 195 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
WILL LINEBACKER 44 Epikopo King (epp-ee-COE-poe) 6-1 205 So* Has a pass breakup in three straight
37 Grant Elliott 6-0 217 Jr Questionable with back injury
MIKE LINEBACKER 54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 Fr* Got pick in first start vs. NDSU
33 Mac Mollohan 6-0 205 Sr Two-time All-Big Sky, doubtful (hip)
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* Doubtful vs ISU (ankle)
FIELD CORNER 22 Kahiam Hunter (KIE-am) 5-10 165 Sr* Redshirted in ‘04
4 Derrick Davis 5-9 175 Jr*+ Played at MSU in ‘02, returns this year
18 Eddie Smith 5-9 200 So*+ Has not yet played (hamstring)
FIELD SAFETY 25 Toph Grenfell 6-0 191 Sr+ Leads team with 27 tackles
7 Luke Holden 6-1 175 Fr* Redshirt in ‘04
BOUNDARY SAFETY 20 Ryan Force 6-2 207 Jr* Team-high two sacks
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* One sack, one pick, one caused fumble
13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 So* 2004 starter
*-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: 11-Michael Bass HOLDER: 16-Rick Coppack
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 1:35 pm MDT
SITE: Bozeman, MT
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
MSU PRESS BOX: 406/994-6180
RADIO: State Farm Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Altitude (Mitch Hyder, Irv Brown)
HIGHLIGHTS
l MSU’s non-conference foes -- all Division I schools -- are 12-3 in ‘05
l Travis Lulay is 13-4 as MSU’s starting quarterback in Bobcat Stadium, but one of those losses is to Idaho State (10/11/03)
STREAKS
l MSU opens league play against Idaho State for the fourth straight year
l MSU’s five-game losing streak to nationally-ranked foes ended with Saturday’s win over NDSU
l Montana State has back-to-back sellouts in the same season for the first time in school history
MILESTONES
l Travis Lulay moved into 20th place in I-AA history in total offense last week, and broke MSU’s career completions record
l Travis Lulay’s 20th win as MSU’s starting quarterback vaulted him into a second-place tie on the MSU list with Dennis Erickson
SHINING
l QB Travis Lulay led his fifth successful fourth-quarter comeback last week
l LB Nick Marudas had a career-high 11 tackles
l WR Rick Gatewood caught nine balls in his ‘05 debut
ABOUT THE ‘CATS...
MSU in ‘05 2-2
Conf./Record Big Sky/0-0
Home/Road 2-0/0-2
Grass/Turf 2-1/0-1
Day/Night 2-0/0-2
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 64-68/12th
At MSU/Years 27-36/6th
vs ISU 6-5
Home/Road 3-2/3-3
SERIES MSU leads 38-30-3
At MSU MSU leads 24-9-1
At ISU ISU leads 21-14-2
At Neutral none
Current Streak MSU 1W
ABOUT THE BENGALS...
ISU in ‘05 3-1
Conf./Record Big Sky/1-0
Home/Road 3-0/0-1
Grass/Turf 0-1/3-0
Day/Night 1-1/2-0
HEAD COACH Larry Lewis
Alma Mater Boise State/’81
Overall/Years 36-35/7th
At School/Years same
vs MSU 4-2
Home/Road 3-1/1-1
ABOUT ISU The Bengals
Colors Black, orange
Location Pocatello, ID
Enrollment 13,263
Stadium Holt Arena
OPPONENT ‘05 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S1 Southern Utah W 38-13
S10 at Kentucky L 29-41
S17 UM-Western W 37-0
S24 *Eastern Wash. W 34-30
O1 *at Montana State 1:35 pm
O8 *Montana 1:35 pm
O22 *at Sac State 7:05 pm
O29 *at Weber State 1:05 pm
N5 *Portland State 3:05 pm
N12 *at NAU 3:05 pm
N19 at Cal Poly TBA
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 1:35 pm MSU, oldest out-of-state rivals open league
O8 *at Weber State 1:35 pm Ron McBride leads rejuvenated Wildcats
O15 *at Portland State 7:05 pm PSU boasted league’s top D in ‘04
O29 *NAU 12:05 pm MSU’s first two-game streak vs. NAU since ‘79
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
F Grounded... Montana State has faced four squads intent on running the ball in 2005, with Idaho State’s rejuvenated ground game on the immediate horizon. Here is a look at MSU’s success in stopping opposing ground games...
Rushes Net Yards Yds/Rush Result
at OSU 41 244 6.0 L, 10-15
SFA 34 106 3.1 W, 42-6
at CP 47 237 5.0 L, 10-38
NDSU 44 135 3.1 W, 20-17
F Gallopin’ Gatewood and Terrific Tramaine... Rick Gatewood returned to the lineup last week, joining Tramaine Murray as one of the top big-play receiving tandems in I-AA. While Gatewood’s return may bode ill for each individual’s stats, it benefits the team’s offensive production.
Rec/Game Yds/Game
Murray, gms 1-3 5.3 95.0
Murray/Gatewood 13 155
Each Individual 6.5 77.5
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 70-79
2005 0 12 6 0 0 0
2004 6 14 19 6 4 1
Sixty percent (37 total) of Lulay’s 62 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 four games, he has done so four times in 18 attempts, although he has none in the last two games. Last season, Lulay nailed the opponent inside its own 20 a dozen times on 50 punts.
3rd Quarter Turnaround
MSU surrendered 34 points in the final three third quarters of 2004, but has given up 20 points in this year’s third quarters.
TO Turnaround
After facing three straight foes positive in turnover margin, the Bobcats face an ISU squad even (nine gives, nine takes) in TOs.
Not So Special
The 2004 season marked only the second time in Mike Kramer’s career as a head coach at any level that his teams didn’t return at least one punt or kickoff for a touchdown. The other season was 2000. From 2001-03, MSU returned 11 punts or kickoffs to the paint.
The Young Ones
Montana State entered 2005 with a new defensive alignment, but also with new personnel filling out the odd-man front. The Bobcats typically start two freshmen (Louis Saucedo at nose and Chris Kolone at end), and a sophomore (Aaron Papich at tackle). Junior David Siataga also plays the nose, while senior Daryl Rogers is in the rotation at tackle and end.
The Total Travis
Travis Lulay may impact any single game more than any player in college football. He averages 40.0 yards a game rushing, 202.5 yards a game passing, and 38.9 yards per punt.
Short Gains
MSU has allowed 3.1 yards a rush in each of its two wins, 5.0 and 6.0 in the losses.
To the Paint
Travis Lulay has thrown three interceptions for TDs in his career, including one each in the last two Cal Poly games.
Neighborly
Montana State’s matchup Saturday against Idaho State marks the 59th consecutive season the Bengals and Bobcats have met on the gridiron. ISU joined the ‘Cats in the Rocky Mountain Conference after WWII, continued to play MSU when the Bobcats played as an independent in the late ‘50s, and became charter members of the Big Sky along with MSU in 1963. MSU is 33-28 in the series since 1947.
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.
10 is Not Enough
The ‘Cats have scored only 10 points in two of this year’s four games. In Mike Kramer’s tenure, the Bobcats are only 3-22 when scoring 19 points or less.
A Kick
Of Tyler Bolton’s 19 kickoffs in 2005, eight have been touchbacks. Four more resulted in drives that began inside the 20. MSU leads the league in kick coverage.
Quite A Difference
MSU allowed 38 points and 417 yards against Cal Poly. In the other three games, the ‘Cats allowed a total of 38 points, and 297.7 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
Four games into 2005, Montana State’s team statistics have a familiar look. The Bobcats allow 327.5 yards a game, fourth in the Big Sky, and surrender just 147.0 passing yards a game, the best mark in the Big Sky. Opposing quarterbacks operate at an efficiency rate of just 87.3, the best mark in the Big Sky and eighth-best in the nation. The credit goes to MSU’s revamped defensive look, a 3-4 zone pressure scheme, a revitalized secondary, and a big, young front line.
Bonus Football
When the ‘Cats split a pair of overtime decisions last fall, it marked the first time Mike Kramer’s Bobcats had played extra football. 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 only five punts in the last two weeks.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 2-0/2nd Qtr: 2-1/3rd Qtr: 2-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-2/2nd Qtr: 0-1/3rd Qtr: 0-2
KRAMER’S QUOTES
On the North Dakota State game: “We tackled. I won’t say we tackled well, but we tackled, and that’s an improvement over the Cal Poly game, when we didn’t really tackle at all. The attitude was much more characteristic of this program, much more together. We played very, very calm on offense throughout the day, and that allowed us to make a pretty impressive drive to win the game. We executed in a lot of facets in that game in ways in which we were incapable of functioning last week. The players did a nice job taking a week of coaching, then they applied it during the game. It was never about North Dakota State, where they were ranked, how good they are. It was always about ourselves. We needed to absolve ourselves of the Cal Poly effort, and to a degree we did that.”
On Idaho State: “I was very impressed with their effort against Kentucky, and with their effort against Eastern Washington. They have immensely improved their ability to run the football, which really balances their offense. They will bring a very mentally strong football team to our Homecoming game. We need to improve our third-down efficiency on defense.”
On the Bobcats: Defensive injuries -- “We feel pretty strong about the quality of our depth. We continue to run our defensive scheme and when we lose a player we’ll put the next one in and expect him to perform at the same level. We understand that the recognition factor may not be as fast as with more experienced players, but the reserves play just as well.” The team’s comeback ability -- “It’s never the fourth quarter for us, it’s just another opportunity for our offense. Travis (Lulay) is a fast learner, and he never forgets. By the time the fourth quarter rolls around a defense has shown nearly everything it will show, and when that is the case Travis is very effective.” Rick Gatewood’s return -- “The two primary reasons for our improved play was better tackling and our performance at wide receiver. That goes hand-in-hand with Travis’ ability to lead us down the field, which goes hand-in-hand with having Rick back.”
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 three games
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 307 So* Played in all 11 games last year
LEFT GUARD 64 Jeff Bolton 6-4 302 Sr* Returning All-America, Preseason A-A
76 Jeff Hansen 6-4 255 Fr True freshman on redshirt alert
CENTER 61 Jim Verlanic 6-0 249 Fr* First career start vs. MSU
57 Brant Birkeland 6-2 271 Jr* Questionable after missing NDSU
RIGHT GUARD 74 Lawrence Figueroa (fig-uh-ROE-uh) 6-2 285 Sr+* 14 straight starts
66 Chris Smith 6-3 290 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
RIGHT TACKLE 73 Joe Hirst 6-7 292 Jr* Started all four 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 Five 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 pass) 5-6 190 Sr*+ MSU’s leading rusher (220 yards)
8 Justin Domineck 5-11 206 Sr+ Scored game-winner vs. NDSU
28 Evin Groves 5-8 185 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
X RECEIVER 19 Chaz Guinn (like Gwynn) 6-2 194 Sr+ 19 catches, second on team
81 Jevon Miller (juh-VAWN) 6-0 200 Sr+* Probable after missing Cal Poly(shoulder)
SLOT RECEIVER 1 Rick Gatewood 6-0 180 Sr*+ Nine catches in ‘05 debut vs NDSU
83 Mike Brown 5-9 186 Fr* First career start at Cal Poly
Z RECEIVER 17 Tramaine Murray 5-10 180 Sr+* Leads team with 285 receiving yards
6 Brandon Roosevelt 5-11 166 Jr* Had first catch since knee surger at CP
TIGHT END 95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 So Six catches, fourth 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
Defense
END 92 Daryl Rogers 6-1 275 Sr+ Four tackles vs. NDSU
96 Jason Macciola (muh-CHO-luh) 6-3 235 Jr+ JC transfer
97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 Fr*+ Doubtful for ISU (leg)
NOSE 94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Jr+* Made first start vs. NDSU
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-5 317 Fr* Seven tackles for redshirt freshman
TACKLE 99 Aaron Papich (like rap) 6-2 263 So* Leads DL with 17 tackles
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* Career-high 11 tackles vs. NDSU
23 Jason Gathing (like gather) 6-1 208 Sr*+ Special teams ‘soldier’
24 Dan Ashley 6-1 195 Fr* Redshirted in 2004
WILL LINEBACKER 44 Epikopo King (epp-ee-COE-poe) 6-1 205 So* Has a pass breakup in three straight
37 Grant Elliott 6-0 217 Jr Questionable with back injury
MIKE LINEBACKER 54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 Fr* Got pick in first start vs. NDSU
33 Mac Mollohan 6-0 205 Sr Two-time All-Big Sky, doubtful (hip)
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* Doubtful vs ISU (ankle)
FIELD CORNER 22 Kahiam Hunter (KIE-am) 5-10 165 Sr* Redshirted in ‘04
4 Derrick Davis 5-9 175 Jr*+ Played at MSU in ‘02, returns this year
18 Eddie Smith 5-9 200 So*+ Has not yet played (hamstring)
FIELD SAFETY 25 Toph Grenfell 6-0 191 Sr+ Leads team with 27 tackles
7 Luke Holden 6-1 175 Fr* Redshirt in ‘04
BOUNDARY SAFETY 20 Ryan Force 6-2 207 Jr* Team-high two sacks
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* One sack, one pick, one caused fumble
13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 So* 2004 starter
*-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: 11-Michael Bass HOLDER: 16-Rick Coppack
Justine Lamontagne Interview
Wednesday, June 10
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
