Bobcats Head West to Face Hornets
10/12/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
In a showdown with implications that seemed unlikely just a couple weeks ago, MSU visits red-hot Sacramento State with a share of second place in the Big Sky on the line. The Hornets have back-to-back wins to stand 2-1 in conference play, and face a Bobcat team that has bounced back from a three-game losing streak with consecutive conference wins. Quarterback Marcel Marquez engineers an efficient Sacramento State offense which churns out 109 rushing yards, but the defense allows just 382.8 yards a game to set up second half comebacks in the two-game winning streak.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 7:05 pm MDT
SITE: Sacramento, CA
STADIUM: Hornet Stadium
PRESS BOX: 406/994-6180
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Max Media (Chris Byers, Ron Heller) WEB VIDEO: www.BigSkyTV.org
HIGHLIGHTS
* Jeff Hastings is 16-for-16 on field goals inside 40 yards as a Bobcat
* Saturday’s shutout was MSU’s first against a Big Sky team since beating Sacramento State 20-0 in 2001
* Portland State didn’t run a single play inside the MSU 20 last week
* QB Jack Rolovich is scheduled for his first Bobcat start on Saturday
STREAKS
* Jeff Hastings has hit a school-record eight straight FGs
* Aaron Mason is the first Bobcat to post back-to-back 100-yard rushing days since Ryan Johnson in 2002
* Jeff Hastings has converted eight straight field goals, an MSU record
MILESTONES
* Jeff Hastings’ six career field goals of 40 yards or longer is the third-highest total in school history
* MSU is 2-0 on the road for the first time since 1978
SHINING
* RB AARON MASON has rushed for 320 yards in the last two games
* LB BOBBY DALY had seven tackles and an interception Saturday
* WR DONELL WHEATON caught a season-high nine passes against Portland State
A Bobcat Win...
...makes MSU 3-0 on the road in ‘06
...gives the team its first victory in Sacramento since 2002
A Hornet Win...
...gives Sacramento State its first three-game winning streak in a single season since 1992, a string that started with a season-opening win over the Bobcats
...makes Steve Mooshagian 2-2 vs. MSU
Opening Information
Montana State lost its league opener this year for the first since 2003, when the Bobcats also bounced back from a home loss with a road win. * Sacramento State coach Steve Mooshagian played at Fresno State in 1980 and ‘81, helping the Bulldogs to a 21-14 win over MSU as a junior (three catches, 85 yards, a 36-yard TD reception) while losing 30-26 in Reno H. Sales Stadium in 1981 (no catches, three punt returns). * Sac State assistant coaches Jim House (1986) and Mike Orthmann (1998-99) coached at MSU. * Montana State and Eastern Washington finished their September 23 game in two hours, 37 minutes, the quickest Bobcat game since 1997, and the quickest televised game since the 1989 Cat-Griz game. That game featured only 12 incompletions and 109 plays from scrimmage, the fewest in an MSU game in the last 25 years. * Four Bobcats entered the season with double-digit starting streaks, but after injuries to Ryan Force, Epikopo King and Aaron Papich cost that trio at least a game each only Joe Hirst, at 16 straight and counting, survives.
Stadium Stuff
Montana State ended a quarter-century of futility (12 straight losses) against Northern Arizona in the Walkup Skydome with a 60-14 win two years ago, and this year’s victory gives MSU its first-ever two-game winning streak in that building. * Montana State’s current four-game winning streak against NAU is the school’s longest since 1972-76. * Montana State’s 45-0 loss to UC Davis was the second-worst home defeat the ‘Cats have suffered since Bobcat Stadium was remodeled in 1997 (UM, 49-3, 1999), and was the first shutout at home since losing to Idaho 34-0 in 1985. * The crowd of 12,087 for UC Davis marked the fifth-largest for a non-conference game in school history, and the paid crowd of 14,117 last week was MSU’s second-largest Homecoming crowd. l MSU has hosted 11 consecutive home crowds of at least 12,000.
Thundered
The 21 points UC Davis scored in the third quarter against MSU is more than the ‘Cats have allowed in three full games this fall (EWU scored 19, Colorado 10, and PSU 0). It is the largest opponents’ quarter since Cal Poly scored 21 last year.
Turnover Talk
Montana State stands -6 in turnovers on the season, one less than the team compiled in 2005. MSU is 2-0 this year when positive or even in turnovers. The Bobcats finished 2005 -7 in turnovers, and were even in 2004 and +4 in 2003. The 2002 Big Sky Champs were -4.
The No-Return Policy
On Nov. 22, 2003, Corey Smith returned the opening kickoff of the Cat-Griz game for a touchdown which spurred the Bobcats to a 27-20 win and the Big Sky title. Since then, MSU has not returned a punt or kickoff for a touchdown, a streak that stands at 28 games and is the longest span in Mike Kramer’s coaching career. The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 38 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kickoff return in 59 straight contests. Kory Austin returned an EWU punt for a TD that was called back.
Distinctive Debut
Josh Lewis posted the best home debut by a Bobcat receiver against Chadron State, catching six passes for 151 yards. He didn’t have the chance for an encore, as he injured a knee in practice last week.
1. 151 Josh Lewis vs.Chadron State, 2006
2. 141 Tramaine Murray vs. SFA, 2005
3. 118 Junior Adams vs. Cal Poly, 2001
Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’
Bobcat opponents have returned just 11 of MSU’s 33 roll-style punts. MSU punters have 12 pins inside the 20.
Seeing Red
MSU opponents have scored on all 10 trips inside the red zone, while MSU has converted only 13 of its 17 such trips.
Sack Stuff
The Bobcats sacked opposing quarterbacks five times in the first four games, but registered nine in the last two games MSU has allowed only 12 sacks through six games.
A Good First Impression, Part I
Cory Carpenter threw for 337 yards against Chadron in his first Bobcat Stadium start, the second-best home debut in Reno H. Sales or Bobcat Stadium...
1. 358 Joe Volek NAU 1990
2. 337 Cory Carpenter Chadron State 2006
3. 336 Kelly Sherwin Idaho State 1986
A Good First Impression, Part II
MSU’s best home-opening passing days...
1. 337 Cory Carpenter Chadron State 2006
2. 334 Rob Compson Chadron State 1997
3. 321 Joe Volek UM-Duluth 1991
20 is Terrific
Montana State is 22-5 in Mike Kramer’s seven seasons when holding the opposing offense to less than 20 points.
They’re Tight
MSU’s four TEs are in-state players: starter Elliott Barnhart played at Powder River (Broadus), Brandon Bostick at Missoula Big Sky, Joe Schreibeis at BillingsWest, and Ty McDonald at Geyser. Geyser plays six-man football.
Anti-Air Defense
UC Davis gashed MSU for 373 passing yards, but no other team has cracked 290.
Behind Early and Often
Donell Wheaton’s TD at NAU gave MSU its first first-quarter lead of the season (after 192 minutes of football), while Aaron Mason’s one-yard run gave against PSU gave the ‘Cats their first home lead of the season (also after 192 minutes).
Bonus Football
MSU is 4-2 all-time in overtime games. Below is a look...
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+
Holding Firm
The Bobcat defense has faced 13 sudden change possessions, holding the opponent to just 17 points (two TDs and one FG).
Third Down Turnaround
Since EWU gained 133 yards on third down against MSU, the ‘Cats have allowed the last two opponents 47 yards on 27 third-down plays.
Another Bagel?
The 14-0 shutout of Portland State was Mike Kramer’s fourth at MSU.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 1-0/2nd Qtr: 2-0/3rd Qtr: 3-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-3/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-3
THE QUOTABLE KRAMER
On the Portland State game: “It was a throwback game between two teams that wanted to control the line of scrimmage and control the ball. Turnovers knocked it off kilter a little bit, but I thought our offensive and defensive fronts did a fine job. Aaron (Mason) really ran it well, and Donell (Wheaton) had an outstanding game. It was great to have Aaron Papich back, he’s very important to our defense.”
On Sacramento State: “Coach Mooshagian has done a nice job utilizing the spread offense behind Marcel Marquez. He has a decent arm, and he’s throwing to a bevy of talented, young receivers. Their defense has done a good job keeping them in ball games. They really seem to be playing well in the fourth quarter, in the clutch. If they’re within range, they believe they’re going to find a way to get it done. When you’ve come from behind once you know you can do it, and part of you really likes to do it that way.”
On the Bobcats: “Lost in the way our defense has played in the last couple of games is how they’ve played in what we call red alert situations, where they go onto the field under duress (after a turnover or field position swing). We treat it as a special needs situation and talk about it before every game, and you teach that those situations bring about special emotions that you really keep hidden otherwise. We’ve grown a lot defensively, we have good depth because we’ve played a lot of different guys, and we’ve developed leadership from that group, particularly Michael Beach at corner, Bryant Matthews at linebacker, and Dylan Kinkelaar in the defensive line. Those guys make us more tough-minded because they’re selfless, and when called on they’ve done an excellent job.”
Current Montana State Two-Deep (pro-nuns-ee-AY-shun) Player Notes
Offense # Player Ht Wt Class Notes LEFT TACKLE
53 Peder Jensen 6-6 277 Jr* Three-year starter
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 307 Jr* Has seen time at both OTs
LEFT GUARD
57 Brant Birkeland 6-2 271 Sr* 10-game starter last fall
70 Dominic Sonsini 6-3 275 Fr* Redshirted in 2005
CENTER
76 Jeff Hansen 6-4 255 Fr* 1st career start vs. EWU
61 Jim Verlanic 6-0 249 So* Started first three ‘06 games
RIGHT GUARD
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-6 320 So* Started all five ‘06 games
66 Chris Smith 6-3 290 So* Played sparingly in 2005
RIGHT TACKLE
73 Joe Hirst 6-7 292 Sr* Fourth-year starter
62 Neil Boyce 6-3 303 Fr* RS frosh has seen no action
QUARTERBACK
12 Jack Rolovich (ROLE-oh-vitch) 6-2 220 Jr*+ First Bobcat start
OR 15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 Jr* Out for Sac St (ankle)
RUNNING BACK
25 Aaron Mason 5-10 181 Fr 320 rushing yards in 2 weeks
OR 28 Evin Groves 5-8 187 So* Returns after missing 5 gms
35 Isaiah Taito 5-11 190 So Started two games this year
X RECEIVER
88 Michael Jefferson 6-2 203 Sr+ MSU record 239 yds at NAU
80 Derek Green 6-3 178 Fr* Redshirted last year
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Donell Wheaton 6-0 185 Sr+ 24 catches in 2006
83 Mike Brown 5-9 185 So* Started one 2005 game
Z RECEIVER
89 Josh Lewis 5-11 165 Jr+ Returned w/2 catches vs PSU
87 Deon Toliver 6-3 185 So+ 9 catches this year
10 Tyler Lulay 6-0 186 So* Made first 3 catches vs. UCD
TIGHT END
95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 Jr Returned vs. NAU
84 Brandon Bostick (BOSS-stick) 6-4 251 So* TD, 2-point conv. at NAU
91 Joe Schreibeis 6-3 225 Fr* Made first catch vs. EWU
45 Ty McDonald 6-2 223 Jr* Special teams standout
Defense
LEFT END
42 Clive Lowe 6-3 232 Sr* Game-saving sack at NAU
50 Reyshawn Bobo 6-1 225 Jr*+ Washington State transfer
LEFT TACFKLE
94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Sr+* 3 tackles in each game
90 Brandon Hoffenbacker 6-2 314 So Has played in all 3 games
RIGHT TACKLE
97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 So*+ 2 tackles in last 2 games
58 Ryan Cerise (suh-REESE) 6-2 241 Fr* Coming off knee injury
RIGHT END
99 Aaron Papich (like RAP-itch) 6-2 263 Jr* 2 TL, 1 sack vs PSU
60 Dylan Kinkelaar (KINK-ul-lahr) 6-2 246 So* Started at NAU
56 Jesse Anderson 5-11 208 Fr* Special teams ace
WILL LB
7 Bryant Matthews 6-0 205 Jr+ 4 TL in last three games
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr* Redshirt freshman
34 Jeff Price 6-0 196 Fr* Redshirt freshman
MIKE LB
54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 So* Leads Cats with 37 tackles
31 Chase Gazzerro 5-10 192 So Kick teams standout
SAM LB
44 Epikopo King (epp-ee-COE-poe) 6-1 205 Jr* Game-high 11 TT at NAU
41 Will Clagett 6-1 222 Jr*+ Team-high 13 TT vs. EWU
LEFT CORNER
13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 Jr* Team-high 7 PBs
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+ Plays in nickel situations
STRONG SAFETY
20 Ryan Force 6-2 206 Sr* Keyed defense vs PSU
5 Marcosus LeBlanc (mahr-COE-suss) 6-0 199 Sr+ Missed PSU game
27 Kevin Retoriano 5-9 175 Fr Has played in all five games
FREE SAFETY
3 Tyrone Henderson 5-10 180 Sr+ 4 tackles vs PSU
8 Jeff Brown 6-0 185 Jr+ UNLV transfer
RIGHT CORNER
9 Andre Fuller 5-10 159 Jr* Leads MSU CBs with 30 TT
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+ MSU’s nickel back
PAT/FG 46 Jeff Hastings 5-9 177 Sr+ 8-8 FG this season
KICKOFFS 39 Eric Fisher 6-1 191 Fr* 3 KO pins inside 20 last 2 gms
PUNTER 82 Tyler Bolton or 12 Jack Rolovich
PUNT RETURN 13 Kory Austin
KICK RETURN 88 Michael Jefferson, 1 Donell Wheaton
LONG SNAPS 84 Brandon Bostick or 42 Clive Lowe
SHORT SNAPS 57 Brant Birkeland
HOLDER 15 Cory Carpenter
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 7:05 pm MDT
SITE: Sacramento, CA
STADIUM: Hornet Stadium
PRESS BOX: 406/994-6180
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Max Media (Chris Byers, Ron Heller) WEB VIDEO: www.BigSkyTV.org
HIGHLIGHTS
* Jeff Hastings is 16-for-16 on field goals inside 40 yards as a Bobcat
* Saturday’s shutout was MSU’s first against a Big Sky team since beating Sacramento State 20-0 in 2001
* Portland State didn’t run a single play inside the MSU 20 last week
* QB Jack Rolovich is scheduled for his first Bobcat start on Saturday
STREAKS
* Jeff Hastings has hit a school-record eight straight FGs
* Aaron Mason is the first Bobcat to post back-to-back 100-yard rushing days since Ryan Johnson in 2002
* Jeff Hastings has converted eight straight field goals, an MSU record
MILESTONES
* Jeff Hastings’ six career field goals of 40 yards or longer is the third-highest total in school history
* MSU is 2-0 on the road for the first time since 1978
SHINING
* RB AARON MASON has rushed for 320 yards in the last two games
* LB BOBBY DALY had seven tackles and an interception Saturday
* WR DONELL WHEATON caught a season-high nine passes against Portland State
A Bobcat Win...
...makes MSU 3-0 on the road in ‘06
...gives the team its first victory in Sacramento since 2002
A Hornet Win...
...gives Sacramento State its first three-game winning streak in a single season since 1992, a string that started with a season-opening win over the Bobcats
...makes Steve Mooshagian 2-2 vs. MSU
Opening Information
Montana State lost its league opener this year for the first since 2003, when the Bobcats also bounced back from a home loss with a road win. * Sacramento State coach Steve Mooshagian played at Fresno State in 1980 and ‘81, helping the Bulldogs to a 21-14 win over MSU as a junior (three catches, 85 yards, a 36-yard TD reception) while losing 30-26 in Reno H. Sales Stadium in 1981 (no catches, three punt returns). * Sac State assistant coaches Jim House (1986) and Mike Orthmann (1998-99) coached at MSU. * Montana State and Eastern Washington finished their September 23 game in two hours, 37 minutes, the quickest Bobcat game since 1997, and the quickest televised game since the 1989 Cat-Griz game. That game featured only 12 incompletions and 109 plays from scrimmage, the fewest in an MSU game in the last 25 years. * Four Bobcats entered the season with double-digit starting streaks, but after injuries to Ryan Force, Epikopo King and Aaron Papich cost that trio at least a game each only Joe Hirst, at 16 straight and counting, survives.
Stadium Stuff
Montana State ended a quarter-century of futility (12 straight losses) against Northern Arizona in the Walkup Skydome with a 60-14 win two years ago, and this year’s victory gives MSU its first-ever two-game winning streak in that building. * Montana State’s current four-game winning streak against NAU is the school’s longest since 1972-76. * Montana State’s 45-0 loss to UC Davis was the second-worst home defeat the ‘Cats have suffered since Bobcat Stadium was remodeled in 1997 (UM, 49-3, 1999), and was the first shutout at home since losing to Idaho 34-0 in 1985. * The crowd of 12,087 for UC Davis marked the fifth-largest for a non-conference game in school history, and the paid crowd of 14,117 last week was MSU’s second-largest Homecoming crowd. l MSU has hosted 11 consecutive home crowds of at least 12,000.
Thundered
The 21 points UC Davis scored in the third quarter against MSU is more than the ‘Cats have allowed in three full games this fall (EWU scored 19, Colorado 10, and PSU 0). It is the largest opponents’ quarter since Cal Poly scored 21 last year.
Turnover Talk
Montana State stands -6 in turnovers on the season, one less than the team compiled in 2005. MSU is 2-0 this year when positive or even in turnovers. The Bobcats finished 2005 -7 in turnovers, and were even in 2004 and +4 in 2003. The 2002 Big Sky Champs were -4.
The No-Return Policy
On Nov. 22, 2003, Corey Smith returned the opening kickoff of the Cat-Griz game for a touchdown which spurred the Bobcats to a 27-20 win and the Big Sky title. Since then, MSU has not returned a punt or kickoff for a touchdown, a streak that stands at 28 games and is the longest span in Mike Kramer’s coaching career. The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 38 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kickoff return in 59 straight contests. Kory Austin returned an EWU punt for a TD that was called back.
Distinctive Debut
Josh Lewis posted the best home debut by a Bobcat receiver against Chadron State, catching six passes for 151 yards. He didn’t have the chance for an encore, as he injured a knee in practice last week.
1. 151 Josh Lewis vs.Chadron State, 2006
2. 141 Tramaine Murray vs. SFA, 2005
3. 118 Junior Adams vs. Cal Poly, 2001
Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’
Bobcat opponents have returned just 11 of MSU’s 33 roll-style punts. MSU punters have 12 pins inside the 20.
Seeing Red
MSU opponents have scored on all 10 trips inside the red zone, while MSU has converted only 13 of its 17 such trips.
Sack Stuff
The Bobcats sacked opposing quarterbacks five times in the first four games, but registered nine in the last two games MSU has allowed only 12 sacks through six games.
A Good First Impression, Part I
Cory Carpenter threw for 337 yards against Chadron in his first Bobcat Stadium start, the second-best home debut in Reno H. Sales or Bobcat Stadium...
1. 358 Joe Volek NAU 1990
2. 337 Cory Carpenter Chadron State 2006
3. 336 Kelly Sherwin Idaho State 1986
A Good First Impression, Part II
MSU’s best home-opening passing days...
1. 337 Cory Carpenter Chadron State 2006
2. 334 Rob Compson Chadron State 1997
3. 321 Joe Volek UM-Duluth 1991
20 is Terrific
Montana State is 22-5 in Mike Kramer’s seven seasons when holding the opposing offense to less than 20 points.
They’re Tight
MSU’s four TEs are in-state players: starter Elliott Barnhart played at Powder River (Broadus), Brandon Bostick at Missoula Big Sky, Joe Schreibeis at BillingsWest, and Ty McDonald at Geyser. Geyser plays six-man football.
Anti-Air Defense
UC Davis gashed MSU for 373 passing yards, but no other team has cracked 290.
Behind Early and Often
Donell Wheaton’s TD at NAU gave MSU its first first-quarter lead of the season (after 192 minutes of football), while Aaron Mason’s one-yard run gave against PSU gave the ‘Cats their first home lead of the season (also after 192 minutes).
Bonus Football
MSU is 4-2 all-time in overtime games. Below is a look...
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+
Holding Firm
The Bobcat defense has faced 13 sudden change possessions, holding the opponent to just 17 points (two TDs and one FG).
Third Down Turnaround
Since EWU gained 133 yards on third down against MSU, the ‘Cats have allowed the last two opponents 47 yards on 27 third-down plays.
Another Bagel?
The 14-0 shutout of Portland State was Mike Kramer’s fourth at MSU.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 1-0/2nd Qtr: 2-0/3rd Qtr: 3-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-3/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-3
THE QUOTABLE KRAMER
On the Portland State game: “It was a throwback game between two teams that wanted to control the line of scrimmage and control the ball. Turnovers knocked it off kilter a little bit, but I thought our offensive and defensive fronts did a fine job. Aaron (Mason) really ran it well, and Donell (Wheaton) had an outstanding game. It was great to have Aaron Papich back, he’s very important to our defense.”
On Sacramento State: “Coach Mooshagian has done a nice job utilizing the spread offense behind Marcel Marquez. He has a decent arm, and he’s throwing to a bevy of talented, young receivers. Their defense has done a good job keeping them in ball games. They really seem to be playing well in the fourth quarter, in the clutch. If they’re within range, they believe they’re going to find a way to get it done. When you’ve come from behind once you know you can do it, and part of you really likes to do it that way.”
On the Bobcats: “Lost in the way our defense has played in the last couple of games is how they’ve played in what we call red alert situations, where they go onto the field under duress (after a turnover or field position swing). We treat it as a special needs situation and talk about it before every game, and you teach that those situations bring about special emotions that you really keep hidden otherwise. We’ve grown a lot defensively, we have good depth because we’ve played a lot of different guys, and we’ve developed leadership from that group, particularly Michael Beach at corner, Bryant Matthews at linebacker, and Dylan Kinkelaar in the defensive line. Those guys make us more tough-minded because they’re selfless, and when called on they’ve done an excellent job.”
Current Montana State Two-Deep (pro-nuns-ee-AY-shun) Player Notes
Offense # Player Ht Wt Class Notes LEFT TACKLE
53 Peder Jensen 6-6 277 Jr* Three-year starter
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 307 Jr* Has seen time at both OTs
LEFT GUARD
57 Brant Birkeland 6-2 271 Sr* 10-game starter last fall
70 Dominic Sonsini 6-3 275 Fr* Redshirted in 2005
CENTER
76 Jeff Hansen 6-4 255 Fr* 1st career start vs. EWU
61 Jim Verlanic 6-0 249 So* Started first three ‘06 games
RIGHT GUARD
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-6 320 So* Started all five ‘06 games
66 Chris Smith 6-3 290 So* Played sparingly in 2005
RIGHT TACKLE
73 Joe Hirst 6-7 292 Sr* Fourth-year starter
62 Neil Boyce 6-3 303 Fr* RS frosh has seen no action
QUARTERBACK
12 Jack Rolovich (ROLE-oh-vitch) 6-2 220 Jr*+ First Bobcat start
OR 15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 Jr* Out for Sac St (ankle)
RUNNING BACK
25 Aaron Mason 5-10 181 Fr 320 rushing yards in 2 weeks
OR 28 Evin Groves 5-8 187 So* Returns after missing 5 gms
35 Isaiah Taito 5-11 190 So Started two games this year
X RECEIVER
88 Michael Jefferson 6-2 203 Sr+ MSU record 239 yds at NAU
80 Derek Green 6-3 178 Fr* Redshirted last year
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Donell Wheaton 6-0 185 Sr+ 24 catches in 2006
83 Mike Brown 5-9 185 So* Started one 2005 game
Z RECEIVER
89 Josh Lewis 5-11 165 Jr+ Returned w/2 catches vs PSU
87 Deon Toliver 6-3 185 So+ 9 catches this year
10 Tyler Lulay 6-0 186 So* Made first 3 catches vs. UCD
TIGHT END
95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 Jr Returned vs. NAU
84 Brandon Bostick (BOSS-stick) 6-4 251 So* TD, 2-point conv. at NAU
91 Joe Schreibeis 6-3 225 Fr* Made first catch vs. EWU
45 Ty McDonald 6-2 223 Jr* Special teams standout
Defense
LEFT END
42 Clive Lowe 6-3 232 Sr* Game-saving sack at NAU
50 Reyshawn Bobo 6-1 225 Jr*+ Washington State transfer
LEFT TACFKLE
94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Sr+* 3 tackles in each game
90 Brandon Hoffenbacker 6-2 314 So Has played in all 3 games
RIGHT TACKLE
97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 So*+ 2 tackles in last 2 games
58 Ryan Cerise (suh-REESE) 6-2 241 Fr* Coming off knee injury
RIGHT END
99 Aaron Papich (like RAP-itch) 6-2 263 Jr* 2 TL, 1 sack vs PSU
60 Dylan Kinkelaar (KINK-ul-lahr) 6-2 246 So* Started at NAU
56 Jesse Anderson 5-11 208 Fr* Special teams ace
WILL LB
7 Bryant Matthews 6-0 205 Jr+ 4 TL in last three games
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr* Redshirt freshman
34 Jeff Price 6-0 196 Fr* Redshirt freshman
MIKE LB
54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 So* Leads Cats with 37 tackles
31 Chase Gazzerro 5-10 192 So Kick teams standout
SAM LB
44 Epikopo King (epp-ee-COE-poe) 6-1 205 Jr* Game-high 11 TT at NAU
41 Will Clagett 6-1 222 Jr*+ Team-high 13 TT vs. EWU
LEFT CORNER
13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 Jr* Team-high 7 PBs
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+ Plays in nickel situations
STRONG SAFETY
20 Ryan Force 6-2 206 Sr* Keyed defense vs PSU
5 Marcosus LeBlanc (mahr-COE-suss) 6-0 199 Sr+ Missed PSU game
27 Kevin Retoriano 5-9 175 Fr Has played in all five games
FREE SAFETY
3 Tyrone Henderson 5-10 180 Sr+ 4 tackles vs PSU
8 Jeff Brown 6-0 185 Jr+ UNLV transfer
RIGHT CORNER
9 Andre Fuller 5-10 159 Jr* Leads MSU CBs with 30 TT
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+ MSU’s nickel back
PAT/FG 46 Jeff Hastings 5-9 177 Sr+ 8-8 FG this season
KICKOFFS 39 Eric Fisher 6-1 191 Fr* 3 KO pins inside 20 last 2 gms
PUNTER 82 Tyler Bolton or 12 Jack Rolovich
PUNT RETURN 13 Kory Austin
KICK RETURN 88 Michael Jefferson, 1 Donell Wheaton
LONG SNAPS 84 Brandon Bostick or 42 Clive Lowe
SHORT SNAPS 57 Brant Birkeland
HOLDER 15 Cory Carpenter
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