Bobcat Game Notes vs. ISU
10/19/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Mike Kramer is no evolutionary biologist, but he knows what Montana State’s crucial showdown with Idaho State this Saturday means. “Survival of the fittest,” he says, identifying the mode for two teams clinging to the Big Sky championship chase. MSU faces an explosive Bengal squad in Holt Arena on Saturday. The top offensive team in the Big Sky, ISU is sparked by QB Matt Gutierrez (1st in the Big Sky in passing at 237.8), RB Josh Barnett (1st in rushing, 135.0), and WR Akilah Lacey (1st in receiving, 91.8). The Bobcat defense has allowed 249 yards and 12 first downs combined in the last two games.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 1:35 pm
SITE: Pocatello, ID
STADIUM: Holt Arena
PRESS BOX: 208/282-2951
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Altitude (Jerry Schemmel, Irv Brown) WEB VIDEO: www.BigSkyTV.org
HIGHLIGHTS
• Jeff Hastings is 16-for-16 on field goals inside 40 yards as a Bobcat • MSU held its last two opponents to 249 yards and 12 first downs • Sac State gained just five first downs Saturday, two in the 2nd half
• QB Jack Rolovich threw for 302 yareds at Sac State, winning his first start since high school
STREAKS
• Jeff Hastings’ school-record string of eight straight FGs ended when he missed a 45-yarder on Saturday • The Bobcat defense has allowed less than 100 total yards in three consecutive halves, holding three straight foes to under 100 rushing yards • MSU’s 2006 includes a three-game losing streak and a four-game winning streak
MILESTONES
• Jeff Hastings’ six career field goals of 40 yards or longer is the third-highest total in school history
• MSU is 3-0 on the road for the first time since 1978
SHINING
• CB KORY AUSTIN shares the Big Sky lead with 1.4 passes defended
• LB BOBBY DALY has led MSU in tackles in four of seven games
• WR DONELL WHEATON had 132 yards on three catches at Sac St
ABOUT THE BOBCATS...
MSU in ‘06 4-3
Conf./Record Big Sky/3-1
Home/Road 1-3/3-0
Grass/Turf 3-3/1-0
Day/Night 3-3/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 73-73/12th
At MSU/Years 36-40/6th
vs ISU 4-4
Home/Road 3-1/1-3
SERIES MSU 39-30-3
At MSU MSU 25-9-1
At ISU 14-21-2
Current Streak MSU 2W
ABOUT THE BENGALS...
ISU in ‘06 2-4
Conf./Record Big Sky/1-2
Home/Road 1-1/1-3
Grass/Turf 1-0/1-4
Day/Night 2-2/0-2
HEAD COACH Larry Lewis
Alma Mater Boise State/’01
Overall/Years 40-44/8th
At School/Years same
vs MSU 4-3
Home/Road 1-2/3-1
ABOUT ISU The Bengals
Colors Orange, black
Location Pocatello, ID
Enrollment 14,005
Stadium Holt Arena
OPPONENT ‘06 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 at UNLV L 10-54
S9 Fort Lewis W 48-12
S16 at Idaho L 24-27
S23 *Northern Arizona L 27-33
O7 *at Northern Colo. W 41-13
O14 *at Portland State L 13-34
O21 *Montana State
O28 *at Montana
N4 *Sacramento State
N11 *at Eastern Washington
N18 *Weber State
A Bobcat Win...
...makes MSU 4-0 on the road in ‘06
...gives the Bobcats two straight wins on artificial turf
A Bengal Win...
...draws the Bengals into second place in the Big Sky with either three or four other two-loss squads ...gives Larry Lewis a 5-3 mark against the Bobcats
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. • Jack Rolovich’s starting debut last week at Sacramento State was the second-most productive in school history, after Joe Volek’s 358-yard outburst against NAU in 1991. • 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. • Three Bobcats lost double-digit starting streaks to injuries this year (Ryan Force, Epikopo King and Aaron Papich). Only Joe Hirst, at 17 straight and counting, carries forward a double-digit streak currently.
Stadium Stuff
After losing to the Bengals 29-13 in 1999 and 58-14 in 2000 in Holt Arena, MSU’s last two trips there have each been decided by four points (18-14 loss in 2002, 17-13 win in 2004). • 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 for Portland State was MSU’s second-largest Homecoming crowd. • MSU has hosted 12 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 four full games this fall (EWU scored 19, Sac State 18, Colorado 10, and PSU 0). It was the largest opponents’ quarter since Cal Poly scored 21 last year.
Turnover Talk
Montana State stands -5 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 29 games and is the longest span in Mike Kramer’s coaching career. The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 39 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kickoff return in 60 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 12 of MSU’s 38 roll-style punts. MSU punters have 12 pins inside the 20.
Seeing Red
MSU opponents have scored on 12 of 13 trips inside the red zone, while MSU has converted only 13 of its 18 such trips.
Sack Stuff
The Bobcats sacked opposing quarterbacks five times in the first four games, but registered 10 in the last three games. MSU has allowed only 13 sacks through six games.
Noteworthy Debuts
Below is a look at the top quarterback debuts in school history based on passing yards...
1. 358 Joe Volek NAU 1990
2. 302 Jack Rolovich at Sac State 2006
3. 262 Travis Lulay at Idaho State 2002
4. 248 Brock Spencer Idaho 1993
5. 228 Cory Carpenter at Colorado 2006
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 23-5 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 (Powder River HS in Broadus), Brandon Bostick (Missoula Big Sky), Joe Schreibeis (BillingsWest), and Ty McDonald (six-man Geyser).
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). The Bobcats haven’t trailed since.
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 17 sudden change possessions (16 turnovers and a blocked punt), holding the opponent to just 31 points (four TDs and one FG).
Third Down Turnaround
Since EWU gained 133 yards on third down against MSU, the ‘Cats have allowed the last three opponents 73 yards on 41 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: 2-0/2nd Qtr: 3-0/3rd Qtr: 4-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-3/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-3
THE QUOTABLE KRAMER
On the Sacramento State game: “Our defense played magnificent. It was a dominating effort that was knocked off track a couple of times by facing a short field, but that in no way diminished their effort. We made big plays offensively, and that was really the story of the game. Jack’s effort in keeping a play alive and making something happen with his back to the goal line was outstanding.”
On Idaho State: “Every time we’ve played these guys it’s been a gut-clencher, and I expect this game to be no different. Idaho State is trying to fight its way into the conference chase. It’s do-or-die time for the Bengals, like it’s been do-or-die time for us for the last three weeks. This time of the season is survival of the fittest. This game features two pretty good offensive football teams. The challenge is to see which defense can slow the other offense down, and which quarterback can avoid calamitous turnovers - not turnover singular, but turnovers.”
On the Bobcats: “Our defense continues its ascension from the depths of the poverty it experienced in September. Offensively, a tremendous effort Saturday was spurred by an effective and somewhat surprising effort by Jack (Rolovich). He had a productive week in practice, and really played like he practiced. His most impressive attribute is his mental toughness. It was a gritty, determined effort by him, typified by that last (big) play (the 52-yard pass to Donell Wheaton), where he simply made something happen.”
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* Started last four games
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 seven ‘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*+ 302 yards in 1st Bobcat start
17 Jordan Rasmussen 6-4 220 Fr On redshirt alert status
15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 Jr* Questionable for ISU (ankle)
RUNNING BACK
25 Aaron Mason 5-10 181 Fr 381 rushing yards in 3 weeks
28 Evin Groves 5-8 187 So* Returns after missing 6 gms
35 Isaiah Taito 5-11 190 So Started two games this year
X RECEIVER
88 Michael Jefferson 6-2 203 Sr+ MSU record 111 yds at Sac
80 Derek Green 6-3 178 Fr* Redshirted last year
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Donell Wheaton 6-0 185 Sr+ 3 catches, 132 yds at Sac
83 Mike Brown 5-9 185 So* Started one 2005 game
Z RECEIVER
89 Josh Lewis 5-11 165 Jr+ 4 catches in last 2 games
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 2 sacks vs. PSU
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
WILL LB
7 Bryant Matthews 6-0 205 Jr+ 4 TL in last three games
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 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+ 8-9 FG this season
KICKOFFS 39 Eric Fisher 6-1 191 Fr* 3 KO pins inside 20 last 3 gms
PUNTER 20 Ryan Force
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 10 Tyler Lulay
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 1:35 pm
SITE: Pocatello, ID
STADIUM: Holt Arena
PRESS BOX: 208/282-2951
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Altitude (Jerry Schemmel, Irv Brown) WEB VIDEO: www.BigSkyTV.org
HIGHLIGHTS
• Jeff Hastings is 16-for-16 on field goals inside 40 yards as a Bobcat • MSU held its last two opponents to 249 yards and 12 first downs • Sac State gained just five first downs Saturday, two in the 2nd half
• QB Jack Rolovich threw for 302 yareds at Sac State, winning his first start since high school
STREAKS
• Jeff Hastings’ school-record string of eight straight FGs ended when he missed a 45-yarder on Saturday • The Bobcat defense has allowed less than 100 total yards in three consecutive halves, holding three straight foes to under 100 rushing yards • MSU’s 2006 includes a three-game losing streak and a four-game winning streak
MILESTONES
• Jeff Hastings’ six career field goals of 40 yards or longer is the third-highest total in school history
• MSU is 3-0 on the road for the first time since 1978
SHINING
• CB KORY AUSTIN shares the Big Sky lead with 1.4 passes defended
• LB BOBBY DALY has led MSU in tackles in four of seven games
• WR DONELL WHEATON had 132 yards on three catches at Sac St
ABOUT THE BOBCATS...
MSU in ‘06 4-3
Conf./Record Big Sky/3-1
Home/Road 1-3/3-0
Grass/Turf 3-3/1-0
Day/Night 3-3/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 73-73/12th
At MSU/Years 36-40/6th
vs ISU 4-4
Home/Road 3-1/1-3
SERIES MSU 39-30-3
At MSU MSU 25-9-1
At ISU 14-21-2
Current Streak MSU 2W
ABOUT THE BENGALS...
ISU in ‘06 2-4
Conf./Record Big Sky/1-2
Home/Road 1-1/1-3
Grass/Turf 1-0/1-4
Day/Night 2-2/0-2
HEAD COACH Larry Lewis
Alma Mater Boise State/’01
Overall/Years 40-44/8th
At School/Years same
vs MSU 4-3
Home/Road 1-2/3-1
ABOUT ISU The Bengals
Colors Orange, black
Location Pocatello, ID
Enrollment 14,005
Stadium Holt Arena
OPPONENT ‘06 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 at UNLV L 10-54
S9 Fort Lewis W 48-12
S16 at Idaho L 24-27
S23 *Northern Arizona L 27-33
O7 *at Northern Colo. W 41-13
O14 *at Portland State L 13-34
O21 *Montana State
O28 *at Montana
N4 *Sacramento State
N11 *at Eastern Washington
N18 *Weber State
A Bobcat Win...
...makes MSU 4-0 on the road in ‘06
...gives the Bobcats two straight wins on artificial turf
A Bengal Win...
...draws the Bengals into second place in the Big Sky with either three or four other two-loss squads ...gives Larry Lewis a 5-3 mark against the Bobcats
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. • Jack Rolovich’s starting debut last week at Sacramento State was the second-most productive in school history, after Joe Volek’s 358-yard outburst against NAU in 1991. • 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. • Three Bobcats lost double-digit starting streaks to injuries this year (Ryan Force, Epikopo King and Aaron Papich). Only Joe Hirst, at 17 straight and counting, carries forward a double-digit streak currently.
Stadium Stuff
After losing to the Bengals 29-13 in 1999 and 58-14 in 2000 in Holt Arena, MSU’s last two trips there have each been decided by four points (18-14 loss in 2002, 17-13 win in 2004). • 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 for Portland State was MSU’s second-largest Homecoming crowd. • MSU has hosted 12 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 four full games this fall (EWU scored 19, Sac State 18, Colorado 10, and PSU 0). It was the largest opponents’ quarter since Cal Poly scored 21 last year.
Turnover Talk
Montana State stands -5 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 29 games and is the longest span in Mike Kramer’s coaching career. The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 39 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kickoff return in 60 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 12 of MSU’s 38 roll-style punts. MSU punters have 12 pins inside the 20.
Seeing Red
MSU opponents have scored on 12 of 13 trips inside the red zone, while MSU has converted only 13 of its 18 such trips.
Sack Stuff
The Bobcats sacked opposing quarterbacks five times in the first four games, but registered 10 in the last three games. MSU has allowed only 13 sacks through six games.
Noteworthy Debuts
Below is a look at the top quarterback debuts in school history based on passing yards...
1. 358 Joe Volek NAU 1990
2. 302 Jack Rolovich at Sac State 2006
3. 262 Travis Lulay at Idaho State 2002
4. 248 Brock Spencer Idaho 1993
5. 228 Cory Carpenter at Colorado 2006
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 23-5 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 (Powder River HS in Broadus), Brandon Bostick (Missoula Big Sky), Joe Schreibeis (BillingsWest), and Ty McDonald (six-man Geyser).
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). The Bobcats haven’t trailed since.
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 17 sudden change possessions (16 turnovers and a blocked punt), holding the opponent to just 31 points (four TDs and one FG).
Third Down Turnaround
Since EWU gained 133 yards on third down against MSU, the ‘Cats have allowed the last three opponents 73 yards on 41 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: 2-0/2nd Qtr: 3-0/3rd Qtr: 4-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-3/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-3
THE QUOTABLE KRAMER
On the Sacramento State game: “Our defense played magnificent. It was a dominating effort that was knocked off track a couple of times by facing a short field, but that in no way diminished their effort. We made big plays offensively, and that was really the story of the game. Jack’s effort in keeping a play alive and making something happen with his back to the goal line was outstanding.”
On Idaho State: “Every time we’ve played these guys it’s been a gut-clencher, and I expect this game to be no different. Idaho State is trying to fight its way into the conference chase. It’s do-or-die time for the Bengals, like it’s been do-or-die time for us for the last three weeks. This time of the season is survival of the fittest. This game features two pretty good offensive football teams. The challenge is to see which defense can slow the other offense down, and which quarterback can avoid calamitous turnovers - not turnover singular, but turnovers.”
On the Bobcats: “Our defense continues its ascension from the depths of the poverty it experienced in September. Offensively, a tremendous effort Saturday was spurred by an effective and somewhat surprising effort by Jack (Rolovich). He had a productive week in practice, and really played like he practiced. His most impressive attribute is his mental toughness. It was a gritty, determined effort by him, typified by that last (big) play (the 52-yard pass to Donell Wheaton), where he simply made something happen.”
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* Started last four games
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 seven ‘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*+ 302 yards in 1st Bobcat start
17 Jordan Rasmussen 6-4 220 Fr On redshirt alert status
15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 Jr* Questionable for ISU (ankle)
RUNNING BACK
25 Aaron Mason 5-10 181 Fr 381 rushing yards in 3 weeks
28 Evin Groves 5-8 187 So* Returns after missing 6 gms
35 Isaiah Taito 5-11 190 So Started two games this year
X RECEIVER
88 Michael Jefferson 6-2 203 Sr+ MSU record 111 yds at Sac
80 Derek Green 6-3 178 Fr* Redshirted last year
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Donell Wheaton 6-0 185 Sr+ 3 catches, 132 yds at Sac
83 Mike Brown 5-9 185 So* Started one 2005 game
Z RECEIVER
89 Josh Lewis 5-11 165 Jr+ 4 catches in last 2 games
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 2 sacks vs. PSU
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
WILL LB
7 Bryant Matthews 6-0 205 Jr+ 4 TL in last three games
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 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+ 8-9 FG this season
KICKOFFS 39 Eric Fisher 6-1 191 Fr* 3 KO pins inside 20 last 3 gms
PUNTER 20 Ryan Force
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 10 Tyler Lulay
Wednesday, August 19
Wednesday, June 10
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
