Cats Meet Griz for Share of Title, FCS Playoff Berth
11/15/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
It’s here. And for the fourth time in five years, the prize is big -- Montana State travels to Missoula for Saturday’s annual Cat-Griz clash, battling in-state rival Montana for a share of the Big Sky Championship. The Grizzlies have grabbed at least a share of the Big Sky championship for nine straight years, including 2006. A Bobcat victory would result in a share of the title, with Montana, and entry into the Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs. The Grizzlies look to wrap up a top-two seed this weekend, with hosting rights throughout the playoffs.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 12:37 pm
SITE: Missoula, MT
STADIUM: Washington-Grizzly Stadium
PRESS BOX: 406/243-4167
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: KPAX (Jeremy Jorgensen, Mike Callaghan, Grady Bennett), ESPN Game Plan
WEB VIDEO: www.BigSkyTV.org
HIGHLIGHTS
• Montana State owns five straight winning seasons for the first time since 1956-64, and six straight in the Big Sky for the first time ever
• Saturday’s game marks only the third meeting ever between UM and MSU as nationally-ranked squads
STREAKS
• Montana State’s six-game winning streak is the longest of the Mike Kramer era
• MSU has lost its last three outdoor games on artificial turf
• MSU owns a three-game losing streak and six-game winning streak during the 2006 season
MILESTONES
• Jack Rolovich is 4-0 as Montana State’s starting quarterback
• Aaron Mason’s 529 rushing yards is a freshman record at MSU
• Jeff Hastings’ eight field goals of 40+ yards is second in school history
SHINING
• LB BOBBY DALY has led the Bobcats in tackles six times this year
• RB EVIN GROVES ran for his first 100-yard game of ‘06 vs. UNC
• PK JEFF HASTINGS nailed two field goals, including a career-long 48-yarder, against UNC last time out
ABOUT THE BOBCATS...
MSU in ’06: 7-3
Conf./Record: Big Sky/6-1
Home/Road: 3-3/4-0
Grass/Turf: 5-3/2-0
Day/Night: 6-3/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater: Idaho/’76
Overall/Years: 76-73/12th
At MSU/Years: 39-41/6th
vs UM: 4-8
Home/Road: 2-5/3-2
SERIES: UM 65-35-5
At MSU: UM 20-18-3
At UM: UM 27-14-1
At Butte: UM 18-3-1
Current Streak: MSU 1W
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES...
UM in ‘06: 9-1
Conf./Record: Big Sky/7-0
Home/Road: 5-0/4-1
Grass/Turf: 2-1/7-0
Day/Night: 8-1/1-0
HEAD COACH: Bobby Hauck
Alma Mater: Montana/’88
Overall/Years: 38-12/4th
At School/Years: same
vs MSU: 1-2
Home/Road: 0-2/1-0
ABOUT UM: The Grizzlies
Spirit Colors: Maroon, silver
Location: Missoula, MT
Enrollment: 13,352
Stadium: Washington-Grizzly
OPPONENT ‘06 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 at Iowa L 10-41
S9 South Dakota St. W 36-7
S16 Open
S23 *Sacramento St. W 59-14
S30 *at Portland St. W 26-20
O7 *at Eastern Wash. W 33-17
O14 *Northern Arizona W 24-21
O21 *at Weber State W 33-30
O28 *Idaho State W 23-10
N4 Cal Poly W 10-9
N11 *at Northern Colo. W 53-21
N18 *Montana St.
Opening Information
After Michael Beach’s game-winning 51-yard TD on an interception return against Weber State, Mike Kramer’s Bobcats are 9-3 when the defense scores a touchdown. • Jack Rolovich’s starting debut at Sacramento State was the second-most productive in school history (Joe Volek, 358 yards vs. NAU, 1991). • Jack Rolovich joins Mike Godfrey as the only Bobcat quarterbacks on record to win their first four starts.
Stadium Stuff
Montana State is 1-10 in Washington-Grizzly Stadium. • MSU’s last three trips to Pocatello have been decided by 15 total points, and not until the last minute of the game. • For the first time ever, Montana State owns a two-game winning streak in NAU’s Walkup Skydome. • 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. • Bobcat Stadium has hosted 14 consecutive home crowds of at least 12,000.
It’s the Injuries, Stupid
While many wonder at MSU’s three-game September losing streak,the answer is simple (see above). MSU has not played a 2006 game with every projected starter available, but stands 7-1 with two starters or less out, 0-2 with three starters or more missing... CU (1 starter out, 19-10 W): TE Elliott Barnhart. Chadron (2, 35-24 L): Barnhart, RB Evin Groves. UCD (4, 45-0 L): Barnhart, Groves, WR Josh Lewis, LB Epikopo King. EWU (5, 19-10 L): Barnhart, Groves, Lewis, King, SS Ryan Force. NAU (2, 39-32 W): DE Aaron Papich, Groves. PSU (2, 14-0 W): FS Marcosus LeBlanc, Groves. Sac State (2, 21-18 W): QB Cory Carpenter, Groves. ISU (2, 42-35 W): Carpenter, Groves. Weber (1, 24-18 win): Carpenter, SS Marcosus LeBlanc. UNC: (1, 13-10 win): LeBlanc.
Road Rules
Montana State’s offense finds an extra gear on the road this season. MSU gains 424.5 yards a game and 6.3 yards a play away from home, as opposed to 289.5 yards a game and 4.9 yards a play at home.
Turnover Talk
Montana State stands -4 in turnovers on the season, three better than in 2005. MSU is 5-0 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 33 games and is the longest span in Mike Kramer’s coaching career. The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 42 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kickoff return in 63 straight contests. Kory Austin returned an EWU punt for a TD that was called back.
Bye, Bye
Mike Kramer’s Bobcats are 1-3 coming out of bye weeks. Since World War II, MSU is 11-11 after in-season byes, including a 10-9 home win against UM in 1961 and a 55-20 loss in Missoula in ‘94.
Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’
Bobcat opponents have returned just 19 of MSU’s 56 roll-style punts.
Pins
MSU has pinned the opponent inside the 20 on 17 punts and 12 kickoffs.
Dome Sweet Dome
MSU has won four straight indoors, sweeping ISU and NAU in ‘04 and ‘06. MSU is 2-0 in domes and on turf in ‘06.
Sack Stuff
The Bobcats sacked opposing quarterbacks five times in the first four games, but registered 18 in the next five contests. The Northern Colorado marked the first time since UC Davis that the Bobcats didn’t register a sack.
More Sacks
MSU has allowed 20 sacks through 10 games, while getting 23.
20 is Terrific
Montana State is 24-5 in Mike Kramer’s seven seasons when holding the opponent 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 (373 passing yards) and Idaho State (306) are the only teams to crack 300 yards passing against the ‘Cats.
Slow Re-Starters
MSU has netted just three yards on the first play of the second half this year. The ‘Cats have scored three times on its first third-quarter drive, averaging five plays and 20 yards to start the second half.
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+
Close Calls
MSU has won six straight games, but they’ve been close. Only the 14-0 win over Portland State has been by as many as two touchdowns.
Holding Firm
The Bobcat defense has faced 20 sudden change possessions (19 turnovers and a blocked punt), holding the opponent to just 45 points (six TDs and one FG).
Third Down Turnaround
Since EWU gained 133 yards on third down, the ‘Cats have allowed the last six opponents 335 yards on 89 third-down plays, a total skewed by two big plays (40, 76), for 3.8 yards a play.
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: 5-0/3rd Qtr: 6-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-3/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-3
THE QUOTABLE KRAMER
On the Bobcat-Grizzly game: “Of all the Bobcat-Grizzly games I’ve been involved in, this has the least drama. The Grizzlies know they are in the playoffs and are poised for a run at the national championship. We’ve been in playoff mode since the three-game losing streak. We went to Flagstaff on September 30 knowing that we needed to win to keep our season alive, and we’ve had that mindset for six straight games. It’s fun to play in the atmosphere we’ll see Saturday, and since the crowd of 45,000 wasn’t a factor at Colorado I don’t expect it to be on Saturday. I’m much more concerned with Montana’s players and coaches. For us, the keys are very simple. We need to avoid early turnovers that give them momentum, and we can not fracture in our kick coverage.”
On Montana: “This is a very typical Bobby Hauck team. They are solid and dynamic in the kicking game, they are very big-play conscious and anti-big play on defense. Around 1998 Montana really started hanging its hat on an outstanding defense, and this year’s team is no different. Offensively, they continue to develop at quarterback, but at some point Josh (Swogger) will erupt with a 400-yard passing day. He’s that kind of quarterback, and he has that kind of weapons around him. This is a very good Montana football team.”
On the Bobcats: “Since we began healing after our September stinkfest, we’ve almost become numbed and calmed by our own state of accomplishment. This team, these seniors, are a long way from being satisfied. I expect that we’ll play play with the calm determination and resolute fury that have marked our six-game winning streak.”
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 eight ‘06 games
66 Chris Smith 6-3 290 So* Played sparingly in 2005
RIGHT TACKLE
73 Joe Hirst 6-7 292 Sr* Graded 100% at Idaho State
62 Neil Boyce 6-3 303 Fr* Redshirt freshman
QUARTERBACK
12 Jack Rolovich (ROLE-oh-vitch) 6-2 220 Jr*+ Back-to-back 300-yd days
15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 Jr* Questionable for UM
RUNNING BACK
28 Evin Groves 5-8 187 So* 120 yds vs. UNC
25 Aaron Mason 5-10 181 Fr MSU frosh rushing record
35 Isaiah Taito 5-11 190 So Started two games this year
X RECEIVER
88 Michael Jefferson 6-2 203 Sr+ 2-time national POW in ‘06
80 Derek Green 6-3 178 Fr* Redshirted last year
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Donell Wheaton 6-0 185 Sr+ 2nd on team in catches, yds
10 Tyler Lulay 6-0 186 So* Made first 3 catches vs. UCD
Z RECEIVER
89 Josh Lewis 5-11 165 Jr+ 7 catches vs. UNC last game
83 Mike Brown 5-9 185 So* Started one 2005 game
TIGHT END
95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 Jr 3 catches at ISU
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* Playing at All-America level
50 Reyshawn Bobo 6-1 225 Jr*+ 2.5 sacks vs. Weber
LEFT TACFKLE
94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Sr+* Has started all 10 games
90 Brandon Hoffenbacker 6-2 314 So 2 sacks vs. PSU
RIGHT TACKLE
97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 So*+ Started all 10 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+ 4.5 TL in last five games
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr* Redshirt freshman
MIKE LB
54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 So* Leads Cats with 98 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
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr* Redshirt freshman
41 Will Clagett 6-1 222 Jr*+ Out for season (knee)
LEFT CORNER
13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 Jr* Team-high 10 PBs
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+ Plays in nickel situations
FREE SAFETY
20 Ryan Force 6-2 206 Sr* Keyed defense vs PSU
27 Kevin Retoriano 5-9 175 Fr Has played in all five games
STRONG SAFETY
5 Marcosus LeBlanc 6-0 199 Sr+ Reinstated after 2-game susp.
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 33 TT
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+ MSU’s nickel back
PAT/FG 46 Jeff Hastings 5-9 177 Sr+ 10-13 FG this season
KICKOFFS 39 Eric Fisher 6-1 191 Fr* 6 KO pins inside 20 last 5 gms
PUNTER 20 Ryan Force, 82 Tyler Bolton or 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: 12:37 pm
SITE: Missoula, MT
STADIUM: Washington-Grizzly Stadium
PRESS BOX: 406/243-4167
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: KPAX (Jeremy Jorgensen, Mike Callaghan, Grady Bennett), ESPN Game Plan
WEB VIDEO: www.BigSkyTV.org
HIGHLIGHTS
• Montana State owns five straight winning seasons for the first time since 1956-64, and six straight in the Big Sky for the first time ever
• Saturday’s game marks only the third meeting ever between UM and MSU as nationally-ranked squads
STREAKS
• Montana State’s six-game winning streak is the longest of the Mike Kramer era
• MSU has lost its last three outdoor games on artificial turf
• MSU owns a three-game losing streak and six-game winning streak during the 2006 season
MILESTONES
• Jack Rolovich is 4-0 as Montana State’s starting quarterback
• Aaron Mason’s 529 rushing yards is a freshman record at MSU
• Jeff Hastings’ eight field goals of 40+ yards is second in school history
SHINING
• LB BOBBY DALY has led the Bobcats in tackles six times this year
• RB EVIN GROVES ran for his first 100-yard game of ‘06 vs. UNC
• PK JEFF HASTINGS nailed two field goals, including a career-long 48-yarder, against UNC last time out
ABOUT THE BOBCATS...
MSU in ’06: 7-3
Conf./Record: Big Sky/6-1
Home/Road: 3-3/4-0
Grass/Turf: 5-3/2-0
Day/Night: 6-3/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater: Idaho/’76
Overall/Years: 76-73/12th
At MSU/Years: 39-41/6th
vs UM: 4-8
Home/Road: 2-5/3-2
SERIES: UM 65-35-5
At MSU: UM 20-18-3
At UM: UM 27-14-1
At Butte: UM 18-3-1
Current Streak: MSU 1W
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES...
UM in ‘06: 9-1
Conf./Record: Big Sky/7-0
Home/Road: 5-0/4-1
Grass/Turf: 2-1/7-0
Day/Night: 8-1/1-0
HEAD COACH: Bobby Hauck
Alma Mater: Montana/’88
Overall/Years: 38-12/4th
At School/Years: same
vs MSU: 1-2
Home/Road: 0-2/1-0
ABOUT UM: The Grizzlies
Spirit Colors: Maroon, silver
Location: Missoula, MT
Enrollment: 13,352
Stadium: Washington-Grizzly
OPPONENT ‘06 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 at Iowa L 10-41
S9 South Dakota St. W 36-7
S16 Open
S23 *Sacramento St. W 59-14
S30 *at Portland St. W 26-20
O7 *at Eastern Wash. W 33-17
O14 *Northern Arizona W 24-21
O21 *at Weber State W 33-30
O28 *Idaho State W 23-10
N4 Cal Poly W 10-9
N11 *at Northern Colo. W 53-21
N18 *Montana St.
Opening Information
After Michael Beach’s game-winning 51-yard TD on an interception return against Weber State, Mike Kramer’s Bobcats are 9-3 when the defense scores a touchdown. • Jack Rolovich’s starting debut at Sacramento State was the second-most productive in school history (Joe Volek, 358 yards vs. NAU, 1991). • Jack Rolovich joins Mike Godfrey as the only Bobcat quarterbacks on record to win their first four starts.
Stadium Stuff
Montana State is 1-10 in Washington-Grizzly Stadium. • MSU’s last three trips to Pocatello have been decided by 15 total points, and not until the last minute of the game. • For the first time ever, Montana State owns a two-game winning streak in NAU’s Walkup Skydome. • 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. • Bobcat Stadium has hosted 14 consecutive home crowds of at least 12,000.
It’s the Injuries, Stupid
While many wonder at MSU’s three-game September losing streak,the answer is simple (see above). MSU has not played a 2006 game with every projected starter available, but stands 7-1 with two starters or less out, 0-2 with three starters or more missing... CU (1 starter out, 19-10 W): TE Elliott Barnhart. Chadron (2, 35-24 L): Barnhart, RB Evin Groves. UCD (4, 45-0 L): Barnhart, Groves, WR Josh Lewis, LB Epikopo King. EWU (5, 19-10 L): Barnhart, Groves, Lewis, King, SS Ryan Force. NAU (2, 39-32 W): DE Aaron Papich, Groves. PSU (2, 14-0 W): FS Marcosus LeBlanc, Groves. Sac State (2, 21-18 W): QB Cory Carpenter, Groves. ISU (2, 42-35 W): Carpenter, Groves. Weber (1, 24-18 win): Carpenter, SS Marcosus LeBlanc. UNC: (1, 13-10 win): LeBlanc.
Road Rules
Montana State’s offense finds an extra gear on the road this season. MSU gains 424.5 yards a game and 6.3 yards a play away from home, as opposed to 289.5 yards a game and 4.9 yards a play at home.
Turnover Talk
Montana State stands -4 in turnovers on the season, three better than in 2005. MSU is 5-0 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 33 games and is the longest span in Mike Kramer’s coaching career. The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 42 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kickoff return in 63 straight contests. Kory Austin returned an EWU punt for a TD that was called back.
Bye, Bye
Mike Kramer’s Bobcats are 1-3 coming out of bye weeks. Since World War II, MSU is 11-11 after in-season byes, including a 10-9 home win against UM in 1961 and a 55-20 loss in Missoula in ‘94.
Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’
Bobcat opponents have returned just 19 of MSU’s 56 roll-style punts.
Pins
MSU has pinned the opponent inside the 20 on 17 punts and 12 kickoffs.
Dome Sweet Dome
MSU has won four straight indoors, sweeping ISU and NAU in ‘04 and ‘06. MSU is 2-0 in domes and on turf in ‘06.
Sack Stuff
The Bobcats sacked opposing quarterbacks five times in the first four games, but registered 18 in the next five contests. The Northern Colorado marked the first time since UC Davis that the Bobcats didn’t register a sack.
More Sacks
MSU has allowed 20 sacks through 10 games, while getting 23.
20 is Terrific
Montana State is 24-5 in Mike Kramer’s seven seasons when holding the opponent 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 (373 passing yards) and Idaho State (306) are the only teams to crack 300 yards passing against the ‘Cats.
Slow Re-Starters
MSU has netted just three yards on the first play of the second half this year. The ‘Cats have scored three times on its first third-quarter drive, averaging five plays and 20 yards to start the second half.
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+
Close Calls
MSU has won six straight games, but they’ve been close. Only the 14-0 win over Portland State has been by as many as two touchdowns.
Holding Firm
The Bobcat defense has faced 20 sudden change possessions (19 turnovers and a blocked punt), holding the opponent to just 45 points (six TDs and one FG).
Third Down Turnaround
Since EWU gained 133 yards on third down, the ‘Cats have allowed the last six opponents 335 yards on 89 third-down plays, a total skewed by two big plays (40, 76), for 3.8 yards a play.
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: 5-0/3rd Qtr: 6-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-3/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-3
THE QUOTABLE KRAMER
On the Bobcat-Grizzly game: “Of all the Bobcat-Grizzly games I’ve been involved in, this has the least drama. The Grizzlies know they are in the playoffs and are poised for a run at the national championship. We’ve been in playoff mode since the three-game losing streak. We went to Flagstaff on September 30 knowing that we needed to win to keep our season alive, and we’ve had that mindset for six straight games. It’s fun to play in the atmosphere we’ll see Saturday, and since the crowd of 45,000 wasn’t a factor at Colorado I don’t expect it to be on Saturday. I’m much more concerned with Montana’s players and coaches. For us, the keys are very simple. We need to avoid early turnovers that give them momentum, and we can not fracture in our kick coverage.”
On Montana: “This is a very typical Bobby Hauck team. They are solid and dynamic in the kicking game, they are very big-play conscious and anti-big play on defense. Around 1998 Montana really started hanging its hat on an outstanding defense, and this year’s team is no different. Offensively, they continue to develop at quarterback, but at some point Josh (Swogger) will erupt with a 400-yard passing day. He’s that kind of quarterback, and he has that kind of weapons around him. This is a very good Montana football team.”
On the Bobcats: “Since we began healing after our September stinkfest, we’ve almost become numbed and calmed by our own state of accomplishment. This team, these seniors, are a long way from being satisfied. I expect that we’ll play play with the calm determination and resolute fury that have marked our six-game winning streak.”
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 eight ‘06 games
66 Chris Smith 6-3 290 So* Played sparingly in 2005
RIGHT TACKLE
73 Joe Hirst 6-7 292 Sr* Graded 100% at Idaho State
62 Neil Boyce 6-3 303 Fr* Redshirt freshman
QUARTERBACK
12 Jack Rolovich (ROLE-oh-vitch) 6-2 220 Jr*+ Back-to-back 300-yd days
15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 Jr* Questionable for UM
RUNNING BACK
28 Evin Groves 5-8 187 So* 120 yds vs. UNC
25 Aaron Mason 5-10 181 Fr MSU frosh rushing record
35 Isaiah Taito 5-11 190 So Started two games this year
X RECEIVER
88 Michael Jefferson 6-2 203 Sr+ 2-time national POW in ‘06
80 Derek Green 6-3 178 Fr* Redshirted last year
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Donell Wheaton 6-0 185 Sr+ 2nd on team in catches, yds
10 Tyler Lulay 6-0 186 So* Made first 3 catches vs. UCD
Z RECEIVER
89 Josh Lewis 5-11 165 Jr+ 7 catches vs. UNC last game
83 Mike Brown 5-9 185 So* Started one 2005 game
TIGHT END
95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 Jr 3 catches at ISU
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* Playing at All-America level
50 Reyshawn Bobo 6-1 225 Jr*+ 2.5 sacks vs. Weber
LEFT TACFKLE
94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Sr+* Has started all 10 games
90 Brandon Hoffenbacker 6-2 314 So 2 sacks vs. PSU
RIGHT TACKLE
97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 So*+ Started all 10 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+ 4.5 TL in last five games
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr* Redshirt freshman
MIKE LB
54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 So* Leads Cats with 98 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
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr* Redshirt freshman
41 Will Clagett 6-1 222 Jr*+ Out for season (knee)
LEFT CORNER
13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 Jr* Team-high 10 PBs
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+ Plays in nickel situations
FREE SAFETY
20 Ryan Force 6-2 206 Sr* Keyed defense vs PSU
27 Kevin Retoriano 5-9 175 Fr Has played in all five games
STRONG SAFETY
5 Marcosus LeBlanc 6-0 199 Sr+ Reinstated after 2-game susp.
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 33 TT
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+ MSU’s nickel back
PAT/FG 46 Jeff Hastings 5-9 177 Sr+ 10-13 FG this season
KICKOFFS 39 Eric Fisher 6-1 191 Fr* 6 KO pins inside 20 last 5 gms
PUNTER 20 Ryan Force, 82 Tyler Bolton or 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
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
