Bobcats Host Furman in Saturday Playoff Tilt
11/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Montana State’s Sunday began on a sullen note, with the ‘Cats nursing after-effects of the previous day’s heartbreaking 13-7 loss at Montana, but things took a turn for the better just before noon when Mike Kramer learned that his squad had gained entry into the Division I Football Championships. The kickoff of Saturday’s 11:30 am contest marks MSU’s first home playoff game since 1984, when MSU rode a hot finish and two home playoff wins to a I-AA National Championship. For tickets to Saturday’s game, contact the Bobcat Ticket Office at 406/994-CATS (2287).
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 11:30 am
SITE: Bozeman, MT
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
PRESS BOX: 406/994-6180
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: none scheduled
WEB VIDEO: www.BigSkyTV.org
HIGHLIGHTS
• Montana State’s third trip to the post-season in the last five years gives the Bobcats their first home playoff game since 1984
• Mike Kramer is 0-2 in post-season action at MSU, 2-3 all-time
STREAKS
• Montana snapped Montana State’s six-game winning streak on Saturday
• After losing its three September home games, MSU has won its last three in Bobcat Stadium
• MSU owns a three-game losing streak and six-game winning streak during the 2006 season
MILESTONES
• Saturday’s loss was Jack Rolovich’s first as MSU’s starting quarterback, falling to 4-1
• Aaron Mason’s 573 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 seven times during his sophomore season
• CB ANDRE FULLER recovered a fumble, intercepted one pass and broke up three others Saturday
• PK JEFF HASTINGS nailed a career-long 48-yarder field goal against UNC, but didn’t attempt one at Montana last weekend
ABOUT THE BOBCATS...
MSU in ‘06 7-4
Conf./Record Big Sky/6-2
Home/Road 3-3/4-1
Grass/Turf 5-3/2-1
Day/Night 6-3/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 76-74/12th
At MSU/Years 39-42/6th
vs FU 0-0
Home/Road 0-0/0-0
SERIES First meeting
At MSU 0-0
At FU 0-0
Current Streak none
ABOUT THE PALADINS...
FU in ‘06 8-3
Conf./Record Southern/6-2
Home/Road 6-0/2-3
Grass/Turf 7-2/0-1
Day/Night 5-1/2-2
HEAD COACH Bobby Lamb
Alma Mater Furman/’86
Overall/Years 43-18/6th
At School/Years same
vs MSU 0-0
Home/Road 0-0/0-0
ABOUT FU The Paladins
Spirit Colors Purple, white
Location Greenville, SC
Enrollment 2,600
Stadium Paladin Stadium
OPPONENT ‘06 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 Jacksonville State W 17-13
S9 West Georgia W 24-7
S16 at North Carolina L 42-45
S23 Western Carolina W 42-7
S30 at Wofford W 35-21
O7 at Coastal Carolina L 27-29
O14 The Citadel W 23-17
O21 Chattanooga W 28-22ot
O28 at Appalachian St. L 7-40
N4 at Elon W 24-13
N11 Georgia Southern W 13-10
N18 at Montana State (FCS)
Opening Information
MSU penetrated the Montana 20-yard line twice on Saturday, but Montana worked inside the Bobcat red zone only once • Mike Kramer’s Bobcats are 9-3 when the defense scores a touchdown. • Jack Rolovich had the second-best starting debut in MSU history at Sac State, after Joe Volek’s 358 yards vs. NAU in 1991. • Jack Rolovich joins Mike Godfrey as the only Bobcat QBs on record to win their first four starts.
Stadium Stuff
A Southern Conference team has never visited Bobcat Stadium. • MSU’s last three trips to Pocatello have been decided by 15 total points, and not until the last minute of the game. • MSU’s two-game winning streak at NAU’s Walkup Skydome is its first ever, and the four-game winning streak against the Jacks is the longest ever. • 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. UM: (1, 7-13 loss): Claggett.
Road Rules
Montana State’s first four road games resulted in offensive fireworks, averaging 424.5 yards a game and 6.3 yards a play. Montana’s stout defense, however, held the ‘Cats to 196 yards. MSU averages 289.5 yds/game and 4.9 yds/play at home.
Turnover Talk
Montana State stands -4 in turnovers on the season, three better than in 2005. MSU is 5-1 this year when positive or even in turnovers. MSU’s recent history: -7 in 2005, even in ‘04, +4 in ‘03 and -4 in ‘02.
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 34 games and is the longest span in Mike Kramer’s coaching career. The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 43 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kickoff return in 64 straight contests. Kory Austin returned an EWU punt for a TD that was called back.
Playoff Payoff
MSU is 6-2 in the NCAA Playoffs, 2-2 in the first round, 3-0 at home. MSU’s first round results: 1976, beat New Hampshire 17-16 (DII); 1984, beat Arkansas State 31-14 (I-AA), 2002, lost at McNeese State 21-14, 2003 lost at Northern Iowa 35-14.
Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’
Bobcat opponents have returned just 23 of MSU’s 64 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 22 sacks through 11 games, while getting 27.
20 is Terrific
Montana State is 24-6 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).
Big Plays
In MSU’s four October contests, the Bobcats registered 13 plays of 20 yards or more. In the team’s last two game, MSU has just three 20-yarders.
Slow Re-Starters
MSU has netted just one yard 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 18 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
Only one of MSU’s last eight games was decided by double-digits, the 14-0 win over nationally-ranked Portland State.
Holding Firm
The Bobcat defense has faced 24 sudden change possessions (23 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 seven opponents 377 yards on 107 third-down plays, a total skewed by two big plays (40, 76), for 3.6 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: 2-1/2nd Qtr: 5-1/3rd Qtr: 6-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-3/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-4
THE QUOTABLE KRAMER
On the Division I Football Championships selection: “I’ll never know by what machination this occurred, and I don’t care. We’ve been presented a tremendous opportunity, and we are very motivated to reward the selection Committee with a good showing. We faced a tremendous run of emotions on Saturday and Sunday, and I’m not sure the depths of agony over the loss equal the ecstacy of hosting a playoff game, but we’re very excited about the tremendous opportunity we’ve been presented..”
On Furman: “Furman is sound, solid, and serene. They don’t panic, they don’t show a lot of emotion, they just get the job done. It’s hard to tell on video how hard a team plays, but my sense is that Furman plays extremely hard and is very well-coached. They really like to run the ball. Their fullback is 248 pounds and their running back, Cedric Gibson, has good speed to the outside. Defensively they are very phusical in the front seven and at safety. Both clubs like to play great defense, and I expect it to be that kind of game.”
On the Bobcats: “I’m pretty concerned about our overall health. We’re beat up at tailback, where Evin Groves won’t go and where Aaron Mason is banged up. We will heed to have some semblence of a running game to be successful Saturday. My biggest concerns offensively are, can we run the ball, can we protect long enough to take advantage of the passing game, and what we do after we catch the ball. We have not done a great job of gaining yards after the catch. We need a breakout along those lines. Defensively we need to be stout against the run and defend their option. Anything can happen once you’re in the playoffs, and hosting a game for the first time in 22 years is exciting and energizing.”
Current Montana State Two-Deep (pro-nuns-ee-AY-shun)
Offense # Player Ht Wt Class Notes
LEFT TACKLE
53 Peder Jensen 6-6 277 Jr*
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 307 Jr*
LEFT GUARD
57 Brant Birkeland 6-2 271 Sr*
70 Dominic Sonsini 6-3 275 Fr*
CENTER
76 Jeff Hansen 6-4 255 Fr*
61 Jim Verlanic 6-0 249 So*
RIGHT GUARD
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-6 320 So*
66 Chris Smith 6-3 290 So*
RIGHT TACKLE
73 Joe Hirst 6-7 292 Sr*
62 Neil Boyce 6-3 303 Fr*
QUARTERBACK
12 Jack Rolovich (ROLE-oh-vitch) 6-2 220 Jr*+
OR
15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 Jr*
RUNNING BACK
25 Aaron Mason 5-10 181 Fr
35 Isaiah Taito 5-11 190 So
X RECEIVER
88 Michael Jefferson 6-2 203 Sr+
80 Derek Green 6-3 178 Fr*
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Donell Wheaton 6-0 185 Sr+
10 Tyler Lulay 6-0 186 So*
Z RECEIVER
89 Josh Lewis 5-11 165 Jr+
83 Mike Brown 5-9 185 So*
TIGHT END
95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 Jr
84 Brandon Bostick (BOSS-stick) 6-4 251 So*
91 Joe Schreibeis 6-3 225 Fr*
45 Ty McDonald 6-2 223 Jr*
Defense
LEFT END
42 Clive Lowe 6-3 232 Sr*
50 Reyshawn Bobo 6-1 225 Jr*+
LEFT TACFKLE
94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Sr+*
90 Brandon Hoffenbacker 6-2 314 So
RIGHT TACKLE
97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 So*+
58 Ryan Cerise (suh-REESE) 6-2 241 Fr*
RIGHT END
99 Aaron Papich (like RAP-itch) 6-2 263 Jr*
60 Dylan Kinkelaar (KINK-ul-lahr) 6-2 246 So*
WILL LB
7 Bryant Matthews 6-0 205 Jr+
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr*
MIKE LB
54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 So*
31 Chase Gazzerro 5-10 192 So
SAM LB
44 Epikopo King (epp-ee-COE-poe) 6-1 205 Jr*
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr*
41 Will Clagett 6-1 222 Jr*+
LEFT CORNER
13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 Jr*
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+
FREE SAFETY
20 Ryan Force 6-2 206 Sr*
27 Kevin Retoriano 5-9 175 Fr
STRONG SAFETY
5 Marcosus LeBlanc 6-0 199 Sr+
8 Jeff Brown 6-0 185 Jr+
3 Tyrone Henderson 5-10 180 Sr+
RIGHT CORNER
9 Andre Fuller 5-10 159 Jr*
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+
PAT/FG 46 Jeff Hastings 5-9 177 Sr+
KICKOFFS 39 Eric Fisher 6-1 191 Fr
PUNTER 82 Tyler Bolton or 20 Ryan Force or Jack Rolovich
PUNT RETURN 13 Kory Austin or 89 Josh Lewis
KICK RETURN 88 Michael Jefferson, 1 Donell Wheaton
LONG SNAPS 84 Brandon Bostick or 42 Clive Lowe
SHORT SNAPS 84 Brandon Bostick
HOLDER 15 Cory Carpenter
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 11:30 am
SITE: Bozeman, MT
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
PRESS BOX: 406/994-6180
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: none scheduled
WEB VIDEO: www.BigSkyTV.org
HIGHLIGHTS
• Montana State’s third trip to the post-season in the last five years gives the Bobcats their first home playoff game since 1984
• Mike Kramer is 0-2 in post-season action at MSU, 2-3 all-time
STREAKS
• Montana snapped Montana State’s six-game winning streak on Saturday
• After losing its three September home games, MSU has won its last three in Bobcat Stadium
• MSU owns a three-game losing streak and six-game winning streak during the 2006 season
MILESTONES
• Saturday’s loss was Jack Rolovich’s first as MSU’s starting quarterback, falling to 4-1
• Aaron Mason’s 573 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 seven times during his sophomore season
• CB ANDRE FULLER recovered a fumble, intercepted one pass and broke up three others Saturday
• PK JEFF HASTINGS nailed a career-long 48-yarder field goal against UNC, but didn’t attempt one at Montana last weekend
ABOUT THE BOBCATS...
MSU in ‘06 7-4
Conf./Record Big Sky/6-2
Home/Road 3-3/4-1
Grass/Turf 5-3/2-1
Day/Night 6-3/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 76-74/12th
At MSU/Years 39-42/6th
vs FU 0-0
Home/Road 0-0/0-0
SERIES First meeting
At MSU 0-0
At FU 0-0
Current Streak none
ABOUT THE PALADINS...
FU in ‘06 8-3
Conf./Record Southern/6-2
Home/Road 6-0/2-3
Grass/Turf 7-2/0-1
Day/Night 5-1/2-2
HEAD COACH Bobby Lamb
Alma Mater Furman/’86
Overall/Years 43-18/6th
At School/Years same
vs MSU 0-0
Home/Road 0-0/0-0
ABOUT FU The Paladins
Spirit Colors Purple, white
Location Greenville, SC
Enrollment 2,600
Stadium Paladin Stadium
OPPONENT ‘06 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 Jacksonville State W 17-13
S9 West Georgia W 24-7
S16 at North Carolina L 42-45
S23 Western Carolina W 42-7
S30 at Wofford W 35-21
O7 at Coastal Carolina L 27-29
O14 The Citadel W 23-17
O21 Chattanooga W 28-22ot
O28 at Appalachian St. L 7-40
N4 at Elon W 24-13
N11 Georgia Southern W 13-10
N18 at Montana State (FCS)
Opening Information
MSU penetrated the Montana 20-yard line twice on Saturday, but Montana worked inside the Bobcat red zone only once • Mike Kramer’s Bobcats are 9-3 when the defense scores a touchdown. • Jack Rolovich had the second-best starting debut in MSU history at Sac State, after Joe Volek’s 358 yards vs. NAU in 1991. • Jack Rolovich joins Mike Godfrey as the only Bobcat QBs on record to win their first four starts.
Stadium Stuff
A Southern Conference team has never visited Bobcat Stadium. • MSU’s last three trips to Pocatello have been decided by 15 total points, and not until the last minute of the game. • MSU’s two-game winning streak at NAU’s Walkup Skydome is its first ever, and the four-game winning streak against the Jacks is the longest ever. • 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. UM: (1, 7-13 loss): Claggett.
Road Rules
Montana State’s first four road games resulted in offensive fireworks, averaging 424.5 yards a game and 6.3 yards a play. Montana’s stout defense, however, held the ‘Cats to 196 yards. MSU averages 289.5 yds/game and 4.9 yds/play at home.
Turnover Talk
Montana State stands -4 in turnovers on the season, three better than in 2005. MSU is 5-1 this year when positive or even in turnovers. MSU’s recent history: -7 in 2005, even in ‘04, +4 in ‘03 and -4 in ‘02.
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 34 games and is the longest span in Mike Kramer’s coaching career. The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 43 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kickoff return in 64 straight contests. Kory Austin returned an EWU punt for a TD that was called back.
Playoff Payoff
MSU is 6-2 in the NCAA Playoffs, 2-2 in the first round, 3-0 at home. MSU’s first round results: 1976, beat New Hampshire 17-16 (DII); 1984, beat Arkansas State 31-14 (I-AA), 2002, lost at McNeese State 21-14, 2003 lost at Northern Iowa 35-14.
Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’
Bobcat opponents have returned just 23 of MSU’s 64 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 22 sacks through 11 games, while getting 27.
20 is Terrific
Montana State is 24-6 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).
Big Plays
In MSU’s four October contests, the Bobcats registered 13 plays of 20 yards or more. In the team’s last two game, MSU has just three 20-yarders.
Slow Re-Starters
MSU has netted just one yard 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 18 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
Only one of MSU’s last eight games was decided by double-digits, the 14-0 win over nationally-ranked Portland State.
Holding Firm
The Bobcat defense has faced 24 sudden change possessions (23 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 seven opponents 377 yards on 107 third-down plays, a total skewed by two big plays (40, 76), for 3.6 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: 2-1/2nd Qtr: 5-1/3rd Qtr: 6-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-3/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-4
THE QUOTABLE KRAMER
On the Division I Football Championships selection: “I’ll never know by what machination this occurred, and I don’t care. We’ve been presented a tremendous opportunity, and we are very motivated to reward the selection Committee with a good showing. We faced a tremendous run of emotions on Saturday and Sunday, and I’m not sure the depths of agony over the loss equal the ecstacy of hosting a playoff game, but we’re very excited about the tremendous opportunity we’ve been presented..”
On Furman: “Furman is sound, solid, and serene. They don’t panic, they don’t show a lot of emotion, they just get the job done. It’s hard to tell on video how hard a team plays, but my sense is that Furman plays extremely hard and is very well-coached. They really like to run the ball. Their fullback is 248 pounds and their running back, Cedric Gibson, has good speed to the outside. Defensively they are very phusical in the front seven and at safety. Both clubs like to play great defense, and I expect it to be that kind of game.”
On the Bobcats: “I’m pretty concerned about our overall health. We’re beat up at tailback, where Evin Groves won’t go and where Aaron Mason is banged up. We will heed to have some semblence of a running game to be successful Saturday. My biggest concerns offensively are, can we run the ball, can we protect long enough to take advantage of the passing game, and what we do after we catch the ball. We have not done a great job of gaining yards after the catch. We need a breakout along those lines. Defensively we need to be stout against the run and defend their option. Anything can happen once you’re in the playoffs, and hosting a game for the first time in 22 years is exciting and energizing.”
Current Montana State Two-Deep (pro-nuns-ee-AY-shun)
Offense # Player Ht Wt Class Notes
LEFT TACKLE
53 Peder Jensen 6-6 277 Jr*
79 Adam DeCock 6-6 307 Jr*
LEFT GUARD
57 Brant Birkeland 6-2 271 Sr*
70 Dominic Sonsini 6-3 275 Fr*
CENTER
76 Jeff Hansen 6-4 255 Fr*
61 Jim Verlanic 6-0 249 So*
RIGHT GUARD
75 Louis Saucedo (sou-SEE-doe) 6-6 320 So*
66 Chris Smith 6-3 290 So*
RIGHT TACKLE
73 Joe Hirst 6-7 292 Sr*
62 Neil Boyce 6-3 303 Fr*
QUARTERBACK
12 Jack Rolovich (ROLE-oh-vitch) 6-2 220 Jr*+
OR
15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 Jr*
RUNNING BACK
25 Aaron Mason 5-10 181 Fr
35 Isaiah Taito 5-11 190 So
X RECEIVER
88 Michael Jefferson 6-2 203 Sr+
80 Derek Green 6-3 178 Fr*
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Donell Wheaton 6-0 185 Sr+
10 Tyler Lulay 6-0 186 So*
Z RECEIVER
89 Josh Lewis 5-11 165 Jr+
83 Mike Brown 5-9 185 So*
TIGHT END
95 Elliott Barnhart 6-4 242 Jr
84 Brandon Bostick (BOSS-stick) 6-4 251 So*
91 Joe Schreibeis 6-3 225 Fr*
45 Ty McDonald 6-2 223 Jr*
Defense
LEFT END
42 Clive Lowe 6-3 232 Sr*
50 Reyshawn Bobo 6-1 225 Jr*+
LEFT TACFKLE
94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Sr+*
90 Brandon Hoffenbacker 6-2 314 So
RIGHT TACKLE
97 Chris Kolone (KOE-loe-nay) 6-4 288 So*+
58 Ryan Cerise (suh-REESE) 6-2 241 Fr*
RIGHT END
99 Aaron Papich (like RAP-itch) 6-2 263 Jr*
60 Dylan Kinkelaar (KINK-ul-lahr) 6-2 246 So*
WILL LB
7 Bryant Matthews 6-0 205 Jr+
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr*
MIKE LB
54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 So*
31 Chase Gazzerro 5-10 192 So
SAM LB
44 Epikopo King (epp-ee-COE-poe) 6-1 205 Jr*
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr*
41 Will Clagett 6-1 222 Jr*+
LEFT CORNER
13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 Jr*
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+
FREE SAFETY
20 Ryan Force 6-2 206 Sr*
27 Kevin Retoriano 5-9 175 Fr
STRONG SAFETY
5 Marcosus LeBlanc 6-0 199 Sr+
8 Jeff Brown 6-0 185 Jr+
3 Tyrone Henderson 5-10 180 Sr+
RIGHT CORNER
9 Andre Fuller 5-10 159 Jr*
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+
PAT/FG 46 Jeff Hastings 5-9 177 Sr+
KICKOFFS 39 Eric Fisher 6-1 191 Fr
PUNTER 82 Tyler Bolton or 20 Ryan Force or Jack Rolovich
PUNT RETURN 13 Kory Austin or 89 Josh Lewis
KICK RETURN 88 Michael Jefferson, 1 Donell Wheaton
LONG SNAPS 84 Brandon Bostick or 42 Clive Lowe
SHORT SNAPS 84 Brandon Bostick
HOLDER 15 Cory Carpenter
Thursday, August 27
Monday, August 24
Monday, August 24
Wednesday, June 10
