Bobcats Host UNC Saturday
11/3/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Mike Kramer remembers Northern Colorado’s last trip to Bozeman. It was September 27, 2003, and the Division II Bears stunned the Bobcats 14-10. This year’s UNC squad makes its first trip to Bozeman as a Big Sky rival, but not as a conference rival. That happened regularly between 1923 and 1956, when the teams met 20 times as rivals in the Rocky Mountain Faculty Athletic Conference, MSU owning a 12-7-1 margin in those games. UNC has found the going tough in 2006, posting a 1-7 record overall, including an 0-5 Big Sky mark.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 12:05 pm
SITE: Bozeman, MT
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
PRESS BOX: 406/994-6180
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Mex Media (Chris Byers, Ron Heller) WEB VIDEO: www.BigSkyTV.org
HIGHLIGHTS
• Montana State’s win over Weber State gives the team five straight winning seasons for the first time since 1956-64 • MSU has posted six straight winning Big Sky seasons for the first time • QB Jack Rolovich threw two touchdowns without an interception Saturday
STREAKS
• Montana State’s five-game winning streak matches the longest of the Mike Kramer era (five, 2004) • MSU has held its last five opponents to less than 100 rushing yards • MSU owns a three-game losing streak and a five-game winning streak during the 2006 season
MILESTONES
• Jack Rolovich is 3-0 as Montana State’s starting quarterback • Aaron Mason’s 529 rushing yards is a freshman record at MSU • MSU is 4-0 on the road for the first time since 1956
SHINING
• CB MICHAEL BEACH returned interception for game-winning TD • LB CHASE GAZZERRO covered kicks well, and ran 12 yards for a 1st down on a fake punt • OT JOE HIRST was national O-lineman of Week for effort at ISU
ABOUT THE BOBCATS...
MSU in ‘06 6-3
Conf./Record Big Sky/5-1
Home/Road 2-3/4-0
Grass/Turf 4-3/2-0
Day/Night 5-3/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 75-73/12th
At MSU/Years 38-40/6th
vs UNC 0-1
Home/Road 0-1/0-0
SERIES MSU 12-8-1
At MSU MSU 7-3-1
At UNC 5-5
Current Streak UNC 1W
ABOUT THE BEARS...
UNC in ‘06 1-7
Conf./Record Big Sky/0-5
Home/Road 0-4/1-3
Grass/Turf 0-7/1-0
Day/Night 0-4/1-3
HEAD COACH Scott Downing
Alma Mater Sterling/’79
Overall/Years 14-11-1/3rd
At School/Years 1-7/1st yr
vs MSU 0-0
Home/Road 0-0/0-0
ABOUT UNC The Bears
Colors Blue, gold
Location Greeley, CO
Enrollment 12,300
Stadium Nottingham Field
OPPONENT ‘06 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 UC Davis L 7-38
S9 *at Portland State L 3-45
S16 at Texas State W 14-13
S23 Western Illinois L 28-42
S28 *at Weber State L 21-26
O7 *Idaho State L 13-41
O14 *Eastern Wash. L 0-34
O28 *at Sacramento St L 9-14
N4 *at Montana State 12:05 pm
N11 *Montana 12:05 pm
N18 *Northern Arizona 12:05 pm
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 is the third Bobcat quarterback in the last 40 years to win the first three starts (Dennis Erickson won his first three, Mike Godfrey won his first four).
Stadium Stuff
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. l MSU has hosted 13 consecutive home crowds of at least 12,000.
It’s the Injuries, Stupid
While many outside the program still wonder at MSU’s three-game September losing streak,the answer is simple (see above). MSU has not played a game this year with every projected starter available, but stands 6-1 with two starters or less out, 0-2 with three starters or more missing... Colorado (1 starter out, 19-10 W): TE Elliott Barnhart. Chadron (2, 35-24 L): Barnhart, RB Evin Groves. UC Davis (4, 45-0 L): Barnhart, Groves, WR Josh Lewis, LB Epikopo King. Eastern (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.
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 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 31 games and is the longest span in Mike Kramer’s coaching career. The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 41 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kickoff return in 62 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.
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 16 of MSU’s 46 roll-style punts. MSU punters have 16 pins inside the 20.
Dome Sweet Dome
MSU has won its last four straight games indoors, sweeping Idaho State and Northern Arizona in both 2004 and ‘06. MSU is 2-0 in domes and 2-0 on artificial turf this season.
Sack Stuff
The Bobcats sacked opposing quarterbacks five times in the first four games, but registered 18 in the last five games. MSU has allowed only 18 sacks through nine games.
Noteworthy Debuts
The top quarterback passing debuts in school history...
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
Piling Up
MSU’s top all-purpose yardage days...
1. 305 Michael Jefferson vs. ISU 2006
2. 298 Don Hass vs. Weber 1967
3. 292 Ryan Johnson vs. Idaho State 2001
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 halfthis year, scoring three times on its first third-quarter drive and covering 5 plays and 20 yards.
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 18 sudden change possessions (17 turnovers and a blocked punt), holding the opponent to just 38 points (five TDs and one FG).
Third Down Turnaround
Since EWU gained 133 yards on third down against MSU, the ‘Cats have allowed the last five opponents 250 yards on 74 third-down plays, a total skewed by an ISU 76-yarder, for 3.4 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: 4-0/3rd Qtr: 5-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-3/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-3
THE QUOTABLE KRAMER
On the Weber State game: “It was a splendid effort by the defense throughout the day. Our pressure on their quarterback in the fourth quarterback was really a key. We played great in some areas, just good enough to win in others. We’re really making good strides in the kicking game, particularly the return and coverage units. Jack Rolovich played error-free football, and his ability to do that allowed us to be in position to win the game in the fourth quarter. Defensively, we did a good job mixing coverages, and we were in man on the interception, when Mike Beach stood tall and made the biggest play of the game. I thought it was a really tough-minded effort by us, especially in the fourth quarter after we survived the onslaught in the third quarter.”
On Northern Colorado: “We want to play well throughout the game Saturday, but it will be important for us to play well early. The defense and offense need to work hard to get better throughout the week, and we’ll need to play hard Saturday. Our crowd was a very real part of the win last week, and we need them again. The student stands were on fire and the press box side was rolling, it was a fun atmosphere.”
On the Bobcats: “I like where we are in terms of our mental state. We are calm and determined. A lot of that has to do with Jack (Rolovich). He’s not real flighty, he brings a sense of calm to the offense. The return of Ryan Force on defense and getting him to full capacity has really elevated our play on that side of the ball.”
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
17 Jordan Rasmussen 6-4 220 Fr On redshirt alert status
15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 Jr* Doubtful for UNC (ankle)
RUNNING BACK
28 Evin Groves 5-8 187 So* Returns to starting lineup
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
80 Derek Green 6-3 178 Fr* Redshirted last year
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Donell Wheaton 6-0 185 Sr+ TD vs. Weber
10 Tyler Lulay 6-0 186 So* Made first 3 catches vs. UCD
Z RECEIVER
89 Josh Lewis 5-11 165 Jr+ 6 catches in last 3 games
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*+ Washington State transfer
LEFT TACFKLE
94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Sr+* Has started all nine 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 9 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 four games
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr* Redshirt freshman
MIKE LB
54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 So* Leads Cats with 86 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*+ Sack, FF at ISU
LEFT CORNER 13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 Jr* Team-high 10 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
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 33 TT
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+ MSU’s nickel back
PAT/FG 46 Jeff Hastings 5-9 177 Sr+ 8-10 FG this season
KICKOFFS 39 Eric Fisher 6-1 191 Fr* 5 KO pins inside 20 last 4 gms
PUNTER 20 Ryan Force or 82 Tyler Bolton
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: 12:05 pm
SITE: Bozeman, MT
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
PRESS BOX: 406/994-6180
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Kris Atteberry, Dan Davies)
TELEVISION: Mex Media (Chris Byers, Ron Heller) WEB VIDEO: www.BigSkyTV.org
HIGHLIGHTS
• Montana State’s win over Weber State gives the team five straight winning seasons for the first time since 1956-64 • MSU has posted six straight winning Big Sky seasons for the first time • QB Jack Rolovich threw two touchdowns without an interception Saturday
STREAKS
• Montana State’s five-game winning streak matches the longest of the Mike Kramer era (five, 2004) • MSU has held its last five opponents to less than 100 rushing yards • MSU owns a three-game losing streak and a five-game winning streak during the 2006 season
MILESTONES
• Jack Rolovich is 3-0 as Montana State’s starting quarterback • Aaron Mason’s 529 rushing yards is a freshman record at MSU • MSU is 4-0 on the road for the first time since 1956
SHINING
• CB MICHAEL BEACH returned interception for game-winning TD • LB CHASE GAZZERRO covered kicks well, and ran 12 yards for a 1st down on a fake punt • OT JOE HIRST was national O-lineman of Week for effort at ISU
ABOUT THE BOBCATS...
MSU in ‘06 6-3
Conf./Record Big Sky/5-1
Home/Road 2-3/4-0
Grass/Turf 4-3/2-0
Day/Night 5-3/1-0
HEAD COACH Mike Kramer
Alma Mater Idaho/’76
Overall/Years 75-73/12th
At MSU/Years 38-40/6th
vs UNC 0-1
Home/Road 0-1/0-0
SERIES MSU 12-8-1
At MSU MSU 7-3-1
At UNC 5-5
Current Streak UNC 1W
ABOUT THE BEARS...
UNC in ‘06 1-7
Conf./Record Big Sky/0-5
Home/Road 0-4/1-3
Grass/Turf 0-7/1-0
Day/Night 0-4/1-3
HEAD COACH Scott Downing
Alma Mater Sterling/’79
Overall/Years 14-11-1/3rd
At School/Years 1-7/1st yr
vs MSU 0-0
Home/Road 0-0/0-0
ABOUT UNC The Bears
Colors Blue, gold
Location Greeley, CO
Enrollment 12,300
Stadium Nottingham Field
OPPONENT ‘06 SCHEDULE/RESULTS
S2 UC Davis L 7-38
S9 *at Portland State L 3-45
S16 at Texas State W 14-13
S23 Western Illinois L 28-42
S28 *at Weber State L 21-26
O7 *Idaho State L 13-41
O14 *Eastern Wash. L 0-34
O28 *at Sacramento St L 9-14
N4 *at Montana State 12:05 pm
N11 *Montana 12:05 pm
N18 *Northern Arizona 12:05 pm
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 is the third Bobcat quarterback in the last 40 years to win the first three starts (Dennis Erickson won his first three, Mike Godfrey won his first four).
Stadium Stuff
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. l MSU has hosted 13 consecutive home crowds of at least 12,000.
It’s the Injuries, Stupid
While many outside the program still wonder at MSU’s three-game September losing streak,the answer is simple (see above). MSU has not played a game this year with every projected starter available, but stands 6-1 with two starters or less out, 0-2 with three starters or more missing... Colorado (1 starter out, 19-10 W): TE Elliott Barnhart. Chadron (2, 35-24 L): Barnhart, RB Evin Groves. UC Davis (4, 45-0 L): Barnhart, Groves, WR Josh Lewis, LB Epikopo King. Eastern (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.
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 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 31 games and is the longest span in Mike Kramer’s coaching career. The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 41 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kickoff return in 62 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.
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 16 of MSU’s 46 roll-style punts. MSU punters have 16 pins inside the 20.
Dome Sweet Dome
MSU has won its last four straight games indoors, sweeping Idaho State and Northern Arizona in both 2004 and ‘06. MSU is 2-0 in domes and 2-0 on artificial turf this season.
Sack Stuff
The Bobcats sacked opposing quarterbacks five times in the first four games, but registered 18 in the last five games. MSU has allowed only 18 sacks through nine games.
Noteworthy Debuts
The top quarterback passing debuts in school history...
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
Piling Up
MSU’s top all-purpose yardage days...
1. 305 Michael Jefferson vs. ISU 2006
2. 298 Don Hass vs. Weber 1967
3. 292 Ryan Johnson vs. Idaho State 2001
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 halfthis year, scoring three times on its first third-quarter drive and covering 5 plays and 20 yards.
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 18 sudden change possessions (17 turnovers and a blocked punt), holding the opponent to just 38 points (five TDs and one FG).
Third Down Turnaround
Since EWU gained 133 yards on third down against MSU, the ‘Cats have allowed the last five opponents 250 yards on 74 third-down plays, a total skewed by an ISU 76-yarder, for 3.4 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: 4-0/3rd Qtr: 5-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-3/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-3
THE QUOTABLE KRAMER
On the Weber State game: “It was a splendid effort by the defense throughout the day. Our pressure on their quarterback in the fourth quarterback was really a key. We played great in some areas, just good enough to win in others. We’re really making good strides in the kicking game, particularly the return and coverage units. Jack Rolovich played error-free football, and his ability to do that allowed us to be in position to win the game in the fourth quarter. Defensively, we did a good job mixing coverages, and we were in man on the interception, when Mike Beach stood tall and made the biggest play of the game. I thought it was a really tough-minded effort by us, especially in the fourth quarter after we survived the onslaught in the third quarter.”
On Northern Colorado: “We want to play well throughout the game Saturday, but it will be important for us to play well early. The defense and offense need to work hard to get better throughout the week, and we’ll need to play hard Saturday. Our crowd was a very real part of the win last week, and we need them again. The student stands were on fire and the press box side was rolling, it was a fun atmosphere.”
On the Bobcats: “I like where we are in terms of our mental state. We are calm and determined. A lot of that has to do with Jack (Rolovich). He’s not real flighty, he brings a sense of calm to the offense. The return of Ryan Force on defense and getting him to full capacity has really elevated our play on that side of the ball.”
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
17 Jordan Rasmussen 6-4 220 Fr On redshirt alert status
15 Cory Carpenter 6-2 214 Jr* Doubtful for UNC (ankle)
RUNNING BACK
28 Evin Groves 5-8 187 So* Returns to starting lineup
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
80 Derek Green 6-3 178 Fr* Redshirted last year
SLOT RECEIVER
1 Donell Wheaton 6-0 185 Sr+ TD vs. Weber
10 Tyler Lulay 6-0 186 So* Made first 3 catches vs. UCD
Z RECEIVER
89 Josh Lewis 5-11 165 Jr+ 6 catches in last 3 games
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*+ Washington State transfer
LEFT TACFKLE
94 David Siataga (see-uh-TON-guh) 5-11 285 Sr+* Has started all nine 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 9 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 four games
30 Denis Speights 6-0 215 Fr* Redshirt freshman
MIKE LB
54 Bobby Daly 6-1 229 So* Leads Cats with 86 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*+ Sack, FF at ISU
LEFT CORNER 13 Kory Austin 5-11 172 Jr* Team-high 10 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
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 33 TT
24 Michael Beach 6-0 186 Jr+ MSU’s nickel back
PAT/FG 46 Jeff Hastings 5-9 177 Sr+ 8-10 FG this season
KICKOFFS 39 Eric Fisher 6-1 191 Fr* 5 KO pins inside 20 last 4 gms
PUNTER 20 Ryan Force or 82 Tyler Bolton
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, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
