Bobcat Game Day Notebook vs. SUU
10/6/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
The October snow that brought three inches of snow to Bobcat Stadium by noon brings to mind a couple of other noteworthy autumn snowstorms.
Exactly 17 years ago - October 6, 1990 - Montana State hosted Northern Arizona for Homecoming. Like today, the snow began early, and lasted all morning. Like today, the snow continued to pile up.
And on that day, the snow ended in the first half and the second half was played in bright sunshine. And the result of the game was equally happy for the home fans, as Montana State exploded for a 70-37 win over NAU. In his first start, Joe Volek threw for 358 yards.
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In similar circumstances on October 21, 1995, the Bobcats dropped a 14-7 decision to Weber State. A fumbled snap into the MSU end zone proved the decisive play of a game that was played in near-blizzard conditions for much of the first half.
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Montana State faces Southern Utah's option attack on Saturday at least one man down on defense. Junior linebacker Chase Gazzerro suffered a knee injury last week, and the determination was made Thursday night that surgery will end his season. Gazzerro is eligible to apply for an injury hardship season.
While defensive end Dane Fletcher's season remains a game-time decision due to a shoulder injury, defensive tackle Brandon Hoffenbacker is expected to play as a reserve behind Chris Kolone.
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How tough has Southern Utah's schedule been in 2007? The Thunderbirds are 0-4, and their opponents have combined for an 18-0 mark through September. Three of the team's losses have come to nationally-ranked squads. SUU has played close games, trailing Montana, for instance, by less than a touchdown in the second half.
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It may take another 14 years to coax Southern Utah back to Bozeman. The last time the Thunderbirds played at MSU, the Bobcats won 32-31 on a frigid afternoon in 1993.
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Although Rob Ash had expressed concern throughout the week about playing a non-conference opponent in the middle of the league season, his stance had softened by Saturday morning. "Our players like to play football, our coaches like to go football, and I thought we had a good week of preparation. We'll go out and play and see what happens."
* * * * *
MSU's success against non-conference foes after the league season has begun in the last two decades has been uneven, with the 'Cats posting a 5-4 record in such contests. Winnowing out contests against Division I-A foes, however, the Bobcats are 5-1, including the 1990 win over Southern Utah. The last such contest MSU played was a wild 2004 home win over South Dakota State.
Exactly 17 years ago - October 6, 1990 - Montana State hosted Northern Arizona for Homecoming. Like today, the snow began early, and lasted all morning. Like today, the snow continued to pile up.
And on that day, the snow ended in the first half and the second half was played in bright sunshine. And the result of the game was equally happy for the home fans, as Montana State exploded for a 70-37 win over NAU. In his first start, Joe Volek threw for 358 yards.
* * * * *
In similar circumstances on October 21, 1995, the Bobcats dropped a 14-7 decision to Weber State. A fumbled snap into the MSU end zone proved the decisive play of a game that was played in near-blizzard conditions for much of the first half.
* * * * *
Montana State faces Southern Utah's option attack on Saturday at least one man down on defense. Junior linebacker Chase Gazzerro suffered a knee injury last week, and the determination was made Thursday night that surgery will end his season. Gazzerro is eligible to apply for an injury hardship season.
While defensive end Dane Fletcher's season remains a game-time decision due to a shoulder injury, defensive tackle Brandon Hoffenbacker is expected to play as a reserve behind Chris Kolone.
* * * * *
How tough has Southern Utah's schedule been in 2007? The Thunderbirds are 0-4, and their opponents have combined for an 18-0 mark through September. Three of the team's losses have come to nationally-ranked squads. SUU has played close games, trailing Montana, for instance, by less than a touchdown in the second half.
* * * * *
It may take another 14 years to coax Southern Utah back to Bozeman. The last time the Thunderbirds played at MSU, the Bobcats won 32-31 on a frigid afternoon in 1993.
* * * * *
Although Rob Ash had expressed concern throughout the week about playing a non-conference opponent in the middle of the league season, his stance had softened by Saturday morning. "Our players like to play football, our coaches like to go football, and I thought we had a good week of preparation. We'll go out and play and see what happens."
* * * * *
MSU's success against non-conference foes after the league season has begun in the last two decades has been uneven, with the 'Cats posting a 5-4 record in such contests. Winnowing out contests against Division I-A foes, however, the Bobcats are 5-1, including the 1990 win over Southern Utah. The last such contest MSU played was a wild 2004 home win over South Dakota State.
Wednesday, August 19
Wednesday, June 10
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
