MSU Snaps Skid with 43-point Explosion
11/10/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
It was like old times.
Montana State used a familiar formula Saturday in an emotional 50-36 win over Portland State in PGE Park. The team’s opportunistic offense exploded for 43 points in the second half, aided by one defensive touchdown and another score set up by an interception. Michael Beach intercepted both the crucial second-half interceptions, his fourth and fifth picks and second touchdown of the season.
“It feels like about 10 years since we won last,” Bobcat coach Rob Ash said after the game, his relief visible. “We desperately needed this win. I’m glad we got it.”
Montana State posted its best offensive game of the season. The 43 second-half points was more than it scored against any other Division I opponent in a full game this year, the 25 first downs matched a season high, and the 450 total yards was the third-most in 2007.
“Offensive we played well,” Ash said. “Jack Rolovich had a terrific game. He threw decisively and accurately, and it was clearly his best overall performance of the season.”
Beach’s plays stand out as pivotal, reminiscent of the touchdown returns on interceptions in earlier Bobcat wins. “On the first one he made a good drop in his combination coverage and jumped the route,” Ash said. “On the second one, he did a great job playing the ball. He laid back off in his zone, saw the ball, and made a play on it like a receiver would. They were very big plays.”
Rolovich spread the offensive riches around en route to his 296 yards passing. Three receivers caught five balls each, led by Deon Tolivers five catches for 76 yards. Four different receivers caught touchdown passes, including Kyle Begger, whose TD was his first career catch.
While the offensive fireworks will capture the headlines, Ash was impressed with his defense. “How many times do you give up36 points and feel like the defense played great?” he asked. “But they did.” Bobby Daly’s 11 tackles led the team, and 2.5 were behind the line. He broke up two passes, as well. Jeff Price logged six tackles in his first career start.
In spite of a statistical advantage, Montana State trailed 12-7 after a mistake-filled first half. The Bobcats turned the ball over four times in the first half and were whistled for seven penalties. Jack Rolovich and Deon Toliver connected on a 20-yard pass for MSU’s score, a corner route against man coverage. Portland State scored on a 27-yard Danny Urego field goal, a seven-yard pass from Drew Hubel to Kenneth Mackins, and on a safety when Travis Beckley sacked Corey Carpenter in the end zone.
MSU’s win snaps a two-game losing streak, and clinches MSU’s sixth straight winning season. The Bobcats close the 2007 campaign at home against Montana on Saturday.
Montana State used a familiar formula Saturday in an emotional 50-36 win over Portland State in PGE Park. The team’s opportunistic offense exploded for 43 points in the second half, aided by one defensive touchdown and another score set up by an interception. Michael Beach intercepted both the crucial second-half interceptions, his fourth and fifth picks and second touchdown of the season.
“It feels like about 10 years since we won last,” Bobcat coach Rob Ash said after the game, his relief visible. “We desperately needed this win. I’m glad we got it.”
Montana State posted its best offensive game of the season. The 43 second-half points was more than it scored against any other Division I opponent in a full game this year, the 25 first downs matched a season high, and the 450 total yards was the third-most in 2007.
“Offensive we played well,” Ash said. “Jack Rolovich had a terrific game. He threw decisively and accurately, and it was clearly his best overall performance of the season.”
Beach’s plays stand out as pivotal, reminiscent of the touchdown returns on interceptions in earlier Bobcat wins. “On the first one he made a good drop in his combination coverage and jumped the route,” Ash said. “On the second one, he did a great job playing the ball. He laid back off in his zone, saw the ball, and made a play on it like a receiver would. They were very big plays.”
Rolovich spread the offensive riches around en route to his 296 yards passing. Three receivers caught five balls each, led by Deon Tolivers five catches for 76 yards. Four different receivers caught touchdown passes, including Kyle Begger, whose TD was his first career catch.
While the offensive fireworks will capture the headlines, Ash was impressed with his defense. “How many times do you give up36 points and feel like the defense played great?” he asked. “But they did.” Bobby Daly’s 11 tackles led the team, and 2.5 were behind the line. He broke up two passes, as well. Jeff Price logged six tackles in his first career start.
In spite of a statistical advantage, Montana State trailed 12-7 after a mistake-filled first half. The Bobcats turned the ball over four times in the first half and were whistled for seven penalties. Jack Rolovich and Deon Toliver connected on a 20-yard pass for MSU’s score, a corner route against man coverage. Portland State scored on a 27-yard Danny Urego field goal, a seven-yard pass from Drew Hubel to Kenneth Mackins, and on a safety when Travis Beckley sacked Corey Carpenter in the end zone.
MSU’s win snaps a two-game losing streak, and clinches MSU’s sixth straight winning season. The Bobcats close the 2007 campaign at home against Montana on Saturday.
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