MSU Game Notes vs. Weber State
10/9/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Fresh off a road win in its Big Sky opener, Montana State returns home Saturday to find league-leading, nationally-ranked Weber State awaiting. The #22 Wildcats pounded Montana last weekend, and carry a Big Sky-best (tied with Northern Arizona) 2-0 conference mark into Bobcat Stadium. The Bobcats and Weber State have each lost two games, with all four losses between the schools coming at the hands of Bowl Subdivision squads
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 1:35 pm
SITE: Bozeman, MT
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Jeff Lasky, Dan Davies, Tyler Wiltgen)
TELEVISION: Bobcat Sports Network (Chris Byers, Ron Heller, Dave Griffiths)
FOR OPENERS
• Montana State’s last game against a nationally-ranked Weber State team was a 10-7 MSU victory in Ogden in 1998, the Bobcats’ only win over a ranked Wildcat squad
• The Bobcats have lost their last two games to nationally-ranked FCS squads (Montana last year, Appalachian State in ‘06).
STADIUM STUFF
• MSU has won five of its last six games indoors
• Montana State has sold out its last 10 games at 13,000-seat Bobcat Stadium
BIG SKY BULLET POINTS
• MSU is second in the Big Sky in total defense in spite of playing two BCS-league teams
• The Bobcats have allowed a league-low 211.0 yards a game in the air
HIGHLIGHTS
• Idaho State started 13 possessions after Bobcat kickoffs or punts Saturday, and six of them began inside the ISU 20
• After suffering four blocked kicks against Kansas State and Minnesota, MSU hasn’t surrendered one in the last two weeks
• Of MSU’s 137 scrimmage plays in the past two weeks, 92 have been rushes
STREAKS
• MSU has registered a safety against Idaho State in three straight meetings
• The Bobcats have committed at least one turnover in each game this season
MILESTONES
• Demetrius Crawford is now 18th in MSU history with 1,301 career rushing yards
• DeSean Thomas has catches in his five games as a Bobcat, and TDs in his last two • Bobby Daly’s 12 tackles at ISU moves him into 7th in MSU history with 331
SHINING
• LB CHASE GAZZERRO has 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in the last two weeks
• THE MSU O-LINE has not allowed a sack or quarterback knock-down in the last two games
• TE BRANDON BOSTICK leads the Cats in catches (17), even after missing one game (South Dakota, knee)
Montana State BOBCATS (3-2/1-0 Big Sky)
MSU in ‘08: 3-2
Conf./Record: Big Sky/1-0
Home/Road: 2-0/1-2
Grass/Turf: 0-0/3-2
Day/Night: 3-1/0-1
HEAD COACH: Rob Ash
Alma Mater: Cornell (Ia.)/’73
Overall/Years: 185-106-5/28th
At MSU/Years: 9-7/2nd
vs WSU: 1-0
Home/Road: 0-0/1-0
SERIES: MSU 25-19-1
At MSU: MSU 13-8-1
At WSU: WSU 12-11
Current Streak: MSU 7W
Weber State WILDCATS (4-2/2-0 Big Sky)
WSU in ‘08: 4-2
Conf./Record: Big Sky/2-0
Home/Road: 3-0/1-2
Grass/Turf: 4-0/0-2
Day/Night: 2-0/2-2
HEAD COACH: Ron McBride
Alma Mater: San Jose State/’63
Overall/Years: 107-83/17th
At School/Years: 19-20/4th
vs MSU: 0-3
Home/Road: 0-1/0-2
ABOUT WSU: The Wildcats
Colors: Purple, white
Location/Enrollment: Ogden, UT
Stadium: Stewart Stadium
THE BOBCATS THIS WEEK
Mon -- players off
Tue -- Coaches Corner: 10 am (Holiday Inn); Media Lunch: Noon (requested players available); Practice: 3:45 pm (post-practice player availability)
Wed -- Practice: 3:55 pm; Cat Chat: 7 pm (Pour House, KXLB-FM)
Thu -- Practice: 3:55 pm
Fri -- Practice: 5:15 pm
Notes on the Offense...
• After committing 12 turnovers in the previous three weeks, MSU turned the ball over only once at Idaho State on Saturday
• Montana State has gained between 350 and 390 yards of offense in four of its five games
• The Bobcats have rushed for 387 yards in the last two games
Notes on the Defense...
• The Bobcats registered just one sack in the Minnesota and K-State games combined, but have 14 sacks in the other three games combined, and are third in the league in sacks (15)
• The Bobcats have limited three of their five opponents to less than 175 yards passing, and lead the Big Sky in pass defense
Notes on the Kick Teams...
• Jason Cunningham has converted four of his five field goal attempts, all from 40 yards or further, longer than any kick the Bobcats made in 2007 • MSU pinned Idaho State inside the Bengal 20 on four kickoffs and three punts last weekend, and inside the ISU five twice on punts
Against the Class of ‘07
The Big Sky welcomed four new head coaches in 2007. Rob Ash stands 4-0 against the head coaches that arrived at the same time as him.
Ash Escort
To promote the Montana Hope Project, which aids Treasure State children in need, a Montana State Trooper escorts Rob Ash on the sideline.
Down Deep
MSU has converted all six goal-to-go possessions in the last four games into TDs.
The Best Yet
Adams State’s 116 total yards is the fewest allowed by the Bobcat defense during the Rob Ash era, and was the fewest by a Bobcat opponent since Portland State’s 112 yards in ‘03.
Another (Second-)Best
Minnesota’s 352 yards against MSU is the second-lowest total by an FBS foe vs. the Cats.
Rollin’ in the Red Zone
MSU’s 15 red zone trips this year have resulted in 14 touchdowns and one field goal.
Ground Ash?
In the last two games, MSU has rushed on 92 of its 137 scrimmage plays, passing 45 times.
The No-Return Policy
The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 58 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kick return TD in 79 straight.
Scoopin’ and Scoring
The Bobcat defense has shown an acute knack for turning takeaways into points. MSU is 6-0 in the last two seasons when the defense scores (including last week’s blocked punt for a safety), 3-7 when it does not.
2008 ISU J. Anderson blk punt safety MSU 33-21
ASC Jeff Brown 10 fumble ret MSU 59-3
2007 PSU Mike Beach 72 int ret MSU 50-36
ISU Kevin Retoriano 83 int ret MSU 40-20
Chase Gazzerro safety MSU 40-20
WEB Chase Gazzerro 26 int ret MSU 21-5
Mike Beach 12 int ret MSU 21-5
DIX Team safety MSU 61-7
Dan Ogden 62 int ret MSU 61-7
More of the Turnover Tale
Since the beginning of the 2005 season, MSU is 13-1 when positive in turnover margin, 4-7 when even in turnovers, and 7-7 when giving up more turnovers than it forces. The ‘Cats are -8 in turnovers under Rob Ash.
Plastic, Paper, and the Bobcats
MSU did not allow a sack in the last two games, has surrendered only two vs. non-FBS teams, and MSU’s four sacks allowed is the best mark in the Big Sky this season.
A Day for the D?
Montana State’s defense has lit the scoreboard against Weber State in recent years...
2007: Chase Gazzerro and Michael Beach each returned interceptions for touchdowns in Ogden, accounting for 14 of MSU’s 21 points
2006: Michael Beach returned an interception 51 yards for the game-winning TD against WSU
2005: Daryl Rogers recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD in a 27-24 Bobcat win
2002: Kahiam Hunter returned an interception 54 yards for a touchdown, and Isaac Gardner returned a fumble 50 yards for a score
Pastry Party
MSU failed to force a turnover at Minnesota or K-State, but has 10 takes in its other 3 games.
Early In
Conrad Burbank becomes the sixth Bobcat in the past 10 years to start on the O-line as a redshirt freshman:
Year Player As RS Frosh Career
2007 Mike Person 11 starts 2008 starter as soph.
2004 Peder Jensen 11 starts 4-year starter
2003 Zach Wolf 10 starts 2-year starter, graduated
2000 Brent Swaggert 11 starts All-America
2000 Jamie Amicarella 11 starts Transferred, starter at CSU
Pickin’ and Grinnin’
MSU’s 19 interceptions in 2007 was the ninth-best total in school history. In Jamie Marshall’s 12-game tenure marshalling the Bobcat defense, MSU has 23 interceptions.
Just for Kicks
Montana State’s kicking game played a huge role in Saturday’s win at Idaho State. Eric Fisher’s six kickoffs traveled over 65 yards on average, and on four of those MSU’s coverage unit made the tackle inside the ISU 20. Fisher punted seven times, with six traveling at least 40 yards, for a 47.1 yards-per-kick average, and he pinned ISU inside the five twice and inside the 20 one other time. ISU’s starting field position Saturday was its own 21. Also, freshman Jason Cunningham’s 50-yard field goal was MSU’s longest since 1998, and Travis Lulay averaged 17 yards per punt return.
Bonus Football
MSU is 4-2 all-time in overtime games...
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+
No Close Calls
Only two of MSU’s last 18 games have been decided by single digits.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 3-1/2nd Qtr: 3-0/3rd Qtr: 3-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-1/2nd Qtr: 0-2/3rd Qtr: 0-2
ROB ASH, ON...
...the Idaho State game: “I thought we played pretty well at times. The defensive performance was excellent in the second half. Guys started to get things figured out, played very solid, very tough. Some guys were banged up and came back and played. Aside from a couple of mistakes here and there, I thought we played very well in the second half. They came out and did a great job in the beginning, but I liked our adjustments and the way we responded. Offensively, the inconsistency worries me a little bit. We did protect the ball, and got a great start. We have penalties and missed assignments that we need to clean up, but overall I was pleased.”
...the Bobcats’ defense: “That has to be where we hang our hat in this league. The Big Sky this year, as I’m starting to get a sense of it, is a great offensive league. Whoever wins it is going to have to be the best defensive and special teams team. That doesn’t mean we won’t have to score points, we will, but I think the team that plays the best defense will have the best chance to win.”
...the Bobcats’ special teams: “Eric Fisher had a great day. I know kickers love domes, hopefully he can transfer that out-of-doors. When he’s on he has a fabulous leg. He had great hang time, he pinned them deep a couple of times. After the opening kickoff his hang time and depth on kickoffs really allowed us to shut their return game down. I thought Eric was a big part of the game.”
...Weber State: “I’m really impressed with Weber State. They have a really good football team. Offensively they have all the weapons. They have a big, strong, tough line, they have a great fullback, they have a really hard-running, terrific tailback, the quarterback is exceptional because he can run and throw both, and their receivers quick and they throw it down the field. They make big plays. Defensively they are very solid. Seven sacks against Montana is an incredible number. They are playing really good football as a team.”
Current Montana State Depth Chart
Offense
LEFT TACKLE
75 Lou Saucedo** (sou-see-doe) (6-5/330/Sr&)
68 Conrad Burbank (6-4/285/Fr&)
LEFT GUARD
68 Conrad Burbank (6-4/285/Fr&)
63 Neil Boyce (6-3/314/Jr&)
CENTER
61 Jim Verlanic** (vurr-LANN-ick) (6-0/263/Sr&)
63 Neil Boyce (6-3/314/Jr&)
64 Casey Dennehy (6-1/255/Fr&)
RIGHT GUARD
76 Jeff Hansen** (6-4/290/Jr&)
73 Alex Terrien (TARE-ee-uhn) (6-4/270/Fr&)
70 Anthony Patterson (6-4/307/So+)
RIGHT TACKLE
72 Mike Person* (6-5/285/So&)
73 Alex Terrien (TAYR-ee-uhn) (6-4/270/Fr&)
QUARTERBACK
12 Cody Kempt (6-3/215/So+)
16 Mark Iddins (6-2/198/Jr+)
RUNNING BACK
1 Demetrius Crawford* (5-9/185/Sr+)
3 Aaron Mason** (5-10/186/Jr)
W RECEIVER
86 DeSean Thomas (6-1/185/Fr)
11 Mark Desin* (like dressin’) (5-11/192/So&)
X RECEIVER
9 Deon Toliver** (rhymes with oliver) (6-2/192/Sr+)
10 Ty Lulay** (5-11/185/Sr&)
Z RECEIVER
5 DeAndre Green (6-1/172/Sr+)
80 Derek Green** (6-3/183/Jr&)
TIGHT END
84 Brandon Bostick*** (BOSS-tick) (6-4/255/Sr&)
91 Joe Schriebeis* (SHRY-bice) (6-4/226/Jr&)
81 Kyle Begger* (6-2/245/So&)
Defense
BANDIT
48 Dustin O’Connell* (6-2/235/So&)
50 John Laidet (luh-DETT) (6-5/225/Fr&+)
47 Dane Fletcher** (6-2/242/Jr&)
TACKLE
96 Paul Bartsch** (like arch) (6-2/269/Sr+)
58 Ryan Cerise* (sir-EESE) (6-3/259/Jr&)
NOSE
93 Dan Ogden* (6-0/271/So)
97 Chris Kolone*** (KOE-loe-nay) (6-4/306/Sr&+)
END
92 Brad Smith 6-5/228/Fr&
50 John Laidet (luh-DETT) (6-5/225/Fr&+)
60 Dylan Kinkelaar*** (KINK-uh-lawr) (6-2/260/Sr&)
SAM
31 Chase Gazzerro** (guh-ZARE-oh) (5-10/215/Jr&)
20 Isaiah Taito*** (TIE-toe) (6-0/226/Sr)
MIKE
54 Bobby Daly*** (6-1/226/Sr&)
42 Clay Bignell (6-2/225/Fr&)
WILL
34 Jeff Price** (6-0/208/Jr&)
44 Matt Harris (6-1/221/Jr+)
LEFT CORNER
2 David Taylor* (5-8/175/Sr+)
28 Cory Nicol (like nickle) (6-0/215/Jr+)
FREE SAFETY
27 Kevin Retoriano* (ruh-tore-ee-AW-no) (5-9/187/Jr&)
8 Jeff Brown* (6-0/188/Jr&+)
ROVER
26 Arnold Briggs* (5-10/185/So&)
7 Jordan Craney* (6-1/199/So)
RIGHT CORNER
4 Ramon Lewis* (ruh-MOAN) (6-2/200/Sr+)
24 James Andrews (6-1/180/Fr)
*-indicates number of letters earned
&-player has used redshirt year
+-indicates player is a transfer
PLACEMENTS/KO: 15 Jason Cunningham
KO/PUNT: 39 Eric Fisher
PUNT RETURN: 86 DeSean Thomas, 10 Tyler Lulay, 5 DeAndre Green
KICK RETURN: 2 David Taylor, 3 Aaron Mason
SNAPS: 65 Tim Garcia
HOLDER: 10 Tyler Lulay
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 1:35 pm
SITE: Bozeman, MT
STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium
RADIO: Bobcat Network (Jeff Lasky, Dan Davies, Tyler Wiltgen)
TELEVISION: Bobcat Sports Network (Chris Byers, Ron Heller, Dave Griffiths)
FOR OPENERS
• Montana State’s last game against a nationally-ranked Weber State team was a 10-7 MSU victory in Ogden in 1998, the Bobcats’ only win over a ranked Wildcat squad
• The Bobcats have lost their last two games to nationally-ranked FCS squads (Montana last year, Appalachian State in ‘06).
STADIUM STUFF
• MSU has won five of its last six games indoors
• Montana State has sold out its last 10 games at 13,000-seat Bobcat Stadium
BIG SKY BULLET POINTS
• MSU is second in the Big Sky in total defense in spite of playing two BCS-league teams
• The Bobcats have allowed a league-low 211.0 yards a game in the air
HIGHLIGHTS
• Idaho State started 13 possessions after Bobcat kickoffs or punts Saturday, and six of them began inside the ISU 20
• After suffering four blocked kicks against Kansas State and Minnesota, MSU hasn’t surrendered one in the last two weeks
• Of MSU’s 137 scrimmage plays in the past two weeks, 92 have been rushes
STREAKS
• MSU has registered a safety against Idaho State in three straight meetings
• The Bobcats have committed at least one turnover in each game this season
MILESTONES
• Demetrius Crawford is now 18th in MSU history with 1,301 career rushing yards
• DeSean Thomas has catches in his five games as a Bobcat, and TDs in his last two • Bobby Daly’s 12 tackles at ISU moves him into 7th in MSU history with 331
SHINING
• LB CHASE GAZZERRO has 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in the last two weeks
• THE MSU O-LINE has not allowed a sack or quarterback knock-down in the last two games
• TE BRANDON BOSTICK leads the Cats in catches (17), even after missing one game (South Dakota, knee)
Montana State BOBCATS (3-2/1-0 Big Sky)
MSU in ‘08: 3-2
Conf./Record: Big Sky/1-0
Home/Road: 2-0/1-2
Grass/Turf: 0-0/3-2
Day/Night: 3-1/0-1
HEAD COACH: Rob Ash
Alma Mater: Cornell (Ia.)/’73
Overall/Years: 185-106-5/28th
At MSU/Years: 9-7/2nd
vs WSU: 1-0
Home/Road: 0-0/1-0
SERIES: MSU 25-19-1
At MSU: MSU 13-8-1
At WSU: WSU 12-11
Current Streak: MSU 7W
Weber State WILDCATS (4-2/2-0 Big Sky)
WSU in ‘08: 4-2
Conf./Record: Big Sky/2-0
Home/Road: 3-0/1-2
Grass/Turf: 4-0/0-2
Day/Night: 2-0/2-2
HEAD COACH: Ron McBride
Alma Mater: San Jose State/’63
Overall/Years: 107-83/17th
At School/Years: 19-20/4th
vs MSU: 0-3
Home/Road: 0-1/0-2
ABOUT WSU: The Wildcats
Colors: Purple, white
Location/Enrollment: Ogden, UT
Stadium: Stewart Stadium
THE BOBCATS THIS WEEK
Mon -- players off
Tue -- Coaches Corner: 10 am (Holiday Inn); Media Lunch: Noon (requested players available); Practice: 3:45 pm (post-practice player availability)
Wed -- Practice: 3:55 pm; Cat Chat: 7 pm (Pour House, KXLB-FM)
Thu -- Practice: 3:55 pm
Fri -- Practice: 5:15 pm
Notes on the Offense...
• After committing 12 turnovers in the previous three weeks, MSU turned the ball over only once at Idaho State on Saturday
• Montana State has gained between 350 and 390 yards of offense in four of its five games
• The Bobcats have rushed for 387 yards in the last two games
Notes on the Defense...
• The Bobcats registered just one sack in the Minnesota and K-State games combined, but have 14 sacks in the other three games combined, and are third in the league in sacks (15)
• The Bobcats have limited three of their five opponents to less than 175 yards passing, and lead the Big Sky in pass defense
Notes on the Kick Teams...
• Jason Cunningham has converted four of his five field goal attempts, all from 40 yards or further, longer than any kick the Bobcats made in 2007 • MSU pinned Idaho State inside the Bengal 20 on four kickoffs and three punts last weekend, and inside the ISU five twice on punts
Against the Class of ‘07
The Big Sky welcomed four new head coaches in 2007. Rob Ash stands 4-0 against the head coaches that arrived at the same time as him.
Ash Escort
To promote the Montana Hope Project, which aids Treasure State children in need, a Montana State Trooper escorts Rob Ash on the sideline.
Down Deep
MSU has converted all six goal-to-go possessions in the last four games into TDs.
The Best Yet
Adams State’s 116 total yards is the fewest allowed by the Bobcat defense during the Rob Ash era, and was the fewest by a Bobcat opponent since Portland State’s 112 yards in ‘03.
Another (Second-)Best
Minnesota’s 352 yards against MSU is the second-lowest total by an FBS foe vs. the Cats.
Rollin’ in the Red Zone
MSU’s 15 red zone trips this year have resulted in 14 touchdowns and one field goal.
Ground Ash?
In the last two games, MSU has rushed on 92 of its 137 scrimmage plays, passing 45 times.
The No-Return Policy
The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 58 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kick return TD in 79 straight.
Scoopin’ and Scoring
The Bobcat defense has shown an acute knack for turning takeaways into points. MSU is 6-0 in the last two seasons when the defense scores (including last week’s blocked punt for a safety), 3-7 when it does not.
2008 ISU J. Anderson blk punt safety MSU 33-21
ASC Jeff Brown 10 fumble ret MSU 59-3
2007 PSU Mike Beach 72 int ret MSU 50-36
ISU Kevin Retoriano 83 int ret MSU 40-20
Chase Gazzerro safety MSU 40-20
WEB Chase Gazzerro 26 int ret MSU 21-5
Mike Beach 12 int ret MSU 21-5
DIX Team safety MSU 61-7
Dan Ogden 62 int ret MSU 61-7
More of the Turnover Tale
Since the beginning of the 2005 season, MSU is 13-1 when positive in turnover margin, 4-7 when even in turnovers, and 7-7 when giving up more turnovers than it forces. The ‘Cats are -8 in turnovers under Rob Ash.
Plastic, Paper, and the Bobcats
MSU did not allow a sack in the last two games, has surrendered only two vs. non-FBS teams, and MSU’s four sacks allowed is the best mark in the Big Sky this season.
A Day for the D?
Montana State’s defense has lit the scoreboard against Weber State in recent years...
2007: Chase Gazzerro and Michael Beach each returned interceptions for touchdowns in Ogden, accounting for 14 of MSU’s 21 points
2006: Michael Beach returned an interception 51 yards for the game-winning TD against WSU
2005: Daryl Rogers recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD in a 27-24 Bobcat win
2002: Kahiam Hunter returned an interception 54 yards for a touchdown, and Isaac Gardner returned a fumble 50 yards for a score
Pastry Party
MSU failed to force a turnover at Minnesota or K-State, but has 10 takes in its other 3 games.
Early In
Conrad Burbank becomes the sixth Bobcat in the past 10 years to start on the O-line as a redshirt freshman:
Year Player As RS Frosh Career
2007 Mike Person 11 starts 2008 starter as soph.
2004 Peder Jensen 11 starts 4-year starter
2003 Zach Wolf 10 starts 2-year starter, graduated
2000 Brent Swaggert 11 starts All-America
2000 Jamie Amicarella 11 starts Transferred, starter at CSU
Pickin’ and Grinnin’
MSU’s 19 interceptions in 2007 was the ninth-best total in school history. In Jamie Marshall’s 12-game tenure marshalling the Bobcat defense, MSU has 23 interceptions.
Just for Kicks
Montana State’s kicking game played a huge role in Saturday’s win at Idaho State. Eric Fisher’s six kickoffs traveled over 65 yards on average, and on four of those MSU’s coverage unit made the tackle inside the ISU 20. Fisher punted seven times, with six traveling at least 40 yards, for a 47.1 yards-per-kick average, and he pinned ISU inside the five twice and inside the 20 one other time. ISU’s starting field position Saturday was its own 21. Also, freshman Jason Cunningham’s 50-yard field goal was MSU’s longest since 1998, and Travis Lulay averaged 17 yards per punt return.
Bonus Football
MSU is 4-2 all-time in overtime games...
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+
No Close Calls
Only two of MSU’s last 18 games have been decided by single digits.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 3-1/2nd Qtr: 3-0/3rd Qtr: 3-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-1/2nd Qtr: 0-2/3rd Qtr: 0-2
ROB ASH, ON...
...the Idaho State game: “I thought we played pretty well at times. The defensive performance was excellent in the second half. Guys started to get things figured out, played very solid, very tough. Some guys were banged up and came back and played. Aside from a couple of mistakes here and there, I thought we played very well in the second half. They came out and did a great job in the beginning, but I liked our adjustments and the way we responded. Offensively, the inconsistency worries me a little bit. We did protect the ball, and got a great start. We have penalties and missed assignments that we need to clean up, but overall I was pleased.”
...the Bobcats’ defense: “That has to be where we hang our hat in this league. The Big Sky this year, as I’m starting to get a sense of it, is a great offensive league. Whoever wins it is going to have to be the best defensive and special teams team. That doesn’t mean we won’t have to score points, we will, but I think the team that plays the best defense will have the best chance to win.”
...the Bobcats’ special teams: “Eric Fisher had a great day. I know kickers love domes, hopefully he can transfer that out-of-doors. When he’s on he has a fabulous leg. He had great hang time, he pinned them deep a couple of times. After the opening kickoff his hang time and depth on kickoffs really allowed us to shut their return game down. I thought Eric was a big part of the game.”
...Weber State: “I’m really impressed with Weber State. They have a really good football team. Offensively they have all the weapons. They have a big, strong, tough line, they have a great fullback, they have a really hard-running, terrific tailback, the quarterback is exceptional because he can run and throw both, and their receivers quick and they throw it down the field. They make big plays. Defensively they are very solid. Seven sacks against Montana is an incredible number. They are playing really good football as a team.”
Current Montana State Depth Chart
Offense
LEFT TACKLE
75 Lou Saucedo** (sou-see-doe) (6-5/330/Sr&)
68 Conrad Burbank (6-4/285/Fr&)
LEFT GUARD
68 Conrad Burbank (6-4/285/Fr&)
63 Neil Boyce (6-3/314/Jr&)
CENTER
61 Jim Verlanic** (vurr-LANN-ick) (6-0/263/Sr&)
63 Neil Boyce (6-3/314/Jr&)
64 Casey Dennehy (6-1/255/Fr&)
RIGHT GUARD
76 Jeff Hansen** (6-4/290/Jr&)
73 Alex Terrien (TARE-ee-uhn) (6-4/270/Fr&)
70 Anthony Patterson (6-4/307/So+)
RIGHT TACKLE
72 Mike Person* (6-5/285/So&)
73 Alex Terrien (TAYR-ee-uhn) (6-4/270/Fr&)
QUARTERBACK
12 Cody Kempt (6-3/215/So+)
16 Mark Iddins (6-2/198/Jr+)
RUNNING BACK
1 Demetrius Crawford* (5-9/185/Sr+)
3 Aaron Mason** (5-10/186/Jr)
W RECEIVER
86 DeSean Thomas (6-1/185/Fr)
11 Mark Desin* (like dressin’) (5-11/192/So&)
X RECEIVER
9 Deon Toliver** (rhymes with oliver) (6-2/192/Sr+)
10 Ty Lulay** (5-11/185/Sr&)
Z RECEIVER
5 DeAndre Green (6-1/172/Sr+)
80 Derek Green** (6-3/183/Jr&)
TIGHT END
84 Brandon Bostick*** (BOSS-tick) (6-4/255/Sr&)
91 Joe Schriebeis* (SHRY-bice) (6-4/226/Jr&)
81 Kyle Begger* (6-2/245/So&)
Defense
BANDIT
48 Dustin O’Connell* (6-2/235/So&)
50 John Laidet (luh-DETT) (6-5/225/Fr&+)
47 Dane Fletcher** (6-2/242/Jr&)
TACKLE
96 Paul Bartsch** (like arch) (6-2/269/Sr+)
58 Ryan Cerise* (sir-EESE) (6-3/259/Jr&)
NOSE
93 Dan Ogden* (6-0/271/So)
97 Chris Kolone*** (KOE-loe-nay) (6-4/306/Sr&+)
END
92 Brad Smith 6-5/228/Fr&
50 John Laidet (luh-DETT) (6-5/225/Fr&+)
60 Dylan Kinkelaar*** (KINK-uh-lawr) (6-2/260/Sr&)
SAM
31 Chase Gazzerro** (guh-ZARE-oh) (5-10/215/Jr&)
20 Isaiah Taito*** (TIE-toe) (6-0/226/Sr)
MIKE
54 Bobby Daly*** (6-1/226/Sr&)
42 Clay Bignell (6-2/225/Fr&)
WILL
34 Jeff Price** (6-0/208/Jr&)
44 Matt Harris (6-1/221/Jr+)
LEFT CORNER
2 David Taylor* (5-8/175/Sr+)
28 Cory Nicol (like nickle) (6-0/215/Jr+)
FREE SAFETY
27 Kevin Retoriano* (ruh-tore-ee-AW-no) (5-9/187/Jr&)
8 Jeff Brown* (6-0/188/Jr&+)
ROVER
26 Arnold Briggs* (5-10/185/So&)
7 Jordan Craney* (6-1/199/So)
RIGHT CORNER
4 Ramon Lewis* (ruh-MOAN) (6-2/200/Sr+)
24 James Andrews (6-1/180/Fr)
*-indicates number of letters earned
&-player has used redshirt year
+-indicates player is a transfer
PLACEMENTS/KO: 15 Jason Cunningham
KO/PUNT: 39 Eric Fisher
PUNT RETURN: 86 DeSean Thomas, 10 Tyler Lulay, 5 DeAndre Green
KICK RETURN: 2 David Taylor, 3 Aaron Mason
SNAPS: 65 Tim Garcia
HOLDER: 10 Tyler Lulay
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
