Bobcat Game Notes vs. PSU
11/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Montana State hosts its home finale on Saturday when Portland State comes to Bobcat Stadium for Senior Day. The team’s 14 seniors bring 27 wins over the past four into Saturday’s contest, and have enhanced the program’s legacy of consistency and success. MSU faces a PSU squad led by QB Drew Hubel’s 2,353 passing yards.
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 12:05 pm Mountain
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)
HIGHLIGHTS
• The Bobcats rushed for 194 yards at NAU, nearly 150 yards more than NAU’s previous season average
• The two-point win at NAU is MSU’s slimmest victory since beating Idaho State by the same margin in 2005, and is the team’s first win while trailing at halftime
STREAKS
• DeSean Thomas has at least one catch in each of his nine games as a Bobcat
• The Bobcats have committed at least one turnover in 14 straight games
• Current Big Sky POTW Jason Cunningham has hit a field goal in 6 straight games
MILESTONES
• Cory Nicol’s four 2008 interceptions is second-most by a Cat in the last 15 years
• Demetrius Crawford is now 11th in MSU history with 1,632 career rushing yards
• Kevin Retoriano is one of six Bobcats with two career TD interception returns
• Jesse Anderson is the only Bobcat to block kicks in three different seasons
SHINING
• DE Dane Fletcher blocked a punt and a field goal at NAU, and is Big Sky Player of the Week
• P ERIC FISHER is 7th in the FCS in punting average
• RB Demetrius Crawford has three straight 100-yard rushing games
FOR OPENERS
• Montana State’s current three-game road winning streak is the Bobcats’ first since the team won four straight away from home in 2006
• Last week’s trip to NAU was the first of three straight Senior Day games for the Cats
STADIUM STUFF
• The Vikings have won two of their last five trips to Bozeman
• MSU’s crowd of 12,147 in the team’s last home game snapped a string of 13 straight regular season sellouts in Bobcat Stadium
BIG SKY BULLET POINTS
• Montana State is second in the Big Sky in total defense at 323.9 yards a game
• The Bobcats have allowed a league-low 160 opponent first downs
• MSU is the league’s least-penalized team in terms of yards, at 53.7 yards a game
Montana State BOBCATS (6-4/4-2 Big Sky)
MSU in ‘08: 6-4
Conf./Record: Big Sky/4-2
Home/Road: 3-2/3-2
Grass/Turf: 1-0/5-4
Day/Night: 6-3/0-1
HEAD COACH Rob Ash
Alma Mater: Cornell (Ia.)/’73
Overall/Years: 188-108-5/28th
At MSU/Years: 12-9/2nd
vs PSU: 1-0
Home/Road: 1-0/0-0
SERIES: MSU 12-9
At Bozeman: MSU 7-2
At Portland: PSU 5-6
Current Streak: MSU 2W
Portland State VIKINGS (3-6/2-4 Big Sky)
PSU in ‘08: 3-6
Conf./Record: Big Sky/2-4
Home/Road: 3-1/0-5
Grass/Turf: 0-3/3-3
Day/Night: 2-5/1-1
HEAD COACH: Jerry Glanville
Alma Mater: Northern Michigan/’64
Overall/Years: 6-13/2nd
At School/Years: same
vs MSU: 0-1
Home/Road: 0-1/0-0
ABOUT PSU: The Vikings
Colors: Green, white, silver
Location/Enrollment: Portland, OR
Stadium: PGE Park
Notes on the Offense...
• Montana State stands +6 in turnovers in its four Big Sky wins, -4 in its two conference losses
• Montana State’s 248 yards passing in the loss to Eastern Washington is the team’s highest passing total of the season
• The Bobcats have passed the 100-yard mark rushing in seven of the last eight games, and are third in the Big Sky in rushing yards per game (152.1)
Notes on the Defense...
• Northern Arizona joined Eastern Washington as the only Big Sky teams to rush for 100 yards against MSU, although the Cats are now third in the league in rushing defense (92.3)
• Montana State has at least three takeaways in each of its four Big Sky wins, one each in its two conference losses
Notes on the Kick Teams...
• MSU’s punt-block team has produced points in three games this season (safeties against ISU and Weber State, a blocked punt for a TD against Sacramento State), and the drive from another block punt also resulted in a touchdown
• Eric Fisher has pinned the opponent inside the 20 18 times, and inside the five five times
Block Party
Blocking kicks is now an incredibly strong characteristic of Rob Ash’s Bobcat program. MSU has five blocks this year, after getting four a year ago. From 1999-2006, the Bobcat program blocked eight kicks. In fact, the only two seasons in which MSU has blocked more than four is 1990 (six) and 1984 (nine).
More Block Blogging
On Saturday, Dane Fletcher became the first Bobcat since Rob Pouliot vs. Boise State in 1988 to block two kicks in one game.
Down Deep
Montana State is second in the Big Sky in red zone conversion rate (85.6%).
Defensive Bests
Adams State’s 116 yards was the fewest allowed by MSU during the Rob Ash era, and the fewest since Portland State’s 112 yards in ‘03. Minnesota’s 352 yards against MSU is the second-lowest total by an FBS foe vs. the Cats.
Third Down Thrills
Since Weber State gashed the Cats for 7-for-14 on third down plays, MSU opponents are 18-for-55 on third down situations. MSU’s opponent third down rate of 33.1% is second in the Big Sky Conference.
Ground Ash?
The EWU game is MSU’s only 2008 contest with more passes than rushes.
The No-Return Policy
The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 63 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kick return TD in 84 straight.
Scoopin’ and Scoring
MSU is 9-0 in the last two seasons when the defense scores (including special teams safeties), 3-9 when it does not.
2008 NAU Fletcher blocks quick kick for S MSU 25-23
NC Retoriano 64 int return MSU 20-7
SAC Retoriano rec’d Greens punt blk MSU 31-20
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 2005, MSU is 15-1 when positive in turnover margin, 4-7 when even, and 8-10 when in negative numbers. The Cats are -4 this year after finishing +4 last year.
Plastic, Paper, and the Bobcats
MSU’s allowed 16 sacks, eight vs EWU & Sac.
Double the Fun
A look at Bobcat players since 1958 with multiple interception returns for touchdowns...
2 - Kevin Retoriano: NC ‘08, ISU ‘07
2 - Michael Beach: Weber ‘07, Weber ‘06
2 - Kane Ioane: St. Mary’s ‘03, UAB ‘01
2 - Omar Turner: EWU ‘96, CSU ‘95
2 - Rob Pouliot: BSU ‘88, E. Ore. ‘85
2 - Randy Hickel: Weber ‘73, UM ‘73
Pastry Party
MSU failed to force a turnover at Minnesota or K-State, but has 25 takes in its other 8 games.
Plenty of Picks
MSU has intercepted 33 passes in the past two seasons, the fifth-highest two-year total since such records are available in 1982:
Ints Years
1. 39 1992 & ‘93
1. 39 1984 & ‘85
1. 39 1981 & ‘82
4. 36 1991 & ‘92
5. 33 2007 & ‘08
5. 33 2006 & ‘07
5. 33 1983 & ‘84
8. 32 1985 & ‘86
9. 30 1990 & ‘91
10. 29 1988 & ‘89, 1982 & ‘83
Pickin’ and Grinnin’
MSU had 19 interceptions in 2007, the ninth-best total in school history, and has 33 picks in Jamie Marshall’s 21 games as MSU’s DC.
More on Picks
Cory Nicol’s four interceptions puts him in solid company among MSU defenders over the past 15 seasons...
Ints Player Year
5 Michael Beach 2007
5 Omar Turner 1995
4 Cory Nicol 2008
4 Five other players
Just for Kicks
Notes on the Bobcat kicking game...
4 JASON CUNNINGHAM’s 25-yard field goal against Weber was his first attempt inside 40 yards on the season... he has hit 12 field goals this year, five more than MSU connected on last year and from the MSU single-season top five... his final kick against NAU was his first collegiate game-winner
4 ERIC FISHER averaged 40.3 yards on six punts in miserable weather against Weber State... he was elected MSU’s Homecoming King this year... nailed Weber and ISU inside their own five twice each in back-to-back weeks... leads the Big Sky with 18 pins inside the opponent 20... nailed a 73-yarder against EWU, MSU’s seventh-longest punt
No Close Calls
Only three of MSU’s last 23 games have been decided by single digits, and the two-point win over NAU is the team’s narrowest margin of victory since a 30-28 win over ISU in 2005.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 6-1/2nd Qtr: 5-0/3rd Qtr: 6-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-2/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-4
ROB ASH, ON...
...the Northern Arizona game: “I thought we played a solid game. The offensive line, I thought, was terrific. That was a tough assignment, there was a lot of man-to-man blocking and movement, and I thought the execution was very good. Demetrius Crawford was outstanding, his effort was sensational. It’s not just about yards for a running back, and Demetrius brings a tremendous amount of other things to the table, including desire and effort on every play. I thought Mark Iddins managed the game very well. Defensively, we were extremely sound and we got some huge plays. Dane Fletcher had a monstrous game. Our special teams were phenomenal. Coach Wozniak gets a pat on the back for designing a great plan, and the execution of that plan was good.”
...the Bobcats’ ground game: “We continue to get good balance, and that’s really what we strive for. A lot of guys are contributing, and to be able to run the football like we are is a credit to Demetrius Crawford and the running backs, as well as the offensive line. Coach Ploessl and Coach McEndoo are as good a two guys as there are at designing the running game and then translating that scheme to the field.”
...Portland State: “Portland State is a physical, tough, aggressive, hard-hitting football team. They are very physical. Offensively, they are scary. They’ll go 10 minutes and get nothing, then score the next three or four times they have the ball. A game is never safe when you’re playing Portland State, they can get away from you at a moment’s notice and they can catch you at a moment’s notice. They really gave Montana a great game and we know they’ll play well here.”
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
A look at the Bobcat seniors who will play their final game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday...
TYLER BOLTON, WR, Great Falls, MT
Four-year letterman... special teams standout... son of MSU’s all-time leading kick scorer, Pat Bolton... has kicked and punted for MSU during his career.
BRANDON BOSTICK, TE, Missoula, MT
Remains MSU’s second-leading receiver in spite of playing in only seven games... two-year starter at tight end... six TD catches this year leads the team... very active in the Bozeman community.
JEFF BROWN, DB, Carson, CA
Three-year letterman after transferring from UNLV... scored MSU’s first TD of ‘08 on fumble return against Adams State... picked off a Sacramento State pass.
DEMETRIUS CRAWFORD, RB, Fairfield, CA
On pace to become MSU’s first 1,000-yard rushing in a season since 2001 (924 currently)... his 1,792 career rushing yards is 8th in MSU history... 2,467 career all-purpose yards.
BOBBY DALY, LB, Helena, MT
Two-time Buchanan Award finalist... All-Big Sky as a junior... 5th in school history in tackles (368), 8th in tackles-for-loss, 10th in sacks... consensus All-America in 2007.
DeANDRE GREEN, WR, Concord, CA
Has 13 catches in his only season on the Bobcat varsity, and is one of only three players this year with two or more TD catches... caught TD pass and blocked a punt for TD at Sac State.
DYLAN KINKELAAR, DE, Winifred, MT
An inspirational player who came back from broken ankle nearly a month earlier than expected... his 4.5 tackles-for-loss this year is fifth on the team, though he missed all or most of six games.
CHRIS KOLONE, DT, San Diego, CA
Four-year starter after transferring from Arizona... has battled injuries throughout his career, but has 7.5 career tackles-for-loss.
RAMON LEWIS, CB, Macon, GA
Has excelled during his senior season after moving to cornerback... leads the team with six pass breakups... intercepted a pass against Northern Colorado.
TYLER LULAY, WR, Aumsville, OR
Third on the team with 18 catches this year... caught 13 passes last year, including his only career touchdown (vs. Dixie State)... a special teams standout who serves as the team’s holder.
LOU SAUCEDO, OT, Long Beach, CA
A full-time starter as a senior and sophomore who missed his junior season due to academics... outstanding senior season after moving to tackle.
ISAIAH TAITO, LB, Shelton, WA
Moved to linebacker as a senior, and has posted an outstanding senior season... 14 tackles and a pass breakup... four-year letterman.
DEON TOLIVER, WR, Long Beach, CA
Caught dramatic game-winning TD against Weber State as a sophomore... 39 career catches.
JIM VERLANIC, C, Anaconda, MT
Team captain... second generation Bobcat, joining his father Ken as MSU offensive line starters... 2008 CoSIDA Academic All-America District 7 and three-time Academic All-Big Sky.
Current Montana State Depth Chart
Offense
LEFT TACKLE
75 Lou Saucedo** (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** (6-0/263/Sr&)
73 Alex Terrien (6-4/270/Fr&)
RIGHT GUARD
76 Jeff Hansen** (6-4/290/Jr&)
73 Alex Terrien (6-4/270/Fr&)
RIGHT TACKLE
72 Mike Person* (6-5/285/So&)
73 Alex Terrien (6-4/270/Fr&)
QUARTERBACK
11 Mark Desin* (5-11/192/So&)
17 Byron Campbell (6-4/215/Fr)
RUNNING BACK
1 Demetrius Crawford* (5-9/185/Sr+)
3 Aaron Mason** (5-10/186/Jr)
38 CJ Palmer (6-0/228/Fr)
W RECEIVER
5 DeAndre Green (6-1/172/Sr+
82 Tyler Bolton (5-10/195/Sr&
X RECEIVER
9 Deon Toliver** (6-2/192/Sr+)
5 DeAndre Green 6-1/172/Sr+
Z RECEIVER
10 Ty Lulay** (5-11/185/Sr&
80 Derek Green** (6-3/183/Jr&
TIGHT END
91 Joe Schriebeis* (6-4/226/Jr&)
81 Kyle Begger* (6-2/245/So&)
Defense
BANDIT
48 Dustin O’Connell* (6-2/235/So&)
50 John Laidet (6-5/225/Fr&+)
TACKLE
93 Dan Ogden* (6-0/271/So)
58 Ryan Cerise* (6-3/259/Jr&)
NOSE
97 Chris Kolone*** (6-4/306/Sr&+)
94 Leo Davis (6-4/267/Fr&)
END
60 Dylan Kinkelaar*** (6-2/260/Sr&)
92 Brad Smith (6-5/228/Fr&)
SAM
31 Chase Gazzerro** (5-10/215/Jr&)
20 Isaiah Taito*** (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
28 Cory Nicol (6-0/215/Jr+)
8 Jeff Brown* (6-0/188/Jr&+)
FREE SAFETY
27 Kevin Retoriano* (5-9/187/Jr&)
8 Jeff Brown* (6-0/188/Jr&+)
OR 43 Beau Watkins* (6-2/205/So&)
ROVER
26 Arnold Briggs* (5-10/185/So&)
7 Jordan Craney* (6-1/199/So)
RIGHT CORNER
4 Ramon Lewis* (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: 15 Jason Cunningham
KICKOFF/PUNT: 39 Eric Fisher
PUNT RETURN: 86 DeSean Thomas, 10 Tyler Lulay
KICK RETURN: 3 Aaron Mason, 1 Demetrius Crawford
SNAPS: 65 Tim Garcia
HOLDER: 10 Tyler Lulay
GAME FACTS
KICKOFF: 12:05 pm Mountain
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)
HIGHLIGHTS
• The Bobcats rushed for 194 yards at NAU, nearly 150 yards more than NAU’s previous season average
• The two-point win at NAU is MSU’s slimmest victory since beating Idaho State by the same margin in 2005, and is the team’s first win while trailing at halftime
STREAKS
• DeSean Thomas has at least one catch in each of his nine games as a Bobcat
• The Bobcats have committed at least one turnover in 14 straight games
• Current Big Sky POTW Jason Cunningham has hit a field goal in 6 straight games
MILESTONES
• Cory Nicol’s four 2008 interceptions is second-most by a Cat in the last 15 years
• Demetrius Crawford is now 11th in MSU history with 1,632 career rushing yards
• Kevin Retoriano is one of six Bobcats with two career TD interception returns
• Jesse Anderson is the only Bobcat to block kicks in three different seasons
SHINING
• DE Dane Fletcher blocked a punt and a field goal at NAU, and is Big Sky Player of the Week
• P ERIC FISHER is 7th in the FCS in punting average
• RB Demetrius Crawford has three straight 100-yard rushing games
FOR OPENERS
• Montana State’s current three-game road winning streak is the Bobcats’ first since the team won four straight away from home in 2006
• Last week’s trip to NAU was the first of three straight Senior Day games for the Cats
STADIUM STUFF
• The Vikings have won two of their last five trips to Bozeman
• MSU’s crowd of 12,147 in the team’s last home game snapped a string of 13 straight regular season sellouts in Bobcat Stadium
BIG SKY BULLET POINTS
• Montana State is second in the Big Sky in total defense at 323.9 yards a game
• The Bobcats have allowed a league-low 160 opponent first downs
• MSU is the league’s least-penalized team in terms of yards, at 53.7 yards a game
Montana State BOBCATS (6-4/4-2 Big Sky)
MSU in ‘08: 6-4
Conf./Record: Big Sky/4-2
Home/Road: 3-2/3-2
Grass/Turf: 1-0/5-4
Day/Night: 6-3/0-1
HEAD COACH Rob Ash
Alma Mater: Cornell (Ia.)/’73
Overall/Years: 188-108-5/28th
At MSU/Years: 12-9/2nd
vs PSU: 1-0
Home/Road: 1-0/0-0
SERIES: MSU 12-9
At Bozeman: MSU 7-2
At Portland: PSU 5-6
Current Streak: MSU 2W
Portland State VIKINGS (3-6/2-4 Big Sky)
PSU in ‘08: 3-6
Conf./Record: Big Sky/2-4
Home/Road: 3-1/0-5
Grass/Turf: 0-3/3-3
Day/Night: 2-5/1-1
HEAD COACH: Jerry Glanville
Alma Mater: Northern Michigan/’64
Overall/Years: 6-13/2nd
At School/Years: same
vs MSU: 0-1
Home/Road: 0-1/0-0
ABOUT PSU: The Vikings
Colors: Green, white, silver
Location/Enrollment: Portland, OR
Stadium: PGE Park
Notes on the Offense...
• Montana State stands +6 in turnovers in its four Big Sky wins, -4 in its two conference losses
• Montana State’s 248 yards passing in the loss to Eastern Washington is the team’s highest passing total of the season
• The Bobcats have passed the 100-yard mark rushing in seven of the last eight games, and are third in the Big Sky in rushing yards per game (152.1)
Notes on the Defense...
• Northern Arizona joined Eastern Washington as the only Big Sky teams to rush for 100 yards against MSU, although the Cats are now third in the league in rushing defense (92.3)
• Montana State has at least three takeaways in each of its four Big Sky wins, one each in its two conference losses
Notes on the Kick Teams...
• MSU’s punt-block team has produced points in three games this season (safeties against ISU and Weber State, a blocked punt for a TD against Sacramento State), and the drive from another block punt also resulted in a touchdown
• Eric Fisher has pinned the opponent inside the 20 18 times, and inside the five five times
Block Party
Blocking kicks is now an incredibly strong characteristic of Rob Ash’s Bobcat program. MSU has five blocks this year, after getting four a year ago. From 1999-2006, the Bobcat program blocked eight kicks. In fact, the only two seasons in which MSU has blocked more than four is 1990 (six) and 1984 (nine).
More Block Blogging
On Saturday, Dane Fletcher became the first Bobcat since Rob Pouliot vs. Boise State in 1988 to block two kicks in one game.
Down Deep
Montana State is second in the Big Sky in red zone conversion rate (85.6%).
Defensive Bests
Adams State’s 116 yards was the fewest allowed by MSU during the Rob Ash era, and the fewest since Portland State’s 112 yards in ‘03. Minnesota’s 352 yards against MSU is the second-lowest total by an FBS foe vs. the Cats.
Third Down Thrills
Since Weber State gashed the Cats for 7-for-14 on third down plays, MSU opponents are 18-for-55 on third down situations. MSU’s opponent third down rate of 33.1% is second in the Big Sky Conference.
Ground Ash?
The EWU game is MSU’s only 2008 contest with more passes than rushes.
The No-Return Policy
The Bobcats have not allowed a punt return for a touchdown in 63 straight games (since Cal Poly, 2003) or a kick return TD in 84 straight.
Scoopin’ and Scoring
MSU is 9-0 in the last two seasons when the defense scores (including special teams safeties), 3-9 when it does not.
2008 NAU Fletcher blocks quick kick for S MSU 25-23
NC Retoriano 64 int return MSU 20-7
SAC Retoriano rec’d Greens punt blk MSU 31-20
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 2005, MSU is 15-1 when positive in turnover margin, 4-7 when even, and 8-10 when in negative numbers. The Cats are -4 this year after finishing +4 last year.
Plastic, Paper, and the Bobcats
MSU’s allowed 16 sacks, eight vs EWU & Sac.
Double the Fun
A look at Bobcat players since 1958 with multiple interception returns for touchdowns...
2 - Kevin Retoriano: NC ‘08, ISU ‘07
2 - Michael Beach: Weber ‘07, Weber ‘06
2 - Kane Ioane: St. Mary’s ‘03, UAB ‘01
2 - Omar Turner: EWU ‘96, CSU ‘95
2 - Rob Pouliot: BSU ‘88, E. Ore. ‘85
2 - Randy Hickel: Weber ‘73, UM ‘73
Pastry Party
MSU failed to force a turnover at Minnesota or K-State, but has 25 takes in its other 8 games.
Plenty of Picks
MSU has intercepted 33 passes in the past two seasons, the fifth-highest two-year total since such records are available in 1982:
Ints Years
1. 39 1992 & ‘93
1. 39 1984 & ‘85
1. 39 1981 & ‘82
4. 36 1991 & ‘92
5. 33 2007 & ‘08
5. 33 2006 & ‘07
5. 33 1983 & ‘84
8. 32 1985 & ‘86
9. 30 1990 & ‘91
10. 29 1988 & ‘89, 1982 & ‘83
Pickin’ and Grinnin’
MSU had 19 interceptions in 2007, the ninth-best total in school history, and has 33 picks in Jamie Marshall’s 21 games as MSU’s DC.
More on Picks
Cory Nicol’s four interceptions puts him in solid company among MSU defenders over the past 15 seasons...
Ints Player Year
5 Michael Beach 2007
5 Omar Turner 1995
4 Cory Nicol 2008
4 Five other players
Just for Kicks
Notes on the Bobcat kicking game...
4 JASON CUNNINGHAM’s 25-yard field goal against Weber was his first attempt inside 40 yards on the season... he has hit 12 field goals this year, five more than MSU connected on last year and from the MSU single-season top five... his final kick against NAU was his first collegiate game-winner
4 ERIC FISHER averaged 40.3 yards on six punts in miserable weather against Weber State... he was elected MSU’s Homecoming King this year... nailed Weber and ISU inside their own five twice each in back-to-back weeks... leads the Big Sky with 18 pins inside the opponent 20... nailed a 73-yarder against EWU, MSU’s seventh-longest punt
No Close Calls
Only three of MSU’s last 23 games have been decided by single digits, and the two-point win over NAU is the team’s narrowest margin of victory since a 30-28 win over ISU in 2005.
MSU When Leading After...
1st Qtr: 6-1/2nd Qtr: 5-0/3rd Qtr: 6-0
MSU When Trailing After...
1st Qtr: 0-2/2nd Qtr: 1-3/3rd Qtr: 0-4
ROB ASH, ON...
...the Northern Arizona game: “I thought we played a solid game. The offensive line, I thought, was terrific. That was a tough assignment, there was a lot of man-to-man blocking and movement, and I thought the execution was very good. Demetrius Crawford was outstanding, his effort was sensational. It’s not just about yards for a running back, and Demetrius brings a tremendous amount of other things to the table, including desire and effort on every play. I thought Mark Iddins managed the game very well. Defensively, we were extremely sound and we got some huge plays. Dane Fletcher had a monstrous game. Our special teams were phenomenal. Coach Wozniak gets a pat on the back for designing a great plan, and the execution of that plan was good.”
...the Bobcats’ ground game: “We continue to get good balance, and that’s really what we strive for. A lot of guys are contributing, and to be able to run the football like we are is a credit to Demetrius Crawford and the running backs, as well as the offensive line. Coach Ploessl and Coach McEndoo are as good a two guys as there are at designing the running game and then translating that scheme to the field.”
...Portland State: “Portland State is a physical, tough, aggressive, hard-hitting football team. They are very physical. Offensively, they are scary. They’ll go 10 minutes and get nothing, then score the next three or four times they have the ball. A game is never safe when you’re playing Portland State, they can get away from you at a moment’s notice and they can catch you at a moment’s notice. They really gave Montana a great game and we know they’ll play well here.”
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
A look at the Bobcat seniors who will play their final game at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday...
TYLER BOLTON, WR, Great Falls, MT
Four-year letterman... special teams standout... son of MSU’s all-time leading kick scorer, Pat Bolton... has kicked and punted for MSU during his career.
BRANDON BOSTICK, TE, Missoula, MT
Remains MSU’s second-leading receiver in spite of playing in only seven games... two-year starter at tight end... six TD catches this year leads the team... very active in the Bozeman community.
JEFF BROWN, DB, Carson, CA
Three-year letterman after transferring from UNLV... scored MSU’s first TD of ‘08 on fumble return against Adams State... picked off a Sacramento State pass.
DEMETRIUS CRAWFORD, RB, Fairfield, CA
On pace to become MSU’s first 1,000-yard rushing in a season since 2001 (924 currently)... his 1,792 career rushing yards is 8th in MSU history... 2,467 career all-purpose yards.
BOBBY DALY, LB, Helena, MT
Two-time Buchanan Award finalist... All-Big Sky as a junior... 5th in school history in tackles (368), 8th in tackles-for-loss, 10th in sacks... consensus All-America in 2007.
DeANDRE GREEN, WR, Concord, CA
Has 13 catches in his only season on the Bobcat varsity, and is one of only three players this year with two or more TD catches... caught TD pass and blocked a punt for TD at Sac State.
DYLAN KINKELAAR, DE, Winifred, MT
An inspirational player who came back from broken ankle nearly a month earlier than expected... his 4.5 tackles-for-loss this year is fifth on the team, though he missed all or most of six games.
CHRIS KOLONE, DT, San Diego, CA
Four-year starter after transferring from Arizona... has battled injuries throughout his career, but has 7.5 career tackles-for-loss.
RAMON LEWIS, CB, Macon, GA
Has excelled during his senior season after moving to cornerback... leads the team with six pass breakups... intercepted a pass against Northern Colorado.
TYLER LULAY, WR, Aumsville, OR
Third on the team with 18 catches this year... caught 13 passes last year, including his only career touchdown (vs. Dixie State)... a special teams standout who serves as the team’s holder.
LOU SAUCEDO, OT, Long Beach, CA
A full-time starter as a senior and sophomore who missed his junior season due to academics... outstanding senior season after moving to tackle.
ISAIAH TAITO, LB, Shelton, WA
Moved to linebacker as a senior, and has posted an outstanding senior season... 14 tackles and a pass breakup... four-year letterman.
DEON TOLIVER, WR, Long Beach, CA
Caught dramatic game-winning TD against Weber State as a sophomore... 39 career catches.
JIM VERLANIC, C, Anaconda, MT
Team captain... second generation Bobcat, joining his father Ken as MSU offensive line starters... 2008 CoSIDA Academic All-America District 7 and three-time Academic All-Big Sky.
Current Montana State Depth Chart
Offense
LEFT TACKLE
75 Lou Saucedo** (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** (6-0/263/Sr&)
73 Alex Terrien (6-4/270/Fr&)
RIGHT GUARD
76 Jeff Hansen** (6-4/290/Jr&)
73 Alex Terrien (6-4/270/Fr&)
RIGHT TACKLE
72 Mike Person* (6-5/285/So&)
73 Alex Terrien (6-4/270/Fr&)
QUARTERBACK
11 Mark Desin* (5-11/192/So&)
17 Byron Campbell (6-4/215/Fr)
RUNNING BACK
1 Demetrius Crawford* (5-9/185/Sr+)
3 Aaron Mason** (5-10/186/Jr)
38 CJ Palmer (6-0/228/Fr)
W RECEIVER
5 DeAndre Green (6-1/172/Sr+
82 Tyler Bolton (5-10/195/Sr&
X RECEIVER
9 Deon Toliver** (6-2/192/Sr+)
5 DeAndre Green 6-1/172/Sr+
Z RECEIVER
10 Ty Lulay** (5-11/185/Sr&
80 Derek Green** (6-3/183/Jr&
TIGHT END
91 Joe Schriebeis* (6-4/226/Jr&)
81 Kyle Begger* (6-2/245/So&)
Defense
BANDIT
48 Dustin O’Connell* (6-2/235/So&)
50 John Laidet (6-5/225/Fr&+)
TACKLE
93 Dan Ogden* (6-0/271/So)
58 Ryan Cerise* (6-3/259/Jr&)
NOSE
97 Chris Kolone*** (6-4/306/Sr&+)
94 Leo Davis (6-4/267/Fr&)
END
60 Dylan Kinkelaar*** (6-2/260/Sr&)
92 Brad Smith (6-5/228/Fr&)
SAM
31 Chase Gazzerro** (5-10/215/Jr&)
20 Isaiah Taito*** (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
28 Cory Nicol (6-0/215/Jr+)
8 Jeff Brown* (6-0/188/Jr&+)
FREE SAFETY
27 Kevin Retoriano* (5-9/187/Jr&)
8 Jeff Brown* (6-0/188/Jr&+)
OR 43 Beau Watkins* (6-2/205/So&)
ROVER
26 Arnold Briggs* (5-10/185/So&)
7 Jordan Craney* (6-1/199/So)
RIGHT CORNER
4 Ramon Lewis* (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: 15 Jason Cunningham
KICKOFF/PUNT: 39 Eric Fisher
PUNT RETURN: 86 DeSean Thomas, 10 Tyler Lulay
KICK RETURN: 3 Aaron Mason, 1 Demetrius Crawford
SNAPS: 65 Tim Garcia
HOLDER: 10 Tyler Lulay
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
