Montana State University
Northern Arizona University
Mason Shines Behind O-Line
10/8/2009 7:22:40 PM | Football
MSU's senior running back shows 'the big guys' some love
Displays of love come in many different forms. Poetry, diamonds, public displays of affection, you name it.
Jeff Hansen has a different favorite, which Montana State's All-America guard and his fellow Bobcat line mates experienced one morning early this week.
"No," Hansen answered with a laugh when asked by the assembled media if MSU running back Aaron Mason showed his offensive linemen some love with Rolex watches after Mason rumbled for 138 yards in the Bobcats' 26-21 win over 11th-ranked Weber State last week. "He gets us donuts and orange juice, though, in the morning.
"And that's pretty much equal for an offensive lineman."
Mason budget may be small, but his production this season has been considerable. The senior from the San Diego area averages 110.0 yards per game in MSU's last three outings, all three Bobcat wins.
He gives much of the credit to the big guys in front of him, especially for the gaping holes he raced through last weekend at Weber State. "Man, it was ridiculous," Mason laughed. "Those guys paved some holes like no other. I was just excited to be able to run behind those guys. I give all the credit to those big guys up front."
MSU's offensive line has performed well this season, especially lately. At Weber State, the Bobcat O-line surrendered just one sack and one other quarterback hit.
* * *
Bobcat coach Rob Ash always says the only person not surprised when a substitute plays well is the player himself.
Bobcat junior safety Michael Rider has risen to impressive heights in 2009, a year that began with him making a start in place of injured safety Kevin Retoriano. "I'm not surprised," the humble and hard-working Rider said of his success. "I've worked hard. My parents have always taught me, and my coaches have always said, no one can take your work ethic away from you. Always out-work people.
"So am I surprised?" he continued. "No. Am I thankful? Yeah, I'm really thankful, I feel fortunate."
Rider earned Big Sky Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors last week after making three tackles on Weber State's four goal-line plays at the end of the game with the Bobcats clinging to a five-point lead.
* * *
TICKETS: Reserved grandstand seats are sold out for MSU's Homecoming game against Northern Arizona on Saturday, but seats in temporary sideline bleachers remain at $28 plus applicable convenience fees per ticket. For information or to order tickets, contact the Bobcat Ticket Office at 406/994-2287.
PEP RALLY: MSU's annual Homecoming Pep Rally begins at 6 pm on Friday, October 9, near Willson and Main in downtown Bozeman.
TELEVISION INFORMATION: Montana State's game against Northern Arizona on Saturday airs statewide on Max Media stations, which include: KWYB ABC28 in Bozeman, KWYB ABC18 in Butte, KFBB ABC5 in Great Falls, KHBB ABC21 in Helena, KTMF ABC23 in Missoula, KTMF ABC42 in Kalispell, and KULR NBC8 in Billings. Chris Byers of KULR-TV in Bozeman calls the action, with former Bobcat Mike Callaghan serving as analyst and KWYB-TV Sports Director Dave Griffiths on the sideline.
SATELLITE COORDINATES:
AMC5-K08H CH.E (9Mhz)
D/L Freq. 11948.5(H)
