Montana State University
North Dakota State
Bobcat Game Day Notebook vs. NDSU
12/4/2010 9:26:45 AM | Football
A look inside MSU's first home playoff game since 2006
Role reversal seems to be in the air - the frigid air- in Bozeman on game day. Thirty-four years ago today, Montana State beat North Dakota State 10-3 on frozen turf in temperatures that started around 20 degrees and by the end of the game had dipped into single digits. A biting wind blew throughout.
Saturday's temperature is expected to be similar, but no wind of consequence is expected, and with skies clearing by kickoff it could be a perfect day for football.
Bobcat coach Rob Ash puts it in simpler terms: "I don't believe the weather will be a factor at all."
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The connections between the football programs at Montana State and North Dakota State are too numerous to detail - NDSU play-by-play man Scott Miller once called Bobcat games, former MSU Vice President Joe Chapman recently served as NDSU's President, the brother of legendary Bobcat quarterback Kelly Bradley played quarterback for the Bison, and of course MSU hired Earle Solomonson to coach the Bobcat football program from NDSU.
Another intriguing tie will wear number 29 for the Bison today. A.J. Van Voorhis was born in Bozeman while his father served as an assistant Bobcat football coach on Earle Solomonson's staff. Tom Van Voorhis was a standout linebacker for the Bison from 1981-85, and coached at MSU from 1987-91.
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Although CJ Palmer's lingering leg injury may limit his availability on Saturday, MSU enters today's playoff game generally healthy. MSU will start its projected defensive lineup for the first time since Eastern Washington back in September.
