Cody Kempt threw for over 100 yards in Saturday's scrimmage
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Bobcat Strikes First, Defense Rallies in First Spring Scrimmage
4/3/2010 4:54:44 PM | Football
Bobcat coach Rob Ash saw positives on both sides of the ball Saturday
BOZEMAN, Mont. – Montana State coach Rob Ash saw a lot to like in his Bobcat football team's first full-scale scrimmage of the spring on Saturday, but it was something he didn't see that may have pleased him the most.
“I was really happy that we didn't turn the ball over,” MSU's fourth-year coach said. “The fact that there was only one false start, we had no alignment problems, no problems with delay (of game penalties) or clock management, all that was good. Plus we had some success moving the ball at times. Yeah, that was a pretty good performance.”
The Bobcat offense came out of the gate firing. Cody Kempt, who finished the day 12-for-19 for 152 yards, completed a 16-yard pass to DeSean Thomas on the day's first play. Kempt moved the offense to defense's 28-yard line on seven plays, then Cody Kirk rumbled 19 yards for a touchdown.
“I was really happy with that drive,” Ash said. “The execution was great, the tempo, the poise they showed. And, they finished the drive. That was a good start for the offense.”
On the next drive, which like the first began at the 30-yard line coming out, Denarius McGhee completed passes to Kevin Steiner for 15 yards and to Kazz Siewing for 29, before Everett Gilbert dashed 26 yards for a touchdown.
After the offense's scrimmage-opening flurry, the defense settled down. The defense forced a three-and-out on the third offensive possession, prevented the offense from scoring on four straight possessions, and limited the team to just one touchdown (on a drive that began at the 25-yard line going in) and four Jason Cunningham field goals, on the scrimmage's final 13 possessions.
“When you look at it,” Ash said, “the defense made a lot of stops today, and held the offense to field goals in numerous times in the red zone area. That's a positive for them.”
Ash lauded his team's young linebackers, many of whom play expanded roles this spring due to injuries to veterans. “The linebackers are showing good effort and willingness to learn,” Ash said. I don't like to single guys out, but Shaq Dorsey is really on the learning curve this spring (after moving to linebacker from defensive line) and he plays very hard. All the other young guys at linebacker are playing well, too.”
Kirk has turned heads with his physical running style this spring, and proved highly productive on Saturday. He led all players with 13 carries and 78 rushing yards, and scored a pair of touchdowns. “I really like his demeanor,” Ash said. “He's mentally tough, he competes hard on every carry. He finished plays well and ran hard.”
Another redshirt freshman, Jordan Rohrich, and receiver Everett Gilbert round out MSU's ball-carrying trio this spring. Both joined Kirk in making positive contributions. Rohrich carried eight times for 32 yards, while Gilbert's 10 carries produced 59 yards and a touchdown. All three caught at least one pass.
While admitting that good news for the offense usually sends up a red flag on the other side of the ball in spring drills, Ash was pleased with his offense's strong start. “I think that's really important,” he said. “The offense needs to come out and make a statement early in games and established the tempo of the game. I think the offense maybe had a better demeanor about the scrimmage today.”
The Bobcats resume practice on Monday, and hit the field again Wednesday before leaving Friday for the Triangle Classic weekend in Great Falls. The Triangle Classic culminates with a scrimmage Great Falls' Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 5 pm.
RUSHING
Cody Kirk 13-78-2, Jordan Rohrich 8-32, Everett Gilbert 10-59-1. Total 31-169-3.
PASSING
Cody Kempt 19-12-0, 152, 0; Denarius McGhee 14-10-0, 123, 0; Cody Davies 2-1-0, 9, 0.
RECEIVING
Julius Lloyd 4-48-0, Cody Kirk 2-26-0, DeSean Thomas 2-21-0, Kyle Begger 2-20-0, Elvis Akpla 2-35-0, Kazz Siewing 2-44-0, Shane Robison 2-12-0, Kevin Steiner 1-15-0, Gianni Carter 1-15-0, Steven Foster 1-21-0, Jordan Rohrich 1-8-0, Michael Chopp 1-9-0, Everett Gilbert 1-5-0.
Thursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
