Dan Ogden leads MSU's league-leading rush defense
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Bobcat Sunday Notebook, 9/19/10
9/19/2010 9:55:53 PM | Football
MSU holds strong at top of Big Sky stats; Jason D'Alba suspended for EWU
A look back at Montana State's 48-21 home win over Drake...
Montana State has registered at least 20 first downs in each of its first three games, and leads the Big Sky with 27.0 per game… the Bobcats presently lead the Big Sky in rushing offense, total offense, rushing defense, scoring defense, net punting, pass efficiency, and sacks… MSU is in the top 10 in FCS stats in total offense (sixth), scoring offense (fifth), rushing defense (fourth), net punting (eighth), and pass efficiency (seventh)… Montana State is 25-5 when positive or even in turnover margin since the beginning of 2006, but just 5-15 when finishing a game negative in turnovers… Orenzo Davis' 160 rushing yards Saturday was MSU's most since the 2008 season finale... MSU has scored on all 17 of its red zone trips in 2010.
D'ALBA SUSPENDED
Montana State football coach Rob Ash has suspended defensive tackle Jason D'Alba for Saturday's game against Eastern Washington because of a hit on Drake's quarterback during MSU's 48-21 win Saturday. D'Alba's hit was ruled a personal foul on the field, and after reviewing game film on Sunday Ash decided to level the suspension. “We don't teach that kind of hit in our program, and we don't condone it,” Ash said. “I don't believe Jason's intent was to injure, but our players are accountable for their actions.” The Big Sky Conference office will review the play on Monday.
INJURY REPORT
OUT: OT Conrad Burbank, knee (indefinitely); OG Ben Tauanuu, leg (indefinitely); DE Brad Smith, shoulder (season).
QUESTIONABLE/DOUBTFUL FOR EASTERN WASHINGTON: none
PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINEES
Offense: Orenzo Davis, RB (5-8, 185, Jr) Orenzo Davis rushed for 160 yards on 21 carries in Montana State's 48-21 win over Drake on Saturday. Davis also returned three kickoffs for 21 yards. His first rushing touchdown answered Drake's only first half touchdown, which cut the MSU lead to 9-7. He broke away from a defender who had his jersey then scampered in for the score. Eight of Davis' rushes accounted for first downs.
Defense: Aleksei Grosulak, LB (5-10, 215, Fr) Redshirt freshman Aleksei Grosulak led MSU in tackles for the second time in his first three varsity games, registering seven tackles, including three solos. Grosulak also had 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, forced a fumble, and broke up a Drake pass. Grosulak led a Bobcat defense that limited Drake to just 61 yards rushing and 286 total yards.
Special Teams: Jason Cunningham, K (6-1, 162, Jr) Jason Cunningham converted all five of his field goal tries in Saturday's 48-21 win over Drake, a school record for most field goals in a game. The first of those field goals resulted in a 55-yarder, the third-longest field goal in MSU history. Cunningham is now second in the FCS (first in the Big Sky) in field goals per game (3.0), and fourth in the FCS (second in the Big Sky) in scoring, at 13.0 points per game. Cunningham also kicked off 11 times Saturday, with seven touchbacks. Drake's average starting field position after kickoffs was its own 24-yard line.
TEAM AWARDS vs. DRAKE
Winner's Circle - Offense:Julius Lloyd, DeSean Thomas, Orenzo Davis, Mike Person, Casey Dennehy, Alex Terrien, Ben Tauanuu, Shane Robison, Cody Kirk, Everett Gilbert, Elvis Akpla, Cody Kempt. Winner's Circle - Defense: John Laidet, Jason D'Alba, Preston Gale, Jordan Craney, Darius Jones, Dan Ogden, Jody Owens, Roger Trammell, Aleksei Grosulak, Dustin O'Connell, Michael Rider, Joel Fuller, Sean Gords, Caleb Schreibeis. Winner's Circle - Special Teams: Blayde Becksted, Cody Kirk, Jruiz Siewing, Steven Bethley, Jordan Craney, Jason Cunningham, Preston Gale, Tanner Ripley, Bryce Stacey.
Offensive Player of the Week: Everett Gilbert
Defensive Player of the Week: Aleksei Grosulak
Special Teams Player of the Week: Jason Cunningham
Offensive Scout of the Week:Lee Perkins
Defensive Scout of the Week:Zach Logan
(Winner's Circle honorees played at least 15 snaps on offense or defense and 10 snaps on special teams, and graded out 85% or higher)
Thursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
