Everett Gilbert and the MSU passing game struggled in Saturday's windy conditions
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Bobcat Defense Shines in Windy Bobcat Stadium
4/2/2011 4:35:13 PM | Football
Defense dominates first spring scrimmage
With Bozeman's spring weather turning autumnal as the afternoon progressed, Montana State's defense appeared in mid-season form during the team's first full scrimmage of spring drills on Saturday.
The Bobcat defense surrendered 204 total yards during the 70-play scrimmage which was marred by high winds and, late in the scrimmage, rain. But 102 of those yards came on drives engineered by starting quarterback DeNarius McGhee, who did not face a pass rush because of contact limitations placed on him because of an injured left shoulder.
“I thought they played hard,” said MSU coach Rob Ash. “The conditions were tough, but I told them after the game that we might have to play a game in conditions like this. The wind took some of the passing game away from the offense, and I thought the defense really saddled up and stopped the run.”
The Bobcat offense ran for just 32 yards on 34 carries, primarily under the guidance of quarterback Grayson Galloway. Sophomores Cody Kirk and Kerry Sloan and junior transfer Tray Robinson each gained 14 yards, while CJ Palmer scored the day's only rushing touchdown and amassed 13 yards.
Galloway struggled with the windy conditions, but still completed nearly half his passes in a 9-for-22 performance. He threw for 70 yards. Even accounting for a lack of pass rush, McGhee was stellar. He found Shane Robison alone against a busted coverage for 50 yards, the only play of the day longer than 15 yards, and finished 8-for-11 for 102 yards.
Ash was pleased with Galloway's first try operating the varsity offense. “It's absolutely important that we get Grayson a lot of reps and a lot of plays this spring,” Ash said. “We need him to be ready in the fall, and this is his opportunity to get better.”
Montana State's next major spring scrimmage comes on April 16 at Great Falls when the Bobcats participate in the Triangle Classic. Kickoff for the Triangle Classic is 3 pm in Great Falls' Memorial Stadium.
RUSHING: Cody Kirk 6-14, CJ Palmer 6-13-1, Tray Robinson 5-14, Kerry Sloan 8-14, Everett Gilbert 2-0, Matt Balen 1-1, Chad Price 1-2, Lee Stunkard 1-2, David Dash 1-2.
PASSING: Grayson Galloway 22-9-0, 70; DeNarius McGhee 11-8-0, 102; Neil Mannix 1-0-0.
RECEIVING: Elvis Akpla 3-25, Gianni Carter 3-15, Tanner Bleskin 2-11, Steven Foster 2-20, Shane Robison 2-56, Tray Robinson 1-9, Everett Gilbert 2-16, Cody Kirk 1-13-1.
TACKLES FOR LOSS: Na'a Moeakiola-1, John Laidet-2
PASS BREAKUPS: Zach Minter-1, Darius Jones-1
Thursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
