Montana State University
1-0
CHADRON STATE (GOLD RUSH)
0-1
Bobcat O-Line Holds Up In Prime Time
8/30/2012 11:23:00 PM | Football
Youngsters perform well under the bright lights
And Montana State's young offensive line knew it.
But on the most unique stage in the school's long football history - its first-ever home game at night - Montana State's youthful offensive line held up to the scrutiny. Montana State rolled up 401 yards of total offense behind a line featuring only one player who started in that position group previously.
"I thought those guys performed very well," Ash said of a unit that just three hours prior to kickoff he singled out as the one area he'd be focused on early in the game. "There will things we can work on, but all in all it was a good night for them."
Junior quarterback DeNarius McGhee, as much as anyone, benefitted from the O-line's good work. And as much as anyone, he lauded it.
"I think they did a really good job," said McGhee, after throwing for 176 yards and four touchdowns. Importantly, his pass protection kept the quarterback clean by not allowing a sack. "I didn't feel much pressure all night."
Anchored by senior captain Shaun Sampson at center and classmate Steven Foster, a tackle who moved from tight end last spring, MSU's O-line stands to improve steadily. Freshmen John Weidenaar, the left tackle, and Matthew Devereux at guard, along with sophomore Quinn Catalano, form a young but talented core that Ash believes will make gains throughout the season.
"Those guys improve with every practice, and I know they'll make great gains every time they play (in a game)," he said. "This was a good start."
Team Stats
CSC 0, MSU 6
MSU - Tray Robinson 5 yd pass from DeNarius McGhee (Trevor Bolton kickblocked) 10 plays, 50 yards, TOP 3:43
CSC 3, MSU 6
CSC - Alex Ferdinand 22 yd field goal 4 plays, 5 yards, TOP 1:00
CSC 3, MSU 12
MSU - Tiai Salanoa 5 yd pass from DeNarius McGhee (Trevor Bolton kickblocked) 13 plays, 75 yards, TOP 5:06
CSC 3, MSU 19
MSU - Jon Ellis 2 yd pass from DeNarius McGhee (Trevor Bolton kick) 5 plays, 16 yards, TOP 1:38
CSC 6, MSU 19
CSC - Alex Ferdinand 38 yd field goal 7 plays, 40 yards, TOP 0:00
CSC 6, MSU 26
MSU - Jon Ellis 3 yd pass from DeNarius McGhee (Trevor Bolton kick) 8 plays, 59 yards, TOP 3:20
CSC 6, MSU 33
MSU - Orenzo Davis 4 yd run (Trevor Bolton kick), 8 plays, 0 yards, TOP 3:13
