Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Bobcat Game Day Notebook #6: Herbert Heads Home
10/17/2015 12:00:00 PM | Football
Receiver Mitchell Herbert returns to familiar environs today
No player on the Montana State sideline today will have played for the Bobcats in Portland's Providence Park, site of the showdown between the 16th-ranked Bobcats and #17 Portland State. But one Bobcat is familiar with the place.
Sophomore receiver Mitchell Herbert hopes for success similar to what he enjoyed while playing for Eugene, Ore., Sheldon High at Providence Park, which has undergone several name changes through the years. He helped lead his squad to a state title at Providence Park in downtown Portland as a junior after coming up short in the state title game as a sophomore. He also played a pair of state semifinal games in this building, and holds a 3-1 career record in Providence Park.
The early success enjoyed by Herbert, MSU's only native Oregonian, has not surprised Bobcat coach Rob Ash. "He's a cool customer," Ash said. "He played very well as a true freshman, made some big catches, had some very good games. He's played very well this year. He prepares very well and is a smart player."
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John Weidenaar's 44th straight start today will match Everett Gilbert's career total, good for 8th on MSU's all-time list, and passes DeNarius McGhee into fifth place on the consecutive starts list.
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Today's game marks Montana State's first visit to Providence Park since 2011, when the Cats held on for a 38-36 victory, making this the middle of three conference road venues that current Bobcat players have never before visited. MSU lost two weeks ago in its first game at Northern Arizona's Walkup Skydome since 2010, and in four weeks plays at Holt Arena in Pocatello for the first time since 2010.
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Today's game likely marks the first of the season that Montana State will not introduce a defensive player making his starting debut. Ash said stability in personnel and continuing minor tweaks in both scheme and practice structure has aided that unit's development. "I think we've coached better, I think we've taught better, and hopefully for the second week in a row it pays off with improved play."
Sophomore receiver Mitchell Herbert hopes for success similar to what he enjoyed while playing for Eugene, Ore., Sheldon High at Providence Park, which has undergone several name changes through the years. He helped lead his squad to a state title at Providence Park in downtown Portland as a junior after coming up short in the state title game as a sophomore. He also played a pair of state semifinal games in this building, and holds a 3-1 career record in Providence Park.
The early success enjoyed by Herbert, MSU's only native Oregonian, has not surprised Bobcat coach Rob Ash. "He's a cool customer," Ash said. "He played very well as a true freshman, made some big catches, had some very good games. He's played very well this year. He prepares very well and is a smart player."
* * * * *
John Weidenaar's 44th straight start today will match Everett Gilbert's career total, good for 8th on MSU's all-time list, and passes DeNarius McGhee into fifth place on the consecutive starts list.
* * * * *
Today's game marks Montana State's first visit to Providence Park since 2011, when the Cats held on for a 38-36 victory, making this the middle of three conference road venues that current Bobcat players have never before visited. MSU lost two weeks ago in its first game at Northern Arizona's Walkup Skydome since 2010, and in four weeks plays at Holt Arena in Pocatello for the first time since 2010.
* * * * *
Today's game likely marks the first of the season that Montana State will not introduce a defensive player making his starting debut. Ash said stability in personnel and continuing minor tweaks in both scheme and practice structure has aided that unit's development. "I think we've coached better, I think we've taught better, and hopefully for the second week in a row it pays off with improved play."
Players Mentioned
WR
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OL
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