Saturday, November 7
1:40 pm
Montana State University
vs
SOUTHERN UTAH
Dakota Prukop looks to elude Southern Utah on Saturday
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Explosive Bobcat Offense Faces Explosive Southern Utah Defense Saturday
11/6/2015 3:21:00 PM | Football
MSU faces Thunderbird team with knack for scoring on D
It's not hard to pinpoint the key matchup of Montana State's showdown Saturday against Southern Utah. The Bobcats send the Big Sky Conference's most prolific offense against SUU's league-leading defense.
And that Thunderbird defense has certainly captured Rob Ash's attention.
"Their defense has been extremely special," Ash said, "especially in the conference. I'm very, very impressed with their takeaways. They have some NFL-caliber players on defense, some legitimate player of the year candidates, and as a unit they're playing extremely well."
Southern Utah's takeaway totals are eye-popping. The Thunderbirds have forced 22 opponent turnovers, scoring directly on five of those, and the team's 14 interceptions alone is more than 11 of the Big Sky's 13 teams have in total turnovers. Linebacker Mike Needham has scored three touchdowns.
"There are very aggressive," said Bobcat offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey. "They really try to pressure you, and they do a great job getting after the football."
Against the league's top-rated defense – SUU leads the conference in fewest total yards, passing yards, and points allowed – the Bobcats send the most diverse, explosive offense. Montana State has scored the most points and gained the most yards in the Big Sky, and as a testimony to its diversity is fourth in the league in rushing yards and second in passing yards.
Capitalizing on opportunities and securing the football stand as a couple of key components to success this weekend, Ash says. "The first thing we need to do is make sure their defense doesn't score," he said. "They've been very good at that. This team has been very good at securing the football and maintaining possession all season (until last weekend), and we need to continue to do that. But I think our offense is ready for the challenge."
The other matchup, on another weekend, might stand as one of the most intriguing in the league. The improving Bobcat defense looks to slow Southern Utah's diverse, up-tempo offense. BYU transfer throws for 238.5 yards a game and a trio of Thunderbird backs has SUU fifth in the league in rushing with 176.0 yards a game.
Ash says MSU's realigned defense needs to continue to assert itself. "We've made the moves we can make in terms of personnel," Ash said. "Now we need to play fast and execute."
Kickoff for Saturday's game is 1:40 pm, and it airs on ROOT Sports around the Northwest and DirecTV's Audience Network nationally.
And that Thunderbird defense has certainly captured Rob Ash's attention.
"Their defense has been extremely special," Ash said, "especially in the conference. I'm very, very impressed with their takeaways. They have some NFL-caliber players on defense, some legitimate player of the year candidates, and as a unit they're playing extremely well."
Southern Utah's takeaway totals are eye-popping. The Thunderbirds have forced 22 opponent turnovers, scoring directly on five of those, and the team's 14 interceptions alone is more than 11 of the Big Sky's 13 teams have in total turnovers. Linebacker Mike Needham has scored three touchdowns.
"There are very aggressive," said Bobcat offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey. "They really try to pressure you, and they do a great job getting after the football."
Against the league's top-rated defense – SUU leads the conference in fewest total yards, passing yards, and points allowed – the Bobcats send the most diverse, explosive offense. Montana State has scored the most points and gained the most yards in the Big Sky, and as a testimony to its diversity is fourth in the league in rushing yards and second in passing yards.
Capitalizing on opportunities and securing the football stand as a couple of key components to success this weekend, Ash says. "The first thing we need to do is make sure their defense doesn't score," he said. "They've been very good at that. This team has been very good at securing the football and maintaining possession all season (until last weekend), and we need to continue to do that. But I think our offense is ready for the challenge."
The other matchup, on another weekend, might stand as one of the most intriguing in the league. The improving Bobcat defense looks to slow Southern Utah's diverse, up-tempo offense. BYU transfer throws for 238.5 yards a game and a trio of Thunderbird backs has SUU fifth in the league in rushing with 176.0 yards a game.
Ash says MSU's realigned defense needs to continue to assert itself. "We've made the moves we can make in terms of personnel," Ash said. "Now we need to play fast and execute."
Kickoff for Saturday's game is 1:40 pm, and it airs on ROOT Sports around the Northwest and DirecTV's Audience Network nationally.
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