Rob Ash coaches his 100th game for MSU on Saturday
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Ground Games Take Center Stage in Bobcat Stadium Saturday
9/26/2015 10:56:00 AM | Football
MSU, Cal Poly both like running the football
Montana State offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey has always said that running the football is the most important element of his offensive philosophy. Cal Poly has run the ball on a tick more than 90% of its snaps this season. There is no question that the team able to more firmly impose its will in the ground game is likely to win.
And on this day, that is perfectly appropriate.
At halftime of today's showdown between the Bobcats and Cal Poly, Bobcat Athletics will introduce half of Montana State's career rushing top 10. Among them, Steve Kracher will stand out. He will be wearing the green and gold of Cal Poly, where he's worked as that school's equipment manager for a decade.
Kracher will be joined by MSU's all-time leading rusher Ryan Johnson and Cody Kirk, who finished his career in 2013 one notch behind him. The man whose career record Kracher bested, the legendary Iron Tumbleweed Don Hass, rounds out the top four and also joins the crew. So does Wayne Edwards, Kracher's old backfield-mate, who remains ninth in school history in rushing.
* * * * *
As a true triple-option team, Cal Poly is annually at or near the top of the FCS rushing list. But the Bobcats have some talent in the ground game, as well. Junior running back Chad Newell averages 95.8 yards a game in his last four contests, all against Division I teams that qualified for or played in the post-season a year ago, with eight touchdowns. Gunnar Brekke, the other running back, averages 121.5 all-purpose yards a game. Newell and Brekke are third and fourth on the team in receptions.
* * * * *
Saturday marks another milestone for Montana State head coach Rob Ash. The Cal Poly game marks Ash's 100th as the school's football coach, more than any other man. What does the milestone mean?
"That I've been here a long time," Ash said with a laugh. "It's a great place to coach. The support is fabulous. I love it here, and so does my wife Margaret."
* * * * *
Playing against a conventional triple option team requires "assignment football" on defense. Ash said the concept is simpler than the execution. "Everyone has a key, one player they get their key from on the Cal Poly offense. Whatever your key is, that's what you should be looking at (pre-snap), and nothing else. That key will take you to your assignment."
* * * * *
Montana State's defensive alignment changes some in the front four this week. Senior Taylor Sheridan moves inside out, lining up at end. That clears space for Tucker Yates inside, next to Connor Thomas. Devin Jeffries makes his first start at the Bandit position.
And on this day, that is perfectly appropriate.
At halftime of today's showdown between the Bobcats and Cal Poly, Bobcat Athletics will introduce half of Montana State's career rushing top 10. Among them, Steve Kracher will stand out. He will be wearing the green and gold of Cal Poly, where he's worked as that school's equipment manager for a decade.
Kracher will be joined by MSU's all-time leading rusher Ryan Johnson and Cody Kirk, who finished his career in 2013 one notch behind him. The man whose career record Kracher bested, the legendary Iron Tumbleweed Don Hass, rounds out the top four and also joins the crew. So does Wayne Edwards, Kracher's old backfield-mate, who remains ninth in school history in rushing.
* * * * *
As a true triple-option team, Cal Poly is annually at or near the top of the FCS rushing list. But the Bobcats have some talent in the ground game, as well. Junior running back Chad Newell averages 95.8 yards a game in his last four contests, all against Division I teams that qualified for or played in the post-season a year ago, with eight touchdowns. Gunnar Brekke, the other running back, averages 121.5 all-purpose yards a game. Newell and Brekke are third and fourth on the team in receptions.
* * * * *
Saturday marks another milestone for Montana State head coach Rob Ash. The Cal Poly game marks Ash's 100th as the school's football coach, more than any other man. What does the milestone mean?
"That I've been here a long time," Ash said with a laugh. "It's a great place to coach. The support is fabulous. I love it here, and so does my wife Margaret."
* * * * *
Playing against a conventional triple option team requires "assignment football" on defense. Ash said the concept is simpler than the execution. "Everyone has a key, one player they get their key from on the Cal Poly offense. Whatever your key is, that's what you should be looking at (pre-snap), and nothing else. That key will take you to your assignment."
* * * * *
Montana State's defensive alignment changes some in the front four this week. Senior Taylor Sheridan moves inside out, lining up at end. That clears space for Tucker Yates inside, next to Connor Thomas. Devin Jeffries makes his first start at the Bandit position.
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DT
/ Football
DT
/ FootballThursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
