True freshman Troy Andersen
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
GAME DAY NOTEBOOK #9: #25 KSU, in its Third Year, Brings Veteran Team to MSU
11/4/2017 11:00:00 AM | Football
Veterans Day ceremonies hold special meaning for Jeff Choate
Kennesaw State may be a young football program – this is the Owls' third season of intercollegiate competition – but it is not a young football team. In fact, comparing depth charts leads to a surprising conclusion: Kennesaw State is a more experienced football team.
Counting each player on the depth chart (but counting players only once, and counting only position players) by seasons playing college football (for instance, two seasons at a junior college and two at MSU counts as four seasons), the strength of the KSU roster is the class of fourth-year juniors that serve as the program's first true class and as its foundations. Kennesaw State features 29 players in their fourth or fifth season playing college football, comparted to Montana State's 15. On the other end of the discussion, the Cats play 15 student-athletes in their first two seasons of varsity competition, while KSU plays nine (no true freshmen are listed on the Owls depth chart among position players).
The breakdown: 5th year players – MSU 6, KSU 4; 4th year players – MSU 9, KSU 25, 3rd year players – MSU 10, KSU 4, 2nd year players – MSU 10, KSU 9, 1st year players – MSU 5, KSU 0.
* * * * *
When Jeff Choate talks about military service, there is a conviction and pride in his voice that lets you know it's a serious discussion. On the day Bobcat Football honors members of the military and other public servants, a week ahead of the official designation of November 11, Choate's family heritage is a reminder that for many in this nation every day is Veterans Day.
His statement is simple – "I take great pride in my family's service," he says – but the list is long.
"My mom's dad was a tanker in the European theatre, and my grandmother (on the Choate side) was a WASP (Women's Air Force Service Pilots) stationed in Washington D.C. (during WWII). My dad was a Viet Nam War veteran, and my stepfather was a Viet Nam War veteran, and my mom, as well," he said. "She retired as a bird colonel and at the time was the only woman that had gone to Command at General Staff and Army War College."
A history teacher at heart, Choate is committed to the meaning of Veterans Day and the events that commemorate it. "I always want my players to know the meaning of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the (World War I) Armistace, why we celebrate Veterans Day, what the significance is. I think it's important we take a little time to put aside football and understand things that are important. And this is very important."
* * * * *
When the ball is teed up at Bobcat Stadium today, 25th-ranked Kennesaw State becomes the sixth nationally-ranked foe in Montana State's first nine games. The Bobcats have never before faced six ranked opponents during the regular season. It doesn't get any easier for the Bobcats, either. Next up on the schedule is a tilt at Northern Arizona next week, and the Lumberjacks are currently 18th and 16th in the two major FCS polls. NAU plays at Montana, which has been ranked this year and is currently receiving votes, today.
* * * * *
For all the craziness surrounding the Cat-Griz game each year, one event stands out as the most rational and purely good elements of the entire rivalry.
Can the Griz! (And like the game itself, those on the other side of the rivalry have a different name. But that's for them.) Donations of non-perishable food items at sites around the Gallatin Valley begins today, with the proceeds donated to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Bobcat fans have donated more than their counterparts for 15 of the event's 17 years, each season taking place in the days leading up to the rivalry game.
The winner is announced during the Brawl of the Wild, slated this year for November 18 in Bozeman, and proceeds help feed members of the area in need during the Holiday season. The Gallatin Valley Food Bank and Bounty of the Bridgers: A Food Resource Council at MSU are wonderful organizations that do incredible work on behalf of those in need, and while beating the Grizzlies is worthwhile regardless the event these outfits – including the Missoula Food Bank – are worthy of support year round.
* * * * *
If you can't find Bobcat senior Fou Polataivao today, you'll have to look just a little closer. Polataivao will switch jerseys today, wearing #64 rather than #90. The change is precipitated by a possible transition to the offensive line. He has played solely on the defensive line throughout his season-plus as a Bobcat, but has worked on the offensive front recently to help shore up MSU's depth in that area.
* * * * *
Today's game is Montana State's first non-league November game in 20 years. On November 8, 1997, Cal Poly came to Bozeman and edged the Bobcats 20-19 on a windy, cloudy, 39 degree day. The Mustangs won on a walk-off field goal.
Counting each player on the depth chart (but counting players only once, and counting only position players) by seasons playing college football (for instance, two seasons at a junior college and two at MSU counts as four seasons), the strength of the KSU roster is the class of fourth-year juniors that serve as the program's first true class and as its foundations. Kennesaw State features 29 players in their fourth or fifth season playing college football, comparted to Montana State's 15. On the other end of the discussion, the Cats play 15 student-athletes in their first two seasons of varsity competition, while KSU plays nine (no true freshmen are listed on the Owls depth chart among position players).
The breakdown: 5th year players – MSU 6, KSU 4; 4th year players – MSU 9, KSU 25, 3rd year players – MSU 10, KSU 4, 2nd year players – MSU 10, KSU 9, 1st year players – MSU 5, KSU 0.
* * * * *
When Jeff Choate talks about military service, there is a conviction and pride in his voice that lets you know it's a serious discussion. On the day Bobcat Football honors members of the military and other public servants, a week ahead of the official designation of November 11, Choate's family heritage is a reminder that for many in this nation every day is Veterans Day.
His statement is simple – "I take great pride in my family's service," he says – but the list is long.
"My mom's dad was a tanker in the European theatre, and my grandmother (on the Choate side) was a WASP (Women's Air Force Service Pilots) stationed in Washington D.C. (during WWII). My dad was a Viet Nam War veteran, and my stepfather was a Viet Nam War veteran, and my mom, as well," he said. "She retired as a bird colonel and at the time was the only woman that had gone to Command at General Staff and Army War College."
A history teacher at heart, Choate is committed to the meaning of Veterans Day and the events that commemorate it. "I always want my players to know the meaning of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the (World War I) Armistace, why we celebrate Veterans Day, what the significance is. I think it's important we take a little time to put aside football and understand things that are important. And this is very important."
* * * * *
When the ball is teed up at Bobcat Stadium today, 25th-ranked Kennesaw State becomes the sixth nationally-ranked foe in Montana State's first nine games. The Bobcats have never before faced six ranked opponents during the regular season. It doesn't get any easier for the Bobcats, either. Next up on the schedule is a tilt at Northern Arizona next week, and the Lumberjacks are currently 18th and 16th in the two major FCS polls. NAU plays at Montana, which has been ranked this year and is currently receiving votes, today.
* * * * *
For all the craziness surrounding the Cat-Griz game each year, one event stands out as the most rational and purely good elements of the entire rivalry.
Can the Griz! (And like the game itself, those on the other side of the rivalry have a different name. But that's for them.) Donations of non-perishable food items at sites around the Gallatin Valley begins today, with the proceeds donated to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Bobcat fans have donated more than their counterparts for 15 of the event's 17 years, each season taking place in the days leading up to the rivalry game.
The winner is announced during the Brawl of the Wild, slated this year for November 18 in Bozeman, and proceeds help feed members of the area in need during the Holiday season. The Gallatin Valley Food Bank and Bounty of the Bridgers: A Food Resource Council at MSU are wonderful organizations that do incredible work on behalf of those in need, and while beating the Grizzlies is worthwhile regardless the event these outfits – including the Missoula Food Bank – are worthy of support year round.
* * * * *
If you can't find Bobcat senior Fou Polataivao today, you'll have to look just a little closer. Polataivao will switch jerseys today, wearing #64 rather than #90. The change is precipitated by a possible transition to the offensive line. He has played solely on the defensive line throughout his season-plus as a Bobcat, but has worked on the offensive front recently to help shore up MSU's depth in that area.
* * * * *
Today's game is Montana State's first non-league November game in 20 years. On November 8, 1997, Cal Poly came to Bozeman and edged the Bobcats 20-19 on a windy, cloudy, 39 degree day. The Mustangs won on a walk-off field goal.
Players Mentioned
DT
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