Former Bobcat All-America Bobby Daly returns today as an Idaho assistant
Photo by: Idaho Sports Information
BOBCAT GAME DAY NOTEBOOK #6: A Bobcat All-America Works Each Sideline Today
10/13/2018 1:11:00 PM | Football
Former star linebacker returns to Bobcat Stadium as an Idaho assistant today
Bobby Daly has been in Bobcat Stadium many times since his All-America career as a Montana State linebacker ended in 2008, but not quite like he will be today. A Helena native, Daly gets an entirely different view this afternoon when he occupies the visiting sideline as an Idaho assistant coach.
Daly's story is as oft-told as it is worth repeating. After an outstanding career at Helena Capital he joined the Bobcat program as a recruited walk-on in 2004. He became a part-time starter as a redshirt freshman a season later, helping the Cats to a Big Sky title. He led the team with 121 tackles in 2006, leading the team to the FCS Playoffs, the earned First Team All-America honors in 2007 and played through injuries a season later to become an Honorable Mention All-America. His father J. was also an MSU All-America, and his brother Brad followed suit, as well, also reeling in Buck Buchanan FCS Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Bobby Daly has coached at Idaho since 2013, and is currently coaches the Vandals' outside linebackers.
* * * * *
Montana State lost some offensive contributors since the September 29 game against Eastern Washington. Freshman quarterback Tucker Rovig, who had played a role in each of the last four games, suffered a foot injury in practice that leaves him lost for the season. Sophomore running back Tyler Natee, the team's short-yardage specialist who had also become a key cog as a blocking back, is lost indefinitely due to a back injury. Freshman Isaiah Ifanse is questionable with a leg injury. On the defensive side of the line, linebacker Balue Chapman is questionable today.
* * * * *
After Troy Purcell finished an outstanding playing career at Helena Capital and Carroll College, he began a legendary high school coaching career in Montana. He won the 2004 Class A State Championship at Havre, and led Bozeman High to titles in 2010, 2013 and 2015. After that 2015 season, he reunited with former high school and college teammate Paul Petrino at Idaho.
But Purcell's imprint on the Bobcat program is unquestionable. Six current Bobcats won state titles as Hawks during Purcell's time just north on 11th Street.
And Purcell's fingerprints will forever be found on the sport of football in Bozeman. He tirelessly promoted his program, importantly making himself available to youth and middle school coaches, speaking to young players, relying on more than random chance to matriculate players through the system and onto the sidelines at Van Winkle Stadium. He made playing for the Hawks cool, and for that football fans in the Gallatin Valley – particularly those partial to the Bobcats – should be grateful.
* * * * *
A former Bobcat All-America works for each coaching staff involved in today's game – with Bobby Daly coaching Idaho's outside linebackers and DeNarius McGhee mentoring Bobcat running backs, but this will also be a big day for Helena Capital fans. Daly went on to great success as a linebacker at Montana State, but MSU receivers coach Matt Miller was also a Bruins star before becoming one of Boise State's finest players ever.
* * * * *
Montana State's late-game defensive performance continues to impress. In the past two seasons, the Cats have allowed just 17 points in this season's five fourth quarters, and 75 since the beginning of 2017 (16 games).
* * * * *
Today's game features two players who have made their marks on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Bobcat starting quarterback Troy Andersen, who has also spent two games at running back, has seen spot duty at linebacker this season. Idaho defensive end Kaden Elliss flips over to tight end on occasion.
Daly's story is as oft-told as it is worth repeating. After an outstanding career at Helena Capital he joined the Bobcat program as a recruited walk-on in 2004. He became a part-time starter as a redshirt freshman a season later, helping the Cats to a Big Sky title. He led the team with 121 tackles in 2006, leading the team to the FCS Playoffs, the earned First Team All-America honors in 2007 and played through injuries a season later to become an Honorable Mention All-America. His father J. was also an MSU All-America, and his brother Brad followed suit, as well, also reeling in Buck Buchanan FCS Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Bobby Daly has coached at Idaho since 2013, and is currently coaches the Vandals' outside linebackers.
* * * * *
Montana State lost some offensive contributors since the September 29 game against Eastern Washington. Freshman quarterback Tucker Rovig, who had played a role in each of the last four games, suffered a foot injury in practice that leaves him lost for the season. Sophomore running back Tyler Natee, the team's short-yardage specialist who had also become a key cog as a blocking back, is lost indefinitely due to a back injury. Freshman Isaiah Ifanse is questionable with a leg injury. On the defensive side of the line, linebacker Balue Chapman is questionable today.
* * * * *
After Troy Purcell finished an outstanding playing career at Helena Capital and Carroll College, he began a legendary high school coaching career in Montana. He won the 2004 Class A State Championship at Havre, and led Bozeman High to titles in 2010, 2013 and 2015. After that 2015 season, he reunited with former high school and college teammate Paul Petrino at Idaho.
But Purcell's imprint on the Bobcat program is unquestionable. Six current Bobcats won state titles as Hawks during Purcell's time just north on 11th Street.
And Purcell's fingerprints will forever be found on the sport of football in Bozeman. He tirelessly promoted his program, importantly making himself available to youth and middle school coaches, speaking to young players, relying on more than random chance to matriculate players through the system and onto the sidelines at Van Winkle Stadium. He made playing for the Hawks cool, and for that football fans in the Gallatin Valley – particularly those partial to the Bobcats – should be grateful.
* * * * *
A former Bobcat All-America works for each coaching staff involved in today's game – with Bobby Daly coaching Idaho's outside linebackers and DeNarius McGhee mentoring Bobcat running backs, but this will also be a big day for Helena Capital fans. Daly went on to great success as a linebacker at Montana State, but MSU receivers coach Matt Miller was also a Bruins star before becoming one of Boise State's finest players ever.
* * * * *
Montana State's late-game defensive performance continues to impress. In the past two seasons, the Cats have allowed just 17 points in this season's five fourth quarters, and 75 since the beginning of 2017 (16 games).
* * * * *
Today's game features two players who have made their marks on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Bobcat starting quarterback Troy Andersen, who has also spent two games at running back, has seen spot duty at linebacker this season. Idaho defensive end Kaden Elliss flips over to tight end on occasion.
Players Mentioned
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LB
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RB
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RB
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QB
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Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
