
Bobcat Coach Brent Vigen, Linebacker Troy Andersen and Running Back Isaiah Ifanse Become Finalists for Stats Perform FCS National Awards
11/22/2021 12:00:00 PM | Football
MSU trio in line for hardware during FCS post-season
BOZEMAN, Montana – Montana State began reaping the rewards of an outstanding football regular season on Monday, when head coach Brent Vigen, linebacker Troy Andersen and running back Isaiah Ifanse became finalists for Stats Perform FCS national awards.
In his first season leading the Bobcats Brent Vigen is one of 17 finalists for the Stats Perform 2021 Eddie Robinson Award presented to the national coach of the year. Vigen and Sacramento State's Troy Taylor are finalists from the Big Sky Conference. The coaches of MSU's first opponent in the FCS Playoffs, Missouri State's Bobby Petrino and Jason Simpson of UT Martin, are also on the list. Vigen's nine wins is the most in history by a first-year Bobcat coach. The Cats play the Missouri State-UT Martin victor on December 4.
After finishing the regular season strong with 10 tackles, a sack, and an interception against the Grizzlies, Andersen is one of 25 finalists for the Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in the FCS. He finished eighth nationally with 10.4 tackles per game, including 9.5 for a loss and 3.0 sacks. He picked off two passes and broke up seven others, hurried the quarterback once, and recovered a fumble. The senior from Dillon, Montana, is one of 13 finalists for the National Football Foundation's William V. Campbell Trophy as the top student-athlete in college football, and the only honoree from the FCS.
One of 25 finalists for the Stats Perform Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the FCS, Ifanse rushed for 114.4 yards a game, second-most in the Big Sky and fifth in the FCS. The junior from Bellevue, Washington, surpassed 100 yards in six games this season, gaining more than 200 yards twice. His 1,258 yards this season is seventh-most in MSU history, and his 3,102 career yards is third.
#GoCatsGo
In his first season leading the Bobcats Brent Vigen is one of 17 finalists for the Stats Perform 2021 Eddie Robinson Award presented to the national coach of the year. Vigen and Sacramento State's Troy Taylor are finalists from the Big Sky Conference. The coaches of MSU's first opponent in the FCS Playoffs, Missouri State's Bobby Petrino and Jason Simpson of UT Martin, are also on the list. Vigen's nine wins is the most in history by a first-year Bobcat coach. The Cats play the Missouri State-UT Martin victor on December 4.
After finishing the regular season strong with 10 tackles, a sack, and an interception against the Grizzlies, Andersen is one of 25 finalists for the Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in the FCS. He finished eighth nationally with 10.4 tackles per game, including 9.5 for a loss and 3.0 sacks. He picked off two passes and broke up seven others, hurried the quarterback once, and recovered a fumble. The senior from Dillon, Montana, is one of 13 finalists for the National Football Foundation's William V. Campbell Trophy as the top student-athlete in college football, and the only honoree from the FCS.
One of 25 finalists for the Stats Perform Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the FCS, Ifanse rushed for 114.4 yards a game, second-most in the Big Sky and fifth in the FCS. The junior from Bellevue, Washington, surpassed 100 yards in six games this season, gaining more than 200 yards twice. His 1,258 yards this season is seventh-most in MSU history, and his 3,102 career yards is third.
#GoCatsGo
Players Mentioned
Leon Costello Press Conference: Kennedy-Stark Athletic Center
Thursday, July 31
A Conversation with President Dr. Waded Cruzado | Montana State Athletics
Monday, May 19
Big Cats, Little Trucks - Willie Patterson
Wednesday, May 03
Matt Houk Introductory Press Conference
Wednesday, May 03
















