2006 All-Big Sky safety Ryan Force
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
BOBCAT GAME DAY NOTEBOOK: Former Bobcat Coach Now Mentors USD Linebackers
9/18/2021 11:56:00 AM | Football
Steve Irvin coached at MSU in 2006
It's been so long since the University of San Diego football team has visited Bozeman that it played under a different nickname then. A half-dozen or so years before the Pioneers became the Toreros, San Diego dropped a 21-7 contest in Montana State's 1957 home opener. Bob Surdam and Rocco Perciavalle each recovered a first half fumble that the Cats converted into a touchdown as the team extended its unbeaten streak to 15 games.
But one member of this year's Toreros program has some history in Bozeman. USD linebackers coach Steve Irvin assisted with the Bobcat secondary in 2006, a wild season that culminated in the program's first-ever at-large berth in the NCAA Division I-AA/FCS Playoffs. Irvin and Steve Perry coached MSU defensive backs, including All-Big Sky safety Ryan Force. MSU beat Colorado to open the season, but immediately lost home games to Chadron State and UC Davis. The Cats rallied to an 8-5 season which included a home playoff win over Furman.
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Today's game airs around Montana on ABC stations except in Billings, where SWX (channel 503 on cable and 8.2 over the air) carries the contest.
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Montana State enters the season's third week with no new injuries but five projected starters and one important reserve still sidelined. Fullback RJ Fitzgerald, defensive tackle Kyle Rygg, offensive lineman Cole Sain, receiver Nate Stewart, running back Lane Sumner, and defensive back Tyrel Thomas are each expected to return at some point this season.
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The Bobcat defense has allowed 13.0 points a game, 14th in the FCS, and 287.5 yards per game, 21st.
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Matthew McKay has thrown for 456 yards in his first two games at Montana State. He is 7th in the FCS in passing efficiency.
But one member of this year's Toreros program has some history in Bozeman. USD linebackers coach Steve Irvin assisted with the Bobcat secondary in 2006, a wild season that culminated in the program's first-ever at-large berth in the NCAA Division I-AA/FCS Playoffs. Irvin and Steve Perry coached MSU defensive backs, including All-Big Sky safety Ryan Force. MSU beat Colorado to open the season, but immediately lost home games to Chadron State and UC Davis. The Cats rallied to an 8-5 season which included a home playoff win over Furman.
* * * * *
Today's game airs around Montana on ABC stations except in Billings, where SWX (channel 503 on cable and 8.2 over the air) carries the contest.
* * * * *
Montana State enters the season's third week with no new injuries but five projected starters and one important reserve still sidelined. Fullback RJ Fitzgerald, defensive tackle Kyle Rygg, offensive lineman Cole Sain, receiver Nate Stewart, running back Lane Sumner, and defensive back Tyrel Thomas are each expected to return at some point this season.
* * * * *
The Bobcat defense has allowed 13.0 points a game, 14th in the FCS, and 287.5 yards per game, 21st.
* * * * *
Matthew McKay has thrown for 456 yards in his first two games at Montana State. He is 7th in the FCS in passing efficiency.
Players Mentioned
WR
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RB
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CB
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