Justin Udy
Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
CATS IN CAMP DAY #7: Bobcat Stadium Provides Good Work Space for Kicking Game
8/2/2024 2:22:00 PM | Football
MSU stages initial Bobcat Stadium practice of preseason camp
BOZEMAN, Montana – Friday not only found the Montana State football team practicing in Bobcat Stadium for the first time after six practices on Lambert Field's grass surface, but the team was able to work on the kicking game in full force because of one simple factor.
Goal posts.
"The opportunity for (the team to work) in a PAT/field goal setting, to have a bunch of eyes on them, I know that's been really, really important to (head coach Brent) Vigen and Coach (Marcus) Monaco in their evaluation of that unit," said MSU special teams coordinator Justin Udy. "To be able to put some pressure on that unit, create a competition at that kicker spot, helps those guys try to replicate as close as they can the anxiety that comes with playing that position. So I think (practices in the stadium) are beneficial."
Lambert Field, the grass area where the team conducts most preseason practices, doesn't feature goal posts, so the team has worked on those specialties in Bobcat Stadium before heading northwest for the main part of practice. "So before we go to the grass we spend time in here, so each and every day we are spending time on that."
While kickers the most obvious beneficiaries of working in the stadium, Udy said that provides the optimal setting for building all the team's coverage and return units. "The spacing and timing of our return units is big," he said. "Getting a feel, that's what we did today, working on the back end of our (kickoff return). And when we punt, our spacing and being able to understand the type of field we have to cover and working our different situational punts, it definitely helps to be in the stadium and see where those lines are at. It's different than being on the grass.
* * * * * *
Friday marked the end of one week of work during preseason camp, and Vigen is pleased with his team's progress. "We've been at it since last Friday so we've put in a lot of work to this point," he said. "I feel really good about the effort, the attention to detail, the energy, all those things that you expect but you don't take for granted. Our guys went after it each day."
The Bobcats capped a week of differing circumstances – practices in both the morning and afternoon, in smoky conditions and under clear skies, in cool weather and heat – with the first session inside Bobcat Stadium on Friday. Vigen said it went well. "The first time in the stadium today, it was good to be in there," he said. "We'll get back to the grass for the most part over the next couple weeks to continue to utilize that space and to be on the grass in general, but I feel good about where our guys are going."
The Cats practice at Lambert Field on Saturday before taking Sunday off. The team returns to the grass for practices Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, practicing in Bobcat Stadium on Wednesday.
#GoCatsGo
Goal posts.
"The opportunity for (the team to work) in a PAT/field goal setting, to have a bunch of eyes on them, I know that's been really, really important to (head coach Brent) Vigen and Coach (Marcus) Monaco in their evaluation of that unit," said MSU special teams coordinator Justin Udy. "To be able to put some pressure on that unit, create a competition at that kicker spot, helps those guys try to replicate as close as they can the anxiety that comes with playing that position. So I think (practices in the stadium) are beneficial."
Lambert Field, the grass area where the team conducts most preseason practices, doesn't feature goal posts, so the team has worked on those specialties in Bobcat Stadium before heading northwest for the main part of practice. "So before we go to the grass we spend time in here, so each and every day we are spending time on that."
While kickers the most obvious beneficiaries of working in the stadium, Udy said that provides the optimal setting for building all the team's coverage and return units. "The spacing and timing of our return units is big," he said. "Getting a feel, that's what we did today, working on the back end of our (kickoff return). And when we punt, our spacing and being able to understand the type of field we have to cover and working our different situational punts, it definitely helps to be in the stadium and see where those lines are at. It's different than being on the grass.
* * * * * *
Friday marked the end of one week of work during preseason camp, and Vigen is pleased with his team's progress. "We've been at it since last Friday so we've put in a lot of work to this point," he said. "I feel really good about the effort, the attention to detail, the energy, all those things that you expect but you don't take for granted. Our guys went after it each day."
The Bobcats capped a week of differing circumstances – practices in both the morning and afternoon, in smoky conditions and under clear skies, in cool weather and heat – with the first session inside Bobcat Stadium on Friday. Vigen said it went well. "The first time in the stadium today, it was good to be in there," he said. "We'll get back to the grass for the most part over the next couple weeks to continue to utilize that space and to be on the grass in general, but I feel good about where our guys are going."
The Cats practice at Lambert Field on Saturday before taking Sunday off. The team returns to the grass for practices Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, practicing in Bobcat Stadium on Wednesday.
#GoCatsGo
Thursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
