Saturday, September 21
BOZEMAN
1:00 pm
Montana State University
vs
Mercyhurst
Zac Crews
Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
BOBCAT GAME DAY NOTEBOOK #4: Bobcats Offensive Line Inches Closer to Health
9/21/2024 12:00:00 PM | Football
Burke Mastel makes his first career start and JT Reed also returns
BOZEMAN, Montana – After working through a wave of injuries that began early in camp and hit the offensive line particularly hard, the Bobcats inch closer to full health as the non-conference season closes.
The return of guards Burke Mastel and JT Reed alter the entire composition of the O-line. Mastel is expected to start today, but with him and Reed manning left guard sophomore Conner Moore returns to left tackle. He started there throughout 2023, and his return to left tackle leaves only center without its projected preseason starter. Senior Justus Perkins remains sidelined. Cornerback Jon Johnson also remains out today.
Andrew Powdrell starts at corner in Johnson's absence. Tyson Pottenger replaces Brock Steel at strong safety behind Rylan Ortt.
* * * * *
Brendan Hall continues to dominate the airwaves over Bobcat Stadium. Montana State's senior punter and kickoff specialist has not allowed a single opponent return in 2024.
* * * * *
The Bobcats look for the 10th 4-0 start in program history today when first-year Division I program Mercyhurst makes its furthest trip west. The Bobcats also began the 1966 and 1914 seasons with a 4-0 mark, and seven teams have begun campaigns better than 4-0.
* * * * *
During Brent Vigen's 44 game as Montana State's head coach, the Cats have topped 30 points 31 times. That includes all three games in 2024, and nine of the 12 games in 2023. Since Brent Vigen took over, the Bobcats have topped 30 points 23 times in 26 games, including 17 in a row.
#GoCatsGo
The return of guards Burke Mastel and JT Reed alter the entire composition of the O-line. Mastel is expected to start today, but with him and Reed manning left guard sophomore Conner Moore returns to left tackle. He started there throughout 2023, and his return to left tackle leaves only center without its projected preseason starter. Senior Justus Perkins remains sidelined. Cornerback Jon Johnson also remains out today.
Andrew Powdrell starts at corner in Johnson's absence. Tyson Pottenger replaces Brock Steel at strong safety behind Rylan Ortt.
* * * * *
Brendan Hall continues to dominate the airwaves over Bobcat Stadium. Montana State's senior punter and kickoff specialist has not allowed a single opponent return in 2024.
* * * * *
The Bobcats look for the 10th 4-0 start in program history today when first-year Division I program Mercyhurst makes its furthest trip west. The Bobcats also began the 1966 and 1914 seasons with a 4-0 mark, and seven teams have begun campaigns better than 4-0.
* * * * *
During Brent Vigen's 44 game as Montana State's head coach, the Cats have topped 30 points 31 times. That includes all three games in 2024, and nine of the 12 games in 2023. Since Brent Vigen took over, the Bobcats have topped 30 points 23 times in 26 games, including 17 in a row.
#GoCatsGo
Players Mentioned
P/KO
/ Football
CB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
OT
/ Football
DB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
S
/ Football
DB
/ Football
DB
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