BOBCAT FOOTBALL GAME DAY NOTEBOOK #1: Cats Face Oregon with Shuffled Offensive Line

Titan Fleischmann

Photo by: Brian Morse

BOBCAT FOOTBALL GAME DAY NOTEBOOK #1: Cats Face Oregon with Shuffled Offensive Line

8/30/2025 1:01:00 PM | Football

Gene Bourdet led Montana State to a near-upset at Oregon in 1947

By: Bill Lamberty

BOZEMAN, Mont. (August 30, 2025) – Montana State opens the 2025 season as it did 2024 – against an FBS opponent with a reshuffled offensive line.

An injury to starting center Burke Mastel initiated the change this season, with veteran guard JT Reed moving inside to center and All-America tackle Titan Fleischmann sliding to guard. Braden Zimmer makes his Bobcat starting debut at left tackle, with Cedric Jefferson moving to right tackle. Everett Carr also makes his starting debut at left guard.

The Cats went through a similar shuffle a season ago when Justus Perkins was injured late in fall camp, facilitating Cole Sain's move to center. Mastel, who had secured a starting guard spot, missed the first three games with an injury, which moved Marcus Wehr to guard and Jefferson into the starting five.

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While today's game marks MSU's first in Autzen Stadium, it is the team's second game at Oregon. The first, in 1947, featured current Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Norm Van Brocklin leading the Ducks to a fourth-quarter comeback. Bobcat legend Gene Bourdet was arguably the star of the afternoon, throwing for 147 yards, but the Ducks rushed for 229 yards. The go-ahead score in the fourth quarter followed a fumbled Bobcat kickoff.

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Montana State defensive end Kenneth Eiden IV, elected a team captain during preseason camp, looks to continue his hot streak as a pass rusher. He registered at least a half-sack in MSU's last seven games of 2024, including 4.5 in the playoffs.

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In the 2024 season opener at New Mexico, Adam Jones rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown. His 93-yard touchdown run triggered the Bobcats' fourth-quarter comeback. Montana State rushed for 362 yards against the Lobos.

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Montana State's 2025 offense seems destined for more balance than a season ago. The 2024 Bobcats gained over 400 yards in 13 of the 16 games, becoming only the second Division I team on record with three 1,000 yard rushers and the only FCS team in 2024 to score at least 30 points in every game.

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All eyes will be on Montana State's two new specialists in Autzen Stadium today. Punter/kickoff specialist Colby Frokjer and long snapper Brody Johnson make their Bobcat debuts as true freshmen.

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