Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
BOBCAT GAME DAY NOTEBOOK #2: Cats Shuffle Starting Receiver Corps for Gold Rush
9/6/2025 5:02:00 PM | Football
Dane Steel slated to make his first Bobcat start
BOZEMAN, Mont. (Sept. 6, 2025) – Montana State's early-season lineup shuffle continues during week two, when the receiver position falls under the spotlight.
Senior Chis Long caught two passes at Oregon last week, but in the process suffered an injury that didn't respond this week. He'll be replaced in the starting lineup by redshirt freshman Dane Steel. While center Burke Mastel, who missed the opener with an injury, is expected to dress, the Cats plan to utilize the same starting lineup as a week ago. JT Reed starts at center, with Everett Carr and Titan Fleischmann at guard and Braden Zimmer and Cedric Jefferson at tackle.
Defensively, safety Taki Uluilakepa is out, while linebacker Neil Daily is doubtful but is expected to suit up. Bryant Meredith starts at safety, and Cole Taylor starts at linebacker.
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Montana State was among the FCS leaders in sacks last week, and in fact recorded 10 in the FCS Playoffs, but had none against Oregon's massive and talented offensive line a week ago. Still, Bobcat head coach Brent Vigen is confident his team will generate a pass rush this season. "We have confidence in our defense, our pass rushers," he said.
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The excitement around MSU's annual Gold Rush game is heightened by the arrival of national power South Dakota State as tonight's opponent. The Jackrabbits are the only opponent to win a Gold Rush game, have won twice in Bobcat Stadium in the last 11 years – in the 2014 playoffs and in 2017 for Gold Rush.
* * * * *
Each of Montana State's 17 Gold Rush games have been sellouts, but the number will change slightly this season. With the addition of seating in the north end zone, Bobcat Stadium's seating capacity is 18,217. That does not include standing room tickets, and teams are also instructed to count workers in the attendance figure.
#GoCatsGo
Senior Chis Long caught two passes at Oregon last week, but in the process suffered an injury that didn't respond this week. He'll be replaced in the starting lineup by redshirt freshman Dane Steel. While center Burke Mastel, who missed the opener with an injury, is expected to dress, the Cats plan to utilize the same starting lineup as a week ago. JT Reed starts at center, with Everett Carr and Titan Fleischmann at guard and Braden Zimmer and Cedric Jefferson at tackle.
Defensively, safety Taki Uluilakepa is out, while linebacker Neil Daily is doubtful but is expected to suit up. Bryant Meredith starts at safety, and Cole Taylor starts at linebacker.
* * * * *
Montana State was among the FCS leaders in sacks last week, and in fact recorded 10 in the FCS Playoffs, but had none against Oregon's massive and talented offensive line a week ago. Still, Bobcat head coach Brent Vigen is confident his team will generate a pass rush this season. "We have confidence in our defense, our pass rushers," he said.
* * * * *
The excitement around MSU's annual Gold Rush game is heightened by the arrival of national power South Dakota State as tonight's opponent. The Jackrabbits are the only opponent to win a Gold Rush game, have won twice in Bobcat Stadium in the last 11 years – in the 2014 playoffs and in 2017 for Gold Rush.
* * * * *
Each of Montana State's 17 Gold Rush games have been sellouts, but the number will change slightly this season. With the addition of seating in the north end zone, Bobcat Stadium's seating capacity is 18,217. That does not include standing room tickets, and teams are also instructed to count workers in the attendance figure.
#GoCatsGo
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