Game Day

Saturday, Oct. 5 vs. Northern Arizona

Full Paper Inside

No. 15 Northern Arizona vs. No. 8 Montana State, Bobcat Stadium, 2:05 p.m.

INSIDE
Once overlooked, NAU senior tailback Bauman has found a home and success in Flagstaff I 2

statement made

ADRIAN SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ/CHRONICLE

Montana State offensive lineman Andy Austin helped establish Wheels of Change International, a nonprofit that helps collect and deliver bicycles to those in need in Africa.

Bobcats senior Andy Austin helping change lives in Africa with bicycling nonprofit
By JON MALETZ
Chronicle Sports Editor

Wheel route
Hes earned a lot of respect around here for being a walk-on, being someone who stuck it out despite never having the chance to play very much. He still comes to work every day like the guys who are playing all the time, and he never complains. Hes always smiling rain or shine, even when (offensive line) coach (Jason) McEndoo is in his ear, calling out his name. Always. Dan Austin describes his son as a kind soul; a gregarious, upbeat individual who has always been motivated and has a knack for forming instant and enduring personal connections. Andy traces the origins of his positivity and sense of purpose to the summer of 2010 and a life-altering, 9,000-mile journey across the Atlantic. There, on a nondescript, sun-bathed swath of sand in the village of Ngoma, Namibia, the Austins helped pull back the doors of a 40-foot orange shipping container and open a world of possibilities. A simple yet influential project took shape. Wheels of Change International a nonprofit the Austins helped develop that aims to provide bicycles to Africans to increase mobility and economic development in one of the planets most sparsely populated areas and ultimately alleviate

Northern Arizona running back Zach Bauman

back to back?
Can Montana State pull off a win in this battle of Big Sky unbeatens? The Chronicle weighs in I 6

ight rain plummets from an overcast sky and the din of cleats scraping across asphalt filters through the air as Montana State players shuffle past. A sea of sweat-drenched blue and white jerseys and expressionless stares stretches from Bobcat Stadium to Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. Most in this band of brothers flash little more than a passing glance as they slowly saunter to the locker room on a recent late afternoon. They are no doubt drained after a full slate of classes and a rigorous practice and are contemplating an evening replete with homework and film study. No. 64 stands out. Hes sharing a lighthearted moment with a teammate and sporting a wide grin as he tilts his head toward the drops. Andy Austin is savoring the experience. Soon, he will extend a warm greeting and a firm handshake. Hes a fantastic kid, isnt he? head coach Rob Ash gushes about his reserve offensive lineman, a fifth-year senior.

the cycle of poverty started spinning in earnest. Its a phenomenal thing to see people who have nothing people who literally live day to day, go out and fish or collect grains for tonights dinner and live in huts yet are some of the happiest people Ive ever met in my life, Andy says. You come back here and people are arguing over (trivial) things, and your minds blown because of how different it is over there. You cant help but appreciate things more. You hear stories of how people have gotten bikes and how it has positively impacted their lives; how one bike can change the life of one person, their family, their village. When you think of packing a shipping container with more than 300 bikes, or you think of the 1,000 weve estimated weve shipped so far, its really unbelievable. The idea was first conceived about four years ago when Dan Austin, founder of Billings-based travel company AustinLehman Adventures, endeavored to upgrade his fleet of 120 mountain bikes. Rather than sell them locally, he hoped to find a way to put them to good use.
More Wheels

Cant make it to Bobcat stadium ?

The Chronicle sports staff has you covered. For all of the latest updates and analysis and to join the discussion on the Bobcats battle with Northern Arizona, visit dailychronicle.com/live starting at 2 p.m. today. Also be sure and follow @jmaletz and @kylesample_bdc on Twitter.

B4

| Saturday, October 5, 2013

bozeman daily chronicle

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
No. 15 Northern Arizona vs No. 8 Montana State
2:05 p.m., Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman

Sideline Briefing
Records Series
No. 8 Montana State 3-2 No. 15 Northern Arizona 3-1 46th meeting, Northern Arizona leads 25-21

Making a statement
NAU tailback Bauman makes most of opportunity
By JON MALETZ
Chronicle Sports Editor

Weather forecast
Mostly sunny, 53 degrees

Crowd TV

Bobcat Stadium (17,777)

Max Media (Chris Byers, Mike Callaghan, Jeff Eberle)

Radio

KXLB-FM (100.7) (Tyler Wiltgen, Dan Davies, Riley Corcoran)

Coaches

ROBASH
MSU, 7th year 34th year overall 53-24 at MSU 229-123-5 overall

Jerome Souers

NAU, 16th year 16th year overall 87-86 overall

Schedules
Aug. 30 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 NORTHERN ARIZONA @ Arizona L, 35-0 @ UC Davis W, 21-10 south dakota W, 22-16 MONTANA W, 34-16 @ Montana State 2:05 p.m. @ Sacramento State 5:05 p.m. Idaho State 3 p.m. @ Cal Poly 5:05 p.m. NORTH DAKOTA 3 p.m. NORTHERN COLORADO 3 p.m. @ Southern Utah 11:05 a.m. Montana State Monmouth W, 42-24 @ Southern Methodist L, 31-30 Colorado Mesa W, 26-0 @ Stephen F. Austin L, 52-38 @ North Dakota W, 63-20 Northern Arizona 2:05 p.m. @ Weber State 3:35 p.m. UC Davis 2 p.m. @ Northern Colorado 1:35 p.m. @ Eastern Washington 1 p.m. Southern Utah 4 p.m. Montana Noon

Aug. 29 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23

Northern Arizona RB Zach Bauman: The senior scored two first-quarter rushing touchdowns to stake Northern Arizona to a lead it would never relinquish last week against Montana. He finished with 158 all-purpose yards. After a slow start to the season a consequence of teams packing the box and testing unproven receiver-turned quarterback Kyren Poe Bauman has averaged more than 135 yards rushing the past two games. The Lumberjacks all-time rushing leader is well on his way to a fourthconsecutive 1,000-yard season. Montana State DE Brad Daly: The senior from Helena continues to be a difference maker despite being hampered by injuries. He has recorded at least one sack in all five games and at least one tackle for loss in his last 13 dating to 2012. He leads the Football Championship Subdivision with nine sacks.

Players to watch

Youre too small. Youre too short. Youre too slow. Youll never make it at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. The assessment was as sobering as it was perplexing and still cuts deep, Northern Arizona tailback Zach Bauman admitted Tuesday evening. The former Chandler High (Ariz.) standout still struggles to comprehend exactly why schools from colleges top tier didnt come calling for him like they did for many of his teammates. He doesnt understand why he was routinely overlooked particularly after a senior season in which he rushed 1,178 yards and 25 touchdowns and led the school on the outskirts of Phoenix to a 14-0 record and a state championship. I always thought I was good enough to play at a place like Arizona State, the 5-10, 200-pound senior insists. No one else did, unfortunately, but it really wasnt something new; its happened my entire career at least until I got here. As many Huskies inked Letters of Intent with the Sun Devils and schools throughout the Pac-12 and the country, Bauman garnered offers from just three Air Force, Southern Illinois and Northern Arizona. After much soul searching, he decided to choose the in-state program that took a chance on him and the situation where he could contribute immediately. He decided to head north to Flagstaff. This was part of my vision, Bauman says. I talked to my dad, and he said, This is where God wants you to be. Now go work for it. Work hard and make sure you stand out every day. Has he ever. Bauman rushed for 167 yards including one scamper of 66 and four touchdowns in his college debut in September 2010. His average of more than 96 per game as a freshman is third best in Division I history. Current Denver Broncos tailback and former San Diego State standout Ronnie Hillman (117.9) is tops on the list, which also features South Carolinas Marcus Lattimore (92.1) at No. 4.
More Bauman

Photo courtesy NAU

Northern Arizonas Zach Bauman became the first Lumberjacks player to eclipse the 4,000-yard rushing mark in last weeks win over Montana.

I always thought I was good enough to play at a place like Arizona State. No one else did, unfortunately, but it really wasnt something new; its happened my entire career at least until I got here.
Zach Bauman, Northern Arizona tailback

Busy weekend on tap for Big Sky Conference

By KYLE SAMPLE
Chronicle Sports Writer

Northern Arizona Undisclosed MONTANA STATE Out for season: LB Naa Moeakiola (shoulder), WR Kurt Davis (knee) Out indefinitely: WR Tanner Roderick (hand), DL Zach Hutchins (undisclosed), C Christian Williams (eye), LB Wyatt Christensen (undisclosed), S Eryon Barnet (shoulder) Questionable: LS Rocky Hogue (shoulder), OL Alex Eekhoff (undisclosed), DB Ijumaa Armstrong (undisclosed), DE Preston Gale (knee), WR Brian Flotkoetter (shoulder)

Injury report

Montana State is averaging 3.6 sacks per game, which is first in the Big Sky Conference and ninth in the Football Championship Subdivision. n Bobcats linebackers have intercepted five passes this season, while defensive backs and lineman have logged two and one, respectively. n MSU is third in the FCS in average attendence at 19,427. The school has played 41 consecutive home games with announced crowds of more than 10,000. n The Bobcats are averaging 428.9 yards and 33 points per game on their 6-year-old turf. n MSU leads the Big Sky in turnover margin at plus-8 n Cody Kirks 10 touchdowns and 12.4 points per game both lead the Big Sky. n Tanner Bleskins 568 receiving yards are fifth in the FCS. He also has three 100-yard receiving games. n The Bobcats have logged at least 20 first downs in all five games. n MSUs 63 points against North Dakota were the seventh highest tally in school history. n Northern Arizona has won three of its past five meetings with MSU.
n

Quick hits

Montana State quarterback DeNarius McGhee on Tuesday said he couldnt recall a time when the Big Sky Conference wasnt rife with teams competing for the title. Through five weeks, this season appears to be no different. Though Montana State, Montana and Eastern Washington still figure to be the favorites, a few teams have surprised as the conference enters its second week. Portland State, which was chosen by coaches and media members to finish 10th, is 3-2 thanks to an offense that produced yards and points at a nationally elite level. The Vikings are currently the seventh-highest scoring team in the FCS and the third-most prolific in terms of yards. Despite the dynamic start, the Vikings dropped a 38-34 contest to the Cal Poly and are 0-1 in the conference as they visit Montana today. Southern Utah (4-1, 1-0) is another early surprise. The Thunderbirds, who nearly beat the Bobcats last season in Cedar City, Utah, have benefitted from one of the conferences staunchest defenses. Portland State at No. 10 Montana, 1:35 p.m.: Both teams need to rebound from losses last week to keep themselves in the Big Sky title race. With quarterback Jordan Johnson back, Montanas offense operated as one of the nations most efficient units as the Grizzlies opened the season with three wins. But Montana struggled mightily last week in Flagstaff, Ariz., converting just 4-of-13 third-down attempts in the 34-16 loss. Both Montanas offensive and defensive lines were overpowered as NAU scored touchdowns on two turnovers. The big difference between the Griz

and the Vikings (3-2, 0-1) has been ball control. Though there is just a four-minute difference between the two teams in time of possession 29 minutes, 26 seconds for Montana and 25:06 for PSU Portland State is minus four in turnover margin, while Montana is eight better. Weber State at No. 6 Eastern Washington, 4:05 p.m.: Eastern Washington (2-2, 0-0) may be the leagues most perplexing team. The Eagles upset Oregon State to open the season, but later dropped road contests to Toledo and FCS No. 2 Sam Houston State. Big Sky teams and followers should develop a little better picture of what Eastern Washington can do, but a not a definitive one after todays match up with Weber State. Weber (1-4, 0-1) opened the season with a 50-40 win over Stephen F. Austin but has flamed out since. The Wildcats allowed 70 points in back-to-back losses to Utah and Utah State before they were outscored 74-9 in consecutive losses to No. 11 McNeese State and conference foe Sacramento State. Northern Colorado at Sacramento State, 6:05 p.m.: Sacramento State was the dark horse pick to challenge for the Big Sky crown. But despite last weeks 31-3 win over Weber State, the Hornets have been inconsistent. One week after a 55-0 loss to Arizona State, the Hornets (2-3, 1-0) had to outscore Division II Southern Oregon 63-56 in overtime.

Quarterback Garrett Safron has thrown for 13 touchdowns, nine of which have gone to DeAndre Carter. Northern Colorado (1-4, 0-1) seemed headed in the right direction after a 4-4 finish in league in 2012, but without senior quarterback Seth Lobato, the Bears are 0-4 and lost their conference opener to Southern Utah. Yale at No. 18 Cal Poly, 2:05 p.m.: The first contest between Big Sky and Ivy League schools should be a quick one. Employing a triple-option attack, Cal Poly is the FCS seventh-best rushing attack at 278 yards, while Yale is 10th at 270. Cal Poly (2-2, 1-0) will return home for the first time since its season opening win over San Diego on Aug. 30. The Mustangs will likely rely on running back Chris Ivory, who leads the Big Sky with 130 rush yards per game. UC Davis at Southern Utah, 1:05 p.m.: Enjoy your league lead while you can, UC Davis. The Aggies started the conference season with a 30-13 win over Idaho State. It was the third time Davis (1-4, 1-0) has played a Big Sky conference team this season. The Aggies were handed a 21-10 loss by NAU and a 41-10 defeat by Portland State. Though neither of those games counts toward the Big Sky record, they provided an indicator of where the Aggies stand in relation to the rest of the conference. Southern Utah (4-1, 1-0), on the other hand, is also undefeated in conference but has looked much more impressive. The Thunderbirds own the leagues best run defense, while UC Davis is the leagues best pass defense. Kyle Sample can be reached at ksample@dailychronicle.com or 5822690. Follow him on Twitter @kylesample_bdc.

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Saturday, October 5, 2013 |

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
No. 15 Northern Arizona vs No. 8 Montana State
2:05 p.m., Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman

Wheels/from 1

Bauman/from 2

Austin stumbled across Hes since become the an organization called the only Lumberjacks player Bicycle Empowerment to log three consecutive Network (BEN) during an 1,000-yard seasons and Internet search. has blossomed into one Soon after, he reached of the Football Chamout to BEN director Mipionship Subdivisions chael Linke. most well-rounded and Michael called me back, dynamic playmakers. explained his model to me, Hes one of those guys and we decided to take a who can make you miss in shot, Austin says. a phone booth, Montana The family loaded a linebacker Jordan Tripp shipping container with recently told the Mistheir 120 bikes and about soulian. 300 more donated from Baumans exploits and people in Billings and suraffability have spawned a rounding towns like Sidlegion of fans in Flagstaff ney, Hardin and Roundup. and across the Big Sky About six weeks later, and a slew of hash tags; Photo courtesy of Andy Austin they were on hand when #IBackZach and #VotinA Namibian man takes part in a crash course in bike maintenance. the box arrived in north4Bauman abound on east Namibia. social media sites. There, old bikes likely Hes a multiple Walter ing $700 in donations in bound for landfills began Payton Award finalist, the process. new lives. a second-team AllThe domestic response There, locals in dire American and a first-team has been overwhelming, financial straits were given All-Big Sky selection. Last reason for hope, and a rigid the Austins say. Bike donaweek, he became the first tions continue to filter in, container was transformed NAU player to eclipse and WOC chapters have into a community gatherthe 4,000-yard mark in sprouted ing spot: a a convincing win over up in bike shop Montana. places like How you can help that sells, Every teams got a guy, Philadelrents and If youre interested and hes ours, Lumberphia and fixes bikes at in donating a bike or jacks head coach Jerome Cincinnati. a subsidized finding out more about Souers said. We knew he One cost with all how to get involved was good from the start 12-year-old profits bewith Wheels of Change and threw him right in boy from ing directly International, please visit there as a true freshman. North filtered back wocinternational.org. Zach has not disappointCarolina into various ed; hes been something to even dolocal welfare watch. nated the projects. Added Montana State $1,000 he received for We arrived on site, the head coach Rob Ash, Christmas, according to a container was sitting there Hes an incredible talent. WOC Facebook post. and out of the bush comes Ive watched him absoEverything is so a half-dozen locals that lutely singlehandedly win positive, and everyone that were pre-selected to be the games for NAU. A lot of hears about us wants to shop staff, manager and all them were last year when of that, Austin recalls. We help, Andy says. I cant we didnt play them, but opened it together, and just even (fulfill) all the offers I saw him when I was because of how much to see the expressions on scouting other teams. Hes interest has been drummed their faces the thankfula difference maker. We up. ness for us bringing this recruited him for a bit, so To date, WOC has empowerment to them Photo courtesy of Andy Austin Ive known about him for shipped three containers to was incredible. To date, Wheels of Change International has donated an a long time. Africa. Four hundred bikes We dont look at this as estimated 1,000 bikes to Africans in need. Ash jokingly added, It reached a village outside a charity; we look at it as seems like hes been in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2011, helping those who want the league forever. Ill be partners for donations to cember, he is planning to and the latest a shipso desperately to help happy to see him go. meet demand. Profits have return to Africa for at least ment of about 300 was themselves with tools and Bauman and NAU hope helped feed and clothe chilsix months to help further delivered to the village training to stand on their this is just the start. dren through a partnership the cause on the ground. of Linyanti in northeast own. Many of these people After a season-opening, with local organization Andys worked so hard Namibia on Aug. 7. havent had a job before. 35-0 loss at Arizona, the Catholic Aids Action. and been so committed to All three are part of The Austins spent six Lumberjacks have reeled Some containers have everything he does, Dan a vast 31-shop network weeks in Ngoma instructoff three straight wins, been turned into makeAustin says. Hes stayed a supported by BEN that has ing the locals how to none more impressive shift schools and orphanBobcat, and even though donated 32,706 bikes since service bikes, balance than last weeks 34-16 ages. Some now sell water youll never see him on any 2005, according to a Sept. checkbooks, operate busistunner against the Grizpurification systems, solar watch lists or any confernesses even how to ride. 23 WOC news release. zlies in front of 12,640 lights and help charge cell ence awards lists he doesnt One of the best testiThey had never been at the raucous Walkup phones, among other func- miss a meeting, is never monies is that of the 30 or on one before. Andy I Skydome, which was sold tions, Austin says. late for a practice. He loves spent hours trying to teach so shops up and running, out for the first time since Affordable, easily mainhis teammates dearly and none have ever failed, Dan 30-year-old people how to 1994. tainable and reliable transloves playing football, Austin says. That shows ride, Austin recalls. That was the most port has affected all facets but he understands the the ingenuity, the passion The kinship developed people weve ever had at importance of getting an and the commitment these of daily life. According to was a most rewarding a game since Ive been education and preparing people put into this. The WOC, a bicycle makes: a payoff, Andy says. here; the atmosphere 5-kilometer trip take 40 for life after football. sense of accomplishment There was a person was great, Bauman said. When we really start and fulfillment just radiates fewer minutes than travelwho basically invited my ing on foot; a young girl 70 moving the ball with When this team gets from them. dad and I into his house percent more likely to atWheels of Change is when going, it definitely puts a The Linyanti project, and fed us fish, coffee and smile on the face of the which will help subsistence tend school; a person carry we can dedicate more time Coca-Cola, he says. We five times the weight they and energy. It wouldnt surentire community. farmers and fisherman tried to get him to keep it, could on foot; a healthcare prise me at all to see him be While it was the NAU more efficiently transport but he was saying, Youre worker visit three to four the catalyst. Theres no defense that turned heads, a guest in my house. Come their products in addition times more patients. real way to describe how scooping up two Montana to supporting two nearby in and share what I have. There are areas where proud I am of this project fumbles and returning bicycle tourism projects, We talked for a couple people are 20 kilometers and how proud I am of really hits home for the them for 98- and 22-yard hours. from schools or hospitals; him. Every once in a while Austins. scores in the second and Its pretty funny, but some people who wind up you get lucky, right? The duo was invited to a third quarters, it was people there kind of flock needing treatment cant get groundbreaking for a new to me; (at 6-foot-3 and 285 it, Andy says. With the conservancy in that area, pounds) I do stick out a aid of a bike, we can get a and last year returned the bit. There are pictures of favor by inviting 14 Namib- healthcare worker to the me standing in a group of people instead of a village people laughing and having ians on a two-week Monof 200 trying to get to a tana excursion. The group a good time. Even if you healthcare worker. Were spent that time exploring dont speak the language, also working with bicycle Billings, Yellowstone and they bring you right in. the Grand Tetons, and even ambulances. Whats scary The Austins were is that if people feel like took in Montana States hooked immediately. To theyre going to die, they football game against Stetake a more active role wont go to the hospital; phen F. Austin. in the process, work in an ambulance is a months They were extremely concert with Linke but salary for some of these well received by Bozeexpand on the model and people and they dont want man. They had a Bobcat include different elements to burden their families. chief among them using cheer they made up, and Build a bike with a gurney the highlight of the trip for Dan Austins background on the back and you can most of them was getting to help shops develop bike to see Andy on the football transport a sick person for tours they decided to free. field, Austin recounts. It form Wheels of Change. He continues, Ive Their mission statement: was neat to see Andy in his always wanted to help environment; after all, he Empowering communities people; I was a nursing with sustainable enterprise. had met them in theirs. major my first 2 years Weve grown so close Andy serves on the in college. It just wasnt with these people. When board of directors and has for me. I had an entreprewe go over there, we look been largely responsible neurial spirit and wanted for operating WOCs social at it as visiting friends and to do my own thing. This family. Were not tourists media sites and grassroots has really struck me how anymore. marketing and fundraising something so simple can That expanded family is efforts. change a life. Its easy for thriving. Julys Bohart Bash me to do. Sure, it takes a lot In Ngoma, the TuliMountain Bike Race doof time and effort, but its wonde Bicycle Shop, situnated all of its proceeds to 586-6160 1285 North Rouse Ave. Bozeman M-S 10 to 7 worth every bit of it. the cause. One month later, ated near the border with Andy is hoping to devote Zambia, Zimbabwe and Andy was in downtown more time to WOC. After Botswana, has sold more Bozeman selling T-shirts MSUs season concludes and parking bikes for Sweet than 1,000 bicycles the and he graduates in DeAustins have leaned on Pea festival-goers, generat-

Bauman that predictably provided the early spark. He slipped past three Grizzlies and sprinted 41 yards for a touchdown on the games first possession, and then capped a lengthy second Lumberjacks drive with a 5-yard scoring burst. He finished with 118 yards on 21 carries his 20th game of more than 100 and hauled in three catches for 40 more as NAU bested Montana for the second consecutive season and for the first time in Flagstaff in 16 years. Hes very elusive and powerful; hes not just a fast guy that can outrun people, Ash said. He makes guys miss, he can run through arm tackles, and he sees things very well. Hes very fluid, (and) he runs a lot of different kinds of plays well. Hes just a huge threat. Despite being the clear focus of opposing defenses, Bauman has amassed 396 yards on 82 carries through four games. After 71- and 56-yard efforts against Arizona and UC Davis, he averaged 135.5 yards against South Dakota and Montana a boost facilitated by the development of fellow Hamilton product and receiverturned-quarterback Kyren Poe. The sophomore was 22 of 30 for 242 yards and connected with eight different receivers last week. Couple that with an opportunistic defense that is surrendering an average of just 14 points in three FCS games, and theres reason for optimism in Flagstaff. The Lumberjacks have vaulted to No. 15 in The Sports Networks latest poll and appear to have a favorable schedule the rest of the way. The seven remaining teams on the slate have a combined record of 1517, and only two MSU (3-2) and Southern Utah (4-1) are above .500. Dont expect Bauman to underestimate any opponent, however. He knows how it feels, and he knows how motivating such circumstances can be. Hes lived it. Ive used all that negativity from before to fuel me to go that extra mile, he says. I come out with the attitude that teams are game-planning for me and I have to work my hardest and not take any week off. I think this team is the same way. Were excited and were a confident team, but were a very humble team. Jon Maletz can be reached at jmaletz@dailychronicle.com or 582-2601. Follow him on Twitter @ jmaletz.

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BOBCATSGAMEDAY
No. 15 Northern Arizona vs No. 8 Montana State
2:05 p.m., Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman

Montana State at North Dakota

When Montana State has the ball
So, what exactly did we learn from Montana is in no way a harbinger of future success. States visit to Grand Forks? That being said, todays matchup of Big Sky Not much, other than the fact the North unbeatens will speak volumes. Dakota defense is proving to be the perfect salve Those who followed MSUs virtual cakewalk for a Bobcats squad looking to regroup. by settling in to watch the Griz take on MSU entered last years contest with UND Northern Arizona likely were stunned by what after a hard-fought, three-point loss to Eastern transpired at the Walkup Skydome. A Montana Washington and a bye and promptly reeled team that staked its claim as one of the top off 55 points and more than 400 yards rushing teams in the country after an impressive is an easy win. After yet another first few weeks was completely deflating loss in Texas this time outplayed. Jordan Johnson was EDGE around, MSU once again took out its rendered largely ineffective. The Griz frustrations on seemingly uninspired ground game could muster just 55 and overmatched NoDak. The Cats yards and 2.1 per carry against an produced 42 points and Cody Kirk opportunistic Lumberjacks squad found the end zone five times in the that returned two fumbles for first half alone. scores bringing their defensive All told, MSU piled up 315 yards on touchdown total to five. the ground, 586 total and 63 points NAU has surrendered just 14 in a game that was not nearly as close as the points per contest against FCS opponents and 43-point margin suggests. likely will give the Cats some fits. We cant bet Was the result a much-needed confidence against DeNarius McGhee, however. He was back booster to open Big Sky play? Sure. Was it nice under center four weeks earlier than some had seeing No. 9 back under center? Without a doubt. predicted, and teammates openly admit that his Can we finally put to rest all those concerns presence is a motivator. Something tells us he about a maligned Bobcats rushing attack? hurried back last week so hed have time to work Not yet. When youre third-, fourth- and even off the rust before the Lumberjacks come calling. fifth-string tailbacks are running wild against a With first place on the line, we expect nothing defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst less than No. 9s best, which more often than not in the conference, its safe to say the performance is enough to produce a win.

The Edge

Depth charts
Montana State Offense
LEFTTACKLE 55 John Weidenaar 76 Marshall Womack LEFTGUARD 63 Kyle Godecke 70 Joel Horn CENTER 74 Matthew Devereux 6-3/300 So 70 Joel Horn 75 JP Flynn 72 Charles Lee 79 Quinn Catalano 64 Andy Austin 9 2 DeNarius McGhee Jake Bleskin 6-4/295 So 6-5/304 Fr 6-3/280 Jr 6-4/300 Jr 6-3/285 Sr 6-0/212 Sr 6-1/195 So 5-10/213 Sr 5-9/175 Jr 6-3/218 Sr 6-3/193 So 5-10/175 Sr 5-11/193 So 5-7/174 Jr 5-11/193 So 6-3/257 Sr 6-2/240 Jr 6-3/185 Sr RIGHTGUARD 49 Chima Ike 31 Marc Thompson 58 Harrison Johnson 33 Tevin Ray 35 Austin Hasquet 54 Craig Frum 44 Ryan Reardon 6-5/315 So 6-4/295 So 6-7/280 So 6-5/280 Fr

Northern Arizona Defense

LEFT END 96 Quentin Kantaris 92 Anthony Arledge TACKLE 90 Tim Wilkinson 98 Justin Jungblut NOSE 5-10/255 Sr 6-2/290 Sr 6-3/195 So 6-1/190 So 6-1/225 Jr 6-3/225 Jr 6-1/235 Sr 5-11/290 Sr 6-5/280 Sr 6-2/230 Sr 6-4/245 So

JACK LINEBACKER

RIGHTTACKLE

MIKE LINEBACKER

QUARTERBACK

SAM LINEBACKER 36 Anthony Harrington 6-1/210 Sr LEFT CORNERBACK 22 Marcus Alford 4 Randy Hale 5-10/160 So 5-10/175 Jr 6-0/185 Sr 5-8/170 Jr 6-1/200 Sr 5-11/210 Jr 5-10/185 Sr 5-11/185 Jr 5-11/195 Sr 5-9/200 Sr 6-3/205 Sr 5-11/185 So

RUNNINGBACK 25 Cody Kirk 33 Shawn Johnson X RECEIVER 86 Tanner Bleskin 83 Manny Kalfell ZRECEIVER 4 Jon Ellis 13 Mitch Griebel 12 David Dash 13 Mitch Griebel 80 Tiai Salanoa TIGHTEND 93 Lee Perkins KICKER 18 Rory Perez

RIGHT CORNERBACK 19 Anders Battle 24 Blake Bailey 26 Blair Wishom 12 Jake Johnston 20 Lucky Dozier 13 Shawn Sharkey NICKEL 21 Mike Dosen 28 Anthony Hughes PUNTER 41 Andy Wilder 29 Ryan Hawkins

FREE SAFETY

F/Y RECEIVER

STRONG SAFETY

When Northern Arizona has the ball

well enough to give it a lead and hold onto it. One thing is certain when the Lumberjacks Northern Arizona has seen the other Poe, have the ball: They will give it to running too, the one who completed just 32-of-58 back Zach Bauman. passes as the Lumberjacks struggled to score Bauman, a Walter Payton award candipoints against UC Davis and South Dakota. date, is the FCS third-leading active rusher Poes inconsistency has had little effect with 4,072 rushing yards. Northern Arizonas on NAUs success, however, as it offense is molded around the has won three straight. The Lumsenior; expect to see him get the EDGE berjacks may be 3-1 and have the ball plenty that includes in the perception of explosiveness with passing game, where Bauman has Bauman, but this is not a potent caught more balls than anybody unit. Northern Arizona has scored on the roster. 10 touchdowns as a team this seaA few things, however, are not son, and five of those have come well known about Northern Arizofrom its defense. nas attack. One of those variables Montana State again showed the doubters the play of first-year quarterback Kyle Poe why it has a good defense last week. Deonte is a big one. Flowers is the only defensive back in the Through four games, Poe has been very history of Greg Hardins career in the Big Sky good and he has struggled. In last weeks 34Conference to hold him without a catch; the 16 win over No. 10 Montana, Poe completed defensive line pitched in four sacks; and the 22-of-30 passes for 242 yards. Though he threw a pick, he still operated NAUs offense unit forced four turnovers.

Defense
END 7 Preston Gale TACKLE 47 Taylor Dees 92 Nate Bignell NOSE 50 Craig Ashworth 90 Taylor Sheridan BANDIT 41 Brad Daly 46 Hayden Vick 16 Cole Moore 34 Blake Braun 51 Michael Foster 58 Rhett Young 43 Alex Singleton 6-1/240 Sr 6-3/236 Jr 6-2/220 Jr 6-1/225 Fr 6-1/228 So 6-0/215 Jr 6-2/240 Jr 5-10/222 Fr 5-11/183 Jr 5-11/172 Jr 6-0/200 Jr 6-2/200 Sr 5-11/210 Sr 5-11/199 Jr 5-10/193 Sr 6-1/280 Sr 6-3/280 So 6-2/273 Jr 6-2/273 So 6-3/254 Sr 6-3/250 So 10 Odin Coe

Offense
LEFT TACKLE 74 Kyle Walker 73 LeRoy Guenther 76 Eric Rodriguez 75 Dylan LaFrenz CENTER 67 Roy Garcia 61 Jim Herrero 61 Jim Herrero 75 Dylan LaFrenz 64 Jacob Julian 78 Ryan Nowicki 7 Kyren Poe 6-3/275 Jr 6-6/225 So 6-6/225 So 6-4/285 Fr 6-4/297 Fr 6-5/300 So 6-3/195 So 6-3/210 Jr 5-10/200 Sr 5-11/185 So 6-1/240 So 6-1/220 Fr 6-0/180 So 6-3/215 Sr 6-3/225 Jr 6-0/195 Sr 6-3/195 So 6-0/195 Sr 5-11/185 So KICKER 6-4/290 Sr 6-7/235 So 6-3/272 Fr 6-4/285 Fr

LEFT GUARD

RIGHT GUARD

SAMLINEBACKER

RIGHT TACKLE

MIKELINEBACKER

QUARTERBACK 15 Chase Cartwright 34 Zach Bauman 42 Casey Jahn 45 Nick Butier 40 Jake Thomas 14 Alex Holmes 8 5 Ify Umodu Dejzon Walker

WILLLINEBACKER

RUNNING BACK

The bottom line

Remember that time DeNarius McGhee returned right before the Bobcats game against North Dakota and MSU went on to steamroll the no-name team from Grand Forks and all was right with the world again? Almost all of that happened. No. 9 returned and the Cats offense looked unstoppable against an overmatched defense. The MSU defense regained its form after a tough outing in Texas as it chased North Dakotas quarterbacks all day and forced the UND into four turnovers. We expect this game will answer a lot more questions about the Bobcats than last weeks, however. NAUs offensive attack isnt anything special, but Northern Arizonas defense will be a tough test. MSU will show everybody why it belongs near the top of the FCS, however.

29 Feao Vunipola 37 Deonte Flowers 36 Brad Nordahl ROVER 5 Rob Marshall 22 Eryon Barnett 1 Steven Bethley

BOUNDARYCORNER

FULLBACK

WIDE RECEIVER

FREE SAFETY 26 James Nelson 3 8 Sean Gords PUNTER 18 Rory Perez 6-3/185 Sr

WIDE RECEIVER 18 Jesse Brantley 6 Nick Cole

27 21

FIELDCORNER Ijumaa Armstrong 6-0/190 So

WIDE RECEIVER 18 Jesse Brantley 29 Ryan Hawkins

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