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Game Day

Saturday, Oct. 19 at Weber State

Full Paper Inside

No. 5 MONTANA STATE at Weber State, Ogden, Utah, 3:40 p.m.

INSIDE
Reeling Weber State riding six-game losing streak into todays game against No. 5 Bobcats I 2
Weber State running back Bo Bolen

searching for answers

ADRIAN SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ/CHRONICLE

Montana State cornerback Deonte Flowers has seven pass breakups and 25 solo tackles through six games.

ready to roll
The Bobcats are rested and are the prohibitive favorites today in Utah. The Daily Chronicle is predicting a rout I 6

Blooming in bozeman
Junior Deonte Flowers establishing himself as one of Big Skys best cornerbacks
By JON MALETZ
Chronicle Sports Editor

tory lines and staggering statistics abounded on that late-Saturday afternoon in Grand Forks, N.D. Decorated Montana State quarterback DeNarius McGhee shocked many with his rapid return from a separated shoulder, and then surprised no one by helping spearhead a 586-yard offensive explosion. Veteran tailback Cody Kirk set a program record with five rushing touchdowns in the first half, no less. The Bobcats produced five scoring drives of 55 or more yards and 42 points in the first 30 minutes. The effort was so efficient, so unequivocally dominant, that many North Dakota fans were

Hes a joy to be around, a high-energy guy and a very spiritual person. Its so good to know that there are still guys out there in college football that you know have that kind of character and that you know will do whatever it takes to succeed.
Brandon North, MSU secondary coach on Deonte Flowers

ambling toward the exits before the first half had even expired. Yet when Rob Ash stepped to the podium in the Alerus Centers Oriole Room after his squads 63-20, conferenceopening triumph Sept. 28, it was something else that drew the most praise from the seventh-year head coach. It was the number zero. In the days leading up to their trip east, Bobcats players and coaches raved about

dynamic North Dakota wide receiver Greg Hardin. They discussed both the importance and the challenge of keeping one of the Big Skys most dynamic playmakers at bay. They ultimately pulled that off and much more. Hardin, who many believe could have an NFL future likely as a slot receiver because of his slight build was a virtual non-factor against MSU. In fact, the Bobcats became the

first opponent ever to hold the prolific senior without a catch. That result was the byproduct of a collective effort from sound game planning to the dominance of the visitors front seven, which relentlessly hounded North Dakotas young quarterbacks, forcing a slew of errant passes. There was also the nearflawless play of No. 37. Boundary cornerback Deonte Flowers drew the unenviable assignment of shadowing Hardin for much of the contest. The junior acquitted himself quite well, repeatedly clogging passing lanes and not allowing Harding to gain separation on deep routes. Flowers clearly was up to the challenge.
More Flowers

Cant make it to utah?


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 Weber State, visit dailychronicle.com/live starting at 3:40 p.m. today. Also be sure and follow @jmaletz and @kylesample_bdc on Twitter.

| Saturday, October 19, 2013

bozeman daily chronicle

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
No. 5 Montana State at Weber State
3:40 p.m., Ogden, Utah

Sideline Briefing
Records Series
No. 7 Montana State 4-2, 2-0 Big Sky Weber State 1-6, 0-3 50th meeting, Montana State leads 28-20-1

Tough test for reeling Weber State

Weather forecast
Sunny, 59 degrees

Crowd TV

Stewart Stadium (17,312)

ROOT SPORTS (Tom Glasgow, Robb Akey, Jen Mueller)

Radio

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

Coaches

ROBASH
MSU, 7th year 34th year overall 54-24 at MSU 230-123-5 overall

jody sears
WSU, 2nd year 2nd year overall 3-15 overall
AP

Schedules
WEBER STATE Aug. 31 stephen f. austin W, 50-40 Sept. 7 @ Utah L, 70-7 Sept. 14 @ Utah State L, 70-6 Sept. 21 @ McNeese State L, 43-6 Oct. 28 SACRAMENTO STATE L, 31-3 Oct. 5 @ Eastern Washington L, 41-19 Oct. 12 @ Cal Poly L, 47-0 Oct. 19 MONTANA STATE 3:40 p.m. Nov. 2 @ Portland State 2 p.m. Nov. 9 SOUTHERN UTAH 1 p.m. Nov. 16 @ Montana Noon Nov. 23 IDAHO STATE 1 p.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 W, 36-7 @ Weber State 3:40 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

Eastern Washington linebacker Cody McCarthy brings down Weber State receiver Cody Raymond during the first half of Oct. 5s game in Cheney, Wash. The Wildcats fell to the Eagles, 41-19, and have dropped six straight heading into todays game with MSU.

By JON MALETZ
Chronicle Sports Editor

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

Players to watch
Weber State WR Erik Walker: The senior hauled in a career-high eight receptions for 55 yards in last weeks loss to Cal Poly. The Wildcats top receiver, Walker has 32 receptions for 343 yards and one touchdown this season. Montana State RB Shawn Johnson: The junior was tabbed as the FCS national special teams player of the week after returning a third-quarter kickoff for 100 yards against Northern Arizona. He finished the afternoon with 246 all-purpose yards, including 92 rushing and another score a 27-yard scamper on the Bobcats opening possession. Johnsons 924 all-purpose yards are second in the conference and 10th in the Football Championship Subdivision and comes on 92 attempts.

When asked to describe the current state of his football program, Weber State head coach Jody Sears launches into an explanation so common these days it seems rehearsed. The challenge for us is to continue to grow and continue to press forward, get forward score-wise and record-wise, Sears said Tuesday. A lot of football coaches want instant results, and obviously the fans and the outside people looking in want success right now, but its a process. Its hard to say that were improving, but when we turn on the film weve got a bunch of young guys that are fighting and scratching. That effort has not translated into much on-field success. The Wildcats (1-6, 0-3 Big Sky) won a 50-40 shootout against Stephen F. Austin in their season opener but have dropped six consecutive games since all by alarmingly lopsided margins. During the stretch, which included 70-7 and 70-6 blowouts at the hands of in-state Football Bowl Subdivision squads Utah and Utah State, Weber State is surrendering an average

A lot of football coaches want instant results, and obviously the fans and the outside people looking in want success right now, but its a process. Its hard to say that were improving, but when we turn on the film weve got a bunch of young guys that are fighting and scratching.
Jody Sears, Weber State head coach

of more than 50 points while scoring just six. While the Wildcats return home after playing three of their past four on the road the last a 47-0 defeat at Cal Poly in which the Wildcats could do little to slow an efficient Mustangs tripleoption attack an already demanding schedule will get no easier. Fifth-ranked Montana State (4-2, 2-0), a team against which Weber State has dropped 10 of the past 11 and has not beaten at Stewart Stadium since 1996, comes calling this afternoon. Losses arent the only things mounting in Ogden. According to a recent article in Utahs Standard-Examiner outlining the parameters of a three-year contract agreed to last year after his one season as an interim coach, Sears must win at least four games in 2013 or six in 2014 or risk being released without

further compensation. The Wildcats have won just three of 18 games the past two seasons. You like to see (some tangible results) sooner than it has, but Ive been in this situation a couple different times and your hope is that, again, you stay the course, Sears said. Were not making excuses for our youth or injuries or things out of our control. We just need to get better, stay committed to each other and keep moving forward. Todays matchup features two squads heading in opposite directions. The Bobcats, buoyed by a resurgent rushing attack and a suffocating defense, are riding their first two-game win streak of the season and should be well rested; the bye allowed ailing key contributors like DeNarius McGhee, Cody Kirk, Brad Daly and Michael

Foster to rest and another, safety Steven Bethley, to undergo surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right thumb. Weber State, meanwhile, has been beset by injuries and is grooming a young group of players 26 freshmen played against Cal Poly, Sears said that includes an inexperienced quarterback. Freshman Austin Chipoletti has been pressed into duty because of the sudden departure of Jordan Adamczyk, who opted to leave the program after a career derailed by knee injuries. The Wildcats offense has been held to seven or fewer points five times. They mustered just 173 total yards including 53 on 32 carries against Cal Poly, which piled up 580 against a beleaguered WSU defense that was missing its top three tacklers, including middle linebacker Anthony Morales. The senior, who is averaging more than eight tackles per game, has missed two contests with a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable. Hes been our main bell cow, so to speak, in terms of his leadership and energy. Hes been absolutely fabulous, Sears said of Morales.
More weber

Pivotal third week ahead in Big Sky


By KYLE SAMPLE
Chronicle Sports Writer

Injury report
Weber State Out for season: WR Kela Marciel, LB Ryan Tuiasoa Out indefinitely: LB Luke King, WR Shaydon Kehano Questionable: LB Anthony Morales, S Chris Wheeler MONTANA STATE Out for season: LB Naa Moeakiola (shoulder), WR Kurt Davis (knee), LB Wyatt Christensen (knee) Out indefinitely: WR Tanner Roderick (hand), DL Zach Hutchins (undisclosed), C Christian Williams (eye) Probable: S Eryon Barnett (shoulder), DE Preston Gale (knee)

Quick hits
n Montana State averages 3.2 sacks per game, which

is first in the Big Sky and 16th in the FCS.


n Bobcats linebackers have intercepted five passes,

while defensive backs and lineman have logged two and one, respectively. n The Bobcats turnover ratio (minus-1) is second in the Big Sky n Senior tailback Cody Kirk leads the conference with 11 touchdowns and an average of 11.3 points per game. n Tanner Bleskins 170th career catch in the NAU game, which came from brother and backup quarterback Jake, moved the senior wide receiver into first place on the programs all-time list. n Senior Brad Dalys 50 tackles for loss is tied for fifth in school history with Jason Hicks one behind Dane Fletcher. n Junior Shawn Johnson has produced the Big Skys longest rush and kick return and is tied for the longest punt return.

Could the third week of the Big Sky season already present make-or-break scenarios? For some teams, yes. Sacramento State, Northern Arizona and Montana, all with one Big Sky loss, must avoid upset bids to remain viable challengers to Cal Poly, Montana State and Eastern Washington in the conference title race. For others, like the Bobcats and Eagles, the week should prove to be a referendum of the grasp theyve had on the conferences top spot. If recent history has any say, the Cats shouldnt face much of a challenge in Ogden, Utah, while Eastern could face a very stiff test from a team from Utah. Southern Utah, despite a surprising loss to UC Davis on Oct. 5, stabilized its position in the conference with a 17-7 win over Portland State last week to move to 2-1 in the league. The Thunderbirds have relied on one of the leagues stingiest defenses to balance out an offense that has yet to score more than 27 points against a Division I opponent. Cal Poly at No. 10 Montana, 1:35 p.m.: In what could be the game of the week what happens in Cheney, Wash., could figure into that discussion, too Cal Poly could make a very large statement with a win in Washington-Grizzly Stadium against

No. 10 Montana. But the raucous setting is likely not an ideal one for Cal Poly quarterback Dano Graves second career start. Graves, who was serviceable in the Mustangs 47-0 win over Weber State last week, will be facing arguably the leagues best defense; Montana leads the conference in points allowed (17.5), yards allowed (337) and is second in turnovers forced (15). Montana (5-1, 2-1 Big Sky), led by a ground game that has produced 238 yards per contest and a quarterback, Jordan Johnson, who has yet to throw an interception, will be the first ranked opponent Cal Poly (3-3, 2-0) has faced this season. The game will mark a matchup of the conferences top rushing offense in Cal Polys triple-option attack versus the conferences top rush defense. Montana is allowing just 114 yards on the ground. Southern Utah at No. 4 Eastern Washington, 5:05 p.m.: This game should go a long way to

proving just how good the Thunderbirds really are. Southern Utah, despite a win over FBS South Alabama, has yet to dazzle anybody. They own a win over Sacramento State though it didnt count toward the T-birds conference record but had to go to overtime to get it and later dropped a home contest to UC Davis, 21-3. It has been Southern Utahs offense that is holding the Thunderbirds (5-2, 2-1) back. Averaging just 22 points and 294 yards per game, the unit has had to rely on the defense for wins. Eastern Washington (4-2, 2-0), undoubtedly the conferences most tested squad, should provide SUUs ballhawking defense with its toughest challenge. Led by dual-threat quarterback Vernon Adams, Eastern is averaging 37 points per game and nearly 500 yards of offense. Adams, a viable Walter Payton Award candidate, is leading the conference in total offense and passing efficiency. Southern Utah handed Eastern its lone conference defeat last season. Idaho State at No. 19 Northern Arizona, 4:05 p.m.: This week should provide the Lumberjacks a chance to catch their breath after a deflating loss to Montana State on Oct. 5 and a wild 39-38, comefrom-behind win over Sacramento State last week.
More big sky

bozeman daily chronicle

Saturday, October 19, 2013 |

2013 MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Shawn Johnson

#33 // Running Back

| Saturday, October 19, 2013

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bozeman daily chronicle

Saturday, October 19, 2013 |

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
No. 5 Montana State at Weber State
3:40 p.m., Ogden, Utah

Setting the standard

Flowers/from 1
Im glad you mentioned that. To me, thats the most remarkable thing that happened today with all the talk about everything else, Ash said afterward. (Hardin is) a fabulous player; one of the top players in the whole conference. That was a fabulous performance. Ask him about that day, about neutralizing Hardin and being largely responsible for holding North Dakota signal callers Ryan Bartels and Joe Mollberg to a combined 85 yards passing and just eight completions on 21 attempts, and Flowers will politely dodge the question with a heaping dose of humility that comes spilling out like water from an overturned 10-gallon jug. It was just one game. I just went out there and did my job, the San Diego native insisted Tuesday. Thats about it. I dont really think much of it, to be honest with you. Its just a win, and Im thankful for that win. Brandon North suggested it might be something much more, however. Perhaps that was the moment when the light switch went off, as the MSU secondary coach likes to call it. Perhaps that was the moment when a hard worker and a three-year starter officially established himself as a game-changer; as one of the Big Skys top shutdown corners. Hes finding that area to where hes comfortable out there and the game seems to be slowing down in his mind, North said. When the deep ball is going up, hes not panicking; hes staying patient in his press technique and doing an outstanding job. Added senior safety Steven Bethley, Hes definitely grown as a player to the point where now he basically shuts down one whole side of the field. Myself and other teams continue to challenge him, and hes stepped up to the occasion every single time. Its great to see that, and I love being able to play with somebody like that. While many thought the Morse High School product was too slender and too slow to make an impact at the college level, former Bobcats secondary coach and assistant defensive coordinator Noah Joseph saw great potential in the lightly recruited Flowers, Ash said. Talent and work ethic helped the affable youngster make a strong first impression and earn a starting spot as a true freshman. Hes a hard worker and a great person. Everybody on the team likes Deonte, North said. Hes a joy to be around, a high-energy guy and a very spiritual person. Its so good to know that there are still guys out there in college football that you know have that kind of character and that you know will do whatever it

Chronicle File photo

AP

Cornerbacks Sean Gords, left, Flowers and Montana State are second in the Big Sky in pass-efficiency defense.

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota sprints in for a touchdown during the first quarter of Oct. 5s game against Colorado in Boulder, Colo.

Oregon QB has yet to throw an interception


EUGENE, Ore. (AP) One of the most notable numbers in Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariotas stat line is 0. Thats the number of interceptions he has thrown in the first half of the season. The sophomore who has become a top contender for the Heisman Trophy hasnt had an interception in 233 attempts dating to last year, an ongoing Pac-12 record. Overall, Mariota has completed 100 passes for 1,724 yards and 17 touchdowns for second-ranked Oregon this season. He also has run for 426 yards and eight more TDs. Coach Mark Helfrich joked when asked if he remembered the last time Mariota threw a pick. Um, I dont know. I dont off the top of my head, he told reporters, then added: There was one in practice today. Marcus does a great job good, bad or indifferent of just kind of moving on and playing the next play, Helfrich said. For the record, Mariotas last interception came in then-No. 1 Oregons 17-14 loss to Stanford last Nov. 17 that dashed the Ducks hopes for a shot at the BCS title game. The streak of 233 attempts topped USCs Brad Ottons string of 216 in 1994-95. This season the mobile 6-foot-4 quarterback from Hawaii is averaging 287.3 yards passing a game and 71 yards rushing for 10.4 yards per carry. Hes ranked sixth nationally with an average of 358.3 yards in total offense a game, and No. 5 in passing efficiency at 182.40. He has scored at least one touchdown via both the run and the pass in every game this season. Known for his composure on the field, he also is trying to keep a level head about all the attention thats been coming his way off it. I wouldnt say Im unaware, but I do my best not to pay attention. I focus on coming into the facility and just working out and doing the best that I can and getting better every day, he said. Entering last season, Mariota was a redshirt freshman who earned the starters job over Bryan Bennett after a fall camp competition that was mostly a mystery because the Ducks keep practices closed. He went on to set the teams singleseason record with 38 touchdowns (32 passing, 5 rushing, 1 receiving). The first freshman selected to the Pac-12s all-conference first team in 23 years, Mariota completed a school-record 68.5 percent of his passes. Last weekend completed 24 of 31 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns in Oregons 45-24 victory at No. 16 Washington. He also ran 88 yards for a TD, earning Pac-12 Player of the week honors. He was similarly honored the week before when he set a school record with 42 points in Oregons 57-16 win at Colorado. He passed for 355 yards and five touchdowns, while running for 43 yards and two scores. The seven total touchdowns matched the Pac-12 record. You have to make great decisions not to turn the ball over and then you have to be really accurate with your throws and real careful with the ball, Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost said. You can be careful and not turn the ball over but then youre not being productive either. So the combination of productivity and his ability to take care of the football has been impressive. The Ducks (6-0, 3-0 Pac-12) are the last undefeated team in the Pac-12 North after Stanford was upset by Utah last weekend. UCLA is the only undefeated team in the Pac-12 South. Oregon will host Washington State (4-3, 2-2). The Cougars are coming off a 52-24 loss to Oregon State last weekend in Pullman. This week in a practice the Cougars scout team used receiver Drew Loftus in at quarterback, which most assumed was a tactic for simulating Mariotas mobility. Helfrich was asked whether he would be involved in an Oregon campaign to push Mariota for the Heisman this season. I think the best thing that anybody can do is play well as a team, Helfrich said. I think he understands that, and our team understands that. All those accolades and honors come as the result of that. Our best service to him and to our team is to prepare great, and then it allows him to play well.

takes to succeed. Flowers logged 39 tackles, including three for loss, in 2011. He tied for the team lead with eight pass breakups, and his 57-yard interception return helped the Bobcats secure a signature win over reigning national champion Eastern Washington. Flowers started 12 of 13 games as a sophomore and led all defensive backs with 52 tackles. Now, hes become one of the pillars of a thin but talented secondary that is beginning to assert itself after some early season inconsistency. We saw this coming pretty much all along, but you just have to be patient, North said. Its kind of like watching a young kid grow up. You see him running around with other kids, and you can spot him out and say, Oh, hes going to be special. Added Ash, Hes gotten stronger, added some weight, and has gotten a lot more confident. Hes more coachable this year. It wasnt an intentional situation in the past where he wasnt going to be coachable; hed just revert back to playing with pure athletic ability, especially in games, when he just couldnt transfer what he learned in practice. Now, hes more comfortable. As a result, MSU is thriving. The Bobcats are second in the Big Sky in pass-efficiency defense and third in pass yards allowed (207.2). MSU has held three of its last four opponents to less than 200 yards passing and two of those to less than 100. Flowers broke up three passes in Oct. 5s 36-7 win over Northern Arizona, bringing his season tally to seven along with 25 solo tackles. Lumberjacks quarterback Kyren Poe threw for 168 yards and averaged just 3.8 per completion for an offense that was held scoreless. While his statistics are

modest, Flowers contributions cannot be understated, North said. We always talk about these guys being leaders. Its not always about going out and getting five or six interceptions but making plays when the time comes, he added. Deonte and (fellow cornerback) Sean Gords, their competitive natures are just off the charts. Theyre high-intensity guys that dont want to get beat and dont want to let down the rest of the defense. Any time a deep ball goes up youre always kind of holding your breath a little bit, but I feel very comfortable when I look out on the edge and see No. 37 and No. 3. You know theyre going to compete. Theyre humble and theyre hungry, and Im grateful I get to coach them. The increased attention and being named College Sports Madness top defensive player by virtue of his sterling performances against North Dakota and NAU is largely insignificant, Flowers said. Its time to forge ahead, not rest on laurels. There is film to watch and techniques to fine tune. The sole focus is Weber State. Ill always remember what Sonny Holland said at the NAU game about integrity of preparation. Doing well the last few games is nice, but that means nothing when it comes to Weber State, Flowers said. You have to keep working hard and you have to keep preparing the same way. The seasons going well for me right now thats really all I can say. Im just playing football and having fun, playing for God and for my teammates. Im so blessed to play this game, and Im going to do everything I can to make the most of this opportunity. Jon Maletz can be reached at jmaletz@dailychronicle. com or 582-2601. Follow him on Twitter @jmaletz.

Weber/from 2
It really hurts not having him. Weber State is last in the Big Sky in scoring offense (13 points per game), scoring defense (48.9), total offense (255.9) and total defense (545.6). In addition, it surrenders the most passing (286) and rushing yards (259.6) among the 13 conference teams. By comparison, the Bobcats rank in the top five in all of those categories except for passing offense (242.8, seventh). An MSU win may seem like a foregone conclusion today in the 50th matchup between the two programs. Dont tell that to Bobcats head coach Rob Ash or his staff, however. I see a young team who is getting better each week, MSU linebackers coach Kane Ioane said of the Wildcats. Added Ash, Weber

Theyve had a terrible schedule, a brutal schedule, and had some difficulties with injuries that can happen to any team. Im waiting for them to just break out here and have a great football game one of these days. Hopefully not this weekend.
Rob Ash

State always plays us tough. Theyre a very physical team on both sides of the ball. Theyve had a terrible schedule, a brutal schedule, and had some difficulties with injuries that can happen to any team. Im waiting for them to just break out here and have a great football game one of these days. Hopefully not this weekend.

Ashs squad trailed 24-20 after 30 minutes during its last matchup with the Wildcats in November 2011. Then-No. 2 ranked MSU responded with 24 unanswered in the final half, and on the strength of a 310-yard, three-touchdown effort from McGhee, rolled to a 44-24 win. Morales logged 13 tackles and one sack in that game, and Josh Booker rushed for 121 yards and two scores. He and fellow running back and former All-Big Sky second-teamer Bo Bolen, who missed the past two seasons while on an LDS church mission, likely will need big games to both keep the offense on the field and Weber State in todays game. Theyre big, physical and fast all three aspects you look for in a back, MSU linebacker Alex Singleton remarked. Theyre a good team, fast and physical. I think itll be fun.

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| Saturday, October 19, 2013

bozeman daily chronicle

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
No. 5 Montana State at Weber State
3:40 p.m., Ogden, Utah

Montana State at Weber State


When Montana State has the ball
Montana State head coach Rob Ash admitted Remember MSUs trip to Grand Forks, N.D.? earlier this week that he is concerned about Three weeks ago, the Bobcats rushed for 332 yards whether the bye will quell all the momentum his and scored 42 in the opening half. Shawn Johnson squad generated with impressive wins over North and Cody Kirk combined for 238 on just 25 carries, Dakota and Northern Arizona to open Big Sky play. and Kirk set the program record for rushing Sometimes after a bye you come out a little flat touchdowns in a game (five) and needed just because you dont have that timing, that schedule, 30 minutes to do it. that routine that youve always been Todays game should look very in, Ash conceded. We should have familiar. EDGE momentum I would think, (but) we Quarterback DeNarius McGhee has just dont know. been used sparingly in the two games The coach may be a bit uncertain since his return and should be well at least outwardly but were not. By rested and primed to shoulder more any measure, todays game is a colossal of the offensive load. That can wait for mismatch. a few weeks, however. The Cats wont The Weber State defense is the worst need him much today. in the Big Sky thus far. The Wildcats Weber State has struggled to stop surrender an average of 49 points per game and anybody it had to score 50 to pull out a win in more than 545 yards of total offense 256 on the its season opener against Stephen F. Austin and could be without star linebacker Anthony Morales ground and 289 through the air. for a third consecutive week. The senior logged This is a team that surrendered 70 points in back-to-back games against in-state FBS foes Utah 13 tackles and a sack when these teams last met in 2011 but has been slowed by a balky hamstring and Utah State; a team that has been outscored this season. 119-22 in three Big Sky games; a team that last Morales is questionable for the game, and week made the triple-option attack of Cal Poly coaches could opt to sit him with a bye week look like that of Nebraska in the mid-90s. looming. A little advice: If you are watching from The Mustangs rushed for 365 yards, piled up the sideline today, Anthony, you might want to 580 of total offense and rolled to a 47-0 victory, cover your eyes. This one is going to get ugly. handing the Wildcats their sixth consecutive loss.

The Edge

Depth charts
Montana State Offense
LEFTTACKLE 55 John Weidenaar 76 Marshall Womack LEFTGUARD 63 Kyle Godecke 72 Charles Lee 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 5-7/174 Jr 6-2/211 Jr 5-11/193 So 6-3/257 Sr 6-2/240 Jr 6-3/185 Sr RIGHTGUARD 6-5/315 So 6-3/280 Jr 6-7/280 So 6-5/280 Fr

Weber State Defense


LEFT END 90 Danny Mullarkey 53 Dustin Martin TACKLE 91 James Washington 97 Colton Paulhus TACKLE 92 Connor Myers 99 Mene Perese 45 Obi Owoh 94 Jalin Ames 6-0/270 Jr 6-2/250 Fr 6-2/245 So 6-3/245 So 6-5/280 Jr 6-2/270 Jr 6-3/245 Sr 6-3/255 Jr

RIGHT END

RIGHTTACKLE

STRONGSIDE LINEBACKER 50 Roman Valenzuela 6-0/220 So 33 Karl Finai 44 Anthony Morales 48 Spencer Unga 6 Robbie Diamond W 37 Chris Wheeler 4 Chris Jones 6-0/185 Sr 5-11/190 Jr 6-0/205 Jr 6-1/175 Fr 5-7/185 So 6-1/190 Fr 5-10/175 So 5-10/165 Fr 6-4/220 Sr ROVER 28 Adam Padilla 23 Trevon Johnson 2 9 Cordero Dixon Jalen Fields PUNTER 12 Tony Epperson 5-11/245 Jr 6-0/230 Sr 5-11/200 Fr 6-1/170 Sr 5-8/170 Fr MIDDLE LINEBACKER

QUARTERBACK

RUNNINGBACK 25 Cody Kirk 33 Shawn Johnson X RECEIVER 86 Tanner Bleskin 83 Manny Kalfell 4 Jon Ellis

LEFT CORNERBACK 21 A.J. Coney

F/YRECEIVER 12 David Dash Z RECEIVER 84 Brian Flotkoetter 13 Mitch Griebel 80 Tiai Salanoa 93 Lee Perkins KICKER 18 Rory Perez TIGHTEND 7

FREE SAFETY 20 D.J. Bush Josh Burton

RIGHT CORNERBACK

When weber state has the ball


sound too upbeat about the implementation of This is seemingly as one-sided as it gets in Big his spread offense in comments he made to the Sky play. Daily Chronicle in early October. Weber States offense, save for a 50-point It also doesnt bode well for Weber that Monexplosion in its opening-weekend win over Stephen F. Austin, is not good. The Wildcats have av- tana States defense, fresh off two consecutive impressive victories, should be just eraged just seven points in their past that fresh. six games. Guess what the outcomes EDGE The Cats are coming off a bye that of those games were. allowed defensive ends Brad Daly Weber dropped them all. Not a difand Preston Gale, linebacker Michael ficult guess, right? Foster and safety Steven Bethley to Last week against Cal Poly, the deal with nagging injuries. Wildcats were pretty tame, scoring It has certainly seemed that zero points and mustering 173 yards Montana States defense has begun of offense. to round into shape the past few weeks. When this tragic offensive production will Though futher answers to the question of just stop, nobody is quite sure. Weber State head how good this defense is probably wont be coach Jody Sears said earlier this week that it answered today, MSUs defense should have a is tough to say his team is improving and new relatively easy time. offensive coordinator Robin Pflugrad didnt

Defense
END 7 Preston Gale TACKLE 47 Taylor Dees 92 Nate Bignell 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 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 5-11/199 Jr 6-3/185 Sr 6-2/273 Jr 6-2/273 So 6-1/280 Sr 6-3/280 So 6-3/254 Sr 6-3/250 So 10 Odin Coe

Offense
LEFT TACKLE 68 Shelton Robinson 70 Shane Oliverson 55 Joe Hawkins 63 Tyrone Brown CENTER 52 Tyson Tiatia 6-2/260 Sr 56 Dakota Jenkins-Baty 6-1/260 Fr RIGHT GUARD 74 Cameron Young 76 Justin Turner 51 Alex Land 75 A.J. Wilcox 16 Austin Chipoletti 17 Jadrian Clark 8 24 Josh Booker Bo Bolen TIGHT END 84 Jake Kahawaii 88 Helam Heimuli 6-4/245 Jr 6-3/225 Fr 6-3/305 Fr 6-3/265 So 6-4/280 Jr 6-5/275 Fr 5-11/190 Fr 6-3/215 Fr 6-0/210 Sr 5-9/200 Jr LEFT GUARD 6-1/305 So 6-2/290 Fr 6-3/285 Jr 6-4/260 So

NOSETACKLE

SAMLINEBACKER

RIGHT TACKLE

MIKELINEBACKER

QUARTERBACK

WILLLINEBACKER

RUNNING BACK

The bottom line


We couldnt figure out how many points the Bobcats were going to score this week, so we threw up a few pieces of paper on the wall, tied blindfolds over our eyes and tossed a few darts. On those papers were numbers (3,472, 52, 67, 43, 200 and 147) representing what we thought were possible final tallies for the Bobcats. Most of the darts landed on 52. We kidding, of course, but Montana State is not going to encounter many issues today in Ogden, Utah. The young Wildcats Weber played 26 freshmen in last weeks 47-0 defeat to Cal Poly are completely overmatched in this contest. Perhaps the only legitimate question is how long DeNarius McGhee will play. Rob Ash left him in late against NAU, and this promises to get even more out of hand than that rout.

43 Alex Singleton 29 Feao Vunipola 37 Deonte Flowers 36 Brad Nordahl ROVER 5 Robert Marshall FREE SAFETY 1 Steven Bethley 26 James Nelson 3 Sean Gords PUNTER 18 Rory Perez 22 Eryon Barnett

BOUNDARYCORNER

X WIDE RECEIVER 81 Cameron Livingston 6-2/185 Fr 80 Gamal Fowler 83 Erik Walker 15 Braden Corpus 86 Tyler Parson 19 Gabe Davis KICKER 49 Shaun McClain 6-3/250 Sr 6-0/180 So 5-10/170 Sr 6-1/215 Fr 6-0/185 So 5-11/205 Fr F WIDE RECEIVER

52 7

FIELDCORNER 26 James Nelson

Z WIDE RECEIVER

Big Sky/from 2
Following its impressive 34-16 win over Montana to start the conference slate, NAU appeared to be a legitimate championship threat. But a 36-7 loss in Bozeman brought the Lumberjacks (4-2, 2-1) back to earth and seemed to create a hangover for the Jacks. Against Sacramento State, NAU fell behind by 17 twice in the third quarter. But Jesse Brantleys 14-yard touchdown reception with 1 minute, 10 seconds left in the quarter started a comeback that witnessed NAU score 18 unanswered points for the much-needed win. NAU turned to quarterback Chase Cartwright, who was named the Big Skys offensive player of the week, in the victory. The Lumberjacks depth chart, however, shows NAU will give the starting nod to Kyren Poe despite Cartwrights performance. Idaho State (3-3, 1-2) snapped a 17game losing streak against FCS opponents with last weeks 40-26 win over Northern Colorado. Though their overall record is skewed by wins over two lower-division teams, the Bengals have shown marked improvement in coach Mike Kramers second season. The Bengals are eighth in the conference in both scoring offense (24.5) and scoring defense (26.2).

Its lone conference victory came in a 35-28 defeat of Idaho State. UC Davis at Northern Colorado, 1:35 p.m.: UC Davis hopes to rebound from a 42-7 loss to Montana last week while Northern Colorado is just looking for a positive sign. The Aggies (2-5, 2-1) staked themselves to an undefeated conference mark with wins over Idaho State and Southern Utah but looked flat Oct. 12 against Montana in a game they considered a benchmark. As quarterback Randy Wright was incessantly pressured by the Grizzlies, Davis was held to just 242 yards and didnt find the end zone until the beginning of the third quarter. UC Davis has been hampered by its offense in the first year of a new system all season. The Aggies are virtually tied with Weber State for last place in the conference in scoring at 13 points per game. Northern Colorado (1-6, 0-3), on the other hand, has been plagued by its lastplaced rushing attack, among other issues. The Bears have been forced to the air by the paltry run game and have displayed a propensity for falling behind early in games. The matchup will feature the leagues fourth best passing offense in terms of yards in UNC (306) versus the Big Skys best passing defense. Davis is allowing just 188 yards through the air.

AP

Quarterback Vernon Adams and Eastern Washington host Southern Utah today.

Sacramento State at North Dakota, 2:35 p.m.: Sacramento State is certainly one of the teams that faces a make-or-break situation this week. A loss to North Dakota would drop the Hornets, who started the season as a dark horse title contender, to 2-2 in conference with games against Montana and Cal Poly remaining. The Hornets (3-4, 2-1) dropped a wild 39-38 loss to NAU last week, but have an inviting opportunity to get over the loss this week against defenseless North Dakota.

Save for Weber State, North Dakota (2-4, 1-2) is the Big Skys worst defense, allowing nearly 40 points per game. That should be a welcome sight for quarterback Garrett Safron and a Hornets attack that has been laboring for consistency. Sacramento State is seventh in the conference in scoring at just more than 27 points per game as Safron sits fourth in the conference in total offense at 283 yards. The matchup with Sacramento State continues a brutal Big Sky slate for UND. North Dakota has already faced Montana, Montana State and Eastern Washington.

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