Game Day

Saturday, Oct. 26 vs. UC Davis

Full Paper Inside

University of California Davis at No. 5 MONTANA STATE, Bobcat Stadium, 2:05 p.m.

INSIDE
leading the charge
Veteran signal caller Randy Wrights return to lineup has transformed UC Davis from winless squad to possible factor in Big Sky title chase I 2

Rolling on
The Bobcats are 3-0 at home and have yet to be tested in Bozeman. Dont expect that to change this afternoon I 6

down and out

Montana State offense struggling to cure third-down ills
Im not a big stat guy, (but) the biggest stats in football are how many points we score and how many points they score, turnovers and then, the fourth one, is the third down conversion rate because thats what keeps us on the field and them off the field.
Tim Cramsey, MSU offensive coordinator

By KYLE SAMPLE
Chronicle Sports Writer

ased purely on mathematics, converting third downs and sustaining long drives is something at which football teams should excel. Ten yards is merely 10 percent of the field length, and four plays is a relatively small drop in the bucket in the context of the game, which generally encompasses 120-140 plays. Last season, Montana State was one of the best teams in the nation at solving the conundrum the four-down allowance presents. The Bobcats were the Football Championship Subdivisions fifth-best third-down offense and defense, won 11 games and advanced to the national quarterfinals. To understand why Mon-

tana State was so effective at sustaining drives and ending those of its opponents, you dont have to look far. It featured an experienced, efficient offense led by a quarterback and center that spent three years together. Defensively, it had seniors in key positions and employed a rather simple philosophy rooted in gap-sound, assignment schemes that funneled plays to its best players. The offense converted nearly half of its third downs and the defense allowed a conversion about

one-third of the time. This season, the offenses success rate has dipped while the defenses has remained static. The Bobcats are converting at a 39-percent clip, while the defense is holding opposing offenses to a 35-percent success rate. What is ailing the offense? Theres a lot of things that go into it, Montana State head coach Rob Ash said. Using last weeks win over Weber State as an example, Ash explained that penalties and inconsistent execution occasionally put the Bobcats

in bad situations what coaches describe as being behind the sticks. MSUs staff plots its downby-down strategy as covering 4 yards on first down, cutting that distance in half on second and picking up the remainder on third. It keeps the offense in control and saps some of the aggressiveness a defense would like to exert. Its definitely one of our key goals, junior right tackle Quinn Catalano said. Coach Ash brings it up every week, coach (Tim) Cramsey talks about it every week. Not surprisingly, in their two most lopsided victories of the season a 42-24 win over Monmouth and a 63-20 win over North Dakota the Cats were the most successful on third down, converting a combined 15-of-26 attempts.
More third down

Aggies quarterback Randy Wright

Get your Bobcats fix

For all of the latest updates and analysis and to join the discussion on the Bobcats battle with UC Davis, visit dailychronicle.com/live starting at 2 p.m. today. Also be sure and follow @jmaletz on Twitter.

Chronicle File photo

Wide receiver Tanner Bleskin and the Bobcats are converting just 39 percent of their third downs this season.

| Saturday, October 26, 2013

bozeman daily chronicle

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
UC Davis at No. 5 Montana State
2:05 p.m., Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman

Sideline Briefing
Records
No. 5 Montana State 5-2, 3-0 Big Sky UC Davis 3-5, 2-1

Learning the ropes

Series

Fourth meeting, Montana State leads 2-1

Weather forecast
Sunny, 63 degrees

Crowd
Bobcat Stadium (17,777)

TV
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 55-24 at MSU 231-123-5 overall

Ron Gould
UC Davis, 1st year 1st year overall 3-5 overall

ADRIAN SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ/CHRONICLE

Bozeman 11-year-old Kaelan Patten, second from left, drops back to pass as Montana State quarterbacks DeNarius McGhee, left, and Jake Bleskin look on Wednesday afternoon. The Bobcats welcomed local Lions Club youth teams for practice at Bobcat Stadium.

Schedules
Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 UC DAVIS @ South Dakota @ Nevada NORTHERN ARIZONA PORTLAND STATE IDAHO STATE @ Southern Utah MONTANA @ Northern Colorado @ Montana State CAL POLY NORTH DAKOTA @ Sacramento State L, 10-7 L, 37-7 L, 21-10 L, 41-10 W, 30-13 W, 21-3 L, 42-7 W, 34-18 2:05 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

QBs return prompts big turnaround for UC Davis

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

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 W, 34-16 UC Davis 2:05 p.m. @ Northern Colorado 1:35 p.m. @ Eastern Washington 1 p.m. Southern Utah 4 p.m. Montana Noon

Players to watch
UC Davis QB Randy Wright: Since being reinserted as the starter following UC Davis 0-4 start, the senior has guided the Aggies to three wins in their past four games. In last weeks victory at Northern Colorado, he logged the fourth 300-yard passing game of his career. He threw for 242 yards and scored on a 5-yard run in last years loss to Montana State. Montana State CB Deonte Flowers: The athletic junior has emerged as one of the Big Skys top shutdown corners. He has recorded at least one pass breakup in four straight games, held North Dakota standout wide receiver Greg Hardin to no catches and last week produced his first interception in a win at Weber State. His pick and subsequent 47-yard return set up Montana State for a fourth-quarter touchdown that put what was a close game out of reach.

Injury report
UC DAvis Undisclosed 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 three sacks per game,

which is ninth in the Football Championship Subdivision and first in the Big Sky Conference. n The Bobcats are now 36-2 under Rob Ash when scoring 30 or more points and 29-1 when holding an opponent to less than 20. n MSU is fourth in the FCS in average attendance at 19,960. n The Cats average 427 yards and more than 37 points per game on their six-year-old turf field. n MSUs three takeaways against Weber State boosted it into first place in the Big Sky in turnover margin. n Senior running back Cody Kirks 12 touchdowns and 10.6 points per game each lead the conference. He is eight touchdowns away from Don Hasss singleseason program record. n The Bobcats have produced at least 20 first downs in all seven of their games. n Senior Brad Daly has at least one tackle for loss in 15 consecutive games dating to 2012.

To turn its season around, UC Davis turned to a familiar face. For the better part of four weeks, veteran quarterback Randy Wright languished on the sideline as first-year head coach Ron Gould seemed intent on giving strong-armed Boise State transfer Jimmy Laughrea every opportunity to land the permanent starting job. Wright, a three-year starter and one of the most decorated signal callers in program history, watched helplessly as the offense stumbled, generating just 34 points through its first four games losses to South Dakota, Nevada, Northern Arizona and Portland State. A curious thing happened in Sept. 28s Big Sky opener against visiting Idaho State, however. After yet another inauspicious start from Laughrea, who was fresh off consecutive two-interception performances, and two first-quarter drives that stalled, netting just three points against one of the leagues perennial bottom feeders, UC Davis called on Wright. They said start warming up, Wright said of Gould and offensive coordinator Kevin Daft in an article in the Sacramento Bee. You dont have to tell me twice. Wright, who had not seen the field since Aug. 31, immediately injected life into the Aggies, throwing for 201 yards, two touchdowns and spearheading a 455-yard offensive output. More important, he helped UC Davis and Gould secure an all-important first victory. Nearly one month later Wright remains the starter, and the Aggies (3-5, 3-1) are thriving. Theyve won three of their past four and have emerged as a viable challenger in the Big Sky title chase. Randy was a little sporadic early on. He really needed to understand that we were running a new program and its not OK just to go through the motions; its unacceptable, Gould said earlier this week. Hes really embraced that. Hes never pouted; (because of) his competitiveness, he wasnt happy that we benched him, but he worked his fanny off and continued to stay mentally focused. Now that the opportunity has come up again, hes taken full advantage of it. Wright capped his first drive against the Bengals with a 20yard touchdown strike to Tom Hemmingsen.
More davis

Chronicle File photo

Cats middle linebacker Michael Foster has recovered a fumble in three consecutive games.

Injuries nothing new for MSU LB

By JON MALETZ
Chronicle Sports Editor

It seemed fitting that Montana States defensive quarterback was wearing a red no-contact jersey at Tuesdays practice. The coaches just want me to be careful, middle linebacker Michael Foster said as he stole a quick glance at his ailing shoulder. They just want me to heal up. By the time the big game rolls around, though, Ill be good to go. I really do feel fine. His air of nonchalance initially was striking, particularly considering the scene that unfolded

earlier this month against Northern Arizona; a sellout crowd watched the junior slowly amble toward the Bobcat Stadium sideline in the opening quarter with his left arm lifelessly hanging by his side. Then again, the circumstances are hardly foreign. The Seabrook, Texas, native played the bulk of the 2012 season with a posterior labral tear in his right shoulder that necessitated offseason surgery. He still managed to lead the Bobcats in special-teams tackles and return in time to participate in fall camp without limitations. Nerve damage this time around has produced some lingering discomfort, sure, but Foster is certain the injury wont

relegate him to the role of bystander. Youre going to get stingers; if you pinch it, it just fires and it sucks for a while, he said. Youve got to just deal with it, play through it. I dont want to let my teammates down. Foster was among a host of Bobcats that swarmed star running back Zach Bauman as he plunged through the middle for a negligible gain on the first play of NAUs second possession Oct. 5. While the exact circumstances are a bit hazy, Foster remembers falling to the turf and landing awkwardly on his arm. He remembers the pain.
More Foster

bozeman daily chronicle

Saturday, October 26, 2013 |

2013 MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Jon Ellis

#4 // Wide Receiver

| Saturday, October 26, 2013

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bozeman daily chronicle

Saturday, October 26, 2013 |

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
UC Davis at No. 5 Montana State
2:05 p.m., Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman

Foster/from 2
It happened so fast, but my arm went limp from my neck down to my fingertips. When I moved, pain shot all the way through, he said. It was a weird deal, and I honestly thought it was my labrum; it hurt in the same place as my other shoulder. The feeling came back, though, so I went back in. I spent (the following week) getting a couple MRIs to make sure it wasnt in my neck; something like that and Id definitely have to pass the torch to (backup) Rhett Young I dont want to be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. They said it was nerves, though, and they said it was something I could play through. So thats what you do. Added fellow linebacker Cole Moore, Mike is an extremely tough and resilient kid, and its important to have him out there. Alex (Singleton), Mike and I have been able to develop confidence in each other to be in the right spots and be executing and making plays. He may come out for a play or two, but you can bet hell get right back in there and be ready to go. Thats good news for the Bobcats, who have experienced some attrition at the position in recent months. Injuries shelved one player Naa Moeakiola for the season and forced another likely starter, Aleksei Grosulak, to leave the program during the summer. Foster eagerly embraced an augmented role and added responsibility. After a period of transition and some early season inconsistency, Foster, Moore and Singleton have transformed a perceived team weakness into an unequivocal strength. Mike is really coming into that role and developing into a great playmaker for us, MSU linebackers coach Kane Ioane said. Hes really the leader of our defense; hes basically the quarterback out there, gets those

Chronicle file photo

Bobcats wide receiver Brian Flotkoetter has helped move the chains this fall with 20 catches for 374 yards.

Third Down/from 1
Montana State also produced its largest average gains on first down in those wins 10.1 yards against Monmouth and 9.3 in Grand Forks, N.D. The consequences of not picking up 4 yards on first down typically create rippling effects. Cramsey says his creativity is diminished when Montana State is behind the sticks and almost nonexistent in long-yardage situations with low percentages of success. It should comfort the staff that the Bobcats have averaged 7.2 yards on first down, although the numbers are skewed by the 16 plays of 20 or more yards they have already produced on first down. Of their 223 first downs, 93 have gained 4 or fewer yards, which is similar to their thirddown success rate. Montana State faced 28 first downs against Weber State (it

was credited with 20 but faced eight others as part of starting the game with the ball and after scores and turnovers) and gained 4 or more on 17. In the second quarter, quarterback DeNarius McGhee was sacked for a loss of 10 on first down. He then found David Dash for 11. The down and distance was not ideal, and a false start pushed the Cats back 5 more; despite a 12-yard completion to Cody Kirk, the Bobcats had to punt. On their first drive of the third quarter, the Cats faced a third and 2 after Shawn Johnson picked up 2 on first down and McGhee connected with Brian Flotkoetter for 6 a play later. It was the distance in which Cramsey feels comfortable; he can open the playbook and select any number of plays from a number of formations. A holding call negated that, however, and McGhee fired an incomplete pass on third down. I think its the fourth biggest

stat in football, Cramsey said. Im not a big stat guy, (but) the biggest stats in football are how many points we score and how many points they score, turnovers and then, the fourth one, is the third down conversion rate because thats what keeps us on the field and them off the field. Cramsey, Ash and the other offensive assistants are searching for ways to increase MSUs success rate on third down. Its different every week. We could sit here and talk for hours on specifically what (the problem) is, Cramsey said. I would say its a combination; its play calling, its execution. Thats what it comes down to a lot of times. I have to do a better job of calling plays when things dont go well and they have to do a better job of executing when things dont go well. We never separate them from each other. If were both doing it well, were going to have big time games.

guys up front lined up and the back end, as well. Hes invaluable to have out there at all times because of his communication skills and his ability. Foster has logged 33 tackles and has recovered a fumble in three consecutive games. The last came at a most opportune time. With little more than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of last weeks contest in Ogden, Utah, Weber State was marching and appeared poised to produce the go-ahead touchdown. Foster turned the tide on a second and 4 at MSUs 22-yard line, however, stripping tailback Josh Booker and emerging from the scrum with the ball. As far as pulling the trigger, I could see a few times where he didnt want to use his shoulder the bad shoulder at certain points, Ioane said of Foster, who spent some time on the sideline in Ogden. I think he was still playing fast and physical, so were certainly not losing any step with him being out there. If hes going to be on the field, hes going to give it everything he has, fly around and be the physical ball player he is. In practice we have to tone it down a bit and have him put on the red jersey no one can touch him, which makes his life easy but when hes on the field he cant worry about injury. If youre out there, youve got to just go play. If things flare up, well have him take a quick break and get him out there as quick as he can. The red jersey comes off this afternoon. Dont expect Foster to be hesitant. Yeah, you feel it when it happens, when you make a big hit, but then it just goes away, Foster said. In the moment, you have that adrenaline going and you have to keep pushing. You have to keep doing your job. Jon Maletz can be reached at jmaletz@dailychronicle.com or 582-2601. Follow him on Twitter @jmaletz.

Photo courtesy of UC Davis

UC Davis quarterback Randy Wright scrambles for extra yards during Sept. 28s win against Idaho State.

Davis/from 2
The Aggies tacked on two more field goals before the half to amass a 16-0 lead, and then put things out of reach with a 14-point fourth quarter and the dominant running of transfer Gabe Manzanares, who finished with 208 yards on 33 carries. One week later, Manzanares rushed for 175 and two more scores and Wright pitched in with an economical 193 yards on 16-of-25 passing in Davis 21-3 win over Southern Utah. After Oct. 12s 42-7 setback against Montana, Wright and company regrouped last week in Greeley, Colo. The signal caller logged his fourth 300-yard passing game and matched a career high with four touchdowns in a 34-18 win over Northern Colorado that was far more one-sided than the final score would indicate. The Aggies first four drives covered 74, 74, 79 and 82 yards and resulted in 24 points, they converted 11 of 16 first downs and accumulated a season-high 488 yards of offense. They ran 42 plays to the Bears 17 in the first 30 minutes alone. Im very pleased with

how the guys came back and regrouped, Gould said. Their effort and concentration on the road has been very spectacular. It was a good, good team victory. A marquee win this afternoon against a much more formidable foe, No. 5 Montana State (5-2, 3-0) the third ranked Football Championship Subdivision team it has faced thus far could position Davis for a title run in the next month. The prospect is not so farfetched; the Aggies scored 24 points in the third quarter to snatch the lead in last years tussle with the Bobcats, who responded with a 17-point final frame to escape California with a 48-41 victory and their then-unblemished record intact. Wright rushed for a score in that contest in addition to completing 23 of 27 passes for 242 yards. MSU players and coaches came away impressed with the Santa Rosa, Calif. native, who last week set a program record for passing completions (1,170) and needs just 23 yards to become the second Davis player to throw for more than 8,000. I remember him juking me once last year, which was not fun, linebacker Michael Foster said. It

was one of those that eats at you. Added head coach Rob Ash, Randy Wright had a fabulous game against us last year. Im very concerned about him; hes a great player. He throws the ball extremely well, but boy, where he hurt us last year was with his feet. He was able to run for a touchdown, and he was able to extend plays, keep plays alive. Hes playing really well right now, and it seems like hes getting better every week like I said their whole team was. I thought we were a little careless in the pocket last week against Weber State. We need to just refine our passing lanes and get back to what we do. Its not anything new, its just trying to get our technique better so that we keep the pocket integrity so that theres not really a lot of wide open space for him to get out. Gould is excited to have his veteran quarterback back in the mix. He gets us in and out of plays so nicely. If we need to check plays, he does a great job of seeing it, seeing the field and getting us into the right play starting out and the guys in great positions, the coach added. The leadership from Randy has just really emerged.

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| Saturday, October 26, 2013

bozeman daily chronicle

BOBCATSGAMEDAY
UC Davis at No. 5 Montana State
2:05 p.m., Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman

UC Davis at Montana State

When Montana State has the ball
Which UC Davis defense will be making the trip game plan to exploit whatever the defense to Bozeman? throws at it. The unit that held Northern Arizona star Cody Kirk, Shawn Johnson and company ran tailback Zach Bauman to just 56 yards on 18 wild against North Dakota and Northern Arizona carries and the Lumberjacks to 191 yards of total and are averaging nearly 5 yards per carry. offense? The unit that surrendered just 45 on the While quarterback DeNarius McGhee threw ground and three points to Southern Utah? for just 72 yards on 7-of-18 passing against the Or, will it be the group that looked Lumberjacks, the Cats still managed downright clueless against the Griz to cruise to a 29-point win on the EDGE and was obliterated against Portland strength of 276 on the ground. State? The Vikings logged six rushes McGhee stepped into the of at least 25 yards and a whopping spotlight last week against Weber 427 on the ground on 38 carries, no State, logging his first 300-yard less in Sept. 21s 41-10 rout of the passing effort in 13 team games Aggies. and showcasing a strong arm and Then again, will it really even uncanny playmaking ability. Clearly, matter? any concerns about his throwing The Aggies have showcased flashes of stout shoulder being tender are a thing of the past. defensive play particularly during their current Just his aura, his presence exudes confidence. You can see it watching film, UC Davis head three-wins-in-four-games stretch but theyve coach Ron Gould said of McGhee. You dont failed to find a proven formula for slowing the Big Skys upper-echelon offenses. really stop this young man. Hopefully youve got to contain him. The Bobcats certainly fit into that category. Good luck, coach. You might be able to corral Montana State is averaging more than 38 points McGhee, but the Bobcats have far too many and 457 yards of total offense per game. It has weapons at their disposal to be completely scored 35 touchdowns; UC Davis has just 15. stopped today. Barring a turnover-filled Montana State has showcased some enviable afternoon, MSU should roll. versatility and an ability to concoct the ideal

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 6-3/185 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

UC Davis Defense
LEFT END 18 Nick King 90 Zak Pettit TACKLE 95 Anthony Kaspar 75 Inoke Raikadroka TACKLE 55 Kyle DeVaughn 97 Khalid Jones 8 Colin Kelly 5-11/285 So 6-1/280 Sr 6-3/235 Sr 6-2/248 Jr 6-3/230 So 6-3/200 Fr 6-0/220 Jr 6-3/200 So 6-1/225 Jr 6-0/240 Fr 5-10/190 Sr 5-9/170 So 6-0/195 Jr 5-11/205 Fr 6-2/197 Sr 6-1/185 Jr 6-2/275 Jr 6-0/275 Fr 6-3/245 Sr 6-4/255 Fr

RIGHT END

94 Marques Barron 35 Jonathan Bias 53 Russell Reeder 30 Ryan Dimino 36 Artice Nelson 33 Steven Pitts 54 Ryan Bua 1 Dre Allen

RIGHTTACKLE

SAM LINEBACKER

QUARTERBACK

MIKE LINEBACKER

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

WILLIE CORNERBACK

CORNERBACK 19 Shamawn Wright 2 Charles Boyett

F/YRECEIVER 12 David Dash Z RECEIVER 84 Brian Flotkoetter 11 Tanner Roderick TIGHTEND 80 Tiai Salanoa 93 Lee Perkins KICKER 18 Rory Perez

FREE SAFETY 44 Zach Jones 4 9 Aaryn Jones Jabari Howard

STRONG SAFETY

CORNERBACK 11 Jonathan Perkins 5-11/185 Sr 29 Patrick Wells PUNTER 93 Colby Wadman 38 Brady Stuart 6-1/185 Fr 5-11/163 So 5-11/175 Fr

When UC DAVIS has the ball

quarterback juking him on a run. At Tuesdays weekly news conference, We dont think that is going to happen again Montana State middle linebacker Michael Foster this year, even with community college transfer said the UC Davis offense reminds him a lot of the Northern Arizona unit the Cats shut down in Gabe Manzanares, the Big Skys fourth-leading rusher, in the backfield. Manzanares broke out their last home game. with 383 rushing yards against Idaho If that is indeed the case, UC Davis State and Southern Utah, but he has will play right into the Bobcats hands. EDGE largely been held in check against It is usually unorthodox or spread, the leagues top squads (40 yards zone-read teams that have given against Northern Arizona and 60 MSU fits this fall. The Cats have had against Montana.) He will struggle to little trouble shutting down prohelp move the chains today against style offenses, however, especially a defense that repeatedly has a ones that have struggled finding the demonstrated knack for neutralizing end zone. an opponents top offensive weapons UC Davis, which averages just 16 points per game, is the second lowest scoring of- just ask North Dakotas Greg Hardin or NAUs fense in the Big Sky and the third least proficient Zach Bauman. Montana States defense has really settled in in terms of total offense. since a tough outing at Stephen F. Austin. MSU head coach Rob Ash said he was worried Despite troubles stopping the run last weekabout Davis quarterback Randy Wright making end at Weber State, MSUs defense has largely plays with his legs like he did in MSUs 48-41 win over the Aggies last season. Foster echoed his kept teams from scoring and will likely continue that trend today. coachs sentiments, saying he remembered the

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 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 3 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 5 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 77 Ian Joseph 73 Alex Hanes 78 Parker Smith 76 Andrew Hunter CENTER 51 Jay Luchetti 71 Kevin Gavigan 79 Jimmy Kunkel 73 Alex Hanes 70 Chris Schneider 78 Parker Smith 17 Randy Wright 11 Jimmy Laughrea 6-4/285 Jr 6-3/260 Fr 6-3/305 Sr 6-3/260 So 6-4/245 Fr 6-4/290 So 6-4/210 Sr 6-2/205 So LEFT GUARD 6-4/290 So 6-2/280 So 6-6/300 Jr 6-3/260 So

NOSETACKLE

RIGHT GUARD

SAMLINEBACKER

RIGHT TACKLE

MIKELINEBACKER

QUARTERBACK

WILLLINEBACKER

RUNNING BACK TIGHT END

The bottom line

Last years matchup between these teams was a wild one. Montana State looked like it was going to cruise past the Aggies as it amassed a 38-14 halftime lead, but UC Davis ripped off 24 third-quarter points to tie the game heading to the fourth. Montana State eventually took control and got out of Davis, Calif., with a 48-41 win after former safety Joel Fuller knocked down Randy Wrights Hail-Mary attempt on the games second-to-last play. We would be surprised if this one followed suit. Montana State has had its troubles this season, but it has been a relatively safe pick at home. In the past two years, Montana State has lost just two games at Bobcat Stadium, and this doesnt appear to be the third. The Cats will get their sixth win of the season and remain undefeated in the Big Sky two weeks before a much-anticipated meeting with a fellow unbeaten, No. 3 Eastern Washington.

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

BOUNDARYCORNER

86 Taylor Sloat 87 Mark Martindale T.J. King

6-4/245 Sr 6-3/255 Jr 6-2/205 Jr 6-3/180 So 6-4/205 Jr

X WIDE RECEIVER 80 Ramon Vargas 82 Corey Galindo FULLBACK 47 Dalton Turay 43 Derek Baljeu KICKER 38 Brady Stuart 32 Marcus White 5-11/163 So 6-0/215 So 5-10/220 Jr 6-0/240 Fr

Z WIDE RECEIVER Tom Hemmingsen 5-10/180 Sr

38 13

FREE SAFETY 26 James Nelson 3 Sean Gords PUNTER 18 Rory Perez

FIELDCORNER 26 James Nelson

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