#13/13 Montana State vs. #5/6 Montana

2013 Montana State Bobcats #13/13 Montana State vs. #5/6 Montana November 23 ? Bobcat Stadium ? Bozeman, MT

Montana State

BOBCATS

7-4/5-2 Big Sky

Montana

GRIZZLIES

9-2/5-2 Big Sky

MSU in `13 ............................................7-4 Conf./Record ............................Big Sky/5-2 Home/Road .....................................4-1/3-3 Grass/Turf ........................................1-0/6-4 Day/Night .........................................6-2/1-2

HEAD COACH ............................. Rob Ash Alma Mater ........................ Cornell (Ia.)/'73 Overall/Years ......................233-125-5/34th At MSU/Years ..............................57-26/7th vs UM ....................................................2-4 Home/Road ....................................0-3/2-1

SERIES ..........................................37-70-5 At Bozeman ....................................18-23-3 At Missoula .....................................16-29-1 At Butte.............................................3-18-1

SID......................................... Bill Lamberty Office ....................................406/994-5133 E-mail .......... blamberty@

UM in `13............................................... 9-2 Conf./Record ............................Big Sky/5-2 Home/Road .....................................5-1/4-1 Grass/Turf ........................................0-0/9-2 Day/Night ....................................................

HEAD COACH ..................... Mick Delaney Alma Mater ...............Western Montana/'64 Overall/Years ............................19-19-1/4th At School/Years ............................14-8/2nd vs MSU ..................................................0-1 Home/Road .....................................0-0/0-1

ABOUT UM ........................... The Grizzlies Spirit Colors ......................... Maroon, silver Location/Enrollment...............Missoula, MT Stadium...... ...Washington-Grizzly Stadium

FB SID.................................... Dave Guffey Office ....................................406/243-6899 E-mail ...................guffeydb@mso.umt.edu

THE STORYLINE

Montana State faces its sternest test of 2013 Saturday when powerful Montana comes to Bobcat Stadium. The Grizzlies carry a 9-2 record into the 113th Cat-Griz game, while MSU battles to extend its season. UM is led by Jordan Johnson, among the top passers in the FCS, and a balanced ground game featuring Jordan Canada and Travon Van which produces nearly 200 yards a game. Ellis Henderson adds explosiveness (14 TDs as a receiver, one as a returner). UM's defense is led by end Zack Wagenmann (15 TFL) and linebacker Jordan Tripp (three picks). Saturday's game is MSU's Senior Recognition, as Bobcat Football honors 11 men who have 37 wins and three Big Sky titles to their credit.

ON THE RECORD

? Alex Singleton's 19 tackles vs. SUU was a career high and is the most in a Big Sky

game this season, and his 100 total tackles is third-most in the league ? MSU's 12 straight winning seasons and 13 in Big Sky play are the most in school history, and the longest active such streaks in the conference

STADIUM STUFF

? MSU is fourth in the FCS in average attendance (19,339).

? The Cats average 423.4 yards and 32.6 points a game on their seven-year old turf field.

BIG SKY BULLET POINTS

? After facing the Big Sky's top scoring defense (Southern Utah) last week, the Bobcats

face the second-ranked team in the league in that category this Saturday. ? Cody Kirk's 18 touchdowns and 10.2 points per game each lead the Big Sky.

BY THE NUMBERS

1 Including the current one, num-

ber of two-game losing streaks DeNarius McGhee has faced as MSU's quarterback

244 #Points scored by Montana State

in the first half this season, more than six Big Sky teams have scored all season

THE BOBCATS THIS WEEK

Sun ..................................................................Off Mon................................................Players' day off Tue..... 10:30 am - Coaches Corner (Holiday Inn) ........................................ 12 noon - Media Lunch .............................. 3:45 pm - Practice in Stadium Wed ................3:45 pm - Practice (no interviews) ....................................................7 pm - Cat Chat Thu .......................4 pm - Practice (no interviews Fri .........................4:30 pm - Practice at Stadium Sat .......................... 12 noon - MSU vs. Montana Practices are CLOSED for the remainder of 2013

THIS WEEK'S GAME

KICKOFF: 12 noon SITE: Bozeman, MT STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium RADIO: Bobcat Radio Network (Tyler Wiltgen, Dan Davies, Colter Nuanez) TELEVISION: ROOT SPORTS (Tom Glasgow, Jason Stiles, Jen Mueller)

2013 MSU SCHEDULE

Aug 29 Monmouth

W

42-24

Sept 7 at SMU

L

30-31

Sept 14 Colorado Mesa W

26-0

Sept 21 at Stephen F. Austin L

38-52

Sept 28 *at North Dakota W

63-20

Oct 5 *NAU

W

36-7

Oct 19 *at Weber State W

34-16

Oct 26 *UC Davis

W

34-17

Nov. 2 *at Northern Colo. W

35-28

Nov 9 *at Eastern Wash. L

29-54

Nov 16 *Southern Utah L

14-22

Nov 23 *Montana

12 noon

HIGHLIGHTS

? Senior defensive end Brad Daly leads the FCS in sacks and tackles-for-loss, while Alex Singleton is 14th in TFL ? Cody Kirk's 16 100-yard rushing games is second in MSU history, one from the school record ? The state of Montana, 44th in population in the 2010 U.S. census, is home to two of the FCS' top four programs in average attendance (MSU is 4th, UM 1st)

STREAKS

? MSU's string of at least 20 first downs in each 2013 game ended against SUU ? Southern Utah ended Cody Kirk's string of touchdowns in consecutive games ended at seven

MILESTONES

? DeNarius McGhee is the 14th player in college football history, and the second Bobcat (joining Travis Lulay), to throw for 10,000 yards and rush for 1,000 ? Brad Daly's 44.5 career TFL is fourth in MSU history, and his 19.5 this year is fifth ? Cody Kirk's 10.2 points per game is eighth in the FCS this season

SHINING

? DeNarius McGhee's 11,043 career passing yards is sixth in Big Sky history,

and his 12,124 total yards is fourth ? Brad Daly has 14 sacks this season, 34 in his career (fourth in Bobcat history) ? Cody Kirk's 18 rushing touchdowns in 2013 is fifth in the FCS and tied for

second on the MSU single-season list

In-Season Media Policies

A Quick Look

Practice Policy

MSU practices are generally open to the public, but media members are asked to check in with MSU Sports Info. EVERYTHING SEEN AND HEARD AT PRACTICE IS OFF THE RECORD. Photography and videography are never permitted during line-of-scrimmage situations (11-on-11, 7-on-7).

Player Interviews

MSU players are available ONLY on Tuesdays during normal game week at the Bobcat Media Lunch (12-1 pm, Hall of Fame Room). Players not at the Media Lunch are available after practice (in-person interviews only), while those asked to attend the pizza lunch won't be asked to do post-practice interviews. Players are NEVER available for interviews on Monday, or after Tuesday. Per Rob Ash's policy, true freshmen are not available for interviews. Only captains are available during Cat-Griz week, and only at the media lunch.

Rob Ash Interviews

Rob Ash is available during the weekly Media Lunch (Tuesdays, noon) or by arrangement through MSU Sports Info. Ash is generally available Wednesdays from 10 am to noon and on the Big Sky coaches conference call Wednesday at 10 am (866-398-2885, Passcode 517644). Coach Ash is available on game days only following the contest.

Injury Updates

MSU issues injury reports on Sunday night, Tuesday, and before and after each game. Per school policy, MSU updates the player and availability.

Post-Game Interviews

Up to four requested players appear in the former visiting team house in Bobcat Stadium's NW corner 15 minutes or so after the game.

Sideline Photo Policies

Bobcat Stadium photographers are allowed behind the 10-foot limit line, EXCEPT in team areas or when obstructing the view of paying customers. Photographers are never allowed inside the blue pads. Photo passes are issued on the following priority system: 1) Still photographers and videographers affiliated with commercial media outlets; 2) Photographers officially designated by competing institutions; 3) Web-based media; and 4) Freelance and student photographers may be issued one credential to a single game per season, based on available space.

Credential and Seating Priority

1) Daily newspapers and local TV and radio news; 2) Weekly newspapers and out-of-market TV and radio news; 3) Periodicals; 4) Blogs (as space allows); 5) Unaffiliated writers and photogs (as space allows).

MSU vs. Montana

The Series Montana State's series with in-state rival Montana dates back to 1897, and while the Grizzlies have had the better of things historically the rivalry has regained a semblance of balance in recent years. Montana owns a 70-37-5 advangage overall and a 23-18-3 edge in Bozeman, where the Grizzlies have won on their last three visits. Since MSU snapped a 16-game losing streak to Montana in 2002, the Bobcats have won five of the 11 meetings.

The Magic of Metals For the past four seasons, the team that has won the annual Cat-Griz game has had two things in commen - it has played on the road, and has eaten lunch the day before the game at Metals Sports Bar in Butte. Located in the legendary Metals Bank Building, the establishment is owned by former Bobcat linebacker Ron Ueland and his brother Ray.

Crossing the Line Montana head coach Mick Delaney represents the latest in the long-time movement of coaches between the Treasure State's two largest campuses. Delaney worked as an assistant coach on Sonny Lubick's Bobcat staff from 1978-81, and worked as color commentator on the Bobcat Radio Network in 1982. Delaney worked as an assistant at Montana in 1968-69 and after 15 years at Colorado State became Montana's running backs coach from 2008-11 before accepting the head coaching position. The trend has reappeared through the ages. Former UM defensive back Justin Gaines was a key member of Rob Ash's first staff at MSU.

Crossing the Line, Part II One man, Clyde Carpenter, had the distinction of serving as head coach for both programs. He led UM to an 0-8 record in 1942, and in the aftermath of World War II while compiling a 13-20-2 record in Bozeman from 1946-49.

It's All Relative Montana State's 2013 football team is one of strong bloodlines. Below is a closer look...

Brothers: Tanner and Jake Bleskin, Trace and Trevan Timmer, Nate and Mac Bignell, Morris Gates-Mouton and Jayshawn Gates. Also, Brad Daly's brother Bobby, Connor Verlanic's brother Andrew and Rhett Young's brother Chase are former Bobcats.

Multi-Generational: Brad Daly (father J., brother Bobby), Tanner Roderick (father Steve), Trace and Trevan Timmer (father Kirk played at MSU, mother Kelly played hoops), Trevor Bolton (brother Ty, father Pat).

Cousins and Nephews: Cody Kirk (uncle Tom Mahlum played at MSU), Nate and Mac Bignell (father Joe was a Bobcat All-America, cousins Clay and Brian played at MSU).

Rivals and Such: JP Flynn (brother Steve played for Rob Ash at Drake), Heath Hunter (father Alex played at UM), Connor Verlanic and Trace and Trevan Timmer (each has a brother that played at UM),

Let `Er Buck: Quinn McQueary's mother Chris was the head rodeo coach at MSU in the late `90s, while Brad Nordahl's father was head rodeo coach at Montana for a number of years

Bobcat Injury Report OUT-SEASON: LB Na'a Moeakiola, WR Kurt Davis, LB Wyatt Christensen. OUT-INDEFINITELY: S James Nelson, DL Zach Hutchins, OL Christian Williams. POSSIBLE/PROBABLE: TE Tiai Salanoa, WR Jon Ellis, S Eryon Barnett.

Sunday

Practice 2 pm-Practice

Interview Availability Rob Ash: upon request Players: none

Monday

Practice none

Interview Availability none

Tuesday

Practice 3:45 pm: Stadium

Big Sky Conf. Call 10:00 am: Rob Ash

Interview Availability Players: Media Lunch, post-practice Rob Ash: Media Lunch

Coaches Corner 10:30 am: Holiday Inn

Wednesday

Practice 3:45 pm: Stadium (no interviews)

Interview Availability Players: none Rob Ash: by appointment 10:10-11:00 am

Cat Chat 7 pm: Pour House, 1450 KMMS-AM

Thursday

Practice 4 pm: Stadium

Interview Availability none

Friday

Practice 4:30 pm - Stadium

Interview Availability Players: none Rob Ash: post-practice by prior arrangement only

This Week's Game

Montana Quick Facts

School .......University of Montana Location ..................Missoula, MT Enrollment.......................... 14,525 Nickname ........................Grizzlies Spirit Colors ...........Maroon, silver Stadium ..Washington-Grizzly Stad. Nat'l Affiliation....... NCAA DI FCS Conference ....................... Big Sky Athletics Dir. ............ Kent Haslam Head Coach............ Mick Delaney Alma Mater ..... Western Mont./'64 Career Record ............ 19-19-1/4th Record at School .............14-8/2nd Record vs. MSU....... 0-1 (0-1/0-0) Record vs. Rob Ash.. 0-1 (0-1/0-0)

Series Summary Series Record: 37-70-5

at Bozeman: 18-23-3

at Missoula: 16-29-1

at Butte: 3-18-1

The Tale of the Tape

Avg Ht

MSU O-Line

6-5

UM D-Line

6-3

Avg Wt

299 274

UM O-Line

6-6

306

MSU D-Line

6-2

261

MSU WRs UM DBs

6-3

197

6-1

191

UM WRs MSU DBs

5-11 178

6-0

197

Coaches Corner

Rob Ash .... 233-124-5 (57-24 at MSU) Ash vs. UM ......................2-4 (0-3/2-1) Mick Delaney.... 19-19-1/4th, 14-8/2nd Delaney vs. MSU ............0-1 (0-1/0-0) Ash vs. Delaney ...............1-0 (0-0/1-0)

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

MONTANA STATE in 2013 7-4/5-2 Big Sky

MONTANA in 2013 9-2/5-2 Big Sky

Team Stats Points/Gm 1st Downs Rushing/Gm Passing/Gm Total Yards/Gm

MSU Opp 34.6 24.6 255 202 190.1 151.1 242.4 222.1 432.5 373.2

Individual Leaders

Rushing

Att Yds Td

Kirk

206 1039 18

Johnson 102 598 5

Passing

A-C-I

Yds

TD

McGhee 158-232-4 1933 8

Receiving Rec Yds TD

T. Bleskin 59 909 3

Flotkoetter 34 519 3

Ellis

32 374 5

Team Stats Points/Gm 1st Downs Rushing/Gm Passing/Gm Total Yards/Gm

UM Opp 38.8 22.0 239 218 193.0 134.3 258.6 248.0 451.6 382.3

Individual Leaders

Rushing

Att Yds Td

Canada

175 887 14

Van

79 459 4

Passing Johnson

A-C-I

Yds TD

173-305-4 2749 27

Receiving Rec Yds TD

Henderson 35 882 14

Warren 32 428 3

Jones

31 537 1

MSU in NCAA/Big Sky Rankings

Rushing Off 38th 4th

Passing Off 35th 8th

Total Off

28th 5th

Scoring Off 23rd 3rd

Rushing Def 49th 7th

Pass Def

35th 8th

Total Def

51st 4th

Scoring Def 50th 6th

UM in NCAA/Big Sky Rankings

Rushing Off 33rd 3rd

Passing Off 25th 6th

Total Off

17th 3rd

Scoring Off 11th 2nd

Rushing Def 31st 3rd

Pass Def

98th 9th

Total Def

60th 5th

Scoring Def 21st 2nd

Last Time... 11/17/12

GAME #11: Montana State, Montana 7

November 17 * Washington-Grizzly Stadium * Missoula, MT (26,210)

Montana State Montana State

1

2

3

4

Score

3

7

3

3

16 (10-1, 7-1)

7

0

0

0

7 (5-6, 3-5)

Scoring Summary: 2nd 09:10 UM Brody McKnight 34 yd field goal, 11-31 4:47, UM 3 - MSU 0

06:18 UM TEAM safety, , UM 5 - MSU 0 02:15 UM Kav. Middleton 2 fr Jordan Johnson (B. McKnight kick), 9-60 3:57, UM 12 - MSU 0 3rd 14:07 MSU Elvis Akpla 7 fr DeNarius McGhee (J. Cunningham kick), 3-35 0:53, UM 12 - MSU 7 13:49 UM Jabin Sambrano 79 fr Jordan Johnson (B. McKnight kick), 1-79 0:18, UM 19 - MSU 7 10:05 UM Brody McKnight 33 yd field goal, 7-34 1:58, UM 22 - MSU 7 05:37 UM Dan Moore 37 yd run (Brody McKnight kick), 7-64 2:52, UM 29 - MSU 7 4th 14:16 MSU J. Cunningham 38 yd field goal, 9-58 2:57, UM 29 - MSU 10 09:28 UM Peter Nguyen 21 yd run (Brody McKnight kick), 11-91 4:48, UM 36 - MSU 10

MSU

FIRST DOWNS

20

RUSHES-YARDS (NET)

36-107

PASSING YDS (NET)

247

Passes Att-Comp-Int

48-26-1

TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS 84-354

Fumble Returns-Yards

0-0

Punt Returns-Yards

2--3

Kickoff Returns-Yards

1-19

Interception Returns-Yds 0-0

Punts (Number-Avg)

9-43.3

Fumbles-Lost

0-0

Penalties-Yards

8-40

Possession Time

32:01

Third-Down Conversions 8 of 21

Fourth-Down Conversions 0 of 0

Red-Zone Scores-Chances 3-4

Sacks By: Number-Yards 1-9

UM 18 38-168 190 44-24-0 82-358 0-0 2-15 3-85 1-0 8-37.1 1-1 4-45 27:59 9 of 21 0 of 2 0-2 1-3

RUSHING: Montana State-Cody Kirk 22-55; DeNarius McGhee 10-46; Tray Robinson 1-5; Orenzo Davis 2-1; TEAM 1-0. Montana-Peter Nguyen 13-112; Jordan Canada 12-36; Joey Counts 1-12; Dan Moore 2-7; Smithwick-Hann 9-1; TEAM 1-0.

PASSING: Montana State-DeNarius McGhee 26-47-1-247; TEAM 0-1-0-0. Montana-Smithwick-Hann 24-43-0-190; Greg Hardy 0-1-0-0.

RECEIVING: Montana State-B. Flotkoetter 7-84; Jon Ellis 4-49; Kruiz Siewing 4-41; Tanner Bleskin 4-29; Cody Kirk 3-28; Everett Gilbert 2-7; Tray Robinson 1-11; Orenzo Davis 1-minus 2. Montana-Greg Hardy 4-74; Gerald Kemp 4-40; Ellis Henderson 3-16; Bryce Carver 3-14; Sam Gratton 2-14; Cam Warren 2-7; Dan Moore 1-12; Jordan Canada 1-9; Joey Counts 1-6; Mitch Saylor 1-4; William Poehls 1-minus 3; Peter Nguyen 1-minus 3.

INTERCEPTIONS: Montana State-None. Montana-Matt Hermanson 1-0.

FUMBLES: Montana State-None. Montana-Dan Moore 1-1.

SACKS (UA-A): Montana State-C. Schreibeis 1-0. Montana-Josh Harris 0-1; Zack Wagenmann 0-1.

TACKLES (UA-A): Montana State-C. Schreibeis 4-12; Jody Owens 5-7; Darius Jones 5-4; Brad Daly 1-7; Deonte Flowers 4-3; Na'a Moeakiola 1-6; Zach Minter 2-4; Joel Fuller 1-5; A. Grosulak 1-3; Steven Bethley 1-3; Cole Moore 2-1; James Andrews 2-0; Brian Bignell 1-1; James Nelson 1-0; Orenzo Davis 1-0; Michael Foster 1-0; Donald Tudahl 1-0; Chase Young 1-0; Craig Ashworth 0-1; Kruiz Siewing 0-1. Montana-Brock Coyle 2-17; Jordan Tripp 1-12; Matt Hermanson 6-3; Sean Murray 3-5; J. Kanongata'a 2-6; Josh Harris 2-4; Alex Bienemann 0-6; Bo Tully 1-4; Tonga Takai 0-5; Anthony Goodwin 3-1; Joshua Dennard 1-2; Zack Wagenmann 0-3; Herbert Gamboa 1-0; Trevor Rehm 0-1; Nate Harris 0-1; Tyrone Holmes 0-1; Caleb Kidder 0-1.

Stadium: Washington-Grizzly

Attendance: 26210

Kickoff time: 1:40pm End of Game: 4:10pm Total elapsed time: 3:30

Officials--Referee: Tom Frazier; Umpire: Bryan Hay; Linesman: Bob Day;

Line judge: Jim Wolfe; Back judge: Scott Marchand; Field judge: Bret Mac-

Rae; Side judge: Sean Standley; Scorer: David Feeley.

Temperature: 47 Wind: NA Weather: Overcast but clearing

MSU 2013 SCHEDULE/RESULTS TV Res. Time/Score

A30 2/2

Monmouth

MM W 42-24

S7 ---

at SMU

ESPN3 L 30-31

S14 ---

Colorado Mesa

MM W 26-0

S21 ---

at Stephen F. Austin MM L 38-52

S28 ---

*at North Dakota

MM W 63-20

O5 ---

*NAU (Homecoming) MM W 36-7

O12 ---

Open

O19 ---

*at Weber State

Root W 34-16

O26 ---

*UC Davis

MM W 34-17

N2 ---

*at Northern Colorado ROOT W 35-28

N9 ---

*at Eastern Washington ROOT L 29-54

N16 ---

*Southern Utah

MM L 14-22

N23 ---

*Montana

ROOT 12:05 pm

Series

Notes

MSU 1-0

MSU wins seventh straight home opener

SMU 1-0

FBS Mustangs score with 12 seconds remaining

MSU 3-1

First Bobcat shutout since 2006

MSU 4-2

Jake Bleskin posts second straight 300-yard passing game

MSU 19-13-1

MSU's 63 points seventh-most in program history

NAU 25-22

Cats hold NAU without offensive pomts

MSU is 6-4 after open weeks in the last 13 years

MSU 29-20-1

Rob Ash's Bobcats now 4-0 in Stewart Stadium

MSU 3-1

Bobcats control the air, throwing for 230 while holding UCD to 159

MSU 19-10-1

Cody Kirk batters Bears for 180 yards, two touchdowns

EWU 27-10

Eagles scored on all eight full posessions

MSU 3-1 Bobcas gain just 38 yards through three quarters, comeback falls short

UM 70-37-5

Montana has won last three trips to Bobcat Stadium

times listed Mountain MM-Max Media stations; MNN-Montana's News Network

Bobcat Notebook

Offensive Notes

Senior running back Cody Kirk's ability to find the end zone is becoming historic. The Frenchtown, Mont., product has scored 47 rushing touchdowns in his career, along with one TD catch. His 47 rushing touchdowns is unofficially sixth in Big Sky history, and his 18 touchdowns in 2013 is two from cracking the league's top 15 single-season touchdown totals.

Cody Kirk's career rushing total of 3,373 yards is second in MSU history, 318 from Ryan Johnson's school record, and 356 yards from the Big Sky's top 10.

DeNarius McGhee has alrady claimed MSU's career passing yards record (currently 11,043 yards), and is sixth in Big Sky history. He is now second on MSU's career total offense list (12,124 yards), and is 81 yards from Travis Lulay's school record (12,205) and 163 from second place in Big Sky history.

In 37 games on Bobcat Stadium's FieldTurf surface, Montana State has averaged 423.4 yards of offense (15,665 total) per game, and 32.6 points (1,207 total points).The turf was donated by MSU's 1984 National Championship team, which featured Cody Kirk's uncle (Tom Mahlum), Nate and Mac Bignell's father (Joe Bignell), and Trace and Trevan Timmer's father and uncle (Kirk and Troy Timmer).

Senior receiver Tanner Bleskin has claimed MSU's career records for catches (188) and receiving yards (2,756). He is 10th in Big Sky history in receiving yards, and is 13 catches from the BSC top 10.

Tanner Bleskin has also added another career distinction this fall - he is unoficially tied as the most prolific passcatcher from a Montana high school to play Division I football. That distinction was previously held by Missoula's UM's Jeremy Watkins (from Missoula). Bleskin and Boise State's Matt Miller (jr., Helena) each have 188 career receptions.

Jake Bleskin became the second Bobcat to throw for at least 300 yards in each of his first two career starts earlier this year.

Defensive Notes

Eastern Washington's 54 points was the most against the Cats since Sacramento State scored 61, all in regulation, in a 64-61 MSU win in 2010. The Eagles' 12.3 yards per play was a Big Sky single-game record, and 27 of EWU's 48 plays went for at least 10 yards. Eagles receiver Shaquille Hill became the first player to catch three TDs against MSU since 2000.

Linebacker Alex Singleton logged a career-high 19 tackles against SUU, the highest single-game total in the Big Sky this season and the most by a Bobcat since his position coach Kane Ioane had 21 tackles against NAU in 2003.

After intercepting nine passes in the season's first seven games the Bobcats have just one in the last four games. That was by Brad Daly at Northern Colorado.

In the six-plus seasons since Bo Beck began coaching Montana State's offensive line, seven Bobcat D-linemen have registered interceptions. That includes the 57-yard pick-six by Craig Ashworth vs. Monmouth and Brad Daly's unlikely tipand-pick at UNC this season.

The Bobcats now stand 18-0 under Rob Ash when scoring on defense (TD or safety), 10-1 when scoring on kick teams.

Bobcat defensive end Brad Daly leads the FCS with 1.2 sacks per game and 1.8 tackles-for-loss per game.

Brad Daly remains the active FCS sacks (34) leader, and is fourth on MSU's career sacks and tackles-for-loss lists.

Junior cornerback Deonte Flowers has broken up 12 passes this year, and his 1.2 passes defended per game is 18th in the FCS and fourth in the Big Sky.

Bobcat linebacker Michael Foster recovered at least one fumble in three straight mid-season games, and his three recoveries in 2013 is tied for seventh on MSU's single-season list.

The Cats became the first team to hold UND WR Greg Hardin without a catch in his career.

Kick Team Notes

Rory Perez's upward arc as MSU's punter has been steep during his fourth season. The Chino, Calif., product averages 45.6 yards on 36 punts, after averaging 38.0 yards as a freshman, 40.6 as a sophomore and 40.8 last year. Perez's fair catch rate (14 fair catches on 36 punts, or 39%) is better than his career rate (29%), and although he cedes punts on the opponent side of the 50 to Trevor Bolton Perez has six pins inside the opponent 20.

Rory Perez's senior season as a punter is among the best in Bobcat history. He is averaging 46.2 yards a punt, which right now would be third-best in Bobcat annals and the best since 1967. His career average of 40.97 yards pur punt would be sixth-best in Bobcat history.

As MSU's second-year placekicker, Rory Perez began the season 4-for-9 on field goals. Two of those misses came from longer than 50 yards, and he hit all three of his tries against North Dakota. He has hit five of his last eight field goal attemps from inside 50 yards, raising his season total to 7-for-14.

Bobcat opponents have blocked an extra point three times this season, and UNC blocked a PAT, field goal and punt.

When Tanner Roderick scampered in for a two-point conversion after the Bobcats' opening touchdown against Monmouth it marked the team's first succesful attempt since Cody Kempt connected with Derek Green on a two-point pass in 2007. It marked MSU's first successful twopoint rush since Jack Rolovich converted during the 2006 season.

There was a time early in 2013 when MSU had scored more points on two-point conversions than conventional PATs. MSU has now kicked 34 extra points, while converting nine two-point tries for 18 points.

Second generation Bobcat kicker Trevor Bolton averages 62.7 yards on kickoffs with 22 touchbacks on 69 kickoffs. The opponents' average drive start is the 25-yard line after Bolton's kickoffs. As MSU's short-field punter, Bolton has nine pins inside the 20 on 14 punts.

2013 Montana State Depth Chart

Offense LEFT TACKLE 55 John Weidenaar* (WY-dun-our)

76 Marshall Womack

6-7 280 6-5 280

LEFT GUARD 63 Kyle Godecke* (go-DECK-ee) 64 Andy Austin*

6-5 315 6-4 285

CENTER

74 Matthew Devereux* (DEV-uh-roe) 6-3 300

70 Joel Horn*

6-4 295

RIGHT GUARD 75 JP Flynn 64 Andy Austin*

6-5 304 6-4 285

RIGHT TACKLE 79 Quinn Catalano* (cat-uh-LAWN-o) 6-4 300

71 Alex Eekhoff (EEK-off)

6-6 288

QUARTERBACK 9 DeNarius McGhee (duh-NAIR-ee-us) 6-0 212

2 Jake Bleskin*

6-1 195

5 Dakota Prukop

6-2 195

RUNNING BACK 25 Cody Kirk*** 33 Shawn Johnson**

5-10 213 5-9 175

X RECEIVER 86 Tanner Bleskin*** 83 Manny Kalfell

6-3 218 6-3 193

F/Y RECEIVER 4 Jon Ellis** 12 David Dash*

5-10 175 5-7 174

Z RECEIVER 84 Brian Flotkoetter** (FLAWT-cutter) 6-2 211

11 Tanner Roderick

6-3 185

TIGHT END 93 Lee Perkins* OR 80 Tiai Salanoa** 15 Austin Barth

6-2 240 6-3 257 6-5 240

So& ......................Started all 24 games since joining the Bobcat varsity Fr& ............................................................................. Redshirt freshman

So&.....................................................Started last 21 consecutive games Sr& ........................................ Action on scrimmage plays in four games

So& ................Started five games at guard in `12, all 11 at center in `13 So&...............................................................Saw action at center at SFA

Fr& ......................................... Started last seven games, played in all 10 Sr& ........................................ Action on scrimmage plays in four games

Jr&...................................Started first four at guard, last seven at tackle So&......Missed the SFA game with injury, has played in the nine others

Sr& ... 36-11 as MSU's starting QB, school-record 11,049 passing yards So&................. Back-to-back 300-yard passing games in only two starts Fr& ....................................... Redshirt in 2012, has played in two games

Sr&......................... 3,373 career rushing yards, 18 touchdowns in 2013 Jr ......................... Long rush, KR and tied for long PR in Big Sky in `13

Sr&................................. MSU's all-time leading receiver (2,756 yards) So&................. Former Bozeman Hawk caught first career pass at UND

Sr..... 12 career TD catches is T8th in MSU history, missed EWU game Jr&...............................Caught three passes in first career start vs. UND

Jr& .........35-yard TD catch and spectacular 40-yard reception at Weber So&+ ............................. Career-high four catches and 55 yards at EWU

So&................................................................... Missed UNC with injury Jr ...........................................................................Missed last two games Fr& ..................................................First career catch vs. Southern Utah

Defense BANDIT

41 Brad Daly*** 46 Hayden Vick*

TACKLE

47 Taylor Dees* 97 Connor Thomas

NOSE

50 Craig Ashworth** 90 Taylor Sheridan*

END

7 Preston Gale 10 Odin Coe

SAM

16 Cole Moore* 34 Blake Braun

MIKE

51 Michael Foster 58 Rhett Young

WILL

43 Alex Singleton* 29 Fe'ao Vunipola

BOUNDARY 37 Deonte Flowers** (dee-AWN-tay)

CORNER

36 Brad Nordahl*

OR 26 James Nelson*

ROVER

5 Rob Marshall** 22 Eryon Barnett* (like Aaron)

FREE SAFETY 1 Steven Bethley** 6 Cody Cleveland

FIELD CORNER 3 Sean Gords** 38 Trace Timmer

6-1 240 6-3 236

6-2 273 6-3 270

6-1 280 6-4 280

6-3 254 6-3 250

6-2 220 6-2 225

6-1 228 6-0 215

6-2 240 5-10 222

5-11 183 5-11 172 5-11 199

6-0 200 6-2 200

5-11 210 6-0 190

5-10 193 5-11 188

Sr& ...................... FCS sacks & TFL leader, TFL in 18 of last 19 games Jr&..... Batted down pass on UNC's final offensive play to preserve win

Jr&................................................................................. 11 starts in 2013 Fr .................................................................. Sparing action during 2013

Sr& ..................................................... Pick-six in opener vs. Monmouth So&........................................Career-high 11 tackles vs. Colorado Mesa

Sr& .................................................... Sack with forced fumble vs. UCD So&............................................................................... 2.5 sacks in 2013

Jr&.............. Returning starter, two picks in 2013 and three in his career Fr ..................... Freshman debuted vs. Monmouth, kick teams mainstay

Jr&......................Recovered fumble in three straight mid-season games Jr&............................... Career high eight tackles against Southern Utah

Jr ................................................. 14th in FCS with 16.5 TFL this season Fr ............................................................................. Kick teams standout

Jr .............................................................18th in FCS in passes defended Jr&....................................................... Three tackles against Monmouth Jr ....................Scored after a strip on a KO at UND, our for EWU game

Jr .................... Two fumble recoveries against SMU, including one strip Sr+& .....Texas transfer returned to extensive action at UNC after injury

Sr .....................................................First interception of season at UND Jr&......................................................... MSU's top special teams player

Sr ................................................... Missed Southern Utah game (injury) So&...................................................................... Special teams standout

PLACEMENTS 18 Rory Perez***

6-3 199 Sr .......................................................................... 7-for-14 on field goals

KICKOFFS

30 Trevor Bolton*

5-10 189 So&......................................................Second generation Bobcat kicker

PUNTS

18 Rory Perez***

6-3 199 Sr ................................45.6 yards per punt is 2nd in Big Sky this season

RETURNS

33-Shawn Johnson, 12-David Dash, 4-Jon Ellis

HOLDER

13 Mitch Griebel (GRY-bell)

5-11 193 So&+ ................................................................. Transfer from Air Force

SHORT SNAPS 66 Nate Bignell

6-2 273 So&........................................ Took over short snapping duties vs. NAU

LONG SNAPS 15 Austin Barth

6-5 240 Fr& ..........................................Long snapper for first six games of 2013

*-# letters earned &-used redshirt year, +-transferred to MSU bold-returning starter #-1st team nickel ##-2nd team nickel

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