Montana State Bobcats
Big Sky Conference
Montana State is looking to win their first FCS title since 1984. Last season, during his fourth year as the Bobcats head coach, Rob Ash took his team to the playoffs, but lost in the first round to North Dakota State by a score of 17-42. That was the first playoff appearance for MSU during Coach Ash’s tenure and just their fourth since the championship year in 1984. This year should be a step up as Montana State has pretty much dominated all FCS competition, but they need to perform when it matters the most.
2011 Record: 9-2, 7-1
Last Playoff Appearance: 2010
Coach: Rob Ash (38-19 at Montana State, 163-82-2 overall)
Big Wins: 9/24 at Eastern Washington (36-21), 10/8 at Portland State (38-36)
Bad Losses: 9/1 at Utah (10-27), 11/19 Montana (10-36)
Strengths:
Montana State has one of the best ground attacks in the FCS. Heading into the 2011 campaign there were lots of questions at running back, but Cody Kirk has proven to be a workhorse. Tray Robinson, a transfer from Nebraska, is a fine secondary back, but the emergence of Kirk has really made the Bobcats season. A very strong and experienced offensive line does not hurt. On the other side of the ball, the Montana State defense has done a superb job in just about every facet of the game. Brad Daly is a superb pass rusher and it all starts with him up front. Jody Owens is the team’s leading tackler and fellow linebacker Clay Bignell has done a great job in the middle of the defense. If Aleksei Grosulak, MSU’s leading tackler in 2010, can successfully return from a torn ACL suffered over the summer, the defense will be even better. The secondary may be the weakest part of the defense and the unit lacks a consistent big play threat, but they are still one of the best pass defenses in the Big Sky.
Weaknesses:
Montana State sets up the passing game with Kirk and Robinson on the ground. The result has been quite successful, but this is a team that can struggle in the passing game when they fall behind and have to put the ball in the air. Fortunately for the Bobcats they are rarely behind. Denarius McGhee is an accurate passer and has completed over 60 percent of his pass attempts. However, his touchdown to interception ratio has gone sour this season compared to his first year as a starter in 2010. Montana State usually ends up in the positive when it comes to turnover ratio, but if McGhee has to throw a little more than usual, interceptions could turn into an issue. Special teams is another area to watch out for. Montana State can lose out on some hidden yardage and in the playoffs, that could become an issue. The punting game is the biggest area of concern, although the Bobcats lack an explosive kick returner as well. Shawn Johnson and Elvis Akpla have split punt return duties this season and neither has had much luck. Punter Rory Perez is not bad, but he is not among the best punters in the Big Sky Conference either.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Cody Kirk, RB, 1,255 yards
Passing: DeNarius McGhee, QB, 2,360 yards
Receiving: Elvis Akpla, WR, 940 yards
Tackles: Jody Owens, LB, 87
Sacks: Brad Daly, DE, 10.0
Interceptions: Steven Bethley, S, 2; Na’a Moeakiola, LB, 2
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 222.73 (13th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 217.64 (51, 5)
Total Offense: 440.36 (10, 2)
Scoring Offense: 34.18 (16, 1)
Rushing Defense: 132.45 (31, 2)
Pass Defense: 189.55 (28, 1)
Total Defense: 322.00 (25, 2)
Scoring Defense: 22.18 (32, 2)
Turnover Margin: .09 (51, 3)
Sacks: 3.45 (7,1)
Sacks Allowed:1.27 (24, 3)
