FULLFULL PAPER SATURDAY, SEPT. 25 IINSIDE GAME VS. E. D AY NO. 9 EASTERN WASHINGTON AT NO. 17 STATE, 1:05 P.M. BOBCAT STADIUM  BIG SKY OPENER KICKING AT INSIDE FULL STRENGTH

GETTING FASTER? O EWU’s Jones averaging a !rst down per touch I 2

3POINT MARGIN O The Chronicle’s Will Holden handicaps today’s matchup I 6

NEW TURF? O Columnist says, try a new wrinkle to end losing streak I 2 Montana State kicker Jason Cunningham holds for defensive lineman Zach Minter at Bobcat Stadium on Thursday. Because Cunningham was sick in bed, Minter kicked for MSU the last time the Bobcats played Eastern Washington. The teams meet again today in Bozeman.

edridden, sweating and have made all those kicks, but I would nauseous, Jason Cunning- Back at normal positions, have given myself a pretty good ham stared at a McDonald’s chance.” commercial and felt like Cunningham, Minter Vegas likely would have as well. he was about to lose the Last week Cunningham was little bit he had managed to ready for revenge 5-of-5 on field goals, one of which Bchoke down for lunch. was from 55 yards, and also notched When the commercials ceased and four (twice), fourth-and-six, fourth- seven touchbacks on kickoffs. For his his feature presentation started, it and-10 (twice) and fourth-and-goal efforts, he was named the national was even tougher to hold down those from the four made the Bobcats, special teams player of the week by saltines and water. healthy and flu-stricken alike, feel The Sporting News. Athletic as he may be, the sight of queasy. As if missing almost half of “It was fun,” Cunningham said of Zach Minter, a 6-foot-1, 270-pound their defense wasn’t sickening enough. the day, which included a 48-21 win defensive tackle, toe-punching a kick- To this day MSU head coach Rob over Drake. “Mostly I would say that 5B BATTLE off will do that to a kicker. Ash says there is no doubt in his mind I’d like to thank my coaches for giving O Manhattan-Three “I almost puked,” Cunningham said. that his team, up 10 with 14 minutes me a chance to hit all those kicks.” In 131 years of football, a kicker to play against a team they hadn’t Speaking of chances to kick, they Forks open district play may have never seemed more impor- beaten in six years, would have won were doled out at the 2009 contest PAGE B1 tant than five defensive starters. But had Cunningham been along for the in Cheney. But after true freshman such was the case when Montana State ride. Instead, they were taken for a backup punter Mackey Nolan, who fell 35-24 to Eastern Washington in ride in the fourth quarter by Taiwan had never even kicked in a high Cheney, Wash., last year. Jones. school game, did his best Charlie As a patchwork Bobcat defense Cunningham and his bedside Brown impression on the first point- managed to hold the high-powered bucket haven’t forgotten. after attempt of the day, the Bobcats’ Eastern Washington offense in check, “There were so many chances when decision was made for them. it was obvious that being forced to go we got into the red zone,” Cunning- PLEASE RECYCLE for it on fourth-and-one, fourth-and- ham said. “I’m not saying I would More KICKING I 5

STORY BY WILL C. HOLDEN I PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK WOLCOTT I OF THE CHRONICLE PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

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Sideline Briefing Jones’ speed, numbers impressive Records Now healthy, Eastern Montana State 2-1, back having breakout Eastern Washington 2-1 season for Eagles Series 34th meeting, EWU leads 25-8 By WILL C. HOLDEN Weather forecast Chronicle Sports Writer Sunny, high 80 Last year when Robin Pflugrad was an assistant coach, Crowd was fast. This year, More than 14,000 expected Pflugrad is a head coach. And Jones is still fast. TV He might even be faster. Pflugrad would know. Jones ABC 28 (Chris Byers, Mike ran right by him last Saturday. Callaghan, AJ Donatoni) See that little white speck flash by on the screen around Radio the Eastern Washington 30-yard KXLB-FM (100.7), Je! Lasky, Dan line as Jones, seemingly hotter Davies, Tyler Wiltgen than the lava-red turf on which he was high-stepping, made his Coaches way past Montana’s entire de- fense for a 72-yard touchdown in the second quarter? Yup, that’s the Grizzlies’ new COURTESY OF EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY head coach. Taiwan Jones carried the ball a career-high 27 times last week against Montana, totaling 221 yards. Considering that run played a big part in his team losing a “It’s just a treat to watch Tai- It’s gotta make it tough not to The group includes the second straight regular season wan on film,” Ash said Wednes- give it to him on every down, 6-foot-5 Brandon Kauff- game for the first time since day. “I think he’s a much better right Beau? man, who raised a few Griz- 2002, one can only imagine running back and football player “Yeah it is,” Baldwin said. “But zly eyebrows last week, as he ROB BEAU Pflugrad is happy Jones was this year than he was last year.” at the same time you want other caught five passes for 114 yards, ASH BALDWIN moving too fast for KPAX’s new As for Jones’ own head coach, guys stepping up. Because if we including a 32-yard touchdown MSU, 4th year EWU, 3rd year high definition cameras to pick he seconded all the talk. rely on Taiwan too much, it can pass that helped the Eagles creep 30th year overall 4th year overall up any facial expressions. “He’s got a year of experience cause other players to regress a back into the game after falling 22-15 at MSU 16-10 at EWU But what was Pflugrad think- under his belt, he’s had another little bit. We have to have other behind 14-0 early. 198-114-5 overall 26-13 overall ing? That he’ll divulge. year in the weight room,” EWU’s guys that can make plays, too.” And after expending all that “I saw it up close and person- Beau Bald- One of energy in beating the Grizzlies Schedules al,” Pflugrad said on this week’s win said. those other in Cheney, Wash., for the first Eastern Washington teleconfer- “For most “It was amazing how fast guys is Bo time since 1991 and watch- 14 @ Nevada 28 ence. “It was amazing how fast of last year Levi Mitch- ing the record 11,702 euphoric 28 C. Washington 14 he ran by me. You didn’t even Taiwan had he ran by me. You didn’t ell, who Eagle fans storming the field 36 Montana 27 have time to say, ‘hello.”’ injuries he has made for a second and final time to Today @ Montana St. 1:05 p.m. Montana State Univer- was fight- have time to say, ‘hello.”’ EWU’s embrace a group that included 10/2 @ Weber St. 1:35 p.m. sity head coach Rob Ash has ing. He’s — Robin Pflugrad, UM head coach transi- defensive end Tyler Jolley, who 10/9 No. Arizona 2:05 p.m. watched the tape from that not fight- tion from was sobbing joyfully after only 10/16 @ No. Colorado 1:35 p.m. 36-27 EWU win. And no, Ash ing them former the third game of the season, 10/23 Sacramento St. 2:05 p.m. didn’t chuckle as the Grizzlies anymore.” EWU All-American Baldwin knows what is sup- 10/30 @ Portland St. 6:05 p.m. trotted back on the field for one The numbers illustrate the Matt Nichols a little less painful posed to come next. 11/13 Southern Utah 2:05 p.m. last play thanks to an unsports- improvement. Jones gained thanks to two years of Football A letdown in Bozeman. After 11/20 Idaho St. 2:05 p.m. manlike penalty on Eagles’ fans 8.8 yards an offensive touch a Bowl Subdivision experience beating MSU for the past seven Montana State for prematurely pouring onto 59 Fort Lewis 10 season ago. In roughly the time with head coach June Jones at straight years, some might go so their new turf. it took for the national media to Southern Methodist. far as to say it’s due. 22 @ Wash. St. 23 Considering he had eight 48 Drake 21 say, “That can’t be right,” Jones While Baldwin said Mitchell “I’ve challenged my guys from Today E. Wash. 1:05 p.m. weeks before he has to start has improved that stat to 10.8 still needs to gain experience in the get-go,” Baldwin said. “We 10/2 @ Sacramento St. 2:05 p.m. thinking about Montana and yards a touch. the Eagles’ system, his progress talked about it. People are going 10/9 Portland St. 1:35 p.m. just three days before going toe- That’s right. If Jones fails to has been aided by a stable of to give you that excuse to latch 10/16 @ N. Arizona 4:05 p.m. to-toe with Jones & Co., Ash was pick up a first down every time wide receivers that has also re- onto. It’s your choice if you want 10/23 N. Colo. 1:05 p.m. more taken by that 72-yard run. he touches the ball that’s below plenished itself in the post-Aar- to latch onto it or come out and 10/30 @ Idaho St. 1:35 p.m. And he agreed with a Grizzly. average. on Boyce and Tony Davis era. work even harder this week.” 11/6 Weber St. 12:05 p.m. 11/20 @ Montana 12:05 p.m. Players to watch E. WASHINGTON: Taiwan Jones leads the nation in all-purpose yards. Forget gimmicks, streak needs painting over MONTANA STATE: QB Denarius McGhee will get a stern test in his How does gold turf sound? I Grizzles, was just the opposite MSU’s youth movement is a "rst Big Sky Conference game. know, ridiculous. against Eastern. Same with Kelly step in the right direction; many No need for that around here. Bradley: 3-1 vs. UM, 1-3 vs. of the current ’Cats have never But something different needs TIM EWU. played against the Eagles, let Injury report to be done to nip this losing DUMAS It was Bradley who led the alone lost to them. MONTANA STATE streak in the bud. Chronicle Bobcats to the national champi- I know Montana State head OUT: DE Brad Smith (shoulder), Hey, it worked for Eastern Sports Editor onship in 1984, but he couldn’t coach Rob Ash dislikes using OL Conrad Burbank (knee), Ben Washington. beat Eastern that year. two , but why not Tauanuu (leg). All it took for the Eagles to The Eagles hold a current throw Cody Kempt in for a E. WASHINGTON end nearly 20 years of home- seven-year winning streak in the series or two when the game’s DOUBTFUL: S Billy Lechtenburg field futility against Montana series and have other streaks of on the line. Sure, it’s been (knee), S Ethen Robinson (knee), was a red carpet. It was as if the tana, but no Big Sky Conference six, five and four. MSU’s longest mostly in mop-up duty, but change in hue — from green to opponent has a better winning string of victories? Three, from Kempt’s pass efficiency rating is Domonic Shepperd (knee). percentage at MSU than Eastern QUESTIONABLE: DE Anthony hideous — was meant for that 1988-90. John Tetreault, where a ridiculous 251.8 — whatever one game, which Eastern won (.640). It’s not even close. are you? that means. Larry (knee). over UM last Saturday. The winning ways aren’t con- Montana State did go nearly Or maybe it’s time for one of Now it’s Montana State’s turn. fined to Bozeman, either. The 30 years without losing to the those keep-the-defense-honest Quotable Paint the Bobcat Stadium field Eagles have defeated the ’Cats in Eagles, but that’s because they fake kicks/punts, like the one “We thrive on having to step up and purple if that’s what it takes. Make Cheney, Spokane — even Great didn’t play each other from that the other MSU team pulled play big. Our guys are ready to play it, gulp, maroon and silver even. Falls. They’ve done it in over- 1953-81. off last week against Notre this game. We do have a chip on our Nothing will ever compare to time (twice) and against the best Something needs to change, Dame. shoulder.” the frustration felt over MSU’s the Bobcats have to offer: Travis and it’s too late to do any paint- — MSU defensive tackle Zach Minter 16-year losing streak to Mon- Lulay, who went 3-1 against the ing. More DUMAS I5 !"#$%&' (&)*+ ,-."'),*$ S&/0.(&+, S$1/$%!$. 23, 2454 | 3 2010

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BIG SKY CONFERENCE

NOTES Without Dantonio, Spartans host UNC GRIZZLIES SEEING RED: Montana’s 15-game Big Sky Northern Colorado Conference winning streak came to an end last Saturday facing Big Ten team on the red turf of Eastern Washington’s Roos Field as for second time the Eagles pulled out a 36-27 win. UM’s last loss in confer- in three seasons ence play was a 42-28 setback at Weber State two years ago. By NOAH TRISTER Montana had won 31 of its The Associated Press previous 32 conference games dating back to 2006. EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Grizzlies, who were Kirk Cousins was heading to ranked No. 1 prior to a 35-33 church Sunday, less than 12 loss at Cal Poly 35-33, have hours after his team’s thrilling lost two straight. The Griz- overtime win over Notre Dame, zlies are 1-2 for the first time when he received a puzzling text since the 1992 season, also message about a team meeting the last time they did not at noon. advance to the postseason. “That never happens,” the UM started the 1992 season Michigan State quarterback said. 1-5. Montana has lost back- “I thought, ‘What can’t wait until to-back regular season games 4 o’clock?’ We have to show up at for the first time since 2002 4 o’clock anyway. I knew it was when the Grizzlies’ 24-game something serious.” winning streak was snapped The news was that coach Mark by Eastern Washington at Dantonio had suffered a mild in Spokane. heart attack and had been taken UM also lost the next week at to a hospital not long after Satur- home to Montana State. day night’s game. The excitement Montana dropped to 14th over the Spartans’ big victory in this week’s Sports Network largely vanished around East AP top 25, its lowest ranking Lansing, replaced by concerns Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio will not be on the sidelines today when the Spartans host UNC. since finishing the 1998 for the health of the 54-year-old season 15th. Dantonio. It might have been Dantonio’s avoid a letdown after the Notre In six seasons as an assistant The coach had surgery to put biggest win at Michigan State Dame victory — especially with coach at Purdue (1997-2002), TAVOY SHUFFLE: Idaho a stent in a blocked blood vessel because of the opponent and the everything that’s happened off Downing and the Boilermakers State will likely find all kinds leading to his heart. He has been way it unfolded. the field. were 5-1 against Michigan State. of ways to get the ball in the released from the hospital, but “I thought we had a good Besides the indefinite loss of On Saturday, Northern Colorado hands of the electrifying Tav- when he might return to coach- chance of running it because Dantonio, the team this week plays Michigan State a week after oy Moore. The junior college ing is unknown. Coach D was so high on it,” said suspended tight end Dion Sims, the Spartans won in thrilling transfer amassed a school- His 25th-ranked team, led Aaron Bates, who was the holder who was among 10 men charged fashion over Notre Dame and record 318 all-purpose yards by offensive coordinator Don and threw a touchdown pass in the theft of Detroit Public lost their head coach at the same in the Bengals’ 35-21 loss to Treadwell, has spent the week on the play. “Obviously, I didn’t Schools laptop computers. Sims time. Northern Colorado. Moore trying to focus on football again think we’d be using it in overtime hadn’t played this season. Mark Dantonio suffered a opened the game by return- with Northern Colorado coming on fourth-and-13.” There is plenty at stake for heart attack early Sunday morn- ing a kick 91 yards for a to town Saturday. Northern Colorado (2-1) Michigan State. Avoid an upset ing and will not be at today’s touchdown, and took a punt “The nice thing is, along is hoping to build on its own here, and the Spartans would fin- game in East Lansing, Mich. return 81 yards for a score with the leadership and things encouraging start to the season. ish September unbeaten and set Offensive coordinator Don in the fourth quarter to get that coach The Bears, up huge games against Wiscon- Treadwell is filling in for Dan- the Bengals to within 28-21. Dantonio has who play in sin and Michigan to start next tonio, and Michigan State has Moore had 128 yards on already put “I saw a challenge to the Football month. every reason to be distracted. three kick returns, 109 yards in place, we showcase ourselves and Champion- And then there’s the matter of Instead of taking his usual on two punt returns. He have a lot of ship Subdivi- their coach. Dantonio has been place in the press box, he’ll be caught five passes for 57 yards veterans that to play in a stadium I’ve sion, won in the players’ thoughts, and they on the field handling the head and rushed twice for 24 yards. are on this only three expect to be motivated when the coach’s duties as Dantonio recov- His 318 yards broke the football team,” seen a lot on TV.” games last game starts. ers from his heart attack. previous school record of 310 Treadwell season and “We know with coach, he’ll be “It won’t be too different,” set by Alfredo Anderson in are already on back soon. We know he’s doing Treadwell said. “I haven’t had to said. “So — Dylan Orms, UNC quarterback 1994. Moore also had another the verge of all right,” Bates said. “The best do it here yet here at Michigan certainly, our punt return TD called back matching that way to show our appreciation is State, but in our previous loca- seniors, we’re on a penalty. Moore ranks relying on total. just to do well on Saturday.” tion (at Cincinnati), I had been Quarterback Dylan Orms Cousins agreed. on the sidelines.” second in the nation in punt them to really step forward.” returns and is eighth in kick Dantonio’s absence comes has thrown for six touchdowns “We hope to make him proud, Treadwell conducted his first and only one interception this wherever he’s watching the practice Tuesday since assum- returns. It was the first time a as Michigan State is starting to Big Sky player had a returned earn national attention for its season, and Northern Colorado game,” the quarterback said. ing Dantonio’s duties. Treadwell play. is hoping for an upset similar to “You face adversity in life, you will still call plays and another a punt and a kick for at The Spartans (3-0) have run the one James Madison of the face adversity in football, and offensive assistant will go to the touchdown in the same game the ball with ease this season, FCS pulled off against Virginia we’ve just got to keep moving box to have “another pair of eyes since 2002 when Montana’s with both Le’Veon Bell and Ed- Tech earlier this month. This is forward.” there.” Jefferson Heidelberger ac- win Baker averaging more than a game Orms has been looking Dantonio was released Tues- complished the feat in a first- eight yards per carry. forward to for a while. NORTHERN COLORADO’S day from Lansing’s Sparrow round playoff game against And that finish against Notre “I saw a challenge,” he said. “I DOWNING FAMILIAR WITH Hospital. It’s uncertain when Northwestern State. Dame is already one of the sig- saw a chance to showcase our- SPARTANS: Northern Colorado he’ll return to his duties as head nature moments of the season: selves and to play in a stadium may be playing a Big Ten team coach. PICK-SIX, AGAIN: Mon- Trailing by three in overtime, I’ve seen a lot on TV.” for just the second time in school Northern Colorado is playing tana’s Trumaine Johnson Dantonio ordered a fake field For Michigan State, this isn’t history, but UNC head coach a Big Ten team for the second returned an interception 52 goal that worked for a touch- exactly a game to circle on the Scott Downing is no stranger time in the last three seasons. yards for a touchdown last down and gave the Spartans a calendar, but the Spartans have to the conference. And he’s no The Bears lost to Purdue 42-10 weekend. It was UM’s fifth in- 34-31 victory. had to work hard this week to stranger to facing Michigan State. in its 2008 opener. terception return for a touch- down this season. Montana is just one away from tying the Big Sky single-season record of six set by Northern The only non-quarterback to complete Three former Bobcats — Larry Rubens, Arizona in 1985. Dumas/from 1 a pass since Ash arrived was … linebacker Dusty Birkenbuel and Pat Bolton — were Bobby Daly, of course, two years ago out of inducted into the school’s hall of fame on HIGGINS WATCH: Weber We’re nearly a month into the season and punt formation against Minnesota. Friday night, and none ever lost a game to State quarterback Cameron teams have three game tapes to review from And speaking of Gilbert, whatever hap- Eastern. Sure, two of them never faced the Higgins has moved into the their opponents; it’s time to throw in a new pened to the Wildcat formation, anyway? Eagles, but Rubens’ team was a 24-20 winner top 10 on the Big Sky’s all- wrinkle. Perhaps it’s time Jason Cunningham in 1982, the year the series was continued time lists for touchdowns, Like an option pass. spread a little more Sunshine (his nickname). after a long hiatus. passing yards and total of- In Ash’s three-plus years in Bozeman, it’s Never in college or high school has the MSU And after all this, if the losing streak con- fense. Higgins threw for 253 been attempted — by Blayde Becksted, Tyler kicker nailed a game-winning field goal in tinues, it may be time for a new hue. yards and two touchdowns Lulay and Everett Gilbert — but never prop- the final seconds. Tim Dumas can be reached at tdumas@ in last Saturday’s 24-17 loss erly executed. There’s also the karma factor. dailychronicle.com and 582-2651. to Sacramento State. Higgins now ranks fifth on the all- time touchdown passes list with 90, and needs just seven nearly as comfortable as he is holds his gap when the ball goes about angles you take.” more to become the all-time Kicking/from 1 preparing for Eastern Washing- Jones’ way. Pardon him, Mr. Jones, but leader. ton a year later. “Jason will be by my side every don’t count Gilbert among the Higgins has thrown for Suddenly no fourth-down was “Everything came so fast last step of the way,” Minter said. shocked if it happens. 10,589 career yards, putting insurmountable. year,” said Minter, a true fresh- “He’s been a leader for our defen- “No offense Taiwan, but if him 10th in league history. Nolan’s kickoff experience was man a season ago. “I’m miles sive line this whole year. Not Zach can chase me down, I’m He needs just 236 more equally lacking. That’s where ahead of where I was.” having him is very unfortunate, sure he could chase you down,” to jump all the way to fifth Minter came in. And on Saturday, Minter will but we’re going to step up and fill Gilbert said. place. The round mound from Glen- take one more step in the process that spot for him.” As for Cunningham, he’s just dale, Ariz., — who can dunk a of growing up as he gets his If Jones does manage to break hoping he can surprise EWU, BIG SKY basketball and do a standing back first start. This is one new leap, away from the Bobcat defense, period. The junior went 1-for-3 CONFERENCE flip — thought: kicking? I got this. though, he’s confident will be well, that’s out of D’Alba’s realm against the Eagles as a fresh- Standings Or maybe not. made easier. of expertise. Luckily for MSU, it man, including missing the only Team Conf. All “I kicked in high school,” Why? Because the team’s nor- happens to be right up Minter’s two kicks under 32 yards in his E. Wash. 1-0 2-1 Minter said. “But I was second- mal starter at the position he’s alley. career. Sac. St. 1-0 2-1 string. So I never really kicked in playing today won’t be 400 miles Having chased down Everett “I’ve been looking forward to N. Colo. 1-1 2-1 high school.” away hugging a toilet. He’ll be Gilbert, presumed to be MSU’s this game for a long time,” Cun- Weber St. 1-1 1-2 After beating out fellow barking in Minter’s ear. fastest player, from behind this ningham said. “In a lot of ways MSU 0-0 2-1 N. Ariz. 0-0 1-1 defensive tackle Dan Ogden in a The large presence of Jason spring, Minter has already envi- it’s just another game. But in a lot Portland St. 0-0 1-2 hastily-arranged pregame tryout, D’Alba, who has been suspended sioned surprising one of the most of ways, it’s not. This is a pretty Idaho St. 0-1 1-2 Minter quickly got the hook after from today’s game because of a explosive backs in the history of big one for us.” Montana 0-1 1-2 his second kickoff — a squib that helmet-to-helmet hit last week the Big Sky Conference with a Will Holden can be reached Today’s Games Jones returned 40 yards to the on Drake quarterback Mike little athleticism of his own. at [email protected] N. Colo. at Mich. St., 10 a.m. MSU 41. Piatkowski, won’t be felt on the “I’ve actually thought about and 582-2690. Read his blog at E. Wash. at MSU, 1:05 p.m. When it came time to play his field today, but all 6-foot-2, 280 (chasing Jones down),” Minter bozemandailychronicle.com/app/ Sac. St. at Montana, 1 p.m. NAU at Idaho St., 3:35 p.m. natural position, Minter wasn’t pounds of him will be on the said. “I hope we don’t let him get msu-bobcats or follow him on UC Davis at Weber, 6 p.m. nearly as uneasy. But he wasn’t sideline making sure Minter out there, but if he does, it’s all Twitter @will_c_holden. 6 | S!"#$%!&, S'("')*'$ +,, +-.- ȸ ȸ юѠѡђџћȱюѠѕіћєѡќћȱюѡȱќћѡюћюȱѡюѡђȱ ŗDZŖśȱѝǯњǯȱќяѐюѡȱѡюёіѢњ

THE EDGE DEPTH CHARTS Montana State E. Washington EASTERN WASHINGTON AT MONTANA STATE Offense Defense LEFT TACKLE LEFT END WHEN MONTANA STATE HAS THE BALL 72 Mike Person 6-5/295 Sr 97 David Miles 6-4/255 Jr 70 Killian Fitzpatrick 6-8/270 Fr Passing: For the past two years, Eastern EDGE Rushing: It’s also tough to compare 90 David Gaylord 6-4/245 Fr Washington’s pass defense has been anyone to Taiwan Jones, but Orenzo LEFT GUARD LEFT TACKLE the worst in the nation. It’s not the worst Davis has a lot of that same explosiveness. 57 Casey Dennehy 6-1/270 So 49 Tyler Jolley 6-3/285 Sr in the nation this year, but it’s still the Watching those two running backs duel 56 Shaun Sampson 6-0/249 So 56 Evan Cook 6-3/270 So second worst in the Big Sky Conference could be the most entertaining part CENTER RIGHT TACKLE after allowing a Division II sophomore of today’s contest. And expect both 61 Alex Terrien 6-4/285 Jr quarterback, who put up mediocre Jones and Davis to get the best of their 98 Renard Williams 6-2/300 Jr numbers as a freshman, to toss for 251 respective opposing defenses. 56 Shaun Sampson 6-0/249 So 95 Charles Moetului 6-3/235 Jr yards and two touchdowns against them That might be hard to believe RIGHT GUARD RIGHT END two weeks ago. All of that said, ask quarterback considering Eastern has a couple All-Americans 71 Jesse Hoffmann 6-4/286 Sr 91 Jerry Ceja 6-3/220 So Andrew Selle, who led Montana to the national that could seemingly snu! out rush after rush 56 Shaun Sampson 6-0/249 So 99 Anthony Larry 6-3/250 Fr in defensive tackle Renard Williams and middle championship in 2009, what he thinks of that EWU RIGHT TACKLE INSIDE LINEBACKER pass defense. They held Montana’s quarterback to linebacker J.C. Sherritt, but both of those guys 50 Leo Davis 6-4/271 Jr 204 yards through the air on less than 50 percent were on the "eld last year and C.J. Palmer still 4 J.C. Sherritt 5-10/220 Sr passing while also intercepting him twice last week. ran for 134 yards on 26 carries. It is reasonable to 75 Andrew Verlanic 6-4/276 So 48 Grant Williams 6-1/225 So That’s the thing about EWU’s pass defense: It expect that with the addition of linebacker Zach QUARTERBACK MIDDLE LINEBACKER appears to be a bit schizophrenic, capable of Johnson, an all-conference player who sat out all of 9 Denarius McGhee 6-0/197 Fr 51 Tyler Washburn 6-0/215 So producing and giving up big plays. The Eagles are 2009 with an injury, the Eagles rush defense, which 12 Cody Kempt 6-2/211 Sr 44 Paul Ena 6-2/230 So held Montana’s Walter Payton candidate Chase second in the conference in interceptions with four RUNNING BACK and their secondary has forced four fumbles. But Reynolds to a somewhat reasonable 114 yards last OUTSIDE LINEBACKER they’ve also given up three pass plays of 20 yards or week, may be improved. But it’s also reasonable to 8 Orenzo Davis 5-9/185 Jr 10 Zach Johnson 6-1/225 Jr more for touchdowns. expect that Davis, a better back than Palmer, could 20 C.J. Palmer 6-0/210 Jr 47 Bobby Gentry 5-11/200 Jr While it’s hard to compare Denarius McGhee to cut them up. W RECEIVER CORNERBACK Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick (EWU opened the season The biggest key will be MSU’s banged-up o!ensive 14 Everett Gilbert 5-9/180 So 28 Dante Calcote 5-8/160 Sr at Nevada), one of the best quarterbacks in the FBS, line, which is without its two starters at guard. If 27 DeSean Thomas 6-1/180 Jr Montana State’s freshman signal caller does have Casey Dennehy continues to improve in the place of 29 Jeremy Chaten 6-1/160 Jr some similarities — he’s mobile, strong-armed and Conrad Burbank and Jesse Ho!man "lls in admirably X RECEIVER CORNERBACK he takes chances. The Eagles also allowed McGhee’s for Ben Tauanuu, and Montana State continues to 1 Elvis Akpla 6-1/187 Jr 21 Jesse Hoffman 6-2/210 Sr current backup, Cody Kempt, to throw for 320 yards shove opposing lines back as easily as they’ve been 86 Tanner Bleskin 6-3/210 Fr 34 Artise Gauldin 5-10/175 So against them a season ago. It all seems to say that doing through the "rst three weeks of the season, big Z RECEIVER STRONG SAFETY rushing numbers could get put up today. McGhee and a more complete stable of MSU receivers 82 Julius Lloyd 6-0/184 Sr 5 6-2/220 Jr this year could cause some problems for EWU today. Edge: Montana State 10 Kruiz Siewing 5-11/182 So 38 Allen Brown 5-10/160 Fr WHEN EASTERN WASHINGTON HAS THE BALL TIGHT END FREE SAFETY 81 Kyle Begger 6-2/245 Jr 7 Jeff Minnerly 6-1/190 So Passing: Since the comparisons are #y- Rushing: There may not be another EDGE 88 Shane Robison 6-5/250 Jr 36 Will Edge 6-0/180 Sr ing, new EWU quarterback Bo Levi Mitch- running back in the conference’s history KICKER ell is serviceable, but he’s no Matt Nich- that is as capable of scoring every time PUNTER ols. The departed All-American knew he touches the ball like Taiwan Jones. 15 Jason Cunningham 6-1/162 Jr 45 Cameron Zuber 6-0/180 Sr the Eagles’ o!ense inside and out. It is If his 8.78 yards an o!ensive touch last very apparent that Mitchell, despite his year was amazing, his 10.8 yards an Defense Offense two years of FBS experience at Southern o!ensive touch this season has reached BANDIT LEFT TACKLE Methodist, still isn’t completely comfort- pinch-me status. It basically means 48 Dustin O’Connell 6-2/245 Sr 60 Gabriel Jackson 6-4/275 Jr able under center. He’s a competent, he picks up a "rst down every time he 34 Preston Gale 6-2/239 Fr 67 Caleb Worthington 6-7/295 Fr heady game manager with a strong arm and good touches the ball. If that weren’t enough, he’s TACKLE LEFT GUARD mobility, but so far he hasn’t wowed anybody. And coming o! the best performance of his career, in against UM, he missed on some throws that could which he gained 281 yards from scrimmage on 90 Dan Ogden 6-0/270 Sr 70 Steven Forgette 6-4/280 Fr have helped EWU win more handily. 30 touches against UM. 96 Zach Minter 6-2/277 So 74 Russell Turpin 6-4/290 Fr What’s more, Mitchell had some trouble when But that might be the biggest point. Com- NOSE TACKLE CENTER Montana pressured him. Aside from sacking him ing o! a pair of o!season surgeries — one for a 98 Christian Keli’i 6-0/282 So 78 Chris Powers 6-2/270 Jr three times and hurrying him twice, the heavy sports hernia and one for his shoulder — along 96 Zach Minter 6-2/277 So 66 Ashton Miller 6-2/265 Fr blitzes sent by the Griz forced Mitchell into throw- with a broken hand, the slender Jones has never END RIGHT GUARD ing two interceptions, one of which was downright touched the ball 30 times a game. EWU head 11 John Laidet 6-5/250 Jr 72 Nikolai Myers 6-4/295 Sr ugly. Considering MSU has dominated the action coach is very mindful of that. In the 49 Caleb Schreibeis 6-3/245 So up front for the past three weeks, expect Mitchell games following his previous workload highs, 58 Clint Moquist 6-3/280 Sr to see some of that same pressure today. Even Jones has been less e!ective. With a pair of brutal SAM LINEBACKER RIGHT TACKLE though the Bobcats will be without stout defen- conference games on deck (on the road at Weber 44 Aleksei Grosulak 5-10/250 Fr 76 Will Post 6-6/295 So sive tackle Jason D’Alba, they still own one of the State and at home against Northern Arizona), 9 Roger Trammell 6-1/230 Jr 77 Brandon Murphy 6-4/305 Fr most ferocious pass rushes in the conference. expect Baldwin to be leery of turning to Jones as MIKE LINEBACKER QUARTERBACK However, Mitchell is in possession of a few safety often this Saturday as he did against Montana. 42 Clay Bignell 6-2/236 Jr 9 6-2/210 Jr blankets, and they’re big ones. The one area where The question is this: Will Jones even need to 44 Aleksei Grosulak 5-10/250 Fr 12 Anthony Vitto 6-1/195 Fr MSU’s veteran secondary has struggled this year touch the ball that much? In last year’s 35-24 WILL LINEBACKER RUNNING BACK has been defending big receivers and EWU has a win over MSU he gained 153 yards on just four trio in Brandon Kau!man (6-foot-5, 205 pounds), catches — all on those little dump-o!s that have 23 Jody Owens 6-1/214 So 22 Taiwan Jones 6-1/200 Jr Nicholas Edwards and Greg Herd (both 6-3, 200). burned MSU once again this year. Not having an 59 Tanner Ripley 6-1/214 Sr 30 Darriell Beaumonte 5-11/205 Jr The Bobcats have to be mindful of all three, immobile defender in the middle like D’Alba this BOUNDARY CORNER TIGHT END especially in the red zone, where they’ve given up week won’t hurt the Bobcats as much as it oth- 26 Arnold Briggs 5-10/185 Sr 82 Matt Martin 6-2/240 Sr important touchdowns to sizable receivers the erwise might against an amazing running back. 17 Sean Gords 5-10/185 Fr 85 Zack Gehring 6-3/220 Fr past two straight weeks. The Bobcats also have to Having a history of struggling against shifty backs FREE SAFETY RECEIVER be mindful of the dump-o! passes, considering when they get the ball in space just might. 22 Michael Rider 5-11/196 Sr 80 Nicholas Edwards 6-3/200 So Taiwan Jones burned them a season ago. Edge: E. Washington 5 Joel Fuller 6-0/200 So 17 Alante Wright 6-3/200 Fr ROVER RECEIVER SPECIAL TEAMS 7 Jordan Craney 6-1/205 Sr 2 Ashton Gant 5-10/180 Sr 32 A. Cosme-Peko 5-11/209 Sr 33 Tyler Hart 5-10/205 Jr Kicking & punting: A season ago, kicker who has missed 2-of-3 kicks beyond not having a kicker or punter against EDGE 40 yards this season. FIELD CORNER RECEIVER Eastern Washington doomed Montana Returns & coverage: Jones returns 13 Darius Jones 5-10/167 So 1 6-5/205 So State. This year, not only does MSU punts and kicks for EWU, too, but he’s 24 James Andrews 6-1/187 Jr 3 Greg Herd 6-3/200 So have both, they have a kicker who was just proved to be far less dangerous in this cat- PUNTER KICKER named national player of the week. It ap- egory, with longs of 17 and 30 yards in each 18 Rory Perez 6-2/180 Fr 92 Mike Jarrett 5-9/165 Jr pears MSU has all the faith in Cunningham respective category. As for MSU’s returners, to allow him to go after just about any "eld they’ve proved that holding onto the ball and goal inside the MSU 40. Last year, the Bob- ? possibly gaining minimal yardage is about the NEW cats were going for it on fourth-and-goal best that can be hoped for. 2011 from the four. EWU has Mike Jarrett, a second-year Edge: Even

INTANGIBLES The Eagles are coming o! a win over They have a similar history against Eastern Montana at home, an occasion that EDGE Washington as Eastern Washington had occurred for the "rst time since 1991. against Montana. And everyone is telling Their red sea of turf was unveiled in front them they haven’t proven anything yet this of a record home crowd. Tears of joy season. In other words, they have plenty #owed from senior defensive lineman of motivation. The key for MSU, nothing Tyler Jolly eyes following the game. There if not streaky for most of the past decade, might not be a team more primed for will be keeping their emotions in check. If LOWEST UP FRONT PRICED DEALER IN THE U.S., a letdown in the history of the Big Sky. the Bobcats can avoid the busts so often GUARANTEED Baldwin knows it and he’s been preaching about associated with the booms, they have more than a overcoming it all week. The Bobcats, on the other legitimate shot today. hand, are coming o! a brief scare against Drake. Edge: Montana State

OVERALL This, perhaps more than any other of the last eight, is the year that MSU looks to have a slight advantage on paper against Eastern. In contrast to last year, when they caught the Eagles without four defensive starters, a kicker and a punter and still played them to a standstill, this year the Bobcats have caught the Eagles at an almost perfect moment — coming o! an emotional win in which they showed some key #aws. If the Bobcats don’t make any big mistakes today, it’s their game to lose. Why? Because MSU has always had the defense to limit Jones, and now they have the o!ense to keep up with him, too. 1415 West Park Street 30 A healthy Cunningham makes the di!erence in a close one. 27 Linvingston | 406.222.8600 www.bestvehicleprice.com Analysis by WILL C. HOLDEN of the Chronicle