Full Paper saturday, OCT. 1 Inside Game vs. sacramento state D ay SACRAMENTO STate AT No. 4 MONTANA STATE, BOBCAT STADIUM, 1:35 P.M. — hOMECOMING GAME INSIDE SPRINGBOARD Today’s game crucial for Big Sky success I G2

identity crisis Sac State has been up and down this season; which team shows up THE BROTHERHOOD today? I G2 A fierce offensive line unit has been forged from an unlikely quintet Tide is turning the jeers of his fellow linemen. at 190 pounds. He weighs over 270. Not By COLTER NUANEZ Although Dennehy received good- working out three hours a day, not eating Hornet program Chronicle Sports Writer hearted ribbing from his offensive the amount of calories they eat, it will looks a lot like linemates, he isn’t the only one who’s come off.” packed on the pounds over the last Weight fluctuation is just one thing Montana State’s I G2 asey Dennehy and handful of years. Terrien has put on 45 this tight-knit group shares. Because just Alex Terrien have pounds since his freshman season, as has two of MSU’s five starters were originally senior left tackle Conrad Burbank (6-4, recruited to play on the offensive front, already lined out the 295). But junior center Shaun Sampson the five-some has shouldered skepticism STILL GOING C and senior right tackle Leo Davis take for several seasons. But the camaraderie parameters of a trying bet. the weight-gaining cake. When Sampson the unit shares coupled with the under- STRONG? walked on to the Bobcats out of Helena dog mentality they bring each Saturday Colter Nuanez says But for the sake of the Mon- Capital, he weighed 190 pounds. Now, has caused for an evolution into a mean, tana State football team, the he is up to more than 270 pounds. Davis, hard-nosed line capable of plowing any MSU’s offense should originally recruited as a linebacker out of opponent that stands in its way. continue to fire on all competition won’t begin Billings Skyview, has put on 85 pounds Since gaining 75 yards in the team’s since switching to offense. season opener against FBS Utah, Mon- cylinders I G6 until the season ends. Each Bobcat lineman has a similar tana State is averaging 250 rushing yards plan as Dennehy’s upon graduation. per game during the No. 4 Bobcats’ Once upon a time, Dennehy was a Davis joked the crew might need to “call three-game winning streak. walk-on running back/linebacker who 1-800-JENNY CRAIG” to accomplish “Those guys are extremely tough,” tipped the scale at 210 pounds. These their weight-loss goals, but the quintet said sophomore quarterback DeNarius days, the fifth-year senior is Montana knows the importance of shedding the McGhee, who shares offensive captain State’s smash-mouth starting left guard unnecessary pounds. duties with Terrien. “We are tough and packs about 280 pounds around on “It’s 50 above or 50 below; you either across the board on the offensive line. his 6-foot frame. lose 50 pounds or gain 50 pounds,” Ter- And the backups are tough too. That’s Terrien, MSU’s 6-foot-4, 283-pound rien said with a laugh. what you get out of the guys in the senior counterpart at the other guard “It’s kind of my little joke that you North, the Northwest. Guys from Mon- spot, has a post-football challenge for will either gain 50 or lose 50,” said MSU tana (Dennehy, Sampson, Davis), North Dennehy. Once their days of pulling and offensive line coach Jason McEndoo, Dakota, Washington (Terrien), ‘CAT-GRIZ trapping and zoning are complete, Den- who dropped 45 pounds after his NFL (Burbank), states like that, you get nehy must return to his freshman form. career was finished. “The biggest thing is crazy, tough guys like that. And we have MSU hosts Montana “Jeans don’t fit me anymore, so I’m you have to stay active. Guys like Shaun, a bunch of guys who love to straight hoping to earn season’s going to win this bet with Alex. I will Casey and Leo, it will just come off g r i n d .” sports be 210 by the time I graduate,” Dennehy naturally because they just aren’t meant first win I said following MSU’s Tuesday practice to to be that big. Shaun Sampson came in More Line | G5

SEAN SPERRY/CHRONICLE Printed on recycled paper Top: Montana State’s offensive line, from left, Leo Davis, Alex Terrien, Shaun Sampson, Casey Dennehy and Conrad Burbank usually are tagged as underdogs, but says O-line coach Jason McEndoo: “Sometimes, it’s not about height, weight, size or speed.”

Bridger Orthopedic. John D. Campbell, M.D. Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine, US Ski Team Physician Daniel M. Gannon, M.D. Fellowship Trained in Joint Replacement Steven R. Speth, M.D. Fellowship Trained in Spinal Surgery Montana State Team Physicians Robert B. Blake, M.D. Fellowship Trained in Hand Surgery, Upper Extremity Care Jon F. Robinson, M.D. Fellowship Trained in Foot & Ankle Surgery Richard N. Vinglas M.D. Fellowship Trained in Hand Surgery, Upper Extremity Care Alexander B. LeGrand, M.D. Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine, US Ski Team Physician Martin K. Gelbke, M.D. Fellowship Trained in Orthopaedic Traumatology, and Adult Reconstruction Hip and Knee Surgery John A. Vallin, M.D. Non-operative Spine Care, Neck and Back Pain, Pain Medicine Gene A. Slocum, M.D. Fellowship Trained in Pain Medicine, Non-operative Spine Care Royce G. Pyette, M.D. Non-operative Musculoskeletal Care, US Ski Team Physician

Where we help you lead WWW.BRIDGERORTHOPEDIC.COM TEL: 406.587.0122 FAX: 406.587.5548 a healthier and more active life. 1450 Ellis Street, Ste. 201, Bozeman, MT 59715 G6 | Saturday, October 1, 2011 bozeman daily chronicle BOBCAT GAME DAY Sacramento State at Montana State 1:35 p.m. Bobcat Stadium

The Edge De p t h c h a r t s Montana State Sacramento State Sa c r a m e n t o St a t e a t Mo n t a n a St a t e Offense Defense LEFT TACKLE END When Montana State has the ball 68 Conrad Burbank 6-4/297 Sr 10 David Coleman 6-2/225 Sr 79 Quinn Catalano 6-5/276 Fr 94 Trent Eskew 6-3/235 S0 Rushing: Sacramento State has EDGE State head coach Rob Ash said Sac LEFT GUARD NOSE TACKLE shown a soft spot in defending the State is “three out of four back”, 57 Casey Dennehy 6-1/280 Sr 62 Matt Lawrence 5-10/265 Jr run, something that should bode well meaning the Hornets rely heavily on 62 Ben Tauanuu 6-4/300 Jr 97 Nathan Castro 6-0/325 Fr for a Montana State running game their front seven to stop the run. The CENTER DEFENSIVE TACKLE that’s churning on all cylinders. The team will run a lot of man coverage 56 Shaun Sampson 6-0/277 Jr 95 Matt Agaiava 5-11/280 Sr Hornets are surrendering 214 rushing and press receivers off the line while 61 Alex Terrien 6-4/283 Sr 99 Alesana Laban 6-1/290 Jr yards per game. In mid-September, attempting to bring pressure with an RIGHT GUARD END Weber State cranked out 324 yards array of blitzes. 61 Alex Terrien 6-4/283 Sr 98 Zack Nash 6-4/260 Sr on the ground, including more than Montana State offensive line coach 75 Andrew Verlanic 6-4/279 Jr 90 Ben Cowger 6-5/240 Fr 300 after halftime. Jason McEndoo said his unit has spent all RIGHT TACKLE WILL LINEBACKER Since being held to 75 rushing yards against week preparing for a Sac State team that 50 Leo Davis 6-4/300 Sr 91 Todd Davis 6-1/230 So Utah, Montana State is averaging 250 yards per blitzes as much as any team in the Big Sky 72 Stephen Memory 6-4/295 Jr 48 Henry Fernandez 5-11/215 So game. The ‘Cats’ schemes on the offensive line Conference. QUARTERBACK MIDDLE LINEBACKER seem to become more diverse and perplexing Look for Montana State to slow the Hornets’ 9 DeNarius McGhee 6-0/213 So 11 Jeff Badger 5-11/230 Jr to opposing defenses each week. Running swarm by using screen passes and play-action. 5 Grayson Galloway 6-4/207 Jr 42 Cody Allen 6-0/240 So backs Cody Kirk and Tray Robinson continue Robinson has proven to be an effective threat RUNNING BACK CORNERBACK to get stronger as well. Kirk has two 100-yard on screen plays this season, as has Kirk. If 25 Cody Kirk 5-10/214 So 7 Kyle Monson 5-6/175 Sr games in his last three outings and the only Montana State can get its run game going 7 Tray Robinson 6-1/221 Jr 22 Corey Vanderbeek 5-9/175 So reason he didn’t go over the century mark in all early, it could be a long day for the Sac State X RECEIVER CORNERBACK three is he didn’t get a single second-half carry defense. The ground game should open up 1 Elvis Akpla 6-1/190 Sr 32 Osagie Odiase 6-1/175 So two weeks ago against Minot State. Robinson play-action, which in turn will spark the passing 4 John Ellis 5-10/180 So 9 Marquese Smith 5-9/195 Sr continues to get more comfortable with the game. Z RECEIVER STRONG SAFETY MSU offense through four games as a Bobcat Last season, quarterback DeNarius McGhee 86 Tanner Bleskin 6-3/215 So 6 Ryan McMahon 6-0/190 Jr after transferring from Nebraska. Robinson had a threw for 385 yards and four touchdowns 84 Brian Flotkoetter 6-2/205 Fr 40 Manasa Kikau 5-10/200 Jr career-high 68 yards on 14 carries last weekend against the Hornets. If Montana State can W RECEIVER FREE SAFETY at Eastern Washington. maintain the balance it desires, McGhee won’t 14 Everett Gilbert 5-9/195 Jr 39 Joe Larche 6-0/210 Sr Sacramento State has oodles of speed and is approach those numbers, but Montana State 10 Kruiz Siewing 5-11/189 Jr 28 Dexter Alcala 5-10/175 Fr very multiple in its defensive alignments. Look could certainly pile up points just like during TIGHT END NICKELBACK for Montana State to go to the ground early last October’s 64-61 overtime thriller taken by 89 Steven Foster 6-5/260 Jr 4 Evander Wilkins 5-6/175 Sr and often with much success today. the ‘Cats in Sacramento. 88 Shane Robison 6-5/260 Sr 31 Markell Williams 5-8/180 Sr Passing: In the defensive secondary, Montana EDGE: Montana State. KICKER PUNTER 15 Jason Cunningham 6-1/180 Sr 38 Augie Heath 5-11/175 Sr When sacramento state has the ball Defense Offense Rushing: The Hornets’ offense has can be traced to the inconsistent play END LEFT TACKLE been much like this year’s Sac State EDGE of Fleming. The elusive scrambler is the 11 John Laidet 6-5/255 Sr 77 Nate Doverspike 6-5/285 Sr team as a whole: bipolar. But one Hornets’ second-leading rusher behind 41 Brad Daly 6-1/232 So 75 Clay DePauw 6-3/280 Jr thing that’s been consistent is the run Hilliard with 193 yards and is averaging TACKLE LEFT GUARD game. Since netting 71 yards in a season- 4.5 yards per carry. 96 Zach Minter 6-1/285 Jr 75 Clay DePauw 6-3/280 Jr opening 29-28 win over Oregon State, Sac ? But it’s Fleming’s ability to keep plays 99 Brian Bignell 6-2/255 Jr 72 Devonte Martin 6-2/325 Fr has averaged 217 yards per game on the alive in the pocket that brings this offense NOSE TACKLE CENTER ground. success. When Fleming is accurate and 98 Christian Keli’i 6-0/305 Jr 71 Dustin Pfaff 5-11/270 Sr Last week against a Montana defense herald- takes care of the ball, the Hornets have a dyna- 97 Zach Logan 6-4/295 Fr 75 Clay DePauw 6-3/280 Jr ed as a stout unit against the run, the Hornets mite offensive attack. When Fleming fizzles, the BANDIT RIGHT GUARD ground out 238 yards rushing, averaging nearly wheels come off. 49 Caleb Schreibeis 6-3/253 Jr 73 Tyler Worthley 6-3/320 So five yards per tote. In the Hornets’ wins over Montana and OSU, 48 Connor Verlanic 6-4/231 Fr 64 Aaron Gasper 6-1/285 Jr Senior tailback Bryan Hilliard had 100 yards Fleming averaged 241 yards passing, 46 yards SAM LINEBACKER RIGHT TACKLE on 22 carries, Sam McCowan totaled 66 yards rushing, and accounted for nine total touch- 2 Na’a Moeakiola 5-11/220 Sr 74 Derek Stickney 6-6/280 Fr on 14 carries and senior quarterback Jeff Flem- downs and no interceptions. In the Hornets’ 44 Aleksei Grosulak 5-10/215 So 65 Vince Weaver 6-5/285 Jr ing had 59 yards on the ground, including a losses to Weber (49-17 in Week 3) and South- MIKE LINEBACKER QUARTERBACK pair of rushing touchdowns. ern Utah (35-14 in Week 2), Fleming threw for 42 Clay Bignell 6-2/240 Sr 18 Jeff Fleming 6-4/200 Sr During MSU’s three-game winning streak, 154 yards per game, tossing just one touch- 51 Michael Foster 6-1/232 Fr 12 Garrett Safron 6-1/190 Fr the Bobcats assumed early leads in the first down against three interceptions. WILL LINEBACKER RUNNING BACK two wins. Montana State was ahead 28-7 over Last week against UM, Fleming and the Hor- 23 Jody Owens 6-1/221 Jr 34 Bryan Hilliard 5-11/215 Sr UC Davis at halftime. The ‘Cats led Minot State nets executed brilliantly, rolling to 462 yards 29 Cole Moore 6-2/221 Fr 24 Sam McCowan 5-7/170 Jr 38-0 after intermission. Even during last week’s of total offense — 238 on the ground, 254 in BOUNDARY CORNER RECEIVER 36-21 win over Eastern Washington, the Eagles the air — in defeating the Griz for the first time 13 Morris Norrise 5-11/180 So all but abandoned the run game down the in school history. The Montana State defense 13 Darius Jones 5-10/179 Jr stretch. currently leads the Big Sky in almost every 8 Zach Coleman 5-10/172 Jr 82 Kenonte Howard 6-2/200 Jr Don’t expect the Hornets to go away from defensive category, but Sac State knows what ROVER RECEIVER the running game. Not unless Montana State it needs to do to execute. Today, it’s simply a 5 Joel Fuller 6-0/200 Jr 1 Brandyn Reed 6-3/190 Sr jolts out to an early lead. Sacramento State, like matter of doing it. 31 Robert Marshall 6-0/202 Fr 17 John Henderschott 6-2/200 Sr the Bobcats, strive for offensive balance and in If the Hornets can get in a groove offensively, FREE SAFETY RECEIVER a game that should be close throughout, the a shootout like last season’s could transpire. If 28 Steven Bethley 5-11/210 So 81 Chase Deadder 6-5/215 Sr Hornets will continue to pound the rock for Fleming is off the mark however, it could be a 6 Heath Howard 5-10/190 Jr 84 Justin Chastain 6-1/205 Jr four quarters. long afternoon for the Hornets. FIELD CORNER TIGHT END Passing: Much of Sac State’s bipolar season EDGE: Even. 17 Sean Gords 5-10/188 So 83 Reese Heaslett 6-3/240 Jr 37 Deonte Flowers 5-11/168 Fr 47 DJ Maciel 6-4/250 So PUNTER KICKER INTANGIBLES 18 Rory Perez 6-3/179 So 68 Jason Diniz 5-10/175 Fr The Bobcats are riding a three- EDGE good reason, and when this group is game win streak in which the team enthusiastic, they are fun to watch. has gotten better each week. Last On the other side of the spectrum, week against EWU, the team earned the Hornets just earned a landmark win really not knowing what to its first win in Cheney since 1990 and on their home turf against a Montana Dumas/from G1 think about my football career became the first team ever to win on squad that has had their number for and whether I should even be the Eagles’ red turf. The defensive a decade and a half. Now the team But in 2008, a new field- pursuing it,” Fleming said. performance led by BSC Defensive must go on the road still in search of house was completed, includ- Just five days before Sac Player of the Week junior defensive end Caleb finding consistency. This Sac team has proven ing a 6,000-foot weight room. State began fall camp a year Schreibeis was arguably the team’s best. that, when at its best, they can play with anyone. The university also built a ago, Sperbeck brought him in. Because it’s homecoming and because of But what Hornet team will show up in Bozeman 151,000-square-foot recre- After the Hornets lost their the win streak, enthusiasm on campus is sky- today? Don’t be surprised if the Hornets suffer a ation and wellness center that starting quarterback in Week high; the buzz in the community is building. Grizzly hangover in Bobcat Stadium. houses four basketball courts, 1, Fleming was their man. Has a track, a climbing wall, a been ever since. The ‘Cats should be fired up for this game for EDGE: Montana State. multi-purpose sport court for “He’s had a huge impact indoor soccer and volleyball, on my life – giving me that racquetball. second chance,” Fleming said overall And Hornet Stadium (ca- of Sperbeck. “I grabbed it and The Montana State running game will be the pacity 21,000) installed Field ran with it.” key. As Robinson continues to emerge, the ‘Cats Turf before last season. The same can be said of suddenly have two running backs who can carry “It’s night and day from MSU’s signal caller, DeN- the ball 25 times apiece per game. That, coupled where it was,” Nash said of the arius McGhee. Many schools with McGhee’s newfound propensity to run campus feel. wanted to convert him to between the tackles himself (he had a career- Jeff Fleming knows all about defensive back coming out of revitalization. Sac State’s start- high school, but the Bobcats high 77 rushing yards last weekend), makes the ing quarterback felt cast aside gave him an opportunity and Bobcat running game diverse and tough to stop. a little more than a year ago. he ran (and passed) with it. Weber State gashed the Sac defense two weeks He had been the starter What this all means is that ago. If Sac’s athletic secondary gives McGhee at New Mexico State for the Sac State is just another can- trouble early, look for MSU to pound the ball 2009 season when, just weeks didate when it comes to break- in the middle of the field all afternoon. Sac has before the season opener, ing up the “Big Three” in the looked dangerous at times, but as in head coach Fleming was informed that he conference after the Montana 38 Marshall Sperbeck’s previous four seasons, the 24 was being converted to a wild- schools and Eastern Wash- Hornets simply can’t find consistency. That cat quarterback/slot receiver. ington have recently made up doesn’t bode well for a team coming to a hostile A QB since age 5, he wanted that elite group. environment to play a team that continues to none of it. “Sac State is on the rise,” gain momentum each week. “It was really hurtful,” Flem- Ash said. “They’re going to ing told me before Sac State’s be one of the upper echelon practice on Wednesday. teams in the Big Sky.” The decision caused him And teams are going to have question his football future to wipe their feet elsewhere. Can I really play this game? Tim Dumas can be reached Analysis by COLTER NUANEZ of the Chronicle Am I not good enough for this? at [email protected] “I went through a day of and 582-2651. bozeman daily chronicle Saturday, October 1, 2011 | G5 BOBCAT GAME DAY Sacramento State at Montana State 1:35 p.m. Bobcat Stadium

Weber looks to keep Eastern winless Line/from G1 “Honestly, we wouldn’t be here without them,” added sophomore tailback Cody By COLTER NUANEZ Kirk, who has rushed for more than 100 Chronicle Sports Writer yards twice in the last three weeks. “Those guys are tough. They are hard-nosed, they As the third week of Big Sky Confer- go to work and bust their butts every day.” ence play begins today, just three teams By today’s super-sized standards, the remain undefeated in the league stand- Bobcat offensive front may be considered ings. small. But what the unit lacks in girth, Behind Mike Hoke’s five touchdown they make up for in quickness, technique, passes, Weber State secured the Big tactics and mental fortitude. Opposing Sky’s only winning streak thus far as defenses might throw an array of differ- the Wildcats moved to 2-0 (2-2 over- ent looks at MSU, but not before the ’Cat all) with a 45-21 win over Northern offensive line baffles them with twists and Colorado. folds of their own. No. 4 Montana State (3-1) kept “It’s a testament to the type of players we defending national champion Eastern have,” McEndoo said. “Week in and week Washington (0-4) winless by posting out, we can run different schemes. I don’t a 36-21 win in Cheney, Wash., in the think people can ever really get a bead on, Bobcats Big Sky opener. zero in on what we are doing all the time. Portland State (1-0 in Big Sky, 2-1 We can run inside zone, outside zone, overall) fell 55-13 to Texas Christian of counter, sweep, pretty much all the concepts the FBS. out there. I have a smart group of guys, an This week, the Vikings travel to athletic group of guys that can do a lot of Pocatello for homecoming weekend different things.” to face a much-improved State To execute such a diverse blocking (1-1, 2-2) squad. It’s homecoming at the scheme, communication is as crucial as (1-1, 2-2) as well comprehension. as Northern Colorado (0-2, 0-4) travels AP “It’s five guys who have to work as one,” Weber State’s Shaydon Kehano runs for a touchdown against Northern Colorado last week. north to Missoula in search of its first said Terrien, a native of Auburn, Wash. win. Weber will look to continue to roll defense, played well on offense. For 28 “There is only one quarterback, at most two as the Wildcats head to the “Inferno” to minutes, the guys realized that not only running backs, three wide receivers. Offen- take on EWU. MSU hosts No. 20 Sac- Standings Team Conf. All can we play with anybody, we can beat sive line is five guys that have to work right ramento State (1-1, 2-2) in Bozeman in anybody.” together because if we don’t work together, the key Big Sky tilt of the week. North- Montana 1-0 2-1 Idaho State 1-0 2-1 Today’s matchup will be a battle of someone is getting blown up in the back ern Arizona (1-1, 2-2) has a bye. Portland State 1-0 2-0 contrasting styles. The run-oriented field.” “The league race is really starting to Weber State 1-0 1-2 Vikings will have to slow down the “(Communication) is crucial, I’m not heat up, so it should be fun for everyone Montana State 0-0 2-1 pass-happy Bengals. ISU enters the day going to say important, I’m going to say cru- involved,” said ISU head coach Mike Sacramento State 0-1 1-2 throwing for a conference-high 394 cial, added Davis. “We have the intangibles. I Kramer Wednesday. Northern Arizona 0-1 1-2 Northern Colorado 0-1 0-3 yards per contest. know the guys to my right is going to do his job, the guy to my left is going to do his job, Weber State at Eastern Washington 0-1 0-3 “Offensively, I see a difference Today’s Games so I have to do my job too. Eastern Washington because they have an identity,” Burton Sacramento St. at Montana State, 1:35 p.m. said. “Last year, they were still trying to Burbank keeps it simple, saying, “We use The Wildcats may be the only Big Northern Colorado at Montana, 1:35 p.m. find that identity and what they wanted our athleticism to our advantage.” Sky team to put together back-to-back Portland State at Idaho State, 1:35 p.m. to be. Coach Kramer has done a nice Five become one each Saturday, but the league wins this season, but now they Weber St. at Eastern Washington, 1:35 p.m. job of saying this is what we are going unit is certainly a collection of five different are faced with entering hostile territory. to do, we are going to throw the football characters. Burbank plays the roll of the si- Until last weekend, no visiting team and be a quick strike offense.” lent, smiley left tackle, quick with a grin and had ever won on EWU’s trademark “Every year is different and if you coach long enough, you are going to concise with his words. When asked what blood-red turf. Following the loss to Northern Colorado at his favorite part about playing offensive line MSU, now EWU has to find a way to have years where you end up with more injuries,” Baldwin said. “Last year, we Montana is, he swiftly answers “Chicks.” stop a four-game skid to the smash- Last Saturday, Montana fell to Sac- Terrien, the captain of the crew, is the co- mouth Wildcats. were lucky, we stayed relatively healthy. You have to appreciate those years when ramento State 42-28, marking the first median, keeping things loose with laughter. “It absolutely doesn’t get any easier; you do, but the years you don’t you have time in 17 contests that the Hornets He is either harassing Dennehy and Samp- Weber State is playing really good foot- to get the young guys ready. I’m excited defeated the Grizzlies son for their perceived lack of athleticism or ball,” said EWU fourth-year head coach for the young guys.” “It was disappointing; streaks are making a wise crack. Tuesday, he joked it’s Beau Baldwin. “Coach McBride and his awesome when they are going great and a tie between donuts and having a luscious, staff do a good job. It’s pretty in-your- Portland State at at one time this outstanding university healthy body that makes him love playing face as what you have to do. They are Idaho State beat the other university in this state O-line. extremely good at running the football. The Bengals already have more wins (MSU) 16 times in a row and that was a Dennehy is often the fall guy, taking Defensively, they get up in your face. in their first season under Kramer than tough streak to have snapped,” said UM teasing from his mates with a quick smile. They do a great job of playing what we they totaled in all of 2010. The coach head coach Robin Pflugrad. “Those are The Butte native may be the butt of the joke like to call ‘big boy football’. You have to said the enthusiasm in the community tough things that resonate in your mind sometimes, but his performance on the field prepare yourself in a physical sense to is starting to gain legs. Today, the team and they are tough to get rid of. Like any has spoken for itself. be able to handle that.” will celebrate homecoming by reuniting sport, you have to move on and get rid “Casey is having a great year, I’m really Ron McBride’s team has gone about the 1981 national championship team in of those things.” pleased with Casey right now,” McEndoo earning two straight wins with varying Holt Arena before the game. Montana will look to rid itself of last said. “He really put the work in over the approaches. In WSU’s 49-17 win over “We have a lot of former great players week’s memory by taking on the cellar summer. We had a battle going with him and Sac State, the Wildcats rushed for more back in town from that team including dwellar of the league in front of a sellout the (Oregon State transfer Tyler) Thomas than 350 yards following halftime. Last the great quarterback Mike Machurek homecoming crowd. kid. Casey put in the time and effort and week against UNC, Hoke completed and the great coach ,” “The neat thing about the University Thomas fizzled. He is taking full advantage 20-of-25 passes for 280 yards and five Kramer said Wednesday. “They’ve been of Montana is our fan base,” Pflugrad of that opportunity right now.” touchdowns. pretty instrumental in our arrival in said. “Sometimes those fans aren’t real Davis is the most vocal of the group, ignit- “We are still trying to find out who Pocatello and we are pretty honored to happy either, but it’s a neat place to ing a fire in the offensive front and the rest we are as a football team,” McBride said. have those guys back. play and it’s great place to play as an of his teammates each game. McGhee calls “We are just trying to continue to go “The tension we feel having to play a opponent. It’s mostly positive, but it’s him the “inspirational one”. forward and make this team better. We very tough-minded, very hard-running positive for both teams. It’s always neat Sampson optimizes a center. He has a are trying to concentrate on the things football team from Portland State is to play at home no matter where you are mean streak and a fearless nature in the way we don’t do well and try to do them surpassed maybe by the tension we feel in .” he plays, but his attention to detail is appar- better.” having to play well in front of those Earnest Collins Jr.’s team is still trying ent as well. “We like to be consistent throughout guys.” to help the first-year head coach earn While posing for a photo for this story, the game, but we have some explosive The Vikings will look to get their his first win. He said he and his team are Sampson made certain to line up the MSU players who can make plays. Those league-leading running game (271 yards aware of the raucous environment they helmets precisely and ensured the details guys put themselves in a good position. per contest) back on track following are entering this weekend, but feels his of the photo were just right. His evolution Hopefully, we can continue to keep the gaining just 44 rushing yards against team can prepare for the challenge. from walk-on to squad member to letter- ball in the guys’ hands who can make the Horned Frogs. Despite the team’s “For us, it’s just another chance for us man to starting Big Sky Conference center plays.” struggles running out of its go-to pistol to see where we are as a football team,” is something McEndoo has been thrilled to The hardships continue for Baldwin’s offense, PSU still stood tied 3-3 with Collins said. “For them, it’s homecom- have a hand in. team. Against MSU, the Eagles saw All- TCU until the two-minute mark of the ing, but for us it’s a chance to see where “Sometimes, it’s not about height, weight, America senior center Chris Powers go first half. we are and try to get a win. I’ve been up size or speed,” McEndoo said. “Shaun Samp- down. Then this week, Eastern learned “I felt as if we controlled the first half there once in 2002 (as a UNC player) son, you’d probably out-recruit that kid 10 that senior linebacker Zach Johnson’s pretty well,” said Portland State head and I understand the level of excite- out of 10 times if you could get somebody ment, the level of noise that will be season is finished and senior wide coach Nigel Burton. “It wasn’t a case bigger and stronger. But at the end of the receiver Brandon Kaufman’s status is in there. We are doing everything we can of them making mistakes. I feel like day, he plays with good fundamentals, he question due to a broken hand. we controlled the tempo very well on to get our team prepared for it.” knows his assignments, he is a mechanical engineer and he plays his butt off. The kid straight gets it done.” McGhee said the offensive line as a whole it on campus,” said Bobcat simply gets it done. Hornets/ “We are excited about the crowd, excited about junior defensive end Caleb “Those dudes, man, they are all extremely from G1 having a bunch of people at the game, but as far as Schreibeis, the defending grimy and that’s what we love about them,” BSC Defensive Player of the said the quarterback with a laugh. motivation, I think this team is going to be ready for Week. “People are excited As Montana State prepares to take on the The Montana win could about this team and they are blitz-happy Hornets of Sacramento State certainly prove to be a sig- every single football game this year.” excited to watch us. There’s in Bobcat Stadium today, the offensive line nature victory as the Big Sky — Rob Ash, MSU head coach definitely a buzz on campus will face another stiff test. The Hornets will season progresses. Sperbeck that’s definitely unlike any- bring as much pressure as any opponent said he sees his team devel- do that. We are searching for year,” said Ash. thing since I’ve been here.” MSU faces this year, moving All-America oping into the squad many the answer still.” The Hornets played in Homecoming holds a defensive end Zack Nash up and down the around America hyped Sacramento State will look front of 12,571 fans last certain allure and tradition, line. But McEndoo knows his unit is up for as one of the nation’s up- to continue its quest for a weekend. More than 18,000 helping to build hype each the challenge, just as they have been for each and-coming teams. But the win streak on the weekend fans are expected at Bobcat season. But Ash thinks the challenge before. He takes pride in the face Hornets still need to find that the Bobcats celebrate home- Stadium today. Fleming, for hype is a product of success. that he’s been able to watch the quintet grow form for more than one week. coming. MSU head coach one, said he is excited to play “The energy around the into the unit he coaches now. “I think you have to do Rob Ash said his team likes in front of a packed house. program has been very good “I’m a pretty fortunate coach,” McEndoo it more than one game in the buzz around campus “It will be exciting com- since the beginning,” Ash said. “With the attrition rate in college foot- a row,” said Sperbeck, who associated with homecoming ing into an environment said. “The energy around ball, a lot of coaches don’t get to recruit a kid is 22-27 at Sac State. “We festivities, but he wants the like that,” Fleming said. “It’s the stadium building and the and coach him through his entire career. I’ve played well last week, but ’Cats to be focused on the awesome to play in front of opener, the energy last week- been here nine seasons at Montana State and we have to be able to come dangerous visitors entering people supporting not only end at Eastern Washington I recruited each one of those kids. I know back and repeat that from a Bobcat Stadium. their team, but the game of was fantastic. It was on the their families. I’ve seen them through five consistency standpoint.” “We are excited about the college football.” road, but we still had a good years on campus. That’s special. For me as a “We really have all the crowd, excited about having The Bobcats are attempt- crowd. It’s good to have the coach, I have connections to those kids. I’ve tools in each facet of the a bunch of people at the ing to downplay the hoopla alumni back and all the extra seen them grow up from 18 year old kids to game, it just falls on our game, but as far as motiva- surrounding homecoming. hype surrounding the game, young men about to graduate from college. shoulders to put it all to- tion for the game, I really But there’s a definitive buzz we enjoy that, but it’s all part That’s a neat experience. gether,” added Fleming. “Two think this football team is building surrounding this of being a football team. We “Not a lot of coaches can say that.” games this season, unfortu- going to be ready for every MSU team that’s undeniable. still need to take care of busi- Colter Nuanez can be reached at cnuanez@ nately we haven’t been able to single football game this “You definitely hear about ness.” dailychronicle.com and 582-2690. G4 | Saturday, October 1, 2011 bozeman daily chronicle BOZEMAN FORD www.bozemanford.com

051-F 1102 051-F 2011 SUPER DUTY® 1102 REGNAR UP TO 23 HWY MPG1 ★ ★ UP TO 27 HWY MPG5 BEST-IN-CLASS Fuel Economy 1 BEST-IN-CLASS Fuel Economy 3 cient Pickup5 BEST-IN-CLASS Horsepower and Torque2 BEST-IN-CLASS Horsepower and Torque4 Ranger Quality Beats Toyota Tacoma6 % % % 0 FOR 60 0 FOR 60 0 FOR 60 APR MONTHS APR MONTHS APR MONTHS OR $1500 OR $1000 OR $5000 CASH BACK ** CASH BACK *** CASH BACK *

1E PA-estimated 17 city/23 hwy/19 combined mpg, 3.7L V6 4x2. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR, Non-H2Wybhreidn. properly equipped. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR, Non-Hybrid3. Based on Ford drive cycle tests of comparably equipped 2011 Ford and 2010/2011 competitive m4Coladsesl sis. Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR. Available 6.7L Power Strok¨e V8 Turbo Diesel.5 EPA-estimated 22 city/27 hwy/24 combined mpg, I-4 manual 4x6B2a. sed on RDA Group’s GQRS cumulative survey at three months of service in three surveys of 2010 Ford and competitive owners conducted 9/09-57 /10.

Not all buyers will qualify. *2011 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 Four-Door w/ Automatic Transmission. Total cash Back is a Combination of $2,000 retail customer cash + $1,000 retail open bonus cash, $1,000 Promotional retail open bonus cash, $1,0001EPA- openestim bonusated cash 17 ande city/23 $2,250 trade-inhwy/19 assistance combined cash. Not mpg, all ranger 3.7L models V6 4x will2. qualifyClass for is allFull-Size offers. 60 Pickupspayments over under 62 months 8,500 at $16.67lbs. GV perWR, monthly Non-Hybr payment2When perid .$1,000 proper financedly equip regardlessped. of Class down payment. is Full-Size Not available Pickups on under hybrids or F-150 Raptor. ** Total cash back3 on '11 F150 is a combination of $1,000 regionally funded trade in assistance cash and $500 open bonus cash effective 6-1-11 – 9-30-11.4 *** Total cash back on '11 Super duty is $1,000 regionally funded8,500 trade lbs. in GVassistanceWR, Non-Hybr cash effectiveid 6-1-11. Based – 9-30-11. on F Trade-inord driv 1995e-c oryc newerle tes FLMts ofor competitivecomparab vehiclely equipped required or lease 2011 terminated Ford and from 2010/20116-1-11 – 9-30-11. competitive models.Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR. Available 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel.5 EPA-estimated 22 city/27 hwy/24 combined mpg, I-4 manual 4x2.6Based on RDA Group’s GQRS cumulative survey at three months of service in three surveys of 2010 Ford and competitive owners conducted 9/09-57 /10.

BOZEMAN FORD www.bozemanford.com 2900 N. 19th Ave. 5PMM'SFFr.BJO bozeman daily chronicle Saturday, October 1, 2011 | G3 2011

Photo by Erik Petersen

#7 // Running Back Tray Robinson BUY 4 TIRES, GET CASH Quick Lane-installed retail tire purchases only, limit one redemption per customer. Purchase $ tires between 10/1/11 and 11/30/11. Rebate form must be submitted by 12/31/11. See Quick Lane 100 REBATE Manager for vehicle applications and rebate details. *mail-in rebate WINTER $4595 CHANGEOVER t.PVOUBOECBMBODFTOPXUJSFT t'SFFNVMUJQPJOUJOTQFDUJPO 2VJDL-BOFt-PDBUFEBU#P[FNBO'PSE /UI "DSPTTGSPN$PTUDP t OPEN.PO'SJBNQNt4BUBNQN Visit www.quicklane.com for more money saving specials G2 | Saturday, October 1, 2011 bozeman daily chronicle BOBCAT GAME DAY Sacramento State at Montana State 1:35 p.m. Bobcat Stadium

Sideline Teams set for ‘huge’ game Tim Briefing Dumas MSU looking aged 241 yards a game and threw Chronicle for 11 touchdowns. Sports Editor Records In Sac’s two wins this sea- Montana State 3-1 , 1-0 Big Sky for early leg up son, Fleming is averaging 240 Sacramento State 2-2, 1-1 passing yards and 46 rushing in Big Sky race yards, accounting for seven total Series touchdowns. In his team’s losses, Hornets 20th meeting, MSU leads 13-6 the senior has averaged just 154 By COLTER NUANEZ yards per game and has thrown Chronicle Sports Writer just one touchdown to three Weather forecast interceptions. a Sad Sac Sunny, high 84 It’s hard to forget a footba Fleming’s ability to scramble is ll game like the one played one of the crucial keys to his ef- Crowd between Montana State and fectiveness. Containing Fleming no longer Sacramento State last October. Sellout of 19,000 expected and keeping him in the pocket WELCOME. But both sides seem to have done is something the MSU defense is That was once a symbol so successfully, with motivation honed in on. for Sacramento State foot- TV coming from a dire need to focus “(His elusiveness) changes a lot ball, a program nearing its th ABC (Chris Byers, Mike Callaghan, on today’s task at hand. AP with pass rushes and being as- 50 anniversary. AJ Donatoni) Reminiscing about last season’s Jeff Fleming has been outstanding signment sound with where you There have been just 18 64-61 overtime thriller eventu- in his team’s two wins this season. are at with your pass rush,” said winning seasons, includ- Radio ally taken by the Bobcats is good MSU junior defensive end Caleb ing one since 2000. Just one talk for the water cooler. But the run. Opponents are rushing Schreibeis, the defending BSC Hornet coach has more wins KXLB-FM (100.7), Jeff Lasky, Dan there’s no time for either team to for more than 210 yards a game Defensive Player of the Week. than losses at the school. Davies, Tyler Wiltgen dwell on memories past. Instead, against Sac, including a 324-yard “We are definitely going to take And Sac State has a winning the Hornets and the Bobcats are smack in the mouth courtesy of that into account this week as we mark against only two Big squarely focused on earning a leg Weber State. prepare. We have to go back to Sky Conference schools. Coaches up in what is shaping up to be a The Hornets’ struggle in stop- the fundamentals we’ve practiced Doormat. Big Sky Conference title race to ping the run bodes well for a all camp, the stuff that’s been Not any more. Oppo- remember. Montana State offense that has engraved in our heads. We are nents aren’t wiping their “I think this is a huge early- rushed for more than 230 yards a good defense, so we should be feet on the Hornets now. season game,” said Montana State in each of its last three games. able to transition cleanly.” Just ask the Montana Griz- head coach Rob Ash, whose team But the Bobcats can hurt teams Fleming said he has been zlies, who beat Sac every enters today with a 3-1 record, through the air as well. McGhee preparing hard to take on an which way for 16 years 1-1 in the league. “We have a is the defending Big Sky Of- MSU defense that ranks in the before getting bounced last great opportunity because they fensive Player of the Year. While top 10 nationally in total defense weekend. do have a win over another quali- he had just 161 yards passing in ROB (283 yards per game) and scoring Keep an eye on these marshall ty team in this league (Montana). MSU’s 36-21 win over Eastern defense (17.5 points per game). Hornets. Not just today, ASH sperbeck We can take a huge step forward Washington last week, the signal MSU, 5th year “They are aggressive, they play but after they’re gone; their Sac, 5th year by doing something Montana caller ran for a career-high 77 really well together, so we just program looks at lot like 32nd year overall 5th year overall did not do by knocking Sac State yards and a score. 32-18 at MSU 22-27 at Sac have to make our right calls and Montana State’s. 208-117-5 overall 22-27 overall down to two league losses.” “The thing about (Montana take shots when they give them Both brought in new Today marks homecoming State’s) offense is they are very to us,” Fleming said. coaches in 2007 under not- Schedules on the MSU campus. A sellout balanced and they have a great Offensively, one of the most so-favorable circumstances. is expected at Bobcat Stadium. quarterback that can throw the Sac State was on academic Sacramento State important duties the Bobcats will Alumni and Bobcat faithful are ball around,” said Sacramento face will be locating Sac senior probation when Marshall 29 @ Oregon St. 28 sure to fill the Gallatin Val- State fifth-year head coach Mar- defensive lineman Zack Nash. Sperbeck was hired; Mon- 14 @ So. Utah 35 ley all weekend. But MSU has shall Sperbeck. “If you take that The Buck Buchanan Award tana State was trying to dis- 17 @ Weber St. 49 bigger goals than honing in on away, they are going to run the watch list member has been tance itself from a number 42 Montana 28 one game simply because of the ball at you with a couple of really moved all around the Hornets of off-the-field incidents Today @ Montana St. 1:35 p.m. festivities. good backs (Cody Kirk and Tray defense thus far this season. when Rob Ash was handed Robinson). They compliment 10/8 @ No. Colorado 1:35 p.m. “Sure, it’s homecoming, but “It gives everybody including the keys. 10/22 E. Washington 7:05 p.m. it’s as crucial as any other game each other nicely. We think they Problems that are well in do a good job in their prepara- me a lot more opportunities to 10/29 No. Arizona 7:05 p.m. because in order to get where we make plays, which is always fun,” the rearview mirror now. want to get, we have to win week tion and how they attack you. 11/5 @ Portland St. 2:05 p.m. Nash said. Both coaches have built in and week out,” said sopho- They are a very sound offense.” 11/12 Idaho St. 7:05 p.m. “We have to know where programs with mostly high more quarterback DeNarius To find the challenge of slow- 11/19 UC Davis 3:05 p.m. (Nash) is on every play because school players and both McGhee. “This is another step ing down the Hornet offense, currently have starting toward where we want to go.” Montana State might look at he is an outstanding player,” Ash Montana State said. “They like to get him in quarterbacks that were “This game is very important,” itself. Sac is averaging 387 total previously unwanted. 10 at Utah 27 added MSU senior right tackle yards per game — 207 through one-on-one situations and see if he can win. He is one of the most Each school has recently 38 UC Davis 14 Leo Davis. “It’s homecoming, you the air and 180 on the ground. So upgraded its athletic facili- 43 Minot St. 7 don’t want to lose homecoming, similar is MSU and Sac’s abili- productive defensive linemen in the conference.” ties as well. 36 @ Eastern Washington 21 that’s No. 1. But this game is a big ties to stay balanced, Ash nearly The results have boosted Today Sacramento St. 1:35 p.m. game because the winner of this echoed Sperbeck when describ- While Nash is a standout, Davis said the rigors of the both football programs, 10/8 @ Portland St. 2:05 p.m. game will have a leg up. They are ing the task his defense faces. season, internally and externally, most notably Sac State, 10/15 Northern Arizona 1:05 p.m. a great team and every team we “The challenge is in their bal- which last year won five will face in this league is a great ance,” Ash said. “They run the have him and his offensive line 10/22 @ Northern Colorado 1:35 p.m. mates well tested and ready to conference games for the 10/29 Idaho St. 12:05 p.m. team. That’s what I love about ball hard, they try to run, they first time in 10 years. keep trying to run and they don’t slow down whatever is thrown 11/5 @ Weber St. 1:35 p.m. the Big Sky. Every day is like a “I’m really impressed championship game.” go away from it, which gives at them. 11/19 Montana 12:05 p.m. “Week in and week out, it with what Marshall’s done,” It’s been a tale of two teams them play-action off of that. (Se- Ash said. “He’s doing a lot seems like there’s a high-caliber thus far in 2011 for the visiting nior quarterback Jeff) Fleming of similar things that I’m Players to watch Hornets. Sac (2-2, 1-1 Big Sky) is gets back there and he has good defensive end,” Davis said. “It trying to do with building a SAC STATE: RB Bryan Hilliard has fresh off the program’s first win receivers. Marshall has always goes back to the defensive ends program.” two 100-yard games this season in 17 tries over the University wanted to take shots down the we’ve had here. We have guys like At 27,000 students, Sacra- and ran one in for 70 yards last of Montana after waxing the field. The new dimension really Caleb Schreibeis, (senior) John mento State owns one of year vs. Montana State. Grizzlies 42-28 last weekend. The has been Fleming scrambling, Laidet. I played against (New the largest enrollments in England Patriots’) Dane Fletcher. MONTANA STATE: WR. Hornets also snapped a 49-game the plays he makes with his feet.” the Big Sky. Yet crowds at losing streak by Big Sky Confer- Fleming has been the catalyst So I’m pretty confident in my football games usually were Injury report ence teams to Pac-12 schools by for Sacramento State for the past skills. a fifth of that. defeating Oregon State 29-28 in season and a half. In 2010, the “But when you get to play When Sac State defen- Montana State overtime in Week 1. Hornets finished with four wins against a great player, you take sive lineman Zack Nash OUT: DE Preston Gale (knee); But the two weeks sandwiched in their final five league games great pride in that, knowing it’s showed up on campus five WR Kerry Sloan (knee); LB Roger by the two wins saw Sac fall to following the loss to MSU. The your job to block him. He is a years ago, the football team Trammell (knee). Southern Utah 35-14 and to Hornets finished in a third-place great player, I’m not going to take lifted weights in a portable SAC STATE Weber State 49-17. One com- tie with Montana at 5-3 in the anything away from him, but we facility. OUT: RB Curtis Shaw (knee), and mon theme for the Hornets has BSC standings. During Sac State’s face the best defensive line every More dumas b6 CB Corey Sims (knee). been the team’s struggle to stop conference finish, Fleming aver- day and that’s ours.” I

After another historic win, which Hornet team will show up today?

By COLTER NUANEZ “Hopefully we can get focused on our next objective, which is Chronicle Sports Writer taking on Montana State. Hopefully, we have learned from Sacramento State made earlier in the season and we’ll see if we have.” history last week. Now the Hornets come to the — Marshall Sperbeck, Sac State head coach Treasure State looking to establish something equal- we played better as a team, Fleming. Against Oregon have an awesome experi- ly as elusive as snapping a we were consistent and we State, Fleming threw for ence again this weekend, losing streak: establishing achieved things we wanted 257 yards and three touch- Fleming thinks Sac simply consistency. to achieve as a football downs. Against Montana, needs to channel the Last Saturday, the Hor- team,” said the fifth-year he threw for 224 yards continuity used to beat the nets earned the program’s head coach. “You try not and two touchdowns and Grizzlies. first-ever win over the to get too much caught up ran for 59 more yards and “We just have to re- University of Montana. Sac in the past and that rivalry, a pair of scores. He was member what it felt like dominated the Grizzlies but it was a good win to named Big Sky Conference and how we played,” said en route to a 42-28 win, beat one of the premier Offensive Player of the Fleming, the Hornets’ snapping a 16-year losing teams in our conference. Week following both wins. second-leading rusher streak in the process. “Hopefully we can, as In the Hornets’ two with 193 yards. “We had But the win wasn’t the a team, get refocused on losses, Fleming was less a big win to start out the team’s first landmark vic- our next objective which than impressive. Against season (Oregon State), but tory of the season. The is taking on Montana Weber, he threw three then we weren’t able to Pac-12’s Oregon State was State. Hopefully, we have interceptions. function together for two Sac’s first upset victim learned from earlier in Against Southern Utah, straight weeks. It took us of 2011. The Beavers fell AP the season and we will see he amassed just 78 yards in some time to get it back 29-28 to the Hornets in Montana’s Kevin Frank Jr. (21) knocks away a pass intended for if we have going into this the air. together. This whole week, overtime. Sacramento State’s John Hendershott last weekend. g am e .” Fleming described his we have just tried to stay But a pair of losses to One consistency for team’s win over Montana focused on ourselves and Southern Utah (35-14) and crew comes to Bozeman similar sort of letdown. the Hornets has been the as “an awesome experience keep that feeling from last Weber State (49-17) fol- for a matchup Saturday “(Montana) was obvi- amount the team’s success to be part of something weekend.” lowed the OSU victory. against No. 4 Montana ously a great win for us hinges on the performance at Sacramento State that’s Marshall Sperbeck’s State hoping to avoid a from the standpoint that of senior quarterback Jeff never happened before.” To More hornets I b5