Game Day

saturday, dec. 3 vs. new hampshire

fcs playoffs

Full PaPer Pa Ins InsIDe

nO. 11 neW HamPsHIre aT nO. 7 mOnTana sTaTe, bObcaT sTaDIum, 1 P.m.

Seamless transition
Emergence of Kirk, Moeakiola helped Bobcats fill void
By COLTER NuaNEZ
Chronicle Sports Writer

Potential catastrophe has tried to rear its ugly head throughout 2011 for the Montana State football team. The Bobcats have shrugged aside any and all potential setbacks with ease, making it seem as if the challenges simply dont exist. Fresh off last Decembers 41-17 home playoff loss to North Dakota State, Montana State decided its roster needed a makeover. NDSU gashed the MSU defense for 376 rushing yards, 241 more than the Bobcats compiled. In an effort to imitate the Bison, MSU brought in former Oregon State offensive lineman and Kalispell native Tyler Thomas and junior college transfer Stephen Memory. Each was expected to start at guard from Day 1 and each was expected to bolster the size and power of the MSU offensive front. Both players excelled during spring practice. But Thomas quit the team the day before fall camp began. Memory missed the entirety of fall practices with an intestinal ailment. Meanwhile, the Montana State defense needed to solve a dilemma of its own. Linebacker Aleksei Grosulak, the teams leading tackler in 2010 as a redshirt freshman, tore ligaments in his knee in the Triangle Classic scrimmage during spring ball in April.

Everybody on this team, whenever its their chance to go out and step up, they arent scared, they have no fear, no doubt we each can be the missing piece to fill in the puzzle.
naa moeakiola, montana state linebacker

Senior Roger Trammell, a junior college transfer himself, appeared to be the solution. Trammell excelled during fall camp and won the starting job over sophomore Naa Moeakiola. But during MSUs third game, Trammell suffered a similar injury to the man he replaced, tearing his knee and ending his season. The Bobcat defenses depth took another hit when cornerback James Andrews, a senior, was declared academically ineligible before fall camp. While the failed revamping of the offensive front and the uncertainty in the linebacker corps and the defensive secondary were pressing concerns as MSUs Big Sky Conference slate quickly approached, the worry paled in comparison to the enormous question mark that resided in the Bobcat backfield. Following spring practice, MSU learned that 2010s starting tailback, senior-to-be Orenzo Davis, was academically ineligible for the 2011 campaign. Davis scored 11 total touchdowns and gained 1,299 yards from scrimmage en route to second-team All-Big Sky recognition.

MSU entered 2011 fresh off a 2010 to remember. The Bobcats went 9-3 to share the schools first Big Sky title since 2005. The team earned a first-round bye in its first playoff appearance since 2006 and hosted a postseason game at Bobcat Stadium. The adversity the team encountered between the last snap of 2010 and the first of 2011 could have been debilitating. Instead, the Bobcats have flourished to the point that, if you didnt know the back story, you wouldnt know the team has experienced any sort of turbulence. This season, Montana State repeated as Big Sky champions by posting a 9-2 record. The No. 7 Bobcats got a first-round bye and will host No. 11 New Hampshire in a second-round game today (1 p.m.) at Bobcat Stadium. Along the way, MSU managed to roll up 440 yards of total offense per game, the 10th-most in the FCS. The Bobcats averaged 34.5 points per game, the most in the Big Sky.
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Jason Roach isnt treated like a walk on. Even though he is. Hes up at 5 a.m. for early workouts. He contributes at every practice. He plays on the scout team. The senior defensive back has one career tackle. And his teammates and coaches love him. He is what Todd Walker was. The University of New Hampshire football team began the season in mourning for a beloved teammate who left New England for spring break in his hometown of Edwards, Colo., and never came back. As they have all season, the Wildcats will wear the initials TW on their helmets today when they play Montana State. UNH decided to plant a swamp maple on campus in his honor because its leaves each fall will TIm Dumas turn red, the same color of Chronicle sports editor Walkers onceflowing hair. And an award in his honor has been created. All for a young man who never played a down at the school. Weve dedicated this whole season to Todd, said Roach, winner of the inaugural Walker award. Walker was a carefree 20-yearold redshirt freshman wide receiver when he was escorting a female friend from a campus party at the University of Colorado after midnight on March 18. According to police reports, a man approached the woman and demanded her purse when Walker intervened. His act of heroism he was rewarded with a bullet to the chest. He died instantly. Walker accomplished plenty in his short life. At Battle Mountain High in Edwards 10 miles west of Vail, Colo. he was a 4.0 student, the schools starting quarterback, and an all-state performer in four sports, also excelling at hockey, track and lacrosse. But to listen to Roach, it was Walkers personality that won you over.

What would Todd do?

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Printed on recycled PaPer

Above: Montana States Cody Kirk turned last years disappointment into a 1,200-yard season this fall.

CHRONICLE FILE PHOTO

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| Saturday, December 3, 2011

bozeman daily chronicle

FCS Playoffs BOBCATGAMEDAY New Hampshire at Montana State

1 p.m. Bobcat Stadium

New hampshire at moNtaNa state

When MonTana STaTe haS The ball
ground with authority today. If, as Rushing: Montana State has found its edge expected, the MSU running game greatest success offensively this season is effective against the Wildcats when it has been able to establish a inconsistent defense, sophomore rhythm. The most important key to quarterback DeNarius McGhee and finding that is to establish the run. his receiving corps will have plenty of MSU rushed for 223 yards per game opportunities to go to work. during its 9-2 regular season. Seven McGhee is a master of play-action times, Montana State has rushed for fakes, but in MSUs 36-10 loss to more than 200 yards in a game and Montana, the Bobcat quarterback had next to all seven times, MSU emerged victorious. no time to do anything. McGhees lack of time to Sophomore Cody Kirk and junior Tray Robinson make play fakes and his lack of time in the pocket combined for eight 100-yard rushing game were both a product of UMs fierce run defense. six by Kirk, two by Robinson this season. If MSU can establish the run, it makes the Enter New Hampshire. The Wildcats have coveted establishment of a rhythm a much had a tough time stopping the run this season, easier task. When the Bobcats have defenses something that doesnt bode well for UNH. selling out to stop Kirk and Robinson, McGhee The Wildcats are giving up 177 yards per game becomes a wizard. His play-action fakes are on the ground. In the teams three losses, the among Americas best and his ability to find Wildcats have surrendered an average of 295 receivers in one-on-one matchups is superb. rushing yards and 46 points per game. UNH is giving up 431 yards and 32.5 points MSUs run game got shell-shocked its last time per game. Montana State, which is averaging out against rival Montana. The Grizzlies held the 442 yards and 34.5 points per game, will be the Bobcats to 79 rushing yards, MSUs second-lowest greatest challenge the UNH defense has seen total of the season. MSU was held to 75 yards this season. Look for Kirk and Robinson to get rushing against FBS Utah. Look for Montana State on track early, McGhee to work his magic inside to establish the run early against New Hampshire. and outside the pocket and the Bobcats to roll After being held to a season-low 45 yards against offensively all afternoon. UM, look for Kirk to bounce back big. Passing: Montana State will go to the edge: Montana State

The edge

Depth charts
Montana State offense
leFT TaCKle 68 Conrad Burbank 79 Quinn Catalano 57 Casey Dennehy 62 Ben Tauanuu CenTeR 56 Shaun Sampson 61 Alex Terrien 6-0/277 6-4/283 Jr Sr Jr Sr Sr Sr 6-4/297 6-5/276 6-1/280 6-4/300 Sr Fr Sr Jr

new hampshire defense

end 98 Brian McNally 94 Randi Vines TaCKle 90 Jared Smith 65 Tim Johnson TaCKle 58 Sean McCann 60 Matt Kaplan end 56 James Jenkins 91 Jimmy Vailas 54 Alan Buzbee 6-1/243 Sr 6-3/265 So 6-3/242 Jr Sr Jr Fr Sr Fr 6-2/262 So 6-1/285 Fr 6-3/295 6-2/271 Jr Fr 6-3/272 6-3/248 Sr Jr

leFT gUaRd

RighT gUaRd 72 Stephen Memory 6-4/295 50 Leo Davis 61 Alex Terrien 50 Leo Davis 9 5 6-4/300 6-4/283 6-4/300 RighT TaCKle

linebaCKeR 51 Mark Petercuskie 5-11/232 linebaCKeR 52 Matt Evans 83 Shane McNeely 45 Rod Walker 48 Tre Williams 4 Manny Asam 6-0/227 6-2/243 6-0/212 6-3/193 Jr

QUaRTeRbaCK DeNarius McGhee 6-0/213 So Grayson Galloway 6-4/207 RUnning baCK 25 Cody Kirk 7 1 4 Tray Robinson Elvis Akpla John Ellis 5-10/214 So 6-1/221 6-1/190 Jr Sr

WeaK SaFeTY

X ReCeiveR 5-10/180 So 6-3/215 So Fr Jr Jr Jr Sr Sr

STRong SaFeTY 6-0/184 So 6-0/191 Fr 28 Chad Wilkes 31 Chris Beranger 16 Nick Cefalo 20 Kyle Flemings 7

Z ReCeiveR 86 Tanner Bleskin 84 Brian Flotkoetter 6-2/205 W ReCeiveR 14 Everett Gilbert 10 Kruiz Siewing 89 Steven Foster 88 Shane Robison KiCKeR 15 Jason Cunningham 6-1/180 5-9/195 5-11/189 6-5/260 6-5/260

FRee SaFeTY 5-11/194 So 6-2/185 5-10/180 Fr Sr Sr

CoRneRbaCK Anthony Gorrell 5-10/164 CoRneRbaCK 37 Chris Houston 21 Steven Thames PUnTeR 13 Mike MacArthur 5-10/190 So 5-9/172 So 6-0/178 Fr

When neW haMPShiRe haS The ball

running attack. MSU allowed UM Rushing: Junior Dontra Peters was edge to rush for a season-high 309 yards. the teams feature back in its spread That kind of production is unlikely offense for the first 10 games of the out of the Wildcats today, but MSU season. Peters rushed for 568 yards must not allow Steriti and Decker to and seven touchdowns in the Wildget loose on the perimeter. cats zone-read rushing attack. Passing: Whereas MSUs run sets But Peters missed UNHs season up its pass, UNH is the opposite. finale, a 30-27 Wildcat win over rival Deckers accuracy and ability to Maine. In his absence, redshirt freshthrow in and out of the pocket is the Wildman Nico Steriti stepped into the starting cats primary form of attack. job and flourished. Against the Bears, Steriti Decker is among the national leaders in had a career-high 150 rushing yards and a completion percentage (70 percent) and touchdown. quarterback efficiency rating (154.3). Not Peters isnt listed on this weeks injury report, but UNH head coach Sean McDonnell only is Decker accurate and efficient, he indicated that the job is Steritis for one more spreads the ball around. Ten different UNH players have double-digit catches and five week. The 5-foot-11, 216-pounder is a blend have more than 20 grabs. of speed and elusiveness similar to UM runJoey Orlando and redshirt freshman R.J. Harning back Dan Brown. ris are Deckers primary pass catchers. Orlando UNH quarterback Kevin Decker was the has a team-high 49 catches for 617 yards and Colonial Athletic Association Offensive MVP three touchdowns. Harris is the big-play guy due in large part to his 3,072 passing yards with seven scoring receptions. In 10 games, and 20 passing touchdowns. But the 6-foot2, 205-pound senior is a serious threat on the Harris has 46 catches for a team-high 658 yards. UNH is averaging 444 yards per game, the ground as well. This season, he rushed 378 eighth-most in the FCS. The Wildcats are putyards on 58 carries (6.5 yards per carry) and ting up 33.5 points per game. MSUs defense scored nine rushing touchdowns. Two weeks ago, Montana gashed MSU with is sure to play with added initiative after the its zone-read attack. New Hampshire doesnt pasting it received from the Griz. But Decker run as much out of the spread, electing to let and company are impossible to stop. MSU will just have to bank on slowing down the Decker use his pocket presence and tremenWildcats charge enough for the offense to dous throwing arm to dice defenses. But after watching film from the UM game, grind the clock. UNH is sure to employ a little more of the edge: New Hampshire

TighT end

defense
end
11 John Laidet 41 Brad Daly TaCKle 96 Zach Minter 99 Brian Bignell 98 Christian Kelii 97 Zach Logan bandiT 49 Caleb Schreibeis 6-3/253 48 Connor Verlanic 2 6-4/231 SaM linebaCKeR Naa Moeakiola 5-11/220 MiKe linebaCKeR 42 Clay Bignell 51 Michael Foster 23 Jody Owens 43 Alex Singleton 13 Darius Jones 8 5 Zach Coleman Joel Fuller 6-2/240 6-1/232 6-1/221 6-2/210 5-10/179 5-10/172 6-0/200 6-0/202 Sr Fr Jr Fr Jr Jr Jr Fr Sr 44 Aleksei Grosulak 5-10/215 So Jr Fr 6-1/285 6-2/255 6-0/305 6-4/295 Jr Jr Jr Fr 6-5/255 Sr 6-1/232 So

offense
leFT TaCKle 66 Seamus ONeill 78 Rob Bowman 53 Chris Zarkoskie CenTeR 70 Mike Coccia 53 Chris Zarkoskie 63 Ricky Archer 64 Tyler Brnger 72 Mickey Dilima 6-3/282 6-1/288 Fr Jr 6-3/284 So 6-5/303 6-1/288 Fr Jr Sr

leFT gUaRd 68 George Pecoraro 6-3/290

noSe TaCKle

RighT gUaRd 6-2/280 So 6-2/287 So 6-4/310 Jr Jr Sr Jr Jr

RighT TaCKle 74 Walter McCarthy 6-5/265 QUaRTeRbaCK 14 Kevin Decker 17 James Brady 1 Dontra Peters 6-2/205 6-0/203 5-11/195

Will linebaCKeR

RUnning baCK 30 Chris Setian 84 Joey Orlando 81 Justin Mello 5-10/236 So 5-11/195 Jr

boUndaRY CoRneR

ReCeiveR 6-0/213 So Sr Fr Sr Fr Sr Fr

SPeCial TeaMS
Orlando is a dynamic punt returnedge er. He averaged 10.2 yards per return this season, including a 56-yard touchdown. MSU doesnt have a special teams score this season. MSUs Rory Perez holds a slight edge over UNHs Mike MacArthur in the punting department. But MacArthur is diverse, as

RoveR 31 Robert Marshall 28 Steven Bethley 6 Heath Howard

ReCeiveR 11 Mickey Mangieri 5-10/178 15 R.J. Harris 6 Chris Chandler 6-0/194 6-2/215 ReCeiveR Jr 82 Jimmy Giansante 6-2/195 TighT end 87 Sean Cullen 85 Brian Ciccone KiCKeR 6-3/179 So 13 Mike MacArthur 5-10/190 So 6-4/235 6-3/245 Fr

he handles the Wildcats kicking duties as well. MacArthur is 14-for-17 on field goals, but only one kick has come from beyond 40 yards. MSU senior Jason Cunningham has been slightly less accurate, hitting 18-of-25 field goals. But Cunningham is 7-for-11 on attempts from beyond 40 yards. edge: Even

FRee SaFeTY 5-11/210 So 5-10/190

Field CoRneR 17 Sean Gords 5-10/188 So 37 Deonte Flowers 5-11/168 PUnTeR 18 Rory Perez

inTangibleS
This game is pretty simple for Montana State. If the Bobcats are still smarting from the tail whipping they took from Montana, New Hampshire could spring an upset. If Montana

edge

State uses the Griz loss as an ingredient to increase the hunger for a national championship run, then Montana State will roll this afternoon in hopes of making it. edge: Montana State

unh notes
New Hampshire has qualified for the postseason for the eighth straight year, the longest current streak in the nation. The Wildcats have posted a mark of 6-1 in their opening playoff games during this span, including five wins in six road games. The Wildcats have defeated teams from the MEAC (Hampton 06, Bethune-Cookman 10), Patriot League (Colgate 05), Missouri Valley Conference (Southern Illinois 08), Southern Conference (Georgia Southern 04) and Southland Conference (McNeese State 09). New Hampshires only matchup vs. a Big Sky Conference opponent during this run was a 47-17 loss at Montana in the 2004 national quarterfinals... The Wildcats return to Bozeman for the first time since suffering a 17-16 setback at the hands of the Bobcats in the NCAA D-II quarterfinals on Nov. 27, 1976. Head coach Sean Mcdonnell was a safety on that UNH team, and he totaled six tackles while returning four punts for 12 yards. The voice of the Wildcats, , worked the broadcast in 76 as well... UNH captured its first December win in school history with a 45-20 second-round defeat of Bethune-Cookman in the 2010 FCS playoffs on Dec. 4, 2010. The Wildcats were previously 0-7 in December games alltime... UNH is ranked in the Top 25 for a Colonial Athletic Association-best 111th straight week, the nations secondlongest streak that dates back to Sept. 13, 2004. Delaware, at a distant 28 weeks, has the second-longest ranked tenure in the league.

oveRall
The Bobcat defense has too much motivation after the UM loss not to perform well. The unit wants to prove that its last time out was an anomaly during an otherwise exemplary season. Montana State and New Hampshire will both move the ball offensively. But who has the ball longer will be the key. MSUs rushing attack has been its bread and butter all season and stopping the run has been UNHs poison. Montana State will control the ball and the game and move into the FCS quarterfinals with its first playoff win since 2006.

38

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Analysis by ColTeR nUaneZ of the Chronicle

bozeman daily chronicle

Saturday, December 3, 2011 |

G3

FCS Playoffs BOBCATGAMEDAY New Hampshire at Montana State

1 p.m. Bobcat Stadium fcs playoff preview

Seam/from G1
Defensively, the Bobcats were equally as stingy. The team led the league in total defense. MSU ranked in the top 30 in the FCS in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense and passing defense. Its almost as if the team is a machine and its players the parts. If installed properly, the parts help the machine operate at full efficiency regardless of pieces. Thats probably my greatest satisfaction is weve overcome all of those things and people havent really made a big deal about it until just lately when looking back and reflecting on whats happened, said Montana State head coach Rob Ash. Im very proud of the guys who have stepped in. Among the key parts for Montana State this season have been Moeakiola, senior offensive linemen Casey Dennehy and Alex Terrien and true freshman cornerback Deonte Flowers. But the biggest surprise of 2011 is the running back duo of Cody Kirk and Tray Robinson. Davis accounted for 24 percent of MSUs total offense in 2010. Kirk, who won the starting job out of fall camp before giving way to Davis in Week 2, had just 142 yards on the ground last fall. Kirks youth and inexperience coupled with Robinsons mystery he transferred from Nebraska in January and senior C.J. Palmers absence (he didnt stick around for summer training although more than 60 of his teammates did) made MSUs backfield situation dire. Replacing an explosive speedster primed for a huge senior season would be a daunting task for any programs. Not only did Kirk and Robinson replace Davis; one could argue the duo proved to be even better. Kirk was a first team

CENTRAL ARKANSAS (9-3) AT MONTANA (9-2)

12:05 p.m. at Missoula Washington-Grizzly Stadium (25,217) Internet: ESPN3 TV: ESPN Game Plan The Records: Montana brings a 9-2 record into the contest. The Grizzlies have won seven straight games. UM finished 7-1 in the Big Sky, claiming the automatic bid to the playoffs. UM was co-Big Sky champions along with Montana State. The Grizzlies losses came to Tennessee (42-16) and Sacramento State (42-28) Central Arkansas is 9-3 following a 34-14 first-round win over Tennessee Tech. Central Arkansas lost three of its first four games, including to FBS Louisiana Tech and Arkansas State. The Bears other loss was to Sam Houston State 41-10. SHS finished the regular season undefeated. Central Arkansas has won eight in a row. The Bears earned an at-large bid out of the SouthlandConference. The Series: First meeting The Coaches: Montanas Robin Pflugrad is 16-6 in his second season, and is coaching in the playoffs for the first time. Pflugrad has been an assistant coach at Portland State, Montana, Northern Arizona, Arizona State, Washington State and Oregon... Central Arkansas Clint Conque is 89-50 in his 12th season with the Bears. He guided the Bears to the Division II playoffs in 2001 and 2005. Conque was an assistant coach at the collegiate level at Louisiana Tech, Samford, McNeese State, and Nicholls State. Big Sky vs. Southland Conference: The Big Sky is 24-10 all-time against the Southland in the playoffs. Southland teams are 4-20 in the playoffs in Big Sky stadiums. Montana is 12-0 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium against Southland Conference teams in the playoffs, and has won those games by an average score of 45.25 to 12.25. Montanas last matchup against a Southland Conference team in the playoffs came in a 2009 quarterfinal, a 51-0 win over Stephen F. Austin. Up Next: Todays winner advances to the quarterfinals against the winner of Saturdays second-round game between Northern Iowa and Wofford. If Montana wins, it will host a quarterfinal game. Notes: Montana is 27-6 all-time in playoff games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, with five of the losses coming in the first round Jordan Johnson, Peter Nguyen, Dan Moore and Jordan Canada all have rushed for at least 100 yards in a game this season for UM UCA QB Nathan Dick completes 64.1 percent of his passes for 3,010 yards with 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Dick, the Southland Conference First-Team All-Conference QB, started two games at Arkansas in 2008. His top targets are Jesse Grandy (46 catches, 731 yards, 8 TDs) and Dominique Croom (38-518-7) UCA has nine FBS transfers on its roster... Montana is 169-21 all-time at Washington-Grizzly. Since the start of the 2008 season, UM is 29-1 at home UCA is 4-3 on the road this season... Central Arkansas is in the Division I playoffs for the first time.

On the perimeter, Flowall-league selection after ers has had an impressive rushing for 1,288 yards rookie season. In backup and 14 touchdowns. He racked up 1,523 total yards duty to sophomore Sean Gords and junior Darius of offense. Robinson was Jones, Flowers made 31 the Big Skys Newcomer tackles and tied for the of the Year and a second team lead with eight team pick at tailback after pass breakups. The latter rushing for 571 yards and ranked in the top five in five touchdowns. All told, the Big Sky. Robinson compiled 726 We got by this total yards and season playing six total touchsome very young downs. players at key Kirk said positions, Ash his success is a said. I think product of playthats where the ing for a strong tribute to the program and recoaches comes ceiving tutelage because you take from coaches a true freshman who always have corner (Flowthe Bobcats MOEAkIOLA ers) or a redshirt prepared to play Fantastic fill-in sophomore at a moments linebacker like notice. Naa and those guys go out Its offseason workand play very fine football. outs, that motivation to Thats because the coaches keep working, said the have an impact on helping Frenchtown native. We them mature early enough have great coaches who for them to understand prepare us in the offseawhat it takes to contribson. (Offensive coordinator) Coach (Brian) Wright ute. Although Thomas and (running backs) washed out and Memory coach (Kerry) Dixon do a didnt make his first start great job of setting up the offense so we can excel. Its until the fifth game of the season and only been a great opportunity cracked the starting lineup on a great team. Its just because of an injury to a privilege to be a part of senior Leo Davis the this team. Before Grosulaks injury, MSU offensive line was one of the best units in the Moeakiola was expected Big Sky during the regular to be a special teams conseason. The unit helped tributor. After Trammell MSU rush for more than went down, Moeakiola 200 yards seven times, has filled in seamlessly. more than 300 yards twice The Euless, Texas, native he went to Trinity High and rolled up 415 rushing yards in a 54-14 win over with Robinson and MSU Idaho State, the fourthsophomore quarterback most in school history. DeNarius McGhee has The line also only allowed 35 tackles, including two 14 sacks. for loss. He is also tied for The Montana State ofthe team lead with two fensive line was compiled interceptions. Everybody on this of two converted defenteam, whenever its their sive linemen Dennehy chance to go out and step and Davis along with up, they arent scared, they a former walk-on: center have no fear, no doubt we Shaun Sampson. The each can be the missing line averages only 285 piece to fill in the puzzle, points even with Memory Moeakiola said. Its every- (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) bodys goal to rise through as a starter. Burbank (left the ranks, but you have to tackle) and Sampson give the coaches reason to are the only players who put you on the field and have played one position. not take you off. Dennehy has played both

guard spots and center. Terrien started at guard before moving to right tackle following Davis injury. The reinforcements didnt pan out as planned, but the unit still excelled. Its the chip, the chip on our shoulder, said MSU offensive line coach Jason McEndoo. I say it to our guys all the time. We are one of the smallest FCS lines in the nation. Ive never done the research, going through and looking at everybody, but if you look at it on paper, when teams look at us, they feel like we are undersized, that they match up well with us, that they are going to overpower us. We always have something to prove. At the end of the day, we want the defense leaving thinking what happened? The parts werent as coveted as he expected, but McEndoo used the teaching of tactics along with a startling attention to detail regarding his players specific personalities and skill sets to meld an efficient unit. You have team bonds or team unity, but no matter the level, professional or college or high school, the O-line is always different, McEndoo said. No matter what level, you have create that unique difference within the group to bring them together. I know how each one ticks and they know that about each other. Montana State has plowed through each speed bump in 2011 unscathed heading into todays elimination game. Its something that makes the Bobcats head coach grin with pride. Im very happy we were able to find people, guys came through, young men believed in themselves, Ash said. Each player took over when their numbers were called and played at a championship level.

Close not enough Badgers, Spartans ready for rare rematch anymore for OkSt
BIG TEN ChAMpIONShIp

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) On his left wrist, Jamie Blatnick wears a reminder of just how close Oklahoma State came to finally breaking through against rival Oklahoma. Inscribed in orange on a wide, black wristband are a series of numbers that refer to what he and his teammates view as a missed opportunity. With 2:51 left in last years game, the Cowboys trailed 40-38 when Oklahoma got the ball back. Instead of getting a stop, Oklahoma State gave up Landry Jones 76-yard touchdown pass to James Hanna that put the game away. That close, man, Blatnick said. For a program thats been overmatched by Oklahoma in most of their 105 meetings, close doesnt cut it anymore for No. 3 Oklahoma State (101, 7-1 Big 12). The 13th-ranked Sooners (9-2, 6-2) are the last ones standing between the Cowboys and their first-ever BCS bowl berth and first Big 12 championship. The school hasnt won an outright conference title since 1948, when it only needed wins against Wichita State and Tulsa to win the Missouri Valley title. With a convincing win, Oklahoma State might even be able to wiggle its way into the national championship game. Its not like big OUs coming to town and

By MICHAEL MAROT
The Associated Press

theyre way better, Blatnick said. I think we have the better team and I think were going to prepare extremely hard for them and I think that this games going to be a great game. Blatnick has worn the special wristband, which says DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS on the other side, since safety Markelle Martin got them for the team. He had been wearing it on the same wrist as one that reads One Heart One Family in memory of linebackers coach Glenn Spencers wife, who died during the season. In the run-up to Saturday nights Bedlam game, he switched it to the opposite side to serve as a more frequent reminder of what happened last season. That was just a rough game for us. Being so close and not getting it, it just hurts, Blatnick said. The Cowboys will be the higher-ranked team in the rivalry for the third straight year, but the last two have ended in disappointment. Oklahoma ended 11th-ranked OSUs bid for an at-large BCS berth two years ago with a 27-0 shutout in Norman. Last year, the Sooners won 47-41 in Stillwater to earn a share of the Big 12 South title. By virtue of a tiebreaker, Oklahoma went to the Big 12 championship game and won it instead of the Cowboys. Im still upset about that one, Blatnick said.

INDIANAPOLIS When Mark Dantonio took the Michigan State job in 2007, he had a simple plan follow Wisconsin. He wanted a tough, physical offense. He expected the Spartans to win with defense and special teams. He hoped to shed the image of a periodic Big Ten contender and become a regular powerhouse, just like Wisconsin. All No. 11 Michigan State has to do now is win the conference crown by beating No. 15 Wisconsin on Saturday night. They (the Badgers) wanted to build good teams on defense, they wanted to play hard on special teams, they wanted to play in packed houses and win Big Ten titles and really they were doing that, probably in the 90s, the late 90s and the 2000s and theyve continued on, Dantonio said. Thats hopefully what were doing. A year ago, the Badgers and Spartans both finished 7-1 in league play and wound up in a threeway tie for the conference title. Wisconsin won the tiebreaker and went to the Rose Bowl. This year, both went 10-2, won division crowns and will face one another in the Big Tens inaugural championship game. The matchup features the leagues top two quarterbacks in Russell

Wilson and Kirk Cousins, two top-five defenses and two powerful offenses. Michigan State has won three of the past four, all in East Lansing, and the home team has won each of the past seven games in this series. Michigan State and Wisconsin are meeting for the third straight time with Top 25 rankings and this years first matchup wasnt even decided until a replay review overturned the officials call after time expired, giving the Spartans a 37-31 victory.

It doesnt get closer than that. I really respect and admire everything about what we have done here at Wisconsin, and the same thing could be said there at Michigan State, Badgers coach Bret Bielema said. Wisconsins football resurgence began when Barry Alvarez brought his version of smashmouth football to Madison. He recruited massive offensive linemen, big backs and when things got tough, the Badgers simply

reverted back to oldschool power football. Alvarez used that philosophy to win three Rose Bowl games in seven years. I love to play Wisconsin because this is how football is, Spartans defensive back Trent Robinson said. We know what theyre going to do and they know what were going to do. You know its going to be a good game and if you dont come ready to play, its going to be a blowout or something bad is going to happen.

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G2

| Saturday, December 3, 2011

bozeman daily chronicle

FCS Playoffs BOBCATGAMEDAY New Hampshire at Montana State

1 p.m. Bobcat Stadium

Sideline Briefing
Records
Montana State 9-2 New Hampshire 8-3

UNH battle-tested heading into playoffs

Wildcats are 3-1 vs. teams that made FCS postseason
By COLTER NUANEZ
Chronicle Sports Writer

Series

2nd meeting, MSU leads 1-0

Weather forecast
Partly sunny, high 28

Crowd
15,000 expected

TV
ESPN Game Plan

Radio
KXLB-FM (100.7), Jeff Lasky, Dan Davies, Tyler Wiltgen

Coaches

ROB ASH

MSU, 5th year 32nd year overall 38-19 at MSU 214-118-5 overall

SEAN MCDONNELL
UNH, 13th year 13th year overall 96-61 at UNH 96-61 overall

Schedules
22 48 45 39 47 10 21 31 28 42 30 Today 10 38 43 36 31 38 41 31 54 44 10 Today New Hampshire @ Toledo @ Lehigh @ Richmond Holy Cross Villanova @ William & Mary @ Massachusetts Rhode Island James Madison @ Towson Maine @ Montana St. Montana State at Utah UC Davis Minot St. @ Eastern Washington Sacramento St. @ Portland St. Northern Arizona @ Northern Colorado Idaho St. @ Weber St. Montana New Hampshire 58 41 43 32 17 24 27 24 10 56 27 1 p.m. 27 14 7 21 21 36 24 21 13 24 36 1 p.m.

Players to watch
UNH: RB Nico Steriti; redshirt freshman ran for 150 yards two weeks ago in first start. MONTANA STATE: RB Cody Kirk could provide spark for offense that was held in check vs. Montana.

Injury report
MONTANA STATE OUT: DE Preston Gale (knee); WR Kerry Sloan (knee); LB Roger Trammell (knee). QUESTIONABLE: DT Christian Kelii (knee). NEW HAMPSHIRE QUESTIONABLE: CB Kyle Flemings. PROBABLE: TE Sean Cullen.

New Hampshire is a long way from home, but thats nothing new to the No. 11 Wildcats. After navigating the treacherous waters of the Colonial Athletic Association, UNH head coach Sean McDonnell doesnt expect his team to see anything surprising today at Bobcat Stadium as his team takes on No. 7 Montana State at 1 p.m. UNH posted a 6-2 mark this fall in the stacked CAA. Five teams from the league qualified for the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, the most in the country. From league champion Towsons power running offense to James Madisons dynamic spread to Maines pro-style attack, New Hampshire has seen its share of offensive diversity. Montana States offense is averaging 440 yards and 33.5 points per game entering todays second-round playoff matchup. But McDonnell thinks the rigors and diversity of the CAA has his team ready. Your kids get a great understanding of the level of competition they will be going up against, McDonnell said. You are going to see every type of offense and formation so our kids have a feeling for everything. In all three of the last weeks, weve played against top level competition in our conference. That helps you when you get to the playoffs. Down the stretch, UNH posted wins over No. 17 James Madison (28-10) and No. 13 Maine (30-27), but lost to No. 8 Towson (56-42). UNH posted a 3-1 record over FCS playoff CoURTESy UNivERSiTy oF NEW HAMPSHiRE teams this season, yet for an eighth year in New Hampshire senior quarterback Kevin Decker was named his conferences player of the year. a row, the Wildcats were sent on the road. UNHs eight straight playoff appearances in the Wildcats 13th-year head coach. But son. The Bobcats still received a first-round the postseason is the longest streak in the Im a firm believer that over the course of an bye and a home game, but they are chompFCS, but the Wildcats have had to play on 11-game season, you have to see how people ing at the bit to redeem themselves in front the road in 13 straight playoff games. Still, are going to attack you. You cant just use the of their home fans. UNH has posted road wins in its first playoff Montana game. The week off has been good, but we just game six of the last seven seasons. Todays game is a matchup of two of the Im not sure why we always have to travel, cant wait to get back out there and get that top 10 offensive units in the FCS. Montana bad taste out of our mouths, said MSU but its something weve come to expect, State ranks No. 10 in total offense, while senior linebacker and captain Clay Bignell. said UNH senior quarterback and captain the Wildcats 444 yards per game is No. 8. We are ready to get back after it. Kevin Decker. We like going on the road But the Bobcats have a top-25 total defense, The biggest way we tried to turn a negaand playing in these hostile environments. while the Wildcats are giving up 431 yards tive into a positive is by telling our guys we Traveling is something that we are used to and 32.5 points per game. In its three losses, have another game to play, added Ash. We because weve been to Iowa a few times, IlUNH has give up 295 yards rushing and 46 linois, but nothing like Montana. Personally, dont have to live with this loss. Its tremenpoints per loss. dous for our football team that we have Im excited because Ive always had a thing (The Bobcats) run the ball well, their something else to focus on. for the state, an interest in it. Im excited to Montana State enters the playoffs fresh off O-line is very good and their quarterback not only play the game, but see what the (DeNarius McGhee) can make plays on his a loss to its fiercest rival. On the other hand, state has to offer. feet, said UNH junior linebacker Matt EvUNH is fresh off reclaiming the coveted While UNH is on the road again, Monans, who is among the FCS leaders with 154 musket from the hated Maine Black Bears. tana State is in its second straight playoff total tackles. They have a real good receiver, Its similar to Montana State and their game at home. Last season, the Bobcats No. 1 (senior Elvis Akpla). But we know game against Montana in that its a huge earned the No. 4 seed only to fall 41-17 to slowing down that running game is going to rivalry game with North Dakota State be big. We have to do that if we want to win. a lot of bragging in the second round We just cant wait to get back New Hampshires spread offense employs rights, so it was in Bozeman. Since zone-read running game principles as well. that loss, The Bobout there and get that bad taste huge for us to come The Wildcats are wildly multiple on offense, out on top of that cats have had today meaning MSUs ability to line up before each out of our mouths. in the back of their game, said Decker, snap will be paramount to the Bobcats sucminds. the CAA Offensive cess. Schematics and stats aside, the Bobcats Clay Bignell, MSU linebacker Player of the Year Our goals from say, defensively, they just need to return to the very beginning after compiling the form that helped the team reel off nine were to get to this point, so we feel like the 3,460 total yards and 29 total touchdowns. straight wins this fall. season is just starting, said Montana State It was an important game just to get into We just have to get back to how we play, head coach Rob Ash. The thing weve tried the playoffs because there are no guarantees how we do things, said MSU sophomore to do though is emphasize the fact that we you make it in at 7-3, so that eighth win was Naa Moeakiola. Fundamental football. only get one guaranteed game, so all our huge. It pretty much got us that bye. New Hampshire may be road warriors focus has been on New Hampshire. Montana exposed MSUs previously stingy when it comes to playoff time, but none of One of Montana States primary motivarun defense by gashing the Bobcats for 309 these Wildcats have ventured as far as the tors for 2011 was the way 2010 ended. As the yards. MSU entered the game leading the Treasure State. Evans said his team is ready. postseason begins, MSU hopes the way the Big Sky in rushing defense. But McDonIts tough, the farthest place Ive been 2011 regular season will again be a motivanell said over the course of a whole season, since Ive been here, Evans said. But you tor. you cant put too much weight into a single can see the mountains in the background In their last time out, the then-No. 1 Bobgame. on the film so its a nice looking place. Not cats were defeated by rival Montana, 36-10 The thing you try to get out of (the a lot of us have been to Montana so we are in Bozeman. The loss cost MSU a top seed Montana film) is to see how both teams expecting the cold and expecting a chaland home field advantage for the postseatried to go out and attack each other, said lenge.

Dumas/from G1
He was a fiery kid, Roach said. He just loved life. The Wednesday after Walkers death, a gathering was planned at a gymnasium in honor of a young man who had been a part of the Durham, N.H., community for barely two semesters. Hundreds showed up. When UNH athletic director Marty Scarano spoke that night, he made reference to a phone call to Walkers father, Mark, who was astonished at the outpouring of affection for someone who was just a walk on. Jason Roach, who never attained scholarship status, knows full well that once you become a Wildcat, it doesnt matter how you got there. You just get accepted; you dont get judged, he said. Youre just one of the guys. Thats so important here. Walker was enrolled in UNHs Whittemore School of Business and Economics, the same school in which Roach will earn his degree in the spring. Hes the first in his family to not only go to college, but also the first to wear

Game notes

n Rob Ashs 38 MSU wins place him fourth on MSUs career victories list, two behind Mike Kramer and three behind Cliff Hysell. n MSU rushed for just 237 yards against Montana and Weber State combined, which comes on the heels of a three-game stretch in which MSU rushed for 1,019 yards. n MSU averaged 36.2 points and 461.8 yards in its six home games this season n Cody Kirk has rushed for 723 yards in six games in Bobcat Stadium this year. n Bobcat cornerbacks Darius Jones and Deonte Flowers (eight each) combined for the most pass breakups by a Big Sky tandem this year.

CoURTESy UNivERSiTy oF NEW HAMPSHiRE

UNH head coach Sean McDonnell hugs Jason Roach after presenting the Wildcat senior with the inaugural Todd Walker Teammate Award this spring.

a cap and gown. Roach called Walker a brother. One of 100 he has on the team. He misses his little brother. Losing someone so close to you was tough, Roach said, especially coming on spring break, which is supposed to be a fun time for young kids like us. When the Wildcats returned from their break, it was time for spring drills. The teams annual Blue-White scrimmage conclud-

ed the session. The game was always Roachs time to shine: he had interceptions in two previous intrasquad scrimmages. This past May, Roach was again in the spotlight at the Blue-White game, though he didnt wear his usual No. 46. After he was voted the recipient of the inaugural Todd Walker Teammate Award, Roach earned the honor to wear Walkers No. 80 for the game.

Getting an award like that makes me cherish every day, Roach said. I take that to the field and take it to everyday life. When Im in a tough situation, I think, what would Todd do? Roachs situation this fall was indeed tough after he broke an orbital bone near one of his eyes, causing him to miss much of his senior season. But he was in uniform two Saturdays ago for UNHs rivalry game against Maine, the regions smaller version of Cat-Griz. (Maines mascot is the Black Bear, so the comparison isnt too far off). It was Senior Day. And on the opening kickoff, Roach had his Rudy moment when he pancaked Maines return man. The tackle the only one of his career helped set the tone for a 30-27 UNH win. Roach isnt likely to play today in what might be his last appearance in blue and white. Todd Walkers final game has already been played. What would Todd do? Unfortunately, well never know. Tim Dumas can be reached at tdumas@dailychronicle.com and 582-2651.