4/8 Scrimmage

MSUcantouchus · Post by **MSUcantouchus** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 4:42 pm

http://msubobcats.com/news.php?sid=fb&nid=1446

Gazzerro Enjoys Happy Homecoming
MSU Bobcats Bobcat Football News : 2006-04-08 : Great Falls, MT
By Bill Lamberty

Most of the action was on the ground in MSU's Third Annual Triangle Classic Spring Scrimmage in Great Falls on Saturday
Chewing up rushing yards in Great Falls’ Memorial Stadium is nothing new for Chase Gazzerro. Doing so against the Big Sky Conference’s top defense is. The Montana State sophomore rushed for 123 yards, including a 63-yarder that nearly provided the day’s only touchdown, in MSU’s Triangle Classic scrimmage on Saturday.

A crowd of 3,000 gathered to watch Gazzerro and Evin Groves, MSU’s starting tailback, roll up a combined 215 rushing yards against the defense that has led the Big Sky in fewest yards allowed in four of the last five seasons. “It was a great feeling,” former Great Falls CM Russell star Gazzerro said, “and it was great to be back.” Gazzerro gained 123 yards on 21 carries, while Groves added 92 yards on 20 totes.

Gazzerro moved from safety to running back during MSU’s first week of spring practice due to an injury to running back Isaiah Taito. He said the transition back to the position he played in high school came easy. “It came back really quick after the first series,” he said. “The adrenaline took over and I felt good.”

Groves, who rushed for over 400 yards as a redshirt freshman last year, and Gazzerro both credited the Bobcat offensive front, which returns four starters next fall. “The offensive line was dominating up front,” Groves said.

Kramer said Groves’ performance marked another step in Montana State’s offensive evolution. “He’s such a dynamic player,” the Bobcats’ seventh-year head coach said. “He’s our offensive leader at this point because he’s bled it.”

MSU’s fast, athletic linebacker corp paced the team’s defensive effort. “Those three veteran linebackers really played like veterans,” he said. “Bobby Daly, Clive Lowe and Epikopo King were exactly where they needed to be, and they did exactly what they needed to do.”

While MSU’s ground game proved effective, the passing game looked like a club searching to replace a long-time starting quarterback and a group of productive receivers. “It wouldn’t be a spring without some duress at the receiver position for me, but we just need to get Donnell Wheaton healthy, give Michael Jefferson a chance to get settled in, and let the young guys apply what they’re learning.”

Hawai’i transfer Jack Rolovich and fourth-year junior Cory Carpenter posted up-and-down afternoons. Rolovich was 10-for-23 for 78 yards, while Carpenter was 12-for-28 for 103 yards with two interceptions. “I saw some nerves and some uncertainty,” Kramer said. “Those guys need time, but that’s what spring football is for, and this was our first scrimmage.”

The day’s best passing performance may have come from Groves, who completed a 29-yard halfback pass to Joe Schreibeis. “I played some quarterback in high school,” Groves said with a smile, “so I can throw the rock a little.”

Although the offense knocked on the door, it wasn’t allowed to complete drives in the mostly-scripted scrimmage. The day’s scoring came on two field goals each from Eric Fisher (37 and 48 yards) of Billings and Tyler Bolton (35 and 34 yards) of Great Falls.

In all, Kramer was pleased with what he saw. “It was a great day, a great crowd, and great weather,” he said. “How can we not be a better organization on Monday with our coaches and players knowing not only how much people in Bozeman care about our program, but how much people all over the state care? This was a great weekend.”

MSU is scheduled to scrimmage again next weekend.

SCORING PLAYS
Eric Fisher 37 FG
Eric Fisher 48 FG
Tyler Bolton 35 FG
Tyler Bolton 34 FG

RUSHING: Chase Gazzerro 21-123, Evin Groves 20-92, Alex Lourdeaux 5-16, Dustin Baxter 2-2.

PASSING: Jack Rolovich 23-10-0, 78; Cory Carpenter 28-12-2, 103; Collin Beeson 14-5-1, 49; Evin Groves 1-1-0, 29.

RECEIVING: Michael Jefferson 5-30; Evin Groves 4-28; Elliott Barnhart 1-7; Derek Green 1-6; Luke Holden 3-22; Joe Schreibeis 2-34; Chase Gazzerro 2-16; Ty McDonald 5-73; Mike Brown 3-26; Deon Toliver 1-6.

DEFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS: Sacks – Sean Niell 1, David Siataga 1, Wes Mauia 1, Epikopo King 1, Clive Lowe 1, Denis Speights 1, Kylan Kinkelaar 1, Aaron Papich 1; Tackles for Loss – Chris Kolone 2, Bobby Daly 1, Ryan Force 1. Interceptions – Dane Fletcher, Andre Fuller, Michael Beach.

bobcatbob · Post by **bobcatbob** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 5:26 pm

Thanks for the update. Wish I could have been there. I can sense the excitement in Kramer in what he saw in a first spring scrimmage. This can be an awesome team the way things are shaping up!

catsrback76 · Post by **catsrback76** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 6:13 pm

The linebackers were very good. They are quick and run stoppers. they would have recorded several sacks if allowed to bang the QB's. The recievers will evolve with the QB's. IT seemed like Colin Beeson is going to be THE MAN at QB. Carpenter is a little ahead of Rolovich but Beeson is right there too. Who knows, if they struggle it might get given to him. He is big, quick and can throw the ball.
Groves is as advertised. He is going to be good. The RB's are definitely the strength of the offense at this point. No worries there. The O- Line did ok but needs to gel more. By the fall they should be fine on run offense while pass Offensive will have to evolve a bit more.

On defense Leblanc is going to shine this fall. I was impressed.

Make no mistake about it, we will contend as soon as we settle the QB issue and get him connected to the tendencies of the WR's. Jefferson and Tolliver have pedigree that will evolve and you will love their playmaking this fall.

Sorry for the rambling impressions, but those were mine from Great Falls.

bobcatbob · Post by **bobcatbob** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:43 pm

We need to keep it in perspective that it's the first spring scrimmage. Nice recap on this and I think your right on. This is going to be a good team!

longhorn_22 · Post by **longhorn_22** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:46 pm

I'm really impressed with Fisher. Good job today Fish!
I hope he can win the starting PK duties, but if not I hope he will at least do the kickoffs.

Bcat · Post by **Bcat** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 11:00 pm

What's the deal with Gazzero, will he stay a running back, or just fill in?

longhorn_22 · Post by **longhorn_22** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 11:05 pm

Bcat wrote:What's the deal with Gazzero, will he stay a running back, or just fill in?

I'm pretty sure he is just filling in for the spring. I am willing to bet he will only be used during the season if the three RBs we have arent cutting it or one or two of them get hurt.

profisme · Post by **profisme** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 12:09 am

With Taylor Rank and Isaiah Taito at RB as well as Groves, I would guess that Gazzero will be back at safety for the fall. Either way, we know now that he is a natural at the RB position just in case....

Charlie · Post by **Charlie** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 12:11 am

bobcatbob wrote:We need to keep it in perspective that it's the first spring scrimmage. Nice recap on this and I think your right on. This is going to be a good team!

I agree. How many times have they practiced so far, three? I don't think anyone had a bad day when you consider that.

Don't you guys feel a lot better about our team as a whole this year as opposed to last? I certainly do. I think our O is much more powerful now that it doesn't hinge on how much total yardage our QB has to rack up. Yeah, we'll miss Travis, but I think we'll find out soon that this team doesn't need him to dominate this year.

Defense looks like it could be the tops in the Big Sky for the next 5 years. They can play 3-4 or 4-3. Our linebackers are absolute freaks, the backfield has sudden depth and is as vicious as ever, and the front is a stout brew of size, quickness and strength.

Against the cynicism that is ingrained in all 'Cat fans, I must admit that this team looks really good.

How's that for some griz-style sap!

vike_king · Post by **vike_king** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 2:06 am

My only concern was that there were a ton of drops by all the receivers. 1's and 2's all took turns not finishing the plays.....but, I think we saw that last year too and things turned out ok.

There was a gal who was stung by a bee right before the scrimmage started. Sounded like she was in anapylactic shock since Sarge (the PA guy) asked for an ana-kit, anyone know how she is doing??

bobcatbob · Post by **bobcatbob** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 8:08 am

Like was mentioned , they only had three practices before this scrimmage. The receivers ae going to fine. I think better than last year.

CelticCat · Post by **CelticCat** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 12:18 pm

vike_king wrote:My only concern was that there were a ton of drops by all the receivers. 1's and 2's all took turns not finishing the plays.....but, I think we saw that last year too and things turned out ok.

There was a gal who was stung by a bee right before the scrimmage started. Sounded like she was in anapylactic shock since Sarge (the PA guy) asked for an ana-kit, anyone know how she is doing??

I agree, my biggest dissapointment was the receiving corp. Jefferson I think has the potential to be a big play guy (made some very shifty moves on an out-route to the sideline), but dropped a few balls. The QBs and WRs aren't quite on the same page yet, and it showed. There were quite a few dropped balls, but there were quite a few balls that would have been hard catches.

We have some big receivers though, that is a change for the Bobcats. Toliver is 6'3, Jefferson is 6'3, Green is 6'2, the list goes on.

They need to start catching, and especially the tight ends need to - I was happy to see us throwing to the TEs but they didn't haul in very many.

But this is still very early in spring ball (I actually think they had 5 practices in before this, don't quote me though), and considering that our D looked very good (good coverage, good push on the DL, and they strung out Groves pretty well) and I see no reason why we won't be top 3 BSC defense, if not #1 again.

I think the QB situation is as follows (no surprises)

1. Carpenter - looked the most comfortable out there, but was a bit off on some passes, but overall made pretty good decisions, one INT was tipped right through Jefferson (I think) hands, and the other wasn't touched by a receiver.

2. Rolovich - BIG arm. Overshot a streaking Jefferson by about a foot, woulda been about a 50 yard TD pass, Jefferson got an out-stretched hand on it (and had beat his man by a good 5 yards). Has a bit of accuracy problems over the middle, but that may just be the fact that the receivers and QBs aren't on the same page yet.

3. Beeson - Has the potential to overtake either one of these guys, but looked the most uncomfortable in the pocket - indecisive and had a small case of happy feet. Potential is definately there, but looked like a freshman.

Overall, I though this scrimmage went better this year than it did last year. If Kramer wouldn't have stopped the O, we woulda scored 21 just from Groves alone.

longhorn_22 · Post by **longhorn_22** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:05 pm

Can anyone tell me when the practices will be this week and when the scrimmage will be this Satuday?

Fat Cat · Post by **Fat Cat** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:44 pm

Sounds like it was a lot of fun. Wished I could have made it to GF.

So was the defense playing some 3-4 and 4-3? Did Fletcher get much time? Wondering how he is looking. I think last I heard JC transfer Clagget was expected to be good (assume he is not at MSU yet?)

Gotta love Gazerro! The kid is just a damn good all around player. I really hope he can get on the field somewhere (maybe punt return??). Seems like this year's recruiting class is strong with guys like Gazerro, guys that can play several positions - tough kids with a real good feel for the game. I really like that, vs kids that are more specialized or recruited largely on the good physical stats.

Sounds like Fisher and Bolton must have looked pretty good. No sign of Hastings? I think Fisher can be money for us.

Any of our young receivers from last year make an impression? - ie Green, Brown, Lulay?

CelticCat · Post by **CelticCat** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:15 pm

Fat Cat wrote:Sounds like it was a lot of fun. Wished I could have made it to GF.

So was the defense playing some 3-4 and 4-3? Did Fletcher get much time? Wondering how he is looking. I think last I heard JC transfer Clagget was expected to be good (assume he is not at MSU yet?)

Gotta love Gazerro! The kid is just a damn good all around player. I really hope he can get on the field somewhere (maybe punt return??). Seems like this year's recruiting class is strong with guys like Gazerro, guys that can play several positions - tough kids with a real good feel for the game. I really like that, vs kids that are more specialized or recruited largely on the good physical stats.

Sounds like Fisher and Bolton must have looked pretty good. No sign of Hastings? I think Fisher can be money for us.

Any of our young receivers from last year make an impression? - ie Green, Brown, Lulay?

I didn't notice Fletcher on the field, though I wasn't paying a ton of attention to defense.

Claggett was practicing with the 1st squad and looked pretty good. Hard-nosed kind of guy.

Hastings missed his kick(s). Looked good in warmups.

Green and Brown dropped a few passes, but Brown snagged 4 total. Lulay is still injured.

coachouert · Post by **coachouert** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:20 pm

Didn't Fletcher get an interception? That's what the box was saying from msubobcats.com. I'm excited about our D this year. There is going to be some big plays and they should be fun to watch. I am feeling a lot more comfortable with the defensive side of the ball than I was last year. Of course, I'm hoping our offense catches up soon. It's still early though so no need to start worrying about it too much now. Is there a scrimmage this weekend?

CelticCat · Post by **CelticCat** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:29 pm

That's right, he did pick off a deflected pass and returned it for a "TD".

coachouert · Post by **coachouert** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:32 pm

CelticCat wrote:That's right, he did pick off a deflected pass and returned it for a "TD".

Nice. I'm excited about Fletcher for the future. He has a ton of talent, especially since he hasn't been playing football for all that long, and a great head on his shoulders. I think right now, this defensive unit is going to be damn impressive this fall. Sounds like the linebackers and DB's especially are flying around right now and it's only spring!

Helcat72 · Post by **Helcat72** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:48 pm

What occurred to me was that the first half the running game picked up some good yardage and the passes were there but were dropped. The second half is when the defense took over and except for the long run by Gazzero and the option pass by Groves they pretty much shut down the offense. This to me is the best of both worlds....the offense shines and them the defense shines. Good balance!

vike_king · Post by **vike_king** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 8:26 pm

Hastings missed his kick(s). Looked good in warmups

.

I forgot about Hastings being there until I saw this conversation. So, what is the deal? He appeard to be on the squad unless someone was out there in his jersey and number which also appeared in the program.