Kramer says today we RUN...

catsrback76 · Post by **catsrback76** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:10 am

Bobcats looking for sixth straight
By SCOTT MANSCH
Tribune Asst. Sports Editor

" BOZEMAN — The Montana State Bobcats are on a pretty good run these days.

But head coach Mike Kramer believes his boys had better pick up the pace.

The 19th-ranked Bobcats, winners of five in a row, take on the hapless Northern Colorado Bears this afternoon at 12:05 here in a Big Sky Conference game. It appears to be a mismatch as the Bobcats (5-1 in Big Sky, 6-3 overall) seek to remain in the hunt for the league championship against a Northern Colorado club that's lost seven of eight games.

Of course underdogs have come to Bobcat Stadium and posted big upsets in the past, including Division II Chadron State this year and the same Northern Colorado Bears, then a fledgling I-AA provisional member, in 2003. But Kramer, whose club rebounded from a three-game September losing streak and now stands just one win away from earning a shot at the Big Sky title and accompanying playoff berth, said lack of focus will not be a problem today.

"We are not going to go quietly in this game," he said as his team prepares for its final regular-season home game of the year.

Although the Cats and their fans have been silenced somewhat in their own stadium at times this fall, last week's 24-18 victory over Weber State echoed loudly. The come-from-behind triumph, coupled with the Bobcats' amazing road success in 2006, provides undeniable momentum today.

Kramer said his team plans to take the ball and literally run with it.

"Our fans have to know that we are not the same team that lost three (home) games in a row in September," Kramer said. "And no matter how good a shot Northern Colorado gives us, we're gonna give them our very best shot back."

While an often superb defense and a sometimes spectacular passing game have been largely responsible for the MSU winning streak, Kramer believes any November success is directly tied to a rejuvenated running game,

"And ours has just shriveled up to almost nothing," he said.

Sophomore Evin Groves, who showed a lot of rust last week in his return from a knee injury (12 carries, 29 yards), and slumping freshman Aaron Mason (7 carries, 19 yards) are expected to get most of the work at halfback today on what could be a sloppy track. Kramer said sophomore Isaiah Taito, who rushed for 82 yards three weeks ago at Sacramento State but hasn't carried the football since, might get some playing time.

"Aaron's a little worn out and Evin's a little rusty and a little chipped-up," Kramer said. "We're not playing as well at running back as we need to and I would not be surprised to see Isaiah Taito be the hammer in this game."

The Bobcats got two touchdown passes from junior quarterback Jack Rolovich last week. The Hawaii transfer figures to be looking often for Michael Jefferson today against a Northern Colorado defense that yields a lot of yards (401 per game) but has shown some improvement of late. The Bears of head coach Scott Downing lost 14-9 last week at Sacramento State.

"We have been a work in progress all season long, but I've seen our team grow in its approach and preparation," said Downing, a former assistant at Purdue and Nebraska.

There's been bad news galore for Downing's program, which has attracted attention for all the wrong reasons. Murder charges are pending against a backup punter for an alleged attack against a teammate, which brought to mind the infamous Nancy Kerrigan-Tonya Harding confrontation a few years ago.

Assistant coaches have been suspended for NCAA violations, players have been suspended following arrests, and this week the worst happened when ex-Bears' star halfback Adam Matthews died at age 25, apparently of a seizure. Matthews' brother, Asa, is a starting linebacker for Downing.

For sure the Bears will be looking for some good news today. Junior quarterback Dominic Breazeale, a 6-6, 245-pounder, and senior halfback Andre Wilson are among the team's best players.

"Wilson is the guy," said Kramer. "He's a pretty gutty, gritty performer who won't run away from you but will surge and bounce and die hard on every play. We've got to be able to line up and keep him contained."

The Bobcat defense is one of the best in the Big Sky, thanks to linebackers Bobby Daly and Epikopo King, a solid front and veteran secondary. Last week, cornerback Michael Beach's 51-yard interception return late in the fourth quarter provided the game-winning points against Weber.

The Bobcats will be without several players today, including receivers Donell Wheaton and Deon Toliver (shoulder injuries), and safety Marcosus LeBlanc (suspended for violation of team rules). "

Kramer has decided that any hopes for a November run will be decided by our ability to run. I think he's right. We have 2 great RB's and a very good backup. I like our chances.

Weltercat · Post by **Weltercat** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 2:21 pm

I hope he means it. With the hogs we have on the offensive line and two great running backs that should be a no brainer.

CatsRback · Post by **CatsRback** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:58 pm

talk about run - missed the game but from the sco

CatsRback · Post by **CatsRback** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:59 pm

talk about run - missed the game but from the score it looks as if all we did is run - was the game as close as the score? what do we need to improve to BEAT the grix

catsrback76 · Post by **catsrback76** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 5:48 pm

CatsRback wrote:talk about run - missed the game but from the score it looks as if all we did is run - was the game as close as the score? what do we need to improve to BEAT the grix

The game was as close as the score... kinda. We had 2 td's that were INT's and that just about tells the story.

Cledus · Post by **Cledus** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:26 pm

The O-line dominated the 4th quarter. Absolutely DOMINATED. They looked pretty good in the 3rd quarter, too.

Groves was getting stopped at the line or after a 1- or 2-yard gain about half the time, but he and line were able to come away with a 6- or 7-yard gain by moving the pile. It was fun to watch.

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 7:19 pm

Cledus wrote:The O-line dominated the 4th quarter. Absolutely DOMINATED. They looked pretty good in the 3rd quarter, too.

Groves was getting stopped at the line or after a 1- or 2-yard gain about half the time, but he and line were able to come away with a 6- or 7-yard gain by moving the pile. It was fun to watch.

Too bad we didn't stick with it a little more, especially when we got down into the red zone...