'Cats want to avoid trap
The Montana State Bobcats are undefeated in Big Sky play, alone at the top of the standings and heavy favorites to go into Hornet Stadium and defeat Sacramento State today.
It's a set up that has all the ingredients for an easy Bobcat win heading into a tough final two weeks (at home versus Eastern Washington then at Montana).
"It's a classic the trap game," MSU coach Mike Kramer said Tuesday. "A team that shouldn't win playing a team that should win.
"We're looking at some of the most dynamic offensive players in the league. They're good enough in a lot of spots to beat us.
"If we look ahead, we'll get beat."
The Hornets enter today's game with just a 2-6 mark on the season, 1-4 in the Big Sky. But quarterback Ryan Leadingham and receiver Fred Amey are a potent combination that could give MSU problems in its banged up secondary.
Last week at Eastern Washington, Amey caught a school-record 15 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. Amey leads the conference in yards per game and is second in catches per game.
Where the Hornets are suspect is, well, everywhere else. Sacramento State is next to last in rushing offense and is last in scoring defense.
All of this contributes to the idea that this is a trap game for the Bobcats, who demolished Northern Arizona last week.
"This is their final home game, senior day," Kramer said. "You can think of how fanatical an effort they're going to give us.
"When you're right at the top of the herd, they give you everything they've got and more."
This is pretty unfamiliar territory for Montana State. The last time they started 4-0 in conference was 1982, and many of the seasons in between have seen some dismal play from the Bobcats.
"We're just not accustomed to playing this way," Kramer said. "We've really prided ourselves on overcoming obstacles and breaking new barriers.
"How we handle ourselves down the stretch will be the key. We can't tip-toe."
Kickoff from Hornet Stadium is scheduled for 5 p.m. The game can be seen locally on Omega TV, cable channel 97.