Banged-up Bobcats put up a good fight
Montana State may have answered the question is there such a thing as a good loss?
Colorado State defeated the Bobcats Saturday, and while the score was a kind of lopsided 39-14, the game was a lot closer than that.
When you consider that it was a I-AA team visiting a I-A team, and that the Bobcats were missing their top three cornerbacks, a starting linebacker, the starting tailback and a starting wide receiver due to injury, its tempting to call the outcome a draw.
Most heartening to the MSU faithful was the offense showing signs of life after two dismal performances to start the year. Dropped pass were down and quarterback Travis Lulay threw and ran the ball well.
Bobcats coach Mike Kramer was traveling Tuesday and not available for interview, but the weekly press release had some comments.
"The number one positive for us from the CSU game is that our offense's ability to move the ball in a variety of ways continues to evolve," he said. "Our wide receivers caught the ball better and ran with the ball after the catch."
MSU gained 308 yards, its highest total of the season. The defense gave up 431, but still played fairly well, especially shorthanded.
"We are showing tremendous adaptability on defense," Kramer said. "We're not so bull-headed that we're trying to be the same defensive team as when we had Kane Ioane and Joey Thomas.
"Our defense is changing and evolving and adapting, but it continues to play with the plan that we're accustomed to, particularly our rush defense.
"I thought the front seven played particularly well against Colorado State's running game."
- INJURY REPORT: There were no new injuries against Colorado State, but cornerbacks Kahiam Hunter (shoulder) and Eddie Smith (hamstring) are out for the season. CB Kory Austin (concussion) is doubtful for Saturday's game at Idaho State.
Linebacker Jonathan Molock (ankle), running back Justin Domineck (ankle) and wide receiver Rick Gatewood (shoulder) all missed the CSU game and are questionable for the ISU contest.
Kicker Tyler Bolton is lost for the season after undergoing toe surgery last week.
- FORCE A FACTOR: With the Bobcats defensive secondary in shambles, safety Ryan Force moved over to cornerback against Colorado State. The 6-2 sophomore from lake Oswego, Ore., led the Bobcats with nine tackles and had one pass breakup.
- ETC.: The Bobcats are 1-2 for the fourth straight season. … Two MSU players used up their redshirts last week. Offensive lineman Troy Watson and tight end Elliott Barnhart were forced into action. … Montana State has intercepted a pass in each if its first three games. … The Bobcats are 0-for-4 on field goal attempts this year. … Lulay (offense), Force (defense) and Brandon Roosevelt were MSU's Big Sky player of the week nominees. … E.J. Cochrane punted for the fist time at CSU, booting a 57-yarder. Regular punter Lulay had five punts for a 37.8 average.