Griz-Cat Tab 2016

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Here’s a look back at the last six Brawl of the Wild games to get you ready for Saturday’s showdown, which kicks off at 12:08 p.m. and will be broadcast nationwide on Root Sports NW.

Montana State 21, Montana 16 - 2010, Missoula The Griz ran into Washington-Grizzly Stadium in new allblack uniforms but couldn’t catch the Bobcats, who scored on their first three possessions and never trailed. DeNarius McGhee, MSU’s freshman quarterback, threw touchdown passes to Great Falls’ Tanner Bleskin and C.J. Palmer, and Orenzo Davis provided the winning points with a 17-yard TD run. The Grizzlies stayed in range, answering the Cats’ first two drives with a 59-yard TD burst from Chase Reynolds and a 6-yard scoring run from QB Justin Roper. But UM was turnover-plagued: Both Reynolds and Gerald Kemp fumbled inside the MSU 5-yard line in the second half. Reynolds’ turnover came after a bad punt snap resulted in an MSU safety. The Griz also turned the ball over on downs at MSU’s 15 with 1:23 left. That cinched the Cats’ first win over the Griz and first Big Sky title since 2005. Davis ran for 140 yards for MSU. Reynolds ran for 180 yards for the Griz, who ended up 7-4 and out of the postseason for the first time since 1992.

Montana 36, Montana State 10 - 2011, Bozeman It was set up as a coronation for the newly top-ranked Bobcats, but the No. 7 Griz took command in the second half behind Dan Moore and Peter Nguyen. Moore rushed for 116 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown to put UM up 29-7 at 5:37 of the third quarter. Nguyen ran for 123, including a 21-yard run to cap the scoring with 9:28 left, and send many of the record crowd of 20,247 at an expanded Bobcat Stadium for the exits. Griz quarterback Jordan Johnson threw for two touchdowns, one a 2-yard strike to Kavario Middleton on fourth-and-goal with 2:15 left in the first half. That put Montana up 12-0. MSU drove to a touchdown to start the second half, DeNarius McGee hitting Elvis Akpla from 7 yards. But the Griz answered on their next offensive

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snap: Johnson found Jabin Sambrano for 79 yards and a TD to make it 19-7. Montana gained 316 yards of offense in the second half, and rushed for 309 yards against the Big Sky’s top run defense. “I’m very proud and honored to be involved in a game like this, when it comes down to the great state of Montana for the championship,” second-year Griz coach Robin Pflugrad said. “It’s nice to get on that bus with a win.” Both teams lost at Sam Houston State in the FCS playoffs; the Griz fell 31-28 in the semifinals. And in 2013, as part of NCAA sanctions, the Griz’ victory that day in Bozeman was wiped off the record books.

Montana State 16, Montana 7 – 2012, Missoula The second-ranked Bobcats relied on defense, kicker Rory Perez and quarterback DeNarius McGhee to subdue the Griz. Montana led 7-3 after Peter Nguyen’s 47-yard scoring run in the first quarter but didn’t score again. Bobcat defensive ends Caleb Schreibeis (16 tackles and a sack) and Brad Daly shut down the Griz running game; Montana punted eight times after Nguyen’s TD. A record Washington-Grizzly Stadium of 26,210 saw MSU go in front on McGhee’s 15yard scoring pass to Saco product Kruiz Siewing at 7:54 of the second quarter. McGhee threw for 246 yards and ran four times on a clock-killing drive that ended in Perez’s third field goal with 2:23 left.That made it a two-score game and clinched the Grizzlies’ first losing season since 1985. The Griz, who missed two field goals, finished 5-6. “We knew they were big up front and knew they would be a physical team,” said Schreibeis, who in January became the first Bobcat to win the Buck Buchanan Award for the top defensive player in the FCS. “We just had to weather the storm for a little bit and then let our speed kind of take control.” The Cats improved to 10-1 and finished 11-2 with a loss in the FCS quarterfinals.

Montana 28, Montana State 14 — 2013, Bozeman The 5th-ranked University of Montana Grizzlies played perhaps their best defensive game of the season and UM's offense made key plays when it needed to, as the Grizzlies

defeated the host 13th-ranked Montana State Bobcats 28-14 in front of a record crowd in Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman. Montana’s defense held the Bobcat offense, composed of legendary seniors DeNarius McGhee, Cody Kirk and Tanner Bleskin, to just 257 total yards and 14 points. But Shawn Johnson’s 82-yard punt return for a TD in the first quarter set the tone for a low-scoring first half. The Griz tied the game on a Jordan Canada run late in the first half, and it was locked at 7-7 at intermission. Montana added a Travon Van TD early in the third, and a back breaking TD pass from Jordan Johnson to Clay Pierson early in the fourth stanza. MSU tried to rally behind McGhee, but a Kirk fumble near midfield with the score sitting at 21-14, helped UM secure the victory, and Canada sealed it with a TD run on the Grizzlies’ ensuing possession. It was Montana’s fourth straight win in Bobcat Stadium, and the loss was MSU’s third straight to end the season, knocking the Cats out of the FCS playoff picture.

Montana 34, Montana State 7 – 2014, Missoula On an unseasonably warm afternoon, and one of the few Cat-Griz games to ever be played almost all under lights, the No. 12 Grizzlies shocked the No. 11 Bobcats on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Jordan Johnson was cut loose in a surprise spread-option offensive attack, and the Griz scored on five of their first six possessions to lead 27-0 at halftime. On defense, Montana hounded MSU backup QB Jake Bleskin, in for injured starter Dakota Prukop, and forced an astounding seven turnovers, including five interceptions in front of a record crowd of 26,532 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. In the 114th meeting of the Griz and Cats, Montana punched its ticket to the FCS playoffs as Johnson threw for 303 yards and rushed for 91 more, while fellow senior Jordan Canada added 119 yards on the ground. During the game, Zack Wagenmann also broke the Griz’ all-time sack record, while the Bobcats amassed just 281 yards of total offense. The win came just days after UM head coach Mick Delaney announced his retirement.

Montana 54, Montana State 35 – 2015, Bozeman The Grizzlies needed a fifth straight win in the series in Boze-

File Photo Legendary Montana State quarterback Travis Lulay led the Cats to a win in snowy Missoula in the 2002 Brawl of the Wild. The win snapped "The Streak" as it was known, as the Grizzlies had beaten the Bobcats 16 straight years prior to 2002. man to have a chance at the FCS playoffs. The Cats needed to snap Montana’s Bobcat Stadium winning streak to secure a winning season. But in a meeting of two offensive powerhouses, the Griz won out. The Griz scored 31 uanswered first-half points, including long touchdown passes by Brady Gustafson to Jamaal Jones and Ellis Henderson, and they capped a 37point first-half explosion with two Daniel Sullivan field goals to lead the Cats 37-14 at the break. MSU rallied in the third period, and closed to within 44-35 with nine minutes left, but Gustafson answered with his fourth TD pass of the day, lifting Montana to its third straight win in the Brawl. The Griz racked up 537 yards to MSU’s 503, and Gustafson threw for 353 yards after missing six games in the middle of the season with a broken leg. The loss to the Griz turned out to be the last for MSU head coach Rob Ash, who was fired two days later.

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You just never know in the Brawl George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com If there’s one thing that keeps the Brawl of the Wild interesting, it is, that no one really knows for sure what’s going to happen. Just look at the last decade. MSU has won in Washington-Grizzly Stadium with a freshman quarterback, but the Cats haven’t won on their home field in almost 10 years now. Three times in the last 10, the higherranked team has lost, and on its home field. And, surprisingly, as intense as the Brawl has been, in the last seven encounters, only one game has been decided by fewer than seven points. The weather always plays a part too. In the last five meetings between the Grizzlies and Bobcats, kickoff temps have ranged from as high as 58 degrees in 2014 in Missoula, to as low as 14 degrees in 2010 in Missoula and 17 degrees in 2011 in Bozeman. So, though the 116th meeting of the Cats and Griz, set for Saturday afternoon at Washington-Grizzly Stadium might lack some of the usual luster of Cat-Griz, considering the

teams have a combined record of 9-11 this season, and stand in 8th and 11th place in the conference, respectively, there’s an unpredictability about Cat-Griz that can’t be discounted, and, that will always make it exciting. Oh yeah, and this year’s game has some added intrigue too. Ty Gregorak, MSU’s defensive coordinator, was the Griz’ defensive coordinator just last season, and the seven seasons before that. So, there has to be a chess game going on there. Gregorak knows the Bob Stitt offense like the back of his hand, and Stitt knows Gregorak’s defensive schemes just as well. Honestly, whoever has better adjustments might just be the victor in Saturday’s 116th meeting. But no matter what happens, expect fireworks, emotion and a frenzied crowd of 26,000

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2016 Cat-Griz By the Numbers No. 22 Montana Grizzlies

Montana State Bobcats

6-4, 3-4

3-7, 1-6

9/3 9/10 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/5 11/12

9/1 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22 11/5 11/12

def. Saint Francis 41-31 def. Northern Iowa 20-14 lost to Cal Poly 42-21 def. Southern Utah 43-20 def. MVSU 67-7 def. Sacramento State 68-7 lost to Northern Arizona 45-34 lost to Eastern Washington 35-16 def. Idaho State 62-44 lost to Northern Colorado 28-25

MSU Offense

UM Offense

See Brawl Page 12 AP Photo The Montana Grizzlies celebrate after winning the Divide Trophy last November in Bozeman. The Griz have won three straight in the series with Montana State.

Montana State Bobcats vs Montana Grizzlies Montana State University Location: Bozeman Nickname: Bobcats Colors: Blue/Gold Enrollment: 16,134 2015 record: 3-7 (1-6)

2014 record: 5-6 (3-5) Head coach: Jeff Choate (3-6) Stadium: Bobcat Stadium Streak: The Bobcats look to end a three-game losing streak to the Grizzlies. MSU last beat its rival in Missoula back in 2012, and the Cats have won 3 of their last 4 in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Saturday, November 21, 2015 Bobcat Stadium ~ 12:07 pm University of Montana Location: Missoula Nickname: Grizzlies Colors: Maroon/Silver Enrollment: 12, 358 2015 record: 6-4 (3-4)

2014 record: 8-5 (6-2) Head coach: Bob Stitt (14-9) Stadium: WashingtonGrizzly Stadium Streak: The Griz have beaten MSU five straight times away from Missoula. Now, they'll look to start a streak at home, having won the 2014 Cat-Griz game in Missoula.

What a weird year for the Griz’ second season in the Bob Stitt offense. The Grizzlies are second only to EWU in scoring offense (42 ppg), total offense (500 ypg) and passing offense (340 ypg). Those are the types of numbers Stitt envisioned when he brought his pass-happy attack to Missoula. But, in all four of UM’s losses, the Griz have outgained their opponent by almost 100 yards, yet couldn’t get enough points on the board to keep pace. Still, the Griz are ranked in the FCS Top 10 in seven different offensive categories, including 4th-down conversion percentage, time of possession and redzone offense production. Montana has scored on 43-of-47 chances inside the redzone this season. Montana has also improved in turnover margin this season, as they are +2 in that category, though they have given the ball away 19 times, and many have been costly. In many ways, the UM offense has been an absolute machine this season, one of the top attacks in the country, no matter who is playing quarterback. But, the Griz have struggled to finish drives, and, they haven’t run the ball as well as they would have liked as they are just 8th in the league at 160 yards per game. So, no one really knows which Griz team will show up: the one that has scored 60 points four different times, or the one that can’t get out of its own way. Star Watch: There’s too many bright stars on the Griz’ offense, but obviously a healthy Brady Gustafson is key. He’s missed two straight games, but has still thrown for 2,593 yards and 24 TDs against just seven interceptions. And, if he gets the nod Saturday, he’ll be looking to beat MSU for a second straight season. Jerry Louie-McGee is a favorite target, as the freshman has produced huge plays all season long, while Justin Calhoun and Keenan Curran have big WR threats in the deep game. Also, look for the return of RB Jeremy Calhoun, who is a touchdown machine. In his short Griz’ career, he already has scored 16 touchdowns, including two in last year’s Brawl.

UM Defense The Griz have just two returning starting defenders who played in the 2015 Brawl. And while Jason Semore’s newlook defense got off to a fast and stingy start this season, they’ve suddenly come under fire. UM has slipped to 4th in the Big Sky in scoring, allowing 27 ppg., and against the pass, the Griz have struggled as of late. Still, UM is a bear to run on, allowing just 128 ypg, which is second in the Big Sky, and Montana is also first in total defense (344 ypg), first in sacks (26), first in opponents 1st downs, first in opponent

lost to Idaho 20-17 def. Bryant 27-24 def. Western Oregon 55-0 lost to North Dakota 17-15 lost to Sacramento State 41-38 lost to Northern Arizona 20-14 lost to Weber State 45-27 lost to Eastern Washington 41-17 lost to Southern Utah 38-21 def. UC Davis 27-13

3rd-down conversion, 1st in redzone defense and, the Griz have a fourth-best 21 takeaways this season. So, it’s clear how good Montana’s multiple-front, blitzing defense can be at times. But, they also have to eliminate the big play, which has really cost them this season, and, they must be able to stop teams in the fourth quarter, with games on the line. Those are areas that have overshadowed an otherwise really good UM defense. Star Watch: The heart of the Griz’ defense is No. 37 Caleb Kidder. The senior was the Big Sky Preseason Defensive MVP, and while his numbers have been modest, he’s still been one of the best in the country, and is a finalist for the Buchanen Award with 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Sophomore linebacker Josh Buss is already a star as he has a Big Sky best 17.5 TFLs to go along with 70 tackles and 4 sacks in what has been a breakout season. Also, don’t overlook senior DE Ryan Johnson, with his 6 sacks this season, as well as shutdown corner J.R. Nelson and reserve DE Tucker Scheye, who always seems to make a big play.

UM Special Teams At times, special teams have been a disaster for the Grizzlies. In one respect, kicker Tim Semenza has had an outstanding season kicking FG’s, but he’s also missed eight extra points, and as a team, the Griz have missed a ridiculous 10 PATs this season. Montana has also had a punt blocked for a touchdown and is 12th in the Big Sky in kick return coverage. Return-wise, the Griz are at the bottom of the league in both kick and punt returns, but, if and when Jerry Louie- McGee ever returns to his kick and punt return duties, the Griz also have one of the most electrifying return specialists in the FCS. Still, there’s no denying, special teams have been a very big concern for the Griz all season long. Star Watch: Louie-McGee would be the star to watch, but it appears he won’t be used to return kicks or punts again this season, after an MCL tear caused him to miss four games. So, senior John Nyguen, Montana’s veteran running back, will return punts. The star for the Grizzlies in this game on special teams however, will likely be Semenza, who is 13-for-16 on FGs this season with a long of 49.

A year ago, the Bobcats came into the Cat-Griz game with one of the most potent offenses in the FCS. But, a lot can change in a year. A coaching change and different direction in offensive philosophy, as well as the departure of Dakota Prukop to Oregon will do that. And, at times, it has been a struggle for the MSU offense. With two different starting QB’s this season, MSU has struggled to score at times, and is 11th in the Big Sky at 25 ppg. MSU is also 12th in total offense (364 ypg) and 12th in passing (168 ypg). The Cats also struggle with driving the ball as they rank last in the Big Sky in first downs and 11th in converting third downs. However, if there is a silver lining, it’s that the Cats are young in the passing game, and, they have a stout running attack, something head coach Jeff Choate clearly wants to be at MSU. The Cats are 4th in the Big Sky in rushing at 195 ypg, and, they’ve scored 16 rushing TDs in the redzone this season, which is tops in the league. But, there’s one thing above all that has held the MSU offense back this season, and that’s turnovers. MSU is dead last in the league in turnover margin, and the offense has 11 fumble and a leaguehigh 14 interceptions thus far, and though the Cats are young, that stat will have to change, not only in the Brawl, but moving into next season. Star Watch: Senior running backs Chad Newell and Gunnar Brekke are the heart and soul of the MSU offense. Despite missing two games, Newell has rushed for 631 yards and 7 TDs this season, and averages 80 ypg. And there’s no doubt, he and Brekke will be out to beat the Griz for the first time in their career. Freshman QB Chris Murray is also one to watch, as his running ability brings a new threat to the UM defense, as he has a team-high 8-8 yards rushing, while junior WR Mitchell Herbert and freshman WR Kevin Kassis are MSU’s big-play threats in the passing game.

MSU Defense Slowly but surely, Choate and new MSU defensive coordinator Ty Gregorak have turned the Cat defense around. This time last year, Gregorak was coaching against the Bobcats, who had one of the worst defenses in the FCS. Now however, the

Cats are much better off. MSU is second in the Big Sky in scoring (26 ppg), fifth in total defense (397 ypg) and the Cats are a balanced fifth against the run and the pass. MSU has also been excellent at getting its defense off the field this season, as the Cats allow opponents to convert third downs just 37 percent of the time. And, if not for an insane amount of injuries, MSU’s young, revamped defense might even better. Montana State is last in the league in sacks, mainly due to a depleted DL, and due to a lack of pressure, MSU has had trouble creating turnovers this season as the Cats are last in the Big Sky in turnover margin at -8. Still, there’s no denying the vast improvements made by the MSU defense this season, and it will be very interesting to see what Gregorak has in store for the UM offense he used to go up against just a year ago. Star Watch: Junior linebacker Mac Bignell is the engine that drives the Bobcat defense. He’ 6th in the Big Sky with 91 tackles, and is 2nd with 13.5 TFLs. Bignell is everywhere for a young MSU defense, which also includes star corner John Walker and his four INTs, as well as hard-hitting safety Bryson McCabe. Young defensive end Grant Collins is also trending upwards, and will likely be one of the top returning defensive ends in the Big Sky next season.

MSU Special Teams Unlike the Griz, special teams have been solid this season in Bozeman. The Cats are perfect in field goals inside the redzone, and their coverage teams rank among the top five in the Big Sky. MSU is also 3rd in the Big Sky in punt returns and kickoff returns, so, there’s no doubt, that’s an area of strength for the Bobcats, and that always comes into play in the Brawl. Star Watch: Sophomore Logan Jones is a dangerous return man. But, keep an eye on MSU freshman Gabe Peppenger. He’ 10th in the Big Sky in scoring as a true freshman, and not only is he kicking in his first Cat-Griz game, but he’s doing it in his hometown, as Peppenger grew up in the shadows of Washington-Grizzly Stadium. He’s been solid this season, going 8-of-10 with a long of 41 yards, and how fitting would it be for the game to come down to a kick by a Missoula native playing for the Bobcats.

Get your Cat-Griz coverage with the HDN The Havre Daily News will have live coverage of the 2016 Cat-Griz game on Twitter, as well as postgame coverage at www.havredailynews.com and a full report in Monday's Hi-Line Sports Roundup.

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Bobcats Numerical Roster No.Name 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 38 39 40 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 53 54 55 56 56 57 58 59

Pos.

Tre'von Strong CB Gunnar Brekke RB Shiloh LaBoy DE Justin Paige WR Brandon Brown WR Braelen Evans CB Robert Wilcox DL Naijiel Hale CB Will Krolick WR Chris Harris DB Chris Murray QB Tavon Dodd CB Bryson McCabe DB Tyler Bruggman QB Lukas McCarthy LB Ben Folsom QB Khari Garcia DB Karl Tucker II WR Brady McChesney QB Austin Barth TE Kamden Brown QB Chad Newell RB Brayden Konkol S Jayshawn Gates WR Noah James RB John Walker CB Nick LaSane RB Bryce Alley CB Zach Stern LB Anthony Pegues RB Damien Washington CB Logan Jones RB West Wilson DB Sean Opland RB Ty Robbie LB Gabe Peppenger K Jakob McCarthy LB Jessie Clark DE Blake Braun LB Balue Chapman LB Will Martel DB Sidney Holmes DB Brian Campbell S Nich Van Horssen RB Dylan Stenseth FB Jered Padmos P/K Blake Sylvester LB Grant Collins LB Joey Michael LB Walker Cozzie LB Koni Dole LB Luke Daly K Woody Brandom TE Keegan Bray DL Jacob Hadley S Mac Bignell LB Chase Benson DE B. J. Ojo LB Kyle Finch DL Monte Folsom OL Dylan Mahoney OL Brandon Hayashi DT Rocky Hogue LS Tyrone Fa'anono DL Josh Hill LB Fletcher Collins LB

Ht. Wt. Year Hometown/School

6-1 5-11 6-4 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-8 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-5 6-2 6-1 6-1 5-8 6-1 5-9 5-11 5-11 6-2 5-8 5-10 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-3 5-9 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-6 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-2

190 200 250 175 185 190 260 180 190 190 180 180 205 190 220 198 195 205 170 250 190 225 201 155 205 180 220 175 200 180 176 175 200 200 210 220 235 245 220 189 190 190 195 190 245 175 200 215 205 220 210 185 224 218 195 205 242 225 216 300 275 300 225 250 200 220

So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Rf. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Rf. Jr. Fr. Rf. Sr. Fr. Sr. Rf. Jr. So. Gr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Rf. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Rf. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. So. Sr. Rf. So. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Rf. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Rf. Sr.

Billings, MT Skyview Helena, MT Capital Honolulu, HI Kalani Scottsdale CC Katy, TX Morton Ranch Austin, TX Vandegrift Baylor Frisco, TX Hebron Frisco, TX Princeton Grambling Bellflower, CA Bosco Washington Anchorage, AK South Lake Elsinore, CA Elsinore Inglewood, CA Lawndale Houston, TX John H. Reagan Spirit Lake, IA Spirit Lake Iowa Western Phoenix, AZ Brophy PrepScottsdale CC La Habra, CA Sonora Fullerton JC Jackson, MT Beaverhead County Pomona, CA Charter Oak Great Falls, MT CMR Kalispell, MT Glacier Columbia Falls, MT Columbia Falls Covina, CA Charter Oak Billings, MT Senior Belgrade, MT Belgrade Palo Alto, CA Palo Alto Kalispell, MT Glacier Washington, DC Woodson Colorado His Dallas, TX Lovejoy Houston, TX North Shore Tarzana, CA Taft Frisco, TX Centennial Covina, CA Charter Oak Kalispell, MT Glacier Columbia, MO Rock Bridge Troy, MT Troy Park City, MT Park City Missoula, MT Sentinel La Habra, CA Sonora Fullerton JC Amite, LA St. Helena LA Harbor Riverside, CA Redlands East Valley Bozeman, MT Bozeman Bozeman, MT Bozeman Silsbee, TX Beaumont Covington, WA Kentwood Clancy, MT Helena Lewistown, MT Fergus Montana Boulder, MT Jefferson Corvallis, MT Corvallis UM Western Bozeman, MT Bozeman Cashmere, WA Cashmere Pacific U. Helena, MT Capital Huntley Project, MT Huntley Project Billings, MT Central Corona, CA Santiago Spokane, WA Ferris Billings, MT Central Drummond, MT Drummond Helena, MT Helena Houston, TX Marvel Dillon, MT Beaverhead Dillon, MT Beaverhead Great Falls, MT CM Russell Merced, CA Merced Merced, CA Merced Oxnard, CA Oaks Christian Kalispell, MT Glacier Seattle, WA Seattle Prep

No.Name 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 79 80 81 82 83 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Pos.

Taylor Tuiasosopo OL Jake Sessions OL Kyle Murack OL Mitch Brott OT Lane Knows His Gun OG Patrick Carroll OT Luke Channer OL Jake McFetridge OG Jarrod Asche OL Garrett Gregg DT Denver Krone OL Alex Neale C Conner Floden OL Colin Hammock OL Caleb Gillis OL Wade Webster OL JP Flynn OL Kash Perry OL Wilson Brott OT Curtis Amos, Jr. TE Dalton Daum WR Mitchell Herbert WR Hunter Mahlum WR Devon Tandberg K Cameron Sutton WR Kevin Kassis WR Keon Stephens WR Connor Sullivan TE John D'Agostino WR Clark Judisch TE Fou Polataivao DT Michael Jobman DE Tucker Yates DT Matt Brownlow DT Devin Jeffries DL Derek Marks DL Zach Wright DL Lewis Kidd DE Austin Barrette LB Marcus Ferriter DL

Ht. Wt. Year

6-4 6-5 6-5 6-6 6-2 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-8 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-6 6-5 6-5 6-6 6-5 6-0 6-1 6-4 6-1 5-10 6-5 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-0 5-9 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-6 6-0 6-4

314 276 235 290 268 320 280 295 215 280 240 290 275 230 275 290 320 310 265 220 180 205 205 170 190 178 190 240 185 200 305 211 310 305 250 227 250 266 220 220

Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Rf. Gr. Fr. Rf. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Rf. Jr. So. Sr. Rf. So. So. Fr. Jr. So. Rf. Rf. Fr. Rf. So. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Rf.

Hometown/School

Lancaster, CA Paraclete Colstrip, MT Colstrip Conrad, MT Conrad Billings, MT West Colstrip, MT Colstrip La Canada, CA St. Francis UNLV Corvallis, MT Corvallis Huntington Beach, CA Glendive, MT Dawson County Afton, WY Star Valley Utah State Choteau, MT Choteau Duvall, WA Eastside CatholicUNLV El Dorado, CA Oak Ridge Missoula, MT Sentinel Cell Glenn, MT Beaverhead County Bettendorf, IA Bettendorf Bettendorf, IA Bettendorf Utica, MT Denton-Stanford-Geyser Billings, MT West Burleson, TX Centennial Butte, MT Butte Montana Eugene, OR Sheldon Cell Missoula, MT Hellgate Auburn, WA Mountainview Norco, CA Norco El Dorado, CA Oak Ridge Rancho Cucamunga, CA Etiwanda Ennis, MT Ennis Bozeman, MT Bozeman Conrad, MT Conrad Medford, OR N. Medford Huntley Project, MT Huntley Project Colstrip, MT Colstrip Missoula, MT Sentinel Kalispell, MT Glacier Belgrade, MT Belgrade New Braunfels, TX New Braunfels Fridley, MN Totino-Grace Santa Margarita, CA Butte, MT Central

2016 Bobcat Coaching Staff Jeff Choate

Head Football Coach

Kane Ioane

Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers

Courtney Messingahm

Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

Ty Gregorak

Defensive Coordinator

B.J. Robertson

Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends/High School Relations

Brian Armstrong

Offensive Line

Matt Miller

Receivers

Michael Pitre

Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator

Byron Hout

Defensive Line

Gerald Alexander

Secondary

Garrett Becker

Video Coordinator

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Big Sky Conference Standings

North Dakota Eastern Washington Weber State Cal Poly Northern Colorado Northern Arizona Southern Utah Montana Portland State Sacramento State Montana State Idaho State UC Davis

Conf. Overall WL WL

8-0 7-0 5-2 4-3 4-3 4-3 4-3 3-4 2-5 2-5 1-6 1-6 1-6

9-2 9-1 6-4 6-4 6-4 5-5 5-5 6-4 3-7 2-8 3-7 2-8 2-8

FCS Stats Top 25

Rec. Pts Rnk

1. Sam Houston State 10-0 2. Jacksonville State (18) 9-1 3. Eastern Washington 9-1 4. North Dakota State (7) 9-1 5. Citadel (6) 10-0 6. James Madison 9-1 7. Richmond 8-2 8. South Dakota State 7-3 9. North Carolina A&T 9-1 10. North Dakota 9-2 11. Central Arkansas 9-1 12. Chattanooga 8-2

3873 3742 3685 3592 3376 3313 2975 2581 2518 2432 2261 2150

1 2 3 4 5 6 8 11 10 12 13 7

13. Villanova 7-3 14. Charleston Southern 6-3 15. Youngstown State 7-3 16. Coastal Carolina 8-2 17. Grambling State 7-1 18. Samford 7-3 19. Lehigh 8-2 20. Wofford 7-3 21. Cal Poly 6-4 22. Montana 6-4 23. Western Illinois 6-4 24. North Carolina Central 8-2 25. Saint Francis U 7-3

2094 2004 1714 1632 1326 1209 1049 1005 646 476 411 405 208

9 14 17 15 20 22 23 NR 16 18 19 NR NR

Others receiving votes: : New Hampshire 206, UT Martin 183, UNI 154, San Diego 123, Weber State 112, Illinois State 92, Harvard 84, Maine 83, Northern Colorado 41, Penn 37, Princeton 35, Albany 29, Kennesaw State 29, Fordham 24, Liberty 24, Stony Brook 18, Southern University 14, Nicholls 12, Northern Arizona 7,

Big Sky

Friday's Game Eastern Washington at Portland State

Conference

Saturday's Games Montana State at Montana Southern Utah at Northern Arizona Weber State at Idaho State Northern Colorado at Cal Poly Sacramento State at UC Davis

Individual Leaders For 2016

Passing: Gage Gubrud, EWU, 378 ypg Receiving: Cooper Kupp, EWU, 138 ypg Receptions: Cooper Kupp, EWU 9 rpg Rushing: Joe Prothroe,CP, 122 ypg Tackles: Kyle Newsome, UNC, 10 tpg Sacks: Siupeli Anau, NAU, 7.5 sacks INT's: Deion Harris, UND, 5 INT's

Montana Born and Raised A breakdown of the current Montanan's playing for Cats, Griz

Montana Grizzlies (27) Brady Gustafson, Billings Mick Delaney, Bozeman Holden Ryan, Billings Josh Sandry, Bigfork Evan Epperly, Kalispell Trase Le Texier, Boulder Jace Lewis, Townsend Claeb Kidder, Helena Cody McCombs, Billings Brandon Purdy, Kalispell Tucker Schye, Malta Nate Bradley, Billings Trace Bradshaw, Bozeman Cole Rosling, Helena Jesse Sims, Stevensville Gage Smith, Whitefish Shayne Cochran, Culbertson Jackson Thiebes, Kalispell Ben Weyer, Bozeman Josh Horner, Great Falls Alex Thomas, Great Falls Jed Nagler, Whitefish Ben Hardy, Fairview Zach Peevey, Missoula Devin Maua, Billings Andrew Harris, Kalispell

Montana State Bobcats (49) Tre’von Strong, Billings Gunnar Brekke, Helena Ben Folsom, Dillon Karl Tucker II, Great Falls Brady McChesney, Kalispell Austin Barth, Columbia Falls Chad Newell, Billings Brayden Konkol, Belgrade Noah James, Kalispell Sean Opland, Troy Ty Robbie, Park City Gabe Peppenger, Missoula Balue Chapman, Bozeman Will Martel, Bozeman Dylan Stenseth, Lewistown Jerd Padmos, Boulder Blake Sylvestre, Corvallis Grant Collins, Bozeman Walker Cozzie, Helena Koni Dole, Huntley Luke Daly, Billings Jacob Hadley, Billings

Mac Bignell, Drummond Chase Benson, Helena Kyle Finch, Dillon Monte Folsom, Dillon Dylan Mahoney, Great Falls Josh Hill, Kalispell Jake Sessions, Colstrip Myle Murack, Conrad Mitch Brott, Billings Lane Knows His Gun, Colstrip Luke Channer, Corvallis Jarrod Asche, Glendive Denver Krone, Choteau Collin Hammock, Missoula Caleb Gillis, Dillon Kash Perry, Utica Wilson Brott, Billings Hunter Mahlum, Missoula Dalton Daum, Butte Connor Sullivan, Ennis John D’Agostino, Bozeman Clark Judisch, Conrad Michael Jobman, Huntley Tucker Yates, Colstrip Matt Brownlow, Missoula Devin Jeffries, Kalispell Derek Marks, Belgrade Marcus Ferriter, Butte

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Montana Grizzlies Offensive Starters

Montana State Bobcats Defensive Starters

Griz Offensive Numbers

Cats Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 42 ppg, 2nd in Big Sky Total offense: 500 ypg, 2nd in Big Sky

Scoring: 26 ppg, 2nd in Big Sky Keenan Curran #6, 6-2, 201 Receiver

John Walker #22, 5-9, 180 Cornerback

Total defense: 384 ypg, 5th in Big Sky

Passing: 340 ypg, 2nd in Big Sky

Pass defense: 248 ypg, 6th in Big Sky

David Reese #76, 6-7, 297 Left tackle Jerry Louie-McGee #16, 5-9, 168 Receiver

Bob Stitt UM Head Coach Bob Stitt was formally introduced as the 36th head football coach in University of Montana history on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. He signed a three-year contract, which will take him through the 2017 season. He comes to Montana after a 15-season stint as the head football coach at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) where he had an overall record of 108-62 and 13 winning seasons.

Angel Villanueva #75, 6-3, 314 Left guard

Grant Collins #41, 6-4, 222

Defensive End

Mac Bignell #49, 6-0, 190 Linebacker Khari Garcia #12, 5-10, 178 Free Safety

John Nyguen #20, 5-7, 100 Running Back

Brady Gustafson #3, 6-7, 235 Quarterback

Cooper Sprunk #72, 6-4, 293 Center

Zach Wright #96, 6-2, 260 Defensive tackle

Fletcher Collins #59, 6-2, 216 Linebacker Bryson McCabe #10, 6-0, 190 Strong Safety

Devon Dietrich #71, 6-4, 309 Right guard

Tucker Yates #92, 6-0, 303 Nose tackle

Jackson Thiebes #60, 6-5, 301 Right tackle

Derek Marks #95, 6-1, 227 Defensive end

Josh Hill #58, 5-11, 200 Linebacker

Colin Bingham #88, 6-3, 226 Receiver Tim Semenza #89, 5-7, 167 Kicker

Eric Williams #35, 5-11, 183 Punter

Justn Calhoun #9, 5-10, 168 Receiver

Traevon Strong #1, 6-1, 190 Cornerback

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No. Name 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 HS 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 60 62 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

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Grizzlies Numerical Roster Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.

Hometown

Treshawn Favors R-Jr. RB Markell Sanders R-So. CB Gresch Jensen Fr. QB Ryan McKinley R-Jr. CB Mick Delaney R-Jr. S Brady Gustafson R-Sr. QB James Homan Jr. WR Holden Ryan R-Fr. LB Kobey Eaton R-Fr. WR Justin Strong Jr. S Keenan Curran So. WR Lamarriel Taylor R-Fr. WR Jeremy Calhoun So. RB Justin Calhoun R-Fr. WR Yamen Sanders R-Sr. S Brandon Bea Fr. QB Connor Strahm R-Jr. LB Chad Chalich Sr. QB TJ Reynard R-Sr. CB Korey Alexander Jr. DB Reese Phillips R-Jr. QB Connor Kaegi So. QB Josh Sandry R-Fr. S Lane Hovey R-Sr. WR Retired in Honor of Dave Dickenson Jerry Louie-McGee R-Fr. WR Makena Simis R-Jr. WR JR Nelson R-Sr. CB

5-9 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-7 6-2 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-3 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-11 6-2 6-7 6-1 6-4 Gr. 5-9 6-2 6-2

194 Glendale, Ariz. / Mountain Ridge HS 185 Renton, Wash. / Eastside Catholic HS 215 Auburn, Wash. / Auburn Mountainview 199 Anthem, Ariz. / Boulder Creek HS 195 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS 235 Billings, Mont. / West HS 177 Brenham, Texas / Brenham HS 225 Billings, Mont. / Central Catholic HS 185 Vancouver, Wash. / Evergreen HS 185 Rialto, Calif. / Summit HS 201 Federal Way, Wash. / Federal Way HS 195 Chula Vista, Calif. / Mission Bay HS 203 Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Poly HS 168 Long Beach, Calif. / Long Beach Poly HS 216 Inglewood, Calif. / Culver City HS 211 Murfreesboro, Tenn. / Riverdale HS 241 Eugene, Ore. / Sheldon HS 201 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho / Coeur d'Alene HS 176 Virginia Beach, Va. / Greenbrier Christian 198 Pittsburg, Calif. / Pittsburg HS 206 Chattanooga, Tenn. / Signal Mountain HS 205 Ashland, Ore. / Ashland HS 200 Bigfork, Mont. / Bigfork HS 201 Adel, Iowa / Adel-Desoto-Minburn HS 168 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho / Lake City HS 215 Boise, Idaho / Capital HS 171 Hacienda Heights, Calif. / Glen Wilson

Samuel Akem Fr. WR John Nguyen Sr. RB Joey Counts R-Sr. RB Retired in Honor of Terry Dillon Caleb Lyons R-So. WR Rey Green Fr. RB Shane Moody R-Jr. CB Josh Egbo Fr. DB Lewis Cowans Fr. CB Jerrin Williams R-Fr. S Brody Martinez R-Fr. RB Evan Epperly R-So. S Trase Le Texier Fr. LB Gavin Crow Fr. S Dante Olson R-Fr. LB Jace Lewis Fr. LB Eric Williams So. KP James Banks Jr. LB Caleb Kidder R-Sr. DE Cody McCombs So. RB Brandon Purdy R-Fr. KP Cy Sirmon R-Fr. LB Josh Buss R-So. LB Nate Bradley R-Jr. DT Tucker Schye R-Jr. DE Vika Fa'atuiese R-Fr. LB Trace Bradshaw Fr. DL Cole Rosling Fr. DL Donald Bedell R-So. DE Jesse Sims R-Fr. DE Aaron Held R-Sr. LS Mike Ralston R-Jr. OL Caleb Mitchell Fr. LS Gage Smith R-So. LB Kyle Davis R-So. DT Alex Thomas R-So. LB Shayne Cochran R-So. LB Jackson Thiebes R-Sr. OL Dylan Eickmeyer Fr. OG Cody Meyer R-Fr. OL Ashton Torres Fr. OT Thayne Jackson Fr. OG McCauley Todd R-Sr. OL Randy Rodriguez Fr. DT Ben Weyer R-Sr. OL Devon Dietrich R-Sr. OL Cooper Sprunk R-Jr. OL

6-4 5-7 5-9 Gr. 5-9 5-11 5-8 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-5 5-9 5-10 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-7 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-4

195 Broken Arrow, Okla. / Broken Arrow HS 184 Bellevue, Wash. / Bellevue HS 207 Mesa, Ariz. / Desert Ridge HS 177 Lakewood, Wash. / Lakes HS 190 Vancouver, Wash. / Union HS 165 Parker, Colo. / Regis Jesuit HS 185 Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland HS 187 Mission Viejo, Calif. / Mission Viejo HS 205 Vancouver, Wash. / Evergreen HS 192 Federal Way, Wash. / Todd Beamer HS 186 Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS 240 Boulder, Mont. / Jefferson County HS 191 Kennewick, Wash. / Kamiakin HS 223 Medford, Ore. / Cascade Christian HS 213 Townsend, Mont. / Broadwater County HS 183 Missoula, Mont. / Loyola Sacred Heart 215 Junction City, Ore. / Sheldon HS 259 Helena, Mont. / Helena Capital HS 188 Billings Mont. / West HS 168 Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS 236 Wenatchee, Wash. / Wenatchee HS 204 Boise, Idaho / Mountain View HS 270 Billings, Mont. / West HS 240 Malta, Mont. / Malta HS 220 Vista, Calif. / Vista HS 254 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS 225 Helena, Mont. / Capital HS 240 Fair Haven, N.J. / Rumson-Fair Haven 254 Stevensville, Mont. / Corvallis HS 190 Sacramento, Calif. / El Camino HS 266 Eugene, Ore. / Sheldon HS 185 North Bend, Wash. / Mount Si HS 206 Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS 259 San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic HS 211 Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS 221 Culbertson, Mont. / Culbertson HS 301 Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS 299 Tucson, Ariz. / Salpointe Catholic HS 285 San Marcos, Calif. / San Marcos HS 315 Aurora, Colo. / Cherokee Trail HS 312 Gilbert, Ariz. / Gilbert HS 304 Cedar Rapids, Iowa / Washington HS 244 Peoria, AZ / Centenial 301 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS 309 Woodinville, Wash. / Woodinville HS 293 Tigard, Ore. / Jesuit HS

*Cut and take to the game!!

No. Name 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 86 87 88 89 91 92 93 94 95 97 98 99

Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.

Brandon Scott Fr. Angel Villanueva R-Fr. Robert Luke Jr. David Reese Jr. Dallas Hart R-Fr. Conlan Beaver Fr. Max Kelly R-Sr. Josh Horner Jr. Mitch McLaughlin So. Samori Toure Fr. Brennan Corbin Fr. Jed Nagler Fr. Ben Hardy Fr. Dareon Nash Fr. Colin Bingham R-Fr. Tim Semenza R-Fr. Brandt Davidson Jr. Myles Mckee-Osibodu Jr. Zach Peevey R-Sr. Devin Maua Fr. Andrew Harris R-Fr. Ryan Johnson R-Sr. Esai Longoria Fr. Reggie Tilleman R-So.

OT OL C OL OL OT OL WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR K DT DT DT DE DE DE DT DE

6-7 6-5 6-4 6-7 6-5 6-5 6-7 6-5 5-9 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-6 6-2 6-3 5-7 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-4

320 314 316 298 312 276 301 220 175 172 222 208 225 170 226 167 294 264 274 240 215 245 314 266

Hometown

Owasso, Okla. / Owasso HS Duarte, Calif. / Duarte HS Tacoma, Wash. Happy Valley, Ore. / Clackamas HS Cypress, Calif. / Pacifica HS Fredericksburg, Va. / Massaponax HS Spokane, Wash. / Gonzaga Prep HS Great Falls, Mont. / C.M. Russell HS Riverside, Calif. / Riverside Poly HS Portland, Ore. / Westview HS Anaheim, Calif. / Villa Park HS Whitefish, Mont. / Whitefish HS Fairview, Mont. / Fairview HS Covina, Calif. / Charter Oak HS Missoula, Mont. / Big Sky HS San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic HS Tucson, Ariz / Salpointe Catholic HS Sana Ana, Calif. / Centennia Missoula, Mont. / Hellgate HS Billings, Mont. / Senior HS Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS Vancouver, Wash. / Mountain View HS Caldwell, Idaho / Vallivue HS Genesee, Idaho / Genesee HS

2016 Montana Coaching Staff Bob Stitt Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Semore Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Mike Ferriter Inside Receivers Chad Germer Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Joe "JB" Hall Jr. Cornerbacks/Defensive Quality Control Brian Hendricks Defensive Line Justin Green Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator Andrew Selle Quarterbacks/Offensive Quality Control Jason Semore Secondary/Special Teams Coordinator Shann Schillinger Safeties Nolan Swett Pass Game Coordinator/Outside Receivers Colin Bonnicksen Director of Football Operations Matt Nicholson Strength & Conditioning Coach; Lennard Manke Video Coordinator.

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Cat-Griz sure has changed in a hurry From the Fringe...

George Ferguson Sports Editor

They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. I can’t really argue with that considering how I do love Christmas. But for me, the most wonderful time of the year is usually the third Saturday in November. That Saturday is reserved for the annual showdown between the Montana Grizzlies and Montana State Bobcats. Cat-Griz, Griz-Cat, Brawl of the Wild, whatever you prefer to call it, to me, that’s the most wonderful time of the year. However, here in the year of 2016, in the year of the Chicago Cubs, of an insanely controversial presidential election, in a year when I almost got attacked by a real live grizzly bear, in a year that has been anything but normal, and at times, anything but wonderful, should I be surprised that the 116th meeting between the Bobcats and Grizzlies doesn’t exactly have a wonderful tone surrounding it either? I have often pondered this question: What if there came a time when, at least to the fate of both teams’ season, the Cat-Griz game was meaningless? I have never really seen one in my 30-plus years of watching the rivalry very closely. But now, in this weird and crazy year of 2016, I’m about to find out the answer to that question. I’m in no way calling the game itself meaningless, because it’s not. It will always mean so much to the fans of both teams in this great state. After all, it’s our Super Bowl, it’s our Iron Bowl, it’s our North Carolina/Duke, it’s our Ohio State/Michigan, it’s our Yankees/Red Sox, and the meaning, tradition and reverence surrounding Cat-Griz will never be diminished. It’s true, Saturday’s game won’t be meaningless to the players and coaches either. They’ll go at each other with everything they’ve got, playing their guts out for the pride and tradition of the name’s on the front of their jerseys. No player, Cat or Griz, wants to lose to the other. Not now, not ever. And yet, this Cat-Griz game, as it relates to the Big Sky Conference, the FCS playoffs, the FCS Polls, ect, it really is pretty meaningless. I hate that I even had to type those words, but they are true. Neither team has a playoff berth on the line, though, I guess, the Griz aren’t mathematically out of it yet. Both teams lost their chance to win a Big Sky championship back when it was still 80 degrees and sunny, and the trees all had their leaves on them. Both teams lost their chance to be really good this season long before hunting season started, and long before most of us put our golf clubs away. That’s the harsh reality of this Cat-Griz game. Neither the Bobcats, nor the Grizzlies are playing for anything but pride, and for their school, and that’s unusual. Usually, the stakes are always high. Usually, one team, or

both has a lot riding on this game. Not this season though. Not in 2016. So now, a new question has arisen, and it’s one I’m at least going to try and answer succinctly, and my answers probably aren’t ones some fans will like. And that question is, how did we get here? How in the heck did Cat-Griz, at least for this season, come down to this? To me, the answer is both complicated and simple at the same time. And that answer is, in both programs, somewhere along the way, some people have failed both programs. I’m trying to not get on my soap box too much, but the facts are pretty obvious. In some ways, people have dropped the ball in both of our NCAA Division I programs. In the case of the Grizzlies, fans are really mad at head coach Bob Stitt right now, but let’s not forget, Montana is on NCAA probation. And, under self-imposed penalties at that. The loss of four scholarships per year for four years, graduate assistants and other sanctions have no doubt taken their toll on the program, and those were all sanctions made by the university and offered to the NCAA, not the other way around. The controversy and scandal that rocked the Griz’ program not long ago no doubt put it in a precarious position, just as much on the football field, as it did off it. And denying that is being seriously naïve. Some folks believe the penalties were too harsh at Montana and didn’t fit the crime. I’m in that camp too. But, what’s done is done, whether I agreed with those decisions or not. But, I will say, it’s not surprising to me that the Griz have struggled, yes, struggles that include losing to lowly Northern Colorado, while on NCAA probation. I mean, USC, Miami, Alabama, Penn State, and so many others couldn’t sustain their success either when they were under NCAA sanctions, so why should the Griz be any different? The answer is, they aren’t. Plain and simple. And that’s exactly why the mighty Griz have slipped. They haven’t completely fallen, but they have definitely slipped. Changing head coaches three times in less than a decade hasn’t helped either. On the other side of the Divide is the case of the Bobcats. It wasn’t all that long ago that the Cats came into a string of Brawl’s as the higher-ranked team, as the favorite. It wasn’t that long ago that “The Streak” was buried and forgotten in Bozeman. Now however, MSU limps into Cat-Griz having suffered its second straight losing season. Yes, I don’t care that the Cats beat up on UC Davis last Saturday, at 3-7, they are limping into Cat-Griz. They are not the Cats’ team I’m used to seeing coming into the Brawl. How did they fall so fast? Again, and it’s just my opinion, but I’m not sure firing the winningest coach in school history was the answer to any problems MSU may have been having on the football field. I know it’s the easy thing to do, blame the coach, but, coaching changes don’t always produce results either, not immediately, and sometimes, not ever. Yes, Rob Ash’ 2015 team, even with Dakota Prukop driving the offense went 5-6 and got shellacked by the Griz last November in Bozeman. Yes, I get that Bobcat fans

felt his teams lacked fire and underachieved. But, all the good Ash did while he was at MSU, and everything good surrounding the entire MSU campus seemed to have been completely chucked out the window when Ash was let go. As a whole, MSU is thriving. It’s a budding, wonderful university with amazing educational opportunities. It’s a beacon of educational light, and the standard-bearer for higher education in the Treasure State. And yet, its proud football game is now forced to endure what looks to me like a lengthy rebuilding process, all because some folks decided the last coach wasn’t getting it done quite good enough. Some folks decided that, winning the most games in the history of that proud program wasn’t good enough. And while I’ve seen many optimistic MSU fans this season saying it was definitely the right thing to do, at least with where MSU is at heading into Saturday’s Brawl, I humbly disagree. Now, don’t misunderstand me MSU fans, I know it’s not that simple. I know all the complexities and complaints about the Ash regime, inside and outside the lockerroom. I’m just not convinced the decision to fire him was the right one. And, no matter how many folks think it was right, we’re still here right now, and reality is reality. And that harsh reality is, Montana State football isn’t in a very good place right now, at least not three days before its annual showdown with the Montana Grizzlies, and that’s disappointing to me. In other words, in the case of both the Griz and Bobcats, the reality is, neither program is in a very good place right now, and, I personally don’t believe that that’s entirely the fault of either UM head coach Bob Stitt or MSU head coach Jeff Choate, or current Bobcats and Grizzlies. In fact, I know it’s not entirely their fault. They both inherited some things that were based on what I consider very suspect decisions on the part of others. And while I get that coaches are paid well to produce wins, and scholarship athletes shouldn’t drop passes or miss tackles, a lot of what has happened to both of our mighty college football programs in Montana this fall, has very little to do with what’s gone on in between the lines.

A lot of the Griz’ and Cats’ shortcomings were set in motion, and were inevitable well before the season started. And another harsh reality of where we’re at right now when it comes to the Cat-Griz game is this: you know who really loses out? The state of Montana. At least for 2016, we’ve all been robbed of this one day that means the most to so many of us. At least we've been robbed of the high stakes and intrigue that normally comes with a Brawl of the Wild. Will we do our best to enjoy the game? Yes, I suspect so. Will we still crack jokes about the other school all week, and give our friends on the other side of the rivalry a hard time? Yes. That won’t go away either. One mediocre to bad season by both teams won't wipe out 116 years of tradition. But the reality remains, some of the shine of Cat-Griz is gone, at least for one year. Some of the glory that is this game is a little less glorious this season, and that’s disappointing and frustrating, and I don’t like it. I would much rather see both Montana and Montana State roll into Cat-Griz with perfect 10-0 records. I would much rather see the game decide the Big Sky title. I would much rather see two really great football teams going at it with the pride of Montana on the line. Griz fan or Cat fan, I think we can all agree on that, and sadly, that’s just not the case come this Saturday in Missoula. Having said all of that, and yes I know I've said alot, there’s no going back either. We are where we are, and, as one of so many people in this state who truly cares about this game, this rivalry, I hope it can be fixed, and I hope it can be fixed soon. Whoever has dropped the ball on both sides of the Divide, adminsitrators, coaches, or whoever, I don’t care who is to blame, please, pick the ball up and start moving forward again, because Saturday in Missoula, with the two teams having a combined record of 9-11, yes a combined sub. .500 record, that’s not OK with me, and it’s not OK with the state of Montana. From this moment forward, I’m done assigning blame, and I'm done looking back. Please, just somebody fix it. Because I want MY Cat-Griz game back.

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Montana Grizzlies Defensive Starters

Montana State Bobcats Offensive Starters Cats Offensive Numbers

Griz Defensive Numbers

Scoring: 26 ppg, 11th in Big Sky

Scoring: 27 ppg, 3rd in Big Sky J.R. Nelson #18, 6-2, 177 Cornerback

Total defense: 344 ypg, 1st in Big Sky

Justin Paige #3, 5-11, 166 Receiver

Total offense: 364 ypg, 12th in Big Sky Rushing: 196 ypg, 4th in Big Sky

Pass defense: 128 ypg, 2nd in Big Sky

Patrick Carroll #65, 6-5, 320 Right tackle

Ryan Johnson #97, 6-3, 275 Defensive end Josh Buss

#42, 6-2, 204 Linebacker Yamen Sanders #9, 6-4, 210 Free Safety

Brandt Davidson #91, 6-3, 294 Nose tackle ConnorStrahm #10, 6-0, 241 Linebacker

Justin Strong #5, 5-11, 195 Strong Safety

Zach Peevey #93, 6-3, 274 Defensive tackle James Banks #36, 6-1, 215 Linebacker

Caleb Kidder #37, 6-5, 259 Defensive end

Jeff Choate MSU Head Coach

Monte Folsom #54, 6-3, 295 Right guard

Alex Neale #70, 6-3, 290 Center

Chris Murray #8, 6-2, 180 Quarterback

Chad Newell #17, 6-1, 220 Running back

JP Flynn #75, 6-5, 310 Left guard

Mitch Brott #63, 6-6, 265 Left tackle

Jayshawn Gates #19, 5-8, 150 Receiver

Choate was appointed Montana State's 32nd head football coach on Friday, Dec. 4. An Idaho native who graduated from UM Western in 1993 and has spent most of his 24 seasons in coaching within a 10-hour drive of Bozeman. Choate came to MSU from the University of Washington where he was the defensive line coach.

Austin Barth #15, 6-6, 250 Tight end

Markell Sanders #1, 6-2, 185 Corner

Mitchell Herbert #82, 6-4, 205 Receiver

Jered Padmos #40, 6-2, 175 Punter

Gabe Peppenger #31, 6-0, 220 Kicker

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Kidder exemplifies the #37 tradition He is the heart of the Bobcats Griz senior defensive end of great players wearing the sacred number

Running back Chad Newell used his heart, his character, his determination and his toughness to become one of the most revered MSU players ever

George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com When then graduated defensive Zach Wagenmann, Montana’s all-time sack leader, told Caleb Kidder, a junior to be at the time, that he was going to wear the famed No. 37 jersey for the final two years of his career as a Grizzly, Kidder was stunned, and didn’t know what to say. "I was shocked. I was pretty surprised," Kidder said. "I didn't see it coming because we hang out on a regular basis since he's been back. It's pretty awesome." Kidder may have been stunned and lost for words, but, he knew exactly what it meant to be given the number, passed on from one Montana-born defensive player to the next. And he’s known exactly how to represent it ever since. "I know he'll wear and represent that number well and everything that goes along with it," then Montana, now Montana State defensive coordinator Ty Gregorak said of Kidder back in the summer of 2015. "I believe Caleb can be a dominant force in this conference." Turns out, Gregorak was dead on. Kidder has not only represented the No. 37 legacy, which is a very big deal at Montana, in exactly the manner it’s supposed to be, he’s also become that dominant force in the conference, and all of the FCS, in a very unique way. As a junior, Kidder wore No. 37 as a defensive tackle, earning First-Team All Big Sky honors with 82 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Recruited as a defensive end out of Helena, Kidder’s rare combination of size and strength, with also excellent speed and agility made him a dynamic DT, where he played as a freshman, and had an impactful 40 stops as a backup in his sophomore season. But, those were the days when he was playing alongside some of the greatest pass rushers in UM history, guys like Wagenmann and Tyrone Holmes. And when those guys left the program, Kidder’s freak athleticism made him a natural fit to slide over to defensive end in Jason Semore’s new, multiplefront defense – a defense where Kidder still plays DT from time to time, but also gets free rushes at the QB as well. And without having ever played the position, Kidder was named a Preseason AllAmerican and the Big Sky Preseason Defensive Player of the Year before the start of his senior season. "He's a preseason All-American guy and we've been asking him to play like one," Semore said. "So far so good. He's an NFL guy, no doubt about it. With his size and speed and productivity. ... I think he's shown his versatility, which will allow him to be

George Ferguson

Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

AP Photo Montana senior defensive end Caleb Kidder, a native of Helena, has worn the No. 37 legacy jersey for the last two seasons of his Grizzly career. And he's done so with pride and production. Kidder is an FCS All-American and Buck Buchanen Award candidate this season, as well as a Griz' team captain. When Montana is done, Kidder will hand the No. 37 off to a new, Montana-born defensive player.

more attractive among different teams." The NFL might just beckon for Kidder, like it did for former teammates like Holmes and Wagenmann among others. He’s having another stout season, with 6.5 sacks and 11 TFLs, all while playing two positions fulltime. But, what really matters to Kidder, as his last season at Montana winds down, is winning, and representing No. 37 in the manner it was entrusted to him. He takes both very seriously. On the field, he’s intense and fe-

rocious, and off it, he’s a team captain who cares about his teammates and supports them in every way he can. "That makes him a special dude because not everybody has that," said Semore. "Most guys play with the personality that they have. He approaches his business the right way and he's a good leader in that way." And, doing things right is exactly what’s expected out of anyone who wears the No. 37. Kidder will hand that jersey off to the next Montana player sometime this summer.

But, while someone else will be wearing when the 2017 Cat-Griz game rolls around next November, Kidder will forever be part of the No. 37 legacy. But, with how great Kidder has been for Montana, he won’t just be a part of the legacy, he’s carved out his own time in that most special Montana tradition. "Watching Montana (as a kid) and what they all represent, now it's my senior year and I'm in those shoes that I looked up to," he said. "It's a humbling experience."

Chad Newell is not just a good running back, he’s a throwback to the days before college football teams were running spread offenses, before they were throwing it 50 times a game, and well before the days of all these crazy offensive schemes you see today. But, that doesn’t mean Newell doesn’t fit into today’s college football landscape. No, Newell, the Montana State Bobcat senior has fit in better than anyone thought he would. Despite being a record-setting running back at Billings Senior, and despite having the size and speed to play just about any position on offense or defense, Newell wasn’t highly sought-after by either the Bobcats, or the Montana Grizzlies as his senior year of high school came to an end. Ultimately though, then MSU head coach Rob Ash offered Newell a walkon spot in Bozeman, and while Newell was a Griz’ fan growing up, he jumped at the chance to play NCAA Division I college football. And the rest they say, is history. Not only is Newell no longer a Griz fan, he’s one of the most revered Bobcats in MSU history. For the last four seasons, Newell has embodied everything that is right with college football. He’s a team leader, he’s that heart and soul guy for the Bobcats, and above all else, he’s a model student-athlete. And Newell’s heart is really what drives him, and what drove him to come to MSU. “I had a scholarship (to play football at Montana Tech) there, but ultimately I felt like I could play at this level and I wanted to chase that dream,” Newell said of his choice to walk on at MSU. “Going back to my senior year, coming here, walking on, I didn’t think I would ever be in this position to even be in front of a camera wearing a Bobcat uniform,” Newell said this past spring. “So it’s been a dream come true.” And Newell turned out to be a dream come true for the Bobcats. During his sophomore campaign – his third year at MSU after redshirting his first season – he first started to blossom when he was named a first-team all-Big Sky special teams selection. He also tied the program’s single-game rushing touchdowns record that season. He found the end zone five times in MSU’s playoff loss

against South Dakota State. "He's going to be a guy we'll build around, not necessarily just the plays but the attitude and determination that he brings to the table," then MSU head coach Rob Ash said after that playoff loss to the Jackrabbits. He became the Bobcats’ lead running back last year and responded by rushing for 831 yards on just 154 carries. He averaged 5.4 yards per tote and had a team-high 12 rushing touchdowns on his way to earning thirdteam all-conference honors. Now, approaching his final game against the Montana Grizzlies, Newell has had an up-and-down senior season. First, he helped his Bobcats go through a dramatic coaching change, one that saw Ash replaced by now head coach Jeff Choate. With it came a different offensive scheme, and Newell was instrumental in helping the Bobcats transition. That’s what leaders do. Then, he rushed for a stellar 104 yards in the season-opener, a narrow loss at Idaho, but also suffered a wrist injury that saw him miss the next two games. In all, Newell has averaged 71 yards per game this season, while rushing for 499 yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile, Newell’s team has endured major struggles in his final year. One year after going 5-6, the Bobcats have slipped even further, as they are 3-7 and have just one Big Sky win heading into Newell’s last Brawl of the Wild. And yet, the heart and soul of the Bobcats’ has never given up. He’s never wavered on what he stands for. He didn’t when he was injured, and he hasn’t during a difficult season on the scoreboard, "I gained more respect for Chad Newell after one game watching him on the sideline supporting his teammates," Choate said after Newell missed the Bryant game earlier this season. "Than I did the week before when he ran for 104 yards." And that’s Chad Newell. He’s a fighter. He cares. He cares about his teammates, his coaches and everyone who battles right alongside him. Because one thing Chad Newell has always done is fight. He’s always battled. He battled just to get on the team at MSU, he battled to become one of the best MSU running backs in school history, and he’s battled, with heart and character through two consecutive losing seasons. In other words, Chad Newell never quits. And that’s why he’s one of the most revered Bobcats in school history. And that legacy will live on, long after this Saturday’s CatGriz game is in the books. "That's what we do, we fight," Newell said. "If you look at the Montana State football program, you're going to be in for a fight.” Now, like he has done so many times, Newell is ready to lead one last fight in his incredible Bobcat career. “We’re going to go up there and the crowd is going to be huge," Newell said of Saturday's Cat-Griz game, his last. "A hostile environment. We’re going to be amped up to go, they’re going to amped up to go."

AP Photo Montana State senior running back Chad Newell, left, a native of Billings, has poured his heart and soul into the MSU program. He's also become one of the top running backs to ever play at MSU, but it's his leadership, on and off the field that will be remembered long after his playing days in Bozeman are done.