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Montana State

W

webfan

Active member
What does Weber have to do to win this one? !. TOP - Weber has to have sustained, time consuming drives to keep Mcgee off the field as much as possible. 2. Go with what beat Montana first-esablish running game. Rush Tafuna and Bolen 30 times each if it's working. I guess I'm saying do the same against MSU as Weber did against Montana.(obvious)

Whats your thoughts?
 
The bobcat board indicates to me that they're more focused on their game with the griz than Weber. I hope their team overlooks us also.
 
I believe one of the biggest reasons behind the smashmouth football strategy we saw against the Grizz was due to UM's defensive setup. Throughout the season, UM's secondary has been sharp and definitley the strongest assest of the team. Yes, their defensive line hasn't been to bad, but they have had a few injuries along the line and out of the two, passing or rushing, running the ball seemed like a better plan, which it was.

I'm not so sure that is the best plan for this week. I think a balanced attack would be best. In all reality, I have a feeling that the boobcats are going to have a difficult time preparing for the Wildcats. They know that Weber has three very different backs that each can break it open for big plays, but also, that Weber has the best passing offense in the Sky. Higgins is still a prolific QB who can break out and pass for 300+ yards anytime. The difference though is that the boobcat line is in better shape than the Grizz line and that they have limited the running game all season. Teams that have been successful against MSU have had big passing games. No matter, I think Weber's OL is going to dominate. Run or Pass MSU will have a very hard time putting pressure on the backfield. Good grief, I think that Weber's backups are probably better than a lot of the starting OLinemen in the Sky.

My biggest worry is our Defense. They have been doing a better job, but still can get a lot better. I have been really impressed with how the defensive line has improved over the course of the season. Kafusi has been doing a GREAT job. The way things are looking, next season Weber's lines could be the best in the Sky, especially since The Beast will be back. For the Cats to be successful on Sat, the secondary must lock down the MSU receivers limiting the passing game, and the line needs to put a lot of pressure on the QB. There should be a linebacker spying McGee the entire game, but be sure to mix up the spy so that MSU doesn't target him. Weber has got to shut down the middle of the field. Thats has been the biggest issue all season.
 
This is a HUGE game!! If Weber wants to get into the Playoffs, keeping their streak alive, and have an outside chance at a Big Sky title, they need to take care of business this weekend.
 
webfan said:
The bobcat board indicates to me that they're more focused on their game with the griz than Weber. I hope their team overlooks us also.
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Quite the contrary, my purple friend! Most Bobcat fans realize that this may be the biggest game of the year for us, if not the biggest regular season game we have had in many years. A win for the Bobcats all but guarantees a playoff bid. In fact, we could finally go into Cat/Griz with a playoff bid already in our pocket, easing the tension somewhat for us for Cat/Griz. We are focused on Weber, and realize that we have quite a task ahead of us considering how well the Wildcats have rebounded from a slow start and the way you man-handled UM last weekend. Last time WSU traveled to Bozeman, you beat us on a cold, snowy day and put a damper on the rest of our season. We got revenge last year, but that home loss in 2008 still really stings. If anything, I think one of the reasons we played poorly in Pokey and barely escaped with a win last weekend was because we were overlooking the Bengals to our match-up with Weber. I am guessing we will have about 14,500 fans in attendance, and it should really be a play-off type atmosphere!

Someone earlier mentioned that to beat us, you must run the ball like you did against UM. Again, quite the contrary. Even though you have the two-headed beast in Bolen & Tafuna, and even though the Bobcats are down defensively this year, our defensive strength is against the run. Throw the ball against us, however, and you are gonna really tear up chunks of yardage. This is an example of throw the ball to loosen the run. We are struggling in pass defense this season (which I thought would be our strength this year); the prospect of the huge day that Cam Higgins may have scares me.

I really think this is gonna be one of those high-scoring games, where whoever has the ball last will win. You have a high flying offense; we have a high flying offense. Time of possession and ball security will be key to winning this game. Looking forward to an epic battle this weekend and hopefully a big Bobcat win! If you're coming to Bozeman, travel safely and don't forget to hit us up at the tailgates - you will be warmly welcomed!
 
Old Skool,

I am 100% sure that the Wildcats are going to run the ball until someone in the conference proves that they can stop it. I look to see the same attack as last week, but maybe Higgins gets 5-10 more passes through the air, due to the Bobcats suspect Pass D. When the Wildcats force you to put 7-8 in the box like they have the past couple games, it doesn't bode well to have single coverage on two of the fastest receivers in the Big Sky.
 
Welcome back Old Skool... Its been a while, but its always good hearing from you.

I agree with your analysis, this is a huge game for both programs. Playoff implications are on the line in this one. The Wildcat - Bobcat game is definitely the game of the week.

Like Bigsky, I also think the Wildcats will come trying to run the ball. That has been their plan in every game this season. Regardless, I really expect to see a lot more passing offense than what we have seen the past two weeks. Against PSU and UM Weber know that they had to run the ball well to be successful. Against MSU, I'm not so sure; however, I wouldn't doubt it for a second if Weber tries to control the tempo of the game through the run. But, like you, I think Weber will be able to throw the ball with more success against the Bobcats. I would in fact use the pass to open up the run. Either way, I really expect to see Higgins passing it more. No matter, lately, he has been the one calling the plays. Against UM, he called 80% of the plays.
 
Tall, so Higgins called 80% of last weeks plays. Higgins should get a lot of credit. That was a well managed game by Cam. He really showed the leadership and experience that is peaking at the right time.
 
Weber has MSU's full attention..

I think this game comes down to if MSU can get their starting defensive end and middle linebacker back for Weber and they can go 100% then MSU has a chance to beat Weber.

If they don't play I see major problems for MSU all around. I really want to watch the match up of our DT's against your o-line because I can see both winning some battles but Weber able to generally wear down the Cats.

McGhee is the freshman version of Higgins. I like your running game better.

We haven't run the ball very well at all the last few games and that really bugs me. I would pick Weber to win by 8-10 points in a high scoring game something like 38-30.
 
N.OgdenCat said:
I believe one of the biggest reasons behind the smashmouth football strategy we saw against the Grizz was due to UM's defensive setup. Throughout the season, UM's secondary has been sharp and definitley the strongest assest of the team. Yes, their defensive line hasn't been to bad, but they have had a few injuries along the line and out of the two, passing or rushing, running the ball seemed like a better plan, which it was.

I'm not so sure that is the best plan for this week. I think a balanced attack would be best. In all reality, I have a feeling that the boobcats are going to have a difficult time preparing for the Wildcats. They know that Weber has three very different backs that each can break it open for big plays, but also, that Weber has the best passing offense in the Sky. Higgins is still a prolific QB who can break out and pass for 300+ yards anytime. The difference though is that the boobcat line is in better shape than the Grizz line and that they have limited the running game all season. Teams that have been successful against MSU have had big passing games. No matter, I think Weber's OL is going to dominate. Run or Pass MSU will have a very hard time putting pressure on the backfield. Good grief, I think that Weber's backups are probably better than a lot of the starting OLinemen in the Sky.

My biggest worry is our Defense. They have been doing a better job, but still can get a lot better. I have been really impressed with how the defensive line has improved over the course of the season. Kafusi has been doing a GREAT job. The way things are looking, next season Weber's lines could be the best in the Sky, especially since The Beast will be back. For the Cats to be successful on Sat, the secondary must lock down the MSU receivers limiting the passing game, and the line needs to put a lot of pressure on the QB. There should be a linebacker spying McGee the entire game, but be sure to mix up the spy so that MSU doesn't target him. Weber has got to shut down the middle of the field. Thats has been the biggest issue all season.
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Weber just has to go and minimize the turnovers and they will be in this game all the way. The offense has shown it can run or throw, depending on the situation.

The Defense is coming around and improving every week. Next season promises to be filled with a strong D line; the return of The Beast is much anticipated by the coaches, especially
coach Kaufusi who realizes he will have a 'beast' as a DE causing havoc in the backfield. Would've been nice to have 'the beast' this season, but everything works out for a the good.

Coach Mac has brought this team this far, and will take them into the playoffs again.

GO CATS
 
It that time again, I always like Weber, except for one week a year. You are good fans and I am a fan of Coach McBride.

If you run it all day you will consume clock, but in that case our D will survive and get the needed stops eventually. If you pass, we may be in trouble. The key here is can you stop our offense, contrary to what a poster above says, MSU has the top passing offense in the Sky and we also have a pretty solid running game too. Our offense will test your secondary severely, we have a lot of threats and DM extends the play and seems to find the open man.

No disrespect intended but you are ranked pretty low in both rushing and pass defense, I think McGhee and Co. have a big day. I dont really know if we can stop your offense, but I think our rush D is good enough to slow it down enough.

its either a shootout and anybody's game or we win big is what I'm thinking. A lot is on the line here so both teams will be ready and nobody will be looking beyond this game.

Oh and I will be glad to see Higgins for the last time, he has been a great one in the Big Sky.
 
cats2506 said:
It that time again, I always like Weber, except for one week a year. You are good fans and I am a fan of Coach McBride.

If you run it all day you will consume clock, but in that case our D will survive and get the needed stops eventually. If you pass, we may be in trouble. The key here is can you stop our offense, contrary to what a poster above says, MSU has the top passing offense in the Sky and we also have a pretty solid running game too. Our offense will test your secondary severely, we have a lot of threats and DM extends the play and seems to find the open man.

No disrespect intended but you are ranked pretty low in both rushing and pass defense, I think McGhee and Co. have a big day. I dont really know if we can stop your offense, but I think our rush D is good enough to slow it down enough.

its either a shootout and anybody's game or we win big is what I'm thinking. A lot is on the line here so both teams will be ready and nobody will be looking beyond this game.


Oh and I will be glad to see Higgins for the last time, he has been a great one in the Big Sky.
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It is going to be a great game, you have always been a very physical and tough opponent.

Gotta love college football!
 
Its funny how much different MSU fans are than Fizz fans, You can have a great conversation with most Bobcat fans, but you can only have a conversation with a few Montana fans.

Bobcat fans, a bunch of great and classy guys :)

Although Im not a big fan of Cats2506's avatar :twisted:
 
In regard to your question regarding our defensive line.

Going into the season this was supposed to be our best defensive line yet. We lost Dane Fletcher to graduation (did you see him Sunday forcing Farve into a grounding call?) but were suppose to get back DE Brad Smith who is probably more athletic than Dane but couldn't stay healthy. He was shut down before the season even started recovering from a shoulder injury he had suffered at Michigan State the year before.

We were still returning our other starting DE Dustin O'Connel who had started the couple of years that while not the force Dane was, brought pressure through consistent effort (4 year lineman who knew tricks of the trade). Behind those two we had DE John Laidet Sr DE transfer from Oregon who is solid and two young pups that are raw but have a ton of speed.

Problem is we lost Dustin O'Connel during the Sac State game forcing our young pups into the game a lot more than what we wanted.

On the inside we have All-American DT Dan Ogden (who uses quickness more than brute strength) and his Sophomore Clone Zach Minter (athletic freak) tagged with Jason D'Alba and Christian Kelli'i (Baylor recruit) who were our run stuffers.

With all the injuries to our starting DE's it has forced MSU to either use the young pups, or shift Ogden or Minter to the other DE position opposite Laidet. Which meant our defensive 4 man rotation on the inside got switched to 3 man rotation. = While line was solid playmaking ability was blunted.

However since then our young pups have gotten better, we are getting O'Connell back this week (how much he plays I don't know) and Minter/Ogden are deadly again on the inside because they are great at creating pressure up the middle.

With the way your offensive line blew up the Griz last week we need all the bodies we can get to rotate into the game because the ambulance will be carrying bodies off the field.
 
Sometime those " pups" can be gems. Sounds kike you're still pretty good. Weber will run. it'll be up to your defensive line and backerts wether Weber is able to run. But then Higgins may come out throwing? Shoud be a good game. Hows the Bobcat Big Sky TV prodiuction?
 
webfan said:
cats2506, does MSU have the awesome D-line like its had the past couple years?
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not 2506, but i can answer this one and the answer is "no." the whole defense is kinda struggling. we've kinda flipped personalities; as in, we've got a great offense this year while our defense has taken a few steps back. we're virtually the same unit that played at a high level last year, but for some reason(injuries, scheme, who knows) we're playing at a lower level, especially against the pass. we are, however, getting two starters back this week (MLB, DE) which will put as at full strength for the first time since the 2nd or 3rd week of the season. that may help.

in bobcatland it's all about offense now, and mostly about denarius mcghee. reminds a lot of people of some WSU freshman a few years back. he's the real deal and it seems we have an endless supply of guns at his disposal. expect at least 5-6 different guys to get a catch while rushing duties are typically split between two studs, cl palmer and orenzo davis. our o-line is smallish and "patchwork," but they seem to get the job done every weekend.

anyhow, weber is ALWAYS a tough game for us, and i really wish it was someone else standing between us and the playoffs(even the griz at this point, WSU is playing REALLY well). i remember 2 years ago in the snow when WSU could do NOTHING on 1st and 2nd down, but somehow converted what seemed like every 3rd down; frustrating game that really hurt our season. after the last few weeks, i'm done predicting games; i don't know what to expect anymore. if anything we'll all get to see a great QB duel for 4 quarters.
 
webfan said:
cats2506, does MSU have the awesome D-line like its had the past couple years?
Click to expand...

I see a couple answered this, and I somewhat agree, our interior DL is as good as any in the conf, the problem (as bpcats pointed out) is the ends, injuries forced us to move some interior DL out to the end but now they are back inside and have the rotation back. on the outside we still have Laidet at one end, he is good at containment but not a pass rush, on the other side O'Connell will probably be back this week but will be limited. the set of the DE are young but have improved every game and are getting better. Our problem all year has been the pass rush, we can stop the run but havent been able to pressure the QB. We are as healthy now as we have been since EWU, and were were pretty solid then.
 
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