Montana St. Spring Ball Begins Friday.........

[GOKATS]

WEATHER PERMITTING!!

First practice is set for 4:00 p.m. Fri.

It'll be nice next year when we have the new turf in the stadium so weather isn't a deciding factor on a daily basis, but things are looking up- it hasn't snowed in Bozeman since yesterday.xsmiley_wix

[ncbears]

UNC WILL BEAT THE BOOBKATS AGAIN.

[CatFan22]

UNC WILL BEAT THE BOOBKATS AGAIN.

You're an idiot.

[ncbears]

You're an idiot.

Yes, but we will still beat you.

[CatFan22]

Yes, but we will still beat you.

You're too funny.

[Canyoncat]

Finally we get some football going again. Looking forward to seeing the battle at QB between Iddins, Rasmussen and possibly Desin. Another good battle should be who will start at DE opposite Dane Fletcher. Will it be O'Connell or Bartch?

As for UNC beating MSU in Bozeman, not a chance.

[ncbears]

Finally we get some football going again. Looking forward to seeing the battle at QB between Iddins, Rasmussen and possibly Desin. Another good battle should be who will start at DE opposite Dane Fletcher. Will it be O'Connell or Bartch?

As for UNC beating MSU in Bozeman, not a chance.

Why not? It happened in '04, it will happen again. We've got your number. You're our bitch.

[CatFan22]

Finally we get some football going again. Looking forward to seeing the battle at QB between Iddins, Rasmussen and possibly Desin. Another good battle should be who will start at DE opposite Dane Fletcher. Will it be O'Connell or Bartch?

As for UNC beating MSU in Bozeman, not a chance.

Why not? It happened in '04, it will happen again. We've got your number. You're our bitch.

You are 1-1 against us in the BSC and you call that having our number? And I'll agree with Canyoncat on this one, you aren't going to stand a chance in Bozeman this year.

[CrazyCat]

[quote]
Why not? It happened in '04, it will happen again. We've got your number. You're our bitch.

[/quote
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-1auRCameVY/default.jpg (http://youtube.com/watch?v=-1auRCameVY)http://s.ytimg.com/yt/img/pixel-vfl73.gif (http://youtube.com/results?search_query=dreamer&search_type=#)

[Appaholic]

Parole come early this year?.....xwhistlex

[CatFan22]

Parole come early this year?.....xwhistlex

UM has already started spring ball. xnodx ;)

[ncbears]

[QUOTE=ncbears;903623]

You are 1-1 against us in the BSC and you call that having our number? And I'll agree with Canyoncat on this one, you aren't going to stand a chance in Bozeman this year.

Yeah but 2-1 since moving up.

[CatFan22]

Yeah but 2-1 since moving up.

Different times. You guys lose by at least 14 this year.

[ncbears]

Different times. You guys lose by at least 14 this year.

If by lose you mean win, then yes.

[CatFan22]

If by lose you mean win, then yes.

Good old NC education at work. Hooray for reading!

[Canyoncat]

I was going to put a point spread up as well, but thought better of it. You won last year true, but it won't happen this year. After we win by +14 I expect you to pay proper homage and realize who is the real bitch!

[Grizzaholic]

and by real bitch, you mean the bobcats right?

[Canyoncat]

and by real bitch, you mean the bobcats right?

UNC, Griz it doesn't matter

[ncbears]

and by real bitch, you mean the bobcats right?

LOL.

xrotatehx

[catbob]

Give ncbears a break here. I mean if you had won only one conference game in two years (and your only one since joining the conference), you'd be hanging your hat on that lone victory too.

Personally if I was a Bears fan, I'd be setting my sights higher than winning one conference game again, but to each his own I guess.

[Appaholic]

Give ncbears a break here. I mean if you had won only one conference game in two years (and your only one since joining the conference), you'd be hanging your hat on that lone victory too.

Personally if I was a Bears fan, I'd be setting my sights higher than winning one conference game again, but to each his own I guess.

True....but NC can't schedule themselves.....

[catbob]

And since Bears fan is being such a fun little guy in this thread, I'd thought I'd spend a few minutes researching some stats for our viewing pleasure.

Since joining the Sky, the Bears have been outscored 785-265 (allowing over 35 PPG), including being shut out 3 times at home (once to a DII team). Their two wins, ironically both against teams with Bobcat mascots, having come by a combined 4 points.

[OB55]

You're an idiot.


Yes, but we will still beat you.


Finally we get some football going again. Looking forward to seeing the battle at QB between Iddins, Rasmussen and possibly Desin. Another good battle should be who will start at DE opposite Dane Fletcher. Will it be O'Connell or Bartch?

As for UNC beating MSU in Bozeman, not a chance.

xnonox Never underestimate the little guys! :D

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w97/wyogem/9726e6fc.jpg

[catbob]

Did I mention Chadron shut out UNC 31-0 in Greeley? :P

[OB55]

Did I mention Chadron shut out UNC 31-0 in Greeley? :P

Don't have to mention it on my account, I was there.

Was in Bozeman for the Cat home opener the year before also. xsmiley_wix

[catbob]

Yea well, so uh... we beat... Colorado... :)

[CatFan22]

It's a different year, gentlemen. MSU is not going to lose to the likes of teams they should beat anymore.

[CrazyCat]

Back on topic.




The Montana State Bobcats are adding a pair of familiar names to the football roster this spring.
Louis Saucedo, who started on the offensive line two years ago before sitting out last season for academic reasons, and Mecklen Davis, who recently completed his career with the MSU basketball team, are expected to be on the field Friday afternoon when the Bobcats begin spring practice.



Ash said his team, which will conclude spring practice with an intrasquad scrimmage in Great Falls on April 26, has enjoyed a productive winter.
“We’ve made some real good gains in strength, explosiveness and power,” Ash said. “We’ve committed ourselves to be a stronger and more durable football team.”



http://greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080327/SPORTS/80327008/1006/SPORTS

[ncbears]

It's a different year, gentlemen. MSU is not going to lose to the likes of teams they should beat anymore.

You guys always do, it won't change.

[nwFL Griz]

So when are the Cats going to release their schedule?

[CrazyCat]

You guys always do, it won't change.

I have confidence in Coach Ash and his system, last year was a learning experience for him. He(and the rest of the team) will not allow any "letdowns" this year.

On another note, How about you (ncbears) start a thread about the vast improvements to the northern colorado football team and your quest to win 2 Big Sky games this year.

[GOKATS]

So when are the Cats going to release their schedule?

Something we'd all like to know, apparently a game or two are still a question.

[ncbears]

I have confidence in Coach Ash and his system, last year was a learning experience for him. He(and the rest of the team) will not allow any "letdowns" this year.

On another note, How about you (ncbears) start a thread about the vast improvements to the northern colorado football team and your quest to win 2 Big Sky games this year.

I read the same thing last year. No more "letdowns" with the new staff.

[CatFan22]

I read the same thing last year. No more "letdowns" with the new staff.

It was his first year. Cut him some slack. I'd rather take a loss to you guys and be a good overall team than actually be you guys. How fun is it being in last every year?

[slostang]

Cal Poly is still looking for a 12th game. What do Cat fans think about playing Cal Poly again?

[CatFan22]

Cal Poly is still looking for a 12th game. What do Cat fans think about playing Cal Poly again?

Fine with me. I just want more FCS games and I really don't care who we play. I'd love to beat you guys here in Bozeman! :D

[catbob]

I wana see us beat Poly in my lifetime, so let's do it. :)

[chuges1]

I wana see us beat Poly in my lifetime, so let's do it. :)

Haha ya i hear you there. I would love to play Cal Poly.

[GOKATS]

Snow last night has delayed the start until at least Sat.

From MSU-

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Montana State's spring football session enters
the weekend just like members of the human race - day-to-day.
Rob Ash said he is postponing the beginning of the Bobcats'
spring drills by at least a day, starting no earlier than Saturday,
after more moisture in the Gallatin Valley on Thursday. "We definitely
won't practice on Friday, and we'll decide (Friday) about Saturday," he
said. "The players are very anxious to get out there and get going."
Ash said the uncertainty of the beginning of spring drills
doesn't have a huge negative impact on the Bobcats. "Each of the 15
practices (in the spring) are precious," he said, "but this means one
more day in the weight room for us."

-msu-

[PhantomCAT]

Parole come early this year?.....xwhistlex

pot-kettle-black?

[Grizzaholic]

Give ncbears a break here. I mean if you had won only one conference game in two years (and your only one since joining the conference), you'd be hanging your hat on that lone victory too.

Personally if I was a Bears fan, I'd be setting my sights higher than winning one conference game again, but to each his own I guess.

Don't the bobcats only care about 1 conference win every year also?

[CrazyCat]

Don't the bobcats only care about 1 conference win every year also?

NO, that's just what some fans from a different school like to think.

[Grizzaholic]

So what you are saying is that you would rather have your team go on another losing streak to the Griz and make the playoffs a few times?

[CrazyCat]

I would have to answer, YES. That depends on what qualifies as a streak and how many a "few" is, though.

[Grizzaholic]

Streak is 10-15 and a few is 5-8. Now that is playoff games. Not necessarially (sp) Big Fluffy Sky Championships, not that I am saying one way or the other but I think you get the drift.

[CrazyCat]

Your not gonna make it easy on me are you. xrotatehx I'll give you a streak of 10 but we make the playoffs 8 of those years.

[catbob]

Times have changed in Bozo. True there is still a decent amount of people that would rather hate the Griz than cheer on the Cats, but the majority has shifted, finally. 6 straight winning seasons, with 3 playoff appearances and one victory in that time span has changed the mindset. Most students now are used to winning. A win over the Griz does not a season make these days. :)

[ncbears]

I think we're still a little too young to compete for the conference this year, but next year, watch out! I do still say we will beat the boobcats. I might make the trip up there.

[CrazyCat]

How about some spring ball newsxnodx





The Bobcats were 6-5 last fall behind senior quarterbacks Jack Rolovich and Cory Carpenter. Rolovich, who passed for 2,237 yards and 14 touchdowns, started 10 games. His graduation leaves an obvious void, with sophomore-to-be Jordan Rasmussen among those set to vie for the position. Mark Iddins, who transferred to MSU in January from Santa Ana (Calif.) College, will get a long look this spring along with sophomore Mark Desin and walk-on Willie Sullivan.
"Jordan will start out with the No. 1s on the first day, because he's the most experienced and highest-ranked guy coming back," Ash said. "And then it'll evolve based on their performance on a day-to-day basis."



There's no mystery at halfback, where Demetrius Crawford returns after rushing for 868 yards and 5 touchdowns as a junior. "He's had a great offseason, he really has," Ash said. "Last year he was wirey strong and now he's more powerful strong. He's our fastest guy and he's really worked on his lower body in the weight room."



There is experience defensively up front and, especially, at linebacker where All-American Bobby Daly returns in the middle. "The key defensively is our secondary," said Ash, who has shifted Ramone Lewis from safety to cornerback and Isaiah Taito from halfback to linebacker.


http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080328/SPORTS/803280345 (http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080328/SPORTS/803280345)

[GOKATS]

Well maybe tomorrow at noon, weather permitting- so far so good, but we're supposed to get snow later tonight.

Other news, from MSU-

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Rob Ash isn't going to remind anyone of
political strategist James Carville, but when he's asked about the state
of Bobcat football during his first spring as Montana State's head coach
his message is not unfamiliar to politicos.
It's the quarterback, stupid.
"Quarterback, by far, is going to be (most) important," said
Ash, who took the reins of the Bobcat program last June. "That will be a
good battle. It will be interesting to see how things shake out there."
Four Bobcats enter the spring battling for starting honors at
quarterback, a race Ash says is likely to continue into fall camp in
August. Sophomore Jordan Rasmussen is the only player of the four with
varsity experience at the position. He played in only one game. Mark
Desin, the most prolific passer in Montana history as Billings Senior's
gunslinging signal caller, moves under center for the spring. He caught
two passes in 10 games last year, battling an injury for much of the
season.
Willie Sullivan, a redshirt last year, has raised eyebrows
during winter conditioning. Mark Iddins brings junior college experience
to his first spring in the Bobcat program. He brings the physical
attributes Ash looks for to the position.
"He can make plays with his arm and with his feet," Ash said.
"That is the prototype of the position right now, and it gives you a lot
of options offensively."
Montana State's 2008 quarterback, whoever it is, will enter the
season behind a veteran offensive line that includes four returning
full-time starters. Demetrius Crawford proved a revelation last fall,
rushing for 868 yards, while Aaron Mason returns after an injury-riddled
sophomore campaign. The receiver position remains "a logjam," as Ash
says, but the elevation to the varsity of DeAndre Green and the return
to health of Jamelle Banks give the Bobcat offense a pair of potential
game-breakers on the perimeter.
"We have to break the logjam at receiver," Ash said. "We have
several guys who have played some on the offensive line to challenge the
returning starters, so sorting that out will be an interesting process."
The Bobcats' defensive strength starts in the middle, where
linebacker Bobby Daly enters the season as a contender for the Buchanan
Trophy as FCS' top defensive player. In fact, to use a baseball analogy,
the return of nose tackle Chris Kolone and safeties Kevin Retoriano and
Jeff Brown give the Bobcats great strength up the middle. Establishing
an end opposite Dane Fletcher, whose 19 tackles for loss led the Big Sky
last year, linebackers to bookend Daly, and a pair of corners ranks high
on the defensive priority list this spring.
"We start with Bobby," Ash said. "He's the catalyst for
everything we do. But the other two linebacker spots are up for grabs,
we lose two good players on the defensive line, and two cornerbacks who,
when you look at (video) from last fall made a ton of plays. So there
are jobs that are open, and we'll watch some young guys coming off of
redshirt years compete with veterans that have some degree of
experience."
Ash said his staff hopes to accomplish three goals each spring.
"The first is scheme ideas," he said. "The spring is a great time to
experiment with things that we've researched, evaluate what we did last
year, (try) new ideas, tweak the system. You don't have to worry about
game plans, obviously, so the spring is a good time to refine things.
"Second is personnel," Ash continued. "You have to determine the
preliminary depth chart going into the fall, and there are always some
great position battles. From a personnel standpoint, spring is very
competitive internally. The third thing you can really get done in the
spring is to focus on tackling. You really can't beat your team up in
August by tackling to the ground every day, so in the spring we'll
emphasize tackling on defense and breaking tackles on offense."
Even with all the traditional spring storylines - position
battles, new faces, scheme adjustments - Ash said going through the
period without an established quarterback changes thing "drastically. We
have to see what the quarterbacks can do first, and then we can evaluate
what we need (at other positions). Finding the guy that with the
physical attributes we need who can establish the right tempo and
command the offense is very important."

-msu-

[GOKATS]

Snowed Thurs, night, again Fri. night & we're supposed to get a couple inches again tonight- paractice field is clear now because the ground is warming up, but it'll probably be a few more days before the 'Cats get started with spring ball.:(

[Grizzaholic]

Snowed Thurs, night, again Fri. night & we're supposed to get a couple inches again tonight- paractice field is clear now because the ground is warming up, but it'll probably be a few more days before the 'Cats get started with spring ball.:(

It sure will be nice to be able to go practice just about any time you wish once you get your turf installed. I bet you are wishing it was finalized after last football season and was already installed.

[CrazyCat]

On that note, do the griz practice on the game field under bad conditions or do you have turf on your practice field?

[Grizzaholic]

We have natural grass on the practice fields. I have only seen the Griz practice in the stadium a couple of times that were not public and I have no idea whether they were in there for weather, grass, snow issues or what.

[APPALACHIANstate]

Is Montana St. considered Little Brother?

[GOKATS]

Is Montana St. considered Little Brother?

Only to a few arrogant griz fans.xnodx xnodx

Still no practice for the Cats- snowed a few inches over night and still coming down hard. Maybe later this week.

[Grizzaholic]

Good luck with the snow today, we got about 2 inches at my house but only about half of one in town. I guess Bozo could get upto 5 today.

[CatFan22]

Practice is on today but it will be in the fieldhouse.


Montana State's spring drills begin on Monday at 3:35 pm in Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

The Bobcats also practice on Tuesday, at a time yet to be determined, also in the Fieldhouse. Both practices will be non-contact practices in helmets, as per NCAA regulations.

[GOKATS]

Finally, from MSU-

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Rob Ash presided over "just a normal practice"
to open Montana State's 2008 spring football session on Monday, except
that it wasn't a normal practice at all.
The Bobcats moved their first practice of the spring - and the
first spring practice of Ash's coaching tenure at MSU - into Brick
Breeden Fieldhouse. In spite of the cramped quarters, Ash was thrilled.
"We're very happy to be practicing, no matter where it is," he
said. "We'll get the work done that we need to get done these two days.
We really owe a debt of gratitude to the Sports Facilities staff, who
offered to wait on their setup (for this week's monster truck show and
next week's MSU Rodeo) to help us out."
Ash welcomed 13 returning starters, including seven on offense,
and 30 other returning lettermen to spring camp. While running backs
Demetrius Crawford and Aaron Mason join four returning offensive line
starters to form a strong offensive nucleus, but Ash knows it's the one
hole that draws most of the attention.
"Far and away it's quarterback (where most of the attention
falls)," Ash said. "It will be very important, and very interesting to
see how that plays out."
After the Monday and Tuesday practices, Ash said his staff and
players move into standby mode. "We'll just wait and see what happens"
with Bozeman's weather, which forced the team into a late start to
spring drills to begin with. "We'll be patient. We don't have a choice."

-msu-

[CrazyCat]

Here is the spring prospectus with depth chart and massive amounts of information.:)

http://www.msubobcats.com/upload/pdf1_200804021207167316.pdf