Bobcats defeat Bryant, but questions remain
Montana State just knocked off a pesky Bryant University team 27-24 in Coach Jeff Choate’s first game at Bobcat Stadium. Here’s an initial reaction:
The Bobcat defense won this game today. The Cats won the turnover battle by forcing 5 Bulldog turnovers. John Walker had himself a day with 2 INT with none bigger than the game saving pick in the end zone with the Cats up 3. Walker, the Colorado University graduate transfer, almost left MSU to go to North Dakota when he got frustrated with the grad transfer process – I’m glad he’s a Bobcat.
The Bobcat offense couldn’t get anything going and that’s concerning. Three of the Cat’s four touchdowns came on short fields thanks to the Bobcat defense and special teams. Brekke was the bright spot with 17 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown but Bruggman was just 14/28 for 126 yards and two TDs. The Bobcat offense was stale – this is a problem. Bruggman still doesn’t look comfortable and I have no confidence when the Cats get the ball on their side of the field. Murray came in and, again, energized the offense for a quick second and I wanted to see him some more. I know, I know, it’s game two but Bruggman is really disappointing me. Maybe he can find some sort of confidence and momentum against Western Oregon next week.
I loved Coach Choate’s confidence in Brekke to give him the ball and ice the game on 4th down and short in the closing minutes. You have to let your workhorse win it for you and he did.
The Bobcat defense did give up its share of big plays today and the long 4th down run for Bryant gave me flashbacks to 2015. The Cats brough the house but Garcia looked flat footed and out of position trying to make the touchdown saving tackle.
All in all, a win is a win for the Bobcats. The first win for Choate in what hopes to be a successful career and the Gold Rush fans got a good game out of it. Bryant is no powerhouse so there are definitely things the Cats need to get clicking before they get to host North Dakota at home in their Big Sky opener.
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About the Author
Hot Take Nate Hot Take Nate now resides in Northern California but still calls Montana his home. It'll always be home.
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