IT'S GAMEDAY!

[WYOBISONMAN]

Dateline Bozeman, MT--

Well folks this is it, Gameday! I am here in Bozeman and just stuck my nose outside the hotel and can tell you that it is breezy, overcast and about 40 degrees. For those of you that can't be here, I will tell you that last night roadwarrior and myself tried to drink beer for everyone!!

As for field conditions, the field has not been covered and it has been raining intensly here in Bozeman. It would not surpise me to see things get slippery and sloppy out there today. Wind and rain could be a factor during the game.

[CC]

Steffes can grind it out on a slick field......nothing like doing it 5-yards at a time. I really think we will completely dominate the 'Cats, and a couple 10+ play TD drives early will end this one by halftime.

[swaghook]

Might turn into a mud bowl then. Hopefully the bison can prevail in those conditions.

[sambini]

The Fargo Forum writers are split on their picks. Kolpack picks MSU and McFeely picks NDSU. Wyoming remember do cure that hangover get right on the dog that bit you. GO BISON !

[gwendel]

For those of you that can't be here, I will tell you that last night roadwarrior and myself tried to drink beer for everyone!!

No wonder I feel hung-over. Thanks, Roadwarrior and Wyo! :P

[gwendel]

92% chance of rain and 45 degrees at gametime!

http://www.wunderground.com/US/MT/Bozeman.html

It's interesting, Bison fans think rainy, muddy conditions, we get our running game going, Lulay can't pass, advantage: Bison.

But Bobcats fans think rainy, sloppy, cold conditions favor the 'Cats 'cause of the Bison dome and turf play (they do seem to understand the Bison practice outside, but on turf).

In about 6 hrs, I guess we'll know!

[swaghook]

Since the Bison practice outside I don't see the weather being a detriment to NDSU. I do believe however that the QB that has to rely heavily on a passing game is going to be hurting trying to get footing and throw a wet ball.

[sambini]

Get your Bison Game Day signs out and make sure the flag is flying. ITS GAME DAY BABY.... GITTER DONE BISON.

[BisonBrewer]

My wife and I rolled into Bozeman last night around 6:30 in heavy rain. Got a chance to grab a pizza and a couple of pints of MacKenzie River India Pale Ale(EXCELLENT!) shortly after.

Ran into two groups of Bizon fans while we were there. There was definitely some game excitement in the air! Talked to one 'Cat fan at the pizza place as well. He seemed to be impressed by the #8 ranking and the fact that there will be over 1000 Bison fans at the game. We both agreed that it should be a great game!

Just stepped outside. It's breezy but it doesn't seem all that cold. I see patches of blue sky peaking through the low overcast.

Won't be long and we are off to find some tailgaters. The flag will be flying soon!

GO BISON!


"If God didn't want us to enjoy beer and football he wouldn't have given us the ingredients - barley, hops, yeast, water and The Bison!"

[JBB]

We have the same weather here in central Min. *Planning to pull up stakes and move the lodges to Fargo very soon for the game. *

Worries: *D backs losing footing leaving receivers wide open - could happen to either team

wet ball - might cause some problems on the QB-center exchange or problems on the hand off.

Apparently they have a lot of beer in Bozeman. *We have sent our best and the river is still full!! well there are still 12 hrs or so of good drinking left so take a run at it boys! * 8)

Go BIZON, its an Uprizin!!!

[Tatanka]

I'll be watching with my family and friends here at the house. Wish I could be there. On-site Bison fans need to cheer for the rest of us!

GO HERD!!!
BRING ON THE COMPETITION!!!

[CK]

Another chance for the Great West to make a statement on the road - good luck Bison!

[BisonBacker]

Wish I could be there but will have to settle for the Tube. Don't see the weather being an issue, both teams have to play in it. IF our D can force the issue with thier QB and we can run the ball which I think will happen its going to be a great day for NDSU and another L for the Cats.

[gwendel]

Is this the game thread?

We'll see.

Cats strike first after Walker's second interception!

Go Bison! Now!

[gwendel]

Bison continually met at the line of scrimmage. So far the Bobcat defense is up to the task.

Walker gets a complete pass on 3rd down, but not enough for a 1st down.

Crowd is pumped!

[Kevin]

Yeah... this isn't looking good.

Luckily it's early. But we're gonna have to step it up about two or three notches here.

Go Herd!

[silkamilkamonico]

Yeesh, not a good start for the Bison.

Let the Bobcats make their push, and just weather it NDSU!!

[gwendel]

Another 1st down pass by Lulay.

Bison defense seems to be stepping it up against the run.

[Kevin]

1st down MSU. Someone missed an open field tackle. :(

[gwendel]

Tackle for a loss.

The turnaround begins!

[Kevin]

3rd and long, and yet another MSU first down.


What the hell is going on?

[silkamilkamonico]

C'mon guys. Make the tackle.

ANyone know how many missed tackles so far this game? I can count 6 off the top of my head.

[Kevin]

Atleast six.


Bison finally hold on third and long! 4th down MSU!

[gwendel]

Finally! A 4th down for MSU.

[Kevin]

Time out MSU. Considering going for it, maybe?

[gwendel]

Good bounce for the Bison.

[gwendel]

Hard to believe MSU is LAST in Big Sky rushing defense.

[gwendel]

steffes--17 yds on 6 carries.

Not enough.

[Kevin]

My thoughts as well. Steffes hasn't had much to work with.


3rd and 14 for the Herd after a holding penalty. I wouldn't wanna be in that lockerroom at half time.. thats for sure.

[silkamilkamonico]

Nope.

I have a feeling it could be a long day if we can't get that running game going. :(

[silkamilkamonico]

Why not use the passing game to open up the run?

Works well against a 3-4 defense. But Bohl is the coach for a reason....

[gwendel]

Good pass. Walker to Cooper. How many yards was that?

End of 1st 1/4.

[gwendel]

1st down Bison at Cat 41.

Keep it moving.

[silkamilkamonico]

Good looking drive so far.

Need to get some points out of it.....

[gwendel]

Suddenly they seem to be making the running game work.

Now maybe the passing game will open up, too.

Now another big gain.

I feel more comfortable now.

[gwendel]

Miscue. Just when it was going good. At least Walker got it back.

[BisonInTexas]

Sounds like the Bison are getting it going now.

Popowski out, though.

Oops fumble recovered by Walker.

[BisonInTexas]

Defensive holding on the kitties. Bison 1st down!

[gwendel]

Pass interference. Drive extender, Hallstrom says. Yeah, I guess!

[gwendel]

At the 1!

[gwendel]

Steffes!

Touchdown Bison!

7-7

New game.

[BisonInTexas]

Touchdown!

[swaghook]

Back in the game!!!!!

[silkamilkamonico]

TD!!

That was a great drive for NDSU.

Now hopefully the defensive side can put their stamp on this game.

[Dallas_Demon]

Go Bison! You're my adopted OOC team. Demons game canceled because of the hurricane today.

[gwendel]

This game thread was getting pretty boring with just 3 of us.

Thanks for joining us after the TD, boys!

[BisonInTexas]

Cats announcers commenting on how the Bison are wearing them down.

[gwendel]

Good pressure on Lulay that time.

Thought we were gonna get a sack.

[BISON_PRIDE]

37 people online somebody's listening!

[gwendel]

Cats announcers commenting on how the Bison are wearing them down.

Already? Hope they're right.

[BISON_PRIDE]

Bison playing more confident now

[BisonInTexas]

That's what I thought.

Great 3 and out by the D.

[BisonInTexas]

Go Bison! *You're my adopted OOC team. *Demons game canceled because of the hurricane today.


I hate to say it, but I wish Dallas would have caught just a little of Rita - my yard needs some rain!

:)

[99Bison]

hard to watch the game on the bison zone and type on here at the same time :D

[BisonInTexas]

Cats secondary complaining that Bison receivers are blocking them!

[BisonInTexas]

First down!

[BisonInTexas]

Bison at the 43.

[gwendel]

Wow! What a play by Walker!

[BisonInTexas]

Big third down...

First down! 12 yard pass to the Kitties 42!

[gwendel]

Is the ball wet? It seems slippery. They don't say if it is raining.

[Kevin]

Late hit by MSU. Woulda been 4th and 7. But.. that'll be another bison firstdown!

[BisonInTexas]

3rd and 7....

Personal foul on MSU - should be a first down for NDSU.

Hope the receiver is okay

[gwendel]

Inside the 20. Good.

[Kevin]

Not anymore. Personal foul gainst 'SU along with a holding call.

Near the 40 now it looks like.

[BisonInTexas]

Wow. 25 yard penalty.

That hurts

[BisonInTexas]

Hey, just got my mail forwarded!*500th post!

[Kevin]

45 yard field goal attempt by NDSU is no good.

[BisonInTexas]

Bison miss the FG. Wasted some breaks on that drive.

[gwendel]

Good job, Bison in Tx.

But we missed the field goal!

[gwendel]

Bison D should be well rested.

[BisonInTexas]

Need a stop on this third and 4.

[BisonInTexas]

Cats convert - sounds like another missed tackle too.

[silkamilkamonico]

Anyone here seen any other MSU games?

I'm not that impressed with Lulay. Everything they've thrown at this point are short passes and bubble screens.

It's an effective offense, bet also a QB friendly system....

As far as the Bison goes, Kole Heckendorf is going to be an absolute stud.....

[BisonInTexas]

Cats announcers mistakenly claim that Babich was fired. No, the Rams saved us from that.

[gwendel]

Lulay doesn't look good because he's getting a lot of pressure.

Passing QBs need time to set up the pass.

[Kevin]

watch a catch, and what a play. 13-7 MSU withou the PAT upcoming.

[BisonInTexas]

Damn - Cats beat the blitz and score with 30 seconds in the half.

13-7 MSU.

[gwendel]

There's your big Lulay pass! :o

[BisonInTexas]

Bison block the PAT.

[silkamilkamonico]

Yep.

Setting the long ball up with the short passes.

I'm not feeling very good about this game right now. We've done some good things on offense, and only have 7 points.

Starting to get a little nervous anxiety......

[Dallas_Demon]

I hate to say it, but I wish Dallas would have caught just a little of Rita - my yard needs some rain!

:)

Yes, I know what you mean. At least it is cooler.

[gwendel]

Without that big TD play it could have been argued NDSU had momentum going into halftime.

But not now.

[BisonInTexas]

Yes, I know what you mean. *At least it is cooler.


Yes, 89 feels better than 102! I do notice it is getting a little darker - maybe we will get some precip....

[gwendel]

Good runback, too.

'Cats are pumped.

Bison have to come out after the half and MAKE A STATEMENT.

[kchats]

Bison are not playing very well. They are hurting themselves with stupid penalties and turnovers. This is not the way the Bison got to 3-0. The thing I am most disappointed in is that the defense isn't playing better than they are. This team is first and foremost a defensive football team and they aren't playing up to par.

[BisonBacker]

Our guys just don't seem to be in sync. Stupid penalties can kill you. They certainly have given the momentum back to Montana after having the perfect opportunity to get more points and go ahead. Instead stupid penalties are not helping us. I hope Bohl can get our guys heads in the game. ON a totally different note it will be interesting to hear the comments from the AD for Montana when asked about the Bison and the Big Sky.

[Dallas_Demon]

Yes, 89 feels better than 102! *I do notice it is getting a little darker - maybe we will get some precip....

Where are you? I'm in Lewisville (far north Carrollton), Josey/Hebron is closest intersection.

[BisonBacker]

Kchats. I agree with you about our defense as well. That last TD by Montana was a gift.

[CK]

The Bison susvived the emotional Bobcat 1st quarter and began to asser themselves along the lines in the 2nd quarter. If they avoid the mistakes, their physical play will wear MSU down.

I'm still very confident NDSU will win this game.

[BisonInTexas]

Where are you? *I'm in Lewisville (far north Carrollton), Josey/Hebron is closest intersection.

I am in Highland Village. I work in Carrollton at Hebron/International, so I drive by you everyday.

Craig

[bisoningrandforks]

down only 6 with int and stupid penalties. Im not feeling too bad....YET!!!

[BisonInTexas]

Time to got the grocery store - a single Dad's work is never done! I trust you guys will keep the dialogue going so I won't miss anything!

Craig

[spider]

You guys must have missed the two first downs that we gave you on penalties.

[kchats]

I'm pretty sure Coach Bohl will get the boys under control at halftime. Remember the Grizzly game in 2003 who would have thought the Bison would dominate the second half. I think the offense needs to come out and keep pounding Steffes at them mixing in the passes to the tightends and an occassional pass to the wide receivers. The defense needs to come out and get some hits on the QB. That is what the defense is built around.

[kchats]

You guys must have missed the two first downs that we gave you on penalties.

Except for the late hit penalty the play would have resulted in a first down without your penalty.

[spider]

Except for the late hit penalty the play would have resulted in a first down without your penalty.


We had a defensive holding that extended a drive. *And the late hit call came after an incomplete pass! *Aren't you watching the game?

PS We're Montana State....NOT montana

[SiouxFallsJack]

Not sure if any of you guys care, but USD is pounding UNO 42-7 at the half. I'm on my way up to Brookings to catch the Jacks game. Best of luck to you guys in the 2nd half and do the Great West proud!

[kchats]

We had a defensive holding that extended a drive. *And the late hit call came after an incomplete pass! *Aren't you watching the game?

PS We're Montana State....NOT montana


We know that you are Montana State, Montana is ranked higher than you. ;) A defensive holding call that should have been pass interference. Without the penalty our guy catches the pass. >:(

[silkamilkamonico]

Is Lulay really that bad of a punter or is that just their idea of keeping it away from Shamen?

[gwendel]

Bison recover a Lulay fumble.

Finally a break.

[silkamilkamonico]

Well, this is an offensive struggle.

We just aren't getting much going on offense it seems. We can't afford to go down 2 possesions in this game.

[gwendel]

Good yards on the ground, but I don't think it's all according to game plan.

And can Steffes keep going?

Maybe he can taste the touchdown, now.

[gwendel]

At least we got a field goal.

They made it pretty tough, though.

Ok, defense, hold 'em.

[kchats]

Walker is having another tough day. His accuracy has been just a little off the past two games. I think they need to keep throwing it to the tightends and Heckendorf and keep pounding Steffes at them. I don't know about Cinque Chapman this year he doesn't seem to have it.

[silkamilkamonico]

What is it with these idiot broadcasters missing KO's? That's the third time they have been on commercial during KO.

[KTF]

Sounds like NDSU finally found a worthy opponent? ???

[BisonBacker]

Time for the offense to get it in gear and reward the D for that good effort!

[gwendel]

'Cats D wanted a sustained drive. They're tired.

Take it to 'em, O.

[Kevin]

AJ Cooper down to the 5. Great catch.

1st and goal! Give it to Steffes!

[gwendel]

What a catch at the 5 by Cooper.

[Kevin]

Touchdown Steffes!

[gwendel]

Steffes. Maybe the 1. We NEED this TD.

Yes!!! ;D :D :o ::) ;D

[BisonBacker]

Just what I called for and what the we needed. Now the D needs to come up big. Put the nail in the coffin

[Dallas_Demon]

I am in Highland Village. *I work in Carrollton at Hebron/International, so I drive by you everyday.

Craig


Cool. I'm in Castle Hills. Maybe lunch one day. Bisons take the lead 17-13!!!! Go Bison.

[silkamilkamonico]

Back to work defense. Now's not a time to get conservative....

Would love to get a stop and then more points on offense, possibly even making it a 2 possession game.

[kchats]

Those tightends always make plays in big games for the Bison. Great catch A.J. Cooper. Kyle Steffes is having a good game too. Let's get them defense.

[BisonBacker]

May's has been quiet, I think we need him in Lulays face this next series

[BisonBacker]

We've got to get someone in the face of Lulay. We can't give him that much time, he's too good of a QB to let him camp back there.

[Kevin]

If we've ever needed a big play and/or stop by the D, it's now.

[BisonBacker]

Were going to have to get our offense back out on the field. Looks like were going to need a TD to win or a Field Goal to tie. Doesn't appear they can stop their offense, our D looks tired.

[BisonBacker]

At least we have all 3 timeouts for this upcoming and hopefully game winning drive.

[Mr._Bill]

What's going on! You are my lifeline!!

[KTF]

is it still 17-13?

[99Bison]

20 17 cats

[silkamilkamonico]

Shoot!

Well, I don't have alot of confidence in a 1:41 TD drive, especially with the way Walker has been playing today, but let's see if they can get that thing in the endzone....

[99Bison]

The best thing about walker is he steps up when he has too... Which ah better be now!

[Kevin]

And a big "oh shit" can be heard from Dickinson to Fargo. heh.

[Kevin]

Umm.... yeah after watching that 1st down play I think I need another beer.

[Kevin]

And a shot of Jagermeister after that second down play...


Yeah, I'm gettin nervous.

[Kevin]

Worst possible time for a penalty.

[KTF]

where does NDSU have the ball?

[Kevin]

On our own 10. 4th and 15 now. 1:10 on the clock.

[jjbluecw]

Why was the clock running there?

[Kevin]

not a clue. penalty should stop the clock i'd think.

[KTF]

why is it when NDSU is on TV they seem to stink it up? SDSU last year, MSU this year?

[Kevin]

only thing i can think of is throw it to Heckendorf or Cooper. And pray... a lot

[silkamilkamonico]

What a HORRIBLE play!

It's 3rd and 20, deep in our side of the field. But hey at least we have all of our TO's right?

Nope. Not after that awesome -2 yard pass completion, where we needed to use a TO.

You have to think about the situation, Steve.

[gwendel]

52 seconds.

Looks pretty tough.

4th & 19 from 11

[BisonBacker]

1st down yes

[Kevin]

1st down NDSU!

[gwendel]

Completion to the 34.

1st down.

Too little too late.

[silkamilkamonico]

Ok. What just happened?

[BisonBacker]

Pathetic TV coverage. Missed the 1st down play watching a commercial, luckily listening to it on the radio

[Kevin]

Walker to Heckendorf I *think* they came back from commercial late.

[Kevin]

false start bison. god dammit.

2nd and 15

[BisonBacker]

2nd and 10 on our own 34 and flags on the Bison. False Start. 2nd and 15 now.

[Kevin]

30 seconds on the clock

[silkamilkamonico]

WDAY is doing a terrible job covering this guy!

[KTF]

its the young players

[Kevin]

Heckendorf! First down out of bounds at MSU 40 I believe.

[gwendel]

Heckendorf to the MSU 40.

Maybe there's a chance.

[BisonBacker]

We need another 15 for a good chance at the FG

[BisonBacker]

12 Secs. Ball at the 40 but they are going into the wind.

[Kevin]

Six seconds left. Last chance for the Herd.

[BisonBacker]

WE LOST

[Kevin]

Game over. MSU wins 20-17.


Tough loss for the Bison. Penalties killed us.

[BisonBacker]

This SUCKS

[Kevin]

Even had that been a TD toss, we jumped on the snap *again*

We fell apart at the end. Lulay came through strong. MSU earned this win.



And now to head over to the Penalty Box to drown my sorrows in Budweiser.

[BisonBacker]

Gotta hand it to them. They needed the win and they got it. But we did help them in that we played a crappy game.

[silkamilkamonico]

Well. It was a hard fought game.

They had the QB that made the plays when it counted and unfortunately we didn't.

Still a strong season going at the moment, but it has lost it's appeal nationwide unfortunately.....

[kchats]

Good win for Montana State. They made the plays when it counted. Bison had a shot but killed themselves with penalties all day long. They have to get that corrected. They also need to get some depth on defense and rotate their players a little bit more. The radio announcers said the Bison defense looked very tired and that is because they never rotate. Last year they rotated alot. Montana State's passing game makes it tough to get pressure on the QB, I wonder how Cal-Poly did it.

[swaghook]

Walker played well, it was the pass defense that sucked. :-/

[kchats]

Similar loss to the SDSU loss last season in Brookings, SD. Bison give up a late drive and then don't have enough time to come back and answer. Montana State outplayed the Bison today. Bison still had a shot to win on the road in a hostile stadium but couldn't get it done.

[kchats]

Here is the final writer's comment from Bison Zone:

Writer Comments: Tough loss for Bison, who have eight-minute time of possession advantage only to lose it on Bobcats' last drive in a frenzied stadium.

[spider]

I was really impressed with your team. Especially Walker, Heckendorf, and Steffes. They are some big time players. Heckendorf was open all day long.

[swaghook]

Similar loss to the SDSU loss last season in Brookings, SD.

Same play from the defence they did not stop the pass. :-[

[kchats]

Thanks Spider. Your QB and wide receivers played a great game today. Your defense made us earn everything we got today.

[met1990]

Congrats to the Bobcats. I looked at my fiance before MSU scored its last TD and said, "If they score on this drive, they deserve to win." Lo and behold, they did score. And they definitely deserved that one.

Good luck the rest of the year.

[MinotBison]

Very little pressure on the QB today. Those quick slant passes were very effective.

Give them credit. They earned it.

[met1990]

Seriously, Montana TV station. Quit showing the fat jiggly guy on television. Seriously.

[Paulie]

Seriously, Montana TV station. Quit showing the fat jiggly guy on television. Seriously.

Is it Fred 'Rerun' Barry?

http://www.e2groove.com/files/rerun_dance.gif

[sambini]

WAS IT RERUNS TWIN?

[scottheck]

Seemed like a lot of missed tackles today, especially chances to drop Lulay for a loss in the backfield and he'd wiggle out of 'em.

[Shakermaker]

Very little pressure on the QB today. *Those quick slant passes were very effective.

Give them credit. *They earned it.

Damn good game by both teams. I predicted a MSU 21 NDSU 17 game. I was damn close on that one. You guys are still the class of your conferance I'd say. I have no idea who to pick for the Big Sky. Just when the Cats pull a typical MSU blunder they pop back big against a tough team. U of M was idle and about as telling this week as they have been all season.

[gtapp]

Seriously, Montana TV station. Quit showing the fat jiggly guy on television. Seriously.


That guy was visiting from the U of Montana.

[gwendel]

I'm confused.

Help me out here.

Which of the following articles was written by a reporter for the FARGO Forum and which was written by a reporter for the GREAT FALLS Tribune?

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050925/SPORTS/509250343/1006

http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=103951&section=Sports

[BisonBacker]

McFool could have written a liitle more about the Bison even with the Loss. Yes Lulay is a good QB but make no mistakes, we had the opportunity to win a tough game on the road. A missed FG, mistakes and penalties that hurt us as well as a couple of key O lineman playing hurt. A loss is a loss and you do have to give them credit also but we don't need to hang our heads to low. Our coaches and team will hopefully learn from this and take Nicholls state to the woodshed and beat them like we should have beat the cats. This was walkers first loss as a starting QB to a good team (one that is better then their 2-2 record shows) and we will be back home. Shouldn't come as any suprise about the article, they have yet to pick the Bison to win on the GWFC webpage. This week they got lucky with there pick.

[Tatanka]

Congratulations Bobcats on the win. The game was a blast to watch (even with the Bison loss) and either team could have won the game. Lulay is indeed the real deal--the Bison won't see another QB like that for a long time.

OTOH, this game just affirmed a feeling I've had for a while. I'd rather watch a 20-17 loss that had drama until the final horn than a 50-something to 3 shellacking of some Pollyanna University anyday of the week and twice on Saturday.

[scottheck]

Definitely better to watch a game with drama and excitement then one whose outcome is known at halftime...

Easily a game that could have been won by either team. This time it was the team with the most time at the end of the game. With 24 seconds left instead of 12, who knows what Walker could have done. He had them moving...

[tony]

Montana State, even without much of a running game, doesn't have any weaknesses that NDSU was capable of exploiting. They played a heck of a game and Lulay was a huge factor.

Congrats on the win, Bobcats!

[bisongold]

The defense played too soft again down the stretch...not alot of pressure on the QB. Defense seemed disorganized even in the first half.

[insane_ponderer]

I'm confused.

Help me out here.

Which of the following articles was written by a reporter for the FARGO Forum and which was written by a reporter for the GREAT FALLS Tribune?

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050925/SPORTS/509250343/1006

http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=103951&section=Sports


i know alot has been said about mcfeely over the past few years but this article was horrible, it would have been a good article if he was a montana st. writer but for an article like this to show up in the fargo paper...thats just dumb, everyone hates the guy that causes a riot for the heck of it. has anyone ever written in to the forum, called to complain, or written an op/ed article? just curious to see if it would be a total waste of my time ?