Cats win in Ogden, improve to 6-1

Bobcat football traveled to Ogden, Utah, on Friday, Oct. 15, for a highly anticipated matchup against Weber State. The Weber State Wildcats found the end-zone early in the game, but MSU would tie the score by the end of the first quarter and keep the game even until halftime. In the second half, the Bobcat defense suffocated Weber State, allowing no points and minimal yardage. Two second-half field goals were all the Cats needed to secure a 13-7 victory and extend MSU’s winning streak to six games. The Bobcats’ only loss so far this season was at the hands of Wyoming in week one.

Senior defensive end Daniel Hardy had three sacks that accounted for 26 yards lost for Weber State’s offense in Friday’s game. Hardy leads the Cats’ defense this year with eight sacks through seven games, but he emphasized the importance of his teammates' efforts to create opportunities to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. “I never try to look at it as just me”, Hardy said. “I can’t do my job without everybody else.” The Bobcats’ defense has been phenomenal this season, allowing just 10.57 points per game, while Head Coach Brent Vigen’s offense scores about 34 points each game on average.

On offense, MSU’s running game took the bulk of the workload. The Cats’ only touchdown was taken in on the ground by junior quarterback Matthew McKay, and rushing accounted for 146 of Montana State’s 222 total yards on offense. Junior running back Isaiah Ifanse led the Bobcats’ rushing effort, picking up 83 yards on 25 carries.

Thirteen points were enough to beat Weber State on Friday, but it will likely take more to win against the best teams in the Big Sky Conference. “I think we’re more capable on offense — production wise — than we showed,” Vigen said. “But [Weber State] is a good team, too. That’s a good defense.” At the end of the day, Vigen’s job is to win and he’ll take a win any way he can get it. “We gotta keep improving offensively — there’s no question about it — but I know we’re a team that can win by leaning on it’s defense, too,” Vigen said.

Saturday, Oct. 23, the Bobcats face Idaho State at home. The Bengals are 1-5 so far this season but they have the ability to beat stronger teams, as seen in their victory over UC Davis in week six. The Cats are tied for first in the Big Sky Conference and are ranked eighth in the FCS. The Cats have four regular season games left, including matchups against second ranked Eastern Washington and, of course, Montana. Both of these games will be on the road and the Cats will need to bring their absolute best to return home victorious.

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 23, in Bobcat Stadium.