August 30th was the big game. There are a lot of new players and even some that played last year. First, John Ellis who was a big receiver last year, now that Akpla is gone he might be noticed even more. Ellis is one player to watch. Secondly, Tray Robinson. He was a good running back last year. He and Kirk were two of the best in the Big Sky conference. They both ran for an even amount of yardage. Those are two big players to watch out for as they are going to run more this year. Another one is Kruiz Siewing. He did not play that much last year with Akpla and Ellis in the picture. Now its just Ellis. He played a little last year vs U.C. Davis and Weber State. Also, another one to watch is Chase Young.  He looks like he could be the new Akpla. Just watch him scrimmage. He looks really good. He and Chase Young could be the best receivers  Montana State has ever seen.

The kicker is….who will  Montana State choose this year? I can’t choose and it must be hard for Coach Ash. I talked to Ash and he said they are both good and he can’t choose. Trevor Bolton is really good. He is a lefty and might be good enough to be the kicker. He can do 40-50 yard kicks. The other kicker is Keith Lenders. He is pretty good and made more kicks than Bolton who also makes 40- 50 yard kicks. They are both about even. If I had to pick one I would go with Bolton. He has been there longer. There is also A.J. Avenel. I have seen him play when I go to the stadium. Another one is McGhee who has had a special year. He is in the running for a Walter Payton award. Look for McGhee to scramble more this year. McGhee has a few new receivers. With the two returning from last year (Ellis and Siewing) he can find the good receiver and get the right pass down the field. McGhee should be able to post good numbers this season and may even win the Walter Payton award.

A defensive player to keep your eye on is Jody Owens. He won’t have Clay Bignell in the back field with him this year so he will have to make many interceptions this  year. Owens will also do good this year with sacks, forcing fumbles and recovering fumbles. Look for good numbers from Owens this year as well. Defensive line man Zach Minter will do great this year. He is the defensive captain. He gets the most sacks and forces a lot of fumbles on the quarter backs. Another player to watch this season is Brad Daly. He played with a broken arm last year. He did pretty good with a broken arm and now he has no cast so he will do even better this year.

Daly, Owens, and Minter are what I like to call; “The Montana State Big 3”.  With a ton of other great defensive players Montana State could bring home their first national championship  since 1984. We all hope and pray that they do. I will be blogging on the home games on Montana State football facebook page. Go there and you can get coverage or also visit Ustream.com search JackThorsen Bobcatgameday for live sideline updates.

Jack Thorsen is all 11 year old Bobcat blogger. He can be found on facebook and Ustream, and at all Bobcat Football games.