The Bobcat Nation

I think Kramer is making a big mistake trying to force this team into becoming run-oriented. He sounds like he is dead set on doing just that and could go down as one of the biggest boneheads in MSU coaching history (get in line). Consider this: You have a great QB, but you’re going to take the ball out of his hands and put it in the hands of a guy who made numerous mistakes (fumbles, broke off plays) and rely heavily on a line that was called for several untimely penalties on what few big running plays MSU had. I envision MSU coming out and trying to develop this run game all spring and fall, then when the first few games arrive and he finds out it doesn’t work it will be just like last year with Lulay and the receivers completely out of sync.

Here’s how I see the non-league games playing out:
The loss to OSU will be cast aside and called meaningless as Kramer refers to the game as a good learning experience. Then squeak out a win over SFA, but lose again to C-P. Lulay then wills MSU to a win over NDSU and MSU limps into league play at 2-2 again needing to win the league in undefeated fashion to get a home game or go 6-1 in league to get in the playoffs, but go on the road.

And what’s up with all the injuries again? Three guys with hamstrings, two guys in vehicle-related crashes, Rogers (knee), Gatewood (shoulder), Milton and Goins (?) careers ended.

I dont see Kramer taking the ball out of Lulay's hands. He is simply trying to have a more balanced team - that is how you win, especially in the post season.

If the Cats could have ran the ball more effectively last year instead of trying to rely on Travis to orchestrate a TD drive every time he touched the ball - we would not have seen the collapse we did last year. Try and tell me if the Cats could run the ball they would have given up a 31-10 lead against EWU. Or that the defense wouldnt have had more rest and been more respectable.

Travis is still the team leader and the offense runs through him, but some help would be nice. If the Cats can run the ball efficiently, how in the hell are teams going to stop them next year. Try to game plan for Lulay when in the back of your mind is a physical smash mouth running game....good luck!

I 100% think the Cats success this upcoming season, along with any run they may or may not make in the playoffs comes not only on the arm of Travis, but also through the legs of our RB. Balance is the key, and the defense will be much appreciative if the O could muster a couple 5 minute drives during the game next year.

I don't think Kramer is going to be completely run-oriented. I don't blame him for trying to get away from the pass - you can't always have to rely on your QB to win you games. Last year, that was the case. Lulay, Lulay, and some more Lulay. I think Kramer is trying to establish the run to help take the pressure off of Lulay, allowing Lulay to play without the entire weight of the team resting on his shoulders.

Besides, our OL have all gotten bigger, have had a season experience under their belts, and another year to learn under Big Mac. If you think our OL isn't going to be better with the run next year, I think you are dead wrong. I think the plan is more along the lines of not running 4-5 wide sets on O. If Lulay can create with only 2 receivers on the field, that is going to keep the D very modest, and open up big holes for the run game.

I can't really argue too much with your pre-conference season predictions, but I think we have the capability of starting 3-1. But teaching a new style of offense to an offense that is all used to last years offense, is going to be no easy task. I wouldn't be surprised to see us fall into the same routine as last year though, but I seriously hope that will not happen.

Also - I don't think we will have near as slow start as we have had on offense. This is the first year really that Lulay has had his top man back from a previous year. Adams left, then Turnquist. 2 starters from last year are back for this year though, and I hope that Guinn has a breakout year, because we all know what Gatewood can do.

Anybody can design an offense that's high powered and dipsy doodle football. That's why we don't have too much of a problem playing from behind. I would have loved, especially against EWU, a group of kids that would have had the ability to understand ball control and clock management with a two to three touchdown lead in the second half. I have a great deal of confidence in this coaching staff. Don't forget that Ricky Gatewood played most of last year with a shoulder completely separated and still was able to make plays. Spring ball is more about getting the newbies familiar with the system, healing off season surgeries, and getting the old fan base behind the program.

That said, I hope everybody plans on making it to either/and Great Falls-- Bozo. I've got two kids jumping up and down wanting me to get the R.V. out and go camping in addition to all the Saturday morning activities, the scrimmage and the autograph session.

I don't think anyone can argue that a balanced attack is the right goal to set but my concern is more in regards to the personnel at RB. JD did a lot of things right but his inability to hold onto the ball scares the hell out of me. If he can improve (a lot) in that area than maybe he is the guy. I don't envision him ever being a 1,500 yard/year type guy and we really don't need that just a steady dependable back is plenty with Lulay and Co.

Justin wound up with 900 yards last year and had 120 fewer touches than Ryan Johnson his senior year. I don't remember a fumble coming off a pass. More than a couple of them I'm sure the coaches graded Travis down on the handoff My only hope is that we don't get left with two or three tight ends and then wind up using them as possession receivers...

Can't argue with the numbers but I disagree about the fumbles. Not only did he have way to many in my opinion but a lot of them were at critical times and that makes them all that much worse. There was one point in the later part of the season where I held my breath every time Kris said "Lulay hands off to Domenick and ...... ". I think Kramer had the same concerns or Lulay wouldn't have been throwing for 500 yards/game down the stretch.

I think JD can get the job done this year but he must protect the ball better. His ability to block and catch out of the backfield were great. Add that to a steady ball carrier and we are in good shape at RB.

I am looking for a 60 pass and 40 percent run type ratio. Lulay is going to be dangerous to the defense not matter if they run a lot or not. They are still going to have to account for him etc. I think by utilizing the run more it will actually help open up our playbook up a little and make us a LOT less pedictable. The Grizzly game is an excellent example of that. The Griz coaches knew we were going to try throwing it 40 times a game so they had their gameplan in place and knew they could run a good 10-15 blitz plays EARLY that would get the Bobcats out of sync. You knew it was coming. Well, you put us up against the Griz with Lulay's ability and the ability to run, then that DICTATES the offense back to the defense more. It also keeps their offense off the field. Keep in mind that we can still run our sets we ran last year as well off and on (could be a huge playbook opportunity for us this year) so our offense should be VERY diverse. The only thing I think where this could hurt us though is that Lulay seems to be a 'rythym' type passing QB. His big drives always seem to be in the no huddle system etc. So I guess it remains to be seen. I am a big fan of running the football and using play action off of that though. I bet if you did percentage testing of 4-5 wide passing sets verses a 2 wide, TE set etc. you have a LOT less 3 and outs usually and longer more sustained drives that keeps your defense off the field. The teams that have the wide open passing offenses (Indy/Minny good examples) always seem to have bad/beat up defenses because they are on the field so much.


I agree though, if we can't run the ball ... we then need to open it up. Our OL should be able to open some holes this year with a TE set though (as well as threat of naked bootlegs with Lulay going the other way etc.). The play calling coupled with the talent we have needs to be KEY next year and we will be fine. I just have a good feeling that JD is going to come in for us and be strong this year. He has a year under his belt, line is stronger and more experienced etc.

I might as well throw in my 2 cents. Ending up 2-2 in non-con play would not surprise me. It would not even be much of a surprise to go 1-3.

If you recall, the last 3 years, Krames has jammed the passing game down the throats of the players in spring ball...this year, the offense needs to have the running game crammed down their throats so they improve in that area. Presumably, based on the last few games last season, the offense gets the passing game.

One thing that I didn't read above, but which is as true as the sky is blue. If a team doesn't have an effective running game, it is unlikely that they will be playing in December - and they certainly will not win a NC. That's just the fact in Div I-AA.

If, and it's a big if in my opinion, we get some of our redshirt tight ends blocking and get two or three passes thrown to them this year, we gonna have a great year. Somebody get that Dissly kid and Moss out

Bleedinbluengold wrote:If a team doesn't have an effective running game, it is unlikely that they will be playing in December - and they certainly will not win a NC. That's just the fact in Div I-AA.

That is the absolute truth. A good run game leads to a good defense which leads to wins in Decemeber.

Cat Grad wrote:If, and it's a big if in my opinion, we get some of our redshirt tight ends blocking and get two or three passes thrown to them this year, we gonna have a great year. Somebody get that Dissly kid and Moss out

Dissly wont bang on the basketball court, what makes you think he will get physical on the football field? He has the athletic ability to be playing reciever in the Pac-10 (actually was offered full ride from UW to play reciever for them) but his heart isnt in it.

two years ago the cats dominated the griz in the second half with two time consuming drives. kramer knows he has a passing game when he needs it. he want's that running game so that teams can't put 8 db's on the field. jmu crushed the griz in the second half. wouldn't it be great to get a lead in the first half and then have the ability to control the ball in the second half?

hokeyfine wrote:two years ago the cats dominated the griz in the second half with two time consuming drives. kramer knows he has a passing game when he needs it. he want's that running game so that teams can't put 8 db's on the field. jmu crushed the griz in the second half. wouldn't it be great to get a lead in the first half and then have the ability to control the ball in the second half?

Yep, nothing like smash mouth football! ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL! JMU did just that last year. The pass you can often stop yourself with drops/INT's, but if you have a power running game (with a good RB that doesn't fumble) it can be tough to stop w/o sending all the troops in. Teams then do that and BAM ... TD over the top. I love that style.

Yeah, and I think we've got better ball players this year than two years ago. Want to see how much beef our redshirts put on over the winter

I think our point has been made. Lulay is the greatest, and he WILL continue to win games for the Cats this season, but without a running game, MSU will not be in the playoffs, and can most definitely kiss much if any chance at making a run in December.

If MSU had a Lulay when we had Ryno, that equals playoff run. If we had a Ryno today, that also equals playoff run.

Major drawback with JD is he's probably too fast for a good ball control back--he'll break too many when we just need a first down All joking aside, he must have had 250 yards called back last year in penalties, usually by the tight ends.

Cat Grad wrote:Major drawback with JD is he's probably too fast for a good ball control back--he'll break too many when we just need a first down All joking aside, he must have had 250 yards called back last year in penalties, usually by the tight ends.

Or by officials that thought they had Xray vision and could see through the reciever to see holding that wasn't happening.

I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials...Damn, they still won't go away...

Cat Grad wrote:I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials, I will not complain about the Big Sky Officials...Damn, they still won't go away...

Sorry, couldn't help myself.