The Bobcat Nation

BOZEMAN — Montana State middle linebacker Mac Mollohan, who suffered a potentially season-ending hip injury three weeks ago, has been upgraded to probable for the Bobcats' game Saturday at Weber State.

Montana State head coach Mike Kramer said Mollohan, a two-time all-Big Sky Conference performer from Kalispell, returned to practice Wednesday. He suffered a muscle tear in the hip area during MSU's 38-10 loss at Cal Poly on Sept. 17 and hasn't played since.

Kramer said if Mollohan practices well again today there's a chance he could return to the lineup at inside linebacker. Redshirt freshman Bobby Daly, a former Helena Capital prep star, has started the last two games at Mollohan's spot and has contributed several big plays.

Kramer said his defense will be without starters Chris Kolone and Clive Lowe for a second straight week. Kolone, a freshman defensive tackle, has a knee injury while Lowe, a junior linebacker, is nursing a high ankle sprain.

Kolone is expected to return for MSU's Oct. 29 game with Northern Arizona, while Lowe will probably be back Oct. 15 when the Bobcats play at Portland State, Kramer said.

Starting halfback Michael Bass (knee) is also out this week.

That is great news! If we can get through this weeks game, we should be getting healthier every week and in full force after the BYE week for our last 4 critical games. That BYE week comes at a perfect time for us.

As much as that is great news, I don't know if I would want him to play this week. I think he should sit out one more just to be sure.

Longhorn,
I share your sentiments. I'm chomping at the bit to get Mac back. I just hope they're allowing sufficient time for healing.

I agree. It kind of makes me uneasy when a kid goes from out for the year, and everyone asking if he can get a medical redshirt to he's back. Especially in less than 4 weeks.

Of course I heard they hired Mr Miagi, (from the karate kid) as the new assistant trainer so it is probably all right.

19CAT wrote:I agree. It kind of makes me uneasy when a kid goes from out for the year, and everyone asking if he can get a medical redshirt to he's back. Especially in less than 4 weeks.

To a football coach, it's this year that matters and winning this year. Next year is worried about after the season. If you don't win, it will be the new coaches job to do that anyway.

If a key player can play, he plays (if doctors say OK).

The issue is that we short on quality LB's right now. Curley was just too small to seal off the edge last week and thus the sweeps for 10 yards per. Getting Mack back would probably move Daly to Lowe's spot which would help stop the run. Getting Elliot back would also help.

Great observation, gtapp.

I concur that Daly will move to Clive's spot if Mac returns. After the bye week, Daly will become a solid asset backing up our LB corps when Clive heals up.