bobcat article

gfallscat · Post by **gfallscat** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 10:50 am

Bobcats waiting for receiving corps to catch on

By SCOTT MANSCH
Tribune Asst. Sports Editor

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Junior Adams said the Montana State receiving corps, which failed to distinguish itself last Saturday in the Bobcats' 19-0 victory over NCAA Division II Adams State, is almost too fast for its own good.

Huh?

"I know why they dropped some balls last week," said Adams, an MSU assistant coach who was one of the best receivers in school history. "They're new and they'd never played a game, for one thing, and they're anxious. They're too fast upstairs. If they slow the rest of it down in their minds and relax, they can be very productive."

Montana State quarterback Travis Lulay completed only 14 of 39 passes against Adams State, which has a solid defensive front but is hardly loaded with superior talent in the secondary. New receivers Ricky Gatewood (two catches for 34) and especially Chaz Guinn (six for 57) had some fine moments, but it was nothing to write home about.

Guinn didn't have to worry about that, for his folks, Joe and Kelly Guinn, were in the stands. After each and every one of his son's games, Joe Guinn offers a critique.

"He's the one who keeps me humble, the first one to point out my mistakes," said the MSU receiver, a junior transfer from Fullerton (Calif.) College. "There's always something to work on and my dad is the first one to let me know that."

Joe Guinn played college football at Southern Cal on the same team as the great Marcus Allen. A defensive back, the elder Guinn once had a tryout with the NFL's Houston Oilers.

"He was a pretty good athlete. I guess he could run around a little bit," said Chaz. And then he chuckled.

"But if he tried to guard me, it'd be all over."

When the 6-foot-2 Guinn signed with the Bobcats, declining offers from Utah State, Toledo and Sacramento State, is was regarded as recruiting coup for MSU head coach Mike Kramer.

Kramer still feels that way, but he also thinks it's high time the new receivers and Lulay produce the kind of numbers expected of them. Starting Saturday afternoon in Bozeman against the highly regarded Cal Poly Mustangs.

"The old coaching idiom is that the most improvement comes between Week One and Week Two, and for us it simply better be the case," Kramer said. "We can't have nine drops and survive in the spread offense. Because if you're in the spread offense that means you're able to throw the ball. If we cannot throw the ball, if we cannot develop confidence and play ability in our receiving corps, then we are in the wrong dang offense and we're going to have to figure that out right away."

Adams, the former Oregon State transfer who earned all-Big Sky honors and now coaches receivers for the Bobcats, said fans shouldn't worry.

"Just hold tight," he said. "We'll be there. ... I think this could be one of best receiving corps we've had here, if not THE best. We've got three or four guys who could be really good."

Kramer agrees.

"Physically speaking, we are," said the fifth-year MSU coach. "Unquestionably, these guys are fast and big and they run the right routes. But from a performance standpoint and a performance standard, that remains to be seen."

Guinn, who had an acrobatic diving catch on a sideline fade route last week to provide one of the few passing-game highlights, said not to worry, the Bobcats will strike often through the air this year.

"There's a lot more yet to come," he said.

Said Adams: "Chaz has a good work ethic and really good hands. Plus he wants to learn. He's not satisfied where he's at."

Actually, the former prep star at Orange Lutheran High is plenty happy to be in Bozeman. His folks, who plan to travel to every game and were in their seats more than 90 minutes before kickoff last Saturday, are just as pleased.

"Everyone's been nothing less than open arms to me, and I'm loving it so far," Guinn said. "My parents are my biggest supporters, so them coming to every game is a great foundation for me to get comfortable. And not only that, but to be able to see them week-in and week-out is a great feeling. They've always been real supportive and they're probably my biggest reasons for being here right now."

Robcat · Post by **Robcat** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 11:37 am

I sure hope Jr Adams is correct, it did not look very good to me last Saturday. Kramer had a lot of pre season hype on Chaz and his catch in the end zone looked real good. However it appears to me that we have one heck of a long way to go in order to establish a confident passing game. It does not seem possible we could hope for that much in one week. I am sure we will see a lot more running of the ball this saturday, but we will not beat CP by just running the ball. Maybe its Lulay that needs some attention?

catatac · Post by **catatac** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 11:58 am

Robcat wrote:I sure hope Jr Adams is correct, it did not look very good to me last Saturday. Kramer had a lot of pre season hype on Chaz and his catch in the end zone looked real good. However it appears to me that we have one heck of a long way to go in order to establish a confident passing game. It does not seem possible we could hope for that much in one week. I am sure we will see a lot more running of the ball this saturday, but we will not beat CP by just running the ball. Maybe its Lulay that needs some attention?

I'm guessing we'll see a 200% improvement in the passing game, and even at that it will still need a little work. It will be enough the get the W and sharpen up a little more so we don't get totally embarassed by CSU. I'll predict 21 for 36, for 232 yards with 2 TD's. Lulay had his self-admitted worst game as a Bobcat, and it wasn't just due to the dropped passes. Lulay wasn't happy with his performance and will push himself big-time, probably with a little help from Kramer, and he will be solid on Saturday. That is the catatac guarantee!!!

Robcat · Post by **Robcat** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:42 pm

Catatac, I sure hope you are right. I will be there and I have some money bet on this game, not much mind you but some. Should be good football weather, now we just need a W. Go CATS!!! Could be a sell out ball game

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:44 pm

Robcat wrote:Catatac, I sure hope you are right. I will be there and I have some money bet on this game, not much mind you but some. Should be good football weather, now we just need a W. Go CATS!!! Could be a sell out ball game

I have a feeling the receivers will be up to the task this weekend. I think things didn't go well for them early and both Lulay/WR's started pressing too much after the crowd started getting on them. They just need to go out and relax and HAVE FUN. It is a game, relax .. have fun and the rest will come.