Montana State Bobcats head coach Rob Ash will look to pick up his first FCS Playoffs victory on Saturday when his team takes on the New Hampshire Wildcats of the Colonial Athletic Association. This is Ash's second trip to the postseason with the Bobcats, having lost to North Dakota State in the second round of the 2010 FCS Playoffs. The Bobcats are looking for a second national title at the FCS level, last winning it in 1984.
After losing to the rival Montana Grizzlies to end the regular season, the Bobcats have had two weeks to get ready for New Hampshire. Montana State will need to deal with CAA Offensive Player of the Year QB Kevin Decker. He threw for 3,072 yards with 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also had nine rushing touchdowns. On the Wildcats' defense, the Bobcats will need to watch out for junior linebacker Matt Evans (154 tackles) and sophomore defensive back Chris Beranger (127). Defensive end Brian McNally has 7.5 sacks.
For Montana State, the offense is led by quarterback DeNarius McGhee and his 2,360 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. Running back Cody Kirk has 1,233 yards on the ground and 14 touchdowns. The defense has 37 sacks with Brad Daly leading the way with 10.
Game time, date: 1:00 p.m. MT, Saturday, Dec. 3
Location: Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman, Mont.
TV & Streaming: ESPN GamePlan, ESPN3
Series Record: Montana State leads, 1-0