Griz v. PSU scouting report

Posted: Oct 13, 2011 10:14 PM by Derek Buerkle (KPAX Sports)
Updated: Oct 14, 2011 6:03 AM

MISSOULA- From one of the best passing teams in the nation to one of the best rushing attacks. Montana's defense faces a completely different challenge this weekend when Portland State comes to town.
Running back Cory McCaffrey is leading the country in rushing yards per game. And quarterback Connor Kavanaugh also picked up 559 yards on the ground in five contests. But the Vikings won't only pound the ball with their pistol attack in Missoula. Kavanaugh is starting to toss the ball well, too.
"Their quarterback is like a tremendous tailback that can also throw," said Griz head coach Robin Pflugrad. "Outstanding athlete. And he gets rid of the ball extremely fast. Everybody thinks he's just a runner, but he kind of has a quick flick of the wrist and the ball's out of there."
"I think the part that has been the most exciting for us is how well Kavanaugh is throwing the football," added Portland State Head coach Nigel Burton. "And this past week seeing the receiving corps come alive and win one-on-one matchups when Montana State decided to just load the box. And that's what we've got to be able to get done to win big games."
Portland State owns the number three rushing attack in the country. They're 2-1 in Big Sky play, with their only loss coming by two points against Montana State last week. Both head coaches know a very experienced and talented team will show up in Missoula on Saturday.
"We've figured out about the 2011 Vikes is the fact that they're very resilient, mentally tough team," said Burton. "Down 16 to the No. 3 team in the country. They didn't bat an eye. Kept playing. Got back in it, had a chance to win."
"They had 21 returners, 20 starters returning," said Pflugrad. "I've never heard of a team that had 21 starters returning. Then you add six of seven highly talented transfers in that have beaten out those starters, and that causes us, you know, some concern."
The showdown kicks off on Saturday afternoon and the winner will stay in at least second place in the Big Sky Conference. Our coverage on Montana's News Station begins at 1:00.