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Montana State offensive, defensive lines key against Idaho State

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BOZEMAN — The Montana State Bobcats are approaching another road challenge this week at Idaho State. Now that Matt Miller is taking the reins as offensive coordinator, fans can expect a change in the Bobcat offense on Saturday.

“I think it’s going to be pretty good,” wide receiver Travis Jonsen said. “I think we’re just going to stick with our DNA, try to run the ball and do what we can, but I think he’s going to open up the pass game a little bit to keep the defense on their toes, so it’s going to be good.”

The most consistency the Bobcats have had all year is on the offensive line. They have allowed only six sacks all season.

“The offensive line, they’re just dogs,” Jonsen said. “They’re guys that, you tell them to go do this, and they will do it, they won’t even think about it. … They’re in the trenches 24/7 in those games and props to them. There’s real O-lines out there that can’t do that.”

“Some of the credit goes to the offensive line and some of the credit goes to the tight ends when we ask them to help out on protection and the running backs when we ask them to help out on protection,” head coach Jeff Choate said. “I think some of it goes to the quarterback getting himself out of trouble, too.”

“It’s a team effort. You don’t want to take negative plays,” Choate finished.

Idaho State has one of the best offensive outputs in the country, so Choate expects defensive lineman Derek Marks to be a key player on Saturday.

“He’s just one of the hardest workers in our program, he wants to be superior in everything he does,” Choate said about the junior. “He’s always prepared, takes unbelievable care of his body, so as the year goes on, those guys that take care of their body often times start to rise, and that’s what you see with Derek.”

The Bobcats kick off in Pocatello, Idaho at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.