Rating:

1.0 (1 vote)

Rob Ash was worried prior to Monday morning's practice about his team's energy level. It didn't take him long to figure out there was nothing to worry about.

"I was worried about not having much energy today, and that was unfounded," Ash said. "We had plenty of energy and a lot of competition today. I was really happy with the tempo of what we did in practice. Sometimes guys dread the fact that they have two practices and kind of save themselves in the morning drill, and that didn't happen today."

Ash lauded the Bobcat offense for setting the tempo.

"The offense really worked over the weekend, talking about playing with more energy and enthusiasm. (Offensive coordinator Brian) Wright really stressed that in his meetings (Sunday), and I thought they came out and really showed a lot of enthusiasm, and that kind of got the defense fired up," Ash said.

The offense's focus and energy translated to performance, Ash said.

"Coach Wright pointed this out to the offense is that when you play with enthusiasm, look what happens. There were no turnovers today, the ball security was good, the execution was good. Energy leads to better performance," he said.

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Ash continues to see progress in the passing game, with the top two quarterbacks on his depth chart enjoying good morning sessions.

"I thought both Denarius (McGhee) and Cody (Kempt) threw the ball sharply and well, the receivers were making some plays," he said. Tanner Bleskin and Everett (Gilbert) I thought both had good days receiving the ball, tight ends were steady, and the O-line pass protected well, so I'd have to say the offense had a good day," Ash said.

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The litany of injuries incurred in Saturday's scrimmage carried over to Monday's practice, most notably at the cornerback position. The absence of starter Darius Jones and reserves James Andrews, Heath Howard and Chris Wilson provides opportunity for several others.

"We were really concerned at corner, obviously, with four guys out (at that position)," Ash said. "(Returning starter Arnold) Briggs will be very solid for us, and this gives Zach Coleman a chance to play and gives us a chance to look at Bryce Stacey and Kazz Siewing. I think they worked Sean Gords a little bit in one-on-ones at corner. I don't think he knows the big coverage picture, but we're trying to see if he can cover out there, so those guys are going to get a chance. The guy with the most to gain from this is probably Zach Coleman. He's been around a while, he's played a little bit, and he's got to show us now that he's a guy we can count on."

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Montana State returns to the practice field Tuesday morning, beginning at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday's morning practice session will feature a live scrimmage situation.