BOZEMAN – Montana State football fans were in for a treat for the last hour of practice on Saturday, as the Cats held their first scrimmage of the spring.
Returning starting quarterback Chris Murray showed even more growth heading into his junior campaign. The signal caller threw for 115 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 28 yards and one score.
Both touchdowns fell into the hands of junior Kevin Kassis, who had 66 yards receiving, a connection that fans should get used to seeing this season.
“Both of those guys played as true freshman and have kind of grown and developed some chemistry together,” said head coach Jeff Choate. “I think that when Chris knows the game is on the line, you think play or not play, who do you want to go to in those tough situations? Go to the guys you’re most comfortable with, and I think Chris and Kevin have a really good chemistry together.”
Even though Murray is separating himself from a growing quarterback room, he still knows there are things he can work on.
“Just be more consistent and try to develop myself as a leader — not only as an example leader, but a vocal leader as well,” Murray said. “That’s something I struggled with in high school and even last year in the past. I’m scared to get vocal and get on guys, but that’s something I’m trying to work on.”
The defense had a lot of shining moments as well, racking up nine sacks. It’s hard to catch a guy like Murray, unless you’re Troy Andersen, who recorded a sack at his new position at linebacker.
“Troy’s a guy that has such good athleticism and speed,” said Choate. “And this has been really good for him to just be able to kind of sink in to that position and not have to worry about going back and forth and just kind of own that.”
Overall, it was a good day for both the defense and the offense, and the team is just excited to get a taste of game-like action.
“A big thing getting back into football is you have to knock the rust off, so it’s day one and everyone’s got to jump start on you, and you’re trying to knock the rust off,” said defensive lineman Zach Wright. “But it’s like that camaraderie, being out there with all your boys. It’s good to get back out here and feel it again.”
The Cats have a few days off and will resume practice on Tuesday.
