September was a pretty up and down month for the Montana State football program, starting with their game on September 1 versus the mountain west conference Idaho Vandals. A couple late mistakes in that game left Montana State falling 20-17. However, after defensive struggles the last few years, they made a great debut in Idaho.

After the first home game versus Bryant University, Coach Choate said Bryant’s football team was exactly who they thought they were going to be, “a tough physical football team.” A strong defense that game resulted in many turnovers that led Montana State to a 27-24 win. At the after-game press conference, Coach Choate and players including Bryson McCabe said the defensive production improved with the coaching staff. Most people coming into this season wondered how the offense would move along after losing the mobile Dakota Prukop. The starting job was given to Tyler Bruggman, a Washington State transfer who showed potential in each of the first three games and an impressive 55-0 win over Western Oregon, Montana State’s first shutout since 2013 when the team shut out Colorado Mesa 26-0.

I talked to new defensive coordinator Ty Gregorak about the defensive improvements over the off season. Gregorak moved to MSU from rival UM, chosen by Choate for his ability to motivate players, his strong record of success, and his tie to the state of Montana. Gregorak, a Spokane native, was a graduate assistant at Washington in 2001 and 2002 after finishing his playing career at Colorado (1997-2000). His UM team finished among the top three in most Big Sky Conference defensive categories in 2015, and the UM defenses he’s helped coach led the Big Sky in defensive scoring seven times and total defense four times. Three of his linebackers have earned All-America honors in the past four years (before 2015).

JT: Ok, first, I’m sure everyone in Bozeman is wondering why the switch from Montana to Montana State?

TG: It was an opportunity to join Jeff [Choate] and a great coaching staff and put together a great group of guys and coaches on his staff. I was just excited about a new opportunity.
 
JT: What was your biggest challenge taking over as Defensive Coordinator?
 
TG: Well, obviously you can talk about statistics. We just have a ways to go playing football. Hopefully, we’re bringing an identity and a level of toughness, play at a level of toughness. We want to be fast and physical and, hopefully, see on Saturdays relentless pursuit of the football. Hopefully, we’re bringing some of that stuff back.

 JT: Who were some of the defensive stand outs that the Bobcat fans can look out for this year?
 
TG: A lot of the seniors really stand out. You can talk about Khari Garcia, Bryson McCabe, and Bryce Alley. They are guys you would think could lead this team.
 
JT: What would you like the Bobcat fans to know at this point in the season?
 
TG: Just that these guys have been working hard, and you can expect a lot of them this coming season. [We are] looking forward to the loud cheering.
 
The Bobcats host three home games in October. Get to the games, be loud, and support your Cats.