This is the fourth edition of the Montana State football 2024 positional preview from 406 MT Sports and the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Previously published were breakdowns of the quarterbacks, running backs, and tight ends/fullbacks. Next up: offensive line on Wednesday.
BOZEMAN — Balancing one of the top rushing attacks in the Football Championship Subdivision with a consistent passing game will be one of the challenges facing Montana State offensive coordinator Tyler Walker in 2024. It will help having a deep wide receiver room.
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“I think they’re a group who knows that they can be utilized in the pass game and we know that and (plan on) getting them touches,” Walker said. “I think they’re eager to keep putting the work in and we’re going to find ways to…
That’s created a competitive environment within the group, a mindset encouraged by coaches and cultivated by player accountability.
“Not every day is going to be your best day, but we got to cash in on the ones that are good,” MSU receivers coach Justin Udy said. “If you’re not having your best day and the guy behind you is pushing you, that’s only going to make us better.”
Montana State wide receivers coach/special teams coordinator Justin Udy talks to reporters about the Bobcats’ standout receivers, the kicking game and more on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at the Bobcat Athletic Complex in Bozeman.
For starters
Even with a deep bench of receivers, the three starters seem to be solidified.
Returning for his senior season is Ty McCullouch, who transferred to MSU from Colorado State ahead of the 2023 season. McCullouch missed four games due to injury last year, but still led the team with 473 yards and five touchdowns on 25 catches. That includes four catches for 119 yards against Cal Poly and four catches…
Montana State wide receiver Ty McCullouch scores a touchdown against Eastern Washington on Nov. 11, 2024, at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman.
Udy pointed to McCullouch’s ability to stretch the field as a vertical threat and the work put in this offseason to be as healthy as possible entering this season. There’s also the leadership component, a role McCullouch has fully embraced.
“I’m not taking anything (from teammates) like, ‘Oh, I was tired that rep.’ No,” McCullouch said. “It’s either we’re going to do this or we’re not, because if we can’t step up to the plate, we’re going to go 8-4 again and we’re going to get bounced in the second round.”
Montana State offensive coordinator Tyler Walker talks to reporters after the Bobcats’ first practice of fall camp about his offensive philosophies, moving from tight ends coach to quarterbacks coach and more on Friday, July 26, 2024, in Bozeman.
Billings West graduate Taco Dowler is expected to start in the H/slot position, along with returning punts. Dowler only played in five games last season while dealing with a shoulder injury, making five catches for 101 yards.
Dowler said he entered this offseason more motivated than ever after the narrow misses of 2023, such as a dropped catch in a 24-21 road loss to Idaho. Udy said he wishes Dowler wouldn’t dwell so much on the missed opportunities — especially since Idaho was Dowler’s first game back post-injury — but understands the power of turning those misses into motivation.
Montana State wide receiver Taco Dowler talks to reporters about Bobcats fall camp, going up against his twin brother Caden, the motivation from the substandard 2023 season and more on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Bozeman.
“He’s his own worst critic and that’s what makes him special,” Udy said. “I don’t think that much about those types of situations for him because he makes so many great plays for us. When I think back on Taco’s time here, I don’t think of the drop at Idaho. I think of the huge play at NAU a couple of years ago that saved the game for us.”
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