What Is 2016 Montana State Bobcats football

Overview

The 2016 Montana State Bobcats football team represented Montana State University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as members of the Big Sky Conference. It was the program's first season under head coach Jeff Choate, who took over after the departure of long-time coach Rob Ash.

The team showed significant improvement in several statistical categories compared to the previous year, particularly on defense. Despite a winning overall record and a strong conference performance, they narrowly missed qualifying for the FCS playoffs.

• Season Record: The Bobcats finished the 2016 season with a 7–4 overall record and a 6–2 mark in Big Sky Conference play, placing them in a tie for third place in the conference standings.
• Head Coach:Jeff Choate entered his first season as head coach after serving as special teams coordinator at Texas, bringing a renewed focus on defensive discipline and special teams execution.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana, a venue with a capacity of approximately 17,777 and known for its energetic fan base.
• Defensive Improvement: The defense allowed just 20.8 points per game in 2016, a significant drop from 28.5 points per game in 2015, showcasing the impact of Choate’s defensive schemes.
• Playoff Miss: Despite a winning record, the Bobcats did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, finishing just outside the final selection due to a lack of marquee non-conference wins.

Season Performance

The 2016 campaign featured a mix of competitive wins and narrow losses, with the Bobcats demonstrating resilience in conference play. Their schedule included matchups against several ranked FCS teams, testing the depth and adaptability of the roster.

• Non-Conference Play: Opened the season with a loss to North Dakota State (17–14), a top-five FCS team, showing the team could compete with national contenders.
• Key Victory: Defeated Idaho State 35–14 in October, a game that highlighted improved offensive execution and defensive takeaways.
• Offensive Output: Averaged 27.5 points per game, led by quarterback DeNarius McGhee and a balanced rushing attack featuring running back Isaiah Ifanse.
• Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Dalton Cox recorded 98 total tackles, the most on the team, and earned second-team All-Big Sky honors.
• Special Teams: Punter Sam Swank averaged 41.2 yards per punt, providing solid field position, a key focus under new coach Jeff Choate.
• Season Finale: Closed the year with a 31–23 win over rival Montana in the Brawl of the Wild, securing the Great Divide Trophy and finishing on a high note.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a statistical comparison of the 2016 Montana State Bobcats against the 2015 season and the Big Sky Conference average:

The table illustrates clear improvement in both offensive production and defensive efficiency from 2015 to 2016. The Bobcats’ rise in defensive rankings was particularly notable, jumping into the top 25 nationally in pass defense. While their scoring output remained slightly below the conference average, their ability to limit opponents made them a competitive force. The data underscores a successful transition year under new leadership, setting a foundation for future playoff contention.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a pivotal chapter in Montana State football history, marking a transition period that laid the groundwork for future success. Though they missed the playoffs, the team’s performance signaled a program on the rise under new coaching leadership.

• Program Momentum: The 7–4 record marked the program’s best since 2011, reigniting fan interest and boosting attendance and recruiting efforts.
• Coaching Transition: Jeff Choate’s first-year success validated the decision to change leadership, proving the program could remain competitive after a long tenure under Rob Ash.
• Defensive Identity: The emphasis on defense established a new cultural standard, influencing team strategy in subsequent seasons.
• Rivalry Success: Winning the Brawl of the Wild against Montana had significant emotional and recruiting implications for the program.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen gained valuable experience, setting the stage for future depth and sustained competitiveness.
• Recruiting Boost: Strong performances against ranked teams enhanced the program’s visibility in national recruiting circles.

Overall, the 2016 season was a turning point that demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and the potential for future success. While not a playoff year, it served as a critical building block for Montana State’s return to national prominence in the late 2010s.