PSU Football Looks to Pick Up Where It Left Off

By David Boyce

After a two-year absence from the NCAA Division II playoffs, Pittsburg State returned to its menacing ways on the football field last season.

Defense was where the Gorillas made their most noticeable change.

"Last year we found that edge," said junior free safety Alex Kuhlman of Ness City, Kan. "We did things we wanted to do. We executed. Two years ago we were just kind of out there on the field.

"Our defense will have to pick up where we left off last season."

Pittsburg State finished 11-2 last season and was just one play away from advancing to the Division II quarterfinals.

For the Gorillas to enjoy that type of success again this year, the defense will need to set the tone in the opening weeks of the season.

Pittsburg State begins with difficult home games against Central Oklahoma and Chadron State followed by the early-season MIAA showdown against arch rival Northwest Missouri State in the Fall Classic at Arrowhead VIII.

Defense is where the Gorillas bring back their most experience. They lost three offensive linemen, a very competitive quarterback in Mark Smith, a tough running back in Caleb Farabi and a playmaking receiver in Marques Nelson.

"We are young and inexperienced on offense, but very talented," Kuhlman said. "It is critical for our offensive line to jell early in the season."

Pittsburg State coach Chuck Broyles recognizes that he graduated some very talented players on offense and on defense.

The leadership those players provided was just as meaningful as the plays they made on the field, Broyles said.

Smith was the perfect example of what it means to lead a team. The way he played hard every down rubbed off on his teammates in so many positive ways.

"I don't know what is more important, replacing a talented quarterback or replacing a great leader in Mark. Mark was very well respected. Everybody liked him as a player," Broyles said.

When Broyles heard Florida quarterback Tim Tebow talk about how the senior leadership on this year's Gators team was going to take the pressure off the coaching staff, Broyles knew exactly what Tebow was talking about.

"That's the thing we are going to miss with guys like Mark, Marques Nelson and Caleb Farabi and Rusty Morgan on defense," Broyles said. "We had big senior leadership. It was a big senior class and you miss those kinds of things.

"Good leadership does take the pressure off the coaches sometimes."

The mark of a good program is when somebody good leaves, there are other players ready to step in to keep the team at or near the top.

From all indications, Kuhlman is more than ready to be one of the leaders that other players follow.

Kuhlman excelled on the field where he earned all-MIAA honors and second-team All-America. He was just as successful in the classroom, making the MIAA all-academic team and compiling a 3.45 GPA as a biology major.

Kuhlman was smart enough to know that even though Pittsburg State won its first five games last season, including the first three by a touchdown or less, the defense had plenty of room to improve.

"Early in the season we weren't disciplined on defense," he said.

The offense, Kuhlman said, bailed the defense out in a few games. He said the defense is now ready to help out if the offense needs a few games to find its stride.

"We are back to having that edge on defense," Kuhlman said.

Broyles, though, feels pretty good about his offense, which will be led by junior quarterback John McCoy. McCoy began his collegiate career at Southwest Baptist in 2006. He transferred and redshirted in 2007 and saw action in 11 games last year.

"He can run and he can throw," Broyles said. "What I say about John is John is an exciting player. He's going to make a lot of big plays, and most of them will be for us."

Offensive player to watch: Junior quarterback John McCoy will have a lot to do with whether the Gorillas play in the playoffs or not. Almost without exception, the teams that win big in the MIAA usually have an all-conference caliber quarterback. McCoy has the tools to be in that category.

Defensive player to watch: Senior cornerback Bryan McMurtrey. McMurtrey missed last season because of injury. In 2007 he had 43 tackles and two interceptions. If McMurtrey returns to form the Gorillas will have a very strong secondary.

Key game: The Gorillas against Northwest Missouri on Sept. 12 at Arrowhead Stadium. This contest is like two homecoming games wrapped into one. The Gorillas would sure like to send their alums home happy with a victory.

On Tuesday: Central Missouri women's soccer preview.