Joe Bignell (2008) - Hall of Fame - Montana State University Athletics

Joe Bignell

Induction:
2008
Class:
1984

Joe Bignell Football, 1981-84 Years at MSU: 1981-84 Honors: 1984 Honorable Mention All-America 1984 All0Big Sky MSU record-holder for catches in a season Hometown: Deer Lodge, Montana “Joe was our money. He was tougher than nails and a great leader, but he used action and not words.” –Former Bobcat coach Dave Arnold They called him “Joe Bigs,” and no one came up bigger in Montana State’s magical run to the 1984 National Championship than Joe Bignell. In many ways, Bignell was the quintessential Bobcat, the product of a ranch family who came to the state’s ag school. A three-year starter, Bignell had a productive career at MSU prior to his senior season, but still not one that would foreshadow the legendary season he would produce as a senior. Bignell and quarterback Kelly Bradley were on the same page from the beginning, hooking up 20 times in a season-opening four-game stretch during which MSu struggled to a 202 mark. Bignell remained a major part of the Bobcat offense through the middle portion of the season but when November dawned, he stepped up. Most memorably as so many great Bobcats have before and since, Bignell put together a legendary game against the Grizzlies. His 13 catches and 179 receiving yards were both school records at the time, and after the Bobcats fell behind 24-12, his one-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter got the Cats back in the game. After not catching a pass in MSU’s easy win over NAU, Bignell as back to work in Frenso State’s Bulldog Stadium in the regular season finale, catching nine passes for 139 yards. The second of his two touchdowns with 27 seconds to play, was the game-winner in a victory that allowed MSU to claim the second seed in the playoffs and earn a first-round bye. Bignell was equally fantastic in the playoffs, catching 20 passes for 269 yards in the three-game playoff run. He finished his career with 169 catches, still the best in MSU history, for 1,598 yards, the second-best total in school history at the time he completed his career. Bignell ranches and raises his family near Drummond.