FB: Northwest Conference

[MonroviaCat]

Oh yeah---Allan is the Big (6'7") tight end---who was a major weapon last week (but not in all of the game this season).  Don't get confused though--the Rats are not a one weapon team.  They mix things up well which makes it hard to key on them.

[BVHawk]

Who is considered favored in this weekend's game?

[D O.C.]

Monrovia Cat

don't see any big advantage for either team except perhaps if if Joel Clark is not able to play---

that and home field pretty much sums it up.

[Browneagle64]

The reason why I felt that Oxy's Unit (i was tring to refer to the D) would have the advantage was because 1) they have players on the defense of side who have been to the playoffs 2 years in a row, 2) Oxy's good D line and L.B. corps. will find ways to take advantage of Clarks sore ankle and 3) they've been up against bigger boys (i.e. like Linfield ) and should feel confident to take on guys that are similar to them for this round of the playoffs. Just my 2 cents btw.

[MonroviaCat]

The reason why I felt that Oxy's Unit (i was tring to refer to the D) would have the advantage was because 1) they have players on the defense of side who have been to the playoffs 2 years in a row, 2) Oxy's good D line and L.B. corps. will find ways to take advantage of Clarks sore ankle and 3) they've been up against bigger boys (i.e. like Linfield ) and should feel confident to take on guys that are similar to them for this round of the playoffs. Just my 2 cents btw.

Interesting:  I would actually have to give Whitworth's Defense the edge over Oxy's.  I'll agree with you that Oxy's D has the playoff experience and the chance to put pressure on Clarks ankle (but that's really more of a negative for the Rats offense than an edge for the Oxy D).  However, the Rat D has really been lights out good this year.  They've allowed under 12 pts a game in a conference that is typically very offensively oriented.  They've created turnovers and capitolized on them. 

I think if I were to give Oxy and edge it would have to be their offense which has scored more points than the Rats and has scored more consistently.  A knock on the Whitworth offense has been its inconsitency and (like my Wildcats) a less than spectacular Redzone percentage.  If all else is equal--and this his a Defensive struggle I think the Rats win.  If it becomes a shootout---Oxy gets the win. 

[(509)Rat]

they have players on the defense of side who have been to the playoffs 2 years in a row

What makes this game any different than the game Whitworth played in last year against Linfield?  Oh yeah, thats right...Linfield was a more talented team.  Playoff experience doesn't have a whole lot of weight, this is just another home game against another good opponent.

Oxy's good D line and L.B. corps. will find ways to take advantage of Clarks sore ankle

Any D-line and LB core could do this.  I like what MCat said...it is more of a disadvantage to the Whitworth O, than it is a reason that Oxy's D is better than Whitworth's.

they've been up against bigger boys (i.e. like Linfield ) and should feel confident to take on guys that are similar to them for this round of the playoffs

So has Whitworth and as I recall the pirates D has fared much better than Oxy's against the Wildcats the last 3 years.  But I will consent that Whitworth's O-line is the weakest part of their football team and it is the one place I could see Oxy really doing some damage.

But as far as the Whitworth and Oxy D are concerned, I don't think any one can give the advantage to Oxy.  They aren't second in the nation in turnover margin like Whitworth, they give up more points per game than Whitworth, and they give up almost 100 more yards per game than Whitworth.  With all that being said you have to give Oxy's Offense the nod in this one.  The Pirates have the potential to be a more dangerous offense than Oxy, but haven't done it once this year (except against a bad LC team, and a poorly coached UPS team).  Collins can and will beat the pirates if they let him, but this RAT fan doesn't think they will.

[Bucs06]

Whitworth D definately gets the nod here. Not only do they have the best D in the NWC but they are coming off a great game against UPS (2nd quarter on). Oxy hasn't turned the ball over much this year, but they also haven't seen any defensive playmakers like Whitworth has.  The 3 players with the most interceptions in the NWC are all in the Bucs secondary with a total of 20.  Oxy's pass D is rated last in the SIAC and gave up more yards per game than ANYONE. But sure, I can see how you can give them the advantage on D.

[Gig Harbor Cat]

After seeing both QB's play over the last couple of years, I give the nod to Collins.  He is a weapon.  They both are very good QB's.  If they both come out hot, it should be a good game to watch.  Overall, Im not sure who gets the ++ here.  Of everything the Rats bring, I was most impressed with their LB group on D.  As a negative, I think the coach totally over uses his son,  O  D  Special teams  Cmon folks  give me a break.  He is no Dion Sanders !!!

Phone it in   GHC

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Enjoy your run rats Our Cats will own it all again next year.   Let the reloading begin

[(509)Rat]

Oh we will.

I'm a little bummed my signature turned out so small.  I don't think Tooth and OxyBob will be able to see it in their old age.  Better ship 'em a pair of bifocals.

[bluenote]

Dutchfan1....I'm on the Dutch Band Wagon!     And give Johnnie Red a wedgy while your at it. 

[(509)Rat]

Hahaha, I'll give you that one OxyBob.  Why so much negative karma on your end?  I'd boost it up if I could for that post.

[Foss]

I'll boost you both. That was a funny picture followed by a very witty retort.

I think this has got to be one of the most interesting 1st round matchups anywhere this weekend. Two of the top QBs in DIII, and I would think the best TE. Too bad Spokane is so far away for me because I would definately love to watch this game.

[Sabretooth Tiger]

Oh we will.

I'm a little bummed my signature turned out so small.  I don't think Tooth and OxyBob will be able to see it in their old age.  Better ship 'em a pair of bifocals.

I have my readers, no need for bifocals.  I can see it fine.  Very clever drawing.  Just like when I was a kid and we played "hangman" only with full color, w/o stick figures, and w/o playing the game. 

cheers,

[Gig Harbor Cat]

OB  Nice drive by  -- I say

Phone it in

GHC