FB: Northwest Conference

[MonroviaCat]

At hsu last year, Linfield made a few key mistakes that kept them from winning. Also, hsu's qb was excellent and always in control of the game. He is now gone. Their speed at running back persists, I am sure, but sloppy tackling more than anything contributed to the few long runs they had. Also, there will not be people pounding on empty drums everywhere. I am not sure what that will mean for the game, but it will make the viewing experience much more pleasurable.

I am encouraged by what I heard/saw via the computer last weekend...

I'm encouraged too.  However, after seeing the Cats play on Saturday I noticed that sloppy tackling is still an issue.  Don't get me wrong, our D played really well against the run in the WOU game but there were several times where they had the RB stuffed at or behind the line but tried to arm tackle or dove in without wrapping up only to see the guy bounce off and keep going.  That was the one thing I saw about the Cat D that had nothing to do with the size of the WOU line or the time given to the QB.  Luckily, it is something that can be fixed!  I think if we can shut down the run this week and force the Cowboys to throw we'll be in good shape.  And of course the Cat offense will be just fine....

[d-train]

And of course the Cat offense will be just fine....

Including the running game?

I mean the chances are good that WOU is/was the best front seven you'll face this year...but still. What are the prospects for a balanced attack?

[MonroviaCat]

Good point D-train.  I didn't feel that the Cats really tried to have a running game on Saturday.  They did score a TD on nifty, well blocked run but really did not try much with the run other than pounding it up the middle.  Hard to say what will be there this week but based on the stats, HSU may be vulnerable to the run if the Cats can bring a running game AND try to use it. On the other hand, the Cats Offense was pretty good without a running game against WOU (though I would have tried to run it it on first and goal from the 1 even if my running back had one arm and one leg and the linemen were built like Pee Wee Herman)...  Anyway, I'm sure their just saving the Wishbone for D3 opponents....

[wildcat11]

And of course the Cat offense will be just fine....

Including the running game?

I mean the chances are good that WOU is/was the best front seven you'll face this year...but still. What are the prospects for a balanced attack?

D-Train,

All props go to WOU's front seven because they're the best we'll see all year and I don't think I'm disrespecting the other teams Linfield will play when I say that.  The DE from UofO made a big difference (saftey) and their other parts are just good.

The 'Cats didn't try to run because it just wasn't going to happen with much success.  (yeah...being an armchair it would have been nice to try at least one run play at the GL).

Now, I think as the season moves along we'll see the 'Cats running the ball more and with success.  I think this O-line has some great talent and will continue to develop as we move along.   

Here's a link to a news report (short vid) of Redland's win at the Pine Bowl: http://www.kxly.com/sports/?sect_rank=46&section_id=566&story_id=14138 

[D O.C.]

title 9 will eat up half of that.

...perhaps they could find a way to institute the St. Johns Rule.

                                                  8)

                                                 262

[MonroviaCat]

Very Bad news----  It is looking very likely that I will not be able to follow the game online this weekend.  I have been ordered to attend a family event away from home and away from the internet.  Of course this happens during a big game weekend (last year I got stuck during the Cat vs. Rat game).  Anyway, if anybody wants to text me updates I will have my cell phone....  Maybe just scoring updates or quarter updates...anyone, anyone? 

[cawcdad]

MonroviaCat, I was going to ask you to text me with updates as I will be at the Oxy - Menlo game. Can anyone help me too.

[D O.C.]

I get to go and I can pass on the good fortune.
A cell # is in your personal messages.

That goes for anyone on the net in the universe.

I talk, I don't text.

[Ralph Turner]

Thanks for the feedback on Pacific and GFU.

[cawcdad]

The Hardin-Simmons game preview is up on the Linfield Site

[Kelly Boggs]

The word that I am hearing is that HSU seems to be a bit down from recent years. A few Cowboy backers have even been heard to utter the word rebuilding. I look for the Cats to win this game and start a streak that will take them into the playoffs.

[wildcat11]

The word that I am hearing is that HSU seems to be a bit down from recent years. A few Cowboy backers have even been heard to utter the word rebuilding. I look for the Cats to win this game and start a streak that will take them into the playoffs.

Hey UMHB,

Hope all is well in CenLa.  HSU has had two weeks to make adjustments and work on the game plan so I'm sure they'll be ready to roll on Saturday.  I like the chemistry of this year's Linfield team (even with the loss).  Our offense should be on much better ground for this year's game compared to 2006.  Looking forward to the contest.

BTW...my latest blog entry:  Losing stinks but the glass is more than half full

[Wildcat'64]

WC 11,

Good analysis of the WOU game on the AdVantageCatdome blog.  I totally agree with your overall assessment of the 2007 season.  Sometimes we forget to say Thank You but here's a BIG thanks for maintaining the blog.  I know it's a lot of work but some of us really appreciate your efforts to keep the "Wildcat Nation" informed.

[Bubs1856]

WC11-

Couldn't agree more with your synopsis on the Cats.  I left the game feeling pretty crappy, but the more I reflected on the things that we did on the field I felt much better a day later.  Scherer looked great and our wide outs did a great job of getting open and hanging onto the ball, despite taking some big hits.  Defense played well too...just need to get a little pressure on the QB which I am certain we'll be able to do as we face teams at the Division III level.

Can't wait until Saturday.  Go Cats.

[criswyly]

Wildcat11
That was an excellent analysis....check that...That was the best analysis of the WOU game...that was so inspiring the local sports media in the area needs to pick you up as a stringer.