FB: Northwest Conference

[(509)Rat]

Although the warm-ups are silly and Whitworth has won the last 4 games against the Lutes...PLU has NEVER lost the pre-game to ANYONE  

I know I posted this earlier and I don't think anyone on here agreed with me, but I don't think PLU can hang with Linfield.  I don't think this PLU defense is as good as advertised and the offense plays poorly when good athletes put pressure on them.  I can't imagine coach Smith watching the Whitworth film and not figuring out a way to put pressure on Gordon and move the ball on PLU.  But thats why the game is played, because anything [Willamette] can happen on any given Saturday.

[wildcat11]

Although the warm-ups are silly and Whitworth has won the last 4 games against the Lutes...PLU has NEVER lost the pre-game to ANYONE 

I take it that some of you read the blog in regards to the SOU game.

PPJ, The Lutes are from Parkland, Washington (Tacoma).  Don't let their different style fool you.  They may seem like a bunch of goofs just having a fun time but they'll stab you in the heart if you give them the chance.

[(509)Rat]

If Azusa has anything at all they should beet whitworth.

By looking at whitworth schedule they have beat three teams that are winless and one that had two wins. they lost to a 5-1 and won to a 5-1, combine team records is well below 500. Whitworth will win one maybe two more games.

Azusa is very talented.  But what do you expect from a school that can give kids money to play?  They lost games to some good teams (although the UW-LC loss no longer looks as good) and beat some good teams (Humbolt is DII), but only because the opponents gave them the ball and an excellent opportunity to win.  I think Azusa will have to win the turnover battle in order to win this game.  Azusa returns their QB (who may be skiddish after getting knocked out of the game last year by Justin Rundle), and a very good reciever.  Their RB is new (but talented) and their O-line is both new and relatively young (they look like a good group though).  I don't know as much about their defense.  I'm glad though that Papa Joe can provide us with an in depth analysis on other NWC teams, even though he admittedly has no idea where PLU is located (obviously not familiar with Whitworth or any other team not named Linfield).

[cawcdad]

PPJ, my source says "the Rats are the real deal." Should be a good game at APU

(509)Rat, I've seen Humboldt play, they aren't very good. I think Oxy, who I've also seen play a common opponent (Menlo) is better.

[(509)Rat]

cawcdad,
Thanks for the info on Humboldt...Azusa was given two of their TD's thanks to Humboldt turnovers, and won by 10.  Thats not as impressive if Humboldt really isn't as good as Oxy.  Azusa seemingly needs turnovers to beat opponents with talent levels near their own (as is the case with just about every team) and I don't think Whitworth is the team to give them the ball like previous opponents.  Whitworth will win the turnover battle and the game.

[Pirate Pride]

I remember the QB from last year...not a small individual (6-3, 225 I believe), has a cannon arm, and obviously a go to WR who leads NAIA in TD receptions (14), so there is obviously some good talent around him.  I do think this one is going to be very close, but like the fact that APU's strengths on offense play into our strengths on defense.  Not too sure about a score yet, be back in the year 2012 with my next post.
PPJ - you are an idiot.

[D O.C.]

You can expect around 80 degrees in Azuzsa.
Probably the same in Anaheim & Cucamonga.

[d-train]

You can expect around 80 degrees in Azuza.
Probably the same in Anaheim & Cucamonga.

Azusa
Asusa
Asuza
Azuza

I usually just go with 'APU' so I don't get it wrong. 'Cats, are they on your '08 schedule yet?

[Pirate Pride]

Looking at the West Region playoff post patterns, it would be assumed that Whitworth could/would still get in to the playoffs if they lost to Azusa then won out because Azusa is not D-III, anyone disagree with this?  Before anyone gets too riled up...not proclaiming that Whitworth wins out, if it does happen even after a loss to Azusa, what happens?  Do think it could be the difference in them hosting a game or not however, so this week is big in my opinion.

[d-train]

Looking at the West Region playoff post patterns, it would be assumed that Whitworth could/would still get in to the playoffs if they lost to Azusa then won out because Azusa is not D-III, anyone disagree with this?  Before anyone gets too riled up...not proclaiming that Whitworth wins out, if it does happen even after a loss to Azusa, what happens?  Do think it could be the difference in them hosting a game or not however, so this week is big in my opinion.

That's right. Your result from this weekend means virtually nothing in terms off playoff selection. As for hosting a playoff game? Don't count on it. I think any NWC team selected will be sent to Cali.

[downtown48]

You're in if you win out...but I don't think the APU game matters.  You're @ Oxy either way because of the Redlands game.  The only way you host is if The Who somehow upsets Oxy, then they come to Spokane for Round 1.  IMO

But this discussion really isn't based in reality...now is it?   

[OregonCityCat99]

D-Train-  Our radio crew announced last week that Azusa is indeed on the Cats sched for next year. I would imagine that they replace Hardin-Simmons.

[wildcat11]

D-Train-  Our radio crew announced last week that Azusa is indeed on the Cats sched for next year. I would imagine that they replace Hardin-Simmons.

I don't think that is a 100% lock because we are still trying to shake the D3 tree for games but if we can't find another D3 our non-conference games next season will be as followed:

WOU - DII
SOU - NAIA
APU - NAIA

[venting] At this point we might as well start looking at going back to the NAIA since the SCIAC skirts Linfield every year and spend a 1/3 of our year playing scholarship school with all the built-in advantages.  Redlands lost our number, Oxy would rather play cup cakes, CalLu will play everyone in the NWC but Linfield, etc. etc.  The SCIAC needs to grow a set.[/venting]

[d-train]

D-Train-  Our radio crew announced last week that Azusa is indeed on the Cats sched for next year. I would imagine that they replace Hardin-Simmons.

I don't think that is a 100% lock because we are still trying to shake the D3 tree for games but if we can't find another D3 our non-conference games next season will be as followed:

WOU - DII
SOU - NAIA
APU - NAIA

I have a feeling that Redlands lost our phone number.

Might as well add Humboldt. 

[downtown48]

[venting] At this point we might as well start looking at going back to the NAIA since the SCIAC skirts Linfield every year and spend a 1/3 of our year playing scholarship school with all the built-in advantages.  Redlands lost our number, Oxy would rather play cup cakes, CalLu will play everyone in the NWC but Linfield, etc. etc.  The SCIAC needs to grow a set.[/venting]

What a joke...I guess they're happy with not getting a good barometer on where they stand during the regular season and then being shocked when they get blasted in the playoffs after they're forced to play us...

Can't say I blame Redlands though...they are 0 for Oregon in the 21st century including the 2000 Lewis and Clark debacle...now if that doesn't shake your confidence to the core!!

Just wondering outloud...if we're going to have to travel by plane a couple of times every year anyway...why don't we sign a long term deal with some of these schools like Hardin Simmons or SJU or UMHB or Stevens Point??  Is there an unwillingness to commit long term by both sides or what?  Or is Linfield holding off because they think Pacific or Fox might be coming back.  It doesn't seem like that would be a roadblock to signing at least a 4 year deal...they won't be back any sooner.  Didn't Notre Dame and Michigan just sign a 20 or 30 year deal?  Why don't we sign on for 10 with somebody?