FB: Northwest Conference

[MonroviaCat]

Watched most of the PLU game this past weekend also--the play that was working best for them was the "throw the ball down field to Gregg Ford for a TD"  they called that one at least 4 times in the 2nd half alone!

[d-train]

Look guys, you've all missed the boat on the Bearcats' 4th down decisions vs. L&C.  It had nothing to do with the Pio's.  Speckman is a bright coach who was clearly looking ahead to this Sat.  He knows that his team will need to defend the hook-and-lateral and convert on two or three 4th down tries to have any chance of upending the Lutes.  Remember, PLU is undefeated in conference play.

I asked Speckman in my interview this week what Lutes game stuck out the most in his mind.  Judging by his first response, I think we'll be ready for the hook-and-laterals.

Funny thing about that...Willamette should have been ready for them in 1999.  As incredible as that double-digit comeback was, it was also a virtual carbon copy of the 1995 game - right down to the successful 4th quarter hook-and-lateral.

[Cut City]

Speckman did exactly what he was supposed to for his kids. The game still has to be finished, regardless of who has the ball. You could actually argue it was the safer thing to do, rather than having his defense unloading on receivers trying to get back into the game, or having to run more plays due to incompletes/a hurry up offense.

If the bearcats were throwing bombs, that would be another thing, but apparently they weren't. They were grinding the clock to get the game over as fast as possible. And at that point, the pios already have their rear handed to them, a touchdown or two more isn't that much more demoralizing.

[pineconefan]

The ADvantage has a special treat for you all...we were able to capture the streaker during the streak extension clinching game.  WC11 added a little family safe editing to the clip.

ADvantage Catdome Linfield extends the streak and the crowd was streaked at Whitworth

I wonder if that was pineconefan?

Hey! I resemble that remark!  Actually, I was never that fast.

[pineconefan]

Unfortunately changes in work schedules have kept me away from both this board and the Pine Bowl this fall.  Saturday was my first chance to see the Pirates in person.  Some observations:

1.  Congrats to Linfield on clinching season #54.
2.  Whitworth's talent level has definitely dropped off from the last couple of years.  What was masked by Adam Anderson's great year last year has been exposed by his absence this year.  Need to get back to work recruiting.
3.  I don't know if I've ever seen two QBs get knocked out within four minutes of each other in one game.  Word is Jansen's done, and Durant may not be back this week.  Or next.  But the frosh kid looked poised and delivered some good balls against a tough Linfield defense.

Whitworth has its work cut out to win out and finish 6-4.

[MonroviaCat]

Bad memories anybody?  

[pineconefan]

One final observation before signing off of the day.  And this might've been covered in earlier discussion. 

But I think the NWC is down overall this year.  Frankly we have to consider that the SCIAC is better, top-to-bottom, than the NWC.  I think either Willamette or Linfield would win the SCIAC, but beyond that its not good. 

I think the coaches in this league are good enough to bounce back, but right now its not a good year for the NWC.

[Las Vegas Wildcards]

One final observation before signing off of the day.  And this might've been covered in earlier discussion. 

But I think the NWC is down overall this year.  Frankly we have to consider that the SCIAC is better, top-to-bottom, than the NWC.  I think either Willamette or Linfield would win the SCIAC, but beyond that its not good. 

I think the coaches in this league are good enough to bounce back, but right now its not a good year for the NWC.

Any discussion about Whitman bringing back football?

[MonroviaCat]

One final observation before signing off of the day.  And this might've been covered in earlier discussion.  

But I think the NWC is down overall this year.  Frankly we have to consider that the SCIAC is better, top-to-bottom, than the NWC.  I think either Willamette or Linfield would win the SCIAC, but beyond that its not good.  

I think the coaches in this league are good enough to bounce back, but right now its not a good year for the NWC.

I'd have to agree you on this one---and I"m suprised by this since I was thinking a lot of the young teams from the last year or two would be coming into their own...but hasn't happened so far.  I'm particularly surprised that PLU seems down again and am also surprised that UPS appears to be worse than last year despite having the Williams at QB again (note--I'm not surprised that they are bad--just that they appear worse).

[D O.C.]

OHHHHHH

because YOU'RE not good the league is down.

I see.  

Whitman?! Can you imagine where the league will be with Pacific in a start-up program and Whitman coming in? And Menlo in a funk. With the PiWhits running around naked and all.

d-train. We have to blame you. You guys are not holding up your end.  

[wildcat11]

As a reminder, there is going to be the annual Linfield Alumni vs JV game this Saturday night at 7:30 PM at the Catdome.  So you get a double header of action with the Linfield/L&C game at 1:30 and the Alumni/JV game at 7:30. 

Just posted up the alumni team tentative roster for this Saturday night: http://catdomealumni.blogspot.com/. 

See you all there.

[Bearcat Press]

I'm particularly surprised that PLU seems down again and am also surprised that UPS appears to be worse than last year despite having the Williams at QB again (note--I'm not surprised that they are bad--just that they appear worse).

PLU surprises me, though it seems like they're getting some things straightened out.  UPS being worse isn't really a shocker.  They have one starter back on offense - Williams - everyone else is gone.  I think L&C has a legitimate shot at beating them this year.

[bluenote]

If the bearcats were throwing bombs, that would be another thing, but apparently they weren't.

I think L&C may have shut down the bomb so they didn't try that.

[pineconefan]

OHHHHHH

because YOU'RE not good the league is down.

I see.  

Of course.  And also the fact that the NWC is 5-7 against the SCIAC this year and 9-14 vs. all non-conference opponents.

[MacQuiz]

"Just posted up the alumni team tentative roster for this Saturday night"

OOOOOHHHHHH Salty 11.....OOOOOHHHHHHNOOOOOO!

Break out the butt paste, fill the tank with hot water and fire the outboard...

OOOOOHHHHHNOOOOOOO....I said I was gonna retire but....NOOOOOOO,

Just had to give do it one more goooooo!

Mrs. 11....Help me....Ohhhhhnooooo....I'm melting, I'm melting.