FB: Northwest Conference

[badgerwarhawk]

Back in the day the WARHAWK mascot was a native American.  When Perkins Stadium first opened the WARHAWK mascot was dressed like a warrior and would ride a horse back and forth across the top of the hill behind the visitors bleachers.  Kind of like the Florida State thing.  But later the mascot was changed to a bird and the trees behind the visitors bleachers are too tall for that sort of thing so we have a cannon instead.

[6t3bird]

H E A R T!
You can't teach it, you can't coach it! This team has IT!
Don't they get it? This is a team of destiny!
That's my take.

Nooo, we don't "get it" that Linfield is a team of destiny. Just like you wouldn't accept a UWW fan's claim the Hawks are a team of destiny. However, I DO AGREE with you regarding heart! I would never question the Cats' heart! They have won 12 straight games and are left standing when 231 teams have gone home. I love to look at the stats to try to identify what teams might have to do/achieve/overcome to win. I will be taking a look at more numbers on my blog, but I am ready to make some predictions:

1. Linfield will not win because they have more heart than UWW.
2. Linfield will not lose simply because it is cold or snowy outside.
3. UWW will not win because Linfield is intimidated about playing one of the "Big Two".
4. UWW will not lose because they are "looking ahead" to the Stagg Bowl.
5. Neither team will win because their fans message board postings provided the best statistical argument.

As with all games, Saturday's showdown will come down to the team that blocks the best, tackles the best, protects the ball the best, and makes the fewest mistakes.

I look forward to a great, injury free game!

I would call that spot on BP!

So here's my prediction, and we all know predictions mean nothing, especially mine

The Cats' O didn't click last week.  I don't see it happening two weeks in a row.
UWW will not look past us.
Both teams will bring their A Game.
Both teams miss FG's in regulation.
28-28 After 4qtrs.
UWW gets the ball 1st in OT and settles for a FG.
Linfield is 3rd & 3 on the 18 and Rocketman throws a strike in the end zone!

Final   34 - 31 Cats!

[criswyly]

"3. UWW will not win because Linfield is intimidated about playing one of the "Big Two"."

Actually BP, UWW is playing the team with 54 straight winning seasons....In my mind that makes the Cats...."The Big Number One."  But I do appreciate all of your interesting reads.

[criswyly]

6t3bird
I  hope the Cats win for sure, but I hope it's not according to your prediction....my stressometer couldn't handle a game like that

[criswyly]

"Thanks, Chriswyly.

I think the angle in which you are looking at the game is plausible as well. I like looking at the teams and discussing plausible outcomes. When UWW faces a 3rd and 9 on the Linfield 16, it will be interesting to see if UWW continues their 3rd down and Red Zone success and gets the first down or TD. Or will Linfield get one of their vaunted takeaways. I like doing some analyzing and then see how the game plays out. I hope both teams bring their A game and remain injury free!"

"Double Ditto that BP"

[spiritof86]

Great analysis from the badger-warhawk blog. This game could be won based on turnover margin and td's scored in the redzone. The cats have been pretty good at scoring td's in the redzone while uww has been excellent. When the cats get to the rz, they must have td's- no questions asked. Linfield's ability to take the ball away must also be a factor. If ww does not lose the ball a few times, it could be a tough task to stop them.

[6t3bird]

6t3bird
I  hope the Cats win for sure, but I hope it's not according to your prediction....my stressometer couldn't handle a game like that

Tell me about it!  I haven't slept since monday!  I've already got Butterflies!
I'll have to have my wife log me on Sat. cause my hands will be shaking too much to hit the keys!!

[criswyly]

I do hope the wind does NOT play a factor in this game....Current wind forecast 5-15  mph.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

"3. UWW will not win because Linfield is intimidated about playing one of the "Big Two"."

Actually BP, UWW is playing the team with 54 straight winning seasons....In my mind that makes the Cats...."The Big Number One."  But I do appreciate all of your interesting reads.

Gotta be proud of those 6-4 and 5-5 seasons.  Is 5-5 really a "Winning Season"?

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Ok then kirasdad ya big stud,
  Give us all a rundown on your playing days dude, I'm sure you have something in the vault you could share with all of us

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

Ok then kirasdad ya big stud,
 Give us all a rundown on your playing days dude, I'm sure you have something in the vault you could share with all of us

What do my playing days have to do with Linfield's Streak of Mediocrity?

Also, how did you find out my Porn Name?

[MonroviaCat]

"3. UWW will not win because Linfield is intimidated about playing one of the "Big Two"."

Actually BP, UWW is playing the team with 54 straight winning seasons....In my mind that makes the Cats...."The Big Number One."  But I do appreciate all of your interesting reads.

Gotta be proud of those 6-4 and 5-5 seasons.  Is 5-5 really a "Winning Season"?

First of all---they were 6-3 seaons, 2nd of all there are no 5-5 seasons--those aren't winning seasons.  Might want to check facts before you make a statement.

[RFB]

Good luck to Linfield this week in Wisconsin. It should be an interesting matchup just like 2005. Safe travels to the team and its fans.

[Las Vegas Wildcards]

"3. UWW will not win because Linfield is intimidated about playing one of the "Big Two"."

Actually BP, UWW is playing the team with 54 straight winning seasons....In my mind that makes the Cats...."The Big Number One."  But I do appreciate all of your interesting reads.

Gotta be proud of those 6-4 and 5-5 seasons.  Is 5-5 really a "Winning Season"?

It's consecutive winning seasons, the oldest winning streak in the history of college football, and no one is even close. Linfield hasn't had a non-winning season since 1955, the program has only had THREE 5-4 seasons over the past 54 years, so that is remarkable in itself.  Add in over 30 conference titles, four national championships, and you have one of the elite programs in all of college football.
The consecutive winning streak is also longer than any in college basketball program and any professional sports franchise.
The other significant aspect of The Streak is the fact that FIVE different coaches have continued the winning tradition.
   

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Thought so

Bam