FB: Northwest Conference

[wyd]

Thought on the game....

Linfield is as advertised.   To beat them you have to score 40 + points and avoid any kind of turn over.  I am impressed with the quality of balance play.  It sounded like a good game all around with some big hits back and forth.   

PLU is young and has some "crisping" up to do.   To put more yards on the board than Linfield is very impressive.  Obviously the red zone offense needs some help.   Two week in a row PLU has been unable to put points on the board after really good drives.

[wildcat11]

criswyly,

The defense played "salty" because the first unit only gave up 6 points on a pretty questionable squence at the end of the first half. 

Besides that point PLU can move the ball and will be moving the ball all year long on teams. 

The Stash really used the play action game pretty well and that run/pass option play was tough to defend early in the game.

The defense made plays all game long when they needed to.  That's why they were "salty".

[Tom Brady]

Wildcat11-I gave you some props on the SCIAC board, but don't let it go to your head

[wildcat11]

Tom,

No worries.  I'm a Linfield fan.  I mean, how much bigger can my head actually get?   

[Wildcat'64]

Top Cat 1,
Thanks for the hospitatility in your Skybox yesterday at the Catdome.  The gourmet hot dogs prepared by the Linfield Spurs were outstanding and am still burping up today.  They seem to be so much more enjoyable when you are up in the nosebleed section of the stadium.  I do agree that you probably need to get out your chain saw and take care of that post which obstructed our view of the 93 yard run back.  I'm certain you'll take care of that minor problem before the next game.
Mrs. '64 has already advised me that WE have a conflict on the date of the Homecoming game so I guess that leaves you and Cam Cat  to handle all the play calling from the skybox by yourselves.  I assure you I'll be on line on the internet or on the radio following the Cats One Game At A Time!!!
Thanks again for the hospitality!

[criswyly]

Wildcat11
Thanks

[Wildcat'64]

Looking at this weeks D3 Poll it looks like the pollsters think the top teams in the country are in the West Region... 7 out of the top 10 spots are occupied by teams in the West Region....if that trend continues thru the end of the regular season the playoff selection committee could have a real challenge on their hands.

[Foss]

'64, I think you're adding South region teams to the West. Those 3 Texas schools are in the South.

Too bad the Pirates couldn't pull out a win, I was looking forward to a battle between two undefeated NWC teams this Saturday.

[d-train]

Thanks to Beancounter's generous donation of reserved tickets, I had prime viewing of Wildcat11's cord maintenance efforts. I must admit that they were fairly impressive. 

The visits were far too brief, but it was still fun to chat with LBC, GHC, Mr. & Mrs. Coco, 11, and several Lute alums. I didn't really make it down to the tailgate area...perhaps for a future game.

My thoughts and observations from the game:
1. PLU's best defensive weapon was keeping the Wildcat offense on the sideline for huge amounts of time. Outside of a couple decent hits, I can see how they've given up so many points this season. What's weird to me is that they seemed fundamentally unsound at times. The scheme didn't feature the same slashing aggressive style of play (which everyone knew), but the Lutes also seemed to struggle getting off blocks and tackling. Zone running plays, screen/swing passes, and broken half-back passes shouldn't go for long gains. They showed some heart (in the red zone, etc.) and applied some pressure, but overall I'd say they still have some areas to address.

2. The Lute offense looks like an emerging threat. I understand that they had their only senior (and one of only thee returning starters) out, meaning that 9 of 11 guys were effectively new. Yet if they cleaned up the turnovers, that would have been a solid outing. I think Maine is pretty good, but he forced it a few too many times. The 90-yard INT was a back breaker. The fake punt was a nice call, but then they fumbled it away and tried an ill-advised half-back pass on another trip down into Linfield territory. I understand having to make some things happen when you are that big of an underdog...but five turnovers as an underdog won't help either.

3. Linfield is as good as advertised. I don't think they were firing on all cylinders, yet Elliott still completed over 75% and threw 4 TD's and the game was never really in doubt. Doesn't seem like they've missed a beat since the Stagg Bowl. They'll want to address a few penalties (especially the 'unsportsmenlike'), but should have a nice long season (well into Dec.) in which to do so.   

It'll be interesting to see how both these teams do next week. I think the Lutes have a bright future. Linfield is simply at a higher level right now. 

[Wildcat'64]

Foss,
You're absolutely correct! Should have read: Seven of the top 10 from the South & West.

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Its RAT Week  RAT week RAT week RAT week RAT week RAT week RAT week
 
   Preseason I picked this game to be a test for the Cats but after seeing what the Rats did against  EOU I'm not so sure that they will be anything but another speed bump on the way to the XXXIIIth Stagg Bowl . 
   OK Rat fans, jump in and educate us on what your boys have got this year and why you think the Cats won't hang 50 on you.
   
    Weather Report for Spokane-- Heavy rain of purple frisbees

              Cats in a rout

                     GHC

[d-train]

Does anyone know if C. Lindermen is okay? He's the Lute linebacker who was taken to the hospital by during the second half.

[MonroviaCat]

K,

I haven't posted much lately and certainly not with the new board but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents on the upcoming game.  After looking at some stats and trends I see several good things happening for the Cats.  1.  Whitworth prefers to run the ball which will make it hard for them to keep up with Elliot and Cat's quick scoring Offense!  2.  Whitworth's opponents have all had relative success passing which of course plays to LC's strength.  3.  Whitworth tends to jump out fast in the first quarter and then scores less and less as the game goes on.  The Cats haven't allowed much scoring at all this season, but if they can hold the Rats off in the first then they should be able to run away from the quickly.  I say Cats 42 Rats 14. 

Also, anybody notice that Rat's leading reciever (scoring) is named Allan as well!  Just found that interesting.

Go Cats!!!

[Gig Harbor Cat]

D-train,
  I was standing right where he was brought off of the field.  He was ready to go back in the game.  the Doc wanted to take a look at the hospital.  My guess is he will be back in action next week for you guys.

[d-train]

Hope so, he's a horse and one of the bright spots on that defensive unit.