FB: Northwest Conference

[BearcatChatter]

And wow, the game was just not what I expected, out of either WU or PLU. Granted, WU was missing it's top two rushers in Malley and Pollard, but damn. Both offenses scored early and late, the rest of the game was a grind. WU had so many chances to take control of the game, but the whole offense just seemed out of sync. Not the best way for Schoettgen to end his career, no TD's, and triple covered most the game. Our 3 down linemen gave little pressure on Rasmussen, who had time to pick apart our (slightly overmatched) secondary.

And despite all that, we still found ourselves at the 20 yard line with a minute left, ample time to score. What happens? 1st down play created for Widing-to-Schoettgen, he's quadrupled covered. Next play, stuffed run, 3rd down Knecht drops a pass. Got a makeable field goal, which we miss. Idk what happened.

On top of that, a nice total of 8 hours driving today. Bleh. And it was cold. Blehhh.

As BCP said, "thats a crappy taste to have in our mouths for the next 10 months."

24-21 PLU wins it. Good job Lutes, though I hope you bring a game better than that in the (hopeful) playoffs.

[FightBearcats]

Well, congratulations to the Lutes who started out strong and then scored enough to win the game.  It didn't turn out the way I wanted but it was a thrilling game to watch and came down to a gutsy drive starting with 4+ minutes to go (I think) and eating up so much clock that the Bearcats had to really hurry on their last drive.  In the game, WU fell behind, went ahead, and then the Lutes stopped us and deserved the win.  Of course, if WU had won, I'd be saying the same.  Good luck on getting into the playoffs.  If it happens I'll be rooting for PLU all the way.  If not, the Lutes can certainly say they're baaaaaack!   

No excuses about WU this year.  It was what it was.  We'll strap it up next year.

 

[RedandPurple]

Perhaps some of you "Old Timers"   could answer this for me. Has there ever been a game in the NWC between two teams where the winner took home a "Trophy"? There's the Apple Cup, Territorial Cup, the Victory Bell etc.

GO CATS!

55 IN '10

R&P,  it isn't really a trophy per se, but WU and Lewis and Clark play annually for the "Wagon Wheel"

Bearcatchatter:
Thank you. I was wondering with so many rivalries amongst the teams I never heard about a "trophy" game in the NWC.

[speedybigboy]

Fight and Chatter, your assessments ring true to the feel as I listened to the game.  Willamette certainly could have won.  It felt like you had us pinned back most of the game.  I missed the first quarter so I didn't catch how we got our early lead.  I've got my fingers crossed for the glimmer of hope to make the playoffs.

[CamCat]

And wow, the game was just not what I expected, out of either WU or PLU. Granted, WU was missing it's top two rushers in Malley and Pollard, but damn. Both offenses scored early and late, the rest of the game was a grind. WU had so many chances to take control of the game, but the whole offense just seemed out of sync. Not the best way for Schoettgen to end his career, no TD's, and triple covered most the game. Our 3 down linemen gave little pressure on Rasmussen, who had time to pick apart our (slightly overmatched) secondary.

And despite all that, we still found ourselves at the 20 yard line with a minute left, ample time to score. What happens? 1st down play created for Widing-to-Schoettgen, he's quadrupled covered. Next play, stuffed run, 3rd down Knecht drops a pass. Got a makeable field goal, which we miss. Idk what happened.

On top of that, a nice total of 8 hours driving today. Bleh. And it was cold. Blehhh.

As BCP said, "thats a crappy taste to have in our mouths for the next 10 months."

24-21 PLU wins it. Good job Lutes, though I hope you bring a game better than that in the (hopeful) playoffs.

Bearcat,  You've had a rough day and I and Linfield's had a good one.  The least I can do is give you a + k.

[bbaddict]

Fight and Chatter, your assessments ring true to the feel as I listened to the game.  Willamette certainly could have won.  It felt like you had us pinned back most of the game.  I missed the first quarter so I didn't catch how we got our early lead.  I've got my fingers crossed for the glimmer of hope to make the playoffs.

If anyone dominated this game, it was PLU in the 1st QTR.  After that, it was anyone's game.   WU just didn't get it done.   Apparently, Malley was medically cleared to play today, but Speck said "no."    Sounds like him to care more about the player than winning.  We were also missing our Center.   The snaps got interesting to say the least.  

It was definitely an exciting game, but I really hoped for a different outcome.  

I hope PLU does get a playoff spot.   Of course, the prize would then be to play at Linfield in the 1st round.   Unless they shake things up a bit.   Would be nice for the NWC to have two teams get in but, then, this discussion occurs annually, doesn't it?

Kudos to Pacific for a good showing at Menlo!

[FarAwayCat]

Apparently, Malley was medically cleared to play today, but Speck said "no."    Sounds like him to care more about the player than winning.  

What was he out for?

[bbaddict]

Apparently, Malley was medically cleared to play today, but Speck said "no."    Sounds like him to care more about the player than winning.  

What was he out for?

Knee injury, I think.   BearcatPress would know.

[D O.C.]

Ok, I'm done with pulling for Pacific and PLU, as well.
There will be a good deal of hope for many teams. Just win your non-conference games to make Linfield look better,ok?

[speedybigboy]

Ok, I'm done with pulling for Pacific and PLU, as well.
There will be a good deal of hope for many teams. Just win your non-conference games to make Linfield look better,ok?

uhhhh....
9/18: PLU 35, CLU 21

OK 

[D O.C.]

And that would be why UR ranked,    not your game with us.

[speedybigboy]

And that would be why UR ranked,    not your game with us.

In my distorted biased mind, I'm thinking that your loss to them somehow is a plus for us.  I think if you meet them again this year it'll be a vastly different outcome regardless of location.

[Bearcat Press]

R&P - As far as I know, the Wagon Wheel is the only traveling trophy this side of the Stanford Axe.  One of the reasons I'm excited to see L&C doing better is that I want to see that trophy mean something again.

As for the WU/PLU game, Chatter already hit most of the main points, and I'll be talking about the rest in this week's "Around the West."  Westering practically undressed Willamette's defense on that final drive with some really brilliant play calling.  And I'll always defer to the coaches in clutch situations, BUT -

I do not think Mitchell Rowan should have taken that field goal.


One final thought that I want to get out there - losing isn't fun, but I'd rather lose to PLU than to any other team.  What wonderful people.

[BearcatChatter]

Fight and Chatter, your assessments ring true to the feel as I listened to the game.  Willamette certainly could have won.  It felt like you had us pinned back most of the game.  I missed the first quarter so I didn't catch how we got our early lead.  I've got my fingers crossed for the glimmer of hope to make the playoffs.

First quarter was a combination of our inability to tackle and your skill players. Your RB got into a rhythm early, plus Ford broke a big one off a missed tackle (and almost got caught, I might add, by Reed Warner). I was impressed by our work on the sweep, but anything up the middle you shut down, probably helped by the absence of Malley.

CamCat, I thank you very much. Lord knows I'd love to pass that +k on to Speck and the rest of the boys. Ralph Pineda took that loss extra hard I think. Tough way, after all he's done, to end his college career.

bbaddict: Malley sustained some sort of knee sprain 2 weeks ago, and I've since seen him off crutches, but apparently he practiced and felt fine, but then woke up the next morning overly sore. I appreciate Speck valuing Terrell's health, for both his own sake and that of BBall coach Kip Ioane's. TMalley should be in before too long.

BCP is very right. While I didn't want to say it in my initial post, I'll echo. Rowan wasn't the man for that kick. Our freshman Kyle Derby has been exceptional for PATs and FGs as of late, and I was shocked when I saw Rowan run on the field. Also right about the final PLU drive. We scored too early I think, and gave a dangerous PLU offense time and space to work with, and Rasmussen took advantage. Also correct in saying PLU are very nice people. I got a free new mexican rice recipe out of the deal.

Weird stuff happens at Sparks.

[wildcat11]

I would trade in the two "good losses" for one loss, even if it is and was a humiliating, big, "bad ass loss." 

River,

Do you think Speck would trade three "good losses"?   

Great job by the 'Cats today!  Took care of business out of the gates and it was awesome to see Linfield end the regular season in style.  Last two seasons (up to this point): 20-2, Two NWC titles, Two NCAA playoff Births, and 3-1 in the playoffs including a final four.  Incredible but let's add 5 more wins on that playoff total!  Go 'Cats!