FB: Northwest Conference

[TxFight]

Im from over on the ASC board.  Just curious as to what you guys in the NWC think about the Willamette v. East Texas Baptist match-up.  ETBU seems to be our resident Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde.  You literally don't know which team is going to show up.  And its not on a game by game basis but its more a half by half basis.  The Tigers went 5-5 last year.  The halftime scores of the 5 wins were; 30-3 lead over Austin (54-17 final), 6-19 deficit to Hardin Simmons (26-22 final), 24-0 lead over Mississippi (34-21 final; was 34-0 midway thru 4th), 7-7 tie with Howard Payne (27-7 final) and 27-7 lead over Sul Ross State (54-14 final).  The halftime scores of the 5 losses were 7-14 deficit to Wesley (34-10 final; 20-7 midway thru 4th), 17-29 deficit to McMurry (63-31 final), 20-14 lead over Texas Lutheran (44-34 final), 24-14 lead over Louisiana (31-24 final) and 21-17 lead over UMHB (54-30 final). 

The only game I felt like the Tigers did not have a legitimate chance to win was McMurry.  After the first 4 minutes McMurry just completely dominated.  Wesley the Tigers went 1-5 (a fg) in the red zone.  TLU the Tigers fumbled twice backed up inside their own 20 and TLU turned them into touchdowns.  Lousiana College the Tigers got stopped on a 4th down inside the LC 10 and fumbled on the LC 22 with 1:30 left in the ball game.  UMHB special teams got the Tigers beat in the 3rd quarter.  The start of the 3rd qtr went UMHB returning kickoff for TD, ETBU fg, UMHB TD, UMHB recovering fumble on kickoff, 1 play UMHB TD, ETBU punt blocked UMHB 1 play TD, ETBU TD, UMHB blocked PAT returned for 2 pts.  All this happened in about a 7 minute span. 

They have proven that they have the talent to play with the best teams in the country, now they just have to find a way to play to that level on a consistent basis.  So i rambled but thoughts? Opinions?

[river]

Im from over on the ASC board.  Just curious as to what you guys in the NWC think about the Willamette v. East Texas Baptist match-up.  ETBU seems to be our resident Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde.  You literally don't know which team is going to show up.  And its not on a game by game basis but its more a half by half basis.  The Tigers went 5-5 last year. The halftime scores of the 5 wins were; . . . . 6-19 deficit to Hardin Simmons (26-22 final), . . . .  The halftime scores of the 5 losses were 7-14 deficit to Wesley (34-10 final; 20-7 midway thru 4th), . . .). 
. . . .
They have proven that they have the talent to play with the best teams in the country, now they just have to find a way to play to that level on a consistent basis.  So i rambled but thoughts? Opinions?

Willamette's common opponent with ETBU was Hardin-Simmons in 2010 (WU lost 31-22) and in 2011 (WU lost 30-24).  ETBU lost to H-S in 2010 49-17 and won over H-S in 2011 26-22.  Based on the scores, without any other information about this year's teams, I would have to speculate that ETBU has to be favored as WU will be playing with a new head coach with a slightly different offensive scheme and with key personnel losses on both offense and defense.  It could be a defensive struggle this early in the season.  The Bearcats' 9/1/12 first game in Texas against Hardin-Simmons should give us an idea about this year's Willamette team and how they might do against ETBU.

[river]

In 2011 Linfield won over Willamette 20-10, then lost to Wesley in the playoffs 49-34.  When Wesley got going in the second half they scored 6 TDs for 42 points to Linfield's 1 TD and 7 points.  In 2011, ETBU held Wesley to a 20-7 lead in the 4th Q, before finally losing 34-10.  If the same ETBU defense shows up for the Willamette game, the Bearcats will have to be at their best offensively.

[bluenote]

They have proven that they have the talent to play with the best teams in the country, now they just have to find a way to play to that level on a consistent basis.  So i rambled but thoughts? Opinions?

From what I can tell.... this game is at Willamette at 7pm on Friday night. That means a few of us scouts will be hitting MaGoo's about 5:30 for pre-game and heading over to the stadium shortly after. Should be a barn burner!!! Can't wait!

[wildcat11]

ADvantage 'Catdome: Your 2012 Linfield Wildcats report this weekend.

[TxFight]

It's going to be an interesting game no doubt. Should see a more balanced ETBU offensive attack and the defense should be improved under second year defensive coordinator.  I love seeing the ASC teams branch out and play all over the nation.

[bluenote]

It's going to be an interesting game no doubt. Should see a more balanced ETBU offensive attack and the defense should be improved under second year defensive coordinator.  I love seeing the ASC teams branch out and play all over the nation.

Yes it will be. I remember a few years back ETBU had a surprise team that knocked off some favored teams in the playoffs and went pretty far. I'm pretty sure their colors are white and green or something like that... kind of like the NY Jets. It will also be interesting to see what type of offense Willamette is running this year since Speckman is no longer at the helm and they have a new head coach. Willamette usually has a very good defense, but their offense has been spotty the last few years. They can either go hog a$$ wild or not so much on O.....depending on their skill players and QB. Look for a good game!

[CamCat]

Happy 10th Anniversary Wildcat 11. It is great to see a guy so happily married.  Thanks for all your contributions to this board and to Linfield football. +K for you.

[PA cat]

Three weeks to go!

[voice]

Happy 10th Anniversary Wildcat 11. It is great to see a guy so happily married.  Thanks for all your contributions to this board. +K for you.

Ditto!!!!

[CamCat]

Mckayla Maroney is not impressed with the Sistine Chapel, Moses parting the Red Sea and much more but she hasn't seen the Wildcats Home Opener yet Vs. the Oaks on Sept. 1st. If we pull out all the stops for this one it'll have to impress her, won't it?

[dlippiel]

Don't post here often if ever, dlip comes over from the LL board. Just wanted to say reading up on Linfield how impressed dlip is with their incoming recuits and returning team as a whole. Linfield looks to be excellent this season and dlip wishes them luck. Very impressive Web-site as well. Just curious regarding some specifics, what are some of Linfields real strengths coming into this season. What might break them into that number 3 or 4 spot over the likes of Wesley and UMHB? Again, to dlip, the recuits look great!

[OldCatProf]

Three weeks to go!

Actually, Dave Hansen and I are headed over to the CatDome this afternoon to sit in on an early meeting of the squad. Can't wait to see the "New Boys" (well, to a couple of old guys like Hansen and I they are "boys," but they'll soon be men as they progress into and through the Linfield system.) Will be good to see the returning veterans, too.

Go Cats!

[wildcat11]

Thanks for the words on 10 years.  Just made it back from the Oregon Coast.  Some hiking, relaxing, and good eats was a great way to celebrate.  But now back to football!

Don't post here often if ever, dlip comes over from the LL board. Just wanted to say reading up on Linfield how impressed dlip is with their incoming recuits and returning team as a whole. Linfield looks to be excellent this season and dlip wishes them luck. Very impressive Web-site as well. Just curious regarding some specifics, what are some of Linfields real strengths coming into this season. What might break them into that number 3 or 4 spot over the likes of Wesley and UMHB? Again, to dlip, the recuits look great!

Dlip,

Big expectations this year at Linfield (as always) but last year there were some huge questions about the offense coming into 2011 that were answered early in the season.  The 'Cats have a loaded offense and probably the deepest/most talented WR corps since the 2004/05 seasons.  On top of that, you have an excellent RB in Josh Hill and while we have to replace two very good offensive line starters we should have a very good line. 

Biggest question on offense is the development of the depth of the offensive line.  There is some good talent players that just need to prove themselves in game action.

The 'Cats defensive line and linebackers should have a banner year with All-American Tyler Steele anchoring the front line at DT.  Our LB's are freaking fast and athletic.  With a year of starting experience this group of juniors (and Dundas as a Senior) should explode on the scene.

The obvious questions folks have are about our defensive backfield.  We lost all 5 starters that have been starting over the past 3 years (with Fish and Skore starting games since their Frosh year).  However, in 2010 the staff brought in a group of DB's that they've been grooming for this moment.  They still have to prove it and will be tested early on but I think folks are going to be surprised by their skill.

As far a recruits...that program knocked it out of the park.  I think a number of these players are going to make an instant impact on special teams and some might/should get in the mix as the season progresses.  Bottom line...while the NWC is improving the 'Cats aren't going anywhere soon.

[dlippiel]

+k wildcat11 for the great info. Much appreciated! Dlip wishes Linfield all the luck this season!