FB: Northwest Conference

Cat#4 · October 17, 2005, 12:56:45 PM

WU is the only game left that I have any reservations about, I would think by now the defense understands the Fly but, they always seem to play us tough and that freaking offense is just as annoying as a Fly!!!

AnotherJohnnie · October 17, 2005, 12:59:26 PM

Quote from: Gig Harbor Cat on October 17, 2005, 12:50:44 PM
Personally I don't think that SJU will make it to McMinnville. They are getting by but not by much.

The SJU offense will have to get things together to make a long playoff run. Getting beyond that for a moment, I have been assuming that Linfield will be a #1 seed (I am not saying that someone else deserves it - until beaten, the champs are the champs), but with only 6 region games and an unimpressive quality of wins index that won't get much better, is Linfield a lock for a #1 seed? I don't think the committee is allowed to consider past performance at all (or is that just conference performance). It will be interesting to see what the first regional ranking looks like.

desertcat1 · October 17, 2005, 01:13:29 PM

Quote from: AnotherJohnnie on October 17, 2005, 12:59:26 PM
Quote from: Gig Harbor Cat on October 17, 2005, 12:50:44 PM
Personally I don't think that SJU will make it to McMinnville. They are getting by but not by much.

The SJU offense will have to get things together to make a long playoff run. Getting beyond that for a moment, I have been assuming that Linfield will be a #1 seed (I am not saying that someone else deserves it - until beaten, the champs are the champs), but with only 6 region games and an unimpressive quality of wins index that won't get much better, is Linfield a lock for a #1 seed? I don't think the committee is allowed to consider past performance at all (or is that just conference performance). It will be interesting to see what the first regional ranking looks like.

The J's have had a few cupcakes along the way too?

#1 seed will be "The ONLY undefeated National Champion in D3" 50 in 05 YESSSSSSSSSS..

AnotherJohnnie · October 17, 2005, 01:23:01 PM

Quote from: desertcat1 on October 17, 2005, 01:13:29 PM

The J's have had a few cupcakes along the way too?

Certainly do have some cupcakes, actually UW-WW has by far the highest quality of wins ranking to this point, though it should go down in the next 4 weeks. SJU has a lot more to worry about beyond seeding at this point. That isn't the only thing the committee looks at, but I thought maybe I could spark some conversation.

spiritof86 · October 17, 2005, 01:59:38 PM

Like I said on the other board- The undefeated, defending national champs who have not played a close game all season in a strong conferance will always get a #1 seed. Based on past and current performance.

Oxy should be seeded above sju if they both go undefeated.

downtown48 · October 17, 2005, 02:02:51 PM

Just curious as to why you think Oxy should be ahead of SJU? I haven't really looked at their schedules so you probably have a reason, but just wondering, I always like to ride the SCIAC!

Foss · October 17, 2005, 02:06:25 PM

AJ, trust spirit86 on the 'Cats getting the #1 seed if they win out. They factor in other items, as well. The quality of wins deal is not the only criteria. In '03, the 'Cats had the #1 strength of schedule in the country and didn't get the top seed in the West. Last year we did get the #1 seed without one of the highest strength of schedules (now "quality of wins").

wildcatinwi: yeh, I've kind of sensed the same lack of intensity (as a fan since there hasn't been many close games, not speaking for the players). The playoffs could more than make up for it, especially if Central and SJU make it in since a lot of 'Cat fans want to play them. Both those teams are kind of walking the tightrope right now, so we'll have to wait and see.

spiritof86 · October 17, 2005, 02:50:06 PM

Foss is always a man of reason.

Oxy has a SOS of 27th next to sju's 10. Compare that Linfield's 34th. I am not sure that is a good measure. Linfield has played a bunch of traditionally good teams (sou, plu, uwsp) that are "down" for one reason or another. But, they have destoyed all of those teams. I think that Oxy' strong results last year, next to sju squeeking by medium teams (teams that are not playoff proven) may make a difference.

spiritof86 · October 17, 2005, 03:14:22 PM

11, Train: This isn't entirely the place, but "The Office" was the the funniest show I have seen in 2+ years last week. 'Ryan started the fire!"!!!!

dfierce25 · October 17, 2005, 03:39:35 PM

just a message for all other d-3 teams:
BEWARE!!! THE 2 HEADED MONSTER KNOWN AS MCKECHENBERG IS WAKE AND LOOKING TO DECAPITATE ANYONE WHO TRIES TO STOP IT!!!!

spiritof86 · October 17, 2005, 03:43:46 PM

My West Region Playoffs (as of now)
1 Linfield
2 Whitewater
3 SJU
4 LAX
5 Occidental
6 Concordia
7 Monmouth
8 Whitworth

woufan · October 17, 2005, 03:55:34 PM

Spirit, how do the pairings work? Let's say your 8 all get in, does that mean Linfield would have to play NWC foe Whitworth in the first round? It seems in the past that one couldn't play a conference foe in the first round, right?

Thanks.

AnotherJohnnie · October 17, 2005, 04:07:58 PM

Spirit,

I think they would ship the MWC champ before the IIAC champ. Wouldn't Monmouth fit into the North more easily than Coe/Central/Wartburg? Or are you thinking that they are less likely to ship Monmouth if they are undefeated?

Foss,

I think you are almost certainly right, I just wanted to probe to see if there is any chance that something weird would happen if Whitewater had a hugh Quality win index and Linfield's was significantly lower. It wouldn't make much sense, but they have done things before that seem like bad ideas.

One thing that could happen if Whit doesn't make is would be to have an Oxy team that is seeded 2-4 go to Linfield in round 1. Not that the Cat's would be worried about that, but Oxy could be tough and it would be a really lousy deal for Oxy.

Freebird · October 17, 2005, 04:15:37 PM

Quote from: Foss on October 17, 2005, 02:06:25 PM
wildcatinwi: yeh, I've kind of sensed the same lack of intensity (as a fan since there hasn't been many close games, not speaking for the players). The playoffs could more than make up for it, especially if Central and SJU make it in since a lot of 'Cat fans want to play them. Both those teams are kind of walking the tightrope right now, so we'll have to wait and see.

I think SJU is way better than Central and should finish the season 10-0 with the #2 seed. This coming from a fan looks likes neither team but has watched both beat Bethel. If Central gets in I have a hard time seeing them win a playoff game.

If you look purely at THIS season SJU deserves the #1 seed mainly because the MIAC is stronger than the NWC this year so SJU has played tougher teams.

Pat Coleman · October 17, 2005, 04:27:29 PM

They've tried to avoid first-round conference rematches in the past but that goes out the window when air travel is involved. If the NCAA beancounters can save putting two teams in airplanes and match up two geographically isolated teams, they tend to do so.