FB: Northwest Conference

[d-train]

Now someone from the NWC needs to play a game out near KC, MO. I'm so unfamiliar with this area of the US, are there any teams nearby?

Not too many D-3 schools around there, but you can catch some good D-2 and NAIA games.

BTW - I'm a former Lute player (mid-to-late 90's) and I've been posting on here for years. These Linfield guys do tend to dominate the board, but (for the most part) they respect those who bring insight or thoughtful analysis. They'll put up with some good-natured ribbing, but you'll have to be prepared to take plenty in return. They are also very welcoming at pregame functions, if you ever get the chance.

[Snapper45]

How's everyone doin out in CATDOME country?  I'd like to throw out a prediction for the game this weekend. 
CATS-42
WOU-17
THe wolfpack might put some points up early but there is no way the cats D gives up more than two td's.

[MonroviaCat]

Nice Call Snapper,

I'm gonna make a slightly different (and maybe less populuar) call: 

I say Cats O scores a little less because they work to establish the run which, combined with the new speed up rules, gives them less time to score.  But I also think the D steps up and doesn't allow as many points as you have given WOU:

My call:  Cats 31 Wolves 10

[rockcat]

I'll get in on this prediction stuff too.  I think you are both on the right track but my prediction will be even less popular than MonroviaCat's.  An improving WOU keeps it close in the first half as some inexperienced Cats take a little time to get going before pulling away. 
Cats-31
Wolves-17

Of course I could be playing it safe as purple frisbees might reign supreme from kickoff with the Cats droppin' 50+ on Monmouth Normal. 

Have fun all who can make it to the Dome.  I'm jealous!

[Orca Jr.]

Snapper, good lookin' out.  Nice to see you make the board a family affair 
As much as I would love to see another blowout, I gotta be realistic.  I think Western makes it a game.  As much faith as I have in Benzel and the Linfield offense, until I see it work i've got questions.  I'm leanin towards Monrovia's prediction.  31-17 'Cats. 
Let it Rain baby.

[coco]

Welcome, Snapper. The more former players, the better.

The Wolves scare me. I heard they've cleaned up their act and have also gotten tougher. I think we'll take them, but I don't think it will be a cakewalk. That being said, I can hardly wait for Saturday night to get here. Well, actually, Saturday afternoon, and the tailgate.

['Cats Fa Natic]

Hey, I'll get in on this prediction stuff too. I agree with whomever said that about WOU putting points early on and the 'Cats taking awhile to get going.

Putting on my swami hat... If the Cats come out sluggish and cautious, don't be surprised if the Wolves tack on a quick 10-0 lead to try to take the crowd out of it. But I'm thinking the Cats will come out the second half firing and the home crowd'll be in it, so I'll go with a solid 31-17 win.

[hatchetman75]

WOU would have a better chance if they were playing at home on their crappy field with their crappy referees.  However, I wouldn't bank on the Linfield offense until the second half, mid-third quarter.

Close one due to this.

Linfield 24, WOU 17

I'll get some more predictions up soon, for the other NWC games.

[Wildcat'64]

Probably will be a closer game than in years past -- simply because WOU is better than in years past and have a game under their belt!  Cats still prevail with home field advantage and a BIG crowd in the Catdome.

Cats - 24
Wolves - 17

Certainly hope the staff gets the Webcam hooked up and working in the next 30 hours for those of us who can't make the game to be able to at least watch the 30 second delay!

[hatchetman75]

Redlands, like their basketball team, seems to be able to score early and often.  Their defense returns eight starters. 

Whitworth will come in thinking that they'll roll Redlands, and the long trip south won't help. 

This will be a scoring fest.
Redlands 49, Whitworth 42


Willamette must beat Gustavus Adolphus.  Who can lose to a school with that name?

Willamette 21, GA 14


PLU will continue to struggle through the coaching and recruiting blunders of Scott Westering.  The coach will feel the heat of the administration this year, but won't be able to stop his eventual dismissal from the program.  PLU will drop to Cal Lutheran for the second year in a row.

PLU 10, Cal Lu 21


UPS, continuing to gain experience offensively and with a sufficiently strong defensive unit will avenge their heart-breaking loss to La Verne last year.  Rory Lee will again put up 120+ yards of total offense and Kavin Williams will show that he is more than a replacement for Andy Carlson...he's the new Logger quarterback.

With La Verne's loss of their prominent senior linebacker, their defense will be unable to stop the Logger run game.

Loggers 28, La Verne 14


Can someone clue me in on who LC and Menlo are playing this week?

['Cats Fa Natic]

Can someone clue me in on who LC and Menlo are playing this week?

When in doubt, go here: d3football's NWC page

LC is playing Occidental and Menlo plays Southern Oregon

[hatchetman75]

Thanks for the link.  I'm still learning the layout of the main page. 

LC will get rolled by Occidental.  That's no surprise to anyone, although my bitterness of last years debacle will add some more points to Oxy's score.

Occidental 42, LC 7


Menlo, heady after their first win in a good number of games, will drop to Southern Oregon like a big bag of rocks. 

Menlo 3, SOU 21

[speedybigboy]

Hatchetman75 - William Jewell is located near K.C.  Liberty, Mo. I think.  They were (are?) are top level NAIA team that's close to you.

D-Train - Fellow former Lute player here, 80-84.  Hatchetman's prediction includes S.Westy on the bubble for keeping the coaching job.  Have you heard any rumblings to that effect?

[wildcat11]

Hatchet,

What you'll want to do is head over to St. Charles tomorrow and watch NAIA #3 Georgetown play at #17 Lindenwood.  This is the NAIA "game of the week" and Lindenwood plays in a great stadium.  Game Preview.

On a sidenote, the Lindenwood head coach is a UPS alum...Patrick Ross (early 90's).

Thoughts on Saturdays game....if we contain the WOU running attack and don't turn the ball over then I like our chances.  Should be a great game.  'Cats win.

[ClassicCat]

I lovin it. Nice to see you other guys from the schools.

First games always are special, you really don't know waht to expect. With Eliott and his receiver corps graduated, a lot of folks, includng me, are wondering about their replacements.

However, I give credit to the Cats coaching staff for maintaining the transition. Look back over the years and for the most part new qb's know what it takes to succeed. It's the Linfield mystique. We all know it's a team effort. Put together good players, good coaching, and tradition and the music just keeps playin'.

THE CATS WILL ROCK AND ROLL[/b][/color]!