FB: Northwest Conference

['Cats Fa Natic]

But, we Linfield fans have been spoiled and we are expecting too much.   This year's Linfield team will do OK.  But, comparing them to the last four years is unfair and unrealistic.

Yeah, we were spoiled, but I don't think anyone predicted this bad of a drop off this quickly. But last year's team aside, last night was just bad.

Time to shake it off.

['Cats Fa Natic]

I notice the tailgater crowd hasn't shown up on the boards yet. Those longies must've a wee bit too long. I'm predicting a massive hangover.

[mudball]

WOW, I waited 9 months to see that stinker? Linfield was blown off the field, that game wasn't even close. Who watched that game last night that wasn't shocked at what they saw? That was absolutely the most putrid performance I've seen from a Linfield team since the SOU game a few years ago. Did we loose THAT much??? I agree totally with most all of the comments by 'Cats Fa Natic...no leadership, no enthusiasm, no playcalling, no tackling, you name it...that was pathetic. Both the O and D lines were soft as a babies butt and were absolutely manhandled up front by WOU. Our interior O/D-Line was continually brushed aside like a bunch of Pee-Wee Herman dolls. Our offense was mostly 3 and out ...boom.  When we were on D I don't remember seeing any bone crushing solid hits on defense, these kids better look at some film of some of Linfields marquee linebackers and monsters of the past, Grandma Mumper could run through them without getting touched. ....missed arm/tackles galore. WOU ran and passed like they were playing against a Pop Warner team. I saw WOU blitz from somewhere on almost every play. Isn't that what good teams do...keep you off balance? I hardly ever saw Linfield blitz effectively leading to disruptions. Maybe we're slow? We didn't attack...we were playing prevent the whole game. I guess we like giving them 5-7 yards every running or passing play. Their QB was rarely pestered, our QB was flustered on every play. We were back on our heals letting WOU get 5-7-15 yards a pop almost at will. The O-line....they were terrible. Benzel had no time and there were absolutely zero holes for any running back to go through. And if Benzel did have time I'm not sure he would deliver anyway? He seems very stiff/rushed and if his first choice was covered it was curtains. Maybe try giving him some success with some quick short routes or wide receiver screens to open up something a little deeper.  No quick passes over the middle to fend off the blitz? Sure worked for WOU. In the past we've been able to just athletically out play other teams....not this year. We better try something different. I'm not sure what unless the O/D line improves. Do we have to run it up the middle 15 times into the back of our guard/center (who had been pushed 3 yards into the backfield by then) and loose 3 yards every time before we try something new or different?  #9 looked good running the ball. I'll give him credit. Frustrating.....we were out played and out coached. That doesn't usually happen at Linfield. Hopefully we will wake up before we go to Texas....

[Wildcat'64]

I did not see the game as many of the posters have but only listened to it on the net...painful as it was!  There seems to be many questions, but very few answers.  When one looks at the returning team members (60%) of last years squad....where were they last night if the Cats are that bad?  They were winners a year ago and have been thru their entire collegiate career....what has happened to those winners?  Is it simply  overconfidence and believing that no one can beat the Cats or is it simply that WOU has improved that much in one year?  I find it hard to believe that the Cats could be that bad with the returning nucleus or that the Wolves have improved that greatly.

One thing is for certain....if the coaches don't figure it out in the next couple of days....it will be a very long trip home from Texas and a very long and painful season for the entire Cat Nation.  If they don't figure it out quickly The Streak is clearly in jeporady with Hardin-Simmons, Whitworth, Puget Sound and PLU (which is always a battle) looming on the horizon.

Come Back Cats -- Figure It Out!

[ClassicCat]

 I tend to agree with Wildcat '64 in that a nucleus of returning lettermen from last year did not step up to perform as expected. Why? Preperation! Just how different is the "philosophy" of this year's coaching staff? It too is mostly intact. Has what is acceptable in teaching and practicing fundalmentals changed? Are they too complacent in drilling experienced, knowledgable players about every aspect of their position? Is the self-discipline still there or are the players getting away with more sloppiness?

We all know offense sells ticksts but defense wins games, but it all begns with the line, both offensively and defensively. Last night we were crap at the line of scrimmage. That has to stop. Benzel will hook up with his receivers cause that's a timing thing. But the Hogs, they have to get  it together on both sides of the line. When you start the season like we did, "x's" and "o's" didn't lose the game. The lack of fundalmentals, execution, motivation and inspiration did.

Do the players and coaches read this board?

[Tuxguy]

 

Not sure where to start? I'll be short, Humble pie cooking in the oven!   

The Longies weren't strong enough to dull the pain of Cats performance last night!
I believe I'm the one who used the word "pleasantly". Ouch! I still think Tim will turn out to be a fine Qb this year. We all can have an off night, flush that game and move on! I saw a very young team last night that will only get better!


I guess first I need to say ( as painful as it is) nice game all around to WOU. Looked as if the new Coach has cleaned up and put a stop to the cheap shots.
Having a game last week to tune up for the Cats was a big advantage for the Wolves! The Cats never got in sink. From the first pass sailing over the receivers head,  to the dropped balls right in the hands. There never seemed to be any rhythm. I agree with ClassicCat, both  Lines got out played.

I'll end with this....The Tradition that is the Catdome will be fine!  We have great Coach's, and some very talented athletes that will work hard to fix what ever needs to be fixed.

It's the Linfield way!
As Coach Locey said,  "We Believe" ............"I Believe"                                               
                                                  GO WILDCATS
                                              LEAVE NO DOUBT '06
as always...IMHO   

[NWCprops]

Before I start this post.....let me state that Linfield has always been a winner and will probably end up with another winning season this year (I was not at the game to wintness the dissaster that other posters are discribing vs. WOU.  But here are some takes on the situation.

#1.  Although the Wildcats have won alot....the conference has for the most part been competitive (with the exception of the last two years).

#2  The Wildcat faithfull are now finding it out what the effects are of losing some of the best D3 players in the nation (all at once) not to mention a damn good D1 player (Elliott: who transferred down 3 divisions).

#3 The new QB (Benzel) is in a lose lose situation.  Even if the kid throws 25 TD's this years  he will be a dissapointment to those that will compare him to BE tossing 55 to 60 a year.  If he were to throw 25 to 30 TD's the Cats will lose anywhere from 50 to 40% of last years offensive productioon
(and this is a very possible scenario).

#4 With an anemic running game which has been in moth balls for the last 2 years (while Linfield was tossing it around for 500 yards a game) the offensive problems could be magnified.  In 2004 and 05...defenses had to respect the Cats formations (usually spread) and their superior personnel.  Now fewer people will be committed to the pass (opposing defenses) and more to the box..which means more pressure for a less talented, inexperienced QB and more heat for an O-line that in recent years only had to block three D-linemen at a time (with most teams defending in nickle and dime packages).  Running the ball is the staple of most offensive schemes...in McMinnville running the ball has been a novelty (something to do when you get bored with your passing orgy).  Now the Cats may have to attempt running the ball with some very undersized backs.  There's a good chance...if the Cats had a good banger last year they would have repeated as Nat'l champs.

#5  Sometimes it's easy to think that back-ups are not that less talented than starters....when they enter the game late and do some good stuff.  But often it's a case of the opposing team being broken down by the frist unit.  I think the drop off in talent from last year is significant....not to the point the Cats can't win....but to the point they will no longer be on cruise control in the second half of games.

The Cats fans aren't the only ones concerned about their season...Lewis and Clark may have ressurected their program for a complete season of football...but the result could be the same.  PLU is finding it hard to win (had 37 winning season streak stopped last year) and finished 0-4 in the NWC last year.  The Bearcats of Willamette may finally be out of runningbacks (which is dangerous in a "fly" attack....just 4 years ago they were stocked with Drew EkLand, Justin Peteren, TK Matthews, Greg Reed, Calvin-Keyser Allen and Quentin Brock (all-are gone now).  Puget Sound has won more in recent years, but have played a suspect pre-season schedule...which has usually been followed by a next to last place finish in the conference.  Not to mention they have an inch worm offense!  And Menlo has one only once in their last 18 contest.  The only team who may not be rebuilding are the Rats.  Whitworth has been good for 3 years (not Linfield good), but they have been exposed by the Willamette ground attack.  So before it's all over the Wildcats may not be as bad as they looked yesterday....but they may never look like they did the past two years.  JMO!     

[coco]

NWCprops.

No 'Cat anywhere, from McMinnville to Mongolia, expected Benzel to be a clone of Elliott, so it's ridiculous to say that he's in a lose-lose situation, but last night's game was a disappointment -- both offensively and defensively.

The Wolves are good, and I don't want to take anything away from them. They have improved tremendously over the past two years, and we saw that last night. It looked like a clean game, and I do know they've been working on that aspect. They were just plain better than we were.

Our guys didn't look like the Wildcats we're used to, whether from first game jitters or what. The film sessions won't be much fun, but they will know what they've got to work on and I have confidence that they'll do better next week. We know we've got great coaches and players, and everything will come together eventually. I just hope it happens by next Saturday.

The tailgate was fun, and the Coco family enjoyed seeing everybody, and old friends in the stands, too. As always the huge array and variety of food was outstanding.
Olinemom, your brownies were a big hit.
The Longies were super extra high octane, GHC.
Those stuffed jalapenos were something else!
Tuxguy, the BBQ sticks were a taste of heaven.

Next tailgate, Homecoming!

[wildcat11]

I guess I'll give my two cents in now....

While I was very disappointed in losing to WOU last night, I can say without a doubt that I'm even more disappointed in some of the responses I've read on this board.

We have posters who are calling out individual players, posting about conversations with assistants, the streak being in jeopardy, etc, etc, and it just makes me sick to read this garbage.

I don't blame any Linfield fan for feeling bad and frustrated about the performance last night but to question the player's desire, heart and preparation is unforgivable in my book.  I don't think one player out there said to themselves "I think I won't try hard tonight".  There are key positions with players in them that are going through the growing pains of making the proper adjustments on the field, on both sides of the ball.  In past years we've been lucky to have this process be only one side of the ball, this allowed the other to catch up without it being too noticeable.  That's not the case this year.     

This next weekend's game is going to be very tough but this Linfield squad is going to be a different team when they're playing for a NWC title and a playoff spot coming into the last week of the year.  Mark my words.  I hope people remember that this is the same staff that won the 2004 Title and they work just as freaking hard as the previous seasons. 

We are very proud of 50 winning seasons in a row but I hope people remember there are MANY 7-2, 6-3, seasons that this is built on.  Not every season is going to be 13-0, 10-1 season with most of those games being 40 point blowouts.  We can either cry in our milk and look back on the "good old days" or we can move forward and trust in our GREAT coaches and GREAT kids.  They will find a way.   

Linfield football is always talking about working through adversity and not letting negativity take over.  I thought our fans could do the same.....

BELIEVE

[Gig Harbor Cat]

First of all it was great to see everyone at the tailgate Sat afternoon.  If I didn't acknowledge you it was the fault of the longies.  I mixed 2 batches, the second was mostly Quervo, but we needed it at the half.  To Olinemom ++ Karma from me the brownies they were a big hit  I noticed that Mrs Coco put them right next to the Longies.  What could be better, brownies and Te-kill-ya !!!!!  
As for the game, Flush it boys !!  In all of my years I have never known, coached or been around an athlete that wakes up on gameday and says WOW, I think I will go out there in front of everyone and put up a sub par effort.  You all know that--you have to know--at least those of you that have ever worn a jockstrap know what I am saying.  So to say some of the things that I have seen on this board--WAKE UP !!!!  Our Cats will be fine, our QB will be fine. Unless you have ever stood in the pocket of a live football game, you should zip it. I know of a high school in Calif that had a Pre season drill that included bringing all the parents on the field for a live scrimmage and having them stand behind the O.  They could really get a feel for what it was like to be in the pocket and how fast things happen.  Interesting thing happens--no negative comments on the QB.  I thought of that as I read all of your comments.   I for one have faith in the Wildcat system.  Normally the coaches have things to work on week to week, this week they will have more than normal, but believe me when I say it will be fixed.
OK Im off the soapbox for now.

OH and on WOU

#10 is a punk !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thats just my opinion, I may be wrong.

Best of luck to the Cats in Texas
You are always a +30 in my book
Phone it in

GHC

[MonroviaCat]

Nicely said 11 and GHC:  I know I was bumming heavily last night and fell into a spiral of negativity.  But now that I've slept on it;  I'm recharged with hope.  I remember one year when I was playing highschool ball we came out in our first game and stunk up the place.  The next week, we turned things around and put the hurt on our opponent who happened to be a much larger school with a very highly rated team.  My point, one game does not a season make.  The Cats, by all accounts, have great talent and great coaching and of course we know great tradition.  Let's get this bus turned around and head South to Texas!

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Thanks MonroviaCat,
  Thats why I waited until I got back home today to post.  Had to chill

[downtown48]

Wow, this is the first time I've been on here since last night and I couldn't agree with WC11 more.  The negativity is a joke.  Talk about spoiled, fairweather fans.  It reminds me of sitting in the stands the last two years and actually hearing the donkeys in the crowd crying because we were on a 18 play dink and dunk drive.  For them we weren't scoring fast enough!  And don't worry, some of the coaches look at this and trust me, as much as everybody on here thinks they know what they should be doing...you don't.  All the Sunday morning quarterbacking is a joke.  To rip the guys for not caring is a joke.  They put in umpteen hours a week on this stuff...trust me...they care and they are probably embarrased by their performance.  The program hasn't won for 50 years without having to deal with some adversity.  One of the teams in the 80's lost their first four games for god's sake.   

All of the "streak is in jeapordy" talk is just ludacris!  The boys will be fine, they have a VERY TOUGH game next week, but will be fine win or lose.  They will roll through the NWC.  It sounds like they have some things to work on.  Right now it's just the exception...let's wait a few more games before we start calling it the rule!

By the way...don't look up .........THE SKY IS FALLING!!!  What a joke...ease up fellas, the team will be fine.

[MonroviaCat]

In the spirt of moving on:

Who has news on Hardin Simmons?  A look at the stats from their one game tells me they have a good passing attack but can certainly run well too.  It looks like they were softer on the run against UW-SP but that could be UW-SP preferring to run the ball more than pass---I don't know.  I'll look forward to hearing what others know, think, etc.  Time to move forward and upward.  6 days till game time!

[criswyly]

Sorry for the doubtful word on my part....I don't know much about the x's and o's of football...but I have noticed a repititous pattern in all things living....It takes time for people to break in the new saddle and the new job...especially when everyone is looking at them.  Locey went through some tough years and a Rutch team almost went 4-5 one year while I was there...losing to Whitman and L&C...only to bounce back a couple of years later to be in the playoffs.  Of course that's no fun for us fans....but we are all going to have to be patient and let the players and coach mature in their new position.