FB: Northwest Conference

[MonroviaCat]

While I was not at the game I did listen to the webcast and what struck me was not the play of either QB being great or aweful but the fact that the recievers seemed to drop a lot of balls on big plays.  There were several times where they dropped balls that would have converted for a first down or gone for big yards.  Is this what the people at the game saw?  Benzel's numbers were good (minus the INT) in the first half but it seemed like the offense slowed down a lot in the second half.  And of course, we couldn't score when we got to the redzone.

[downtown48]

I would say hosting a playoff game is out of the question at this point and we will have to run the table and win the conference to have a shot at the playoffs.  I could see a trip to Oxy being a real possibility.  One at a time though, let's worry about beating Willamette right now and the rest will take care of itself...They'll be fine. 

It will be interesting to see if we can find the right combination on offense...

[George Thompson]

Wildkit58   - Great post and comments.
mhb8904 - Appreciate your observation and support. 
Foss - Very astute observation.

Could not go to Texas, nor could I hear it.    So, can't comment on the game.   But, it does appear from those who saw the game that the Wildcats are improving.   Linfield should get much better as the year progresses.

I am actually more worried about the strength, or lack thereof,  of the NWC.
Through 3 weeks, our combined record is only 6-10.    And, when was the last time PLU, Willamette and Linfield are a combined 0-7 after 3 weeks?

Linfield has some excuse because WOU and HSU are two very tough opponents for the first two games.   And the Wildcat offense is very young and inexperienced.

But, has the NWC become just an average, or worse, conference?     Except for Linfield, since 2001, the conference has been appearing weaker and weaker each year.    If this is true, this is not good.

GO CATS, GO!   Onward and upward.

[downtown48]

And, when was the last time PLU, Willamette and Linfield are a combined 0-7 after 3 weeks?

That's a GREAT question...I would say a LONG LONG time ago, if ever!

[snider]

Less competitive.  I can't help but think it is the high cost of going to these schools, plus the no scholarship of DIII.   For parents to shell out $120,000 plus,  for one child to play football is a pretty good chunk.  Especially, if they have two or three kids in college.

[ClassicCat]

My assessment of your posts from not only game observers but also the webcast analysts is that there was overall improvement, but maybe individual players need to keep their focus while others need to finish off their assignments - those little things that come from playing experience.

Linfield IS Linfield. Everything will be fine.

Having not seen the stats, how many Cowboy sacks were there?

In your opinion, for those so inclining, what segment of the Linfield offense showed most improvement? 1) the offensive line, 2) the qb's, 3) the receivers, 4) the rb's. What segment of the defense needs improvement?
1) line, 2) lb's 3) secondary 4) call playing?

Again, for not hearing or seeing the game, what impact did HSU's All-American defensive end have upon the game?

[johnnie_esq]

But, has the NWC become just an average, or worse, conference?     Except for Linfield, since 2001, the conference has been appearing weaker and weaker each year.    If this is true, this is not good.

It's probably just a cycle thing-- couple a younger Linfield team with a still rebuilding PLU squad and the conference's top dogs are spinning a bit.  Right now the WIAC has a few killer squads, but a few years ago their representative struggled to get to the second round. Given the NWC's tradition of strong teams come playoff time, we MIAC'ers know to expect nothing less than a quality representative from the NWC.  There is still a lot of football to be played this year alone, so I'm not phoning anything in yet.  Case in point-- 2001 SJU team started out 0-2 and ended up West Region champs. 

Here's to SJU and either Linfield or PLU running the table, and meeting up in Collegeville later this fall!

[MonroviaCat]

Classic Cat:

My impression from the Webcast is that the lines play was much improved as Benzel had time to throw most of the game (though less in the 2nd Half).

As for the D:  I think I need to add a choice to your question and that is tackling.  The D played well on the whole but missed some key tackles where they had the guy behind the line or in their hands only to let him get away for big gains. 

I don't recall the Cowboys DE being a big problem though I seem to recall that one of their guys was out of the game some (not sure if it was him).  Cats only gave up 2 sacks and made 3 sacks on D.  Both of the times Benzel was sacked were in the 2nd Half.

[downtown48]

Thanks Johnnie...Hopefully we'll see you there!!

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Snider,
  As one of those parents that had two boys in college at once, one in California and one at Linfield.  I have to say that seeing the strength of being a Linfield grad makes the cost a non issue.  The Linfield experience goes far beyond being an athlete.

GHC
Wildcat Grad and Wildcat dad

[Gig Harbor Cat]

0-2 and ranked 18

Phone it in

[MonroviaCat]

0-2 and still ranked in the top 20.  Not Bad!

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Cats rout Willamette by 40

43-3  Its over at the half

New girl kicker is good for their only three

Phone it in

   GHC

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Lets get this party started

[cawcdad]

We are now three weeks into the season and everbody has played at least two games. Northwest Conference play gets started this Saturday and since the Cats have no game to talk about, how does everyone think the leeague will shake out now? I'm not one to usually make predictions but here goes mine anyway.

Linfield shakes off their early season stumble and gets on track and runs the table.
Whitworth continues to play well but just can't shake the bad karma of playing in Mac. It will be their only blemish.
Menlo surprises many and finishes third in their NWC debut season.
For UPS, Willamette and PLU, put the names in a sack, shake it up and see what falls out.
Lewis and Clark finishes last, but at least they finish the season.