FB: Northwest Conference

[spiritof86]

So, I live in St Louis where our local team is Wash University. I have seen them play a few times over the past three seasons, and they have a decent program. This weekend, they battle 7-0 Carnegie Mellon for the (more than likely) UAA title. (As an aside, CM is 7-0 w/out even playing, or beating, a team with a winning record) The UAA has no automatic bid, so therefore CM is in line for a Pool C bid, right? This would have potential ramifications towards the 'cats playoff, correct? I am not as well versed in the pool bids as some of you, so I was wondering. I think I am right, so I am going to become a major wash u booster and travel to Francis Field for the 1pm CST game.

[Pat Coleman]

Pool B, same as NWC teams.

[spiritof86]

Pool B, same as NWC teams.

Thanks Pat. So I was on the right track, just the wrong pool. Well, I will be taking in the CM v WUSTL game this weekend and report back.

[Brasky20]

Light-
We never really recruited Kickers so I think the coaches always felt we had a better chance to get the first down, than to kick the field goal.  When we finally did attempt one, it was because we had a solid kicker and some of our offensive starters were hurt...

[pineconefan]

509 - I'm not so sure that we want to be giving detailed injury report information on this message board. 

[Snapper45]

Because of the large turnover with JC transfers I dont know too much about the Oaks team this year.  Are there any other NWC team posters that have seen the Oaks in person this year?  What are their strengths/weaknesses?  In the past they have always been athletic but had no real team unity.  How have they looked this year?

[Tuxguy]

pineconefan,

We would prefer to have 509's injury report next week! Maybe an update would be nice!     

'84 team, beat UPS 30-24, SOU 14-12, Oregon Tech 10-7. Pacific 2-0. Those were the close games, but they did have 1 loss,To the Alumni 21-27, Do you think that alumni team was full of talent or what! 

                                                            BELIEVE
                                                 ONE GAME AT A TIME

[MonroviaCat]

Snapper45---I think Cawcdad has seen the Oaks in person several times and has posted about them each time (if you click on his profie you can view his posts).  Basically, it sounds like the Oaks are small and inexperienced on offense (and can't committ to running or passing---thus they switch between two QBs).  ON defense, they are bigger and more athetlic but have been handled by several teams who have put up big yards (both passing and running the ball).  Their weakness is a very meager offense that produces few yards and not a lot of points.  Their strength has been their defense though it has not been consistently good.  I suspect they will try to pass more this week because the Cats have been typically good against the run (and I don't think Menlo's o-line is gonna push the Cats around).  If they pass a lot, the Cats should have luck with blitzing and putting pressure on the QB (PLU was very successfull with 7 sacs and some INTs using this strategy).  If the Cats can establish some good drives early the game could go the way of last weeks assault on PLU---if Menlo has early success it could be a closer game than we'd like to see.

[cawcdad]

You've pretty much hit it Mcat. Will only add that the Menlo D-Line has a very good pass rush. But I do not think they have faced an O-line like the Cats seems to be now. If Scharer can avoid the rush, the Cats will have a field day through the air.

[Snapper45]

MonroviaCat- Thanks for the heads up on the posts.  Its odd to me how the LC vs MC games have gone the last few years.  00-02 games were hard faught games that could have gone either way. Especially the 01 game, which some would say sparked the cats 04 Championship.  Lately (03-05) though the Oaks have had the athletes but not the mental aspect to the game.  I am curious to see which team will show up on Saturday.

I do think your right when you say that our O-line has and will continue to gel.  If we get good protection not to many teams can keep up.

[(509)Rat]

509 - I'm not so sure that we want to be giving detailed injury report information on this message board.

Ok, I'll stop but I think you're overeacting.  Do you think coaches are gonna get on here and base their gameplan around what is said about a certain RB or O-lineman being hurt?  Or maybe the fans will catch wind of it and inform the coaches to blitz the hell out of Whitworth because they are losing an O-lineman?  Isn't that something the coaches will notice when they get the two deep?  You don't think Linfield's coaches know about the injuries to Whitworth?  That they have no GA's who's job is to check up on stuff like that...because all of that informaion is available on Whitworth's website for the most part?  And for all these guys know I could be blowing smoke up their ass.  Sometimes people take what is said on these boards a little to seriously...lighten up its D3 football where almost all of us "will go professional in something other than sports."  I may have just violated some copyright laws with that last quote from those NCAA commercials.

[Foss]

pineconefan and (509)Rat, thanks for the responses. If it makes you feel any better pineconefan, both injuries were already known, although I had actually forgot about Ahsing. That helps explain the offensive woes somewhat. Sounds like Ahsing may be back in time for the Linfield game. Also, having 10 of 11 returning starters back on defense has obviously been huge for you guys. 18 INTs/3 TDs = kicking butt. (509)Rat, it's funny you mention the lack of use at times of Allan because I recall some of the guys on the Wisconsin board (who thought he was awesome) after the UW-Stout game say they were surprised you guys didn't throw to him more. Heck, it's probably just a trick strategy and your coaches plan on throwing him the rock 30 times when you come to McMinnville.  I hope both teams take care of business of this week.

lnd, that was some good info. I can see why the '84 team was your favorite for the reasons you mentioned. You must think back sometimes and wonder how in the heck you guys pulled it off (young team, no starting QB 'til late in the season, bye-bye to the All-American TE, 22 points down in the big show, etc....)

If I'm understanding your post, there is one guy on planet earth who can say he was actually part of all three championship teams (playing from '82-'86)? Is that right? I'm assuming he red-shirted and therefore was able to be there during those 5 seasons? Talk about a lucky dude......

[wildcat11]

509 - I'm not so sure that we want to be giving detailed injury report information on this message board.

Ok, I'll stop but I think you're overeacting.  Do you think coaches are gonna get on here and base their gameplan around what is said about a certain RB or O-lineman being hurt?  Or maybe the fans will catch wind of it and inform the coaches to blitz the hell out of Whitworth because they are losing an O-lineman?  Isn't that something the coaches will notice when they get the two deep?  You don't think Linfield's coaches know about the injuries to Whitworth?  That they have no GA's who's job is to check up on stuff like that...because all of that informaion is available on Whitworth's website for the most part?  And for all these guys know I could be blowing smoke up their ass.  Sometimes people take what is said on these boards a little to seriously...lighten up its D3 football where almost all of us "will go professional in something other than sports."  I may have just violated some copyright laws with that last quote from those NCAA commercials.

509...I agree with Pinecone.  You are more than welcome to post about your teams injury situation but I think that is not the slickest move around.  Probably true that the injury situation is common knowledge around the conference and that you can look at the two-deep to see what is what but why give out more detail than is needed?  At least you didn't get into specifics about WHAT is injured and how bad.

Loose lips....

[(509)Rat]

(509)Rat, it's funny you mention the lack of use at times of Allan because I recall some of the guys on the Wisconsin board (who thought he was awesome) after the UW-Stout game say they were surprised you guys didn't throw to him more. Heck, it's probably just a trick strategy and your coaches plan on throwing him the rock 30 times when you come to McMinnville.   I hope both teams take care of business of this week.

I think the Wisconson game was actually one of the better games in terms of trying to get Allen the ball.  The problem was Clark underthrowing Allen at Stout (like I mentioned earlier).  2 of Clarks 3 interceptions against stout were underthrown balls to an open Allen in the endzone.  If he puts those where he should and Allen catches one or two of his dropped passes that day (very uncharacteristic for him as well).  Then Allen score 2-3 td's, no OT, and the Stout fans are even more impressed by the play of the Pirates.

Thanks for the support for the Rats this week, and I expect that no more will be given next week, so I'll take it and run.  Good luck to Linfield, you shouldn't have any problem with Menlo.  They have the potential to have a great running game with one QB #4, and if they can complete some passes to their tight end (he's very good), then their offense can be dangerous.  Their defense is solid, but Linfield's pass happy attack should be too much for their secondary, while the O-line is too good for Menlo's DT's to get a whole lot of pressure.  Menlo has yet to play to their potential, IMO, and shouldn't be taken lightly by anyone.  With all that said, I don't think Linfield takes anyone lightly, and will be too much for Menlo this week.

[D O.C.]

How about this for one of the slickest moves around from inchesandguts last season?:

As a Linfield fan who has been to almost every game the last few years, and a long time reader of Post Patterns I am very excited for this year's playoffs.  Mainly because I believe it is an opportunity for Linfield to make a decisive statement about their high quality of play, and prove it against the top programs in D3. If they win it this year they have a chance to exorcise some demons of St John's, silence any doubters at UMHB, and possibly have a dream match up against Mt Union.  This has got me so fired I decided to post here for the first time. 

I've noticed guys like Kenneth K and others asking for opinions on match ups, advantages, and strengths/weakness of Linfield's #1 scoring offense by those who have seen the Wildcats play on a weekly basis. Since Kenneth and these folks don't get the opportunity to see them play in person. I figured I would give them a description of our team's offensive strategy and basic philosophy and let them form their own opinions on how to beat Linfield.  Yes, Brett Elliot is the most crucial player in Linfield's offensive system .  However, the Linfield coaching staff as done an excellent job of designing a scheme that maximizes the strengths and talents of the players they have.  Feel free to add or refute anything I have mentioned, I'm just trying to enlighten those who haven't had the opportunity to see the #1 team play so they know what to look, or listen, for in the playoffs..  I for one, enjoy the strategy of the game and the subtle adjustments which make the difference in winning and losing.  I figured others might as well.



My obervations of Linfield Offense:   Linfield's offense is essentially an ace back scheme with 3-4 wide receivers in multiple formations.  The basic philosophy is to attack the outside edges of the defense. Since the arrival of BE, the high percentage short to intermediate passing game as the primary offensive weapon, however many scores come off of deep passes as secondaries start to get tired of getting pecked away on the shorter routes.  The majority of the patterns one can expect are short crossing routs, quick outs, slant patterns, short to intermediate hooks, and bubble screens to receivers ( the latter of which I believe is Linfield's true bread and butter...more on that in a bit).  The running game has been less of a focus in the last 2 years (for obvious reasons), and in my opinion is primarily used to counter pass rush pressure and also implemented when the linebackers get too spread out trying to get under the recievers on short outside passes.     

As mentioned above, it is my opinion that the "bubble screen" to the wide outs is essentially the bread and butter of the Linfield offense.  Often times you will see them use it 5+ times a game in crucial situations when they need sure yardage to extend a drive.  Elliot can take one step, fire a quick accurate pass down the line of scrimmage to the 2 receiver side, long before he feels any pressure (which accounts for his few sacks and high efficiency).  The receivers are very well coached at blocking down field, an underrated aspect of the Linfield's offense.  Linfield receivers are physical and strong; often out sizing the opposing DBs (see C. Allen 220lbs).  The inside slot receiver cuts the DB covering the outside receiver (who caught the ball), then the receiver immediately cuts out wide down the sideline for 5 to 7 + yards.  This essentially is Linfield's true running game and explains why teams with "huge, powerful d-linemen" and   "awesome linebackers" have been generally rendered ineffective. Linfield basically takes the run game and moves it outside the hashes making the lineman less crucial. Linfield puts so much pressure on the outside DBs that unless they can break up quickly and make solid tackles at the line of scrimmage, the opposing team is done for from the start. Everything flows from this basic play (and other short high percentage passes).  After a time, Db's creep up, Linebackers widen out, D-linemen slow their pass rush knowing the ball will be gone before they take a few steps. Soon Elliot has all day to throw, and a Db bites too hard thinking another short pass is coming... and here comes the long ball....E+A = TD !!

Some teams have tried to counter this with 8-men back.  This however is just a slower death...Elliot is simply too good to give him that much time, he will find and open receiver and deliver and accurate pass. Also, this is when the inside running game and the Fly is implemented, and Linfield coaches know how to run the ball when they have too (Remember David Russell a few years ago).  The running game is just good enough that it must be respected, and forces teams to honor the possibility of inside runs. (Remember how the Stagg Bowls started last year...3 runs, the 3rd was TD by Hazenburg of the Fly.     

Most teams have tried bringing pressure with overloaded blitz packages. Like most QB's, Elliot is less accurate when he is moving.  However, Linfield's coaching staff is particularly aware this and will then test you deep 1 on 1 outside (see OXY last year ..7 TD passes)  or use a variety of  draws, screens, shovel passes, and flares outs to the backs (see Stagg Bowl last year ...Jenkins MVP).   

Obviously UMHB has had the most success against Linfield the last 2 years (in at least the 2nd half).  Essentially they blitzed Elliot , with D-linemen getting there hands up on the outside thereby knocking down at least 3 or 4 passes, and being physical with the Linfield WR's at the line of scrimmage.  Thomas Ford even mentioned "getting their hands down" during his Stagg Bowl interview on the sideline.  The result... Elliot became somewhat flustered the second half and threw some picks trying to throw deep to wide outs who got knocked of their routes at the line.  In my opinion, Elliot simply didn't look off the free safeties enough on those passes otherwise they might have worked anyway.

So the bottom line is...for you to have a chance at shutting down Linfield you must do it from the outside, where they attack you.  The DB's must match Linfield's physicality at the line and still be able to run deep.  The linemen must be disciplined enough to be able to pass rush, while being aware of the screen and draw, and get their hands up on quick passes.   If your team has this disipline and physical ability... you have a shot. However most teams haven't come close to being able to sustain this kind of solid outside play consistently throughout the entire game under constant pressure from the Linfield offense who executes it so well.  Most defenses are naturally geared toward inside run stopping first not dealing with blocking on the edges WRs vs DBs.. And most d3 DB's aren't accusomed to the ball being thrown so quickly and accurately on outside routes.  So good luck to the other teams, if they find a way to counter this style of attack then hats off to them ...I'm looking forward to seeing how teams try to adjust in the playoffs.