FB: Northwest Conference

[criswyly]

How many teams at this level could walk away with a 9-0 win starting their 3rd string QB...that says volumes for me.  The salty D should only get better...to win the NWC will be tough going, but the future looks really bright.

[RedandPurple]

Here are the  2008 NWC Standings
                        Conf.       All
                         W-L       W-L
Willamette          1-0          5-0
Linfield             1-0             2-1
Pacific Lutheran    1-0       1-2
Puget Sound        0-0       2-1
Whitworth         0-1        2-2
Lewis and Clark     0-1           1-3
Menlo                    0-1           1-4

Your comment doesn't make sense. Until some other team beats them the Bearcats are "head and shoulders"  above the conference. At the least, they are above Whitworth, Lewis and Clark, and Menlo in conference play.

Thanks for twisting my post to make an argument Ms. Palin.  In the context of the post "head and shoulders" implied that they aren't as talented as the 5-0 record and 23 national ranking would indicate.  This is no 2004 Linfield team nor is it the 2005 Linfield team.  Those teams were head and shoulders talent wise above the rest of the conference and much of the nation. 

Being a Pirate fan I will point out that Linfield's toughest games both of those seasons came from Whitworth.  I will qualify that last statement, for R&P, so that the record shows it excludes the national title game and the loss to Whitewater in each season respectively. 

Anyways, I don't think this Willamette team could have beaten the last two Whitworth teams (06 and 07).  They are executing their offense and defense very well, but are very beatable.  The Redlands team that beat Whitworth would beat Willamette (although now with Selway out it would be a closer game). All I'm saying is that I was not impressed with the Bearcats (nor the Bucs for that matter) just like the Cat fans were not impressed with Linfield's "Auburn-esque" offense.  Maybe you should call Tony Franklin and get your money back.

Your'e welcome Joe, (as in Biden). This is the 2008 season. Live in the now. "In the context of the post "head and shoulders" implied that they aren't as talented as the 5-0 record and 23 national ranking would indicate." Seems to me in order to be 5-0 you have talent on your team or does that also mean the Pirates aren't as bad as their record indicates?  Again, this is the 2008 season.

"They are executing their offense and defense very well, but are very beatable." Then why didn't Whitworth beat them? How do you know, "The Redlands team that beat Whitworth would beat Willamette (although now with Selway out it would be a closer game)."

[GrizzTheLogger]

Another question, If any of the breakers eliminates ONE team do you go back to the top and start over on the list with the two way tie, i.e. Head to Head?

If the conference treats it like other sports, I don't think it starts over.  I took these straight from the football rules on the NWC site (copy and paste) so how it reads is how the conference published it.

[Foss]

D is extremely saltified. Oaks had 40 yards on 29 carriers. Oaks had pretty good athletes at a couple positions. #13 has a strong arm. Threw a nice across his body pass under heavy pursuit about 20 yards downfield where he hit his WR in stride in the 1st half.

After three years of having not been able to move the ball on the ground, the 'Cats seem to have a solid running game now. Offense takes a sizeable step back without Franklin though, in my opinion.

Back to the D. Seven points allowed (and that was due to a TO) in the last two games.

[bluenote]

And C-M beat SJU along with Bethel who was ranked like #4 in the D3football.com Top 25 Poll! And SJU was like #3 at one point this year!

Was, was, was, was was, was was. No more. Neither will be in the Top 25 next week.

Just pointing out that sometimes there seems to be a Midwest/East Coast bias in the poll.  A bunch of the teams from about 5-20 are there because they have a good record but they don't play anybody.

Hardin-Simmons rated at a low (IMHO) #21 played the #3 team in the country UMHB down to the wire, loosing by only 2 points at UMHB. And Linfield barely lost to Hardin-Simmons in their 1st game on the road. So Linfield should be in the top 25. 

Looks like Wartburg, Central and SJU are all skating on thin ice for a pool C if they don't win conference....

[MonroviaCat]

And C-M beat SJU along with Bethel who was ranked like #4 in the D3football.com Top 25 Poll! And SJU was like #3 at one point this year!

Was, was, was, was was, was was. No more. Neither will be in the Top 25 next week.

Just pointing out that sometimes there seems to be a Midwest/East Coast bias in the poll.  A bunch of the teams from about 5-20 are there because they have a good record but they don't play anybody.

Hardin-Simmons rated at a low (IMHO) #21 played the #3 team in the country UMHB down to the wire, loosing by only 2 points at UMHB. And Linfield barely lost to Hardin-Simmons in their 1st game on the road. So Linfield should be in the top 25. 

Looks like Wartburg, Central and SJU are all skating on thin ice for a pool C if they don't win conference....

Tough loss for HSU to since they lost in on PATs (I don't know if they were missed or blocked but that was the difference in the game for them).  As for rankings--they don't mean anything in D3 since we have they playoffs.  Win and your in!  Go CATS!

[Wildcat'64]

Inasmuch as the Cats are putting up fewer points each week (22 in Week 1, 14 in Week 2, 9 in Week 3) I figure this week the Cats will win about 7-0 against the Rats with maybe the 4th string QB.  One only wonders where the Cats would be today in the Top 25 if they still had their #1 QB and #1 RB on the field with this fantastic defensive unit.  Defensive units win Championships....and this is a team which definitely has that potential.  Now all the Cats offensive weapons need is for everyone to get healthy and be able to play up to their potential.  With the Cats at full strength, offensively, the score yesterday would probably have been about 40-0!

[bluenote]

Inasmuch as the Cats are putting up fewer points each week (22 in Week 1, 14 in Week 2, 9 in Week 3) I figure this week the Cats will win about 7-0 against the Rats with maybe the 4th string QB.  One only wonders where the Cats would be today in the Top 25 if they still had their #1 QB and #1 RB on the field with this fantastic defensive unit.  Defensive units win Championships....and this is a team which definitely has that potential.  Now all the Cats offensive weapons need is for everyone to get healthy and be able to play up to their potential.  With the Cats at full strength, offensively, the score yesterday would probably have been about 40-0!

....I'm just curious who the #1 running back was you are referring to? And I'm not sure if Boehme was that much ahead of Franklin either as the starter? Both seem to have their strong points. I thought Boehme would be a killer drop back passer and I think Franklin does this spread stuff pretty darn well.  So....I'd like to see them both back.

[MonroviaCat]

Inasmuch as the Cats are putting up fewer points each week (22 in Week 1, 14 in Week 2, 9 in Week 3) I figure this week the Cats will win about 7-0 against the Rats with maybe the 4th string QB.  One only wonders where the Cats would be today in the Top 25 if they still had their #1 QB and #1 RB on the field with this fantastic defensive unit.  Defensive units win Championships....and this is a team which definitely has that potential.  Now all the Cats offensive weapons need is for everyone to get healthy and be able to play up to their potential.  With the Cats at full strength, offensively, the score yesterday would probably have been about 40-0!

....I'm just curious who the #1 running back was you are referring to? And I'm not sure if Boehme was that much ahead of Franklin either as the starter? Both seem to have their strong points. I thought Boehme would be a killer drop back passer and I think Franklin does this spread stuff pretty darn well.  So....I'd like to see them both back.

reggie ford was #1 rb

[cawcdad]

So hopefully the Linfield fans can help me figure out what to think of the Oaks.  Part of me is happy that they weren't able to score any runs but then I get worried that if Menlo was able to hold Linfield to just 9 points, is their defense good?  Any insight on how you think the Loggers might do next week at Menlo?

I am a Cat fan in Central CA, so Menlo is what I have as far as being able to watch D-III football. I have seen the Oaks 3 times live and watched the second half of the Cat game online.

Last year the Loggers lost to Menlo in Atherton and I think this years team is better. UPS also gave me the impression last year they didn't really want to be there. Menlo's D is getting better each week. They will probably not give up points on long sustained drives. They will give up big plays however. Masters got his big runs, almost breaking a couple for scores. Menlo held Linfield (with a 3rd string QB and conservative play calling) to 9 first qtr points. Whittier's 3 scores were all 45yds+ on their first 3 possesions and then nothing. Two of Oxy's scores were 59 and 63 yd passes. 3 of Chapmans 4 scores were 20 yd plus plays. And they held Wisconsin-Stout two 2 TD in an overtime game. This week is the Oaks homecoming game.  So unless UPS comes with a better attitude than last year, and some game breaker plays / players early, I think the Loggers are in for a long afternoon in CA.

[wildcat11]

Cawcdad,

Good call on the big plays.  'Cats had multiple opportunities for big play scores yesterday but the passes were either overthrown or under thrown for picks.  I don't want to get down on a 3rd string QB who is a Sophomore.  Before the season started he probably though his most important decision was what hat he would wear on the sideline.  He did what was asked of him yesterday....win.

However, if he's going to be the starter next week he does need to get better and be more accurate or the Rats are just going to stack the box (like Menlo) and dare the 'Cats to throw over the top.

Once again in pulling clips last night from the game...our defense was once again damn good.

[cawcdad]

11, of the games I've seen this year, nobody has dropped the hammer on D like the Cats yesterday. Some of the hits they had made me wince 700 miles south. I didn't mean to sound like I was getting down on the QB. He did a fine job, stepping in on apparently short notice, and did what was asked. If the Cats can hit some passes it will open things up for the running game, which did a pretty good job even with the Oaks stacking the box.

[Wildcat'64]

11,
I notice that both Boehme and Franklin are listed in the participation list in the stats from yesterday's game.  I was having internet problems so missed most of the game but did not hear any mention of them in the game yesterday.  I didn't see Ford's name on the list so was curious as to why the other two were mentioned when I thought they all were off the roster currently.

[bluenote]

Inasmuch as the Cats are putting up fewer points each week (22 in Week 1, 14 in Week 2, 9 in Week 3) I figure this week the Cats will win about 7-0 against the Rats with maybe the 4th string QB.  One only wonders where the Cats would be today in the Top 25 if they still had their #1 QB and #1 RB on the field with this fantastic defensive unit.  Defensive units win Championships....and this is a team which definitely has that potential.  Now all the Cats offensive weapons need is for everyone to get healthy and be able to play up to their potential.  With the Cats at full strength, offensively, the score yesterday would probably have been about 40-0!

....I'm just curious who the #1 running back was you are referring to? And I'm not sure if Boehme was that much ahead of Franklin either as the starter? Both seem to have their strong points. I thought Boehme would be a killer drop back passer and I think Franklin does this spread stuff pretty darn well.  So....I'd like to see them both back.

reggie ford was #1 rb

I don't think Ford has played enough in games or practice to make that assumption (IMO).

[MonroviaCat]

11,
I notice that both Boehme and Franklin are listed in the participation list in the stats from yesterday's game.  I was having internet problems so missed most of the game but did not hear any mention of them in the game yesterday.  I didn't see Ford's name on the list so was curious as to why the other two were mentioned when I thought they all were off the roster currently.

I'm pretty sure this is an error---I don't think either of those guys was in the game at all yesterday.

Blue,  I'm pretty sure it is not an assumption, I could be wrong but I believe Ford was the starting RB in the first game but was injured early and has not played since.