FB: Northwest Conference

[BearcatFan]

Here's hoping that Willamette represents the NWC deep into the playoffs and makes some heads turn with "respect" towards our conference...The only conference to win two national championships during Mounts reign of terror....Poetic justice says that Willamette beats the Mount in the Stagg Bowl....with a "repete" type "monkey stomp" that the Johnnies handed to them in 2003....that would make my football season.

Just a quick question, er, comment then question.  I've been reading all the Willamette love on here all year and watched them play Linfield and no doubt they play good, fundamentally sound football that you need to play to win in the playoffs.  I like their coach and their team, but, and here's the question...Has Willamette beaten any team that could be considered even above average let alone a playoff caliber team this year?  I can't count CaLu, Linfield or Concordia as playoff caliber teams and it would take some convincing to make me think those three were even above average.  The rest of their games, they should have won and did.  What makes everybody think they are equipped to make a run deep into the playoffs let alone challenge the Mount.

If they had beaten any of the Linfield teams from 2000 to 2005, I'd be on board with the deep run talk but I just don't think they are the juggernaut that everybody thinks they are.  They beat up on an average at best NWC this season.

Schedules are set at least a year in advance. You win against the teams you face week-to-week.

If the NWC is "average at best" this season, that means that WU is way above average -  and that average has to include the best of the all previous Linfield teams, Whitworth teams, etc.

If you want to talk about averages, the Bearats are winning by large margins: scoring an average of 43.9 points to their opponents 18.6 points. Rushing yards: 255.6 yards to 147.6 yards, Average yards per pass: 9.1  to  5.8.

Comparing the 2008 Bearcats to previous teams and their records vs. Linfield teams from 200-2005 is hypothetical and bears no weight when discussing how far they can go in the playoffs. They're all different teams. Only time will tell how much of a Juggernaut they are.

[D O.C.]

make a run deep into the playoffs let alone challenge the Mount.

Amen.

Get 2 home games in the rain with that offense "Ah, which way did they go? Which way did they go?"
(one of my all-time favorite cartoons)  and they might be able to surprise their way into the semis with a few balls bouncing their way.

[Bearcat Press]

Here's hoping that Willamette represents the NWC deep into the playoffs and makes some heads turn with "respect" towards our conference...The only conference to win two national championships during Mounts reign of terror....Poetic justice says that Willamette beats the Mount in the Stagg Bowl....with a "repete" type "monkey stomp" that the Johnnies handed to them in 2003....that would make my football season.

Just a quick question, er, comment then question.  I've been reading all the Willamette love on here all year and watched them play Linfield and no doubt they play good, fundamentally sound football that you need to play to win in the playoffs.  I like their coach and their team, but, and here's the question...Has Willamette beaten any team that could be considered even above average let alone a playoff caliber team this year?  I can't count CaLu, Linfield or Concordia as playoff caliber teams and it would take some convincing to make me think those three were even above average.  The rest of their games, they should have won and did.  What makes everybody think they are equipped to make a run deep into the playoffs let alone challenge the Mount.

If they had beaten any of the Linfield teams from 2000 to 2005, I'd be on board with the deep run talk but I just don't think they are the juggernaut that everybody thinks they are.  They beat up on an average at best NWC this season.

Despite the Cobbers' recent struggles, I'd still count them as a playoff-caliber team.  They're exactly six points away from being on top of the MIAC at 6-1.  CLU could make a big statement if they beat Redlands this weekend.  They were one wacky field goal away from beating Oxy.  Don't forget beating SOU (who handled UMHB), and while the Wildcats, Pirates, and Lutes may all be having (somewhat) down years, I definitely think that it says something to be able to beat all three on the road - convincingly.

I'm not willing to predict a deep playoff run yet, but the fact that opposing teams will only have one week to prepare for the Fly is encouraging.

[OxyBob]

CLU could make a big statement if they beat Redlands this weekend.  They were one wacky field goal away from beating tying Oxy.

Slight correction.

OxyBob

[Foss]

DT48, I'll take a stab. I've been one of those who has said that although Willamette appears to be very good, getting to the Stagg is a long shot and even making it out of the West Region, in my opinion, will be less than a 50% chance. We have to remember that of all those great Lute and Cat teams from 1998-2005 only two managed to even get out of the West Region (however, once they did, they went on to completely blow out 3 of the 4 teams they faced). It it the toughest overall region (not necessarily with THE toughest team, mind you) in D3 with historically the highest number of tough teams.

That said, Willamette is very good. They have a number of fast skilled position players, along with a large O-line, and a QB that can throw (not the case in recent years). They have a very good coach and the fly will probably be difficult for any team to prepare for. If they have a weakness, I would say that they lack a dominant D and can be scored on somewhat (almost 19/game). Although the teams you mentioned aren't playoff teams, I would argue some are playoff caliber and I would put them "in the top 32", although I am fine with the auto bids granting some teams a trip to the dance regardless of how good they really are.

If UW-Whitewater gets into the playoffs and is placed in the West, I would favor them to win it, then Willamette. But even if they aren't and maybe Willamette is then favored to get through, based on how tough the West is, I would still probably take "the field" over Willamette in the West. Just my take.

[Bearcat Press]

CLU could make a big statement if they beat Redlands this weekend.  They were one wacky field goal away from beating tying Oxy.

Slight correction.

OxyBob

Noted.

[downtown48]

Comparing the 2008 Bearcats to previous teams and their records vs. Linfield teams from 200-2005 is hypothetical and bears no weight when discussing how far they can go in the playoffs. They're all different teams. Only time will tell how much of a Juggernaut they are.

Sure it does.  Those were good Linfield teams.  If they had beaten Linfield those years, I would have said they were going to go deep into the playoffs that year.  

You are correct in saying your boys are above average but every team in the playoffs is that.  You have to be special to go deep and I'm not convinced they are special.  And if beating the second or third best team in the SCIAC helps you sleep better at night, so be it, but they aren't a playoff caliber team.  Remember, I didn't say the Bearcats weren't good...they are...I like their team, I just don't think they are as good as everybody drinking the NWC Kool-Aid thinks they are.  Trust me, I'd love for Willamette to do some damage in the playoffs.  

[MonroviaCat]

Comparing the 2008 Bearcats to previous teams and their records vs. Linfield teams from 200-2005 is hypothetical and bears no weight when discussing how far they can go in the playoffs. They're all different teams. Only time will tell how much of a Juggernaut they are.

Sure it does.  Those were good Linfield teams.  If they had beaten Linfield those years, I would have said they were going to go deep into the playoffs that year.  

You are correct in saying your boys are above average but every team in the playoffs is that.  You have to be special to go deep and I'm not convinced they are special.  And if beating the second or third best team in the SCIAC helps you sleep better at night, so be it, but they aren't a playoff caliber team.  Remember, I didn't say the Bearcats weren't good...they are...I like their team, I just don't think they are as good as everybody drinking the NWC Kool-Aid thinks they are.  Trust me, I'd love for Willamette to do some damage in the playoffs.  

I agree---Willamette has beat some good teams this year but we haven't seen them play a top shelf team yet.  Hopefully the playoffs will give them that chance to prove themselves.

[downtown48]

I'm not willing to predict a deep playoff run yet, but the fact that opposing teams will only have one week to prepare for the Fly is encouraging.

Until they meet the defense that's big, fast and nasty that they'll probably face in Round 3 and beyond (unless it's Rowan 8)).  

All kidding aside, this is a huge advantage in my mind and the fact that you guys can throw the rock this year makes it all the more difficult.  Should be a fun playoff...

[D O.C.]

How about we have a bake sale and ship 'em to the east?
East Region
1. Cortland State 9-0 9-0
2. Ithaca 7-1 8-1
3. Montclair State 8-1 8-1
4. Hobart 7-1 7-1
5. RPI 7-1 7-1
6. Hartwick 6-2 6-2
7. Plymouth State 8-1 9-1
8. Rowan 7-2 7-2
9. Curry 8-1 9-1
10. Albright 6-1 7-2

How do we know? We have to rely on the research from d3football.com, which makes One Armed Scot a tad valuable because he's seen 'mette play.

The d3 top:
1.   Mount Union
2.   North Central (Ill.)
3.   Wabash
4.   Millsaps
5.   WW Whitewater
6.   Muhlenburg
7.   Cortland State
8.   Mary Hardin Baylor
9.   Wesley
10.  Willamette

Another frame of reference is SOU being a common opponent.

What is this love affair with Wesley, I wonder?

[Foss]

The d3 top:

9.   Wesley
10.  Willamette

What is this love affair with Wesley, I wonder?

Blame it on Blade, White Men Can't Jump, Passenger 57, New Jack City, and Demolition Man.  8)

[D O.C.]

                                                              8)

[Gig Harbor Cat]

Nice  one Foss  +K here

[cawcdad]

Re: Menlo. I saw them 5 times this year. They played well but had no secret weapon, and had some tough luck/ bounces go against them. They could have won against Stout, Whitworth and PLU. This past Saturday was Senior day and it was the smallest group of seniors I have seen there in a number of years. There are quite a few sophomores on this years team.

Shhhhhhhh . . .The rumor mill among a few parents was that they are putting in field turf and a field house at Connor Field.

[bbaddict]

Thanks cawcdad.  Just kind of wondered since all I'm looking at is scores & stats.  As we all know, the numbers don't always tell the whole story or give a real picture of the actual game.

That would be great if they improved their field.  That has to be the worst field in the NWC -- not sure how it holds up against other California schools, because that's the only one I've been to.  Are most of the FB fields down there grass?  Seems like most of the fields up here are turf, at least in the NWC.