FB: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[LadyTiger]

It wasn't that Oxy didn't come out pumped up, playing like their usual selves...the score was 14-3 Oxy at one point, Whittier just outplayed them for two quarters.  Of course they are gonna be amped for a playoff game, but that didn't seem to be what caused the problem last saturday.  It was turnovers (4) that killed 'em (and I shouldn't say killed 'em because they did end up winning the game), not a lack of adreniline.  If they let Whitworth get on top by more than a touchdown late in the game, Oxy will be in trouble.

Were you at the game? Cause if you were you would have realized how flat the offense was. Collins' passes were late and didn't have much zip. He wasn't cruising the field like he usually does and receivers were not being their usual aggressive selves. Lack of motivation indirectly caused those turnovers. Whittier had a couple big plays that broke for TD's due to field position (deep in Oxy territory due to the TO's). The Whittier guys just wanted it more and Oxy didn't start really playing hard until they realized their perfect season was in jeopardy.

I don't want to put down Whittier's effort, I was very impressed and they are a good team. But heck, if Whitworth wants to underestimate Oxy....go for it.

See you in Spokompton.

-LT

[Browneagle64]

Come saturday that picture will show a dead rat hanging and handing in their gear for thanksgiving break. (All in good nature)

[dawg gone it]

4 turnovers will kill anyone. My sons high school team was bigger than the Poets.  They are not fast, they are not big, they are not much of anything that would intimidate another team....however, they play very hard, they are well coached and they are hugh overachievers.  They exemplify the spirit of d3 sports, they seem to play for the love of the game and obviously love to play the game.

While I didnt say anything on the board, I really felt they would surprise Oxy if they were not carefull and, it almost happened from what I read. 

It is very disrespectfull of their effort to say Oxy came out flat, while I didnt see the game, if Oxy was leading 14-3, it couldnt have been that flat.  Just my opnion.

Rat...I need that picture!!!!!!!!!

 

[dawg gone it]

Geez Bob, I thought you got a good education at Oxy....can you read

I said they were bigger, where do I say they were faster or that they would have beat the Poets?  As I said before, now read carefully and dont imply anything but what is written......."they play very hard, they are well coached, and they are hugh overachievers"  My statement is backed by the fact they beat Redlands and almost beat the #10 team in the country.

Please refrain from posting inferences that are not stated or in any way implied in my post.


and Bob......See the hanging tiger?   

You make it very difficult to support the the SCIAC  playoff team.

[(509)Rat]

Were you at the game? Cause if you were you would have realized how flat the offense was. Collins' passes were late and didn't have much zip. He wasn't cruising the field like he usually does and receivers were not being their usual aggressive selves. Lack of motivation indirectly caused those turnovers. Whittier had a couple big plays that broke for TD's due to field position (deep in Oxy territory due to the TO's). The Whittier guys just wanted it more and Oxy didn't start really playing hard until they realized their perfect season was in jeopardy.

Nice, a sarcastic remark because you know there was no way I could have been at the game.  One nice thing about still living in spokane, being close to the program, and still having an interest in how a few of my buddies are doing is that I've seen Oxy play on film.  And it doesn't take a genious to figure out that when you're up 14-3 in a little over 1 quarter you didn't COME OUT flat.  Maybe they began playing a little flat after that but that doesn't have anything to do with not being pumped up.  Once you start playing that game (at least as a defensive player) you don't just go flat...its balls out every play no matter who you are playing.

THe rats will crumble in this area. Its all brand new to them

You're right, the rats have never been under that kind of pressure this season.  Down 7-0 IN WISCONSON with about 1:30 left...or how about breaking a 14-14 tie against Azusa with only 2:57 left.  Or how about the entire game agaiinst Linfield (When's the last time Occidental has played in a game like that?  and won?).  Don't try and tell me or any respectable D3 follower that Whitworth hasn't played in a game as big as this.  Whitworth has never been really sure about their playoff chances until after the Linfield game...The NWC championship and the playoffs meant more to these Pirates than you can imagine.  They have the experience in big games and they have the hunger.

[Leopard TE 8]

I don't think being pumped up for the game this weekend will be a problem. The last two games meant nothing. The guys had sealed a league title and home field advantage was a long shot no matter what happened with Chapman and Whittier. This is the playoffs, if you're not excited you're not human.

every game means something whether youre human or not...

[dawg gone it]

The computer nerd is at it again...its OK Bob, I know you really cant help yourself from acting like a child.  Good luck on Saturday, have a beer at the game to go with your bologna and ketchup sandwhich.  

[(509)Rat]

Then Collins woke up and the Poets couldn't stop him

And if this is how he plays against Whitworth they have a great chance of winning.

And one more thing, I will be making a new cartoon each day up until the game and continue to make them for the winner as I will support the winner of this game through the playoffs...so Oxy fans stay tuned.

[Sabretooth Tiger]

From this year's "Around the West" round one predictions:

The Occidental-Whitworth game pairs two of the best quarterbacks in the country in Whitworth's Joel Clark and Occidental's Andy Collins. Clark's ability to return from a high ankle sprain in the Pirates last game will be key for Whitworth. Both teams have solid defenses but look for points to pile up in this one. Whitworth should win by a touchdown.

Here's the "Around the West" prediction for round one in 2004:

For Willamette and Occidental, their common opponent is Lewis and Clark from the NWC. Both these teams gave the Pioneers a good roughing up this season. Willamette won 55-6 while rushing for 310 yards and piling up five sacks. Occidental put up 262 yards rushing to claim a 31-6 victory.

Both impressive wins but only one team can advance. Bearcats get the win in a 24-point blowout and advance to the second round to face Concordia.

And the "Around the West Prediction for 2004's second round matchup between Oxy and Concordia:

While both these teams appear similar on paper, I still have a feeling the Cobbers will win by 17 points thanks to their stingy defense and their ability to not skip a beat when playing at the Fargodome. They blanked Menlo, from California, there two weeks ago 30-0.

Based on all of my various readings while trolling the board, no one likes Oxy save for Oxy fans.

Good, always better to be the underdog . . . there's only one way to go from there . . .

Take it to 'em Tigers.

tooth

[Pat Coleman]

Best part is, Occidental's PR people took that line and said "D3football.com predicted we would lose, but we won anyway."

I had to teach them one of the basic tenets of journalism -- a column is not the same as the editorial page. It's Adam's opinion, not D3football.com's.

[Sabretooth Tiger]

Best part is, Occidental's PR people took that line and said "D3football.com predicted we would lose, but we won anyway."

I had to teach them one of the basic tenets of journalism -- a column is not the same as the editorial page. It's Adam's opinion, not D3football.com's.

Pat, I never suggested that this was an official D3 position.  Having said that, Keith picked Cal Lu as likely to upset the Tigers in the SCIAC at the outset of the season and Adam has experssed similar views as noted above. 

Just looking to add a little content for discussion, and as stated, in my view there is nothing wrong with being the underdog . . .

cheers,

[Courage Mom]

I am that CLU offensive assistant who was called out by a parent of one of the Redlands' quarterbacks on this websight on page 322 of this subject section on Nov. 12, 2006 at 3:33 AM by the user name "Dawg Gone It”. Since I have never been on this websight, much less read or sent posts, I was made aware of the post only yesterday by someone in our program, and it has taken me this long to register and respond (I'm generally WAY too busy for this sort of thing). I want to apologize to any member of the University of Redlands football team, staff, or parents who may have been offended by my neglect in not personally seeking out this player after the game to shake hands, congratulate or say "Hi" to him. I coached Matt many years ago in pee wee football, and have not seen or spoken to him since a brief encounter at a passing league contest the summer before his senior year - when we exchanged hand shakes, I congratulated him on his performance in the contest, and wished him well in his senior year. I remember him as a fine young man, and though I have not followed his football career, he must have done well to now be a part of the Redlands team. The Bulldogs have a tremendous program and history, and in last week's game, they were extremely well prepared, played hard, and beat a CLU team that was intent on making it into the playoffs. At the conclusion of games, I have adopted what would appear to be the accepted protocol in our league, which is for the opposing coaches to acknowledge and congratulate each other while separately the players from both teams do the same, before both groups part and go their separate ways. I certainly felt compelled to acknowledge the outstanding job the Redlands coaching staff did in preparing their team, and did just that before gathering with our own group for the last time this season. It is not unusual for opposing coaches, parents, or players to mingle and socialize after both groups have had a chance to hold their final post game meetings, and all concerned are filing off the field. I did not happen to see Matt after the game as I left the field, but I would have certainly extended my best wishes as I had done the previous summer. I meant no disrespect to him, or any other member of the Redlands team or staff, and If it was taken that way by anyone else, I apologize. I congratulate the program on a fine season, and wish the Bulldogs the best in the future.

Sincerely, Ken Mosley

[pineconefan]

Sabertooth - What was Adams prediction about last year's playoff game?

[pineconefan]

Looking ahead to Saturday - I would think that the stat that stands out the most to Occidenta;'s coaching staff is this one:

Whitworth defense: 24 interceptions, 4 passing TDs allowed, 3 TDs scored on interception returns.  For those that care, or know what it means, Defensive Pass Eff. rating of 80.0.

[CRZK]

OB, thanks for posting the quote from Kevin back from the Concordia and Willamette games.  I was going to use those examples for 509 in answer to some of his questions a few posts ago.

Looking at this board as well as the NWC board I am impressed (so far) with the even handness by the fans going into this game.  I have to agree on the this game should be close.  In reference to why I favor Oxy with more reason then just being a fan how about this.

Oxy has been scored on more:  True but not whole story.  Oxy outscores opps by at least 2-1 thru 3 qtrs.  4th qtr Oxy 69 points,  opps 72.  That means our 2nd and 3rd string (if we have one is in).  Whitworth hasn't scored as much and in the 4th qtr it is 59/15.  So much for sitting the starters?

Defense:  Pretty equal across the board.  Similar TFL and sacks.  Whitworth has 24 ints vs 18 for Oxy.  Oxy run defense probably better, Whitworth secondary possibly has the edge.  

Offense:  This is the area where the difference is.  On running the ball it looks like it is all Clark where Oxy has two potent threats:  Anderson and Collins.  On offensive production.  Oxy 21 rushing TDs vs 8 for Whitworth.  Passing;  Oxy 27 TD's vs 16 for Whitworth.  Finally.  Oxy has 5 receivers with at least 4 TDs, Whitworth only two and the big one is Allen.  I think the offensive edge has to go to Oxy here.  Bottom line perhaps.  As a couple of NWC folks have alluded to.  Shut down Allen and shut down Whitworth.  Easier said then done perhaps but still the key.  Against Oxy you have to get a to-fer.  Collins and Anderson, plus 4 other WR's.   A tougher task.

Special teams probably a toss up but Jorenstad can hit consistently from 40 plus yds in.  Don't know about Whitworth.

Now Anderson hopefully will be back at 100% after sitting out last weekend.  Clark is banged up but am sure the adrenline will carry him through.  

So with that I think this game will come down to coaching!!  Which staff is better at breaking down film, making pre-game plans and most importantly, which staff is better at adjusting at half-time.  With out a doubt Whitworth has had a good tough schedule but the Oxy staff has been here before.  Slight edge Oxy.

That is why I favor Oxy in a close game.