Game 4 preview: Cats vs Rats

It’s homecoming week but this isn’t your stereotypical homecoming game when the home team gets some sappy program to come in and get pounded. No, this weekend is easily the NWC game of the week and has NWC title and playoff implications as the Whitworth Pirates (or Rats) come to the ‘Catdome to face off with our ‘Cats. There are plenty of story lines to make this match up a riveting contest. Will Linfield’s offense be healthy and can they produce? Will Whitworth be able to snuff the ‘Cats for the 3rd straight time? Can the ‘Cats put the rest the ghosts (turnovers) of the previous two losses and eliminate the Rats for the NWC title race? Either way it promises to be a whale of a game.

Know your Foe (mostly ripped from Wikipedia)

Rats – For years the Whitworth Pirates have been known around by the Linfield players as just the “Rats”. I have no idea when it started but it’s a nickname that has stuck to Whitworth and since I already did a segement on “Raiders/Pirates” let’s stick to the rodents.

The best know Rats are the Black Rat and the Brown Rat. The group is generally known as the Old World rats or true rats, and originated in Asia. This makes sense to me since Whitworth’s primary school color is black so there’s an easy bridge to cross.

Did you know that Ancient Romans did not generally differentiate between rats and mice, instead referring to the former as Mus Maximus (big mouse) and the latter as Mus Minimus (little mouse). That is kind of like Whitworth’s running back battery. Adam Anderson is a bigger bruiser (Mus Maximus) while littler Nelson Milton (Mus Minimus) is the change of pace back for the Rats.

In Indian tradition rats are recognized as the vehicle of Lord Ganesh and a rat's statue is always found in a temple of Ganesh. In the northwestern Indian city of Deshnoke, the rats at the Karni Mata Temple are held to be destined for reincarnation as Sadhus (Hindu holy men). The attending priests feed milk and grain to the rats, of which the pilgrims also partake. Eating food that has been touched by rats is considered a blessing from god. However, a Rat defender touching a Linfield quarterback should never be considered a blessing at all.

Whitworth was founded in 1883 in Sumner, Washington by George Whitworth as the Sumner Academy, it became Whitworth College in 1890. In 1899, Whitworth moved from Sumner to Tacoma, and in 1914, it moved from Tacoma to Spokane.

Whitworth's board of trustees voted to change the institution's official name to Whitworth University effective July 1, 2007[1].

Some of the Rats notable alumni include current Oregon State head coach and former Wildcat defensive coordinator Mike Riley, Ross H. Anderson who is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Peter Hunner internationally acclaimed artist and glassblower , and Tully’s kid.

Wildcat11’s keys to Victory

-Scoring points. Lighting up the scoreboard hasn’t really be the ‘Cats forte up to this point of the season but we will need to finds ways to put the ball in the end zone on Saturday. The offensive line has played very well so far this season but the injury bug in the offensive skill positions has hurt the continuity this season. It’s been frustrating because it looks like the offense is “this close” to doing some really good things but the ‘Cats really need to finish drives and not put it all on the defense and special teams.

-Turnovers. This has been the biggest reason why Whitworth has overcome Linfield the past two seasons. The Rats have scored defensive touchdowns the past two games and that has been the difference. Whitworth’s style is to take chances and hawk after the ball so the ‘Cats must win this battle and put a high priority on ball security.

-Limit Adam Anderson. The Rats are a run first and run second team and they don’t hide the fact the will put the ball in Adam Anderson’s hands via the run, pass, punt return, kickoff return game. He’s their do-everything offensive players and the ‘Cats HAVE to win the battle upfront and in special teams in order to minimize Anderson’s impact in the ball game.

-Win in special teams. With this the type of game that I could see developing special teams could wind up having an incredible impact in this contest. The ‘Cats need to win on Special teams in the form of catching the ball (kickoffs/punts), great coverage on kickoffs and punts, and making sure we don’t give up any tips or blocks.

-Being emotionally ready. This current ‘Cats team has shown they has resolve with the near comeback win at HSU, the defensive slugfest vs SOU, and the grinding win last week. However, this game will peal back another layer and show if this team is ready for primetime. I’m not worried about the ‘Cats being flat on Saturday but I do worry about being too jacked up. The players just need to be prepared and focused on their job and not let a rush of emotions at the start of the game flatten out as the contest wears on. If the ‘Cats just take it one snap at a time we’ll be fine.

Prediction

-‘Cats by 7. I don’t see Whitoworth’s Coach Tully going away from the formula that has worked the past two seasons. He’s going to try to play the field position game, keep it somewhat conservative on offense, and try to force the ‘Cats offense into the big mistakes that the Rats can capitalize on. Even with Cole Franklin most likely being unavailable this weekend I do like the physical nature of the ‘Cats vs this Whitworth team. Our offensive line should be able to move bodies and Linfield will be able to run the ball and that will be the big difference this year versus the past two.

This will be the type of game that could come down to a handful of plays but I feel its Linfield’s game to win if they can execute the coaching staff’s game plan.

Game 3 Preview: Linfield vs Menlo

It's the opening of NWC play and the first step for the 'Cats in the quest to capture the conference title and land the automatic playoff bid. This weekend the Oaks of Menlo College make the long trip from the Bay area in what could be wet conditions at the 'Catdome. Every game for the 'Cats is huge and Linfield has to have the drive to keep improving and put out a great effort this Saturday.

I'm just excited for the traditional 1:30 kickoff at the 'Catdome. Waiting around all day for a night game is brutal and I don't know if Mrs. WC11 can take me running around the house all Saturday driving her up the wall.

Know Your Foe

Oaks: It’s always hard to crush oak trees when they hold such a special place in the heart of Linfield. Just this past year the college lost a great symbol when “The Old Oak” fell due to years of battling a root disease. A truly sad day for Linfield.

But I digress….I would go on for paragraphs about the history of Menlo College but it’s Wikipedia page is shorter than the number of wins the Oaks have in NWC play (HI-YO! *rimshot*). I can tell you that Menlo was founded in 1927 and is right in the middle of the jam packed area of Atherton and Menlo Park (San Francisco metro area). After visiting there last year I can say that real estate is tight and insanely expensive.

A few Fun facts that I do know about the Oaks: They have about 800 students, they are one of the few colleges with duel affiliations with the NAIA and the NCAA. Don’t ask me which sports are in what division all I know is football is in the NCAA (duh). It seems like Menlo really pushes the business and management degrees which makes since due to the location right in the smack dab of the Silicon Valley.

Here’s a link to a wicked cool map of the college to show you really how small the campus is. If this map is to scale than that is one giant whale!

Wildcat11’s keys to victory

1) Turnover Factor. It could be a wet one at the ‘Catdome this weekend and this is where the ‘Cats need to keep improving. Keep the ball off the carpet and make Menlo put it on the carpet. If Linfield doesn’t turnover the rock the chance for the win improves greatly. (no kidding)

2) Establish the run game. In four games this season, Menlo is giving up 167.2 yards on the ground a game and if Linfield desires to be a contender we have to exceed that number and control the game up front with our offensive line.

3) Take Menlo RB’s out of pass game. The Oaks do have a number of offensive starters back and that has provided better continuity for the offense. Menlo loves to leak RB’s out of the backfield on arrow type routes where they can do damage in open space. Our LB’s have to be up to the task in shutting Shaun Souza down out of the backfield.

4) No let down, no looking ahead. A test of a good team is being able to have a short memory and focus on the game in front of them. The ‘Cats just can’t “mail it in” against Menlo and look further down the road. Linfield should be working on getting better and coming out of the gates on fire.

Prediction

Cats by 17. Linfield should control this game on both lines of scrimmage. Menlo is only 1-3, but again, is a team that has really only suffered one bad loss and looks to be improving as the season has moved on. The Oaks have been able to retain kids in the program and has shown to be able to put up points on the score board. Linfield on the other hand hasn’t really exploded as an offense but the signs are there for Linfield to develop into a punishing balanced offense. It’s the opener for NWC play and I look for a another great effort from the ‘Cats.

Game 2: Linfield Vs. Southern Oregon Game Preview

This is a MUST win for Linfield. Absolutely gotta have it win for the ‘Cats. Yes, this is a non-DIII game but Linfield cannot afford to come out of the gates at 0-2 headed into NWC play. This team is far too talented to let that happen. However, Southern Oregon is not going to be an easy team to get over on. Granted the Raiders are 1-3 but could just as easily be 4-0 if not for a few breaks in each of their losses. So let’s get into our shtick with “know your foe” and Wildcat 11’s “keys to victory”

Know Your Foe (Thanks Wikipedia!)

Raiders – There are a few definitions of a “Raider” but Southern Oregon makes no bones (ha! a jolly rodger joke!) on the type of Raider mascot that SOU emulates. These Raiders are pretty much Pirates or people that commits robbery at sea. The core of the word is “Raid” which is a tactic that is used by the plunders to achieve one's goal of attacking the opponent’s commercial shipping rather than try to overtake the command of the sea via force of its naval fleet.

Raiders destroy supplies of the enemy instead of engaging the combatant themselves. When the raiders are at war, they break into places and plunder. Raiders or “Pirates” have been around as long as humans have used the seas for trade routes, however, the most glorified and popular of this despicable brand of thieves are the Raiders that terrorized the Caribbean during the 1560’s through the 1720’s.

Many of these “Raiders” came to the Caribbean after the end of the War of Spanish Succession. Most of the conflict arose over trade and colonization among the European powers of the time (English, Spain, Dutch, Portuguese, and the French).

Unlike the movies most pirates/raiders ate poorly, did not become wealthy, and died young. Even though pirates raided many ships, few, if any, buried their treasure, or booty. Often, the "treasure" that was stolen was food, water, alcohol, weapons, or clothing. Other things they stole were household items like bits of soap and gear like rope and anchors. For this reason, there was no need for the pirates to bury these goods.

Pretty much it sounded like the life of a Raider/Pirate sucked.

Wildcat11’s Key To Victory

-Win the Turnover Game.

When you have two teams that are matched up on paper a key swing point can and will be in the turnover department. Linfield not only has to limit theirs but the defense MUST makes some things happen beyond just trying to keep SOU out of the endzone. Last season, the Wildcat defense gift wrapped two Linfield touchdowns and the ‘Cats defense must have that same mindset.

-Run the football.

The SOU defensive front will be athletic and physical but the Wildcats have to be able to produce on the ground. Linfield quarterback Cole Franklin (Soph) is making his first start as a Wildcat and the offense cannot put Cole in a position where the game rests on his arm. The offense as a whole has to make the commitment to run the football. We need a way better effort from the WR corp in blocking on the edges and downfield. The success of Linfield’s run game is going to be a giant key for victory.

-Pressure on SOU’s Bryan Lee-Lauduski

The Wildcat defense faces a much different quarterback this weekend. Lee-Lauduski is a tradition pocket quarterback (i.e. he’s not super mobile). However the kid can really throw the ball. The ‘Cats will do their DB’s a major disservice by allowing him to step up in the pocket and get off clean passes. This job is up to the front 4 of Linfield’s defense. We have to pressure without bringing the house and leaving our backfield in a one-on-one situation. If we can consistently disrupt the SOU passing game in the pocket then the ‘Cats are going to be in good shape.

-Win on Special Teams

Linfield must be the better group on special teams. That means successful PAT’s, great coverage on kickoff and punts, catching all punts, and put the offense in good field position in returns. With Linfield’s offense facing a solid defense the special teams group for Linfield could play a major role.

-Play with Passion

Our ‘Cats don’t have to come out so hyped up that they blow their collective wad in the first series but as Coach Rutschman, Langsdorf, Locey, and Smith always say “be wound to the right tension. Not too tight but not too lose.” At HSU we were way too flat and I’m hopeful we don’t come out “too tight” for this game. The ‘Cats just have to focus on playing with contained passion, focus on doing their individual job well (No “S” on the chest), and believe the ‘Cat next to you is going to do the same.

Prediction

‘Cats by 7. This is going to be a bonfire battle. SOU is a wounded team and has to feel pissed that they’ve come up short the past three weeks. There is nothing more that the Raiders would like than to come up to Linfield and stuff the ‘Cats in their home opener. What Linfield needs to focus on is playing a complete 4 quarters of Linfield football. When SOU throws a preverbal punch the ‘Cats need to find the counter and land one on the SOU sweet spot. I can’t wait!