The ApostroCats get a bye this week, and I think it's probably a good time. Another year, I might rather get a break between the Purdue and MSU road games, but we need to regroup after last weeks icky loss. I'm gonna take the break win the Cats, so this will be the only football post until next week. I'll do a bunch of predictions, and we'll see if I have any clue at all.
Check out how my predictions were. Hint: awesome. Well, how about 4-3 picking winners.
More after the jump.
Back by personal demand:
Around the Country in 80 Words! Starting.......now!
Michigan @ MSU: 'Rines not yet on track, lose to 'Tans, 37-24. Michigan 34-31
Indiana @ Wisconsin: Loosiers will miss Green-Ellis, lose conference opener 35-7. Wisconsin 41-24
Illinois @ Iowa: Is firezookagain.com registered yet? Iowa rolls 41-10. Iowa 35-7
Minnesota @ PSU: JoePa prayers unanswered, Maroney and Gophers win 28-14. PSU 44-14
Notre Dame @ Purdue: Purdue plays called by the undead, outscore the dying-chosen offense of ND 41-38. Notre Dame 49-28
USC @ ASU: Trojans take the heat like pros, 38-14. USC 38-28
Eagles @ Chiefs: Chief's defense less vaunted now, Eagles fly 24-10. Eagles 37-31
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Monday, September 26, 2005
PSU 34, NU 29
So close, but yet no defense. This is also the third game out of four in which our offense has stalled in the second half. That's gonna be bad news, since I don't think we'll be jumping out to that many insurmountable leads.
I guess I should also stop carping about giving Sutton the ball. He had 32 carries for 112 yards and two TDs. That's a good day. And I don't think he should get it more than 32 times. So, it's up to the rest of the offense to score when they're supposed to. And that usually means Brett.
Nicely, Joel Howells may be back on track. 5/6 is good day for any kicker, and he set the NU record for points by a kicker and tied the conference record for FGs in a game. Good for him. He deserved that Big Ten Special Teamer of the Week dealie that he got.
More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 6.0 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 3 - 1 = 2 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 4: The goal here is to see which of our benchmarks is a better predictor of wins.
Josh: 2
Randy: 2
NU Record: 2-2
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: Not so bad, but it's going to have to be 2000-good to make up for defense.
Cats' D: Good for a half. Bad for a half. Guess which part I like better.
Cats' Special Teams: Cole made a big mistake that may have been a turning point in the game, but Howells is hopefully showing his true form.
Let's go Cats!
I guess I should also stop carping about giving Sutton the ball. He had 32 carries for 112 yards and two TDs. That's a good day. And I don't think he should get it more than 32 times. So, it's up to the rest of the offense to score when they're supposed to. And that usually means Brett.
Nicely, Joel Howells may be back on track. 5/6 is good day for any kicker, and he set the NU record for points by a kicker and tied the conference record for FGs in a game. Good for him. He deserved that Big Ten Special Teamer of the Week dealie that he got.
More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 6.0 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 3 - 1 = 2 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 4: The goal here is to see which of our benchmarks is a better predictor of wins.
Josh: 2
Randy: 2
NU Record: 2-2
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: Not so bad, but it's going to have to be 2000-good to make up for defense.
Cats' D: Good for a half. Bad for a half. Guess which part I like better.
Cats' Special Teams: Cole made a big mistake that may have been a turning point in the game, but Howells is hopefully showing his true form.
Let's go Cats!
Friday, September 23, 2005
PSU Weather Forecast
We're all familiar with the impact that hurricanes have had on sporting events in the southern parts of the country. Combining that with the recent tornado watch in northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern Illinois, the NU and PSU administrative and athletic officials have made a decision regarding this Saturday's contest.
It will be played in a vacuum.
Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science will provide breathing apparatus to all participants. Unfortunately, the tricky ON/OFF design will prove too much for the Lions. The ApostroCats will return the opening kick for a touchdown. Then they will recover every kickoff for an on-side TD against the motionless PSU team.
Cats win, 900-0!
It will be played in a vacuum.
Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science will provide breathing apparatus to all participants. Unfortunately, the tricky ON/OFF design will prove too much for the Lions. The ApostroCats will return the opening kick for a touchdown. Then they will recover every kickoff for an on-side TD against the motionless PSU team.
Cats win, 900-0!
Penn State Whether Report
Say Josh, tell me whether...
...last week was a tough one for you.
Yeah, it was. I made a lot of mistakes, and I really let the team down.
...you think the loss was your fault?
Well, I missed a lot of mysuperstitions routine.
...you're back on the ball this week.
Definitely. I'm as close as possible to Ohio and NIU conditions.
More after the jump, including my pick for the game.
...Penn State LB Dan Connor will be back this week.
I think so. Paterno's comments on the matter were...uninformative.
...there was reason to believe he wouldn't play.
Apparently he made some threatening or harassing phone calls. I don't really know the nature of the calls.
...there's a "your mom called" joke in there.
How about...Hey Joe Paterno, Dan Connor called! He said [heavy breathing]!
...you've got a pick.
I'm going NU 24, PSU 14.
...last week was a tough one for you.
Yeah, it was. I made a lot of mistakes, and I really let the team down.
...you think the loss was your fault?
Well, I missed a lot of my
...you're back on the ball this week.
Definitely. I'm as close as possible to Ohio and NIU conditions.
More after the jump, including my pick for the game.
...Penn State LB Dan Connor will be back this week.
I think so. Paterno's comments on the matter were...uninformative.
...there was reason to believe he wouldn't play.
Apparently he made some threatening or harassing phone calls. I don't really know the nature of the calls.
...there's a "your mom called" joke in there.
How about...Hey Joe Paterno, Dan Connor called! He said [heavy breathing]!
...you've got a pick.
I'm going NU 24, PSU 14.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Penn State Preview
OK. Time to get right back on the horse. That game last week was brutal, but it's good to be back home. It's Penn State week, and what would that be without me calling for Joe Paterno to retire. If you've been following my football ramblings, you know that I think JoePa must Go(Pa). He's certainly earned a farewell lap, a la Gene Keady, so he can get hugs and cigar boxes and ovations, but he's gotta be gone.
Looking to the Penn State players, I forsee two important parts of the game: Stopping Michael Robinson and overcoming the Lions' rush defense. So, first things first.
Michael Robinson is PSU's starting QB, and big play run/pass threat. He's the 2nd leading rusher on the team, behind Tony Hunt. In the past, he has been a target on the other end of the passing game, so don't be surprised to see him in motion with Anthony Morelli under center. The Cats can contain him with strong LB play and keep small gains from becoming big gains.
The PSU defense has been good so far this year. They've held opponents under 75 yds rushing per game. They've racked up 12 sacks in 3 games. We'll need to establish the rushing game that their non-conference opponents couldn't. I think Tyrell Sutton has that ability, and Brandon Roberson will probably see a share of the backfield.
More after the jump.
Who else to look for:
* Tamba Hali - no joke. Fun name, good player (Sr, DE)
* Kelly is a girl's name - Kevin Kelly (Fr, K)
* ExtRa Caps = ExTra FuN - BranDon Snow (Jr, RB)
* Umm. 'Err - Butler, Connor, Ganter, Kilmer, Lawlor, Ohmberger, Ridenhour
Keys to a Cats win:
1. Tyrell, this is the football. Football, Tyrell. Remember each other?
2. Contain Robinson with minimal commitment (1-2 guys)
3. Big plays, early in game if possible.
For entertainment purposes only:
The line I'm seeing is PSU -7.5, O/U 50.5.
GO CATS!
Looking to the Penn State players, I forsee two important parts of the game: Stopping Michael Robinson and overcoming the Lions' rush defense. So, first things first.
Michael Robinson is PSU's starting QB, and big play run/pass threat. He's the 2nd leading rusher on the team, behind Tony Hunt. In the past, he has been a target on the other end of the passing game, so don't be surprised to see him in motion with Anthony Morelli under center. The Cats can contain him with strong LB play and keep small gains from becoming big gains.
The PSU defense has been good so far this year. They've held opponents under 75 yds rushing per game. They've racked up 12 sacks in 3 games. We'll need to establish the rushing game that their non-conference opponents couldn't. I think Tyrell Sutton has that ability, and Brandon Roberson will probably see a share of the backfield.
More after the jump.
Who else to look for:
* Tamba Hali - no joke. Fun name, good player (Sr, DE)
* Kelly is a girl's name - Kevin Kelly (Fr, K)
* ExtRa Caps = ExTra FuN - BranDon Snow (Jr, RB)
* Umm. 'Err - Butler, Connor, Ganter, Kilmer, Lawlor, Ohmberger, Ridenhour
Keys to a Cats win:
1. Tyrell, this is the football. Football, Tyrell. Remember each other?
2. Contain Robinson with minimal commitment (1-2 guys)
3. Big plays, early in game if possible.
For entertainment purposes only:
The line I'm seeing is PSU -7.5, O/U 50.5.
GO CATS!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Joe Pa Press Conference
Before I get into the Penn State preview, I wanted to point out Joe Paterno's press conference. It just stands alone, I think.
Press Conference[GoPSUSports.com]
Press Conference[GoPSUSports.com]
Monday, September 19, 2005
More on the ASU trip
I forgot to mention that the text-2-jumbotron thing was totally not going in Sun Devil Stadium on Saturday. They handed out cards with the number, and we sent a couple of messages - "Go Cats!" "Tyrell is God." - but no messages showed up anywhere in the stadium. Stupid ASU.
ASU 52, NU 21
Another lame game. There seems to be at least one a year, so we can just hope that this was the one and only for 2005. Giving up 773 yards is really pretty amazing. I think ASU deserves a bunch of the credit for that.
The road tripping went well. Lots of alums, most notably Michael Wilbon, J.A. Adande and myself. Wilbon will be getting a brand spanking new NUMB Tenors jersey which he claims he'll wear on the air for PTI. Wheee!
ASU also deserves a lot of credit for having nice people who were great to us after the game. The worst abuse we got was "You guys are so smart!" So those folks were all right by me.
More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 6.2 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 1 - 1 = 0 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 3:
Josh: 2
Randy: 1
NU Record: 2-1
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: I don't know why Tyrell only got a couple handfuls of touches. I think he maybe froze up under the lights far away from home. The solution is more touches.
Cats' D: Scary thing? The coverage was not bad. The pressure could have been worse. Yeah.
Cats' Special Teams: Cole is still looking good, and Howells has a leg. I think Howells deserves more confidence from the coaches.
Let's go Cats!
The road tripping went well. Lots of alums, most notably Michael Wilbon, J.A. Adande and myself. Wilbon will be getting a brand spanking new NUMB Tenors jersey which he claims he'll wear on the air for PTI. Wheee!
ASU also deserves a lot of credit for having nice people who were great to us after the game. The worst abuse we got was "You guys are so smart!" So those folks were all right by me.
More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 6.2 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 1 - 1 = 0 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 3:
Josh: 2
Randy: 1
NU Record: 2-1
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: I don't know why Tyrell only got a couple handfuls of touches. I think he maybe froze up under the lights far away from home. The solution is more touches.
Cats' D: Scary thing? The coverage was not bad. The pressure could have been worse. Yeah.
Cats' Special Teams: Cole is still looking good, and Howells has a leg. I think Howells deserves more confidence from the coaches.
Let's go Cats!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Look out! She's got a veil!
So, I thought the wedding was a pretty awesome success. It did make me think about a potential horror film. The Weddening...
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the altar...
"Oh my God! She's got a knife!"
"You schmuck, that's for the cake."
"Oh."
And then you die from a septic paper cut that you don't even remember getting.
Hollywood? You've got my number.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the altar...
"Oh my God! She's got a knife!"
"You schmuck, that's for the cake."
"Oh."
And then you die from a septic paper cut that you don't even remember getting.
Hollywood? You've got my number.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Brk rt thru tht ln
Send text messages to the jumbotron at ASU! Here's an article! [azcentral.com]
Trying to find the number...
Trying to find the number...
Thursday, September 15, 2005
ASU Weather Forecast
Two, two, two forecasts in one this week.
For those of you going to Tempe with me, get ready to melt. Projected high is 100. Degrees. Also the number of points scored by the winning team.
For those staying in or around Chicago, you'll be glued to your radios since there's no TV on this game. So, the forecast calls for lots of people with "Sony" and "Radio Shack" imprinted backwards on their faces. Prepare yourself accordingly.
For those of you going to Tempe with me, get ready to melt. Projected high is 100. Degrees. Also the number of points scored by the winning team.
For those staying in or around Chicago, you'll be glued to your radios since there's no TV on this game. So, the forecast calls for lots of people with "Sony" and "Radio Shack" imprinted backwards on their faces. Prepare yourself accordingly.
ASU Whether Report
Say Josh, tell me whether...
...there's been any late-breaking news on the ASU team.
Not that I've seen. But, I did find an interesting bit of info that, in retrospect, I should have been watching all along.
...you're talking about the Sagarin ratings.
It's the Sagarin ratings! The ApostroCats are ranked 46 and ASU is 51. Playing at home hurts your rating (I think) but both teams have played all home games up to this point.
...that's like totally guaranteeing a win.
I'm fairly certain it is. Stupid freaking Jeff Sagarin. Trying to jinx the Cats like that!
...you're going to keep these shorter, under the new roof here.
Yeah, I think so. Shorter probably equals easier to read. I'll post extra things if I need to.
...you're gonna pick NU despite the heavy favoring of ASU by the odds-makers.
I sure am. I'll try to be reasonable though. How about NU 38, ASU 31.
...there's been any late-breaking news on the ASU team.
Not that I've seen. But, I did find an interesting bit of info that, in retrospect, I should have been watching all along.
...you're talking about the Sagarin ratings.
It's the Sagarin ratings! The ApostroCats are ranked 46 and ASU is 51. Playing at home hurts your rating (I think) but both teams have played all home games up to this point.
...that's like totally guaranteeing a win.
I'm fairly certain it is. Stupid freaking Jeff Sagarin. Trying to jinx the Cats like that!
...you're going to keep these shorter, under the new roof here.
Yeah, I think so. Shorter probably equals easier to read. I'll post extra things if I need to.
...you're gonna pick NU despite the heavy favoring of ASU by the odds-makers.
I sure am. I'll try to be reasonable though. How about NU 38, ASU 31.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
ApostroCats
Heh. I forgot that I used to call them that until I started posting the archives of the 2003 and 2004 seasons. I'll have to use it some more now.
ASU Road Trip Guide
Saturday is the first NU road game of the season, and it's also my first road trip of the year. What a pleasant coincidence. I know how people have come to rely on my road trip guides, but I should mention a key point. I only provide guides for games that I'm going to. Sorry if you're going to Columbus or East Lansing this year. Not me. You're on your own there.
But I am going to Tempe, so here's what you (and I) will need to know:
* How do I get there? or Is Arizona the one on the left or the right?
Your best bet is probably to fly. Most professional pilots know to look for Bank One Ballpark and land in that state. You'll fly into Phoenix and Tempe is basically adjacent to Phoenix. Sun Devil Stadium is a few miles from the airport.
Read more after the jump.
* Hotel life on the road.
There are plenty of hotel options in and around Tempe. As a vacation locale as well as a college city, you'll have your pick of lodging there. The most important part, especially if you're supersticious about gameday routines, will be to make your hotel room as homey as possible. I suggest the following items:
- NU Flag to hang in your window
- Fuzzy purple wildcat slippers
- Grass patch of OSU (2004) and Michigan (2000) game-field turf
- Screen door
- "Tempur-Pedic" mattress
* What the hell time is it here anyway?
Travelling to AZ has a unique problem that it shares with that road trip to Indiana two years ago. They're all screwy about the time zones. Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time because they hate the environment and think it's ok to go wasting daylight all willy-nilly. If that makes you as hot-under-the-collar as it does me, try pretending you're in California. The time is just like Pacific Daylight Time plus you can be all ditzy and pretend you're a native Californian. Zing!
So, just for clarity, the game starts at 7pm Mountain Stupid Time or Pacific Delicious Time.
See y'all in Tempe!
But I am going to Tempe, so here's what you (and I) will need to know:
* How do I get there? or Is Arizona the one on the left or the right?
Your best bet is probably to fly. Most professional pilots know to look for Bank One Ballpark and land in that state. You'll fly into Phoenix and Tempe is basically adjacent to Phoenix. Sun Devil Stadium is a few miles from the airport.
Read more after the jump.
* Hotel life on the road.
There are plenty of hotel options in and around Tempe. As a vacation locale as well as a college city, you'll have your pick of lodging there. The most important part, especially if you're supersticious about gameday routines, will be to make your hotel room as homey as possible. I suggest the following items:
- NU Flag to hang in your window
- Fuzzy purple wildcat slippers
- Grass patch of OSU (2004) and Michigan (2000) game-field turf
- Screen door
- "Tempur-Pedic" mattress
* What the hell time is it here anyway?
Travelling to AZ has a unique problem that it shares with that road trip to Indiana two years ago. They're all screwy about the time zones. Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time because they hate the environment and think it's ok to go wasting daylight all willy-nilly. If that makes you as hot-under-the-collar as it does me, try pretending you're in California. The time is just like Pacific Daylight Time plus you can be all ditzy and pretend you're a native Californian. Zing!
So, just for clarity, the game starts at 7pm Mountain Stupid Time or Pacific Delicious Time.
See y'all in Tempe!
Look Ma! No Pubweb!
Hey there! I'm freeing myself of the Northwestern domain for the sake of whenever I stop working there. I'm mostly just gonna use this for my NU football notebook, but maybe I'll get inspired in the off-season too. So, welcome and come back soon.
I'm gonna start migrating posts from the old notebook. Starting with the 2005 season, and working backward.
I'm gonna start migrating posts from the old notebook. Starting with the 2005 season, and working backward.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
ASU Preview
Now it's time to say "goodbye"
to our dormitory
A-S-U R-O-A -D G-A-M-E
That's right, it's the Cats' first road contest of the season. The ASU Sun Devils (yeah, don't worry, we'll deal with that later) will be a test for the Wildcats. After winning a laugher against Temple, #18/22 ASU lost a close game to then #5 LSU (now #3). ASU is led by junior QB Sam Keller. He seems to be pretty good, with 8 TDs and 2 picks through the first two games. His prime target is senior wide-out Derek Hagan. The ASU defense is nothing special, but probably adequate when paired with their offense. They actually gave up 16 points in that win over Temple, I mean come on. In fact, they've given up exactly as many points as NU's defense has. Just saying.
More after the jump.
But what's really important to know about ASU? What the damn hell is a Sun Devil? Well, I'm sure sundevils.com will have the answer:
Good one ASU. You have no idea what your mascot is, do you? Just admit it! They do know that a former Disney animator designed the Sparky figure. According to Wikipedia, he may have designed the devil in Walt Disney's image to spite him for being fired. That's a mascot a school can be proud of right there!
Speaking of other blights on the Tempe landscape,
* Girls's names's: Jesse Ainsworth (Jr, K), Chad Lindsay (Fr, LB)
* Oh shut up, you laughed too: Rodney Cox (So, CB)
* But she and I have only just met: Baker, Carpenter, Keller, Merriweather, Miller (x3), Nenaber, Oliver, Palmer
Keys to a Cats win:
1. Score more at least 5 times
2. Keep Keller below 300 yds passing
3. Win possession time battle *ahem*TyrellSutton*ahem*
For entertainment purposes only:
The early line this week is ASU -15.5 with an O/U 64.
GO CATS!
to our dormitory
A-S-U R-O-A -D G-A-M-E
That's right, it's the Cats' first road contest of the season. The ASU Sun Devils (yeah, don't worry, we'll deal with that later) will be a test for the Wildcats. After winning a laugher against Temple, #18/22 ASU lost a close game to then #5 LSU (now #3). ASU is led by junior QB Sam Keller. He seems to be pretty good, with 8 TDs and 2 picks through the first two games. His prime target is senior wide-out Derek Hagan. The ASU defense is nothing special, but probably adequate when paired with their offense. They actually gave up 16 points in that win over Temple, I mean come on. In fact, they've given up exactly as many points as NU's defense has. Just saying.
More after the jump.
But what's really important to know about ASU? What the damn hell is a Sun Devil? Well, I'm sure sundevils.com will have the answer:
| It was the summer of 1946 when someone uttered those words for the first time. But who? That's a question that has haunted Arizona State University historians for years. |
Good one ASU. You have no idea what your mascot is, do you? Just admit it! They do know that a former Disney animator designed the Sparky figure. According to Wikipedia, he may have designed the devil in Walt Disney's image to spite him for being fired. That's a mascot a school can be proud of right there!
Speaking of other blights on the Tempe landscape,
* Girls's names's: Jesse Ainsworth (Jr, K), Chad Lindsay (Fr, LB)
* Oh shut up, you laughed too: Rodney Cox (So, CB)
* But she and I have only just met: Baker, Carpenter, Keller, Merriweather, Miller (x3), Nenaber, Oliver, Palmer
Keys to a Cats win:
1. Score more at least 5 times
2. Keep Keller below 300 yds passing
3. Win possession time battle *ahem*TyrellSutton*ahem*
For entertainment purposes only:
The early line this week is ASU -15.5 with an O/U 64.
GO CATS!
Monday, September 12, 2005
NU 38, NIU 37
Let me just say that I think if we score 38 points in each game this season we will win quite a few. I would really rather win more like last week and less like this week, but I'll take whatever we can get. I think a lot of people would agree on those opinions.
I think a lot of people would also agree that Tyrell Sutton is a freaking stud. He's now (after two weeks, I know, but still) tied for 4th in the nation in rushing and tied for 1st in total scoring. On a related note, there's a kicker who's just behind him with 11 FGs and 1 PAT. What the hell? What team kicks 11 FGs in two games and only scores 1 touchdown?! Of course Wolfe is probably a bigger stud. Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern will probably be one of the top rushing teams by the end of the season.
Baz didn't have a big game, but he was ok. No picks is good, and his fumble didn't do any harm. Luckily, Sutton was everywhere you want to be. I would like to see NU get closer to 300 yards passing per game. That would be nice.
More after the jump.
I'm gonna keep this short, because I need to do 4 other entries this week, and I need to get them done by Friday morning. See y'all real soon!
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 6.8 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 2 - 1 = 1 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 2:
Josh: 2
Randy: 1
NU Record: 2-0
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: Tyrell Sutton? So sweet. But I would like to see more passing, like last week. I'll take the 200+ rushing yards though, don't get me wrong.
Cats' D: Pretty good pressure, but no sacks. If we can solidify the secondary, it would free up the LBs to blitz more.
Cats' Special Teams: Great return (i.e. Cole's TD) but the kicking side needs to improve still.
Let's go Cats!
I think a lot of people would also agree that Tyrell Sutton is a freaking stud. He's now (after two weeks, I know, but still) tied for 4th in the nation in rushing and tied for 1st in total scoring. On a related note, there's a kicker who's just behind him with 11 FGs and 1 PAT. What the hell? What team kicks 11 FGs in two games and only scores 1 touchdown?! Of course Wolfe is probably a bigger stud. Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern will probably be one of the top rushing teams by the end of the season.
Baz didn't have a big game, but he was ok. No picks is good, and his fumble didn't do any harm. Luckily, Sutton was everywhere you want to be. I would like to see NU get closer to 300 yards passing per game. That would be nice.
More after the jump.
I'm gonna keep this short, because I need to do 4 other entries this week, and I need to get them done by Friday morning. See y'all real soon!
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 6.8 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 2 - 1 = 1 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 2:
Josh: 2
Randy: 1
NU Record: 2-0
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: Tyrell Sutton? So sweet. But I would like to see more passing, like last week. I'll take the 200+ rushing yards though, don't get me wrong.
Cats' D: Pretty good pressure, but no sacks. If we can solidify the secondary, it would free up the LBs to blitz more.
Cats' Special Teams: Great return (i.e. Cole's TD) but the kicking side needs to improve still.
Let's go Cats!
Friday, September 09, 2005
NIU Weather Forecast
Well, the "actual" forecast calls for a hot one tomorrow at Dyche. I'm pretty sure the exact words were "hot as an oven." The weatherman also said something about "the whole shack shimm[ying]." I don't know what's up with that, but I do know from ovens. And if we're talking ovens, that can only mean one thing: Shrinky Dinks!
The Cats will take the field in Shrink- (and Dink-) resistant unis, but Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern will unwittingly be made entirely of plastic. The shrinkage and melty-ness will cause them to stick to the bottoms of the NU players' shoes, but not enough to slow them down.
Cats win!
The Cats will take the field in Shrink- (and Dink-) resistant unis, but Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern will unwittingly be made entirely of plastic. The shrinkage and melty-ness will cause them to stick to the bottoms of the NU players' shoes, but not enough to slow them down.
Cats win!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
NIU Whether Report
Say, Josh, tell me whether...
...there's any kind of promotion going on at Dyche this weekend.
I believe it is Heroe's Day. Also Band Day. Also Salute to Midwest Football Day. & Wildcat Kids' Club Day. Also possibly Pacific Blue Heron Day, Bring a Salamander to the Game Day, & Beat Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern SaturDay.
...that band day includes the Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern band.
I have heard that it does.
...you've ever heard their fight song.
Well, I guess I heard it about 5 years ago - the last time we played them. But, I had to get a refresher.
...it rocks, or totally rocks.
It totally...hey!.. who let that Huskie in here. Get 'im boys!
Sorry about that, Josh.
...it sucks, or totally sucks.
Oh, it's somewhere between Forward Falcons and Indiana, Our Indiana.
...you've prepared a parody.
Indeed I have. Ahem.
Huskies, you're only puppies
Our neighbors through and through
Puppies, go home you puppies
Back to DeKalb with you
Northern, but not NorthWESTern
The difference is true
You can't get in here
And you can't win here
A sure win for NU!
...a pick, if you please.
Aw shucks. How 'bouts NU 35-27 NIU.
...there's any kind of promotion going on at Dyche this weekend.
I believe it is Heroe's Day. Also Band Day. Also Salute to Midwest Football Day. & Wildcat Kids' Club Day. Also possibly Pacific Blue Heron Day, Bring a Salamander to the Game Day, & Beat Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern SaturDay.
...that band day includes the Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern band.
I have heard that it does.
...you've ever heard their fight song.
Well, I guess I heard it about 5 years ago - the last time we played them. But, I had to get a refresher.
...it rocks, or totally rocks.
It totally...hey!.. who let that Huskie in here. Get 'im boys!
Sorry about that, Josh.
...it sucks, or totally sucks.
Oh, it's somewhere between Forward Falcons and Indiana, Our Indiana.
...you've prepared a parody.
Indeed I have. Ahem.
Huskies, you're only puppies
Our neighbors through and through
Puppies, go home you puppies
Back to DeKalb with you
Northern, but not NorthWESTern
The difference is true
You can't get in here
And you can't win here
A sure win for NU!
...a pick, if you please.
Aw shucks. How 'bouts NU 35-27 NIU.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
NIU Preview
After a pretty solid start to the season, the Wildcats are home again this week to take on in-state rival Northern Illinois. OK, I'm just gonna say right here that every time I type "Northern," it comes out like this "Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern." So I may as well just make a macro for that and go with it. Another disclaimer before we begin. Two of my relatives went to Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern Illinois. But they root for NU anyway. Actually, if we got one of those A House Divided flags it would just be Northwestern with ISU, EIU, WIU and Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern Illinois University in (purple) pencil on the tag on the back.
On with the show! Both the Cats and the Huskies had good offensive numbers last week. NU's 356 passing yards and 194 rushing yards were good for a win, while Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern's 200 passing and 211 rushing didn't equal many points against Michigan in a loss. Both offenses will be concentrating on improving the lesser of those two numbers (rushing for the Cats, passing for the Huskies) without sacrificing anything. Northwestern has no major changes in its offensive lineup. Gerard Hamlett has moved past Omar Conteh to third on the RB and 1st on the kick return depth charts. Brandon Roberson is still listed as starting RB, but he is day-to-day with an ankle injury, as are Mark Filmore (ankle) and Kim Thompson (finger.) I expect all to play, with the possible exception of Roberson if Sutton is running well again.
On the other side of the ball, the stats from last week become less meaningful. Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern went up against some quality offense and did not hold up well. The Wildcats contained (for the most part) a pretty bad offense from Ohio. I expect that both teams will improve some over last week. The numbers won't tell the story though. On defense, this week it will be about stopping big plays (particularly for the Cats D-line and LBs).Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern RB duo of Garrett Wolfe and A.J. Harris cannot be allowed too many big broken runs.
So, I just mentioned the RB tandem from Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern. They are QBed by Phil Horvath who throws to Wolfe and Harris as well as TE Jake Nordin about as often as the wideouts. The more you know. Here are some other guys to watch for.
* I highly doubt it: Evans Adonis (Fr, WR)
* Two first names: Josh Allen (Fr, CB), Ira Barry (So, LB), Tom Kelly (Fr, TE), Javan Lee (Sr, LB), Vincent Matthew (Fr, CB), Andre Morris (Jr, CB) It doesn't stop! Victor Scott, Cole Spencer, Martin Wilson!
* Not that Matt Biondi: Matt Biondi (So, OG)
* Girls names!: Tom Kelly
* So there was this guy in my high school and his name was hard to pronounce. We called him Alphabet Alphabet: Bill Ikegwuonwu, David Koronkiewicz.
* I hardly even know 'er!: Turner, Streeter, Spencer, Schroeder, Keller, Carter
Keys to a Cats win:
1. Keep up passing attack (6.5+ yds/att)
2. Hold Wolfe and Harris below 130 yds combined
3. Improve red-zone scoring percentage. 75% or higher
For entertainment purposes only:
The line this week is NU -2.5 with an O/U 57.5.
GO CATS!
On with the show! Both the Cats and the Huskies had good offensive numbers last week. NU's 356 passing yards and 194 rushing yards were good for a win, while Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern's 200 passing and 211 rushing didn't equal many points against Michigan in a loss. Both offenses will be concentrating on improving the lesser of those two numbers (rushing for the Cats, passing for the Huskies) without sacrificing anything. Northwestern has no major changes in its offensive lineup. Gerard Hamlett has moved past Omar Conteh to third on the RB and 1st on the kick return depth charts. Brandon Roberson is still listed as starting RB, but he is day-to-day with an ankle injury, as are Mark Filmore (ankle) and Kim Thompson (finger.) I expect all to play, with the possible exception of Roberson if Sutton is running well again.
On the other side of the ball, the stats from last week become less meaningful. Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern went up against some quality offense and did not hold up well. The Wildcats contained (for the most part) a pretty bad offense from Ohio. I expect that both teams will improve some over last week. The numbers won't tell the story though. On defense, this week it will be about stopping big plays (particularly for the Cats D-line and LBs).Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern RB duo of Garrett Wolfe and A.J. Harris cannot be allowed too many big broken runs.
So, I just mentioned the RB tandem from Northwes(delete)(delete)(delete)ern. They are QBed by Phil Horvath who throws to Wolfe and Harris as well as TE Jake Nordin about as often as the wideouts. The more you know. Here are some other guys to watch for.
* I highly doubt it: Evans Adonis (Fr, WR)
* Two first names: Josh Allen (Fr, CB), Ira Barry (So, LB), Tom Kelly (Fr, TE), Javan Lee (Sr, LB), Vincent Matthew (Fr, CB), Andre Morris (Jr, CB) It doesn't stop! Victor Scott, Cole Spencer, Martin Wilson!
* Not that Matt Biondi: Matt Biondi (So, OG)
* Girls names!: Tom Kelly
* So there was this guy in my high school and his name was hard to pronounce. We called him Alphabet Alphabet: Bill Ikegwuonwu, David Koronkiewicz.
* I hardly even know 'er!: Turner, Streeter, Spencer, Schroeder, Keller, Carter
Keys to a Cats win:
1. Keep up passing attack (6.5+ yds/att)
2. Hold Wolfe and Harris below 130 yds combined
3. Improve red-zone scoring percentage. 75% or higher
For entertainment purposes only:
The line this week is NU -2.5 with an O/U 57.5.
GO CATS!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
NU 38, Ohio 14
So, all in all, I'd say that was a pretty sweet opener, but in my mind it was one of two big games on Saturday. The Mens National Team 2-0 victory over Mexico to become the first team from CONCACAF to qualify for Germany 2006 was pretty huge too. Let us review:
NU got off to a hot start with 31 points in the 1st half - 28 in the 2nd quarter. That pretty much iced it right there, because the 1st string defense did a nice job stopping both the run and pass from Ohio. Giving the 2nd stringers on both sides of the ball a lot of game experience was a good way to finish the game. CJ Bacher looked good, but I would have liked to see more of Omar Conteh.
The US and Mexico got off to a slow start in Columbus. Neither side had any real shots in the first half. In the 2nd, two goals within 5 minutes of each other put the US up for good. Mexico was clearly hoping for a scoreless draw (which would have qualified them) and had no push toward goal.
NU got excellent individual performances. Basanez' 353 passing yards quickly moved hime among the best in the nation. His Freshman RB Tyrell Sutton had 104 yards rushing in his debut, and he made a great first impression. Sutton had good quick moves and a nose for first downs and TDs. Note on Sutton: Full name is Tyrell DelShawn Sutton. I like the TD in there. It speaks to me.
The US got excellent individual play too. Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley took quite a beating as he continued his return from injury. He put pressure on the Mexican backline with his speed and put in the 2nd goal to secure the win. Young defender Oguchi Onyewu had a great game stiffling striker Jared Borguetti with a combination of physical play and intelligent positioning.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 9.5 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 3 - 3 = 0 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 1:
Josh: 1
Randy: 0
NU Record: 1-0
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: I look forward to hearing "Basanez and Sutton" all year, but I totally love nine receiver with at least one catch.
MNT O: We hear a lot about Donovan and McBride (rightly so), but I totally love DaMarcus Beasley.
Cats' D: Fewer big plays is good. Got to keep improving to succeed in the conference.
MNT D: Onyewu and Hejduk are looking good, but any more injuries in the back could be a killer.
Cats' Special Teams: Ryan Pederson's punts were OK. Howells' 1-3 FGing was OK for now. I give them a Meh+.
MNT GK: Kasey Keller is one of the best GK in the world. He'll get some well-deserved rest from the national team for a while. I give him a WooHoo-.
Let's go Cats!
NU got off to a hot start with 31 points in the 1st half - 28 in the 2nd quarter. That pretty much iced it right there, because the 1st string defense did a nice job stopping both the run and pass from Ohio. Giving the 2nd stringers on both sides of the ball a lot of game experience was a good way to finish the game. CJ Bacher looked good, but I would have liked to see more of Omar Conteh.
The US and Mexico got off to a slow start in Columbus. Neither side had any real shots in the first half. In the 2nd, two goals within 5 minutes of each other put the US up for good. Mexico was clearly hoping for a scoreless draw (which would have qualified them) and had no push toward goal.
NU got excellent individual performances. Basanez' 353 passing yards quickly moved hime among the best in the nation. His Freshman RB Tyrell Sutton had 104 yards rushing in his debut, and he made a great first impression. Sutton had good quick moves and a nose for first downs and TDs. Note on Sutton: Full name is Tyrell DelShawn Sutton. I like the TD in there. It speaks to me.
The US got excellent individual play too. Midfielder DaMarcus Beasley took quite a beating as he continued his return from injury. He put pressure on the Mexican backline with his speed and put in the 2nd goal to secure the win. Young defender Oguchi Onyewu had a great game stiffling striker Jared Borguetti with a combination of physical play and intelligent positioning.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 9.5 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 3 - 3 = 0 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 1:
Josh: 1
Randy: 0
NU Record: 1-0
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: I look forward to hearing "Basanez and Sutton" all year, but I totally love nine receiver with at least one catch.
MNT O: We hear a lot about Donovan and McBride (rightly so), but I totally love DaMarcus Beasley.
Cats' D: Fewer big plays is good. Got to keep improving to succeed in the conference.
MNT D: Onyewu and Hejduk are looking good, but any more injuries in the back could be a killer.
Cats' Special Teams: Ryan Pederson's punts were OK. Howells' 1-3 FGing was OK for now. I give them a Meh+.
MNT GK: Kasey Keller is one of the best GK in the world. He'll get some well-deserved rest from the national team for a while. I give him a WooHoo-.
Let's go Cats!
Friday, September 02, 2005
Ohio Weather Forecast
One word: Dogs.
You've heard of "raining cats and dogs." Well, this Saturday the forecast apprently calls for just dogs. Even this experienced meteorognomer had to go back to some pretty ancient meteorognomy texts to see what that's all about. My ruin-translation skillz are not quite as mad as they used to be, but I think this is what we'll be dealing with at Dyche tomorrow around mid-day.
Huh. You learn something new every day, I guess. Cats win!
You've heard of "raining cats and dogs." Well, this Saturday the forecast apprently calls for just dogs. Even this experienced meteorognomer had to go back to some pretty ancient meteorognomy texts to see what that's all about. My ruin-translation skillz are not quite as mad as they used to be, but I think this is what we'll be dealing with at Dyche tomorrow around mid-day.
| Whensoever it comes to pass that two incarnations of the Cat-animal pursue a single porcine quarry, this shall be deamed an afront to the natural Order of Things. Further, if one Cat-animal is of the Wild, it shall have the true Advantage in the square-off. It shall take notlong for the Wild to prevail against the Bob* cat'. After victory, the Wild-cat' will call forth its Dog (sometimes Badger) servants to chase off the Bob. If these lower, servile creatures are not native to the Land, elder Cat-animals will take to ridding the Bob using Horn and Drum. |
Huh. You learn something new every day, I guess. Cats win!
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Ohio Whether Report
Say, Josh, tell me whether...
...you've memorized the Wildcat roster by name, number and position yet.
Sure did. Go ahead and ask me anything.
...you know who #38 is.
Nick Roach. Pick a hard one.
...you know what Tyrell Sutton's number is.
19.
...you just cheated on that one.
No. Yes. I'll cram a little more before Saturday, I promise.
...Ohio's fight song is worth mentioning.
Well, not really, but you already did. What's your problem?
...you've got a good nickname for new Ohio coach Franch Solich.
So far I'm stumped. This is a bad sign for me.
...you want to take a minute and think about that some more.
How about Frank Solich "en-covered that he caught some kind of horrible lichen-transmitted disease." or Frank Solich "thyology professor is very ol', because Frank himself is so ol' and studied ichthyology long ago." The first one probably rolls better off the tongue, I think.
...you ever found the over/under for the game.
Still can't find one. I usually make my pick before I look at the odds anyway. I'm picking NU 31 - 14. If you were hit in the head, and you therefore use my picks to bet, I can't help you on the O/U.
...you've memorized the Wildcat roster by name, number and position yet.
Sure did. Go ahead and ask me anything.
...you know who #38 is.
Nick Roach. Pick a hard one.
...you know what Tyrell Sutton's number is.
19.
...you just cheated on that one.
No. Yes. I'll cram a little more before Saturday, I promise.
...Ohio's fight song is worth mentioning.
Well, not really, but you already did. What's your problem?
...you've got a good nickname for new Ohio coach Franch Solich.
So far I'm stumped. This is a bad sign for me.
...you want to take a minute and think about that some more.
How about Frank Solich "en-covered that he caught some kind of horrible lichen-transmitted disease." or Frank Solich "thyology professor is very ol', because Frank himself is so ol' and studied ichthyology long ago." The first one probably rolls better off the tongue, I think.
...you ever found the over/under for the game.
Still can't find one. I usually make my pick before I look at the odds anyway. I'm picking NU 31 - 14. If you were hit in the head, and you therefore use my picks to bet, I can't help you on the O/U.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)