Yay for the BCS! That supposedly inscrutable formula - hello people, it's polls, averages and schedule strength; It's nothing fancy - has moved NU up to #22 from #25. This is exactly how it should be, because NU is not that far below other Big Ten teams like Michigan and Wisconsin. Those two are at #18 and #19 (not respectively). I'm a big BCS fan. Mostly a computer ranking fan, but a BCS fan too.
So, yay for that.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Monday, November 21, 2005
NU 38, Illinois 21
Nothing tastes better than sweet sweet tomahawk goodness. Even though the game was close for most of the time, it was never really in doubt. And the second half defense was really quite nice. Take away half of those long pass plays by the Illini, and you'd say our defense was great.
But, those plays did exist, and our defense isn't great. But key stops and a Cofield interception that still makes me laugh were the story. It's a nice little story. It was totally worth getting up at 4:30 for it.
Mostly, I'm glad about the Sutton and Baz ego boost that went on. Having both guys star in a win was exactly what we need before a bowl game. I'm thinking we could actually win that thing!
More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 7.7 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 1-0 = +1 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 11: The goal here is to see which of our benchmarks is a better predictor of wins.
Josh: 8 wins (10-1 predicting individual outcomes)
Randy: 6 wins (5-3 predicting individual outcomes, 0 turnover margin is not a predictor)
NU Record: 7-4
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: Pretty much exactly what I was hoping for. Good on that!
Cats' D: The 2nd half shutdowns are getting nice. I hope for one more.
Cats' Special Teams: Mmmmm....fastball.
Let's go Cats!
But, those plays did exist, and our defense isn't great. But key stops and a Cofield interception that still makes me laugh were the story. It's a nice little story. It was totally worth getting up at 4:30 for it.
Mostly, I'm glad about the Sutton and Baz ego boost that went on. Having both guys star in a win was exactly what we need before a bowl game. I'm thinking we could actually win that thing!
More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 7.7 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 1-0 = +1 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 11: The goal here is to see which of our benchmarks is a better predictor of wins.
Josh: 8 wins (10-1 predicting individual outcomes)
Randy: 6 wins (5-3 predicting individual outcomes, 0 turnover margin is not a predictor)
NU Record: 7-4
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: Pretty much exactly what I was hoping for. Good on that!
Cats' D: The 2nd half shutdowns are getting nice. I hope for one more.
Cats' Special Teams: Mmmmm....fastball.
Let's go Cats!
Friday, November 18, 2005
Illinois Weather Forecast
Tomorrow is the Cats' last Big Ten game of the year. It will also be the coldest, so make sure you've got something warm and purple. To wear. Not just to have and look at, because then it won't keep you warm. Unless you have a purple space heater.
Anyway.
It won't be that cold - mid 40s- but there's a chance of rain. So, if you're going to the game prepare for cold and wet. If you're playing in the game, then can you put a little sticker on your helmet? It could say "Hi Josh," or "josheatsbirds.blogspot.com." because that would be epic.
Cats win!
Anyway.
It won't be that cold - mid 40s- but there's a chance of rain. So, if you're going to the game prepare for cold and wet. If you're playing in the game, then can you put a little sticker on your helmet? It could say "Hi Josh," or "josheatsbirds.blogspot.com." because that would be epic.
Cats win!
Illinois Whether Report
Say Josh, tell me whether...
...Coaches Walker and Zook were college teammates.
Awesomely, they were.
...there's somewhere to learn more about that.
Check out the Daily article 'bout it.
...that really means anything for this game.
Well, probably not. Except maybe Randy still has a little animus toward Ron from the incident mentioned in that article.
...NU will rush for over 200 yards.
I really think so. This ought to be Tyrell's game to remind everyone why he was recognized nation-wide a few weeks ago.
...Baz will throw for over 200.
I think he will. I hope it comes early, and they can move him out of the game for Bacher.
...You've got a pick.
Line is NU -14.5, O/U 63.5. I'm going NU 35, UI 14. But, I think the score at the end of the third quarter will be 35-7.
...Coaches Walker and Zook were college teammates.
Awesomely, they were.
...there's somewhere to learn more about that.
Check out the Daily article 'bout it.
...that really means anything for this game.
Well, probably not. Except maybe Randy still has a little animus toward Ron from the incident mentioned in that article.
...NU will rush for over 200 yards.
I really think so. This ought to be Tyrell's game to remind everyone why he was recognized nation-wide a few weeks ago.
...Baz will throw for over 200.
I think he will. I hope it comes early, and they can move him out of the game for Bacher.
...You've got a pick.
Line is NU -14.5, O/U 63.5. I'm going NU 35, UI 14. But, I think the score at the end of the third quarter will be 35-7.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Illinois Preview
Ok. My computer is being wacky, so I'm gonna try to do this fast - before it crashes on me again. Which is basically every time I move it. Eek!
Illinois is "led" by junior quarterback Tim Brasic. This is his first year starting, and he has been spelled at times by perennial backup Chris Pazan. Rushing is accomplished by Pierre Thomas Jr, Brasic and E.B. Halsey. Halsey and Thomas are among the top receivers, along with Kyle Hudson, DaJuan Warren and Kendrick Jones.
The Illini offense has been bad in three of the last four games, but they showed a little more against Wisconsin. If NU can score well, against a lax scoring defense, it should go well for the ApostroCats on Satuday.
Names after the jump.
* That's right. Fifth. - Will Bergen V (Fr, OL)
* Just rolls off your tongue - Kyle Schnettgoecke (Sr, OL)
* One J - J Leman (So, LB)
* Two Js - JJ Simmons (Jr, OL)
* Girls name - Jody Ellis (Fr, DB)
* - Bower, Buckner, Connor, Cooper, Creamer, Frazier, Kleckner, Kraemer, Kruger, Miller, Pilcher, Porter, Pryor, Shafer, Walker x2
Illinois is "led" by junior quarterback Tim Brasic. This is his first year starting, and he has been spelled at times by perennial backup Chris Pazan. Rushing is accomplished by Pierre Thomas Jr, Brasic and E.B. Halsey. Halsey and Thomas are among the top receivers, along with Kyle Hudson, DaJuan Warren and Kendrick Jones.
The Illini offense has been bad in three of the last four games, but they showed a little more against Wisconsin. If NU can score well, against a lax scoring defense, it should go well for the ApostroCats on Satuday.
Names after the jump.
* That's right. Fifth. - Will Bergen V (Fr, OL)
* Just rolls off your tongue - Kyle Schnettgoecke (Sr, OL)
* One J - J Leman (So, LB)
* Two Js - JJ Simmons (Jr, OL)
* Girls name - Jody Ellis (Fr, DB)
* - Bower, Buckner, Connor, Cooper, Creamer, Frazier, Kleckner, Kraemer, Kruger, Miller, Pilcher, Porter, Pryor, Shafer, Walker x2
Illinois Road Trip Guide
It's back. It's the road trip guide. I'm finally making another road trip, so you get to share in my fun. I've done a guide to U of I in the past, so I'll pick different things here.
*** Getting there is 0.49*(the fun)
The trip from Chicago to Champaign is pretty easy. Take some time to enjoy the sights along the way: The Aroma Park aroma museum - prepare your nostrils for Chambana at this road-side stop; The Illinois state mint in Monee, IL - don't try to spend the money they print there, because they just do it for fun.
***Special U of I fan section
I think there are probably some Illini fans in the Chicago area who are making the trip on Saturday. So, let me remind you how to get there:
1) Get on the expressway of your choice, and drive 80 mph in the right lane.
2) Ask the police officer how to get to I-88 West.
3) Take 88 until you get to Champaign. Don't take no guff from anyone who tries to trick you by saying you're going the wrong way.
4) Enjoy the game.
***Dress code
Just like the NBA, I am forcing a dress code on y'all. It's easy to remember, I promise:
Acceptable attire
- purple
Unacceptable
- not purple
See you downstate!
*** Getting there is 0.49*(the fun)
The trip from Chicago to Champaign is pretty easy. Take some time to enjoy the sights along the way: The Aroma Park aroma museum - prepare your nostrils for Chambana at this road-side stop; The Illinois state mint in Monee, IL - don't try to spend the money they print there, because they just do it for fun.
***Special U of I fan section
I think there are probably some Illini fans in the Chicago area who are making the trip on Saturday. So, let me remind you how to get there:
1) Get on the expressway of your choice, and drive 80 mph in the right lane.
2) Ask the police officer how to get to I-88 West.
3) Take 88 until you get to Champaign. Don't take no guff from anyone who tries to trick you by saying you're going the wrong way.
4) Enjoy the game.
***Dress code
Just like the NBA, I am forcing a dress code on y'all. It's easy to remember, I promise:
Acceptable attire
- purple
Unacceptable
- not purple
See you downstate!
The Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Legend
Way back in the mid-40s, a lovely girl named Sue was a student at the University of Illinois. During her second year, she had an internship in Chicago, and she met a lot of great people from Northwestern. She decided to transfer to NU.
Sadly, for some, Sue was the only attendee at any of the football games in Champaign while she was there. Her transfer theatened the Illini with their first zero-attendance season since, well, the year before Sue started at U of I. The players and coaches were so disturbed that they challenged Northwestern to a bet: whoever won the next football game would get to keep Sweet Sue.
And so, this young woman became a college football travelling trophy.
More after the jump.
Bad news for Sue? The Illini won here a couple times. Years of sitting in a trophy case in Urbana with only fish flakes to eat (see disturbed players, above) had the inevitable result.
The following year, NU won the rivalry game. When the Cats tried to collect Sue, U of I had to fess up.
"But how about we give you something else?" suggested a team manager. "We've got this tomahawk thing lying around. We stole it from some Indians, and then we used it to threaten them until they taught us their tradtions. Now we misuse those traditions! Isn't that cool?"
The Cats thought that was just fine, and so the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk - jointly named for Sue and the oppressed American Indians - took up it's place as the schools' rivalry trophy.
Sadly, for some, Sue was the only attendee at any of the football games in Champaign while she was there. Her transfer theatened the Illini with their first zero-attendance season since, well, the year before Sue started at U of I. The players and coaches were so disturbed that they challenged Northwestern to a bet: whoever won the next football game would get to keep Sweet Sue.
And so, this young woman became a college football travelling trophy.
More after the jump.
Bad news for Sue? The Illini won here a couple times. Years of sitting in a trophy case in Urbana with only fish flakes to eat (see disturbed players, above) had the inevitable result.
The following year, NU won the rivalry game. When the Cats tried to collect Sue, U of I had to fess up.
"But how about we give you something else?" suggested a team manager. "We've got this tomahawk thing lying around. We stole it from some Indians, and then we used it to threaten them until they taught us their tradtions. Now we misuse those traditions! Isn't that cool?"
The Cats thought that was just fine, and so the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk - jointly named for Sue and the oppressed American Indians - took up it's place as the schools' rivalry trophy.
Monday, November 14, 2005
OSU 48, NU 7
Well, that was kind of depressing. Perhaps it was not unexpected, but it was still no fun. It wasn't as bad as, say Hawaii last year - which I still refuse to review - but I don't feel like being funny about it. I'm still gonna do the StatWatch after the jump, but until then how about some happy fun things.
Happy thing 1: Northwestern's basketball season began last night with a win over Lehigh. The 61-59 victory moves NU to the semifinals of the Black Coaches Association Invitational in Wyoming where they will face Charlotte tonight. The Cats' strong 2nd half shooting made up for a lame 1st half and a 28-21 halftime deficit. Good play by star forward Vedran Vukusic (25 points) led the team to a win to start 2005-2006.
Happy thing 2: I got my car tested for emissions this morning, and I totally passed with flying colors - mostly medium red. The test was quick, there was no line, and the inspectors were competent and friendly! Kudos, Illinois EPA!
More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 3.8 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 1-2 = -1 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 10: The goal here is to see which of our benchmarks is a better predictor of wins.
Josh: 7 wins (9-1 predicting individual outcomes)
Randy: 5 wins (4-3 predicting individual outcomes, 0 turnover margin is not a predictor)
NU Record: 6-4
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: Barely there. Have no further comment.
Cats' D: See above.
Cats' Special Teams: Right back in that game changing performance nonsense. In a bad way this time.
Let's go Cats!
Happy thing 1: Northwestern's basketball season began last night with a win over Lehigh. The 61-59 victory moves NU to the semifinals of the Black Coaches Association Invitational in Wyoming where they will face Charlotte tonight. The Cats' strong 2nd half shooting made up for a lame 1st half and a 28-21 halftime deficit. Good play by star forward Vedran Vukusic (25 points) led the team to a win to start 2005-2006.
Happy thing 2: I got my car tested for emissions this morning, and I totally passed with flying colors - mostly medium red. The test was quick, there was no line, and the inspectors were competent and friendly! Kudos, Illinois EPA!
More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 3.8 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 1-2 = -1 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 10: The goal here is to see which of our benchmarks is a better predictor of wins.
Josh: 7 wins (9-1 predicting individual outcomes)
Randy: 5 wins (4-3 predicting individual outcomes, 0 turnover margin is not a predictor)
NU Record: 6-4
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: Barely there. Have no further comment.
Cats' D: See above.
Cats' Special Teams: Right back in that game changing performance nonsense. In a bad way this time.
Let's go Cats!
Friday, November 11, 2005
Ohio State Weather Forecast
It sounds like the weather in Columbus should be pretty nice tomorrow. Good football weather, as they say, as if there is any weather that is not good for football. I mean, you can play football upside-down on the space shuttle; no one really cares about the weather.
But, I guess the several fans in attendance might want to know what they're in for. The forecast calls for sun and temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s. Late morning clouds will provide the cover for the daring escape of three convicts from nearby prison. Let me tell you, these guys HATE pleasant fall afternoons. There's a 40% chance of blows raining down upon anyone who crosses paths with these fine fellows tomorrow.
Cats win!
But, I guess the several fans in attendance might want to know what they're in for. The forecast calls for sun and temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s. Late morning clouds will provide the cover for the daring escape of three convicts from nearby prison. Let me tell you, these guys HATE pleasant fall afternoons. There's a 40% chance of blows raining down upon anyone who crosses paths with these fine fellows tomorrow.
Cats win!
Ohio State Whether Report
Say Josh, tell me whether...
...this game really matters at all.
On one hand, no. Finishing out with two more wins (which would include aOsu) would probably push into at least the Sun Bowl, while a loss to aOsu might give them a chance for a BCS at-large pick...moving everyone up a spot (including NU to El Paso as well, if we beat UI.)
...there's another hand in there.
Yeah. Winning would give us some momentum and some hype. Carrying those to and through the next game would be big, no matter where we play in the post-season.
...you have a preference.
I'd much rather get into a nice bowl by winning that losing.
...you're going to this game.
Nah. I put in my time at the Shoe, and I didn't enjoy it. It wouldn't be pleasant if we were to win, and I wouldn't be happy if we were to lose.
...you've got a big plans then for Saturday.
1. Go shopping.
2. Watch College Gameday
3. Curse Lee Corso
4. Cats eat buckeyes
More after the jump.
...you've seen the spread this week.
Yup.
...you think it's way high.
Yes and no. I think if aOsu wins, it could be by a lot. They did actually cover a 34(?) point spread last week.
...that scares you off picking the Cats.
Hellz no. Line is aOsu -19, O/U 57. I've got NU 33, aOsu 27. I dunno, that score just speaks to me or something.
...this game really matters at all.
On one hand, no. Finishing out with two more wins (which would include aOsu) would probably push into at least the Sun Bowl, while a loss to aOsu might give them a chance for a BCS at-large pick...moving everyone up a spot (including NU to El Paso as well, if we beat UI.)
...there's another hand in there.
Yeah. Winning would give us some momentum and some hype. Carrying those to and through the next game would be big, no matter where we play in the post-season.
...you have a preference.
I'd much rather get into a nice bowl by winning that losing.
...you're going to this game.
Nah. I put in my time at the Shoe, and I didn't enjoy it. It wouldn't be pleasant if we were to win, and I wouldn't be happy if we were to lose.
...you've got a big plans then for Saturday.
1. Go shopping.
2. Watch College Gameday
3. Curse Lee Corso
4. Cats eat buckeyes
More after the jump.
...you've seen the spread this week.
Yup.
...you think it's way high.
Yes and no. I think if aOsu wins, it could be by a lot. They did actually cover a 34(?) point spread last week.
...that scares you off picking the Cats.
Hellz no. Line is aOsu -19, O/U 57. I've got NU 33, aOsu 27. I dunno, that score just speaks to me or something.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Ohio State Preview
Forgive me if this entry isn't as tight as some others. I usually draft these things on the bus, so I have some thoughts before I start typing. Not today baby! It's fully off-the-cuff. And the cuff is on the top of my head! You'd better pray for death, gentle reader, because I'm coming for you.
Saturday, the ApostroCats will make an appearance on ABC (split-nationally) against one of those Ohio state universities. I can't remember which one, exactly. The one with the O on the helmet. For simplicity, let's call them aOsu.
The offense for aOsu is improved over last year, when it struggled at times. Junior Troy Smith has the QB job locked up and Antonio Pittman (So, RB) is the primary rushing threat. Smith has two big time passing targets in Santonio Holmes and Ted "Peter Gunn" Ginn Jr. Both are big play threats whenever they catch the ball. They also will run reverses and end-arounds to those two. And they return kicks! Plus they fight crime under the monicker "The aOsume Twosome."
NU Key: Make first tackles and gang tackles.
aOsu defense and players after the jump.
The Freakeye defense leads the conference in fewest points allowed, and it is helmed by linebacker A.J. Hawk. About Hawk, it has been said, "his mama's so ugly, Maurice Clarett hangs her picture in his car so no one steals his CDs." Read that last sentence out loud, if you please. There, I just heard you say it. Now quit complaining that I make stuff up.
NU Key: Well-mixed offense. 1 part Tyrell, 1 part Baz, dash of receivers. Shake well and pour over A.J. Hawk.
* Which is the best major? - Turf Science (Jordan Hoewischer), Exploring (John Kerr), Sports & Leisure (Curtis Terry)
*** Bonus! Which major is a Trivial Pursuit category?
* Girls' names - Mike D'Andrea (Sr, LB), Nate Salley (Sr, S)
* Shake shake shake - Ashton Youboty (Jr, CB)...this is never not funny to me.
* Um, er... - Carpenter, Denlinger, Ebner, Franzinger, Garnier, Hoewischer, Hoobler, Potokar, Schafer, Schnittker (awesome lack of vowels there too), Skinner, Spitler, Whitner, Winner
Go Cats!
Saturday, the ApostroCats will make an appearance on ABC (split-nationally) against one of those Ohio state universities. I can't remember which one, exactly. The one with the O on the helmet. For simplicity, let's call them aOsu.
The offense for aOsu is improved over last year, when it struggled at times. Junior Troy Smith has the QB job locked up and Antonio Pittman (So, RB) is the primary rushing threat. Smith has two big time passing targets in Santonio Holmes and Ted "Peter Gunn" Ginn Jr. Both are big play threats whenever they catch the ball. They also will run reverses and end-arounds to those two. And they return kicks! Plus they fight crime under the monicker "The aOsume Twosome."
NU Key: Make first tackles and gang tackles.
aOsu defense and players after the jump.
The Freakeye defense leads the conference in fewest points allowed, and it is helmed by linebacker A.J. Hawk. About Hawk, it has been said, "his mama's so ugly, Maurice Clarett hangs her picture in his car so no one steals his CDs." Read that last sentence out loud, if you please. There, I just heard you say it. Now quit complaining that I make stuff up.
NU Key: Well-mixed offense. 1 part Tyrell, 1 part Baz, dash of receivers. Shake well and pour over A.J. Hawk.
* Which is the best major? - Turf Science (Jordan Hoewischer), Exploring (John Kerr), Sports & Leisure (Curtis Terry)
*** Bonus! Which major is a Trivial Pursuit category?
* Girls' names - Mike D'Andrea (Sr, LB), Nate Salley (Sr, S)
* Shake shake shake - Ashton Youboty (Jr, CB)...this is never not funny to me.
* Um, er... - Carpenter, Denlinger, Ebner, Franzinger, Garnier, Hoewischer, Hoobler, Potokar, Schafer, Schnittker (awesome lack of vowels there too), Skinner, Spitler, Whitner, Winner
Go Cats!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
I'm a haiku loser
So, I entered Gizmodo's Earbudclips haiku contest, but I guess I didn't make the cut. Well, my loss is your gain, because now I can share my entry plus my favorite of the finalists.
My entry:
My earbuds untied
I can listen to Journey
"Don't Stop Believin'"
My favorite finalist (Ryan):
Earbudclips are gay,
But I want some anyway,
Free stuff all the way.
Haiku contest finalists [Gizmodo]
My entry:
My earbuds untied
I can listen to Journey
"Don't Stop Believin'"
My favorite finalist (Ryan):
Earbudclips are gay,
But I want some anyway,
Free stuff all the way.
Haiku contest finalists [Gizmodo]
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
End of the 1st half - clarified
For those of you who attended the game on Saturday, allow me to clarify what happened with the clock during the last 20 seconds of the 1st half.
* I'm not totally sure the first spike even counted as a play.
- Iowa pass near the sideline; the receiver appears to get out of bounds. The whistle blows with about 30+ seconds remaining. An official (SJ?) winds his arm to keep the clock rolling - indicating that forward progress stopped before the sideline.
- With about 20 seconds remaining, the whistle blows again to stop the clock. The officials apparently decide that the receiver DID get out of bounds; the clock should have stopped.
- Confused Iowa spikes the ball just in case
- Iowa spikes the ball again (just in case?)*
- Iowa gets a pass play down inside the 5
- Iowa incomplete pass.
- Iowa FG attempt good.
* I'm not totally sure the first spike even counted as a play.
Monday, November 07, 2005
NU 28, Iowa 27
Yippee! Everyone enjoy the win and the bowl eligibility.........now freeze! Ha! I just wanted to make you freeze with that silly grin you get while thinking about San Antonio. But, before we get ahead of ourselves, let's remember that the three most storied programs in the Big Ten are ahead of us, as is recently impressive Wisconsin. So, we're gonna have to win our way into any bowl that doesn't contain the word "City."
But, with a quarterback like Baz, I think we can do just that. Those two TD drives in the last 3 minutes would beat any team in the country. And I think our offense can keep us that close to anyone.
I also think (hope hope hope) that we're seeing the major emergence of Ross Lane as a receiver who's a threat on possession passes and the big deepness. I fall asleep dreaming of Lane, Sutton and...um...Bacher, I guess. Speaking of Sutton, here's hoping he steps up in his home state next week.
More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 6.6 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 0-2 = -2 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 9: The goal here is to see which of our benchmarks is a better predictor of wins.
Josh: 7 (8-1 predicting individual outcomes)
Randy: 5 (3-3 predicting individual outcomes, 0 turnover margin is not a predictor)
NU Record: 6-3
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: See, those last drives are what it's all about. It needs to be about that more often.
Cats' D: The sieve-like run defense give me chills. The bad kind.
Cats' Special Teams: Hey! STer of the week in the Big Ten again. Good boy, Joel. Now, let us never need an onside kick again.
Let's go Cats!
But, with a quarterback like Baz, I think we can do just that. Those two TD drives in the last 3 minutes would beat any team in the country. And I think our offense can keep us that close to anyone.
I also think (hope hope hope) that we're seeing the major emergence of Ross Lane as a receiver who's a threat on possession passes and the big deepness. I fall asleep dreaming of Lane, Sutton and...um...Bacher, I guess. Speaking of Sutton, here's hoping he steps up in his home state next week.
More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch vs. Coach Walker's StatWatch
Josh - NU Passing yards/attempt: 6.6 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)
Walker - NU Turnover margin: 0-2 = -2 (positive = good)
Standings after Game 9: The goal here is to see which of our benchmarks is a better predictor of wins.
Josh: 7 (8-1 predicting individual outcomes)
Randy: 5 (3-3 predicting individual outcomes, 0 turnover margin is not a predictor)
NU Record: 6-3
And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: See, those last drives are what it's all about. It needs to be about that more often.
Cats' D: The sieve-like run defense give me chills. The bad kind.
Cats' Special Teams: Hey! STer of the week in the Big Ten again. Good boy, Joel. Now, let us never need an onside kick again.
Let's go Cats!
Friday, November 04, 2005
Iowa Weather Forecast
The last home game of the 2005 season (barring an unexpected Windy City Bowl appearance, I guess) is going to be unseasonably warm. To go along with the throwback temperatures, both schools are fielding teams from the past. In continued celebration of its 10th anniversary, Northwestern's 1995 Big Ten champs will again take the field. In an interesting move, Iowa will be fielding its last place 1999 Hawkeyes (1-10) - a team that ended NU's 11-game Big Ten slide by losing in Evanston that year.
The warm weather will be Pasadena-like, and the lack of anyone named Keyshawn will lift the Rose Bowl Wildcats to victory!
Cats win!
The warm weather will be Pasadena-like, and the lack of anyone named Keyshawn will lift the Rose Bowl Wildcats to victory!
Cats win!
Iowa Whether Report
Say Josh, tell me whether...
...you're over the disappointment from last week.
Yeah, I am. It took until Sunday night or Monday morning.
...you think this game is just as important.
I do. Since we beat MSU, I've felt it was most important to win one of these two home games.
...it wouldn't be better to win both.
Well, duh. But we're past that now, and we need to focus on the potential that remains.
...you've learned any interesting information about Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.
I have it on good authority that Ferentz is a big stinky doodoo-head. You heard it here first, so if Deadspin or Newsday tries to rip me off, they've got another thing coming.
More after the jump.
...you'll favor us with a song.
So sweet of you to ask!
Informer, you no say daddy me Snow me I'll go blame
A licky boom boom down
Wait wait wait!
Oh. You meant the other song I had prepared. It's pretty long, so it will follow my picks. Spread is Iowa -2, O/U 60.5. I gots NU 35, Iowa 20.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the shucking of the corn
They have outlawed education where the black and gold are worn
And when the game is over, Hawkeye fans will start to mourn
The Cats are marching on!
Although your homes are mobile, your team isn't on the go
We'll be out in Pasadena while you're sitting home in snow
You'll be nodding off at halftime while your band is park-and-blow
The Cats are marching on!
Sorry, sorry little Hawkeyes
When, if ever, will you realize
There's more to life than watching corn rise?
The Cats are marching on!
As always, if I got the lyrics different than you remember, it's because I hate you. Please tell me what I did wrong and I'll correct it post-haste.
...you're over the disappointment from last week.
Yeah, I am. It took until Sunday night or Monday morning.
...you think this game is just as important.
I do. Since we beat MSU, I've felt it was most important to win one of these two home games.
...it wouldn't be better to win both.
Well, duh. But we're past that now, and we need to focus on the potential that remains.
...you've learned any interesting information about Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.
I have it on good authority that Ferentz is a big stinky doodoo-head. You heard it here first, so if Deadspin or Newsday tries to rip me off, they've got another thing coming.
More after the jump.
...you'll favor us with a song.
So sweet of you to ask!
Informer, you no say daddy me Snow me I'll go blame
A licky boom boom down
Wait wait wait!
Oh. You meant the other song I had prepared. It's pretty long, so it will follow my picks. Spread is Iowa -2, O/U 60.5. I gots NU 35, Iowa 20.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the shucking of the corn
They have outlawed education where the black and gold are worn
And when the game is over, Hawkeye fans will start to mourn
The Cats are marching on!
Although your homes are mobile, your team isn't on the go
We'll be out in Pasadena while you're sitting home in snow
You'll be nodding off at halftime while your band is park-and-blow
The Cats are marching on!
Sorry, sorry little Hawkeyes
When, if ever, will you realize
There's more to life than watching corn rise?
The Cats are marching on!
As always, if I got the lyrics different than you remember, it's because I hate you. Please tell me what I did wrong and I'll correct it post-haste.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Iowa Preview
Iowa's year began with much hope, but a week 2 loss to Iowa State cut down their national title hopes. They have a very good defense (17.9 PApg), but an offense (29.6 PFpg) that seems weak compared to the now high-scoring Big Ten. Some will say that the Hawkeyes' offensive issues stem from injuries at running back. Others will look at the recent string of different signal callers who preceded 2nd year starter Drew Tate (Jr.). Those people aren't fit to iron my taco shells!
The real reason Iowa is always a step short of complete success is that famous pink visitor's locker room. Not unlike many male athletes, Iowa players are nervous about homosexuals in their sport. The pink paint is meant to symbolize "gay" and isolate it away from the field. A gay opponent is the Hawkeye's #1 fear, not because of lifestyle differences, but because Iowa players believe in a certain homosexual athletic prowess. I don't know if they're right or wrong about that, but I suggest a steady diet of Tyrell around the right end, with some smoldering glances from "Big Sexy" Zach Strief.
Playaz after the jump.
Names you should know:
* QB "How my" Drew Tate (#5)
* RB Albert Young (#21)
* WRs Clinton, Solomon, Hinkel
* LBs Chad Greenway, Abdul Hodge
Names you want to know:
* Schlicher the kicker - Kyle Schlicker (Jr, K)
* Girls names - Dana Brown (Fr, RB), Shannon Browning (So, DE)
* Not a name - Champ Davis Jr. (Jr, RB)
* Can eat no fat - Jacob "Jack" Spratt (So, DL)
* So many this week! - Angerer (double-er!), Becker, Bentler, Chandler, Chinander, DeVolder, Dollmeyer, Felder (I hardly even knew 'er!), Fenstermaker (another double!), Fletcher, Postier, Ryther, Schlicher, Walker
The real reason Iowa is always a step short of complete success is that famous pink visitor's locker room. Not unlike many male athletes, Iowa players are nervous about homosexuals in their sport. The pink paint is meant to symbolize "gay" and isolate it away from the field. A gay opponent is the Hawkeye's #1 fear, not because of lifestyle differences, but because Iowa players believe in a certain homosexual athletic prowess. I don't know if they're right or wrong about that, but I suggest a steady diet of Tyrell around the right end, with some smoldering glances from "Big Sexy" Zach Strief.
Playaz after the jump.
Names you should know:
* QB "How my" Drew Tate (#5)
* RB Albert Young (#21)
* WRs Clinton, Solomon, Hinkel
* LBs Chad Greenway, Abdul Hodge
Names you want to know:
* Schlicher the kicker - Kyle Schlicker (Jr, K)
* Girls names - Dana Brown (Fr, RB), Shannon Browning (So, DE)
* Not a name - Champ Davis Jr. (Jr, RB)
* Can eat no fat - Jacob "Jack" Spratt (So, DL)
* So many this week! - Angerer (double-er!), Becker, Bentler, Chandler, Chinander, DeVolder, Dollmeyer, Felder (I hardly even knew 'er!), Fenstermaker (another double!), Fletcher, Postier, Ryther, Schlicher, Walker
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