Yes, that's Northwestern at #4. That's number 4 nationally. One can only laugh, and root for further rises!
Screen-grab of the top 35 after the jump.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Ha! Take that, almost everyone!
You can like or not like the various computer rankings, and you can dispute the value of each particular ranking model. But there is a pleasant surprise in the Colley Matrix this week.
Yes, that's Northwestern at #4. That's number 4 nationally. One can only laugh, and root for further rises!
Screen-grab of the top 35 after the jump.
Yes, that's Northwestern at #4. That's number 4 nationally. One can only laugh, and root for further rises!
Screen-grab of the top 35 after the jump.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Whether Report: Iowa
Say Josh, tell me whether...
...the 5th of 12 games can really be all that important?
This year, definitely. In 2000, our overtime victory at Wisconsin was the 4th of 11 games, and it set the tone for the rest of the year. That was probably the biggest early victory we've had this decade.
...a win at Iowa would be bigger?
I think it would, because 5-0 would be an eye-catcher for many, although Wisconsin was ranked in the top ten at that point in 2000.
...there's something unusual about the Iowa visiting locker room?
Have you heard? The stadium was built to last, but locker room was built TOO SMALL! It's kind of awesome.
...it isn't something else. Something pink?
Maybe, but mine is better.
...it's pickin' time?
Well, if you're referring to corn, I think our avian hosts will tell you that picking time was a few weeks ago. If you mean games, then yes.
...you're stalling?
OK fine. This is the first game where I am a little less sure of the win/loss aspect of my pick, and I'm a little because at least I'm 4-0 picking NU winners. The line is Iowa -8, O/U 42.5. I'm going with way under, you'll notice: Northwestern 17, Iowa 10.
Let's go Cats!
...the 5th of 12 games can really be all that important?
This year, definitely. In 2000, our overtime victory at Wisconsin was the 4th of 11 games, and it set the tone for the rest of the year. That was probably the biggest early victory we've had this decade.
...a win at Iowa would be bigger?
I think it would, because 5-0 would be an eye-catcher for many, although Wisconsin was ranked in the top ten at that point in 2000.
...there's something unusual about the Iowa visiting locker room?
Have you heard? The stadium was built to last, but locker room was built TOO SMALL! It's kind of awesome.
...it isn't something else. Something pink?
Maybe, but mine is better.
...it's pickin' time?
Well, if you're referring to corn, I think our avian hosts will tell you that picking time was a few weeks ago. If you mean games, then yes.
...you're stalling?
OK fine. This is the first game where I am a little less sure of the win/loss aspect of my pick, and I'm a little because at least I'm 4-0 picking NU winners. The line is Iowa -8, O/U 42.5. I'm going with way under, you'll notice: Northwestern 17, Iowa 10.
Let's go Cats!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thoughts on: Iowa
See previous post for why I'm rushing through this a little bit this morning.
I think this week at Iowa, we'll depend on three things: Tyrell Sutton; the true confidence of our defense; and the very nature of our opponent. The first two seem obvious, and they should feed off each other. An offense that moves the ball gives valuable rest to its defense; a defense that makes big stops inspires big plays from its offense.
The last thing that is important is the birdlike nature of the Hawkeyes. Even though I'm pretty sure a hawkeye is not a real thing (at least they're not nittany hawkeyes) Iowa likes to claim that it is a bird. And what happens to birds? Cats eat them. By the way? Those last three sentences were written over the course of 13 hours. I need to lie down.
Just like the Hawkeyes will! These are the jokes!
Let's go Cats!
I think this week at Iowa, we'll depend on three things: Tyrell Sutton; the true confidence of our defense; and the very nature of our opponent. The first two seem obvious, and they should feed off each other. An offense that moves the ball gives valuable rest to its defense; a defense that makes big stops inspires big plays from its offense.
The last thing that is important is the birdlike nature of the Hawkeyes. Even though I'm pretty sure a hawkeye is not a real thing (at least they're not nittany hawkeyes) Iowa likes to claim that it is a bird. And what happens to birds? Cats eat them. By the way? Those last three sentences were written over the course of 13 hours. I need to lie down.
Just like the Hawkeyes will! These are the jokes!
Let's go Cats!
Wha Happened?: Ohio
Sorry that I've been slow to update this week. I'm starting a new job, and not doing very well at managing my time outside of work. That will improve, but I might cut back on the number of posts here and here.
The story of the game last weekend was pretty short, as far as I'm concerned: Tyrell Sutton. I believe he was going to start wearing down the Bobcat defense in the second half, and that might have broken the game open. It certainly looked like that on the last drive of the first half.
The other story? Turnovers, naturally. If only one team had had 4 or 5 TOs, it probably wouldn't have been as close as it was. But, since both teams had a pile of giveaways, it allowed the game to stay close AND it provided each type of *cat with plenty of opportunities. Nearly all of which were blown by an ensuing turnover.
We'll need to take care of the ball better once the Big Ten season starts, so let's hope our Cats got it out of their system.
Let's go Cats!
The story of the game last weekend was pretty short, as far as I'm concerned: Tyrell Sutton. I believe he was going to start wearing down the Bobcat defense in the second half, and that might have broken the game open. It certainly looked like that on the last drive of the first half.
The other story? Turnovers, naturally. If only one team had had 4 or 5 TOs, it probably wouldn't have been as close as it was. But, since both teams had a pile of giveaways, it allowed the game to stay close AND it provided each type of *cat with plenty of opportunities. Nearly all of which were blown by an ensuing turnover.
We'll need to take care of the ball better once the Big Ten season starts, so let's hope our Cats got it out of their system.
Let's go Cats!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Briefly: Ohio
With today's win, Coach Fitzgerald improved his career win percentage to 50%.
With today's win, the Cats improved their record in home games to 50%, for the first time since I started at NU. That is to say, their record in home games since I started at NU. Games since and including the 1998 season. Does that make sense?
More to come. Let's go Cats!
With today's win, the Cats improved their record in home games to 50%, for the first time since I started at NU. That is to say, their record in home games since I started at NU. Games since and including the 1998 season. Does that make sense?
More to come. Let's go Cats!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Whether Report: Ohio
Say Josh, tell me whether...
...you're getting a late start on this today?
Yeah, perhaps just a little late.
...you at least have a good excuse?
Tom's dog ate it? Or at least, he tried to eat other things while I made fun of him.
...the lateness will be corrected next week?
Unlikely. New job = I probably won't work on blogs during the day. Unless I get bored at lunch.
...the actual, you know, weather is going to be an issue tomorrow?
It looks like it should be a pretty nice day. I guess someone upstairs (Quasimodo?) is cutting us a break.
...you're tired, and it's time for a pick?
Dern tootin! The line is something like NU -11.5, O/U 52. I really, really want to pick the Cats in a major blowout, but I will hedge and just pick us to win nicely: Northwestern 37, Ohio 16.
Let's go Cats!
...you're getting a late start on this today?
Yeah, perhaps just a little late.
...you at least have a good excuse?
Tom's dog ate it? Or at least, he tried to eat other things while I made fun of him.
...the lateness will be corrected next week?
Unlikely. New job = I probably won't work on blogs during the day. Unless I get bored at lunch.
...the actual, you know, weather is going to be an issue tomorrow?
It looks like it should be a pretty nice day. I guess someone upstairs (Quasimodo?) is cutting us a break.
...you're tired, and it's time for a pick?
Dern tootin! The line is something like NU -11.5, O/U 52. I really, really want to pick the Cats in a major blowout, but I will hedge and just pick us to win nicely: Northwestern 37, Ohio 16.
Let's go Cats!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Thoughts on: Ohio
In Saturday's clash with the Bobcats of Ohio University, Northwestern's aggressive D will be facing Ohio's new QB, Boo Jackson. What do we know about Jackson? Well, we know what Boo knows. By the way, if you're not groaning, congratulations on being too young to get it.
Bo(o) Kno(o)ws:
This Cats game will be televised on the Big Ten Network. If you're looking to get a little basic cable face-time, you'll need a clever sign that also advertises for the BTN. I'm here to help with three potential acrostic sign ideas:
Bo(o) Kno(o)ws:
- Passing - Jackson threw for over 4500 yards in two years of junior college play.
- Rushing - He is tied for second on the team in rushing in 2008.
- When to cut his losses - "Boo"'s real first name is Franshaw.
This Cats game will be televised on the Big Ten Network. If you're looking to get a little basic cable face-time, you'll need a clever sign that also advertises for the BTN. I'm here to help with three potential acrostic sign ideas:
- Bobcats Trigger Nausea
- Boo is Talent's Nemesis or Boo's Talent: Nil
- Bachér is Tailored Nattily
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wha' Happened?: SIU
The sloppy weather on Saturday in Evanston was met by an encouragingly non-sloppy win for Northwestern over in-state FCS power SIU. The wet game included no turnovers for either team, although the Cats recovered their own fumble on a kickoff return, SIU had a lost fumble that was over-ruled on review, and NU blocked a Saluki punt.
The only "low" points that I can see were a mediocre running average, although Sutton did have all three of the Cats' touchdowns, and an inability to finish drives with TDs (4 short FGs). I can chalk some of that up to the rain, although I would have liked to see our offensive line start having its way in the 2nd half.
The story of the day, aside from the weather was the NU defensive pressure. While more or less containing SIU's running game, they acrued 6 sacks and about a jillion TFLs. The opposition will get stiffer from here, but this will help us visualize what our attacking defense is supposed to look and feel like.
How did they do?
Let's go Cats!
The only "low" points that I can see were a mediocre running average, although Sutton did have all three of the Cats' touchdowns, and an inability to finish drives with TDs (4 short FGs). I can chalk some of that up to the rain, although I would have liked to see our offensive line start having its way in the 2nd half.
The story of the day, aside from the weather was the NU defensive pressure. While more or less containing SIU's running game, they acrued 6 sacks and about a jillion TFLs. The opposition will get stiffer from here, but this will help us visualize what our attacking defense is supposed to look and feel like.
How did they do?
- Bachér - C.J. was efficient and calm in the bad conditions. He was helped greatly by the always-improving O-line and good routes by the receiving corps. I think we'll have to get used to a lot of 7-15 yard passes this year. We've seen those thrown against us for years, so it should be nice to do a little damage ourselves.
- Sutton - Tyrell had all three NU touchdowns on just 101 yards rushing, plus 16 receiving. It was what we needed, but I'm starting to wonder if he's lost a step since last year. Some runs looked like Sutton circa 2005, but he didn't seem to hit every gap. Looking forward to next week, on hopefully dry turf.
- Mabin - Jordan had little statistical impact on the game, although he returned one kick in Stephen Simmons' absence. This has less to do with Mabin's game and more with the Cats' safeties leading the team with 7 tackles each and the front 7 dominating the LOS and the backfield.
Let's go Cats!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Whether Report: SIU
Say Josh, tell me whether...
...the weather is going to cooperate in Evanston tomorrow?
It looks a little rainy, but not very cold. Not the worst football weather ever, for sure.
...the rain could impact the game?
I think it could keep the game closer if both offenses get bogged down. Probably, difficult conditions favor the more experienced, deeper team. NU should have more options and make use of them. The Cats benefit, comparatively, in bad weather.
...high school band day could impact the game?
More than you might expect. The SIU band is also performing (I think) which should rile up the Saluki-faithful. It will probably be our highest-attended non-conference game, and a fairly raucous affair if the game stays close.
...there are any other noteworthy Big Ten games this weekend?
Well, Iowa-ISU is sometimes entertaining, Purdue-Oregon and Wisconsin-Fresno State should be of national note. There's also Michigan-Notre Dame, but that hardly qualifies these days. Oh, and OSU is playing some "directional" school from California.
...you're going to pick NU to go 3-0?
Historically, it's kind of hard to do that, but it's also hard to not pick the Cats over any FCS school. With no betting line on this game, my (for entertainment purposes only) pick for an NU win. Northwestern 35, SIU 13.
Let's go Cats!
...the weather is going to cooperate in Evanston tomorrow?
It looks a little rainy, but not very cold. Not the worst football weather ever, for sure.
...the rain could impact the game?
I think it could keep the game closer if both offenses get bogged down. Probably, difficult conditions favor the more experienced, deeper team. NU should have more options and make use of them. The Cats benefit, comparatively, in bad weather.
...high school band day could impact the game?
More than you might expect. The SIU band is also performing (I think) which should rile up the Saluki-faithful. It will probably be our highest-attended non-conference game, and a fairly raucous affair if the game stays close.
...there are any other noteworthy Big Ten games this weekend?
Well, Iowa-ISU is sometimes entertaining, Purdue-Oregon and Wisconsin-Fresno State should be of national note. There's also Michigan-Notre Dame, but that hardly qualifies these days. Oh, and OSU is playing some "directional" school from California.
...you're going to pick NU to go 3-0?
Historically, it's kind of hard to do that, but it's also hard to not pick the Cats over any FCS school. With no betting line on this game, my (for entertainment purposes only) pick for an NU win. Northwestern 35, SIU 13.
Let's go Cats!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thoughts on: SIU
This week marks Northwestern's now-annual game against a team from the FCS. The opponents this time around are the Salukis of Southern Illinois. Hopefully, last year's opening shutout of Northwesteastern means that the team and coaching staff has learned lesson from 2006's loss to New Hampshire. SIU is a very good team in their division, and has had lots of success over the years.
That doesn't mean we can't take advantage of some things. In their season-opening win over Hampton, SIU gave up over 400 yards through the air -- albeit while grabbing 3 picks. The ApostroCats have been picking around the edges of a deep and balanced passing attack for two games, and this could be the first time C.J. goes big. I abhor the pass-to-set-up-the-run philosophy, but I think this is a good week for both phases of our offense to mesh and support each other.
Who's gotta come up big for the Wildcats?
That doesn't mean we can't take advantage of some things. In their season-opening win over Hampton, SIU gave up over 400 yards through the air -- albeit while grabbing 3 picks. The ApostroCats have been picking around the edges of a deep and balanced passing attack for two games, and this could be the first time C.J. goes big. I abhor the pass-to-set-up-the-run philosophy, but I think this is a good week for both phases of our offense to mesh and support each other.
Who's gotta come up big for the Wildcats?
- C.J. Bachér - I didn't get to see last weeks game, but it sounded like the accuracy wasn't quite there in NU's passing game. To get a statement win, we'll need big points and that all starts at QB.
- Tyrell Sutton - Wouldn't usually choose two offensive players, but this feeds directly from my last statement. We need to show that we're lots better than a top-tier FCS program. I'd really like to see a standout performance from our featured back here, before the first quarter of the season is over.
- Jordan Mabin - The freshman DB has earned a start this week, and he needs to come up big. Coach Fitz thinks very highly of him, and an all-around defensive performance is necessary to make a nice-looking win.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Wha' Happened?: Duke
So, I was not able to get video of this game. "ACC Select" just plain didn't work for me when I tried to buy the game, even though it had worked when I tested it the day before. That was depressing, but the WGN.com broadcast was good as always.
My impressions of the game, therefore, are only based on what I've heard or read since Saturday. I remain perplexed by the lack of getting Tyrell Sutton the damn ball. I know that's what everyone expects us to do, since he's a major weapon, but I think he can make things happen no matter what. And with our woeful performance on first downs this past weekend, The Cats need something that gets us into better situations. 2nd-and-fives will give us a plethora of options compared to 2nd-and-tens.
Also, I just used the word plethora, which is a daily goal of mine!
I realize that I forgot to pick some key players before the game, so I'll just mention them after the fact:
Time to start getting ready for the visiting Salukis on Saturday. Let's see if Northwestern can't put together a whole game by the whole team!
My impressions of the game, therefore, are only based on what I've heard or read since Saturday. I remain perplexed by the lack of getting Tyrell Sutton the damn ball. I know that's what everyone expects us to do, since he's a major weapon, but I think he can make things happen no matter what. And with our woeful performance on first downs this past weekend, The Cats need something that gets us into better situations. 2nd-and-fives will give us a plethora of options compared to 2nd-and-tens.
Also, I just used the word plethora, which is a daily goal of mine!
I realize that I forgot to pick some key players before the game, so I'll just mention them after the fact:
- Jordan Mabin - The red shirt freshman came up with 5 tackles and forced a fumble (which he recovered). He's apparently earned the starting spot over Justan Vaughn for the next game, so mad props to Jordan.
- Eric Peterman - Peterman was involved in two of the biggest plays of the game. He caught a 45-yard pass that helped set up the eventual winning TD and he threw a pass to C.J. Bachér that led to Sutton's second TD.
- Amado Villarreal - The NU kicker was successful on his first FG attempt of the season -- a 35-yarder. It's going to important for us not to leave points on the field, and having a reliable kicker is vital. He also made his three PATs on the night.
Time to start getting ready for the visiting Salukis on Saturday. Let's see if Northwestern can't put together a whole game by the whole team!
Sunday, September 07, 2008
A vote!
They like us, they really like us!
Well, one person likes us a little. It seems that Northwestern has garnered one vote in the USA Today poll after getting out to a 2-0 start. You gotta start somewhere in that long climb up the polls.
More on the Duke game tomorrow (or Tuesday).
Well, one person likes us a little. It seems that Northwestern has garnered one vote in the USA Today poll after getting out to a 2-0 start. You gotta start somewhere in that long climb up the polls.
More on the Duke game tomorrow (or Tuesday).
Friday, September 05, 2008
Whether Report: Duke
Say Josh, tell me whether...
...the weather will be a major factor?
I think it will indeed be windy and rainy. Both teams have been practicing in those kind of conditions, so I don't think it favors either side.
...you really just wanted to write about weather in the whether report.
Maybe just a little.
...this game will be aired, videographically, in your home?
Reply hazy, try again later. I'm still uncertain on this ACC Select business, although I tested it out yesterday.
...you kind of nailed it with your pick last week?
Not to pat myself on the back too much, but I was pretty damn close. Expect less of the same as the season continues.
...you're picking NU to get off to a 2-0 start?
Yes I am. The bettors have NU -6.5, O/U 44. I think the weather could make it a sloppy game with a lot of miscues and 3-and-outs by both teams. Northwestern 22, Duke 10.
Bonus pick! Eagles 30, Rams 17!
Let's go Cats!
...the weather will be a major factor?
I think it will indeed be windy and rainy. Both teams have been practicing in those kind of conditions, so I don't think it favors either side.
...you really just wanted to write about weather in the whether report.
Maybe just a little.
...this game will be aired, videographically, in your home?
Reply hazy, try again later. I'm still uncertain on this ACC Select business, although I tested it out yesterday.
...you kind of nailed it with your pick last week?
Not to pat myself on the back too much, but I was pretty damn close. Expect less of the same as the season continues.
...you're picking NU to get off to a 2-0 start?
Yes I am. The bettors have NU -6.5, O/U 44. I think the weather could make it a sloppy game with a lot of miscues and 3-and-outs by both teams. Northwestern 22, Duke 10.
Bonus pick! Eagles 30, Rams 17!
Let's go Cats!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Thoughts on: Duke
So, the overshadowing thing-of-interest regarding our Saturday night game at Duke is Tropical Storm Hanna. Right now, it looks like it could run up the Atlantic coast and maybe make landfall in North Carolina on Saturday. Yikes! At best, the game could be impacted by rain and wind. It is also conceivable that the game could be postponed, if the weather is dangerous for fans.
Once play ensues, the Cats apparently-capable defense will be dealing with Duke's Thaddeus Lewis. Lewis is a very good QB, as we sadly learned last year. Other players of note include:
* - I'm sorry.
Once play ensues, the Cats apparently-capable defense will be dealing with Duke's Thaddeus Lewis. Lewis is a very good QB, as we sadly learned last year. Other players of note include:
- Jordan "Sampling" Byas (CB)
- Kevin "Wu Kevin" Wu (WR)
- Ryan Wood "you know how this game is played" (WR)
* - I'm sorry.
Am I missing something?
As has been reported over the last day or so, NBA rookies-to-be Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were thrown out of the rookie transition program. They allegedly had marijuana and women in their hotel room.
Now, is it just me, or isn't this exactly the kind of thing that the rookie transition program is designed to teach new players about? Let's take a look at some of the points that the NBA orientation is supposed to highlight:
To me, the headlines for this story may as well read: Local boy expelled from school after failing exam.
Now, is it just me, or isn't this exactly the kind of thing that the rookie transition program is designed to teach new players about? Let's take a look at some of the points that the NBA orientation is supposed to highlight:
- Professionalism
- Character, Image and Ethics
- Drugs and Alcohol
- Felony Situations
- Security
- Players "20 and under"
To me, the headlines for this story may as well read: Local boy expelled from school after failing exam.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Things that I want to do in September
This looks like one of those posts that will become a series, doesn't it? How much do want to bet that it won't?
September 6 - Find a way to watch the NU game @ Duke. LUV U, NUR, but I need some video on this sucker.
September 24 - Get free pie from the Pushing Daisies World Domination Tour and Pie Bus Extravaganza. Or whatever they're actually calling it.
September 27 - Age gracefully.
September 28 - Do the Chicago edition of The Mp3 Experiment.
September 6 - Find a way to watch the NU game @ Duke. LUV U, NUR, but I need some video on this sucker.
September 24 - Get free pie from the Pushing Daisies World Domination Tour and Pie Bus Extravaganza. Or whatever they're actually calling it.
September 27 - Age gracefully.
September 28 - Do the Chicago edition of The Mp3 Experiment.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Wha' Happened?: Syracuse
I would call that "not a bad start," for the Wildcats this weekend. It was far from a great game, considering that we lost the turnover battle and couldn't get our offense clicking for most of the first half.
There are some very bright spots of course, such as very nice punting from Stefan Demos, and Fitz's third straight opening day victory. It says a lot about our preparation and concentration that we don't look past openers that some might consider gimmes. Oh, and a goose-egg in the L column always looks good, even when we're only one week in.
Let's see how my three important players did:
Stay tuned for nervous thoughts about our trip to Durham, NC!
There are some very bright spots of course, such as very nice punting from Stefan Demos, and Fitz's third straight opening day victory. It says a lot about our preparation and concentration that we don't look past openers that some might consider gimmes. Oh, and a goose-egg in the L column always looks good, even when we're only one week in.
Let's see how my three important players did:
- Adam Hahn - The lineman didn't have a noteworthy game, but linemates Corey Wootton and Corbin Bryant played well with the LBs and secondary picking up for some missed tackles in the line. There is much room for improvement, and the return of John Gill will be very welcome.
- Stefan Demos - What more can I say except for Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week. 6 out of 6 punts were inside the 20 and 3 were inside the 10. One of those set up the defense to earn NU's first 2 points of the game with a safety. Plus he kicked off well enough to keep Syracuse's vaunted returners to fewer than 100 yards on 5 kickoff returns.
- Ben Burkett - No problems in the center-QB exchange. Only one sack allowed, and C.J. usually had time. The entire line will have to continue to improve; most of our opponents will have more skilled D-linemen than the Orange. But a little confidence should go a long way for the still-green trenchmen.
Stay tuned for nervous thoughts about our trip to Durham, NC!
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