You and me and apostrophe

Look. It's not 'Cats. It's Cats.

Cats is short for Wildcats, yes. But it's not a contraction. People don't call me Josh'. And they don't call you T'om'.

If you want to call them them the Wi'cats, that'll be OK. It'll be punishable by 3-5 years in prison and/or a fine of not less than $4,000 and not more than $9,000. But it will be OK grammatically.

Cats. Think about it.

Back and the samer than ever!

I have been back in the US for a couple weeks now, so it's time to get my online presence going again. The first working day (postal workers aside, apparently) of 2007 seems like a good day to start.

Here's a video slide show of pictures from my trip to South Africa.

http://www.divshare.com/download/3652-723

If that doesn't work for you, let me know.

Ohio State Preview

It's true: I've basically decided that I can't write 4 posts per week about this year's Wildcats. It's not that I have any less love for the team, or for writing things about them. It's just that even with a nice win and a couple other good games, the statements are all the same. Look,

• Get Sutton more involved
• Help Bacher make good decisions
• Limit NU turnovers
• Make big defensive plays

It should be noted, that my prediction stat finally predicted a win last week. So, all glory unto me for that one.

For this week, I'm looking for all those things above, plus I'm pissed about one thing. What am I pissed about? Well, can you believe that ESPN Classic isn't showing the last Evanston meeting of NU and OSU? Unless I missed it early this week, it's not happening. Whatever, ESPN, just show another Michigan-Notre Dame "classic."

Let's go Cats!

Iowa Preview

OK. My sickitude of the last week threw off my blogging, letter-writing, and actual working. So, I'm gonna take it easy for the rest of the season, rather than try to keep up with the 4-5 posts per week on football. Hoops starts in a week and a half, so hopefully that'll be a little fodder too!

In place of the usual, structured multi-post preview, here's just a couple thoughts. First, The Daily reports that Andrew Brewer will get a shot at wide receiver on Saturday. Well, OK. I assume the main goal is to use him in reverses and decoy plays. I guess maybe he could manage a pass-back to Bacher? My feeling: I like the thought, since he's a good athlete and deserves playing time even if he's not a good passer.

Secondly, a little dap for Chris Malleo. After having the misfortune of coming in as the backup QB to Baz, he's evolved into a quality special teams player. He seams to run the show on punts, and he's in on lots of tackles. Also he's from New Jersey! And I can't wait for the day when he throws a perfect spiral for a TD after receiving a direct snap on a fake punt.

That's all for today. This wasn't really an Iowa preview, so much as a general football notecard. You wanna make something of it?

Let's go Cats!

Michigan State 41, NU 38

I'm sick, so this is all you get this week. I'll try to pick it up again before the Michigan game this Saturday.

Josh's StatWatch
NU Passing yards/attempt: 8.8 yds/att. WHOA! (better than 6.5 = good)

Record after Game 5:
Josh's prediction: 1 win (5-3 predicting individual outcomes)
NU Record: 2-6

Michigan State Whether Report

Say Josh, tell me whether...

...Michigan State's team is mostly made of football-playing skanks.
Yes.

...Nick Roach is the best ever at reading faux Nelly lyrics.
Definitely, yes.

...you've found a new treasure trove of inside jokes for your blog.
It's called "Going to spirit sessions and annoying everyone, but also things there are funny."

...Homecoming is the best time to meet up with old classmates.
Well, it's better than jury duty. They never let you on the same jury with your friends.

...Homecoming is the worst weekend for the Chicago Marathon.
It is. I wish they'd have the marathon on January 20th.

More after the jump.

...It's pick time.
Sho nuff. It can be like dat.

...you think NU can make a win happen.
I think so. The line is MSU -7.5, O/U 48. I'm sayin NU 22, MSU 17.

Michigan State Weather Forecast

Homecoming looks to bring rains upon Evanston this year. As even the youngest child knows, NU football is best experienced AND played in the rain. So, it looks promising for the ApostroCats, if conditions hold.

The sloppy field conditions will lead to sloppy play by Drew Stanton and the Spartans. They are not blessed by the cat's natural abilities: reflexes, traction, hairballs.

Although wet, the homecoming crowd will exude good cheer, and the Cats will draw on it. Also, they will draw on running the ball over and through the demoralized MSU defense.

Cats win!

2 (more) Homecoming Lists

Looking back in time -- much easier than looking forward, it turns out -- I found the 2 lists that I wrote last year. To make my life easier, I am going to rip myself off, and do it again:

Ways to get Stephen Colbert's autograph:

• Take him hostage by impersonating his parade float driver
• Ask him to sign your copy of Alpha Squad 7: Lady Nocturne: A Tek Jansen Adventure
• Offer to trade him some delicous hummus.
  

Symptoms of both celebrating a Northwestern win and languishing in a Northwestern loss:

• Dramatic increase in beer intake
• Repeated suggestions that, "John L. Smith was great as the sketchy president on 24."
  
• Making undergrads nervous and annoyed by one's presence.
  

Michigan State Preview

Well, it's a meeting of Big Ten cellar-dwellers this Saturday. Northwestern (0-3, 2-5) will try to get a homecoming win for the third time in four years. Michigan State (0-3, 3-4) is also looking for its first conference win after losses to current #1 (Ohio State) and #2 (Michigan) as well as Illinois.

The key for NU, I think, is to keep Drew Stanton from killing us. We need to step our coverage and tackling so that he doesn't have easy middle-yardage thows all game. And we he pulls down the ball and runs, we have to meet him with teeth-rattling tackles. Make him think things through a little more each play.

Also, I'm hoping that C.J. Bacher gets the start under center for the Cats. Bacher, more than any of our current QBs has the potential to run a diverse spread offense, and we'll need that for the forseeable future.

More after the jump.

So, who the hell do we care about on Michigan State?

• Drew Stanton (#5) - The senior QB is one of the most experienced Big Ten passers around. And he's a good runner when he gets out of the pocket.
• Javon Ringer (#23) and Jehuu Caulcrick (#30) - These two running backs share the load, and are pretty solid backs. Also, Jehuu is a pretty funny name, but I can't think of a joke for it. Little help?
• Stanton throws to a lot of receivers, and the leader is Kerry "Girl's Name" Reed (#15).
• On defense, look at David Herron Jr. (#41) to be in on a lot of tackles.

Now for the good stuff:

• Sir Darean Adams (DB, #27) - Every year, it makes me want to cry that some mother named her kid Sir Darean.
• Ooh! Girls' names! Ryan Allison, Ashley Beaudouin, Kerry Reed.
• Kyle Sackrider (TE, #87) & Jonai Saint-Dic (DE, #94) - As if their names weren't unfortunate enough, they are alphabetically adjacent on the roster.
• Connor, Cooper, Decker (ouch), Fortener, Hoyer, Mayer, Miller, Pointer, Ringer, Sackrider (um), Wagner, Weaver.
  

Let's go Cats!

Purdue 31, NU 10

Another poor offensive effort. Plus, this week we added "defense can't close ground or tackle" to our list of weaknesses. Purdue, along with Illinois in November, was probably one of two chances to get a Big Ten win this year. Right now I think we're looking at an 0-fer.

Apparently Sutton had a shoulder injury on his first carry. If that's true, then when it's added to other bangs and bruises, I can accept his lack of carries. Offense line problems and QBs who make good decisions are the other two issues on our side of the football. Maybe Bacher will make his first start on Saturday and solve that last problem.

The defense's poor tackling and positioning was a little bewildering, though. It's really the first time this year that we haven't been quick to make hits and attack the ball-carrier. Maybe the New Hampshire game was like that; I've blocked that out.

More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch
NU Passing yards/attempt: 5.5 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)

Record after Game 5:
Josh's prediction: 0 wins (5-2 predicting individual outcomes)
NU Record: 2-5

And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: Bacher is the only balanced QB we have right now. Maybe next year the job goes to Kafka, but now it's gotta be Bacher for the rest of the year. Remember Herbert? Throw. Him. The. Ball.
Cats' D: We're really missing Heinz, what with the bad tackling in zone defenses.
Cats' Special Teams: Nice FG by Howells. Pretty good punting too. Sherick McMannis is a quick guy, which is nice.

Let's go Cats!

Purdue Whether Report

Say Josh, tell me whether...

...the you think you know how many points it will take to beat Purdue this weekend.
I think it takes at least 24 points, barring a special defensive performance.

...the Cats have it in them to score that many points.
They do.

...they can do it in just one game.
Aren't you funny. They can do it, but it's going to take improvement across the board.

...you caught that kid, Aponavicius, at BC, last night.
That was pretty sweet. Especially because VaTech was so pissed to lose that game, too. Excellent.

...there's a better name out there than Aponavicius.
Probably not. If his name wasn't Steve, but Suicivanopa, that would be better. Palindromes are really the best.

...it's picky-picky time.
Damn right it is. The line: Purdue -7, O/U 52.5. The pick: NU 25, PU 20.

Cats win!

Purdue Weather Forecast

After Thursday's near-record low temperatures, the ApostroCats and Boilerplaters will look forward the relative balm of Saturday's mid-to-high 40s clime. Northwestern, used to the stinging lake-front winds, will play in shorts and tank tops (and flip flops.) The freedom of motion will allow them to take their offense to another level, and the defense will be liberated from the usual jersey-grabbing in the trenches.

Purdue, on the other hand, will be used to the southern breezes that October usually affords their hometown in usually-tropical Indiana. They will play in parkas, turtlenecks, snowpants and hip-waders. If you've never seen hip-waders with cleats, you should not miss this one. The extra padding will keep them warm, and the Boilers will absorb hits with ease, but lack of flexibility will hurt them more than anticipated.

Cats win!

Purdue Preview

Yay! The Wildcats (2-4, 0-2) are back home where they belong! Don't get me started on 3-game roadtrips; I'm just happy that I get to go to a game, and that hopefully we'll start a new winning trend.

This week, Northwestern takes on the Purdue Boilerplaters. Seriously, for a team with a spread offense, Purdue (4-2, 1-1) is the most boring team to watch. I mean, I'd rather go back in time 10 years and watch Nebraska play Navy (imaginary combined play total: 95 rush, 3 pass). But they do have some experience in that offense, so here's what we have to watch for.

• Curtis Painter (#12) is the junior quarterback. Despite some shaky times when he started his college career, Painter is off to a pretty good start this year.
• Kory Sheets (#24) and Jaycen "With a Y-C-E, No Really" Taylor (#33) seem to share the running load.
• Wideout Dorien "Gray" Bryant (#9), tight end Dustin Keller (#28), and receiver Selwyn Lymon (#1) are Painter's three favorite targets with over 400 yards each in receiving.
  

More after the jump.

The more (names) you know:

• Jeff Lindsay (LB, #46) and Jonte Lindsay (CB, #40) - I don't think these guys are related, but finally we get some solid girls' names. Also? Torri Williams (S, #2).
  
• Kris Staats (WR, #87) - If only his first name was Bob or Amanaplanacanalpanama. Or, even better: Staat.
• Joe Whitest (Wr, #83) - Um.
• Baker, Dubler, Fincher, Huber, Keglar, Keller, Lampert, Lecklider, Miller, Nwaneri, Painter, Pender, Prater, Sester, Spencer, Taylor, Werner - One of these names is not like the others!
  

Go Cats!

Wisconsin 41, NU 9

Well, like all of you who weren't at the game on Saturday, I only had the radio to guide me through the Cats' loss to Wisconsin. Regardless of whether it NUIT's fault or ESPN's fault that the game wasn't available on campus, one thing is clear. ESPN360 is the most useless sports product in existence. I think ESPN Mobile may have given it a run for it's money, but that service is now history.

As for the game itself. My impression is that this was a game like many others so far this season (and more to come). A decent start for the offense, followed by a pile of nothing. Are we predictable? Are we untalented? Are we physically unfit and wear down after 30 minutes? I think the answers are Maybe, No, and No. So what are we doing to have such little success.

The defense got off to a bad start, and pulled itself together a little bit later on in the game. But allowing a veteran QB to complete 16/21 is going to always kill us. That's just begging for the opposition to move down the field at will.

And on offense, the key stat is 2 of 11 on 3rd down conversions. We're not going to score if we can't put together drives. That's a combination of play-calling on the sideline (on every down) and decision-making on the field.

More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch
NU Passing yards/attempt: 3.9 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)

Record after Game 5:
Josh's prediction: 0 wins (4-2 predicting individual outcomes)
NU Record: 2-4

And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: I'm aching to see Bacher get some time if Brewer can't score on Purdue. Only if Sutton is healthy. If he's not, we may need Brewer's legs more than ever.
Cats' D: Man, cut and paste what I said last week. Give these guys some time to catch air on the sidelines.
Cats' Special Teams: Hey, Howells made a FG! Oh, he missed a PAT. And all hail Sherick McMannis on KO returns.

Let's go Cats!

Wisconsin Whether Report

Say Josh, tell me whether...

...you were a little lazy about blogging this week.
Yeah. Up until today I was still uninspired following the Penn State loss. Also, the inability to watch this game on the teevee takes away some of the thrill. Never before have I more eagerly awaited the nascence of The Big Ten Channel.

...there was any other reason you didn't blog much.
Well, on Tuesday I started eating all the sushi I could eat. That ended up taking until Wednesday afternoon, which was unexpected.

...the ApostroCats have much of a chance against Wisconsin tomorrow.
I think that if we can keep the game close (maybe with good D, or with ball/clock control via running) it could be enough to take the win. We're not gonna out-gun them.

...you're still going to pick the Cats, like always.
There's a reason they call it "always." Probably. The Cats are disfavored by about 20.5 points, and the O/U is 43 points. I'm going to go with NU 15, Wisconsin 14.

Wisconsin Weather Forecast

The first Saturday in October will be a litte brisk in Madison, WI. Locals will feel the cool weather a little more than visiters from across the border in Illinois. Why? Recent studies have shown that most Madisonians are not badgers; they are, in fact, badger-shaped lizards. The cold-blooded Wisconsin fans will be nestled in their underground lairs and will probably miss the game.

With an advantage in the stands, and a physiological advantage to boot, the Cats will take a lead into halftime. The "Badgers" will not want to leave the warmth of their locker room, and they will forfeit after halftime.

Cats win!

Wisconsin Preview

I'm not sure I can do a better preview that Hodges, and I'm kind of running out of time this week, so here's what he has to say about the Cats playing the Badgers. Now, I can concentrate on what I do best: making fun of people for things they can't really help.

• Prince Moody (#31, DB) - Get ready to be Kwateng'd my friend!
• Paul Standring (#97, P) - The last (maybe) in a long line of Big Ten kickers. We miss you J.J.
• Culmer St. Jean (#14, DB) - Look. I don't like to make snap judgements about people. But is the worst football name in the history of everything.
• John Stocco (#7, QB) - Still waiting for his mexican food establishment? "Where you at?" "John Stocco's for John's tacos."
• Weininger, Walker, Turner, Stellmacher, Sherer, Schober, Rentmeester, Holzbauer, Garner, Foster, DeCremer (hee), Cooper, Carter,
  

Let's go Cats!

PSU 33, NU 7

So, what exactly were we missing on Saturday at Penn State? Well, a whole hell of a lot of things, but I'm choosing to dwell on a popular topic. Rushing.

We seem to be totally committed to not running the ball. Seriously, Tyrell Sutton? He was everyone's darkhorse Heisman candidate. He gets 8 carries in a Big Ten road game? Give me a break. Only 11 rushes by our running backs combined. There's no way to explain that strategy other than that our offensive coaches got desperate when we were down.

Maybe they need a remedial course in offensive strategy. As always I'm happy to oblige.

1. Run the ball early: get positive yards and get your legs under you.
   
2. Run the ball to set up the pass: play-action plays, or good old-fashioned passes when they pack the box against the run.
3. Run the ball toset up the run: defensive linemen get tired throughout the game and 1st-quarter 3-yard gains become 4th-quarter 8-yarders.
   

I don't really fault our defense too much from Saturday. They were out there for at least 20-25 plays more than they should have been. PSU ran 83 plays to our 58. That's just gonna kill any defense.

More after the jump.
Josh's StatWatch
NU Passing yards/attempt: 5.2 yds/att (better than 6.5 = good)

Record after Game 5:
Josh's prediction: 0 wins (3-2 predicting individual outcomes)
NU Record: 2-3

And
In My Opinion:
Cats' O: I can deal with any QB you throw out there, just give him worthwhile plays!
Cats' D: They were just fine for about 30 minutes. After that, they had to be breathing hard and cursing the offense.
Cats' Special Teams: Not much to say. Didn't let us down, but they never had the chance.

Let's go Cats!

BenJarvus Green-Ellis Update

I have heard your pleas. "What ever happened to our favorite multi-multi-named Big Ten running back?" That was what your pleas sounded like.

Well, apparently BenJarvus Four-Namus is now playing for Ole Miss. They're playing a good game against Georgia right now, so good for him.

Now back to your regularly scheduled worrying about other former Indiana Hoosiers. Where have you gone, Matt LoVecchio? Courtney Roby turns his lonely eyes to you.

Penn State Whether Report

Say Josh, tell me whether...

...you're still disappointed about the Nevada loss.
I'm always disappointed about every loss. But I got over this one quickly.

...you'll ever watching another game at Tom's house.
Not for a little while, I think. We've gotta vacate the jinx first.

...you're going to write a road trip guide for the PSU game.
Yeah right. Road trips to Penn State are like a rite of passage. You do it once, and then you never speak of it again. I did mine 8 years ago, and I fall asleep driving just thinking about it.

More after the jump.

...Paul Pozluszny is the best LB in the Big Ten.
To me, PP suffers from Ray Lewis Syndrome. Other notable LBs with RLS include A.J. Hawk and Chad Greenway. Symptoms include: every made tackle is described as a wonder of modern football; every missed tackle is glossed over and completely forgotten by the public.

...you're going to quickly wrap things up this week.
Yeah. I wanna start saving a little brainpower for work (just for a week or two, I promise). The spread keeps climbing, but let's call it at PSU -19 1/2. O/U is around 41.5. I'm going to take the ApostroCats (suprised?): NU 21, PSU 20.