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"The coaches have been telling us that Linfield's not anything special pre se, it's the fact they've done well consistently that makes them (in) the top 5." -UPS Linebacker Tyler Vlasak
I guess that Linfield was pretty dang consistent in that 1st half on the 'Cats way to hanging up that 59 spot before the break. The 'Cats were on point and on fire in scoring in all three phases of the game in a 42 point 2nd quarter explosion that left no doubt it was going to be a happy homecoming for alumni that were back in Mac and for students that would be wrapping themselves up in sheets later that night. (Toga?) For me, I was happy to see the maturity of this Linfield team. It would have been easy for the 'Cats to mail in an effort after coming off a big win over Willamette just the week prior but the 'Cats coaching staff and players moved forward with mental toughness and a desire to get better.
What else can you say about Saturday besides it was a satisfying effort and I'm excited to see the continued improvement of this team? That's the great thing about this team is there are still areas for growth and improvement. You wouldn't think so if you watched Linfield play a near flawless 1st half of football but I'm sure the coaches found many mistakes on film and areas the 'Cats need to tighten up.
There is little question that Linfield should be a heavy favorite for the remainder of the season. PLU has started off with a strong 3-1 (2-0 NWC) record, and Linfield can't overlook the long road trips down at Menlo (4-1) and while Whitworth is 1-3 (0-1 NWC) all of their home losses have been decided late. There are still tests in front of the 'Cats and I'm curious to see how Linfield plays now that they're clearly the 2011 NWC front runners.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
The Good
Fantastic Readiness: Like stated above, my big question headed into Saturday was if the 'Cats would be sharp after last weekends big win. Linfield more than answered the question in putting up the most points every in a half as a program and 2nd highest total in program history (most point for a team during "the streak" era).
3rd and 4th down defense: Once again, the 'Cats defense was suffocating on 3rd and 4th down. Linfield held UPS to 1 of 13 on 3rd down and 0-2 on 4th down. Over the past two games Linfield has only allowed 1 of 26 conversion attempts on 3rd and 4th down (3.8%). That is a mind blowing stat.
490 yards of total offense: Great balance by the 'Cats. Linfield rushed for 227 yards and threw for 263. Linfield's offense continues to keep team's off balance with the growth and development chemistry with this unit.
Once again, Special Teams comes up aces: Great all-around effort by the kickers, protection groups, and cover groups. 10 for 10 on PATs, a 49 yard field, block punt for a TD, and the kick off team dishing out more punishment on returners. The 'Cats special teams continue to live up to the billing of being outstanding.
Blanketing Kniffin: The UPS WR came into the game as the top WR in the conference, in terms of statistics. The 'Cats corners were dominate in only allowing Kniffin 4 catches for 28 yards. Kniffin must hate seeing the 'Cats as those stats from Saturday are almost identical to last season's 4 catches for 23 yard performance.
WR core: The 'Cats Wide Receivers were dynamite on Saturday. 11 different receivers caught passes for 263 yards and 4 TDs. The WR's not only performed well catching the ball but were terrific in the blocking game as the 'Cats worked on their bubble screen series and looked great in sustaining blocks. Blocking is so much about effort and it was fun to watch them mix it up.
11 tackles for losses: Not only did the DB's have a great day the 'Cats young D-Line and LB's feasted in piling up double digit tackles for losses. I have to admit was very concerned about the depth of the defensive line at the start of the season but the D-Line has grown up fast and has been impressive so far.
The Bad:
Nothing
The Ugly:
Nothing: I'm sure I could get ticky tack and talk about our horrible all-purples (haters gonna hate), giving up the shut out, or the standing ovation our crowd gave UPS when they scored (I know that came from a good place but it was still high comedy). At the end of the day it was a great day in the Valley and a great day to be a Wildcat. Send 'Em Up!
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