It's Lute week at the 'Catdome! Saturday will be the start of a big stretch for this 2011 Linfield Wildcat team. Coming down to Linfield this weekend is a strong defensive Pacific Lutheran that currently sits at 2-0 in Northwest Conference play. On the line is the 1st place lead in the NWC and the automatic playoff bid that comes along with who wins the conference crown. For Linfield fans in my age bracket and above (mid 30's plus) this is the team you love to beat more than any other in the conference. The apex of this rivalry spanned over all of the 80's and 90's and both programs have had their fair share of success over the other. There is a lot of history and classic battles over the years between these two programs. However, the past nine years Linfield has owned PLU with consecutive wins over that time period. That fact isn't lost on PLU as the 'Lutes have seemed to have re-established themselves as a conference contender year-in and year-out after having some big ups and downs (mostly downs) over the better part of the last decade. PLU knows they are not "back" and won't be until they knock off Linfield.
Last year, the 'Cats won a very competitive and tight game at PLU 35-20. The 2010 PLU team was built around an explosive offense that featured an accurate QB with a fleet of big play receivers. This time around the 'Lutes calling card is their suffocating defense. Through 5 games PLU's 3-4 based defense is only giving up 11.6 points per game. The 'Lutes have racked up 18 sacks on the season, 43 tackles for loss, to go along with 6 INT's and 5 fumble recoveries. If your offensive line isn't up to the task then the 'Lute front 7 is going to eat your lunch. While the PLU defense has been thriving the 'Lutes offense is still transitioning after losing most of their firepower from last season. PLU is managing 19.8 points per game but feature a hard nosed running back and an outstanding red zone offense (94%, scored on 16 of 17 trips).
For the 'Cats, this will be a big test after two weeks of pounding winless teams. While it was great to rack up the points and spread the playing time around the program is back to finding out just where this team is going in 2011. If this team is firing in all 3 phases of the game then Linfield is going to be one of the toughest outs in all of division III. However, this team isn't at a place where they are so overwhelming that they can survive on lackluster performances. If the 'Cats come into a game like this with sloppy execution and make big mistakes the 'Cats could get burned. That's my big question for this team. Are they going to raise their play to the next level? Are you ready for PLU to Send 'Em Up?
Get To Know A Wildcat
#59 Tyler Steele, Junior, Defensive Tackle
Favorite Place in Mac to Eat: I would have to say Muchas
Favorite Movie: Friday Night Lights or The Guardian
Favorite Music: Country music
Favorite Pro Football team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Class I Most Look Forward to: Any class besides Anatomy, that was the worst!
Cpu Homepage: Google
Twitter or Facebook: such a hard decision. But now that I have became a twitter junkie thanks to Zach Hickman, I would probably say Twitter now.
Car or Truck: Car 2001 oldsmobile
Xbox, PS3, or WII: Xbox 360
Favorite Coach Vaughan Saying: "Get a ticket buddy"
You play without gloves, any reason: I have always played without gloves, they are just not my thing. I feel like I have a better grip without them and I don't really care what happens to my hands.
How has the best pass rush on the 'Cats D-Line:
Dt: Tommy PatrickDe: Nighthawk (aka Hyland)
Your Favorite Part About Playing at Linfield is: At Linfield its about the team, no one person is bigger than the streak or more important than the team. I couldn't imagine playing football any place else!
Post Linfield aspirations: Hopefully get a PE teaching job over in Eastern Oregon and become a football and wrestling coach!
Wildcat11's Keys To Victory
Wound To The Right Tension: After being emotionally flat last week vs Pacific, I'm a little concerned about the pendulum swinging too far the other way and Linfield being too lathered up for this weekend. That concern is minimal as there have been enough players on this team that have been in the battles and know where this squad needs to be in order to sustain the effort needed to win a full 60 minute game of playing Linfield football.
Defense has to limit PLU's Brandon James: The hard running PLU running is the main focus of the 'Lute rushing attack. James is averaging in the neighborhood of 80 yards a game and the 'Cats have to do a good job of making sound tackles and rallying to the ball in order to contain James. If Linfield can limit an aspect of the 'Lute offense then the 'Cats will be able to start bringing the heat as the game moves on.
Own 3rd Down: PLU only gives up a conversion rate of 29% on 3rd down. The 'Cats have been lights out with only allowing 1st down conversions 17% on the season during 3rd downs. This down is going to loom large on day and play into field position and who gets the opportunities to put points on the board.
Run the ball downhill: If Linfield is going to be the NWC champions and be a threat in the playoff the 'Cats have to prove they can flex their muscle and run the ball and own the line of scrimmage. Linfield has shown they can run the football and will need to again vs a stout rushing defense.
Control the field position game: While PLU's offense isn't putting up huge points the 'Lute offense has been deadly once they get into the red zone. Best way to solve that is to keep them from even entering the red zone in the 1st place. Controlling the field isn't on just one phase of the team but all three groups need to pin PLU deep, sustain drives, and create as many "3 and out" opportunities as possible.
Overall:
'Cats by 10: If Linfield plays to their potential they are going to win this game. PLU is a solid club and will be highly movtivated this weekend. PLU isn't just playing for this season but is playing to stop the 'Cats roll over their program and are trying to reclaim their place with the NWC elite. PLU is going to bring it but I feel the 'Cats will match that resolve and eventually force their will on the 'Lutes. It's going to be a great day in the Valley.
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