Game 8 Preview: Linfield (7-0, 4-0 NWC) at Whitworth (3-5, 2-2 NWC)

The ‘Cats are on the road again this week and for the final time during this 2011 regular season. Linfield is traveling out to Spokane, Washington where the improving Whitworth Pirates will be waiting. Obviously, this is another of a string of big games for the ‘Cats. Linfield is still in the middle of the NWC conference title race and trying to secure their 3rd NWC title in a row and 9th conference crown in the last 12 seasons. Mathematically, Linfield will be playing for the NWC auto-bid regardless of this week’s outcome but Linfield is playing for more than just making the playoffs. This team has their sights on making a deep run into the NCAA’s and hosting playoff games. If Linfield is going to earn that right then this Saturday is a must win for the ‘Cats.

For Whitworth, this has been a year of rebuilding and restocking the shelves with new talent. The Rats record isn’t that great but if you look beyond the numbers what you see is a young team that has been in every game they’ve played but just didn’t know how to finish. That was proven in close home losses to a list of solid opponents (30-20 Redlands, 24-17 Menlo, 20-17 PLU) However, the last week Whitworth grew up some in taking a big program win in upending Willamette in double overtime 25-24. Whitworth has some talented young skill players and their defense backs have been play makers on the season. Whitworth is still Whitworth, even with a revamped roster. They run love to run the counter in about 20 different ways, try to make big defensive plays on the ball, and force you to limit your mistakes in order to win. It’s classic Tully-Ball.

In fact, it was just one year ago where Linfield was the heavy favorite but the ‘Cats came out with a flat effort and Whitworth took a surprising 17-14 lead at half. The ‘Cats snapped out of it and went on a 28-0 run to finish the game but the lesson to this Linfield team is that if you don’t give Whitworth your best effort then the Rats have the players and scheme to make you pay. Myself, I’m having a little Catdome withdrawal as I was unable to attend last week’s game. I’m pumped to catch back up with the team and I’m expecting a top level effort this weekend from all three phases of this Wildcat squad.

Get To Know A Wildcat

#92 Brent Shimabukuro, Senior, Defensive End

Favorite place to eat: Wild Wood Cafe

Favorite Movie: Snatch

Favorite TV show: The Office

Favorite Football team: Packers

Class i look forward to: How the west fed the US (HST 353)

Mac or PC: Mac

CPU home page: Google

XBOX, PS3, or WII: PS3

Favorite Coach Vaughan saying: "You look very soft sister"

Favorite NWC road trip: PLU... Country Cousin Breakfast

Favorite part about playing at linfield: The tradition and attitude of excellence.

Post Linfield Aspirations: Get a job in the health industry. Hopefully in a physical rehab setting.

Wildcat11’s Keys To Victory

Take away the Whitworth passing game: Ah-ha. You for sure thought that I was going to list my typical “limit the run game” key here. I would have but the thing is that Linfield has ALWAYS limited the Whitworth run game. In fact, I went back and took a look at the Rats net rushing yards vs Linfield since 2000 and the ‘Cats hold Whitworth to an average of 78.3 rushing yards a game in EVERY season since 2000. Tully knows that and that’s exactly why the Rats went to the passing game early and often last year and found some 1st half success with it. I would be at all surprised if Whitworth came out of the gates throwing the ball all over the Pine Bowl this Saturday. Because if they decide to try to move the ball by running zone and counter all game then their punter is going to get a lot of work.

Run the ball downhill: Whitworth gives up a respectable 303 yards per game and has a solid defensive backfield. This is a game where Linfield has to be able to force their will on Whitworth in the running game in order to loosen up the Rats defense. It’s a big day for the ‘Cats offensive line and I’d love to see the ‘Cats power it up.

QB pressure: Whitworth has give up a whopping 38 sacks on the season (almost 5 a game). Linfield is leading the nation in sacks per game (4.85) and need to continue that pace this weekend. If Whitworth does go to the passing game then it’s paramount for the ‘Cats defensive line and LB’s to harass and put down the Whitworth quarterbacks multiple times.

Limit penalties/turnovers: Whitworth’s defense has always been based on creating turnovers and they’ve done a nice job this year in picking off 11 balls this season and forcing 7 recovered fumbles. Linfield has been solid all season long in taking care of the ball and will need to be once again. Along with that, let’s keep the penalties down this weekend.

Put up points early and with emphasis: if the ‘Cats offense can come out early and put up a good number during the 1st half then I just don’t see Whitworth with enough firepower to mount any sort of comeback against the ‘Cats. I want to see the offense come out with purpose and attitude and look to score each time they get the ball. If the 'Cats can do that then there’s no question Linfield is headed home 8-0.

Dominate on Special Teams: The ‘Cats special teams has been playing at a high level all season long and that needs to continue this weekend. I’m not asking this group to put an the “S” on their chest but just do their job and if the opportunity is there to make a play, let’s take another one to the house.

Overall

‘Cats by 17. Listen, I think this will be a nice challenge for the ‘Cats. Whitworth has been steadily improving throughout the season and have some good talent but if Linfield plays near that ‘Catdome top gear I don’t see how the Rats have enough to hold this team down. I’m looking for the ‘Cats to make another big statement this weekend.