Monday, September 11, 2017

‘Cats win!!!! Linfield puts the squeeze on Chapman in Orange, California.



It was a great way to kick off the season.


The ‘Cats started off a little shaky in the first half but Linfield put the clamps on the Panthers in the second half as the Wildcat offense started to find themselves in a solid 27-12 victory in Orange, California.  I’m sure many Wildcats watching and listening at home were scrambling to pull up the roster during the game (from the new and improved GoLinfieldWildcats.com) saying “who the heck is this guy?”.  That’s understandable as the 35 of the 60 players on the field for Linfield were first time travel roster performers for the ‘Cats. There was big combination of core vets of this program, players that have worked for their opportunities to shine, and newcomers to the program looking to make their mark.  While it wasn’t pretty or nearly a finished product on the field last night for the ‘Cats, it’s a very exciting roster and combination of talent. The ceiling for this group is high and if you could look past the mistakes that hamstrung the ‘Cats last night you can see this could be the start of a something great in the ‘Catdome.


(Post Game Interview with starting offensive guard Will Heck)

Looking back on Saturday night, I know the immediate reaction is to kick rocks about too many turnovers and some missed opportunities but let’s talk about some immediate improvements over the 2016 team shall we?  Our specials coverage last night was darn good against a standout returner against Chapman.  For a good majority of 2016 our kickoff coverage was dismal but I think this year’s team has so much play making talent that a lot of these hungry younger guys are going to be big contributors on special teams.  Next, Linfield’s pass rush is back.  The ‘Cats had one of the lowest (if not lowest) sack totals since the 1990’s. Our defensive line was solid but we just did not pressure teams very well and put quarterbacks down.  Chapman all but abandoned their drop back passing game after the first two series until late in the game due the constant harassment and physicality from the Linfield front four.  Three different DT’s (Grate, Stinchcomb, and Havilli) converged for sacks last night and Linfield defensive ends were making life miserable for Chapman.  That is a big development for the 2017 ‘Cats.  Third, the kicking game has improved dramatically as well. Bragging on the kicking game may seem silly but last night the ‘Cats legs were on point with huge field goals, flipping field position on punts, and consistent placement on kickoffs.


With that said there is a ton for Linfield to improve upon.  From little things all the way down to the big ticket items, but as you saw from this past Saturday night in SoCal, this 2017 might have something special cooking up.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good

Staying the Course: Chapman was game.  They are a well-coached and experienced team that played dang hard the whole contest and were giving the ‘Cats all they handle in the first half.  I loved the fact that this group was able to get together, talk it out, and respond with surging to the lead and snuffing out the Panthers in the second half.  

(Pregame interview with starting QB Troy Fowler)

 Pass Rush:  As discussed above, damn that made an old defensive lineman’s heart fill with pride.  The ‘Cats d-line came out of the gates with their hair on fire and eliminated the Panthers longer developing passing game early in the 1st quarter. It wasn’t just one player but multiple ‘Cats penetrating Chapman's backfield. 

Rushing Attack: The ‘Cats debut of the rushing attack was a solid performance.  Linfield’s top three rushers were program newcomers in Freshman Dawson Ruhl, QB Aiden Wilder, and running back Chidubem Nnoli.  The ‘Cats collectively netted 217 yards on 45 attempts (4.8 yards) and showed some pop in the attack.  I think this aspect of the ’17 Wildcats will only improve as the season moves on.


Special Teams:  Tip of the cap to Linfield special team for a clutch and clean first game performance.  The Linfield coverage and returns teams were both up to task in locking in a solid Chapman returner in Jacob Isabel.  In a tight game it was crucial to bottle up the Panthers to make sure the field didn’t flip or give up a return for touchdown.  Along with that, Willy Warne stepped up a huge with big field goals to inch the ‘Cats close at half and then to gain the lead again on the first drive of the 3rd quarter.  Shout out to freshman punter Colton Ramos for this 40.0 yards per punt last night and take care of business in his first college football game.   

Defensive Backs stepping up: It was trial by fire for the Linfield new look defensive back field and they rose to meet their first challenge of the 2017 season.  Chapman was running their quick passing game due to the constant threat of the ‘Cats pass rush but late in the 2nd half, the Panthers had to open it up to try to get back in the game. Multiple times our DB’s were tested deep and our guys got after the football in the air and eventually came up with a big late fourth quarter pick by Anthony Guttadauro.


Offensive line performance: I really liked the way out offensive line played on Saturday.  It’s a promising start to a group that in all reality hold the keys to what this 2017 team can become.  This group was physical on the point of attack and for the most part provided ample time in the pocket in the passing game.  What I think I enjoyed the most was that Coach Hire was rotating multiple offensive linemen in during the game and that will only pay off as the season progresses as the ‘Cats develop that OL depth.

The Bad

Defensive red zone penalties: The ‘Cats had three drive big red zone penalties that hand wrapped and already gifted field position on the Panthers 1st TD of the game and then again in the 4th quarter that Linfield was able to survive but should have been put in the position in the first place.  Besides the one long run that the ‘Cats gave up, this was the biggest blemish on what was a darn good defensive performance.

Four turnover:  It’s not too often you can go on the road, give up four turnover, and win a football game by double digits.  Thankfully, your Wildcats are not your run-of-the-mill football team but it’s obvious that Linfield needs see improvement in this department. 

The Ugly

Nothing at all.  I honestly had no idea what to expect on Saturday.  I knew we had a lot of talent, some proven talent, and truckload of new faces, but I didn’t know how that was going to translate on the field against another opponent.  What we found out is that this could wind up some big things but their learning curve needs to look like a hockey stick with UMHB coming to town. The Cru’ is an absolute beast of a program so the ‘Cats need to keep working on the little things that might help carry the day against the defending champs.
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