2019 Game 2 Preview: Linfield (1-0) at Redlands (2-0)

Another round of 'Cats vs Bulldogs

It’s time for some West Coast non-conference action as YOUR Linfield Wildcats will once again jump on a plane, and this time, head to the San Bernardino Valley to square off against a red-hot Redlands University Bulldog squad on Saturday night (7pm kickoff).

Redlands is a legit Top 25 team, and in watching their first two games, I can safely say that this is the best Redlands team I’ve seen in the 20+ year span that Linfield and Redlands have been in the NCAA together (Linfield’s first year in the NCAA was 1998). This is a dangerous and complete football team that the ‘Cats will be playing.  No doubt, this is a high stakes non-conference game on several levels. We’re talking about major playoff implications, recruiting clout, momentum headed into conference play.  It’s going to be a playoff type of atmosphere at Ted Runner Stadium.

For me, the biggest difference (there’s a few) between this year’s Redlands team and past is their physicality up front on both sides of the line.  I feel Redland’s offensive line play has been outstanding in games 1 and 2, and the Bulldogs possess a defensive line that can get after the quarterback.  You can tell this program was in the weight room this off-season.

Defensively, the Redlands will be playing their 3-3-5 base defense and have excellent size and athleticism on their defensive line.  Currently, the two leading tacklers for Redlands are a pair of physical linebackers in Matthew Betancourt and Jermaine Calhoun.  Behind the LB’s, the Bulldogs feature a group of defensive backs who have piled up 6 interceptions in two games.  Overall, the Bulldogs are only giving up 259.0 yards per game and have been nails against the run (50.5 yards per game).  This will be a step up and much bigger challenge for the ‘Cats young offensive line this week.

On offense, what a difference a year makes. The Bulldogs scuffled at times last year with their production and are unrecognizable this year (in a good way for Redlands). I mentioned it above, but the Dawgs offensive line has matured and are a nasty group this year.  That’s where it starts but not where it ends for Redlands.  Freshman running back Mason Carvalho is a stud. Carvalho is a great blend of speed/agility/power and a perfect fit for the Dawgs spread offense. Redlands also have some fine play makers at receiver as well and Linfield will see a dangerous pass catching Tight End in Blake Roy.

But the straw that stirs the drink for Redland’s offense is quarterback Nathan Martinez.  The Junior quarterback has been outstanding so far in 2019.  Don’t let his size fool you (5’9”, 155 lbs) this kid is a fearless and dangerous duel threat QB.  Martinez is leading the Redlands offense to 516.5 yards per game and a balance that would make any offense coordinator smile ear to ear (252.5 rushing yards per game to 264.0 passing yards per game).  The Wildcat defensive staff will have a lot to chew on this week on how the ‘Cats are going to try to slow down this offense.

For the ‘Cats, it’s time to put last weekend in the rear view mirror and get serious about this weekend.  There’s no doubt that the Redlands' coaching staff, players, fan base will be fired up for this game.  They know they have something going on and would love nothing more to finally get one over on Linfield.  This game has a big-time feel to it and should have a ton of Division 3 eyeballs on the Redland’s stream of the game.

Myself, I’m excited for this game.  I’ve taken my fair share of jabs at Redlands in the past, but this 2019 version has my attention.  In watching the Dawgs slap around George Fox, I said to myself “Dang, this is a team that could do damage in the playoffs.”  What a great test for the ‘Cats this weekend.  Let’s get to some keys!

Wildcat11’s Keys To Victory

Complete effort:  Another long road game.  Dealing with travel. Facing a team/program that is looking to make a statement. Playing in hot weather.  Walking into a hostile environment.  It’s going to be a stiff test against Redlands.  That means it’s all hands-on deck.  Linfield must start fast and maintain focus for a full four quarters.  Ted Runner stadium is a tough place to play and a damn good opponent will make it that much harder.  Better be ready to buckle up.

Limit the Bulldog rushing attack: That’s a lot easier to write than to accomplish. Carvalho is the primary back, but Redlands will give carries to multiple RB’s (Kai Thompson is averaging 60.5 yards per game) and Martinez is a major threat in both designed runs and scrambling.  Rowan had quite a bit of success rushing this past weekend and I’m sure Redlands will be looking to do the same.

Need offensive balance:  Linfield’s offense cannot be one dimensional on Saturday night.  It’s incredibly important that Linfield makes Redlands respect the rushing game of the ‘Cats.  Doing that will go a long way to opening up the passing game for Linfield.  If the ‘Cats allow the Bulldogs defensive line to control the LOS, it’s going to be a tough task to move the ball.

Have to be great tacklers:  Not only does Linfield need to do this in the rush game but the ‘Cats tackling is going to be tested in the passing game. Redlands loves to throw out into the boundary and work to clear out coverage and hit the shallow crossing routes to let their inside guys go to work.  The first defender on the scene must do a great job of keeping leverage and limiting the run after the catch.  If Linfield can be consistent here, it will help in bogging down the Dawgs’ offense.  If not, it could be a long night trying to slow Redlands down.

Clean pockets: We all saw on Saturday that if Wyatt Smith has a clean pocket to work from, Linfield is going to be explosive throwing the ball. In watching film, I think this will be a stiffer test for our young offensive line, and if they can’t keep Wyatt clean, it will go a long way towards offensive production.

Priority on possession: This is football 101 and I feel I write this in every keys to victory segment but it’s true.  The Wildcats must put a premium on ball security and making good decisions.  Redland’s defense has proven so far, they can take the ball away and change the momentum of the game. Whoever limits turnovers will naturally increase their chances of victory.

Special on special teams:  When you have a tightly contested game on paper, the difference maker can come down to special teams.  The ‘Cats need to be great here in doing the little things like catching the ball, getting kicks off clean, staying in lanes, keep leverage, sustaining blocks, and converging on carries. One or two special teams play could tilt victory to either side this Saturday.

Overall

‘Cats by 3. This should be a fantastic football game.  Both teams are physical, fast, and talented. I’m excited to see the talent and how the coaches scheme and adjust as the game goes on.  This game could come down to who has the football last and I believe that this Linfield team has a tightness that will help the Wildcats navigate towards a victory.