Linfield can't let the fact this isn't an NWC game effect their preparation or focus. If folks say that if Linfield dropped this game it wouldn't effect their possible playoff seating then they would be dead wrong. Playoff committees are made up by people and people are not always bound to follow the logic laid out by NCAA rules. If Linfield wants to host multiple playoff games then the 'Cats need to be 100% focused on beating Menlo and moving on to the rest of their NWC business. It's a big game vs a team that wants nothing more than to beat Linfield. If you secretly asked Menlo's staff if they could guarantee one win in the 2011 season you know they would 100% circle this game. I can't be there this weekend but I'm excited to see Linfield perform and rise up to the unique challenges of this Saturday. Catdome Baby!
Get To Know A Wildcat
Favorite Place in Mac to Eat: Panda Express
Favorite Movie: Major League (WC11 is with Buddy on this 100%..still get chills every time Willie Mays Hayes beats the tag at home)
Favorite Music: Not a big music guy so what ever Nate Dixon puts in my car
Favorite TV Show: Two and a Half Men (with Charlie Sheen) or Criminal Minds (A WC11 household staple)
Favorite Pro Football team: Oakland Raiders JUST WIN BABY!!!!!!
Class I Most Look Forward to: Economics of Pro Sports (Professor Randy Grant)
Mac or PC: Mac
Cpu Homepage: Espn Fantasy Football
Twitter or Facebook: Facebook but have gotten complaints that i need to step up my Twitter game
Car or Truck: Truck
Xbox, PS3, or WII: Xbox GamerTag= Big Saxy 14 bring your "A" game
Favorite Coach Yen Saying: TEMPO TEMPO TEMPO
Which WR has the best hands: Logan Krellwitz because he has conquered the Jerry Rice catch
You were an athletic trainer for the 'Cats softball team last season. Could manage to make contact off the 'Cats starting pitching: I wouldn't even get in the batters box against them, but if i did out of 100 pitches i would swing and miss 99 times and foul tip one.
Your Favorite Part About Playing at Linfield is: Playing in big time games.
Post Linfield aspirations: Make lots of money
Wildcat11's Keys To Victory:
Make this a business trip: Like was mentioned above this is the 'Cats 1st big road trip of the season. There are a lot of firsts this weekend for this team (overnight trip, hotel, flight, etc) and the fact Menlo doesn't have the best accommodations can make it even more of a distraction. This Wildcat team has to just take all of these items as they come and focus in on the task in front of them. Menlo will be a worthy challenger and the 'Cats need to be ready to go from the moment they touch down in the Bay Area. 60 minutes of Linfield Football.
Protect the Quarterback: Menlo's defense is a pressure/movement defense that brings bodies from all areas. Looking at the numbers of the year, Menlo has limited the opponent's run game (78.6 total rush yards per game) so the ability to keep Mickey upright becomes even more paramount.
Limit the Oaks Passing Game: Menlo will to try to establish some sort of rushing attack but the Oaks offense has primary been getting it done in the passing game. Linfield's defensive backs have been stellar on the season and will be getting challenged once again this weekend. If Linfield can slow down the Oak's passing attack then the 'Cats will bottle up Menlo's offense.
Get Special Teams on a roll: Linfield's special teams have been dominate this entire season and they will be needed once again for this big road trip. Menlo is averaging about 20 yards a kick return and return punts at a 9.3 per yard clip. If the 'Cats special teams can force their will on Menlo it will only make it easier on the Wildcat offense and defense to be effective. The travel roster will limit this group in some regards but they will be needed to have a big day in the office.
'Cats Wide Receiver Corp need to have a day: Menlo's defense is based on stopping the run and challenging you to throw the ball. Last week the 'Cats WR's were put in that same position and came through with tough catches and play making. Linfield will need more of the same this weekend. If the WR corp can execute and preform to their ability the 'Cats offense will move the ball on Menlo.
Limit Penalties/mistakes: This is always big in the game of football but even more magnified in tightly contest games. Linfield started off the season with a small amount of penalties but over the past two weeks have been flagged 10 times and 8 times. In the past, there has been some rather dubious officiating so Linfield is going to have to tighten this up on Saturday. Don't give Menlo extra life with bad penalties and don't kill drives for the same reason.
Overall:
