Football Awards

billingscat · Post by **billingscat** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:11 pm

A few questions, some things that dont make a whole lot of sense to me, maybe you guys can help me out. Why is Cooper not up for the Buchanan award? His numbers this year arent outstanding but thats because offenses completely shift their gameplan depending on where he lines up. Also why isnt Lulay up for the Payton award, while Craig Jochs is? Any answers besides politics?

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:17 pm

Cooper doesn't deserve to be on the list right now - the last couple years, it didn't matter where he was on the field, he was in on every single play. His production has dwindled pretty significantly this year. Look for a little change in defensive alignment this week, I think the coaches want to get Coop back into the game.

No excuse as to why Lulay isn't on there. He deserves to be.

Post by **kmax** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:19 pm

First, Cooper is up for the Buchanan.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.as ... /index.htm

He is second row, first column on that page.

As to Travis and the Payton, I addressed this before, but mainly it comes down to stats. Travis has great heart and plays great, but up until about four-five weeks ago his stats really were pretty middle of the pack. These awards are mostly stats based, it's just how it is. The lists for each award go through revisions, there was one last week. If Travis were to win the next two and put up the kind of numbers he has been lately in both, he may have a chance of being put on the ballot, but who knows.

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:25 pm

kmax, I believe Cooper was dropped off the latest Buchanon candidates list last week. They may not have updated the picture gallery.

Post by **kmax** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:50 pm

BozoneCat wrote:kmax, I believe Cooper was dropped off the latest Buchanon candidates list last week. They may not have updated the picture gallery.

Nope, follow the link below for the press release of last weeks revision. Current Buchanan candidates are listed at the bottom, Cooper is still in there.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.as ... 581037.htm

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 2:30 pm

Cooper has been playing within the Scheme this year. And lately, most of the teams we have played have been playing with at least 1 tight end in blocking each down. So Cooper hasn't been able to get get 'free' reign to the QB lately and still be honest guarding the TE etc. Also, our defense is so fast and has so many athletes that the tackles are spread out a lot more this year. Other teams have some great players with great stats, but overall their defense isn't as good as our because they are doing it ALL themselves and often times at the end of big gains etc.

Coaches definately know who Cooper is and I'm sure they scheme/play call for him just like teams do for like Ray Lewis etc. Cooper this year is DEFINATELY accounted for on every play I would think.

Helcat72 · Post by **Helcat72** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 3:55 pm

Haven't you noticed that TE's are almost non existent for the teams we've played? I believe this is attributable to Cooper either because they have to stay in and block him or he covers them like a blanket. NAU sprung thier tight end long and he ran him down at the 3. You don't see many LB run down tight ends on post patterns after they catch the ball!

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:20 pm

Helcat72 wrote:Haven't you noticed that TE's are almost non existent for the teams we've played? I believe this is attributable to Cooper either because they have to stay in and block him or he covers them like a blanket. NAU sprung thier tight end long and he ran him down at the 3. You don't see many LB run down tight ends on post patterns after they catch the ball!

Yep, the TE"s have been almost non existent in the games we have played. Cooper has shut them down. He may not have the tackle numbers this year, but he is playing within the scheme keeping our defense honest. Maybe they will move him these last 2 games and let him wreak havoc?

Cat Pride · Post by **Cat Pride** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 8:41 am

BozoneCat wrote:Cooper doesn't deserve to be on the list right now

Watch your mouth BozoneCat! Cooper definitely deserves to be on that list. He may not be getting the "stats" but that is because Coop is being game planned around.

Watch RC specifically for a couple series. He is constantly doubled teamed by the tackle and TE, and also being watched by the RB on passing plays - yet Coop still is in the backfield reeking havoc. Watch when Coop shifts from strong side to weak side or vice versa during the games, the offensive formations shift with him and if it doesnt, that is when Coop makes his big plays.

I'd be willing to bet he is the only player in the Big Sky who teams game plan around.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 9:15 am

Cat Pride wrote:
BozoneCat wrote:Cooper doesn't deserve to be on the list right now
Watch your mouth BozoneCat! Cooper definitely deserves to be on that list. He may not be getting the "stats" but that is because Coop is being game planned around.

Watch RC specifically for a couple series. He is constantly doubled teamed by the tackle and TE, and also being watched by the RB on passing plays - yet Coop still is in the backfield reeking havoc. Watch when Coop shifts from strong side to weak side or vice versa during the games, the offensive formations shift with him and if it doesnt, that is when Coop makes his big plays.

I'd be willing to bet he is the only player in the Big Sky who teams game plan around.

Fosmark from weber would be another guy I think constantly sees double teams as well. That guy is a horse and probably will play on Sunday's as well. Cooper flat out is being game planned for this year. What Cat Pride said above is exactly right. If you don't believe it, watch the offense shifts etc. and what protection they roll to Coopers side (if its a pass play) and how they run away from Cooper a lot as well. They can do that all they want, as it frees up our other guys to get in and make plays as well. Other guys will see single coverage or no coverage and can come in and make the play. All I can say is the TE play has almost been non-existen against our team ..... who is responsible for that? The STRONGSIDE LB ---> COOPER. Thats why your not hearing his name, they are using the TE/TACKLE almost 100% to block the guy.

Cat Pride · Post by **Cat Pride** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 10:51 am

And not that Mac Mollohan wouldnt be having a great year anyways, but he can thank Coop for Mac having a spectacular year. I look for both LBs to be first team all conference AGAIN this year

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 6:08 pm

Cat Pride wrote:
BozoneCat wrote:Cooper doesn't deserve to be on the list right now
Watch your mouth BozoneCat! Cooper definitely deserves to be on that list. He may not be getting the "stats" but that is because Coop is being game planned around.

Watch RC specifically for a couple series. He is constantly doubled teamed by the tackle and TE, and also being watched by the RB on passing plays - yet Coop still is in the backfield reeking havoc. Watch when Coop shifts from strong side to weak side or vice versa during the games, the offensive formations shift with him and if it doesnt, that is when Coop makes his big plays.

I'd be willing to bet he is the only player in the Big Sky who teams game plan around.

Pride, I agree with everything you said. I think you probably just misunderstood the point I was making. I certainly don't think Cooper "sucks" or anything ridiculous like that! He is a great player, and I doubt his stats from this season will have any effect on his draft status. I wouldn't trade one player in the league for Roger Cooper. I wish he had the stats to back it all up, but oh well.

That said, he still doesn't deserve to be on the Buchanon list. These lists are based on stats, and Roger just doesn't have the stats to warrant being on the list. Big deal, though! If we can manage to win the league, I would bet that Roger gets the Big Sky Defensive MVP, and I would argue that this award means a lot more since it is awarded by the coaches who have had to game plan and play against you, as opposed to a bunch of sportswriters who don't know anything except your stats. I think Kane's award last year meant more than Allen's Buchanon - maybe not on a national level, but to those associated with the Montana State program.

94VegasCat · Post by **94VegasCat** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 6:25 pm

If we are gonna talk about Cooper for league MVP on defense, why not start talking about MR LULAY for offensive MVP?

Meyer and Ochs may have better stats, but are they as valuable to their respective teams as Travis is to the CATS?

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Thu Nov 11, 2004 7:48 pm

Lulay will be offensive MVP if the Cats can win the Big Sky. The crazy thing is, he does have the stats to back it up - he is #1 in the conference in total offense per game. When you consider the extremely slow start we got off to, that is just amazing. Can you imagine what Lulay's stats would look like if he had been putting up these numbers all year long!?!?!

Cat Pride · Post by **Cat Pride** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 8:39 am

BozoneCat wrote:Lulay will be offensive MVP if the Cats can win the Big Sky. The crazy thing is, he does have the stats to back it up - he is #1 in the conference in total offense per game. When you consider the extremely slow start we got off to, that is just amazing. Can you imagine what Lulay's stats would look like if he had been putting up these numbers all year long!?!?!

Exactly BC, exactly! There cant be a player more important to his team than Travis Lulay is to the Cats - not even Griz fans can debate that! Travis is #2 in passing yards, #1 in yards per game, #1 in total offense, #3 in passing efficiency, #2 punter in league as well. Imagine those stats had his recievers "caught" on to the system early in the season. 3 time player of the week, I dont reallly think its even a close vote at seasons end for conference MVP.

94VegasCat · Post by **94VegasCat** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 1:49 pm

Thanx for setting me straight on Lulays standings. I am aware of his game last week, but I must have looked at the previous weeks stats. Don't get me wrong I am a huge advocate of Lulay being the MVP. Hands down, this kid is a winner!

jagur1 · Post by **jagur1** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:01 pm

You guys are crazy if you think anyone but Meyers is the BSC MVP this year.

I think that will become painfully clear tomorrow to all the cat fans.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:05 pm

jagur1 wrote:You guys are crazy if you think anyone but Meyers is the BSC MVP this year. I think that will become painfully clear tomorrow to all the cat fans.

Ummm, if the Bobcats win this game and the next game it will be Lulay. If not, then it will be Meyer. Pretty much the QB we all said would be earlier in they year while every Griz fans was saying OCHES OCHES OCHES. Oches is around the 4th best in the conference in my opinion after Lulay/Meyer/Murrietta

Helcat72 · Post by **Helcat72** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:13 pm

I think Oches is far and away better than Murietta...Murietta showed what can happen when you take away two all conference receivers!

Each of them have their strong points Oches handles the offense very well and is very efficient. Meyer also is very efficient and adds athletic ability and speed. Lulay also adds tremendous leadership and uncanny ability to win in the clutch.

Cat Pride · Post by **Cat Pride** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:20 pm

jagur1 wrote:You guys are crazy if you think anyone but Meyers is the BSC MVP this year. I think that will become painfully clear tomorrow to all the cat fans.

Meyer is fantastic, but who is more important to his team, Lulay or Meyer? I'd even go so far as to say Meyer isnt even the MVP of his team, Eric Kimble is in my opinion, and that doesnt diminish what Meyer has accomplished though.