The Bobcat Nation

First of all, how many times have Kramer coached kick return teams let the ball drop in front of them because the other team was kicking into the wind?!? That situation is so elementary, yet Kramer can't seem to figure it out...hint: there are flags on top of the goal post uprights and the opposing team's kicker is out kicking off before any one else on their team comes out to warm up so it is real easy to focus on him and see how far he kicks the ball, then factor in the wind!!!

Secondly, all of you predicting and forecasting the playoffs are so far ahead of yourselves I'm wondering what your crystal balls say is going to happen on LOI day next spring! The Cats offense has performed acceptably for ONE QUARTER PER GAME this year, that won't beat PSU, SDSU (who only lost to Cal-Poly by 7 in Cali, and beat NDSU last weekend), NAU, EWU, or UM! Until Bailey gets more then 7 plays in the play book, and more then 3 that we can execute effectively, we're in BIG trouble. The ONLY reason we're where we are is because of a defense that WILL get tired at least one or two games this year, and not just tired of being on the field all game due to fumbles, INTs, or terrible play calling, but tired of carrying the load week in and week out.

We always blame the teddies of looking at everything through rose colored glasses (which they TOTALLY deserve, btw), but many of us are guilty of the very same conduct and it shows in the conclusions and opinions being stated.

The Cats definitely have some very talented players and have pulled out some great wins, but until we can blow the teams out we're supposed to and win some games we're not really expected to (which we haven't done in I don't know how long), we've got a long way to go!

Finally, when will Bailey realize that Travis IS NOT a pocket passer no matter how badly he wants him to be? Travis throws the ball when he's on the run soooo much more accurately its incredible...also, to add to his effectiveness, and the difficulty of defending him, when he's outside the tackles, he is our most dangerous runner, has the best moves, HOLDS ONTO THE BALL, and makes players come out of their coverage in zone to keep him from gaining 10-15 yards allowing him to dump the ball off and in man-to-man coverage he has more open field in which to run.

I totally agree with everything you said. The Cats haven't made a believer out of me yet. They have to put 4 quarters and a few scoring drives together before they have my vote for a playoff team. What would this defense do if they could really pin their ears back and play pass defense against someone who had to overcome a 20 point lead?

I also think Travis would benefit by calling a few rollout passes and maybe a naked bootleg once in a while. we may need to get the running game going a little before we do that, but maybe just the fact that Travis would be one on one with a linebacker or safety where he could run or pass might shake things up.

I can certainly agree with you that we seem to be predicting a playoff run, maybe on false hopes, maybe not. But if the past years are any indication of this team's rise during the last half or so of conference play, why shouldn't we be excited at this point? We certainly didn't start 2-0 the last 2 years in conference, but we still won the BSC championship. This is our best start in awhile, and if the past years are any indication of how well we will be playing in a couple weeks (maybe even the next game), then there is no reason to not help feeling a little excited.

We are traditionally late bloomers.

Ok, since I am pretty sure this is at least partially directed at me, I feel I must respond. Yes I have put up a few posts talking about the Cats chances at the postseason. You will also note that I have made note that our chances are slim at this point and that almost every game is a must win.

I am not saying that we are going to win the conference or necessarily go to the playoffs, things still need to come togethor. However, this team has improved alot the last few games and if you haven't seen that you are alot more pessimistic than I care to be. Call it blue & gold colored glasses if you want, but there is no denying that the Big Sky is down this year. The Cats are still in a good position and have a good chance. I have broken down my thoughts on playoff chances in other posts because as a fan, that is my goal/wish for the Cats, to go to playoffs, hopefully even host a game and eventually get this program to championship caliber.

Edit to say that there is nothing wrong with looking forward as a fan to what could be. Yes, the team needs to play it one game at a time, but as a fan speculation is part of what makes a forum like this--or just talking with your fellow fans--enjoyable.

WetWaderMT wrote:First of all, how many times have Kramer coached kick return teams let the ball drop in front of them because the other team was kicking into the wind?!? That situation is so elementary, yet Kramer can't seem to figure it out...hint: there are flags on top of the goal post uprights and the opposing team's kicker is out kicking off before any one else on their team comes out to warm up so it is real easy to focus on him and see how far he kicks the ball, then factor in the wind!!!

Exactly right...I saw that we were in trouble on that kickoff before it even happened. The Weber kicker didn't have a very strong leg and it was into a strong wind. Williams was lined up WAY too far back.

WetWaderMT wrote:The Cats definitely have some very talented players and have pulled out some great wins, but until we can blow the teams out we're supposed to and win some games we're not really expected to (which we haven't done in I don't know how long), we've got a long way to go!

Wasn't the ISU game one we weren't really expected to win? Of course they have a long way to go, but at least they've won the first two, which in my opinion makes playoff discussions legitimate even this early.

WetWaderMT wrote:Finally, when will Bailey realize that Travis IS NOT a pocket passer no matter how badly he wants him to be? Travis throws the ball when he's on the run soooo much more accurately its incredible...also, to add to his effectiveness, and the difficulty of defending him, when he's outside the tackles, he is our most dangerous runner, has the best moves, HOLDS ONTO THE BALL, and makes players come out of their coverage in zone to keep him from gaining 10-15 yards allowing him to dump the ball off and in man-to-man coverage he has more open field in which to run.

Again, agree with you here. Travis seems to make good plays very often when he rolls out of the pocket...i.e. game-winning TD vs. ISU, that was a great decision and throw by Travis.

I agree that we need to take it one game at a time, but I disagree that Lulay cannot throw from the pocket? Did you not see any of the 2nd half this past Saturday. There were MANY throws that Lulay threw out of the pocket. Why? Because the OL was giving him time to throw the ball and set his feet? Weber's defensive ends were causing us major havoc (especially when running stunts) in the first half on Saturday and it made Lulay rush his throws. I agree we can run roll outs for him, but we also need to be able to have him throw from the pocket as well. One thing about throwing from the pocket is if the DE's pin their ears backf for the Sack, LULAY is gonna burn them on the tuck and run up and out (like he did 3-4 times on Saturday).

This team is getting better each week. We need to really step it up the next few weeks though and AT LEAST cut down the penalties and TO's. The offense is moving the ball well enough for a win if it wasn't for those. We had 400+ total yards offense, but 4 TO's and major penalties killed us. We take those away and we can beat anyone in the league. So lets gear up for Portland State and pound them in the mouth this weekend. Everyone make sure they get up to the game so we can get the 12th man going. We need some noise!

Don't forget that Weber gave up 95 points in the previous 2 weeks. The Cats showed a lot of potential in the 2nd half, but unless Weber played much better this week, it's not a very impressive win. If the Cats start to execute a lot better, they might be a contender, but they're very very lucky to be 2-0 at this point. It'll take more than 2 touchdowns to win against PSU, NAU, and EWU. EWU looks scary right now.

kmax, my post wasn't directed at anyone in particular, lest of all you. Exactly the opposite, I meant it to be a general response to what I've read in here and heard at the games and around town.

Cardiac, yes, I watched the entire second half, and many of Travis' throws while in the pocket were, and always have been, too long (Guinn's home run ball is a perfect example), behind the receiver which doesn't allow them to run after the catch nearly as much as if the ball were on target (a couple of Sullivan's catches come to mind, who btw played a GREAT GAME and looks to me to be our most dependable receiver at this point, as well as many of the throws to Wolf) or at the receivers shoe laces which doesn't allow them to run after a catch either. Now in the two seasons Travis has been QBing this team, from my recollection (and I admit, I'm not watching hours of tape each week so I might be wrong) the throws he makes on the run are much more accurate a greater percentage of the time...maybe I'm also seeing things through blue and gold glasses here because when Travis gets out of the pocket it seems like he just "makes" more, better, bigger plays either running or finding an open receiver and putting the ball on the numbers.

I'm all for being optimistic, but let's not get over board with it and then act like we didn't recognize all the miscues if the Cats aren't able to "pull the next one out." We've had a very fortunate start to the season, except for all the injuries, and we should be very happy to be where we are, but we also need to recognize we have a LONG way to go before we start intimidating any of our opponents with our play.

WetWaderMT wrote:kmax, my post wasn't directed at anyone in particular, lest of all you. Exactly the opposite, I meant it to be a general response to what I've read in here and heard at the games and around town.

Cardiac, yes, I watched the entire second half, and many of Travis' throws while in the pocket were, and always have been, too long (Guinn's home run ball is a perfect example), behind the receiver which doesn't allow them to run after the catch nearly as much as if the ball were on target (a couple of Sullivan's catches come to mind, who btw played a GREAT GAME and looks to me to be our most dependable receiver at this point, as well as many of the throws to Wolf) or at the receivers shoe laces which doesn't allow them to run after a catch either. Now in the two seasons Travis has been QBing this team, from my recollection (and I admit, I'm not watching hours of tape each week so I might be wrong) the throws he makes on the run are much more accurate a greater percentage of the time...maybe I'm also seeing things through blue and gold glasses here because when Travis gets out of the pocket it seems like he just "makes" more, better, bigger plays either running or finding an open receiver and putting the ball on the numbers.

I'm all for being optimistic, but let's not get over board with it and then act like we didn't recognize all the miscues if the Cats aren't able to "pull the next one out." We've had a very fortunate start to the season, except for all the injuries, and we should be very happy to be where we are, but we also need to recognize we have a LONG way to go before we start intimidating any of our opponents with our play.

I agree he can make plays rolling outside the pocket as well, but rolling to one side or the other shortens the field and makes your team easier to defend if you do it a lot. The Chargers have to do the same thing with Doug Flutie so he can get his passes off, and in the end if the other team has prepared for it it makes the field shorter because you can't throw it on a dime all across your body to other side of the field. I agree we can do this on occasion, but you can't do that as your game plan the whole game. I also like the misdirection stuff as well. I thought Bailey did a heck of job of play calling in the 2nd half as he took what Weber as giving us and ran with it. All the underneath plays were open ... the quick outs on the sideline and the short comebacks across the middle. They weren't really letting our receivers go deep at all (except the Guinn play). I also liked the quick 'fake' runs by Domineck and having him squirt out and catch a pass ... that keeps the LB/DL honest and I bet we have 10 plays on those type of plays as Weber was giving that to us. So I think Bailey did exactly what I would have done had I called the game. The only thing I wouldn't do is put Beal down at goal line on the 1. But someone said that Domineck ran out for a breather on that one so maybe that is what happened.

Our offense was limited to mistakes on TO's and penalties that game. I have watched it 3 times now and we shot ourselves in the foot too many times. It was NOT the play calling. Execution/Penalties and TO's.

Wetwader, my apologies if I misunderstood. As I said, I am more just looking at what it would take to make the playoffs, rather than looking at "when" we make it.

Agree with you on Lulay's pocket passing. To me it almost seems like he gets a kind of happy feet problem when he stands in. Like he can feel the pressure and would like to move out, but knows that he is "supposed" to stand in there and gets nervous and doesn't set and deliver properly. He always has seemed to play better in the mobile quarterback role and I cringed when I heard earlier this season the rumors (or did Kramer actually say it?) that the coaches were trying to get Travis to stand in the pocket longer.

I also agree that we can't overlook the miscues, but don't confuse optimism with blind optimism. Overlooking those problems and seeing us as world beaters is being blind. However seeing that yes we made some mistakes but also realizing that they are pretty easily correctable mistakes, that without those mistakes the Cats are actually playing pretty well, and that no one else in the Big Sky save EWU is exactly on fire right now makes for a nice outlook. But the games still have to be played and the team has to show they can learn from their mistakes. As for thinking that we are intimidating any opponent, if you have actually run into someone who thinks that at this point I would ask that you invite them over to my tailgate this Saturday...perhaps they would be interested in a bridge I have for sale.

Cardiac, maybe I am misunderstanding wetwader but it seems like you two are talking about slightly different scenarios. The plays you are talking about are quick developing plays where while Travis isn't scrambling he also isn't sitting back in the pocket waiting either. Those plays are three to five step drops and quick throws. Travis seems to do well with these and they work well, though he does sometimes put a bit too much zip on the ball for these. My understanding of Wetwader's point, and what I feel is a problem, is when Travis stands in the pocket and waits for routes to devleop/searches for the open man. This is when, as I stated in my previous response, he seems to get a bit nervous and throw without being set whereas if he steps up and out of the pocket or scrambles out he seems to be much more accurate with his throws.

Again, I could be misunderstanding you or wetwader, but it seems like you guys are talking about slightly different types of plays.