Finally got a chance to watch the game tonight and umm.......

[stpaulcat]

We played a good team yesterday. What the fu*k were some people (one in particular) talking about after the game? Yes, the first half wasn't great, either offensively or defensively. But in the third quarter the team demonstrated what they can be. Mistakes were made, sure. Clayton Thorson as a red-shirt freshman?--I'll take him. He has a big upside, give him time. When this team focuses, great things will happen. We certainly should beat Minnesota next week. Iowa and Michigan? Not as sure, but if we play up to capacity we can win.

 

[GlideCat]

We played a good team yesterday. What the fu*k were some people (one in particular) talking about after the game? Yes, the first half wasn't great, either offensively or defensively. But in the third quarter the team demonstrated what it can be. Mistakes were made, sure. Clayton Thorson as a red-shirt freshman?--I'll take him. He has a big upside, give him time. When this team focuses, great things will happen. We certainly should beat Minnesota next week. Iowa and Michigan? Not as sure, but if we play up to capacity we can win.

There are those who believe that the real Cats were the third quarter version. There are others that believe that the first half Cats were the real ones.

My take is that the Jekyll and Hyde version that we saw last night is not going to beat Michigan, Wisconsin, or Iowa. We need a lot more Jekyll and a lot less Hyde. There is a lot of film of our defense now and conference OCs are going to start picking away at the threads. As good as the Cats defense is, the offense has to generate more consistency as we get into the meat of our schedule.

I agree that when the team focuses, great things happen. But it is a thin line. When they let down just a little bit, bad things happen. There is no margin for error.

 

[hdhntr1]

There are those who believe that the real Cats were the third quarter version. There are others that believe that the first half Cats were the real ones.

My take is that the Jekyll and Hyde version that we saw last night is not going to beat Michigan, Wisconsin, or Iowa. We need a lot more Jekyll and a lot less Hyde. There is a lot of film of our defense now and conference OCs are going to start picking away at the threads. As good as the Cats defense is, the offense has to generate more consistency as we get into the meat of our schedule.

I agree that when the team focuses, great things happen. But it is a thin line. When they let down just a little bit, bad things happen. There is no margin for error.

Before the season started people would have been happy with 6 wins. Now anything other than undefeated is a big disappointment? We have RS Frosh QB that is only in his second years as a QB. Give it a chnace to develop

 

[GlideCat]

Before the season started people would have been happy with 6 wins. Now anything other than undefeated is a big disappointment? We have RS Frosh QB that is only in his second years as a QB. Give it a chnace to develop

Undefeated? Not so much. But I look at Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minny and I don't see any reason as a fan not to dream of our first trip to the B1G Championship. Pollyanna? Me? Hell yes! This is an exciting team and has the foundation to make this happen. But none of those teams is going to roll over and the Cats are going to have to play better than one good quarter out of four.

They can do it. CT got a hint of what it feels like to run the offense in rhythm. Yes, we have injuries but so does everyone else. This has the feeling to be an amazing year. I'm buying in.

Go Cats.

 

[EvanstonCat]

There are those who believe that the real Cats were the third quarter version. There are others that believe that the first half Cats were the real ones.

My take is that the Jekyll and Hyde version that we saw last night is not going to beat Michigan, Wisconsin, or Iowa. We need a lot more Jekyll and a lot less Hyde. There is a lot of film of our defense now and conference OCs are going to start picking away at the threads. As good as the Cats defense is, the offense has to generate more consistency as we get into the meat of our schedule.

I agree that when the team focuses, great things happen. But it is a thin line. When they let down just a little bit, bad things happen. There is no margin for error.

I'm one of those who believes we are both. Because we are. The 3rd quarter showed our potential (and was very promising indeed). But, until we are able to play that way for more than one quarter, much less consistently, we aren't that team. That 1st half was what we have largely been the entire year. Until the 3rd quarter. Let's hope that a Phoenix has risen from the ashes, and is indeed what we truly are, not just in potential but from here on out.

 

[Turk]

Undefeated? Not so much. But I look at Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minny and I don't see any reason as a fan not to dream of our first trip to the B1G Championship. Pollyanna? Me? Hell yes! This is an exciting team and has the foundation to make this happen. But none of those teams is going to roll over and the Cats are going to have to play better than one good quarter out of four.

They can do it. CT got a hint of what it feels like to run the offense in rhythm. Yes, we have injuries but so does everyone else. This has the feeling to be an amazing year. I'm buying in.

Go Cats.

7 pt favs against a decent minny team says alot. I gotta think our michigan game will b a difference maker as we will probably b 3 pt dogs but chances to win.

 

[phatcat]

We played a good team yesterday. What the fu*k were some people (one in particular) talking about after the game? Yes, the first half wasn't great, either offensively or defensively. But in the third quarter the team demonstrated what they can be. Mistakes were made, sure. Clayton Thorson as a red-shirt freshman?--I'll take him. He has a big upside, give him time. When this team focuses, great things will happen. We certainly should beat Minnesota next week. Iowa and Michigan? Not as sure, but if we play up to capacity we can win.

I'll take any win at any time. I've often said I don't care if we win on a missed XP on the last play of the game.

The key concerns: a) I don't think BSU is a good team. BSU was mauled by a mediocre aTm team, and beat and EMU team by 11, that then got pillaged by Army. yes we lost to Army. I don't think we gave up 650 yards and 58 points to Army. Meanwhile, we were a couple of missed FGs and an XP away (and a red zone fumble) away from losing to, arguably, the second worst team on the schedule. We won, I'm happy we won. Scary way to win against a weak team. b) just when we thought the injury bogeyman had passed us by...

I likewise think we should beat Minn. There are a couple of other "should beats" on the schedule. Worrisome how quickly Ioa and MichiGag have righted the ship.

 

[NJCat83588]

[QUOTE="phatcat, post: 98222, member: 230"
The key concerns: a) I don't think BSU is a good team. BSU was mauled by a mediocre aTm team, [/QUOTE]

Well, that "mediocre" aTm team beat a then-ranked ASU team and went to Arkansas and beat 'em. Right now they are ranked higher than NU, so if aTm is mediocre what does that say about the Cats? We all "know" how accurate rankings are.... /s

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

We played a good team yesterday. What the fu*k were some people (one in particular) talking about after the game? Yes, the first half wasn't great, either offensively or defensively. But in the third quarter the team demonstrated what they can be. Mistakes were made, sure. Clayton Thorson as a red-shirt freshman?--I'll take him. He has a big upside, give him time. When this team focuses, great things will happen. We certainly should beat Minnesota next week. Iowa and Michigan? Not as sure, but if we play up to capacity we can win.

Well said, Stpaulcat! Ball State has a better WR, QB,and running back, then Minnesota has! The QB and WR will be pros for sure!

 

[phatcat]

[QUOTE="phatcat, post: 98222, member: 230"
The key concerns: a) I don't think BSU is a good team. BSU was mauled by a mediocre aTm team,

Well, that "mediocre" aTm team beat a then-ranked ASU team and went to Arkansas and beat 'em. Right now they are ranked higher than NU, so if aTm is mediocre what does that say about the Cats? We all "know" how accurate rankings are.... /s[/QUOTE]

Everyone knows that "mediocre" is defined as "about as good as the Cats" /s

Way to parse through my response and pick out a questionable statement, but not respond to the observation that we nearly lost to an (otherwise) mediocre* (/s) BSU team

I'm happy with the win. No fingernails left, just bloody stumps (hard to type that way), but happy. Relieved that I am flying over to seen an undefeated team next Saturday. Just win, baby

 

[NJCat83588]

Way to parse through my response and pick out a questionable statement, but not respond to the observation that we nearly lost to an (otherwise) mediocre* (/s) BSU team

Not sure what sort of response you were looking for. Yes, NU almost lost to a mediocre BSU team. They played a poor first half on offense (not defense), and had a slew of injuries. According to Fitzgerald, they had a terrible week of practice and weren't as up for the game as he would have liked. Nevertheless, they put up more offensive yards than in any game this season or last save the OT ND game, despite an abysmal first half, 3 TOs, and a missed chip shot FG. It happens. Take the win to go 1-0 on the week and move on.

 

[TerraCat]

Undefeated?...They can do it. CT got a hint of what it feels like to run the offense in rhythm. Yes, we have injuries but so does everyone else. This has the feeling to be an amazing year. I'm buying in.

Go Cats.

I'm with you GlideCat.

What is great about college football, is that on any given night one team can take another team who is a 20 point favorite. This year we can win every game remaining on our schedule and we can lose every game on our schedule. The Cats in 2000 went to a mediocre Iowa team and lost and missed out on the Rose Bowl...remember when Stanford went in and beat USC?

Our guys have an incredible chance. There is great talent on both sides of the ball. We need to get Godwin back, did anyone hear anything on Odinegbo (sp)? It is up to Fitz and the players, they must be ready to play each and every game, and work hard each and every game for 60 minutes. One game at a time, one play at a time, let's get Minnesota! Go Cats!

This is a good ride enjoy it Cat Fans, we won that game against Ball State! Now let's get the next one!

 

[Hungry Jack]

I don't think losing the turnover battle 3-1 against any decent B1G team puts in position to win, even with 550 yards in total offense. We need to much more consistent in the passing game if we are going to win in conference. The good news is that we saw what CT is capable of doing--strong, accurate passes into deep seams, deeper touch throws on sideline routes, deep routes that we can watch our wideouts drop. if we can drop the silly sprint option plays and throw in a few designed QB runs, CT's tool set will be best used. I have seen enough of his arm strength and accuracy to know that he can make all of the throws.

 

[Walker Fan]

I was listening to the game on the radio on Saturday night and Adam Hoge, WGN's sideline reporter said that they had taped up Odegnigbo's ankle and he was stretching out and the training staff had given him his helmet back after his injury, so I am hoping that his injury did not worsen on Sunday and will not prevent him from getting back on the field on Saturday. Fingers crossed. As for the other injured 6-7 guys, I have not heard but they need some of those guys out there on Saturday, if possible.

Bottom line is that NU has to play better v. Minny, at UM and Iowa in the next 3 weeks. These three games could really be the keys to the season as Minny and Iowa are divisional opponents that we have at home. The UM game in Ann Arbor will be tough and I imagine NU will be underdogs because UM's only loss was to an undefeated Utah squad on the road and they just crushed a ranked BYU squad 31-0 at home.

 

[stpaulcat]

I'll take any win at any time. I've often said I don't care if we win on a missed XP on the last play of the game.

The key concerns: a) I don't think BSU is a good team. BSU was mauled by a mediocre aTm team, and beat and EMU team by 11, that then got pillaged by Army. yes we lost to Army. I don't think we gave up 650 yards and 58 points to Army. Meanwhile, we were a couple of missed FGs and an XP away (and a red zone fumble) away from losing to, arguably, the second worst team on the schedule. We won, I'm happy we won. Scary way to win against a weak team. b) just when we thought the injury bogeyman had passed us by...

I likewise think we should beat Minn. There are a couple of other "should beats" on the schedule. Worrisome how quickly Ioa and MichiGag have righted the ship.

BSU figured out our defense--not bad. They have a heck of a QB/WR combo that worked even with tight coverage. And their running back--it is Green?--darn good. Overall, IMO not a bad team. Granted they didn't do as well once we really started playing.

 

[stpaulcat]

Well said, Stpaulcat! Ball State has a better WR, QB,and running back, then Minnesota has! The QB and WR will be pros for sure!

Wrassler, YOU are the one I was referring to.

 

[hdhntr1]

I'm one of those who believes we are both. Because we are. The 3rd quarter showed our potential (and was very promising indeed). But, until we are able to play that way for more than one quarter, much less consistently, we aren't that team. That 1st half was what we have largely been the entire year. Until the 3rd quarter. Let's hope that a Phoenix has risen from the ashes, and is indeed what we truly are, not just in potential but from here on out.

They have been managing the games and CT development well so far. Dinardo has stated that it has been a masterful game management allowing CT to develop. He has made that comment each of the last two weeks. And while this development has occurred, we still won. Good job of bringing allong the RS Frosh setting him up for success and allowing the game to come to him. We can see the potential but we can also see the mistakes.

 

[hdhntr1]

BSU figured out our defense--not bad. They have a heck of a QB/WR combo that worked even with tight coverage. And their running back--it is Green?--darn good. Overall, IMO not a bad team. Granted they didn't do as well once we really started playing.

The running back was at the top of the NCAA in 30 yd plus runs coming into the game. I was able to see the first few minutes of the BSU/TAM game and said I liked him and their DE. Neal was not in those first few minutes. They are a dangerous team and I am glad to have that game behind us with a W. Hopefully the injuries are not too bad and guys recover quickly as we will need them.

The MAC is a tough conference and for those that think they are easy victories, I believe NU is 19-10-2 against them. Purdue found out how dangerous they are and dOSU and MINN almost did.

 

[DonatelloCat]

I'll take any win at any time. I've often said I don't care if we win on a missed XP on the last play of the game.

Uh . . are you TRYING to get droski to join this thread?!

 

[mikewebb68]

I'll take any win at any time. I've often said I don't care if we win on a missed XP on the last play of the game.

The key concerns: a) I don't think BSU is a good team. BSU was mauled by a mediocre aTm team, and beat and EMU team by 11, that then got pillaged by Army. yes we lost to Army. I don't think we gave up 650 yards and 58 points to Army. Meanwhile, we were a couple of missed FGs and an XP away (and a red zone fumble) away from losing to, arguably, the second worst team on the schedule. We won, I'm happy we won. Scary way to win against a weak team. b) just when we thought the injury bogeyman had passed us by...

I likewise think we should beat Minn. There are a couple of other "should beats" on the schedule. Worrisome how quickly Ioa and MichiGag have righted the ship.

Hard for Ball State to get pillaged by Army when they didn't play them. Do you mean VMI? They beat them....

 

[Katatonic]

^ At the same time, VMI put up 444 yds thru the air against the BSU secondary.

 

[pawildcat]

^ At the same time, VMI put up 444 yds thru the air against the BSU secondary.

As they were giving up 48 points and losing the football game.

 

[EvanstonCat]

As they were giving up 48 points and losing the football game.

So, what do we know from this?

Our offense put up less points and yards on BSU than VMI. That is disturbing.

Our defense held BSU to less points and yards than VMI. That is to be expected and doesn't tell us much.

 

[pawildcat]

So, what do we know from this?

Our offense put up less points and yards on BSU than VMI. That is disturbing.

Our defense held BSU to less points and yards than VMI. That is to be expected and doesn't tell us much.

You're really playing the old comparative scores and yardage game? You don't think Ball State might have been a little more up for Northwestern than VMI? They didn't take the hammer off on defense after ringing up 48 points? Last year, Iowa beat us by about 35 and beat a 5-7 Ball State team 17-13. Was Ball State 30 points better than us last year? Is Ball State better than Stanford and Duke since they played us closer? Etc. Etc.

 

[Katatonic]

As they were giving up 48 points and losing the football game.

Whatever the case may be, VMI still put up 444 yds on BSU's secondary.

That is just plain awful no matter how one looks at it.

Can't remember the last time 'Cats receivers were that open (and there is no burner like Ebert): heck. Eastern Illinois' DBs did a better job against the NU wideouts.

 

[Mr. Stupor]

There are those who believe that the real Cats were the third quarter version. There are others that believe that the first half Cats were the real ones.

My take is that the Jekyll and Hyde version that we saw last night is not going to beat Michigan, Wisconsin, or Iowa. We need a lot more Jekyll and a lot less Hyde. There is a lot of film of our defense now and conference OCs are going to start picking away at the threads. As good as the Cats defense is, the offense has to generate more consistency as we get into the meat of our schedule.

I agree that when the team focuses, great things happen. But it is a thin line. When they let down just a little bit, bad things happen. There is no margin for error.

I'd rather have more Hyde than Jekyll. Jekyll was a pussy. Hyde was a bad MF.