Three guesses about tomorrow's game

[eastbaycat99]

In the time-honored spirit of SWAGS, I think that:

1) The two teams combine for at least six turnovers. The combination of very good secondaries, relatively inexperienced QB's jacked up defenses will result both in interceptions and hits that put the ball on the ground.

2) Warren Long will have almost as many carries as Justin Jackson. Most of the pregame speculation and analysis has focused on the need of the Cats to run inside the tackles. Long is the more powerful back and has looked very good the first two weeks. I am also biased since he is a true EastBay cat, having played at James Logan High in Union City, which is about as Eastbayish as it gets.

3) The Cats will use a two running back set some of the times Long is in, with Vault as the second back. They will also shift Vault into the slot out of that set. A lot of the pregame speculation and analysis has focused on how Duke will load the box to try to stop the Cats from running inside. Introducing a different look like this would be a logical counterbalance to that tendency, both to even up the numbers when the back stays in and to create a matchup problem when he shifts.

I am really looking forward to see how the game plays out tomorrow. If ever there was a game that fit the definition of a toss-up, I think this one is it.

 

[dj falong]

@eastbaycat99, David Shaw also attended James Logan and he has served us well. Warren has developed well and should have a good season. Most importantly the Running Backs have become family. These guys count on each other on and off the field. Vanilla offense to this point, Thorson will swing his mighty hammer and will us to 3-0.

 

[willycat]

In the time-honored spirit of SWAGS, I think that:

1) The two teams combine for at least six turnovers. The combination of very good secondaries, relatively inexperienced QB's jacked up defenses will result both in interceptions and hits that put the ball on the ground.

2) Warren Long will have almost as many carries as Justin Jackson. Most of the pregame speculation and analysis has focused on the need of the Cats to run inside the tackles. Long is the more powerful back and has looked very good the first two weeks. I am also biased since he is a true EastBay cat, having played at James Logan High in Union City, which is about as Eastbayish as it gets.

3) The Cats will use a two running back set some of the times Long is in, with Vault as the second back. They will also shift Vault into the slot out of that set. A lot of the pregame speculation and analysis has focused on how Duke will load the box to try to stop the Cats from running inside. Introducing a different look like this would be a logical counterbalance to that tendency, both to even up the numbers when the back stays in and to create a matchup problem when he shifts.

I am really looking forward to see how the game plays out tomorrow. If ever there was a game that fit the definition of a toss-up, I think this one is it.

I think you are underestimating how well Jackson runs between tackles. Sure Long will get his carries but for NU to put up a W, JJ needs to get 100+ yards.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Jackson is amazing on his off tackle runs. He makes guys miss often!

 

[Figrating]

In JJ's shadow, some might underappreciate Long, but I don't. He looks like he took the next step in conditioning this year.

The triple option w JJ, Long and Thorson could get to be an exciting play, too

 

[Just Gary]

Long is good and a different runner who sees the field differently. They helps. He was able to get through openings last week that Justin did not. However, Justin was a way better runner against the Stsnford defense. I think you will see that this season where one will do better depending on the defense. Both have perfect skills for us. And Vault offers that extra element. Once Thorson gets fully up to speed (figuratively), this will be a solid run offense with enough passing threat to keep the defense honest.