One Down, 62-6, Eleven to Go!

[native]

Thursday's 62-6 victory over Montana-Western was satisfying... perhaps not so much for the score or the expected outcome, but because of what we learned about the team, and maybe what they learned about themselves.

Of course it is too early to tell, but here are some observations from our first Wildcat game of the season:

First, the returning skill players confirmed our highest hopes for their performances, and came away intact from the first contest, uninjured. Eteuati, Higgins, Smith, Malei, Toone, Hadley and Brandon Doyle performed brilliantly, as did many others. Pass receptions were distributed among EIGHT (count 'em) receivers! We expected Mike Snoy's punts to be top notch, and they were, but his FIVE touchbacks on kickoff were a very pleasant and productive surprise that will have a profound impact on the season.

Second, the starting offense, defense and special teams didn't make as many mistakes as they might have done so early in the season. The offensive and defensive lines played well, even after losing so many top players from last year. Returning all-Conference honorees Scanlon, Linehan, Folsom, Mutcher and Johnson lived up to their billing and took up where they left off at the end of last season.

Finally, the new talent brought in by Mac had an immediate impact. Ryan Eastman was a monster on the defensive line, causing the fumble that Kevin Linehan ran back for the defensive touchdown. Freshman RB Smith showed outstanding production, a most worthy complement to Trevyn Smith. Newcomers Taylor, Stutson, Larsen, Cruz, Webb and Turner all played a part, as did sophomore kicker Jon Williams, who went 8/8 PATs and 2/2 field goals, helping the offense to a 100% success rate in the red zone - a key statistic sorely lacking from last year.

Coach Mac's recruiting skills are beginning to show. Maybe these are signs that he finally has a team about where he wants them. Was this first game a good omen for the season? I think so!

What are our odds against Hawaii? After the Warriors' mistake-prone 56-10 drubbing at the hands of Florida, admittedly one of the best offenses in the country, have our chances improved in your eyes?

 

[n.ogdencat]

Bad News... Toone suffered an injury, he seperated some ribs, but he should be able to play next week. After watching bits of the Hawaii/Florida game, I've decided that Hawaii has some rebuilding to do, and that Florida is amazing. For Weber to have a chance at beating Hawaii the Cats have to come out strong. Hawaii was demoralized and thoroughly beaten by the Gators, so they are interested in coming home and taking out their frustrations on Weber. If Weber can make some key stops on defense, and put the ball in the endzone early and often, that might be enough to turn the Hawaiian tide. All week Hawaii is going to be looking at Weber as a team they can stomp, all the Cats have to do is put up some fight and not get intimidated. The game is going to be on KJZZ starting at 10pm. For anyone that is interested, the Purple Pak is going to be watching the game in the Wildcat Theater in the Union Building. Should be fun!!! Don't let this dissuade any of you from coming, I'll be there with the Baker, Thank goodness there wont be any Big Sky refs around, both of us might get kicked out...

By the by... I'm was really impressed by the Weber kickers. It will be nice to know that Weber will be able to consistently be able to put points on the board with field goals and take away field position with great punts. Also, the Cats have three RB that can put up huge numbers, that will be good for Smith, he wont be so worn out by the end of the season, it also gives Weber that many more Offensive weapons.

 

[native]

Bad News... Toone suffered an injury, he seperated some ribs, but he should be able to play next week. After watching bits of the Hawaii/Florida game, I've decided that Hawaii has some rebuilding to do...
...I'm was really impressed by the Weber kickers. It will be nice to know that Weber will be able to consistently be able to put points on the board with field goals and take away field position with great punts. Also, the Cats have three RB that can put up huge numbers, that will be good for Smith, he wont be so worn out by the end of the season, it also gives Weber that many more Offensive weapons.

Sorry to hear about Tim. I hope he will be OK. My prayer is for the 'cats to come out of our non-conference games healthy and intact.

...Not just punts, but kickoffs, too! Snoy had FIVE touchbacks, nearly double the team total for the past two seasons! Special teams are a third of the game. Last year we were next to last in the Big Sky in kickoff distance, kickoff coverage and red zone conversions. This year we will be at or near the top in all three categories.

Zowie!