The Spread versus the Fly, two strong running games, the two best defenses in the Northwest Conference, a game set in the Salem, the capital city of Oregon.
The 6th-ranked Linfield Wildcats take on Willamette University at McCulloch Stadium in Salem this Saturday. The winner of the game will have an inside track to the Northwest Conference title.
“It makes it that much of a bigger deal,” Willamette coach Mark Speckman said. “It’s a good rivalry, and both teams are having a shot at winning a championship.”
“Last year was a playoff elimination game for both teams,” Linfield coach Joseph Smith said. “This year, it’s probably not the same thing for us, but it is again for them, so it’s their chance to get into the playoffs; if they lose, they’re done.”
Despite losing their top passer, rusher, and receiving leader from last season, the ‘Cat Attack is still operating at full gear, averaging 38 points and 435 yards of offense per game. Linfield has shown good balance so far on the season, averaging 209 rushing yards and 226 passing yards per game.
“This year, they’re a bit of an unknown in the sense that we don’t know their personnel as well,” Speckman said. “The key for us is to not give up big plays, and make them drive the field, to see if they can do that.”
Mickey Inns has been steady so far this season as the heir apparent to Aaron Boehme, completing 53 percent of his passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns, with only two interceptions. After Aaron Williams got hurt in the opening series of the Cal Lutheran game, running back Josh Hill has rushed for 211 yards and one touchdown in his absence. Wide receiver Deidre Wiersma leads the team with 145 yards and one touchdown on nine receptions.
“We need to be able, number one, to protect Mickey, and number two, we've got to be able to establish the running game,” Smith said.
Willamette’s famed Fly offense has had trouble getting off the ground this season; they enter the contest averaging only 20.3 points and 322 yards per game.
The Bearcat running attack, led by running back Jamiere Abney’s 244 yards and two touchdowns, has been spectacular as usual in averaging 229 yards per game. The real problem this season has been the passing game, which was the most efficient in the Northwest Conference a season ago.
“They don’t need to pass to win,” Smith said. “These guys present more problems for us defensively than anybody we’ll play.”
Quarterback Brian Widing has completed 52 percent of his passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns with four interceptions. After the two games of the season, Widing was 11-27 for 60 yards with zero touchdowns and four interceptions, looking nothing like the efficient quarterback he was last season. Widing had a big bounce back game two weeks ago, going 13-19 for 218 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions in Willamette’s 31-9 victory over Southern Oregon.
“I think with the passing game it’s going to take some time,” Speckman said. “It takes a lot of timing, and you have to be precise. I think with time, it’s going to get better.”
While both offenses deserve their due credit, it’s the match-up of the two best defenses in the Northwest Conference that gives this game its luster. Linfield’s defense is giving up 327 yards per game, but is allowing a mere 8.5 points per game.
“The thing about Linfield is that they don’t beat themselves; they’re rarely out of position, or blow a big assignment,” Speckman said. “We can’t count on that, hope for that, or scheme for that. You got to be fundamentally sound, and you got to drive the football.”
Willamette’s defense is allowing 15.7 points per game, but only giving up 291 yards per game. What makes Willamette’s defense particularly challenging is the schemes they run.
“They have a lot of depth, and we’re preparing for that,” Inns said.
“Their defense is excellent; I think they’re fast, they’re physical, very well-coached, they have a various amount of variety in their schemes, and they’re well-disciplined,” Smith said. “They’re different from Cal Lutheran; Cal Lutheran’s defense was formidable because of their talent; these guys are extremely formidable because of their scheme and their discipline.”
Opening the conference schedule on the road against a big rival is always a tall order, and it will be up to Linfield’s veterans provide order and leadership in a hostile environment.
“Those guys have been there before,” Inns said. “They know what it’s like to play there, they know what it’s like to have a couple of those games, and they know how important this game is to our team.”
Keys to the game for Linfield:
-Running the ball: When Linfield played at Willamette in 2009, their running game was the key to eking out a win on the road as both Aaron Williams and Aaron Boehme gained 100 plus yards on the day. If Linfield can get 200 or more rushing yards against Willamette’s defense, their chances of winning skyrocket.
-Maintaining the passing game: While the Linfield fan base would love to see the Wildcats run the ball like they did against Cal Lutheran three weeks ago, Willamette might try the same strategy that La Verne did, which was to stop the run and test Inns’ arm. A repeat of last week’s passing efficiency would be welcomed.
-Turnovers: Strangely, Linfield lost the turnover battle three to two in last season’s 35-7 win at Maxwell Field. If they pull that at McCulloch Stadium however, there might not be any happy thoughts afterwards. Taking care of the ball on the road is crucial to winning a championship.
Keys to the game for Willamette:
-Establish the pass: After two porous games to start the season, Widing caught fire against Southern Oregon. If Widing plays well against Linfield’s strong secondary, then they have a chance to score enough points to win. If Willamette is unable to throw the ball consistently, then their offense could be in for a long day.
-Slowing down Linfield’s run: In Linfield’s three losses in the last two seasons, teams were able to shut down Linfield’s running attack. It’s not a guarantee, but a team’s chances of winning go up tremendously against Linfield when they do.
-Home Field advantage: Saturday will be Linfield’s first road game of the season; If Willamette can get out to a fast start, force a few turnovers, and get the crowd in the game early, some of Linfield’s less experienced players may get rattled enough for Willamette to win the game.
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