Linfield vs Willamette: Instant Analysis...

When it was all over, Linfield turned a 10-7 second quarter deficit into a 45-10 rout of Willamette, effectively turning the Northwest conference game of the year into another rout.  The third-ranked Wildcats outscored the Bearcats 35-0 in the second half and racked up 239 of their 371 yards in the half, wearing out the Bearcats over the course of the game.    The win improved Linfield to 7-0 on the season, and essentially gave Linfield the Northwest Conference crown.  the loss dropped Willamette to 6-2 on the season.

What did I think of this game?

It was over when:  Linfield's defense blocked a punt and recovered the ball in the endzone to go up 24-10 with 6:07 to go in the third quarter.  That was the play that opened up the floodgates; Willamette threw an interception on their next play from scrimmage, and Mickey Inns threw a 38-yard touchdown pass on the next play to kick-start the rout.    

Gameball goes to:  Linfield's entire defense.  Josh Dean and the Bearcat offense came into the game averaging 42.3 points and 540 yards of offense per game, sporting the nation's best passing attack.  At the end of the day, Willamette was held to a season-low 10 points and 108 yards of offense.  Linfield's front seven didn't let Willamette do anything all game long.  

Stat of the game:  seven quarterback sacks.  Josh Dean had no time to throw whatsoever today, as indicated by the seven sacks he suffered.  Dean finished the game going 13-30 for 96 yards and no touchdowns with two interceptions.  

Unsung hero of the game:  Wide receiver Charlie Poppen.  Poppen has ended up becoming Linfield's top receiver in 2012, and he really put together a nice one today against Willamette, finishing with 95 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions.     

What it means:  The win essentially clinches the NWC title for Linfield in 2012.  Sure they have two games left against Pudget Sound and Pacific, but those should end up being games that are over at halftime, and the starters should be able to get plenty of rest before the playoffs.  For Willamette, the loss dropped them out of contention for the NWC title, and with their second loss in a row, all they have left to play for is the third-place spot in the NWC pecking order.  Willamette finishes the season with Pacific and Pudget Sound as well, and they have the tiebreaker over Whitworth, so third place seems very likely.