Bobcats vs Idaho 3rd round predictions

[ilovethecats]

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/ ... b9D7zuE8qA

"The Vandals, winners of six straight since their loss to the ’Cats, bring the momentum of a runaway freight train and a roster at full strength after dispatching Lehigh, 34-13, in the second round of the FCS playoffs."

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well. At any rate, I'm sure they'll come in fired up with a chip on their shoulders, but the way this Bobcat team has done things for THIRTEEN games this season, I just don't see much of a departure from that. I mean sure there could be a mistake or two but it seems like EVERY time this team makes a mistake, that player or team makes up for immediately with a huge play. I think one big question here is... is Idaho going to be the first team all season long to score against this Bobcat defense in the first quarter?

Davis scored on their opening drive.

They went three and out their first possession and then so did we. But they did score their next possession.

[rfischer94]

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/ ... b9D7zuE8qA

"The Vandals, winners of six straight since their loss to the ’Cats, bring the momentum of a runaway freight train and a roster at full strength after dispatching Lehigh, 34-13, in the second round of the FCS playoffs."

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well. At any rate, I'm sure they'll come in fired up with a chip on their shoulders, but the way this Bobcat team has done things for THIRTEEN games this season, I just don't see much of a departure from that. I mean sure there could be a mistake or two but it seems like EVERY time this team makes a mistake, that player or team makes up for immediately with a huge play. I think one big question here is... is Idaho going to be the first team all season long to score against this Bobcat defense in the first quarter?

Davis scored on their opening drive.

Tru dat. However, no one has done it at home. I expect that streak to continue.

[RyeCat]

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/ ... b9D7zuE8qA

"The Vandals, winners of six straight since their loss to the ’Cats, bring the momentum of a runaway freight train and a roster at full strength after dispatching Lehigh, 34-13, in the second round of the FCS playoffs."

Did you happen to take a gander at the six teams they beat? Cal Poly (it was close), EWU, Portland State (by 9), Weber (at home by 7), Idaho State and Lehigh. One of those teams had a record over .500.

[84CatGrad]

Because of our outstanding home record, and our built for December rushing attack, I think for Idaho to come to Bozeman and win, they need to be at least +3 in turnovers for the game. Could this happen? Sure. Is it likely? Well, we are only +6 in turnover margin (+7 in picks, -1 in fumbles) so as good as our D is, they don't generate turnovers really well. But Idaho is only +3 so it would be unusual for them to have a big turnover margin in this game.

In addition their scoring margin is only about six (28.5-22.9) and their total offense margin is only about 20 (383-362). The Cats are at 24 (41-17) and 211 (496-285). These are big disparities and I don't see Idaho able to overcome this unless they get a bunch of turnovers.

To be sure, Idaho is a solid team and we have to be on our toes. But the Cats are better and at home, and have already walloped them once. It's going to be very difficult for the Vandals to win in Bozeman.

Cats 48-20.

[TomCat88]

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/ ... b9D7zuE8qA

"The Vandals, winners of six straight since their loss to the ’Cats, bring the momentum of a runaway freight train and a roster at full strength after dispatching Lehigh, 34-13, in the second round of the FCS playoffs."

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well. At any rate, I'm sure they'll come in fired up with a chip on their shoulders, but the way this Bobcat team has done things for THIRTEEN games this season, I just don't see much of a departure from that. I mean sure there could be a mistake or two but it seems like EVERY time this team makes a mistake, that player or team makes up for immediately with a huge play. I think one big question here is... is Idaho going to be the first team all season long to score against this Bobcat defense in the first quarter?

Davis scored on their opening drive.

Tru dat. However, no one has done it at home. I expect that streak to continue.

Davis was sacked - twice - on its opening drive. Scored on its second possession as did MSU. No one has scored on MSU at home in the first quarter.

[84CatGrad]

"The Vandals, winners of six straight since their loss to the ’Cats, bring the momentum of a runaway freight train and a roster at full strength after dispatching Lehigh, 34-13, in the second round of the FCS playoffs."

This reminds me of the overoptimistic article about the frizzz after they squeaked by Portland State at home and some how that was going to launch them into a mighty win over us in the Brawl.

[rfischer94]

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/ ... b9D7zuE8qA

"The Vandals, winners of six straight since their loss to the ’Cats, bring the momentum of a runaway freight train and a roster at full strength after dispatching Lehigh, 34-13, in the second round of the FCS playoffs."

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well. At any rate, I'm sure they'll come in fired up with a chip on their shoulders, but the way this Bobcat team has done things for THIRTEEN games this season, I just don't see much of a departure from that. I mean sure there could be a mistake or two but it seems like EVERY time this team makes a mistake, that player or team makes up for immediately with a huge play. I think one big question here is... is Idaho going to be the first team all season long to score against this Bobcat defense in the first quarter?

Davis scored on their opening drive.

Tru dat. However, no one has done it at home. I expect that streak to continue.

Davis was sacked - twice - on its opening drive. Scored on its second possession as did MSU. No one has scored on MSU at home in the first quarter.

Right, I forgot about that.

[SparkCat]

https://herosports.com/2024-fcs-playoff ... tion-bzbz/

Decent write up, however I’m not sure about his statements about the d-line being healthier this go. I’m pretty sure they came in against us with healthy d-line and maybe a few sustained injuries during the game. A lot of these writers have a good grasp of the teams, however, and maybe it’s what makes a story, but they are really rallying with this idea that we played the Vandal’s Band the first go

[HogheadCats]

Bobcats---34
Vandals--12

[nanacat]

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/ ... b9D7zuE8qA

"The Vandals, winners of six straight since their loss to the ’Cats, bring the momentum of a runaway freight train and a roster at full strength after dispatching Lehigh, 34-13, in the second round of the FCS playoffs."

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well. At any rate, I'm sure they'll come in fired up with a chip on their shoulders, but the way this Bobcat team has done things for THIRTEEN games this season, I just don't see much of a departure from that. I mean sure there could be a mistake or two but it seems like EVERY time this team makes a mistake, that player or team makes up for immediately with a huge play. I think one big question here is... is Idaho going to be the first team all season long to score against this Bobcat defense in the first quarter?

Davis scored on their opening drive.

They went three and out their first possession and then so did we. But they did score their next possession.

And then not again until the 4th quarter when things went kinda nuts.

While Friday's game might be closer than the first time Idaho was in Bozeman, I really don't see the result being alot different. While the fans are certainly overconfident, the team is not. The Cats will handle Idaho in fairly dominant fashion I'm sure.

[TomCat88]

https://herosports.com/2024-fcs-playoff ... tion-bzbz/

Decent write up, however I’m not sure about his statements about the d-line being healthier this go. I’m pretty sure they came in against us with healthy d-line and maybe a few sustained injuries during the game. A lot of these writers have a good grasp of the teams, however, and maybe it’s what makes a story, but they are really rallying with this idea that we played the Vandal’s Band the first go

I'm assuming that Idaho had some guys that weren't 100% but played or that were injured during the game vs MSU. I did a preliminary check of the PP report and the starters (Williams, Krotzer, Newby and Afalava) and subs (players in the 90s) are the same seven players for both the MSU and Lehigh games. I'm doing a story on this subject today/tomorrow, so I'll do more digging, but my assumption is that a couple starters were playing with nagging injuries.

[SparkCat]

https://herosports.com/2024-fcs-playoff ... tion-bzbz/

Decent write up, however I’m not sure about his statements about the d-line being healthier this go. I’m pretty sure they came in against us with healthy d-line and maybe a few sustained injuries during the game. A lot of these writers have a good grasp of the teams, however, and maybe it’s what makes a story, but they are really rallying with this idea that we played the Vandal’s Band the first go

I'm assuming that Idaho had some guys that weren't 100% but played. I did a preliminary check of the PP report and the starters (Williams, Krotzer, Newby and Afalava) and subs (players in the 90s) are the same seven players for both the MSU and Lehigh games. I'm doing a story on this subject today/tomorrow, so I'll do more digging but my assumption is that a couple starters were playing with nagging injuries.

Can you also provide a guide to watching the game when your wife’s company decides to have their Xmas party on Friday?

[Montanabob]

https://herosports.com/2024-fcs-playoff ... tion-bzbz/

Decent write up, however I’m not sure about his statements about the d-line being healthier this go. I’m pretty sure they came in against us with healthy d-line and maybe a few sustained injuries during the game. A lot of these writers have a good grasp of the teams, however, and maybe it’s what makes a story, but they are really rallying with this idea that we played the Vandal’s Band the first go

I'm assuming that Idaho had some guys that weren't 100% but played. I did a preliminary check of the PP report and the starters (Williams, Krotzer, Newby and Afalava) and subs (players in the 90s) are the same seven players for both the MSU and Lehigh games. I'm doing a story on this subject today/tomorrow, so I'll do more digging but my assumption is that a couple starters were playing with nagging injuries.

Can you also provide a guide to watching the game when your wife’s company decides to have their Xmas party on Friday?

covid infection and contagious is my standard go to for the win.

[ilovethecats]

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well.

Think this narrative is why I'm most excited for the rematch. It's driving me crazy and I can promise the team has heard it too. Not that they need more motivation, but the talk about their qb being out and other "nagging" injuries is a bit much for me personally. You'd think they have Pat Mahomes coming back Friday night.

What about our injuries leading up to that game or sustained during it? As Colter said with Riding with Rider, the Cats may be the most injury-plagued team in the league! If I was a coach or player, I'd love nothing more than to dominate them again, even with their savior at QB.

And I'm still failing to see how their starting qb is going to keep us from rushing for 360 yards again.

[Bobcatsinmso]

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well.

Think this narrative is why I'm most excited for the rematch. It's driving me crazy and I can promise the team has heard it too. Not that they need more motivation, but the talk about their qb being out and other "nagging" injuries is a bit much for me personally. You'd think they have Pat Mahomes coming back Friday night.

What about our injuries leading up to that game or sustained during it? As Colter said with Riding with Rider, the Cats may be the most injury-plagued team in the league! If I was a coach or player, I'd love nothing more than to dominate them again, even with their savior at QB.

And I'm still failing to see how their starting qb is going to keep us from rushing for 360 yards again.

100% spot on

[MountainCat]

Unfortunately, Tommy threw a wrench into every D coordinators potential plan last week with his passing game and proving that he’s simply going to beat you. Stack the box to prevent the run, he’ll spread you out and gash you. Play the pass and the Cat’s will jam it down your throat. Take your pick, you’ll pay for it one way or another… It’s INSANE how adaptable the Cat’s offense has become. The only hope Idaho has is to massively win the turnover margin, present intense and constant pressure on Tommy that doesn’t allow plays to develop, or a combination of both for the entire game. I’m not saying Idaho CAN’T do it, but it’s hard to imagine.

[tetoncat]

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well.

Think this narrative is why I'm most excited for the rematch. It's driving me crazy and I can promise the team has heard it too. Not that they need more motivation, but the talk about their qb being out and other "nagging" injuries is a bit much for me personally. You'd think they have Pat Mahomes coming back Friday night.

What about our injuries leading up to that game or sustained during it? As Colter said with Riding with Rider, the Cats may be the most injury-plagued team in the league! If I was a coach or player, I'd love nothing more than to dominate them again, even with their savior at QB.

And I'm still failing to see how their starting qb is going to keep us from rushing for 360 yards again.

100% spot on

I will give them credit that they played a brutal opening schedule. Oregon, Wyoming, and then Albany, Abilene Christian, UCD, NAU before Cats. All FBS or playoff teams. No Bye.

[ilovethecats]

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well.

Think this narrative is why I'm most excited for the rematch. It's driving me crazy and I can promise the team has heard it too. Not that they need more motivation, but the talk about their qb being out and other "nagging" injuries is a bit much for me personally. You'd think they have Pat Mahomes coming back Friday night.

What about our injuries leading up to that game or sustained during it? As Colter said with Riding with Rider, the Cats may be the most injury-plagued team in the league! If I was a coach or player, I'd love nothing more than to dominate them again, even with their savior at QB.

And I'm still failing to see how their starting qb is going to keep us from rushing for 360 yards again.

100% spot on

I will give them credit that they played a brutal opening schedule. Oregon, Wyoming, and then Albany, Abilene Christian, UCD, NAU before Cats. All FBS or playoff teams. No Bye.

Totally. And I think they are a good team with a great coach. Not trying to take anything away from them.

In regards to the QB, I'm not saying he sucks like I see they are saying we're saying on their board. From what I have seen he looks like a good QB. I'm just so tired of the talk that we only piss-pounded them because he was out. Like they were so banged up and we were 100% healthy. Leading up to that game all we heard was what a great defense they had and especially against the run. Then we get nearly 500 yards of offense including 360 on the ground and all we hear now is that their QB is back so this game will be different.

Unless they've improved mightily on the lines, I don't think their savior QB is going to be the difference they think he's going to be.

[coloradocat]

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well.

Think this narrative is why I'm most excited for the rematch. It's driving me crazy and I can promise the team has heard it too. Not that they need more motivation, but the talk about their qb being out and other "nagging" injuries is a bit much for me personally. You'd think they have Pat Mahomes coming back Friday night.

What about our injuries leading up to that game or sustained during it? As Colter said with Riding with Rider, the Cats may be the most injury-plagued team in the league! If I was a coach or player, I'd love nothing more than to dominate them again, even with their savior at QB.

And I'm still failing to see how their starting qb is going to keep us from rushing for 360 yards again.

100% spot on

I will give them credit that they played a brutal opening schedule. Oregon, Wyoming, and then Albany, Abilene Christian, UCD, NAU before Cats. All FBS or playoff teams. No Bye.

Totally. And I think they are a good team with a great coach. Not trying to take anything away from them.

In regards to the QB, I'm not saying he sucks like I see they are saying we're saying on their board. From what I have seen he looks like a good QB. I'm just so tired of the talk that we only piss-pounded them because he was out. Like they were so banged up and we were 100% healthy. Leading up to that game all we heard was what a great defense they had and especially against the run. Then we get nearly 500 yards of offense including 360 on the ground and all we hear now is that their QB is back so this game will be different.

Unless they've improved mightily on the lines, I don't think their savior QB is going to be the difference they think he's going to be.

Everyone who watched the game and isn't monetizing their opinions knows they weren't a QB away from even being competitive.

[Joe Bobcat]

No doubt, geez it seems like they are really hyping up the "Injury depleted" talk as of the last go round. I mean I think we were missing 4 or 5 starters as well.

Think this narrative is why I'm most excited for the rematch. It's driving me crazy and I can promise the team has heard it too. Not that they need more motivation, but the talk about their qb being out and other "nagging" injuries is a bit much for me personally. You'd think they have Pat Mahomes coming back Friday night.

What about our injuries leading up to that game or sustained during it? As Colter said with Riding with Rider, the Cats may be the most injury-plagued team in the league! If I was a coach or player, I'd love nothing more than to dominate them again, even with their savior at QB.

And I'm still failing to see how their starting qb is going to keep us from rushing for 360 yards again.

IMO there are a couple of things that ID can and will do to slow down our offensive output.
1. Unless we get out to a big early lead I expect them to go back to eating up as much clock as possible by not snaping the ball till the last 5+/- seconds of the play clock (shot clock for any Marty M. followers)
2. With a potentially better QB they should be more likely to sustain drives a bit longer reducing their 3 and outs. This again leaves less time for our Bobcat offense to work with.
3. If they're successful with 1 and 2 their defense won't get quite as gassed and make it a bit harder for us to score.

We still win this but closer to a 20 point win rather than the 31 point win last time.