The Unofficial Unofficial Game Day Thread - Cats-Mercyhurst

[MSU01]

Ok drama queens. This game, and particularly came down to the second half. The one where there were no points. Vigen has shown time and again that handcuffing the team with a vanilla playbook and calls makes for a better team in the long run. Trust the process.

Today was vanilla defensive calls knowing the opponent didn’t want to bring out their kicker. What really sucks( not for us btw) is that their guys played super gutsy today and are better than their coaches giving up 12 points on field goals that would have made their second half stand in n the goal line epic.

Why? Why would a coaching staff do this? Vanilla calls force a player to become a playmaker. Trust the process. Vigen has not let you down.

Nailed it. Except there are a few here with an axe to grind against Vigen and have even suggested that he's thrown games against NDSU because it's his alma mater. So they've NEVER trusted his process.

Bunch more Karens coming out of the woodwork after this game. @MSU01 throwing Lamson under the bus in multiple posts is NOT ok. Did he short arm/pull the string on the TE drag in the EZ? Absolutely. Did he throw into double coverage on the INT? Darn right. But he still threw the ball, when he could have just run it, and then people would be tickled about how many times he ran the ball! Saying he had a terrible game is inappropriate.

And it was a vanilla game plan. However, they did try to run a trick play with Chance Wilson at WR but someone false started and the element of surprise was gone, so they ran another play.

I swear, some people invest far too much of their personal happiness on the performance of 18-22 year olds in a GAME...

Sorry you feel what I said is inappropriate. I think Lamson is a good player and can lead MSU to a lot of wins but in my opinion, he had a terrible game yesterday. I don't see how saying that makes me a "Karen" but you're welcome to your opinion that it does.

[KIX]

Dane Steel either got pushed off or should never be thrown a 50/50 ball again. Make a play kid!

I'm fine with the deep ****** but Taco and now Dane have lost 50/50 balls

50/50 balls/corner fades at the FCS level are a waste. NFL teams can't even complete them. What happened to deep crossers?

[KIX]

This dink and dunk Mercyhurst offense...congrats I guess to shortening the game.

Cats should give that strategy a thought vs wasting possessions.

[MTmadeCat]

I want this team playing their best ball week 12 and into the playoffs, not week 4…so yes, the second half was underwhelming, but still a lot to learn for this team.

1) Outside of allowing Mercyhurst to go 4/7 on fourth down, the defense played lights out. When was the last shut out we had at home?? Truly a “stop the run and make them one dimensional, bend but don’t break” game. And if you haven’t noticed, Mercyhurst is surprisingly much improved from last season. Watching them play Sac St. last week, they have a “f*** it he’s down there somewhere” offensive play style and sling it around. It took Sac 2 late TD’s in the last half of the 4th quarter to beat them by more than a TD.
2) 2 offensive possessions in the second half excluding the one to run out the clock, and the opponent never scored. That is just crazy.
3) Lamson’s interception was concerning as was his throw in the dirt to the TE for the TD, but as Vigen said last week the guy is newly a full time starter, he doesn’t have bounds of experience outside of a few packages at Stanford. He has two picks on two deep shots against 2 interior opponents the past 2 weeks, but none against two high quality defenses the first two weeks.
4) The Cats ran for nearly 6 ypc on 40 carries.
5) I also would have loved to see some fire from the OL when Lamson got his leg twisted. Maybe not leveling a guy and getting a penalty, but at least a few guys running over and getting in his face.
6) On to conference play and beating Eastern!

[KIX]

I’m just glad we have a QB that can throw over the middle and absolutely is terrified to let it rip. We are so much better because of that. When it’s past ten yards he has to dial his agent to ask if that’s allowed. Hahaha. We will lose games because of it.
Put in 15 or 13 in, they are more athletic and can make the same exact throws he can. Defense isn’t the problem, the lack of offense is. The line looks bad because the defense has zero respect for 8, so they can simply plow the box and make the run look bad.

This is a McKay situation.

Would love to see Dueshene given a shot.

[KIX]

Horrible game by Lamson today, he missed a couple wide open receivers for easy TDs and then for some reason made that throw into double coverage for the INT. Will he get better or is this Matt McKay all over again. Too many unforced penalties and the defense could not get off the field letting Mercyhurst have their 8/9 minute drives that led to nothing. Oof, I don't know what to think!

Exactly. His misses were obvious to everyone. Bad decisions and seems to lock into a certain read no matter what. Have to wonder what he and the OC are discussing on the headset? Not much coaching going on, it seems.

[KIX]

I’m just glad we have a QB that can throw over the middle and absolutely is terrified to let it rip. We are so much better because of that. When it’s past ten yards he has to dial his agent to ask if that’s allowed. Hahaha. We will lose games because of it.
Put in 15 or 13 in, they are more athletic and can make the same exact throws he can. Defense isn’t the problem, the lack of offense is. The line looks bad because the defense has zero respect for 8, so they can simply plow the box and make the run look bad.

This is a McKay situation.

What was the Cats record with Matt McKay at QB again?

That was 2021. My memory is fuzzy… Cats went to Frisco that year right???

Mine too. But I think the Cats only lost 2 games, one of them to Brent Vigen & Shawn Chambers at Wyoming. And then the Cats trotted out Tommy & the rest as they say, is history.

If the Cats finish the season with 2 losses, I think thats pretty solid.

Are you insinuating to trot out Duchien? Wouldn't mind seeing it.

[KIX]

Ok drama queens. This game, and particularly came down to the second half. The one where there were no points. Vigen has shown time and again that handcuffing the team with a vanilla playbook and calls makes for a better team in the long run. Trust the process.

Today was vanilla defensive calls knowing the opponent didn’t want to bring out their kicker. What really sucks( not for us btw) is that their guys played super gutsy today and are better than their coaches giving up 12 points on field goals that would have made their second half stand in n the goal line epic.

Why? Why would a coaching staff do this? Vanilla calls force a player to become a playmaker. Trust the process. Vigen has not let you down.

Nailed it. Except there are a few here with an axe to grind against Vigen and have even suggested that he's thrown games against NDSU because it's his alma mater. So they've NEVER trusted his process.

Bunch more Karens coming out of the woodwork after this game. @MSU01 throwing Lamson under the bus in multiple posts is NOT ok. Did he short arm/pull the string on the TE drag in the EZ? Absolutely. Did he throw into double coverage on the INT? Darn right. But he still threw the ball, when he could have just run it, and then people would be tickled about how many times he ran the ball! Saying he had a terrible game is inappropriate.

And it was a vanilla game plan. However, they did try to run a trick play with Chance Wilson at WR but someone false started and the element of surprise was gone, so they ran another play.

I swear, some people invest far too much of their personal happiness on the performance of 18-22 year olds in a GAME...

Lamson is consistently missing wide open receivers. Fact.

[onceacat]

Ok drama queens. This game, and particularly came down to the second half. The one where there were no points. Vigen has shown time and again that handcuffing the team with a vanilla playbook and calls makes for a better team in the long run. Trust the process.

Today was vanilla defensive calls knowing the opponent didn’t want to bring out their kicker. What really sucks( not for us btw) is that their guys played super gutsy today and are better than their coaches giving up 12 points on field goals that would have made their second half stand in n the goal line epic.

Why? Why would a coaching staff do this? Vanilla calls force a player to become a playmaker. Trust the process. Vigen has not let you down.

Nailed it. Except there are a few here with an axe to grind against Vigen and have even suggested that he's thrown games against NDSU because it's his alma mater. So they've NEVER trusted his process.

Bunch more Karens coming out of the woodwork after this game. @MSU01 throwing Lamson under the bus in multiple posts is NOT ok. Did he short arm/pull the string on the TE drag in the EZ? Absolutely. Did he throw into double coverage on the INT? Darn right. But he still threw the ball, when he could have just run it, and then people would be tickled about how many times he ran the ball! Saying he had a terrible game is inappropriate.

And it was a vanilla game plan. However, they did try to run a trick play with Chance Wilson at WR but someone false started and the element of surprise was gone, so they ran another play.

I swear, some people invest far too much of their personal happiness on the performance of 18-22 year olds in a GAME...

Lamson is consistently missing wide open receivers. Fact.

Lamson is the most accurate passer in the FCS (or he was prior to yesterday, haven’t checked updated stats.). Fact.

[MSU01]

Ok drama queens. This game, and particularly came down to the second half. The one where there were no points. Vigen has shown time and again that handcuffing the team with a vanilla playbook and calls makes for a better team in the long run. Trust the process.

Today was vanilla defensive calls knowing the opponent didn’t want to bring out their kicker. What really sucks( not for us btw) is that their guys played super gutsy today and are better than their coaches giving up 12 points on field goals that would have made their second half stand in n the goal line epic.

Why? Why would a coaching staff do this? Vanilla calls force a player to become a playmaker. Trust the process. Vigen has not let you down.

Nailed it. Except there are a few here with an axe to grind against Vigen and have even suggested that he's thrown games against NDSU because it's his alma mater. So they've NEVER trusted his process.

Bunch more Karens coming out of the woodwork after this game. @MSU01 throwing Lamson under the bus in multiple posts is NOT ok. Did he short arm/pull the string on the TE drag in the EZ? Absolutely. Did he throw into double coverage on the INT? Darn right. But he still threw the ball, when he could have just run it, and then people would be tickled about how many times he ran the ball! Saying he had a terrible game is inappropriate.

And it was a vanilla game plan. However, they did try to run a trick play with Chance Wilson at WR but someone false started and the element of surprise was gone, so they ran another play.

I swear, some people invest far too much of their personal happiness on the performance of 18-22 year olds in a GAME...

Lamson is consistently missing wide open receivers. Fact.

Lamson is the most accurate passer in the FCS (or he was prior to yesterday, haven’t checked updated stats.). Fact.

Accuracy has nothing to do with missing open receivers and making poor decisions.

[Prodigal Cat]

Mercyhurst gives Youngstown fits… Geez Guins are terrible this year

Mercyhurst gives Sac St fits… Sac sucks

Mercyhurst gives MSU fits… the Bobcats suck


Or maybe and hear me out, the Lakers are actually a gritty squad that deserve a little respect.

[VimSince03]

Second half was an awful display of football. Got a bunch more work to do than I thought.

Played flat in the 2nd half. It happens...doesn't mean I gotta like it! Offensively I felt we ran the ball very well and had the identity back. Then we came out great in the 2nd, took the deep shot, and then Mercyhurst ran 30 plays to our 3 over the next 15 minutes roughly.

Again, odd game.

Odd game. Yes. Lamson needs some work or coaching. He is making bad decisions. Way too may open receivers downfield in passing game. Then it's a question of if he can complete it. Bad today.

I'm more upset with his reads in the run game.

[technoCat]

Second half was an awful display of football. Got a bunch more work to do than I thought.

Played flat in the 2nd half. It happens...doesn't mean I gotta like it! Offensively I felt we ran the ball very well and had the identity back. Then we came out great in the 2nd, took the deep shot, and then Mercyhurst ran 30 plays to our 3 over the next 15 minutes roughly.

Again, odd game.

Odd game. Yes. Lamson needs some work or coaching. He is making bad decisions. Way too may open receivers downfield in passing game. Then it's a question of if he can complete it. Bad today.

I'm more upset with his reads in the run game.

Agreed. Seemed to want to tuck and run or keep on the RPO a few times when he didn't need to yesterday.

The difference between Lamson right now and Urena is that Urena could anticipate and throw to spots that he knew his guys would be at. Over and over again yesterday Urena would see his guys running behind the LBs and he would throw to the spot when they cleared them and it would be perfect. Lamson just hasn't gotten to the point he can anticipate someone coming open and doesn't need to SEE them open before he pulls the trigger.

[BelligerentBobcat]

This dink and dunk Mercyhurst offense...congrats I guess to shortening the game.

Cats should give that strategy a thought vs wasting possessions.

They scored on 3/5 possessions. Give it a break.

[onceacat]

I’m just glad we have a QB that can throw over the middle and absolutely is terrified to let it rip. We are so much better because of that. When it’s past ten yards he has to dial his agent to ask if that’s allowed. Hahaha. We will lose games because of it.
Put in 15 or 13 in, they are more athletic and can make the same exact throws he can. Defense isn’t the problem, the lack of offense is. The line looks bad because the defense has zero respect for 8, so they can simply plow the box and make the run look bad.

This is a McKay situation.

Would love to see Dueshene given a shot.

I have zero doubt that Vigen will get Duchien on the field as soon as the kid is ready. Not a moment before, not a moment after.

[hokeyfine]

I’m just glad we have a QB that can throw over the middle and absolutely is terrified to let it rip. We are so much better because of that. When it’s past ten yards he has to dial his agent to ask if that’s allowed. Hahaha. We will lose games because of it.
Put in 15 or 13 in, they are more athletic and can make the same exact throws he can. Defense isn’t the problem, the lack of offense is. The line looks bad because the defense has zero respect for 8, so they can simply plow the box and make the run look bad.

This is a McKay situation.

Would love to see Dueshene given a shot.

I have zero doubt that Vigen will get Duchien on the field as soon as the kid is ready. Not a moment before, not a moment after.

Didn't he play last week?

[84CatGrad]

I guess when we win by 17, the D get a goose egg and the fans are complaining, we obviously have a strong program in place.

Nailed it.

[onceacat]

Ok drama queens. This game, and particularly came down to the second half. The one where there were no points. Vigen has shown time and again that handcuffing the team with a vanilla playbook and calls makes for a better team in the long run. Trust the process.

Today was vanilla defensive calls knowing the opponent didn’t want to bring out their kicker. What really sucks( not for us btw) is that their guys played super gutsy today and are better than their coaches giving up 12 points on field goals that would have made their second half stand in n the goal line epic.

Why? Why would a coaching staff do this? Vanilla calls force a player to become a playmaker. Trust the process. Vigen has not let you down.

Nailed it. Except there are a few here with an axe to grind against Vigen and have even suggested that he's thrown games against NDSU because it's his alma mater. So they've NEVER trusted his process.

Bunch more Karens coming out of the woodwork after this game. @MSU01 throwing Lamson under the bus in multiple posts is NOT ok. Did he short arm/pull the string on the TE drag in the EZ? Absolutely. Did he throw into double coverage on the INT? Darn right. But he still threw the ball, when he could have just run it, and then people would be tickled about how many times he ran the ball! Saying he had a terrible game is inappropriate.

And it was a vanilla game plan. However, they did try to run a trick play with Chance Wilson at WR but someone false started and the element of surprise was gone, so they ran another play.

I swear, some people invest far too much of their personal happiness on the performance of 18-22 year olds in a GAME...

Lamson is consistently missing wide open receivers. Fact.

Lamson is the most accurate passer in the FCS (or he was prior to yesterday, haven’t checked updated stats.). Fact.

Accuracy has nothing to do with missing open receivers and making poor decisions.

Are you suggesting that missing wide open receivers isn't an accuracy issue? Weird.

[Msucat5]

Good : Red Zone defense, Julius Davis, late September weather

Bad - Total misdiagnosis of this game by box score warriors - offense gave the ball back to MH twice. The real issue was our defense between the 20’s, MH got everything they wanted

Ugly - Student section always messing up the Go Cats Go during the fight song because they’re too excited for the ESG

[Bocephus]

NDSU beat Illinois St. 20-0 in 2021 on the way to winning the chipper(against the Cats).

I’m calling it, we’re going all the way.