Well, I Confess that I occasionally join that chorus. But I think if we were to really dominate Duke, at Duke, we would be pretty happy. After last year, I will be thrilled if we start out 3 and 0 no matter how we get there.
Prediction Thread: NU @ Duke
- Thread starter rmndcat
- Start date
I was planning to go to Durham. Bu instead I will be hunking down in Ormond Beach . Go "Cats.
Not sure this team is going to "dominate" any opponent. Lots of parity out there. Cliche, I know, but let's win one at a time.
I guess the question is, Was Nevada a good example of who this team is going to be or did first game, no film, developing linemen, short circuit what we will see as the season wears on.
I'm going to believe in the team that won the second half 24 -3 as the team we will see more of in 2017 until we lose to a team that I believe to be clearly inferior.
You should have scene me on my couch watching the first half of the Nevada game. It was like I was all the way back in college again 87-91'. I thought I was having an out-of-body experience in time travel. Would we lose another 33 games in a row? Would beating NIU prompt me and my peers to storm the field and tear down/throw the goalposts into Lake Michigan? I didn't go to NU for the sports teams. But what we've had since 95' in football and last season for basketball have put the icing on the fruitcake! I get a bad vibe the whole week before the next game. I can't take the disappointment if we lose- while I had anticipated victory all week. It's a self-preservation practice. Sorry to be doomsdayer...its just all I know.
I haven't watched Duke since they visited Evanston last year, so I really don't have an informed opinion on Saturday, and hence will go with the three point spread in the Cats favor the line gives: Cats 31, Devils 28.
I did enjoy reading the Duke Scout prediction thread, where, understandably, all or almost all were picking the home team. Some were thoughtful, but one poster justified his pick by pointing out that Duke had an advantage at quarterback and running back. Not having seen Duke since last September, it is possible, but I don't think that it is likely! Seeing where Jackson has a pretty good chance to end the year as the second leading runner in Big 10 history, either whoever they have is really good, or the poster has not watched the Cats much.
I did enjoy reading the Duke Scout prediction thread, where, understandably, all or almost all were picking the home team. Some were thoughtful, but one poster justified his pick by pointing out that Duke had an advantage at quarterback and running back. Not having seen Duke since last September, it is possible, but I don't think that it is likely! Seeing where Jackson has a pretty good chance to end the year as the second leading runner in Big 10 history, either whoever they have is really good, or the poster has not watched the Cats much.
Last week I said NU would win 34-17. That ended up being in the ballpark, though I wasn't expecting them to ever fall behind by 10.
For tomorrow:
NU 34
Duke 30
I'm in the camp that the Cats need to put up 30+ to win this game. While I'm optimistic the CB play will be better, I'm less confident in the pass rush. And if there's no pressure, it's easier for breakdowns in coverage.
I expect the offense to hum. The run blocking should be better against a more standard defense. Jackson will do his thing. Thorson and Brown connect after missing a bunch last week.
All told, I feel pretty good about this game. Would feel better if NU wasn't QB sneaking on the goal line on 4th down at home against Nevada to avoid a loss.
But it is what it is. I don't fault people for being worried/pessimistic.
For tomorrow:
NU 34
Duke 30
I'm in the camp that the Cats need to put up 30+ to win this game. While I'm optimistic the CB play will be better, I'm less confident in the pass rush. And if there's no pressure, it's easier for breakdowns in coverage.
I expect the offense to hum. The run blocking should be better against a more standard defense. Jackson will do his thing. Thorson and Brown connect after missing a bunch last week.
All told, I feel pretty good about this game. Would feel better if NU wasn't QB sneaking on the goal line on 4th down at home against Nevada to avoid a loss.
But it is what it is. I don't fault people for being worried/pessimistic.
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Corbi, I wish you had been right and me wrong. Let's hope they get it together quickly.
The defense disappointed me today but the root of our problems start on offense. When you can't sustain drives and you put your defense out there for almost 100 snaps, no defense is going to hold up under that scenario.