Cats vs. UT-Martin 2nd round predictions

[coloradocat]

Just like every other week: 1-0

I’m going to get roasted by this but this 1-0 thing is getting overplayed. I love stories and narratives throughout the season but Let’s be honest…this isn’t the first time something like this has been preached nor the last. Vigen didn’t just make this 1-0 deal up this year. The only reason why it has caught so much traction is the fact we are undefeated. Anyways..Go Cats!!

Of course it's been overplayed, they've done it all 12 times so far. Even if it eventually ends I'm along for the ride!

[RootinfortheCats]

Just like every other week: 1-0

I’m going to get roasted by this but this 1-0 thing is getting overplayed. I love stories and narratives throughout the season but Let’s be honest…this isn’t the first time something like this has been preached nor the last. Vigen didn’t just make this 1-0 deal up this year. The only reason why it has caught so much traction is the fact we are undefeated. Anyways..Go Cats!!

Overplayed or not … I 100 percent believe the players have bought into it. I doubt they are overlooking UT Martin.

[tetoncat]

Tough one to predict without knowing the status of Humphrey and Davis. I think Adam Jones, Coon and White could be effective. If neither play, I expect White to get a lot of PT and if not him then Latin-Henley. I would expect MSU to be prepped to pass the ball if Humphrey and Davis are out and those two are good receivers as is Adam Jones.

I believe the weekly presser is going on as I write this, so we should know soon on those two. I think it could be a big game for the defense and special teams. I don't see MSU cracking 40 without H and D, but if the defense and STs make some plays that could get the score up there. Probably in the 30s. Offense will have to have a clean game with low penalties and turnovers.

Lots of back and forth on the UTM run defense, but like MSU being scoffed at for playing a weak schedule, I'm going to give UTM the benefit of the doubt and assume the run D is for real.

With H or D: MSU 42, UTM 13
Without H and D: MSU 31, UTM 13

Tom you're going to think I'm crazy, and maybe I am. But watching this line block the inside and outside zone all year, and now having even all the younger backs with some experience running in the system, i almost think it's irrelevant who the feature back is. I think we are a hugely formidable rushing attack with Jones, coon, white, and ULH with Tommy being the key cog. Not to say that Davis and scottre aren't the best backs we have, because they are. But this zone thing is like the late 90s early 2000s broncos IMO. Just plug the next guy in and keep gashing. Think Terrell Davis and then no drop off to Mike Anderson.

You may very well be right. I just noticed that things ebbed and flowed as H and D went in and out of the last two games. I think if MSU has the guys it uses in practice all week (ie no one gets hurt midway through game) they’ll do well.

Fortunately for MSU it doesn’t have to rely on the run game. UC Davis and UM were plugging things up and Mellott was able to makes passes to offset that. His 7-yarder on third and 7 was huge. The TD to R. Jones was big, the pass to Taco was huge. The latter two weren’t luck, as someone alluded to. and he’s proven that all year. He was 3 for 3 on the last drive of the first half to get a FG attempt.

You hit a point I made after Cat Griz. Jones looked much better in 2nd half. Could be they were able to adjust at half to plays he repped more in practice. I'm sure you game plan with specific guys and their skill set. Mid game injuries blow that up sometimes.

After the 88-yarder he had a good game. Take out the two TD runs and the 26-yarder and he was getting 5 per carry. 7 counting the 26-yarder. He starter the game really well then had a tough time in the middle.

Vigen said in his interview today that he expects and wants to get the passing game involved.

I take out the 88 yarder and he was still over 100 yards. Can't take out the good ones and then say he had a bad game. The 88 yarder made it exceptional.

[wbtfg]

Is UT-Martin the equivalent to UC Davis, but with a lesser offense?

[MSU01]

UT-Martin's scoreline from last week sounds about right to me.

Cats 41
Martin 10

[tetoncat]

Is UT-Martin the equivalent to UC Davis, but with a lesser offense?

4 losses, 5 or 6 close games, defense better as year went on but had chance to clinch playoffs 3 weeks ago and lost 10-9, Beat team Griz played last week by 7? I would say not equivalent to UCD.

[TomCat88]

Tough one to predict without knowing the status of Humphrey and Davis. I think Adam Jones, Coon and White could be effective. If neither play, I expect White to get a lot of PT and if not him then Latin-Henley. I would expect MSU to be prepped to pass the ball if Humphrey and Davis are out and those two are good receivers as is Adam Jones.

I believe the weekly presser is going on as I write this, so we should know soon on those two. I think it could be a big game for the defense and special teams. I don't see MSU cracking 40 without H and D, but if the defense and STs make some plays that could get the score up there. Probably in the 30s. Offense will have to have a clean game with low penalties and turnovers.

Lots of back and forth on the UTM run defense, but like MSU being scoffed at for playing a weak schedule, I'm going to give UTM the benefit of the doubt and assume the run D is for real.

With H or D: MSU 42, UTM 13
Without H and D: MSU 31, UTM 13

Tom you're going to think I'm crazy, and maybe I am. But watching this line block the inside and outside zone all year, and now having even all the younger backs with some experience running in the system, i almost think it's irrelevant who the feature back is. I think we are a hugely formidable rushing attack with Jones, coon, white, and ULH with Tommy being the key cog. Not to say that Davis and scottre aren't the best backs we have, because they are. But this zone thing is like the late 90s early 2000s broncos IMO. Just plug the next guy in and keep gashing. Think Terrell Davis and then no drop off to Mike Anderson.

You may very well be right. I just noticed that things ebbed and flowed as H and D went in and out of the last two games. I think if MSU has the guys it uses in practice all week (ie no one gets hurt midway through game) they’ll do well.

Fortunately for MSU it doesn’t have to rely on the run game. UC Davis and UM were plugging things up and Mellott was able to makes passes to offset that. His 7-yarder on third and 7 was huge. The TD to R. Jones was big, the pass to Taco was huge. The latter two weren’t luck, as someone alluded to. and he’s proven that all year. He was 3 for 3 on the last drive of the first half to get a FG attempt.

You hit a point I made after Cat Griz. Jones looked much better in 2nd half. Could be they were able to adjust at half to plays he repped more in practice. I'm sure you game plan with specific guys and their skill set. Mid game injuries blow that up sometimes.

After the 88-yarder he had a good game. Take out the two TD runs and the 26-yarder and he was getting 5 per carry. 7 counting the 26-yarder. He starter the game really well then had a tough time in the middle.

Vigen said in his interview today that he expects and wants to get the passing game involved.

I take out the 88 yarder and he was still over 100 yards. Can't take out the good ones and then say he had a bad game. The 88 yarder made it exceptional.

I’m saying he played really well for stretches even if you take out the 88 yarder.

[BigBruceBaker]

Tough one to predict without knowing the status of Humphrey and Davis. I think Adam Jones, Coon and White could be effective. If neither play, I expect White to get a lot of PT and if not him then Latin-Henley. I would expect MSU to be prepped to pass the ball if Humphrey and Davis are out and those two are good receivers as is Adam Jones.

I believe the weekly presser is going on as I write this, so we should know soon on those two. I think it could be a big game for the defense and special teams. I don't see MSU cracking 40 without H and D, but if the defense and STs make some plays that could get the score up there. Probably in the 30s. Offense will have to have a clean game with low penalties and turnovers.

Lots of back and forth on the UTM run defense, but like MSU being scoffed at for playing a weak schedule, I'm going to give UTM the benefit of the doubt and assume the run D is for real.

With H or D: MSU 42, UTM 13
Without H and D: MSU 31, UTM 13

Tom you're going to think I'm crazy, and maybe I am. But watching this line block the inside and outside zone all year, and now having even all the younger backs with some experience running in the system, i almost think it's irrelevant who the feature back is. I think we are a hugely formidable rushing attack with Jones, coon, white, and ULH with Tommy being the key cog. Not to say that Davis and scottre aren't the best backs we have, because they are. But this zone thing is like the late 90s early 2000s broncos IMO. Just plug the next guy in and keep gashing. Think Terrell Davis and then no drop off to Mike Anderson.

You may very well be right. I just noticed that things ebbed and flowed as H and D went in and out of the last two games. I think if MSU has the guys it uses in practice all week (ie no one gets hurt midway through game) they’ll do well.

Fortunately for MSU it doesn’t have to rely on the run game. UC Davis and UM were plugging things up and Mellott was able to makes passes to offset that. His 7-yarder on third and 7 was huge. The TD to R. Jones was big, the pass to Taco was huge. The latter two weren’t luck, as someone alluded to. and he’s proven that all year. He was 3 for 3 on the last drive of the first half to get a FG attempt.

You hit a point I made after Cat Griz. Jones looked much better in 2nd half. Could be they were able to adjust at half to plays he repped more in practice. I'm sure you game plan with specific guys and their skill set. Mid game injuries blow that up sometimes.

After the 88-yarder he had a good game. Take out the two TD runs and the 26-yarder and he was getting 5 per carry. 7 counting the 26-yarder. He starter the game really well then had a tough time in the middle.

Vigen said in his interview today that he expects and wants to get the passing game involved.

I take out the 88 yarder and he was still over 100 yards. Can't take out the good ones and then say he had a bad game. The 88 yarder made it exceptional.

I’m saying he played really well for stretches even if you take out the 88 yarder.

What if we take out the 88 yarder, but then put it back in, then divide it by 2 to be fair and start talking about the real number - 44.

[Monymony]

Only thing that worried me is the SP+ top 764 has UTM very high. We are 64 and they are 111, right behind Delaware and above UCD. I know that list isn’t perfect but this team 100% deserves total respect.

[iaafan]

Tough one to predict without knowing the status of Humphrey and Davis. I think Adam Jones, Coon and White could be effective. If neither play, I expect White to get a lot of PT and if not him then Latin-Henley. I would expect MSU to be prepped to pass the ball if Humphrey and Davis are out and those two are good receivers as is Adam Jones.

I believe the weekly presser is going on as I write this, so we should know soon on those two. I think it could be a big game for the defense and special teams. I don't see MSU cracking 40 without H and D, but if the defense and STs make some plays that could get the score up there. Probably in the 30s. Offense will have to have a clean game with low penalties and turnovers.

Lots of back and forth on the UTM run defense, but like MSU being scoffed at for playing a weak schedule, I'm going to give UTM the benefit of the doubt and assume the run D is for real.

With H or D: MSU 42, UTM 13
Without H and D: MSU 31, UTM 13

Tom you're going to think I'm crazy, and maybe I am. But watching this line block the inside and outside zone all year, and now having even all the younger backs with some experience running in the system, i almost think it's irrelevant who the feature back is. I think we are a hugely formidable rushing attack with Jones, coon, white, and ULH with Tommy being the key cog. Not to say that Davis and scottre aren't the best backs we have, because they are. But this zone thing is like the late 90s early 2000s broncos IMO. Just plug the next guy in and keep gashing. Think Terrell Davis and then no drop off to Mike Anderson.

You may very well be right. I just noticed that things ebbed and flowed as H and D went in and out of the last two games. I think if MSU has the guys it uses in practice all week (ie no one gets hurt midway through game) they’ll do well.

Fortunately for MSU it doesn’t have to rely on the run game. UC Davis and UM were plugging things up and Mellott was able to makes passes to offset that. His 7-yarder on third and 7 was huge. The TD to R. Jones was big, the pass to Taco was huge. The latter two weren’t luck, as someone alluded to. and he’s proven that all year. He was 3 for 3 on the last drive of the first half to get a FG attempt.

You hit a point I made after Cat Griz. Jones looked much better in 2nd half. Could be they were able to adjust at half to plays he repped more in practice. I'm sure you game plan with specific guys and their skill set. Mid game injuries blow that up sometimes.

After the 88-yarder he had a good game. Take out the two TD runs and the 26-yarder and he was getting 5 per carry. 7 counting the 26-yarder. He starter the game really well then had a tough time in the middle.

Vigen said in his interview today that he expects and wants to get the passing game involved.

I take out the 88 yarder and he was still over 100 yards. Can't take out the good ones and then say he had a bad game. The 88 yarder made it exceptional.

I’m saying he played really well for stretches even if you take out the 88 yarder.

What if we take out the 88 yarder, but then put it back in, then divide it by 2 to be fair and start talking about the real number - 44.

I think what he's saying is to get a good feel for how successful the run game is or an individual runner you take out the high and low, along with the short TD runs. Short TD runs might actually be longer runs but since the end zone is there...
3, 7, 8, 0, 4, 9...first 6 carries for 31 yards. 5.2 yards per carry.
4, 2, 2, 1, 0, 0, 8, 1, 3, 0... next 10 carries for 21 yards. 2.1
88
3td, 8, 26, 3, 4, 2td, 7, 4... Last 8 for 57. 7.2
Throw out the TDs...52 yards on 6 carries. 8.7
First 6 and last 8 = 88 yards on 14 carries. 6.3 or 12 for 83. 6.9.

So other than the middle ten carries, he was doing really well.

[tetoncat]

Tough one to predict without knowing the status of Humphrey and Davis. I think Adam Jones, Coon and White could be effective. If neither play, I expect White to get a lot of PT and if not him then Latin-Henley. I would expect MSU to be prepped to pass the ball if Humphrey and Davis are out and those two are good receivers as is Adam Jones.

I believe the weekly presser is going on as I write this, so we should know soon on those two. I think it could be a big game for the defense and special teams. I don't see MSU cracking 40 without H and D, but if the defense and STs make some plays that could get the score up there. Probably in the 30s. Offense will have to have a clean game with low penalties and turnovers.

Lots of back and forth on the UTM run defense, but like MSU being scoffed at for playing a weak schedule, I'm going to give UTM the benefit of the doubt and assume the run D is for real.

With H or D: MSU 42, UTM 13
Without H and D: MSU 31, UTM 13

Tom you're going to think I'm crazy, and maybe I am. But watching this line block the inside and outside zone all year, and now having even all the younger backs with some experience running in the system, i almost think it's irrelevant who the feature back is. I think we are a hugely formidable rushing attack with Jones, coon, white, and ULH with Tommy being the key cog. Not to say that Davis and scottre aren't the best backs we have, because they are. But this zone thing is like the late 90s early 2000s broncos IMO. Just plug the next guy in and keep gashing. Think Terrell Davis and then no drop off to Mike Anderson.

You may very well be right. I just noticed that things ebbed and flowed as H and D went in and out of the last two games. I think if MSU has the guys it uses in practice all week (ie no one gets hurt midway through game) they’ll do well.

Fortunately for MSU it doesn’t have to rely on the run game. UC Davis and UM were plugging things up and Mellott was able to makes passes to offset that. His 7-yarder on third and 7 was huge. The TD to R. Jones was big, the pass to Taco was huge. The latter two weren’t luck, as someone alluded to. and he’s proven that all year. He was 3 for 3 on the last drive of the first half to get a FG attempt.

You hit a point I made after Cat Griz. Jones looked much better in 2nd half. Could be they were able to adjust at half to plays he repped more in practice. I'm sure you game plan with specific guys and their skill set. Mid game injuries blow that up sometimes.

After the 88-yarder he had a good game. Take out the two TD runs and the 26-yarder and he was getting 5 per carry. 7 counting the 26-yarder. He starter the game really well then had a tough time in the middle.

Vigen said in his interview today that he expects and wants to get the passing game involved.

I take out the 88 yarder and he was still over 100 yards. Can't take out the good ones and then say he had a bad game. The 88 yarder made it exceptional.

I’m saying he played really well for stretches even if you take out the 88 yarder.

What if we take out the 88 yarder, but then put it back in, then divide it by 2 to be fair and start talking about the real number - 44.

I think what he's saying is to get a good feel for how successful the run game is or an individual runner you take out the high and low, along with the short TD runs. Short TD runs might actually be longer runs but since the end zone is there...
3, 7, 8, 0, 4, 9...first 6 carries for 31 yards. 5.2 yards per carry.
4, 2, 2, 1, 0, 0, 8, 1, 3, 0... next 10 carries for 21 yards. 2.1
88
3td, 8, 26, 3, 4, 2td, 7, 4... Last 8 for 57. 7.2
Throw out the TDs...52 yards on 6 carries. 8.7
First 6 and last 8 = 88 yards on 14 carries. 6.3 or 12 for 83. 6.9.

So other than the middle ten carries, he was doing really well.

First 6 Davis was also getting carries. Next 10 he had gone out. 2nd half started and Cats pretty much ran up the middle. Finally busted one and things opened up. I still believe we run different sets with Jones and if he had a week repping as the 1 it looks different

[bsnwhespen23]

Since the smack talk has begun, let us begin.

Tommy’s first start came against UTM four seasons ago. Now his final playoff run starts against that same team. They're a better team, we're a better team, will the results be similar? Probably so.

UTM has been good at stopping the run, they've also not faced a team inside the top 50 of the FCS in rush offense. They stuffed UNH in the run game, UNH also didn't have a mobile QB who runs well. Tommy torched UTM on the ground in the first meeting, and they looked susceptible to outside runs against UNH. I'd expect to see more outside zone and sweeps come Saturday, and less pounding the middle, especially if it's the Adam Jones show. If UTM sells out to stop the run, Tommy, the WRs, and TEs can absolutely have a day. I foresee a big offensive performance.

Offensively, I think UTM is going to have to pass a lot, because their run game isn't super impressive, and they haven't faced a front like ours. Dent, their QB, does a nice job of scrambling for yards, but I'm confident our pass rush will stay in their lanes and not get beyond him allowing him to escape the pocket. Dent should be under pressure a lot on Saturday, and I expect it will translate into a big day for the D.

Looking forward to a big win to start our run, despite UTM being a decent team.

Cats - 45
Goggle wearing birds of prey - 16

42-10 Cats

[ilovethecats]

Why the heck does everyone think it's going to be a blowout? We are down to the final 16 in the national playoffs.
I give UT Martin more respect. Cats 31, Skyhawks 21

P.S. by the way we have had a 1-0 mentality all season and I know the players and coaches are sticking to that. No way any of us should look ahead, but if we DO get by UT Martin, I think it's weird that we have the possibility of playing rematches with Idaho and UC Davis in the next two playoff games. I will also be very curious to see how the gris do against SD State. But we gotta take care of business Saturday in Bobcat Stadium. One game at a time. I really hope we have a capacity crowd. Weather is supposed to be ideal.

Same reason some of us expected our game against W&M to be a blowout despite them also being in the top 16. I recall getting called out for that pretty good too. Then we won by 7 touchdowns.

It has nothing to do with respect. I don't know much about UTM. But I know a lot about the Bobcats. I think they are very good. And if they are as good as I feel like they are, I expect them to dominate a 4-loss team from a weak conference. You respect them and predicted a 10 point win. I respect them as I do all teams and predict we win by 20+.

[bsnwhespen23]

Cats 42-10

[Team10]

Bobcats have opened as 18.5pt favorite

Jackrabbits are 22.5

[Bobcat Sig]

Bobcats have opened as 18.5pt favorite

Jackrabbits are 22.5

Nice! Which sportsbook are you getting these lines from?

[Team10]

Bobcats have opened as 18.5pt favorite

Jackrabbits are 22.5

Nice! Which sportsbook are you getting these lines from?

Sports Bet MT, which means the numbers are most likely a little inflated compared to what the more well known books will have the line set at.

[St George]

Not sure where CBS Sports gets its odds, but they have the Bobcats by 17.5 and SDSU by 22.5.

[RootinfortheCats]

Bobcats have opened as 18.5pt favorite

Jackrabbits are 22.5

Good parlay for both to cover.

[TCcat 84]

42 to 10 seems to be real popular. Adjusted a bit, I believe it will 49 to 17. Taco returns a punt for a touchdown,
Defense scores, Tommy gets 1, Scottre gets 2, Adam gets 1 and Colson gets 1 mid 4th quarter.