How Good Are the 2024 Bobcats?

[91catAlum]

So now that the out of conference games are complete and we head into Big Sky Conference play, how good are this year's Bobcats?

It's been such a weird schedule so far against a weak but FBS team, then 3 weak FCS teams. I honestly don't know what to think yet.

I THINK we're really good offensively especially on the ground, but don't know yet how much we've improved throwing the rock.

The defensive starters have put up good stats against mostly weak opponents, but haven't gotten any turnovers (or maybe 1?) and didn't have any sacks until the 3rd game. Just feels stranger than the usual OOC games and harder to really tell where we're at, IMO.

What are your thoughts? Will we squeak into the playoffs and be done by the quarters like last year? Or will we make another deep run to the semi's or Frisco like 2019, 2021 and 2022?

[gtapp]

This team can win the NC. Will they depends on injuries, execution, coaching, etc. We have a very good team with decent depth. The announcers on Sat said this is the best WR group we have had at MSU. We are great and deep at RB, WR, OL, DL, LB. The only area of concern for me is our defensive backfield and QB. Mellott is great but after him who knows. Our defensive backs are seniors and good but have not always played to their potential. It may take home field advantage to get to the NC so finishing ranked 1 or 2 is very important. That only happens if we go undefeated.

[coloradocat]

We'll be 6-0 before we have any idea if we're a top 2, top 10 or top 25 team.

[BelligerentBobcat]

Title contenders.

[iaafan]

We'll be 6-0 before we have any idea if we're a top 2, top 10 or top 25 team.

…we…?

[MSU01]

MSU will be a Top 8 seed come playoff time. Exactly where they fall in that 1-8 range and how far they advance will come down to factors we can't possibly predict right now, namely health/injuries and to a lesser extent playoff matchups. Fortunately the latter should be helped somewhat by the new 1-16 seeding.

[Catsrgrood]

We'll be 6-0 before we have any idea if we're a top 2, top 10 or top 25 team.

I can say with absolute 100% certainty right now that they're better than just a top 25 team, but overall I agree with the sentiment.

I think they’re good, quite possibly really good. But they’ll be 6-0 before the 1st real test.

Until then, I’ll enjoy the games, enjoy what should be an undefeated first half of the season, while not getting too far ahead of myself on what that means, knowing how weak the first half schedule really is.

[onceacat]

We'll be 6-0 before we have any idea if we're a top 2, top 10 or top 25 team.

Zero doubt in any minds anywhere that the Cats are a Top 8 team. Less than zero if thats possible.

Everyone in the country knows who the Top 4 are.

Nobody knows Top 2, and nobody will until the playoffs.

[Catprint]

We'll be 6-0 before we have any idea if we're a top 2, top 10 or top 25 team.

I agree 6-0 before Cats are tested. After that, anyone's guess. First Half Schedule will be the weakest schedule of any Top 10 FCS team. Second Half may just be the toughest schedule with 4 currently ranked teams and EWU and PSU on the road. Have to beat 2 of the ranked teams to get a seed and be 3-1 to have a chance at Top 2 or Top 4 seed based on Idaho and Gris will be in that same pot along with NDSU, SDSU, USD and maybe UCA. 7 competing for 4 seeds. At least at this point.

[WalkOn79]

Good enough to win it all, especially if they can get a 1 or 2 seed.

[The Butcher]

We'll be 6-0 before we have any idea if we're a top 2, top 10 or top 25 team.

ISU might not be as weak as people think, especially with the Cats heading to Pocatello. ISU won't just roll over, and the Cats have been coasting for the past month...

[catatac]

We'll be 6-0 before we have any idea if we're a top 2, top 10 or top 25 team.

Zero doubt in any minds anywhere that the Cats are a Top 8 team. Less than zero if thats possible.

Everyone in the country knows who the Top 4 are.

Nobody knows Top 2, and nobody will until the playoffs.

Are you saying SDSU, NDSU, MSU, and Idaho as the top four?

[CelticCat]

Here's my take:

Offensively, we are better. I know the passing game hasn't blown anyone's socks off but Tommy is currently the 7th most efficient QB among QBs who have more than 1 game played (11th overall). And I think he's getting better and better pocket presence as the season progresses. MSU with Tommy will never be a dynamic passing team but I think this will be Tommy's best season throwing the ball. I am a little concerned about running the ball when we run into stout DLs and teams with better LB and S play but I believe in this offense right now.

Defensively, I think the defensive isn't quite as talented as last year's but I think they are playing better team defense, and it's gotten better each week. There is a lot more swarming to the ball than I've seen probably since Troy graduated, and they seem to be trusting each other. Polidore is the missing piece here, a true enforcer. All that being said, not a ton of sacks and no meaningful turnovers forced is concerning.

Special teams wise, I feel comfortable kicking a 40 yard and in FG. Beyond that I think we still go for it.

I think when you put it all together (and IMO the Cats haven't quite done so yet), I think this might be the most complete Bobcat team I've seen in a while. Not necessarily the most talented but there isn't a big weakness that I can see right now.

But if SDSU is the measuring stick I'm not sure we are there this year, talent wise.

[onceacat]

We'll be 6-0 before we have any idea if we're a top 2, top 10 or top 25 team.

Zero doubt in any minds anywhere that the Cats are a Top 8 team. Less than zero if thats possible.

Everyone in the country knows who the Top 4 are.

Nobody knows Top 2, and nobody will until the playoffs.

Are you saying SDSU, NDSU, MSU, and Idaho as the top four?

Yes. Handful of other teams that could swap out based on things like injuries...but those teams are all clearly a notch above the UM/UND/'Nova/SoDak "at this point".

But theres zero doubt in my mind that the DSUs, MSU, and Idaho are all Top 8 seeds. The other 4 top seeds are up in the air.

[onceacat]

Here's my take:

Offensively, we are better. I know the passing game hasn't blown anyone's socks off but Tommy is currently the 7th most efficient QB among QBs who have more than 1 game played (11th overall). And I think he's getting better and better pocket presence as the season progresses. MSU with Tommy will never be a dynamic passing team but I think this will be Tommy's best season throwing the ball. I am a little concerned about running the ball when we run into stout DLs and teams with better LB and S play but I believe in this offense right now.

Defensively, I think the defensive isn't quite as talented as last year's but I think they are playing better team defense, and it's gotten better each week. There is a lot more swarming to the ball than I've seen probably since Troy graduated, and they seem to be trusting each other. Polidore is the missing piece here, a true enforcer. All that being said, not a ton of sacks and no meaningful turnovers forced is concerning.

Special teams wise, I feel comfortable kicking a 40 yard and in FG. Beyond that I think we still go for it.

I think when you put it all together (and IMO the Cats haven't quite done so yet), I think this might be the most complete Bobcat team I've seen in a while. Not necessarily the most talented but there isn't a big weakness that I can see right now.

But if SDSU is the measuring stick I'm not sure we are there this year, talent wise.

I think thats all pretty spot on, especially IRT the pass game.

But on the last comment: The Cats were one questionable replay review away from beating SDSU in Brookings last season. I don't think the Cats are any worse...and I've yet to see anything that suggests SDSU is any better.

If the Cats stay healthy & win a tough game against a REALLY good looking Idaho team at home, they are on a glide path to a #2 seed-if things break right, could be a #1.

[rfischer94]

Here's my take:

Offensively, we are better. I know the passing game hasn't blown anyone's socks off but Tommy is currently the 7th most efficient QB among QBs who have more than 1 game played (11th overall). And I think he's getting better and better pocket presence as the season progresses. MSU with Tommy will never be a dynamic passing team but I think this will be Tommy's best season throwing the ball. I am a little concerned about running the ball when we run into stout DLs and teams with better LB and S play but I believe in this offense right now.

Defensively, I think the defensive isn't quite as talented as last year's but I think they are playing better team defense, and it's gotten better each week. There is a lot more swarming to the ball than I've seen probably since Troy graduated, and they seem to be trusting each other. Polidore is the missing piece here, a true enforcer. All that being said, not a ton of sacks and no meaningful turnovers forced is concerning.

Special teams wise, I feel comfortable kicking a 40 yard and in FG. Beyond that I think we still go for it.

I think when you put it all together (and IMO the Cats haven't quite done so yet), I think this might be the most complete Bobcat team I've seen in a while. Not necessarily the most talented but there isn't a big weakness that I can see right now.

But if SDSU is the measuring stick I'm not sure we are there this year, talent wise.

I think thats all pretty spot on, especially IRT the pass game.

But on the last comment: The Cats were one questionable replay review away from beating SDSU in Brookings last season. I don't think the Cats are any worse...and I've yet to see anything that suggests SDSU is any better.

If the Cats stay healthy & win a tough game against a REALLY good looking Idaho team at home, they are on a glide path to a #2 seed-if things break right, could be a #1.

With the 1 - 16 seeding taking effect this year, do you think that the 1 seed will get an easier path to Frisco than the 2 seed? In the past, it seemed like 1 vs 2 were just as good because of the hone field advantage.

[BleedingBLue]

Here's my take:

Offensively, we are better. I know the passing game hasn't blown anyone's socks off but Tommy is currently the 7th most efficient QB among QBs who have more than 1 game played (11th overall). And I think he's getting better and better pocket presence as the season progresses. MSU with Tommy will never be a dynamic passing team but I think this will be Tommy's best season throwing the ball. I am a little concerned about running the ball when we run into stout DLs and teams with better LB and S play but I believe in this offense right now.

Defensively, I think the defensive isn't quite as talented as last year's but I think they are playing better team defense, and it's gotten better each week. There is a lot more swarming to the ball than I've seen probably since Troy graduated, and they seem to be trusting each other. Polidore is the missing piece here, a true enforcer. All that being said, not a ton of sacks and no meaningful turnovers forced is concerning.

Special teams wise, I feel comfortable kicking a 40 yard and in FG. Beyond that I think we still go for it.

I think when you put it all together (and IMO the Cats haven't quite done so yet), I think this might be the most complete Bobcat team I've seen in a while. Not necessarily the most talented but there isn't a big weakness that I can see right now.

But if SDSU is the measuring stick I'm not sure we are there this year, talent wise.

I think thats all pretty spot on, especially IRT the pass game.

But on the last comment: The Cats were one questionable replay review away from beating SDSU in Brookings last season. I don't think the Cats are any worse...and I've yet to see anything that suggests SDSU is any better.

If the Cats stay healthy & win a tough game against a REALLY good looking Idaho team at home, they are on a glide path to a #2 seed-if things break right, could be a #1.

With the 1 - 16 seeding taking effect this year, do you think that the 1 seed will get an easier path to Frisco than the 2 seed? In the past, it seemed like 1 vs 2 were just as good because of the hone field advantage.

I know you aren't asking me, but I think the path for the #1 - #4 seeds will easier in the 2nd round only. They'll be getting an unseeded team, or #13 - #16 respectively, instead of getting a team who would maybe be the #8, #9, or #10 seed because of regionalization.

[cats2506]

Here's my take:

Offensively, we are better. I know the passing game hasn't blown anyone's socks off but Tommy is currently the 7th most efficient QB among QBs who have more than 1 game played (11th overall). And I think he's getting better and better pocket presence as the season progresses. MSU with Tommy will never be a dynamic passing team but I think this will be Tommy's best season throwing the ball. I am a little concerned about running the ball when we run into stout DLs and teams with better LB and S play but I believe in this offense right now.

Defensively, I think the defensive isn't quite as talented as last year's but I think they are playing better team defense, and it's gotten better each week. There is a lot more swarming to the ball than I've seen probably since Troy graduated, and they seem to be trusting each other. Polidore is the missing piece here, a true enforcer. All that being said, not a ton of sacks and no meaningful turnovers forced is concerning.

Special teams wise, I feel comfortable kicking a 40 yard and in FG. Beyond that I think we still go for it.

I think when you put it all together (and IMO the Cats haven't quite done so yet), I think this might be the most complete Bobcat team I've seen in a while. Not necessarily the most talented but there isn't a big weakness that I can see right now.

But if SDSU is the measuring stick I'm not sure we are there this year, talent wise.

I think thats all pretty spot on, especially IRT the pass game.

But on the last comment: The Cats were one questionable replay review away from beating SDSU in Brookings last season. I don't think the Cats are any worse...and I've yet to see anything that suggests SDSU is any better.

If the Cats stay healthy & win a tough game against a REALLY good looking Idaho team at home, they are on a glide path to a #2 seed-if things break right, could be a #1.

With the 1 - 16 seeding taking effect this year, do you think that the 1 seed will get an easier path to Frisco than the 2 seed? In the past, it seemed like 1 vs 2 were just as good because of the hone field advantage.

Doubt it will be much different, #1 should be aligned with #16 and #2 aligned with #15, both #16 and #15 will have home first round games before playing #1 & #2

[cats2506]

Here's my take:

Offensively, we are better. I know the passing game hasn't blown anyone's socks off but Tommy is currently the 7th most efficient QB among QBs who have more than 1 game played (11th overall). And I think he's getting better and better pocket presence as the season progresses. MSU with Tommy will never be a dynamic passing team but I think this will be Tommy's best season throwing the ball. I am a little concerned about running the ball when we run into stout DLs and teams with better LB and S play but I believe in this offense right now.

Defensively, I think the defensive isn't quite as talented as last year's but I think they are playing better team defense, and it's gotten better each week. There is a lot more swarming to the ball than I've seen probably since Troy graduated, and they seem to be trusting each other. Polidore is the missing piece here, a true enforcer. All that being said, not a ton of sacks and no meaningful turnovers forced is concerning.

Special teams wise, I feel comfortable kicking a 40 yard and in FG. Beyond that I think we still go for it.

I think when you put it all together (and IMO the Cats haven't quite done so yet), I think this might be the most complete Bobcat team I've seen in a while. Not necessarily the most talented but there isn't a big weakness that I can see right now.

But if SDSU is the measuring stick I'm not sure we are there this year, talent wise.

I think thats all pretty spot on, especially IRT the pass game.

But on the last comment: The Cats were one questionable replay review away from beating SDSU in Brookings last season. I don't think the Cats are any worse...and I've yet to see anything that suggests SDSU is any better.

If the Cats stay healthy & win a tough game against a REALLY good looking Idaho team at home, they are on a glide path to a #2 seed-if things break right, could be a #1.

With the 1 - 16 seeding taking effect this year, do you think that the 1 seed will get an easier path to Frisco than the 2 seed? In the past, it seemed like 1 vs 2 were just as good because of the hone field advantage.

I know you aren't asking me, but I think the path for the #1 - #4 seeds will easier in the 2nd round only. They'll be getting an unseeded team, or #13 - #16 respectively, instead of getting a team who would maybe be the #8, #9, or #10 seed because of regionalization.

100% agree, this should make for a better tournament all around. I think Weber getting screwed the way they did a few years ago speeded this up.

[rfischer94]

Here's my take:

Offensively, we are better. I know the passing game hasn't blown anyone's socks off but Tommy is currently the 7th most efficient QB among QBs who have more than 1 game played (11th overall). And I think he's getting better and better pocket presence as the season progresses. MSU with Tommy will never be a dynamic passing team but I think this will be Tommy's best season throwing the ball. I am a little concerned about running the ball when we run into stout DLs and teams with better LB and S play but I believe in this offense right now.

Defensively, I think the defensive isn't quite as talented as last year's but I think they are playing better team defense, and it's gotten better each week. There is a lot more swarming to the ball than I've seen probably since Troy graduated, and they seem to be trusting each other. Polidore is the missing piece here, a true enforcer. All that being said, not a ton of sacks and no meaningful turnovers forced is concerning.

Special teams wise, I feel comfortable kicking a 40 yard and in FG. Beyond that I think we still go for it.

I think when you put it all together (and IMO the Cats haven't quite done so yet), I think this might be the most complete Bobcat team I've seen in a while. Not necessarily the most talented but there isn't a big weakness that I can see right now.

But if SDSU is the measuring stick I'm not sure we are there this year, talent wise.

I think thats all pretty spot on, especially IRT the pass game.

But on the last comment: The Cats were one questionable replay review away from beating SDSU in Brookings last season. I don't think the Cats are any worse...and I've yet to see anything that suggests SDSU is any better.

If the Cats stay healthy & win a tough game against a REALLY good looking Idaho team at home, they are on a glide path to a #2 seed-if things break right, could be a #1.

With the 1 - 16 seeding taking effect this year, do you think that the 1 seed will get an easier path to Frisco than the 2 seed? In the past, it seemed like 1 vs 2 were just as good because of the hone field advantage.

I know you aren't asking me, but I think the path for the #1 - #4 seeds will easier in the 2nd round only. They'll be getting an unseeded team, or #13 - #16 respectively, instead of getting a team who would maybe be the #8, #9, or #10 seed because of regionalization.

I'm asking anyone who has thoughts! I enjoy hearing from everyone. Thanks for your input!