1 vs 2 QBs

[Monymony]

We didn't graduate a ton and we lost some studs to portal. We go from 8-4 to 14-0. (Not done yet). This makes many people wonder what is different? Obviously the coordinators and mentality have changed but I think another big difference has been having one quarterback. Even look at last year’s NDSU’s game when Tommy got a majority of the time. 2021 we made it to Frisco in a 1 qb system… can we do it again?

[gtapp]

Coordinators!!!

[MSU01]

I don't think 1 vs 2 QBs matters, as what's different is that the 2024 team is simply better than the 2023 team was. So many of the guys on this year's team were a year younger and a year less experienced in 2023. In particular, Tommy has been great his entire career but this year he has been on another level. I'm sure that this being the only season he has played in full without missing any time due to injury has played a big role in that in addition to just natural improvement as his career has progressed. The defense is much better this year - whether you attribute that to the coaching change, player development, or more likely a combination of both of those factors. The kicking game has turned from a massive weakness in 2023 to a strength in 2024, as with a reliable field goal kicker last year MSU probably beats Idaho in the regular season and definitely beats NDSU in the playoff game. Every single aspect of the team is just better this year, everyone knows it, but they still have the right attitude to not get too cocky and just assume they can show up and beat anyone.

[wbtfg]

Coordinators!!!

Agree.....

[mslacatfan]

Coordinators!!!

Agree.....

What they said.

[AFCAT]

The reason the Cats are back on top is because of my 1984 National Championship watch. The watch was broken for years and before the season, I had it fixed. The watch now works perfectly and fixing it somehow re-set the space-time continuum where the Cats are on top of the standings. I only wish that I had the watch fixed years ago.

[BleedingBLue]

The reason the Cats are back on top is because of my 1984 National Championship watch. The watch was broken for years and before the season, I had it fixed. The watch now works perfectly and fixing it somehow re-set the space-time continuum where the Cats are on top of the standings. I only wish that I had the watch fixed years ago.

This is it right here. It could also be my gameday socks, same ones I've worn all year.

[BleedingBLue]

Coordinators are a big part of it.

Housewright wasn't bad, but he lacked rhythm and wanted to be cute in poor spots. Walker has been so in rhythm almost all year. He does what's working a lot, which is super important as a coordinator. Last week is a great example. He started calling the rollout RPOs more frequently in the 2nd quarter, and both he and Tommy were perfectly fine with getting 3 yards on a few of those plays, because Idaho had to adjust each time and something different was available for more yards the next time.

When it comes to Daly, everything about him is better than WMG. His play calling and adjustments are off the charts. He knows when to be aggressive and pressure, and when to pull it back a bit. Howe and Owens are a fantastic compliment to him as well.

[TomCat88]

1. The players (and coaches) learned a valuable lesson.
2. The schedule was easier.
3. The defensive coordinators are better. Jody Owens is a great addition.
4. The OC is more level headed and like the HC.

[GoCats18]

Coordinators
Leadership
Attitude
Weather
Speed

It’s the CLAWS that have made the difference

[rfischer94]

The reason the Cats are back on top is because of my 1984 National Championship watch. The watch was broken for years and before the season, I had it fixed. The watch now works perfectly and fixing it somehow re-set the space-time continuum where the Cats are on top of the standings. I only wish that I had the watch fixed years ago.

This is it right here. It could also be my gameday socks, same ones I've worn all year.

Ooh! Ooh! Me too!

[Prodigal Cat]

The reason the Cats are back on top is because of my 1984 National Championship watch. The watch was broken for years and before the season, I had it fixed. The watch now works perfectly and fixing it somehow re-set the space-time continuum where the Cats are on top of the standings. I only wish that I had the watch fixed years ago.

This is it right here. It could also be my gameday socks, same ones I've worn all year.

I have a “Bobcats till I die” tee shirt I’ve worn every game day this season. It’s been washed though cause I’m a little stitious I’m not superstitious.

[asstastic]

Id argue 2 QB system is in the top 3 reasons. Does someone have the stats at their fingertips: red zone conversion percentage the last two years and YTD?

Almost impossible to hold all other variables constant. There was so many positive changes last year to this year.

[catzz]

1. Tommy has been healthy all year this year.
1. The Schedule/opponents
1. Coordinators
2. Strength of opponents
3. Improved/Experienced players
4. 2 Qb system

Looking forward to tomorrow as I think it will be the first team that could really test this years Cats.

[Monymony]

1. Coordinators
2. Mentality/Experience
3. Tommy (1 qb, health)
4. Kicking

[Monymony]

Id argue 2 QB system is in the top 3 reasons. Does someone have the stats at their fingertips: red zone conversion percentage the last two years and YTD?

Almost impossible to hold all other variables constant. There was so many positive changes last year to this year.

Red zone 2023
Td- 39-54 (72%)

Red zone 2024
Td- 50-60 (83%)

[BelligerentBobcat]

I don't think 1 vs 2 QBs matters, as what's different is that the 2024 team is simply better than the 2023 team was. So many of the guys on this year's team were a year younger and a year less experienced in 2023. In particular, Tommy has been great his entire career but this year he has been on another level. I'm sure that this being the only season he has played in full without missing any time due to injury has played a big role in that in addition to just natural improvement as his career has progressed. The defense is much better this year - whether you attribute that to the coaching change, player development, or more likely a combination of both of those factors. The kicking game has turned from a massive weakness in 2023 to a strength in 2024, as with a reliable field goal kicker last year MSU probably beats Idaho in the regular season and definitely beats NDSU in the playoff game. Every single aspect of the team is just better this year, everyone knows it, but they still have the right attitude to not get too cocky and just assume they can show up and beat anyone.

It absolutely matters.

Both Tommy and Chambers are/were good QB’s, but their best games came when the other was injured. When you’re playing multiple QB’s who operate roughly the same way, neither one gets in a rhythm and both are trying to make the big play all the time because they don’t know if they’ll be in next series or not.

I get why MSU did it with both of those guys, but I hope they never have to do it again.

[onceacat]

1. The players (and coaches) learned a valuable lesson.
2. The schedule was easier.
3. The defensive coordinators are better. Jody Owens is a great addition.
4. The OC is more level headed and like the HC.

All good points. In particular, losing 3 tough road games put the Cats on a collision course with a really good NDSU team in the 1st round with a pretty depleted group.

This year? Our starters have played 50-70 fewer snaps, our backups have had a TON of experience building depth, and we had two easy home games in the playoffs.

Better coaching helped get there, as did fixes in the kicking game, as did Tommy playing a LOT smarter and avoiding big hits.

Some coaching, some talent & experience, some luck...put it all together & its been pretty magical.