FB: Empire 8

[AUPepBand]

Preseason Empire 8 Coaches Poll is posted on the SJF website.  Here it is:

1. St. John Fisher
2. Springfield
3. Alfred
4. Ithaca
5. Hartwick
6. Utica
7. Norwich

I think the rankings are pretty much what everybody expected.  Except I would give the edge to IC over AU for the third spot (even though AU beat IC in '06). 

It would be Pep's observation that some Fisher fans/posters appear to be insecure, longing for the affirmation of the multitude of Bomber fans/posters, and in seeking the Bombers' respect think nothing of dissing the Saxons and their few faithful fans, as demonstrated by the bold statement quoted above. But then, Pep could be wrong.

[theoriginalupstate]

Preseason Empire 8 Coaches Poll is posted on the SJF website.  Here it is:

1. St. John Fisher
2. Springfield
3. Alfred
4. Ithaca
5. Hartwick
6. Utica
7. Norwich

I think the rankings are pretty much what everybody expected.  Except I would give the edge to IC over AU for the third spot (even though AU beat IC in '06). 

It would be Pep's observation that some Fisher fans/posters appear to be insecure, longing for the affirmation of the multitude of Bomber fans/posters, and in seeking the Bombers' respect think nothing of dissing the Saxons and their few faithful fans, as demonstrated by the bold statement quoted above. But then, Pep could be wrong.

I could see that Pep.

[boobyhasgameyo]

Preseason Empire 8 Coaches Poll is posted on the SJF website.  Here it is:

1. St. John Fisher
2. Springfield
3. Alfred
4. Ithaca
5. Hartwick
6. Utica
7. Norwich

I think the rankings are pretty much what everybody expected.  Except I would give the edge to IC over AU for the third spot (even though AU beat IC in '06). 

It would be Pep's observation that some Fisher fans/posters appear to be insecure, longing for the affirmation of the multitude of Bomber fans/posters, and in seeking the Bombers' respect think nothing of dissing the Saxons and their few faithful fans, as demonstrated by the bold statement quoted above. But then, Pep could be wrong.

ha at first i was about to get all defensive because that was just my natural reaction but then i thought.......he has a point.  Only part I disagree with is the word choice of insecurity.  I think alot of the posters seek approval of their fellow Ithaca brethren because they obviously are part of the more established football program but that doesnt point to insecurity, at least to me.

[maninorangehat]

Preseason Empire 8 Coaches Poll is posted on the SJF website.  Here it is:

1. St. John Fisher
2. Springfield
3. Alfred
4. Ithaca
5. Hartwick
6. Utica
7. Norwich

I think the rankings are pretty much what everybody expected.  Except I would give the edge to IC over AU for the third spot (even though AU beat IC in '06). 

It would be Pep's observation that some Fisher fans/posters appear to be insecure, longing for the affirmation of the multitude of Bomber fans/posters, and in seeking the Bombers' respect think nothing of dissing the Saxons and their few faithful fans, as demonstrated by the bold statement quoted above. But then, Pep could be wrong.

I could see that Pep.

MIOH can see where your going there Pep... MIOH thinks AU clearly has earned some respect the past 2 seasons w/ W's over Ithaca and SJF (on the road). 

The polls have confirmed that the coaches are now giving Alfred some Dap.

MIOH thinks the Saxons are one big season... and a playoff run away from no longer being the doormat of the E8PP. 

MIOH could also see why there's an argument for IC in the 3 spot... They do have the Saxons @ home this year... and it's been pointed out many a time what Ithaca has done @ Butterfield in the E8. 

MIOH hopes that the 11/3 game @ Butterfield will be a battle between 1-2 in the E8 as opposed to 3-4.

[Tags]

Preseason Empire 8 Coaches Poll is posted on the SJF website.  Here it is:

1. St. John Fisher
2. Springfield
3. Alfred
4. Ithaca
5. Hartwick
6. Utica
7. Norwich

I think the rankings are pretty much what everybody expected.  Except I would give the edge to IC over AU for the third spot (even though AU beat IC in '06). 

It would be Pep's observation that some Fisher fans/posters appear to be insecure, longing for the affirmation of the multitude of Bomber fans/posters, and in seeking the Bombers' respect think nothing of dissing the Saxons and their few faithful fans, as demonstrated by the bold statement quoted above. But then, Pep could be wrong.

I don't think that's the case Pep. I think it was just an opinion.

It's a message board - anyone who is seeking affirmation (nice pull by the way) from another poster, or group of posters should seek help.

[sjfcards]

I checked out the preseason predictions for the empire 8 just a few minutes ago...I never thought I would see the day that IC was picked to finish 4th in the league. Is there something I do not know about? I know every team in the top 4 is a quality team, I guess it is just hard to believe.

The only thing about Fisher being the pick to finish first is, I am not sure if the coaches are looking at the schedule or not. Fisher has to go to Ithaca and to springfield. That is tough stretch for any team in d3. I think Fisher has a lot of talent, but I don't know if it is enough to overcome all of that. I hope so...

My predictions would be:
1) Springfield
2)Fisher
3)IC
4)AU
5)Hartwick
6)Norwich
7)Utica

I would love to move AU up, or put IC or Fisher in first. It is kind of hard when all 4 could do serious damage in another league. Just one mans guess...

eh forget it...Fisher all the way...Undefeated. No I think they have a good enough team to go 10-0 but like I said, a couple real tough road games, and a brutal league stretch for any team...should be a lot of fun.

[Knightstalker]

Clemens has been pitching like a stiff lately, I don't trust Mussina.  Right now they only have two starters I think are reliable and that is Petite who needs better run support and Wang.  Hughes is still a question mark. 

What I meant was Clemens would get thrown out in the 7th leading 7-0 and throwing a two hitter for hitting a batter after Arod got hit earlier.

[dewcrew88]

I checked out the preseason predictions for the empire 8 just a few minutes ago...I never thought I would see the day that IC was picked to finish 4th in the league. Is there something I do not know about? I know every team in the top 4 is a quality team, I guess it is just hard to believe.

The only thing about Fisher being the pick to finish first is, I am not sure if the coaches are looking at the schedule or not. Fisher has to go to Ithaca and to springfield. That is tough stretch for any team in d3. I think Fisher has a lot of talent, but I don't know if it is enough to overcome all of that. I hope so...

My predictions would be:
1) Springfield
2)Fisher
3)IC
4)AU
5)Hartwick
6)Norwich
7)Utica

I would love to move AU up, or put IC or Fisher in first. It is kind of hard when all 4 could do serious damage in another league. Just one mans guess...

eh forget it...Fisher all the way...Undefeated. No I think they have a good enough team to go 10-0 but like I said, a couple real tough road games, and a brutal league stretch for any team...should be a lot of fun.

Utica will not finish last in the league. Absolutely not.

[Caz Bombers]

The concept of the Bombers finishing as low as 4th in the league is really hard to stomach, but I guess it's a definite possibility. 

Assuming everybody in the top 4 beats the Doormat Triplets AKA Harticawich....the coaches basically see it as SJF goes 3-0 against the other 3, Hey Pride beats IC and AU while Alfred beats IC? 

If someone with an old Bomber media guide could confirm for me whether it was 1981 or 1983 the last time an in-state private school won at Butterfield (it was St. Lawrence, I'm 99% positive) I'd be much obliged.  I feel pretty good about the Bombers going at least 1-1 against the Saxons and Cards.

[fisheralum91]

me thinks pep is a bit off kilter on the affirmation thang.
and any fisher guys---we all know that the campus has a lot to be desired.
to think otherwise is silly.
new facilities- yes
new dorms- yes
cramped space - yes

[JQV]

Caz gets this morning's gold star.  IC's last loss at Butterfield to a NY Private College was in 1983 and the loss did come to St. Lawrence.

I never put a lot of weight in the Coaches poll in any college football for a lot of reasons but, mainly, because the coaches have a direct interest.  Think about Mac Brown campaigning to get his team into the Rose Bowl a few years ago.  Or, not sure if you guys up here know this, but the Old Ball Coach votes Duke at #25 every week until they suffer their first loss because he used to coach there. 

Anyway, Fisher gets to be #1 this year because they are the defending champ.  Without looking it up, I would guess the defending champ is voted as the preseason #1 in the vast majority of inter-league coaches polls.

Seems to me that the league is harder to handicap this year than any previous season.  Every team except 1 have some serious questions they need to answer.

How does Fisher bounce back and reload?

What does IC have and what do they get from Juvan?

Will SC's gimmick offense ever win a meaningful game and does the new turf slow them down enough to erase the huge home field advantage they had on the track?

Will Hartwichica (love that Caz) be relevant?

The PepBands are the one known quantity we have in the league.  Regardless of the answers above, I see the Peps finishing a strong second in the E8 with a late season chance to win the league. I'd explain in greater detail but this post is already so long I think I'll just save it.

[maninorangehat]

Springfield seems to be getting a lot of love from The Guru, E8 Coaches, and this board... esp. for a team that lost to Ithaca (24-7) & SJF (27-21) last year (and beat AU by a TD @ home).

MIOH knows the schedule plays out well for them this year (in the league) w/ home games against SJF & IC... and a road game on the turf @ Pep's Place. 

However... 5 of their first 6 games are on the road... including Union, Montclair, Alfred, and Brockport (Utica is the 5th).   

Is MIOH the only one not bowing before Chris Sharpe in here?

MIOH's E8 Predictions

1. SJF
2. IC
3. AU
4. Springfield
5. UtiHartwicha 

[fisheralum91]

well said!
Sharpe is a great back but i think that everyone in the e8 has a handle on the "gimmick" offense.  Dont get me wrong the kid has talent - im just not drinking the cool aid.

[Tags]

Is the tailback from Brockport back this year? The kid is a beast when he actually feels like playing.

[not so rowdy bomber]

Aside from the E8 teams (and Cortland & Springfield).. do the Bombers have anything to worry about with: Kings, Brockport, or Lycoming?

Brockport as bad as they've been has always been a concern to NSRB.  as for Kinds and Lycoming...  any thoughts?

As the season nears, NSRB wonders who will be traveling to the away's this year.   Unfortunately, IC Alumni Run is on the same day is  Lycoming... aside from that and a trip to Springfield Mass, NSRB should be in attendance for the rest.

Go Bombers:  OH YEAH!