FB: Empire 8

[lineback]

How they didn't score: K, Caught Stealing, Base on Balls, 3-1.

Cubs lose. Cubs lose. Cubs lose.

[maxpower]

No Cubs update tonight?

Sorry Tags-

Tecmo won the big scrabble game last night as was taking advantage of the terms of victory.

Like I said earlier, we just can't hit the cut-fastball lefties. Capuano and Doug Davis have given the Cubs hell for years. Davis went two innings in his last start, but looked lik a world beater last evening.  Lee and Ramirez are slumping, but the rest of the order keeps pressing on. Beermakers lose again.  The Cardinals are going to pass them very, very soon.

YellowHat-  Have you heard any diamonback games this year?  Not sure if Don Sutton was broadcasting when you were there.  He is about the most obnoxious homer I've ever heard (behind Hawk of course).  At the end of the game last night he yelled "You lose, Cubbies... stick that up your flagpole!"  Yikes.

inside the park homer!  now there are runners on first and second with nobody out in the top of the ninth.  Kendall just fouled off ball four.  exciting game.

I'd love to hear what the terms of that scrabble game were!

Jeez guys, can't you all just open Gameday and get on IM or something?

[tecmobowler]

Nope.

[sjfcards]

Random thought, I'd like to see SC/Rowan or an SC/Cortland game

Id like to see them play some other powers that they traditionally would not get to see.  What are some other matchups you guys would like to see.

I'd like to see a Fisher / Cortland matchup. Would have been good in '06.

I think a Fisher / Cortland matchup would be a good one. I might rather see the Fisher / Hobart game start up again. They played when I was in school, but I don't think they have played since maybe '02?

A couple of other matchups I would like to see would be:

Fisher/RPI
Fisher/C-state as I said before

Ithaca/Union or RPI

I would also like to see the top teams in the Empire 8 play some of the better out of state teams. Baldwin Wallace, Mt Union, St. Johns. I know it is tough with the schedules but it would be a lot of fun to watch.

[tecmobowler]

Some thoughts on the Cornell scrimmage:

As always. it's tough to get much of a feel playing the D-I Ivy Leaguers.   They have always been bigger and faster and probably always will be.  From 2000-2002 it was ugly,  until we started to hold our own at Felicetti's peak.   WIth that being said, some thoughts...

The offensive and defensive lines held their own.  A few really nice holes were opened up for Donovan.  A six yard gain on the ground against Cornell is probably equivalent to a thirty yard scamper versus a D-I team.  The guards seemed to get the best push.  Donovan looks hungry and healthy.  This was a guy who two years ago I thought could be the best in the country at D-III... hopefully with some holes and some health, that spirit can be regained.

It seems like Juvan may be a bit more comfortable using his legs this year.  Orangehat will be happy to hear that I know.  At times last year he'd force a pass when it appeared he could run a good twenty yards.  He took off a few times, once for a good 15 yard scamper.  He has a cannon which we all know.  The question becomes can he relax in the pocket, especially when the pressure is on.  Last year that didn't happen, considering the collapse at Fisher, and complete debacle at Cortland.  Hopefully with a year's experience things will right themselves.

Heenehan is tough and running good routes.  Hogan continues to play the Jeff Welch role.  Kyle Crandall (if he indeed is the WR wearing #81 this year) is making a play to  be the third receiver, and had one beautiful grab. 

Grastorf is a great backup option.  Welch gave him a good amount of time with the first stringers, and seems to be comfortable with him if the situation arises.  His strength is what Juvan seems to lack at times.  A clear head in the pocket, and the ability to check off through his options. 

I was really impressed with our defense.  Ithaca could be tough to run on, which is a good sign out of the 3-4.  Byers is an immense presence in the middle.  The defensive ends got a good push.  Some tackling issues out of a young and talented linebacking crew.  Samela, Lieber, and Chier seem to all be in the mix for the two CB positions.  Samela had a really nice interception.  Little Scalice is the head of the defense this year in the middle,  and looks to be in great shape. 

Depth could be an issue with the defense, as there doesn't seem to be a ton of experience outside of the starting 11 or 12... #57 had a nice day at LB amongst the backups. 

The punting looks good, with Ryan Terlecki curiously the backup option at that position.  The kid out of Nassau seems to have lost the starting kicker job, if he had it in the first place. 

I'd be happy to take any more in depth questions through PM form... will post anything I forgot at a later time... off to watch "Confessions of a  Matchmaker"... it's good stuff!


Go Bombers! Go Cubs!

[lineback]

wow, sounds like we have a lot to look forward to this season. Glad to hear the jewish kid from chicago might get to start this year.

[maninyellowhat]

Is Confessions of a Matchmaker the A&E show that takes place in Buffalo?

[lineback]

This is no ordinary dating show and she is no ordinary matchmaker. For the past six years, matchmaker Patti Novak has been warming up the lonely hearts of Buffalo - a city with one of the highest populations of singles per capita - with her no-nonsense style of tough love. Now, she is letting cameras into her sessions and on dates with her clients...sharing the secrets of her success with the world.

[DanPadavona]

A couple of other matchups I would like to see would be:

Fisher/RPI
Fisher/C-state as I said before

Ithaca/Union or RPI

I would also like to see the top teams in the Empire 8 play some of the better out of state teams. Baldwin Wallace, Mt Union, St. Johns. I know it is tough with the schedules but it would be a lot of fun to watch.

Fisher - Cortland would have been a lot of fun mid-season 2006.  Post-season, I don't think Cortland would have done too well.  Without a quarterback, the top running back down, injuries on the OL, and key injuries on defense too.  They were completely hobbled.  In many ways it is amazing how well they played against IC in the Cortaca Game. 

Regarding the top Empire 8 teams playing great out of state teams, I believe your own school is about to. From what I understand Fisher and Mt Union will be playing a home and home?  Preseason Prediction - Fisher wins the East in 2007.  If they play anyone other than Mt Union in the semifinal round, they win.

That being said, it would not surprise me in the least to see Fisher with 1 loss in the regular season...at Ithaca.

[tecmobowler]

Hope you're right, Cortland.  The maturation of Juvan will tell the tale if we can give Fisher a run.  Ithaca has been blessed with capable leaders taking the snaps since I've been around.

Brian Young probably wasn't the greatest physical speciman around, but was a class guy, and a great leader who you'd want leading your offense in the clutch.  Felicetti wasn't Mr. Rah Rah, and not your stereotypical BMOC stud, but was so comfortable in the pocket and in big spots, that guys seemed to feel comfortable.

Hopefully Juvan can find a bit of both.  He's got great raw tools, and perhaps can become a little of both Young and Felicetti this year. 

[tecmobowler]

Mr and Mrs. Tecmo's five favorite shows these days:

Lost
Matchmaker
Buy Me
48 Hours Mystery
Colbert Report

[DanPadavona]

Tecmo,

I really like Juvan last season.  It's tough for anyone to look good in front of 10,000 people when he is running for his life from Adam Haas and Matt Montpetit.  But he held his own, used a lot of quick drop passing, and was efficient.  Donovan is your sleeping giant.  It just seems to me the OL didn't open up holes for him in big games last season.

[fan of d3]

I;m not tryin to play the no respect card, I know everyone talks about IThaca and SJF being the E8 championship early in the season but is no one worried about SC this year? Do you really think they'll finish 3rd or 4th?

I mean they beat SJF by 17?? And then lost by a TD in the playoffs when Sharpe only had 60+ yards or something.  Also, with getting IC and SJF home this year I think thats huge. 

Who knows, nmaybe everyone will figure Sharpe out this year but with their whole backfield, QB and O line returning for the most part.  THe whole secondary, and kids who got a lot of time on D, I think they'll be right at the top.   

I also think four road games to start the season sucks as well and they may be out of the race before they even touch Benedum.  But hey, what do I know

[DanPadavona]

I'm not discounting The Pride, nor The Saxons for that matter.

Having not seen Springfield play in several years, I will defer to Kickoff's opinion.  Seems the Empire 8 will be very strong at the top.  As will the NJAC.  I'm thinking Kean vs. Rowan for the top spot, and Cortland vs. Montclair for #3.  But I am hoping the Dragons will surprise me.

[fisheralum91]

good to see you on Mr. N!
Runnin Rob----Thanks for the update on the scrimmage.
Any lasting injurues?
You mentioned a couple of dings- hope they were only that!