FB: Empire 8

[superman57]

Frank,
If I remember correctly we were missing several key defensive players for that game...while it's not a good excuse for losing a game, a loss is a loss is a loss, going from 55 to 21 and really not being able to run is something up... but we will see on Saturday...if Springfield puts 55 up again I will shut my mouth and sit in the corner

[AUPepBand]

AU - 38      Husson  14    Saxons will dominate  when they consider approprite..   

Any thoughts on the Hobart game?  Expecting both teams win this week, of course.

Can't think about Hobart game here....one game at a time.

[Frank Rossi]

Frank,
If I remember correctly we were missing several key defensive players for that game...while it's not a good excuse for losing a game, a loss is a loss is a loss, going from 55 to 21 and really not being able to run is something up... but we will see on Saturday...if Springfield puts 55 up again I will shut my mouth and sit in the corner

I feel bad for that corner.

[Saxon73]

AU - 38      Husson  14    Saxons will dominate  when they consider approprite..   

Any thoughts on the Hobart game?  Expecting both teams win this week, of course.

Saxon 73 typically waits till Thurs for his predictions although they have been fortunate

Can't think about Hobart game here....one game at a time.

[fan of d3]

Frank,
If I remember correctly we were missing several key defensive players for that game...while it's not a good excuse for losing a game, a loss is a loss is a loss, going from 55 to 21 and really not being able to run is something up... but we will see on Saturday...if Springfield puts 55 up again I will shut my mouth and sit in the corner

I feel bad for that corner.

+K

[chris7sarge]

Sorry I have been off line for a few days here...and probably will be for a few more after tonight...

Should be a great game on Saturday...with a ton on the line.  Biggest question mark for SJF is will they be able to stay patient and within their offense if Springfield goes on long, 7-8 minute scoring drives.  As always, the biggest question mark for Springfield is whether or not they can stick around with their game plan if Fisher gets up early. 

TON of talent on the field...and not just E8 talent...national talent.  Sharpe, Kramer, Smith, Hanson...should be a fantastic game to watch.  I know SJF is probably favored...but with a player like Sharpe and a coach like DeLong...it could be an interesting day.

They'll be fine as long as Faggiano keeps on doing what he's been doing vs SC.  The 55 pts SC put up on SJF was a fluke, in their 3 other meetings they scored 24, 14 and 21 (twice at Benendum field).  Stepnick will be all over the field again making plays and keeping sharpe contained. 

SJF just needs to come out and continue running the ball vs their 3-4 Defense and get the ball to Jimmy Smith and Chris Harmon through the air.  If Kramer doesnt turn the ball over SJF wins going away.....

I believe that SJF will win,  but... I just wanted to point out that no one player will ever make THAT big of a difference vs. the Springfield team because the only way to stop their offense is to play assignment sound defense.  Every player must know his assignment and not try to do too much.  For example, Brenton Brady was never a standout against SC because he just played a sound game (I'd still like him on my team).  Conversly, every Saterday vs. SC was Gatto's day because he was the middle lb and they ran right at him (prolly for fear of Brady).  Also, players cannot try to "cover" for their weaker teammates against the SC O because then they gash you where that hole is.  We had a safety Myers a couple years back that loved to hit and was gettin ticked that we werent stopping Sharpe around the end.  He decided to help our OLB, Sharp pitches, and if not for a late blocked extra point, we would've lost.

My point, Stepnick cant be all over the field.  He has to be where he is assigned.

[fisheralum91]

Sarge- dont worry he will be- but he is a true talent and will be a difference maker in this one!

[chris7sarge]

What position does this Stepnick play?  What year?  The website says he's 200lbs? 

[superman57]

He's a corner back...but he's more  like a field general...he was huge in the playoff game last year

[chris7sarge]

He's a corner back...but he's more  like a field general...he was huge in the playoff game last year

Then that means he will be responsible for pitch most of the day, especially whenever they are in a cover 2.  Which in turn means that he will not see much of Sharp (best no longer on best- Offense's advantage).  If they play cover 3 most of the day, he wont see much action at all except for big plays of 7yds or longer and passes (now pitch is OLB responsibility and if he sees a lot of passes, means SJF is up anyways- huge advantage for SJF especially with respect to both offenses' use of clock, and ability to score quickly)

I'm just saying that a corner can play a big part of stopping this O, but only so much as SC are forced to pitch the ball and keep the ball out of Sharp's hands.  I would imagine that this Stepnick kid has made a name for himself because of his pass defense?  That prolly wont be much of a factor in this game.

[fisheralum91]

and he will continue to be.
very fun to watch!!!!

[fisheralum91]

sarge- we will see.
to see him in action is to understand the level of talent!

[chris7sarge]

sarge- we will see.
to see him in action is to understand the level of talent!

I dont know this kid and have never seen him, but...  if I had to make a prediction on just what I have heard from my always knowledgable (is that a word?) colleagues on the E8 PP boards, I would say that he has a good game.  Maybe around 10 tackles, maybe an interception late due to SJF being up.  Solid, nothing GREAT. 
Why?
Cause I first ask myself, "Is this kid on the same level of a Brenton Brady?"  The answer I come up with is a resounding NO.  Over 4 years, what did Brady do against SC?  He was solid.  @10 tackles and assignment perfect, allowing everyone else to become better, as he was prolly a big part of their blocking focus throughout the week and on Saterday.
Not only that, but Brady was a LB, someone who would be involved in much more of the defensive part of the game.

SJF wins by 17pts.

[fisheralum91]

Sorry sarge--watch him and then judge.
He is not an all american fo nothing----Im going to fight you tooth and nail about this one---so ya may just want to pick a new topic.

[chris7sarge]

Sorry sarge--watch him and then judge.
He is not an all american fo nothing----Im going to fight you tooth and nail about this one---so ya may just want to pick a new topic.

He's an all american?  In your view, is he as good as Brady?