FB: Empire 8

[dlippiel]

http://www.hartwick.edu/x27089.xml

Thanks BoSox I have been curious as to his future. If you look at the NFL combine results he faired quite well in comparison to many elite D1 QB's. In the end I think he was passed on because of his inconsistency regarding his pass accuracy. I feel his problems came from not playing at a high enough level in college and the jump in speed, strength, etc was just too much to fast. Hopefully the CFL will give him time to adapt to a higher level of ball and work on his skills. As much as I was always so annoyed with the hartwick talk the past two seasons I have always liked Boltus and I would a LOVE to see him get a shot in the NFL.

[SJFF82]

http://www.hartwick.edu/x27089.xml

congrats to Boltus...curious, anyone know what a rookie qb makes in the CFL?

[SJFF82]

OK, may have answered my own question....just read something online that indicates that the average qb salary in the league is 300K...nice...good for him

[dewcrew88]

It,s unfortunate that when the Empire 8 was formed the SUNY schools asked to be part of the confrence since they were independent at that time. The Presidents, AD's & Football coaches of the new E8 NY schools thought that it was beneath them to play the SUNY schools ,and they would rather play schools like Springfield. This forced the SUNY schools to have to join leagues that played in MD,Va & NJ.

Have fun traveling and playing a independent schedule.

I hope you are directing that at schools other than IC, SJF and Utica.  They had/have no problems playing state schools.  When was the last time that AU and Hartwick played a state school during the regular season?  I went back to 1999 and didn't find any games vs SUNY Schools for either school. (Wick played Buff St and Port in ECAC games).

I really don't know the last time we played a State school in the regular season.  I would guess the early the early 90's with Buff State or UB when they were still D3.  We scrimmage the SUNY schools, I have played Brockport twice in scrimmages but, as far as the regular season, I also do not understand why we do not play SUNY schools.  However, Ithaca jumping to the LL because of its "prestige" is just the same as schools like AU and Hartwick not playing SUNY schools.  They may play SUNY schools, good for them, but we arent the ones jumping conferences... It's gonna be sad to see them go, I think the E8 has a better football tradition than the LL

Lets not forget that Alfred joined the Presidents conference back in the 1990s breaking agreed games with schools like Ithaca college.  When told that they would have to honor the game, Alfred told officials at IC "go ahead and keep the game on your schedule, we simply won't show up".  That is the story I heard from an IC coach.  Maybe Alfred can go back to the PAC if they didn't want to play independendents like Ithaca from past practices?

Not sure about the validity of that story but lets not forget that this is a completely different athletic department than the early 90's... I was trying to speak of the hear and now... My main problem is why IC would leave the E8 to join a lesser conference? Is it arrogance? What does the LL have to offer besides more mediocre competition? So what if the schools cost more money, I dont understand how that transfers to football conferences?

-Moretti was involved with the move in the 1990s and his administration was there at the time where IC was left to fill a game at the last minute.  So its not too different.  Why would you still trust that guy?

-I wouldn't call the LL a "lesser comference."  I don't know where you got that one from.  The LL is a better baseball conference, and might be better competition for IC overall in sports that they dominate since the E8's start.  I mean, in terms of total sports, Ithaca has probably won more than 50% of all E8 sports championships, maybe even close to 75%

-Maybe IC was sick of having to pay for travel to all these new teams that want to join the conference from NJ, VT and MA?  The LL would offer a stable conference with constant members.  Now they wouldn't have to worry about the AQ.

-I would bet that IC would still play SJF in football if they left.  Its a rivalry that is higher than any conference rivalry could be.

Coach Moretti is a friend so I cannot say anything about that because of my personal bias. 

I completely agree that IC has dominated the E8 in all sports, I was actually going to bring up that point earlier... And I cant say anything about the LL for baseball because AU only has a club team.

I'm saying that the LL is a lesser conference in regards to competition for football.  The E8 over the past years has brought some of the greatest athletes and greatest D3 games of the year.  AU lost games to Hartwick and Ithaca on the last play of the game then beat Fisher in OT... Some of the most exciting games I have ever been a part of. The E8 also put 3 teams in the NCAA playoffs two years ago.  Also, the E8 has twice produced teams in the past 4 years that gave MUC battles in the playoffs bringing legitimacy to the conference.  Also, Alfred, St. John Fisher, and Ithaca rank among the top 25 teams in overall wins over the past 4 years.  Not to mention the Springfield run three years ago, and the past 4 years with Hartwick.  Top to bottom, the E8 produces better competition, that is the point I was trying to make. 

Upstate- Youre right about both conferences being relatively new, I was implying the football traditions of the teams in the E8 overall.

As for the comment about IC being sick of traveling around the Northeast... Football is not about being comfortable, its about playing the best teams.  If they have to travel 7 hours to play good football then so be it.

Haven't been on the board in a couple months, just wanted to comment. The LL and E8 are almost exactly equal as football conferences, consistently in the top 10 of the d3football.com rankings anyways. I think a case can be made for BOTH conferences top to bottom. Utica has improved, St. Lawrence has improved.
RPI and Union will always battle, and so will Ithaca and SJF.
I really hope they would be smart and make a NYS superconference, but that's another argument for another day.

[superman57]

I've been gone for a while... Who's leaving where... some one explain for me please

[dlippiel]

I believe Ithaca heads to the LL in 2010. I for one am super excited about this but...I would rather see the NYS superconference formed by 2011 so NY football can really band together and push its level even higher. Let's bring back the 80's when NYS football was just plain nasty!!!

[sjfcards]

I really don't like the idea of Ithaca leaving, or the idea of a upstate NY super conference. That would probably only give Upstate teams one bid to compete for. The way it is now, at least two teams from upstate are going to the tournament every year (3 if the NJAC goes the right way). That is two opportunities to make a deep run, upset a major player on the DIII scene, or at least show well against them. Any of those options can bring some attention, notarity, and recruits to the top DIII programs in the area. Just one mans thoughts on the topic.

On a different front, does any one have any idea what is going on with Fisher's schedule? I see it is not fully posted yet on either D3football or on the Fisher page. I have been trying to piece it together, but can't seem to get anywhere.

[Bombers798891]

I really don't like the idea of Ithaca leaving, or the idea of a upstate NY super conference. That would probably only give Upstate teams one bid to compete for. The way it is now, at least two teams from upstate are going to the tournament every year (3 if the NJAC goes the right way). That is two opportunities to make a deep run, upset a major player on the DIII scene, or at least show well against them. Any of those options can bring some attention, notarity, and recruits to the top DIII programs in the area. Just one mans thoughts on the topic.

On a different front, does any one have any idea what is going on with Fisher's schedule? I see it is not fully posted yet on either D3football or on the Fisher page. I have been trying to piece it together, but can't seem to get anywhere.

Speaking of schedules, what's this I see about Utica making a return trip to IC this year? Is IC going to do the next two at Utica? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I know IC was originally only going to have 4 home games, but how did Utica wind up coming back? Do they get cash or something in return for that?

[FisherAlum05]

I believe Ithaca heads to the LL in 2010. I for one am super excited about this but...I would rather see the NYS superconference formed by 2011 so NY football can really band together and push its level even higher. Let's bring back the 80's when NYS football was just plain nasty!!!

Haha yeah right.  Ithaca will never leave the Empire 8 conference. 

[dlippiel]

I believe Ithaca heads to the LL in 2010. I for one am super excited about this but...I would rather see the NYS superconference formed by 2011 so NY football can really band together and push its level even higher. Let's bring back the 80's when NYS football was just plain nasty!!!

Haha yeah right.  Ithaca will never leave the Empire 8 conference. 

No man for real, I think it is happening. Now all you guys have to worry about is Wick each year and you'll be good. Just kidding ....but it is kind of true!

[Jonny Utah]

I really don't like the idea of Ithaca leaving, or the idea of a upstate NY super conference. That would probably only give Upstate teams one bid to compete for. The way it is now, at least two teams from upstate are going to the tournament every year (3 if the NJAC goes the right way). That is two opportunities to make a deep run, upset a major player on the DIII scene, or at least show well against them. Any of those options can bring some attention, notarity, and recruits to the top DIII programs in the area. Just one mans thoughts on the topic.

On a different front, does any one have any idea what is going on with Fisher's schedule? I see it is not fully posted yet on either D3football or on the Fisher page. I have been trying to piece it together, but can't seem to get anywhere.

Speaking of schedules, what's this I see about Utica making a return trip to IC this year? Is IC going to do the next two at Utica? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I know IC was originally only going to have 4 home games, but how did Utica wind up coming back? Do they get cash or something in return for that?

Just saw (what I am assuming is the official) schedule on the Ithaca newsletter today.  It looks like IC will be playing at Utica as planned.

At St. Lawrence- 9/5
At Union- 9/12
Widener- 9/19
At Utica- 9/26
At Hartwick- 10/3
St. John Fisher (homecoming)- 10/10
At Frostburg- 10/17
At Springfield- 10/31
Alfred (parents weekend)- 11/7
Cortland- 11/14

All games at 1, except Springfield is at 2pm and Cortland is at noon.

[boobyhasgameyo]

I really don't like the idea of Ithaca leaving, or the idea of a upstate NY super conference. That would probably only give Upstate teams one bid to compete for. The way it is now, at least two teams from upstate are going to the tournament every year (3 if the NJAC goes the right way). That is two opportunities to make a deep run, upset a major player on the DIII scene, or at least show well against them. Any of those options can bring some attention, notarity, and recruits to the top DIII programs in the area. Just one mans thoughts on the topic.

On a different front, does any one have any idea what is going on with Fisher's schedule? I see it is not fully posted yet on either D3football or on the Fisher page. I have been trying to piece it together, but can't seem to get anywhere.

Speaking of schedules, what's this I see about Utica making a return trip to IC this year? Is IC going to do the next two at Utica? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I know IC was originally only going to have 4 home games, but how did Utica wind up coming back? Do they get cash or something in return for that?

Just saw (what I am assuming is the official) schedule on the Ithaca newsletter today.  It looks like IC will be playing at Utica as planned.

At St. Lawrence- 9/5
At Union- 9/12
Widener- 9/19
At Utica- 9/26
At Hartwick- 10/3
St. John Fisher (homecoming)- 10/10
At Frostburg- 10/17
At Springfield- 10/31
Alfred (parents weekend)- 11/7
Cortland- 11/14

All games at 1, except Springfield is at 2pm and Cortland is at noon.

Mmmmm can't wait until the 10th.  Still considering if I should make the journey to Ithaca, I've only been there for two Fisher games.  The first was the game that ended in the overtime pick 6.....That made the drive home unpleasant.  The second was two seasons ago when Fisher rolled.  That made the drive home very pleasant.  I was also listening on the internet radio about 6 years ago when Fisher lost to Ithaca in that 1 point game.....That was neither pleasant nor unpleasant.  It's a gamble.  But I have some time to decide.   

[theoriginalupstate]

I like the mid season match up with IC instead of the 4th week of the season...

[Bombers798891]

I really don't like the idea of Ithaca leaving, or the idea of a upstate NY super conference. That would probably only give Upstate teams one bid to compete for. The way it is now, at least two teams from upstate are going to the tournament every year (3 if the NJAC goes the right way). That is two opportunities to make a deep run, upset a major player on the DIII scene, or at least show well against them. Any of those options can bring some attention, notarity, and recruits to the top DIII programs in the area. Just one mans thoughts on the topic.

On a different front, does any one have any idea what is going on with Fisher's schedule? I see it is not fully posted yet on either D3football or on the Fisher page. I have been trying to piece it together, but can't seem to get anywhere.

Speaking of schedules, what's this I see about Utica making a return trip to IC this year? Is IC going to do the next two at Utica? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I know IC was originally only going to have 4 home games, but how did Utica wind up coming back? Do they get cash or something in return for that?

Just saw (what I am assuming is the official) schedule on the Ithaca newsletter today.  It looks like IC will be playing at Utica as planned.

At St. Lawrence- 9/5
At Union- 9/12
Widener- 9/19
At Utica- 9/26
At Hartwick- 10/3
St. John Fisher (homecoming)- 10/10
At Frostburg- 10/17
At Springfield- 10/31
Alfred (parents weekend)- 11/7
Cortland- 11/14

All games at 1, except Springfield is at 2pm and Cortland is at noon.

What a brutal schedule...6 of the first 8 on the road? Ugh. I'm sure Ithaca should be able to beat St. Lawrence and Utica regardless, but still. Ithaca's not exactly a great road team, and it's not like the home slate is filled with winnable games. If IC went 1-3 at home this season, I'd only be moderately surprised.

[PBR...]

I really don't like the idea of Ithaca leaving, or the idea of a upstate NY super conference. That would probably only give Upstate teams one bid to compete for. The way it is now, at least two teams from upstate are going to the tournament every year (3 if the NJAC goes the right way). That is two opportunities to make a deep run, upset a major player on the DIII scene, or at least show well against them. Any of those options can bring some attention, notarity, and recruits to the top DIII programs in the area. Just one mans thoughts on the topic.

On a different front, does any one have any idea what is going on with Fisher's schedule? I see it is not fully posted yet on either D3football or on the Fisher page. I have been trying to piece it together, but can't seem to get anywhere.

Speaking of schedules, what's this I see about Utica making a return trip to IC this year? Is IC going to do the next two at Utica? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I know IC was originally only going to have 4 home games, but how did Utica wind up coming back? Do they get cash or something in return for that?

Just saw (what I am assuming is the official) schedule on the Ithaca newsletter today.  It looks like IC will be playing at Utica as planned.

At St. Lawrence- 9/5
At Union- 9/12
Widener- 9/19
At Utica- 9/26
At Hartwick- 10/3
St. John Fisher (homecoming)- 10/10
At Frostburg- 10/17
At Springfield- 10/31
Alfred (parents weekend)- 11/7
Cortland- 11/14

All games at 1, except Springfield is at 2pm and Cortland is at noon.

What a brutal schedule...6 of the first 8 on the road? Ugh. I'm sure Ithaca should be able to beat St. Lawrence and Utica regardless, but still. Ithaca's not exactly a great road team, and it's not like the home slate is filled with winnable games. If IC went 1-3 at home this season, I'd only be moderately surprised.

was thinking the same thing...that is an impressive and tough schedule....IC could end up being very banged up by mid season