FB: Empire 8

[Bombers798891]

In other news, the Bomber schedule looks ROUGH.

Yes, yes it does. This could be a brutal season if they haven't fixed the offensive line problem...

It's a little tough to look at home/road results from year to year because IC's current schedule is set up so the three toughest games are all either at home or on the road. Thus, the 1-4 road record and 5-0 home record means little going forward this season.

That being said, this schedule is absolutely horrid for Ithaca. It's not going to do them much good to close with three home games if the team is 4-3 at that point. Five road games in six weeks? With the lone home game being the team that's spend the last five years using the Bombers as a practice squad? Come on. Throw us a bone.

But here are my impressions. I don't know much about who brings back what but hopefully this jumpstarts some conversation:

1. Brockport looks like an easy win. 2-8 last season, no defense, pair of wins against teams that stunk. At Ithaca, I think the Bombers roll.

2. Union likewise looked like a train wreck last season. Their game against IC was not as close as the score indicated. Even on the road, I like IC's chances there unless the Dutchmen have improved

3. The Wick seemed to take a step back last season. Another game that I thought IC should have won by more than it did. Will be a challenge on the road though. IC doesn't play all that well over there.

4. Fisher's still got the edge in talent, and more importantly, they seem to get up for that game and play their best, while Ithaca just comes out flat and gets stomped. I know Fisher loses some guys and that it's at Butterfield, but until IC can actually get within 20 points of the Cardinals, I can't pick them to win. I'll settle for a competitive game

5. Utica caught some of Alfred's disease because after nearly pulling off the stunner in 2009, they flat out laid an egg on the South Hill. I think the Pioneers continue to improve though, and I'm very interested in seeing if they can get over the hump at home.

6. This may be the year we truly see if the Saxons have Butterfielditis. Alfred's got the better team IMO, but they just can't put it together in Ithaca. Statement game for Alfred if they can do it. But will the old Butterfield magic come out?

7. Springfield is, like UC and AU, a team that plays Ithaca a ton better at home. The Bombers match up well with them because we're loaded at LB and our corners are physical. But our last trip to Mass. didn't end well. Good Springfield teams usually beat IC at home.

8. Cortland strikes me as having a better team than Ithaca. That said, the Bombers handed the Red Dragons that game last season. The cynic in me is struggling with this one

9. Frostburg looks like they've gotten no better than the last time they were up here. That game ended very, very, badly for them. So will this one.

10. Salisbury is the only game I have to take a mulligan on.

Thoughts?

Hey bomber3, is #23 a yay or nay for football this fall?

[Bombers798891]

Update from IC president on mascot process

http://www.ithaca.edu/mascot/blogs/ic_mascot_search_blog/a_mascot_message_from_the_president/

[bomber3]

Bombers - thanks for the link to the mascot update.  Maybe I missed it somewhere but what did Rochon say that he is apologizing for?

And things are still up in the air but, unfortunately, I would say there is a  95% chance IC will be looking to replace both #11 and #23 this coming season...

[Bombers798891]

Bombers - thanks for the link to the mascot update.  Maybe I missed it somewhere but what did Rochon say that he is apologizing for?

And things are still up in the air but, unfortunately, I would say there is a  95% chance IC will be looking to replace both #11 and #23 this coming season...

Rochon apologized for--and I'm severely paraphrasing here--essentially saying that the mascot is being developed more for current and future students than alumni, which irked some alums.

I kind of understand Rochon's point, and it does make some sense. But this has turned into a debacle. It's a mascot search and frankly, it's embarrassing that it's turned into such a major issue. Of all the things to cause anger and division at a college, this is it?

Bummer about your brother. Was looking forward to another year of him. I know you'll hate me for this, but seriously, this looks like a team that's going to have major offensive issues next season. The team's entire offense was the passing game, and they lose practically all of it. The leading returning receiver is a running back! I know some people on this board have unabashed man-love for certain underused speedsters (max...) but man, it's looking bleak, especially with that wicked schedule...

[AUKaz00]

Update from IC president on mascot process

http://www.ithaca.edu/mascot/blogs/ic_mascot_search_blog/a_mascot_message_from_the_president/

I'm looking forward to the band learning this song for our upcoming trip to Butterfield.

On Saxon Warriors!

[sjfcards]

I just had a twenty minute DIII football conversation with the president of my company, and now I have the itch to watch some football. It is way too early in the year to start thinking about the fall, right?

Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying the offseason. Kickoff can't come soon enough.

[labart96]

I just had a twenty minute DIII football conversation with the president of my company, and now I have the itch to watch some football. It is way too early in the year to start thinking about the fall, right?

Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying the offseason. Kickoff can't come soon enough.

~130 days and counting (but who's counting?)....

[drt]

Utica's playing in Quebec City May 21st and they get a full contact Blue vs White game on May 13th, if you're really jonesing.

[AUPepBand]

Pep is pleased to see some activity on the E8 board.....the karma's on Pep!

+k for all!

On Saxon Warriors!

[AUPepBand]

Update from IC president on mascot process

http://www.ithaca.edu/mascot/blogs/ic_mascot_search_blog/a_mascot_message_from_the_president/

I'm looking forward to the band learning this song for our upcoming trip to Butterfield.

On Saxon Warriors!

Why is Pep NOT surprised that Kazoo found a song about the Flying Squirrels?

[labart96]

Pep is pleased to see some activity on the E8 board.....the karma's on Pep!

+k for all!

On Saxon Warriors!

right back atcha from the author of "comin atcha"

love the lil alf btw...

[AUPepBand]

A late entry in the Bomber mascot contest...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogQcUceehgM&NR=1

[bomber3]

Bombers - thanks for the link to the mascot update.  Maybe I missed it somewhere but what did Rochon say that he is apologizing for?

And things are still up in the air but, unfortunately, I would say there is a  95% chance IC will be looking to replace both #11 and #23 this coming season...

Rochon apologized for--and I'm severely paraphrasing here--essentially saying that the mascot is being developed more for current and future students than alumni, which irked some alums.

I kind of understand Rochon's point, and it does make some sense. But this has turned into a debacle. It's a mascot search and frankly, it's embarrassing that it's turned into such a major issue. Of all the things to cause anger and division at a college, this is it?

Bummer about your brother. Was looking forward to another year of him. I know you'll hate me for this, but seriously, this looks like a team that's going to have major offensive issues next season. The team's entire offense was the passing game, and they lose practically all of it. The leading returning receiver is a running back! I know some people on this board have unabashed man-love for certain underused speedsters (max...) but man, it's looking bleak, especially with that wicked schedule...

Ah, thanks for the clarification.  I agree, this is causing quite the stir in the press and on campus.  I have friends and other people telling me about it - it has turned into quite the debacle. 

Yes, unfortunately it looks like he won't be coming back.  I was also looking forward to another year on South Hill but it appears its not in the cards.  Oh well, 7 years of one of the Ruffrages on campus is enough...

No, I agree with your assessment of the offense next year.  Even with him coming back I would be skeptical given all the inconsistency of the run game last year - and that was with two of the top ten all time receivers (by # of catches at least) keeping the defense honest.  They always reload so I wouldn't be expecting 10 points per game or anything but I would expect there to be some bumps in the road, especially with a new QB.

+k for all the mascot info - thanks.

[AUPepBand]

Now Pep is no graphic artist, but were Pep given the job of developing a Bomber mascot, he'd work out something where a beagle caricature similar to below would be sporting a Bomber hat, also pictured below.





That's what Pep would do....but Pep's no Bomber. Incidentally, perhaps the caricature would be designed to look angry to make him a bit more intimidating, like a "Mad Bomber."

That makes Pep think of the Stetson University "Mad Hatters." Their mascot is pretty simple:



or

[fisheralum91]

Cards- I would be amped for the upcoming season if i had a single clue what to expect from Fisher this fall
Did they have spring workouts?
Are we going to go thru a "down" year.
I know that once that smell is in the air ill be amped- but for now- im working on getting my handicap back to respectable figures!!