FB: Empire 8

[AUPepBand]

The AU players are well aware of Coach Murray's alma mater.  I don't think you'll ever have to worry about his teams "looking past" Springfield.  Watched the game on the internet.  Thanks for the heads-up Pep.  I went through the link posted on the AU webpage and for some reason it wouldn't work.  When I went through the link you posted on the the message board it worked.  Thanks.

Hey Sarge...glad it worked out for you! A great game! Springfield always seems to score with somewhat ease on their first possession with Alfred. Today's game looked much like last year's at Springfield (14-14 halftime tie), but Saxon D really got the job done today in the second half. Gave up over 200 yards rushing in first half, but yielded only 25 in the second half. But was a complete team effort as Saxon offense kept moving the ball to keep the Pride's quirky offense on the sidelines.

Springfield game is always a physical test. Incidentally, was likely the last time AU will play Springfield, although Pep understands both coaches would like to continue the series. Hoping Saxons heal up quickly as there's not much time for rest with Fisher on deck.

On Saxon Warriors!

[boobyhasgameyo]

Still deliberating over which side performed more poorly this afternoon...Fisher's offense or Fisher's defense.  It's a tough call!  Credit to Hobart, I haven't seen Fisher lose like that to a team outside of Mount Union in many years.  I just don't think this Fisher team is very good, but I sincerely hope they prove me wrong next weekend. 

[Bombers798891]

Thoughts on the E8 games today:

SJF-Hobart: Even with three weeks to prepare, the Statesmen just took care of business. There's not a lot of good to take from this game for Fisher. They've got to rebound quickly and play a lot better if they want to contend in the E8.

Springfield-Alfred: The Saxons have the inside track to the E8 right now with a solid win over Springfield. Clearly, they are the favorite. But...let's see the Saxons on the road before we go nuts. Home cooking can be nice, but next week is their first road test.

Wick-Mt. Ida- Yuck. The Wick's QBs are just terrible. The seem to be able to complete 9 passes a game for 200 yards, but are turnover prone and the accuracy is not there. They might be the worst team in the E8 this year

Frostburg-RM- The Bobcats continue to fight, but couldn't hang on in the 4th quarter. Frostburg may be the new Utica. May not win a ton, but will be in every game and knock off anyone sleeping.

[Old IC Voice]

Updated E8 rankings.

1) Alfred: The Saxons took care of business in their first E8 test of the year. Next up, they go to Fisher to face a Cardinals team looking to bounce back after a sloppy showing against Hobart.
2) Salisbury: No change to the #2 spot in the bye week. They take a long trip to Utica next week for the team's first-ever E8 road game.
3) Springfield: When is losing a good thing? When a team goes on the road, tests the top dog, and doesn't disgrace itself in defeat. If Carter is hurt badly, they may suffer, but for now, they leapfrog...
4) SJF: Ouch. OUCH. From dominating the Courage Bowl to getting dominated by Hobart. It doesn't get easier with Alfred coming to town, and the question I have to ask is, which Fisher team will we get?
5) Ithaca: No change to the #5 spot in the bye week, although an IC win and a Fisher loss may see the Bombers move up the list. Up next for the Bombers: Hartwick, in a tough road environment (the Cage).
6) Frostburg State: No shame in losing to a 4-0 team that's now scored 35 points or more in three games. Unfortunately, they get longtime dynasty Wesley after a bye week.
7) Utica: Here's hoping the Pioneers have rebounded from the whipping dished out by Frostburg last week. It gets no easier: Here come the Sea Gulls.
8) Hartwick: The Hawks looked impressive in cruising to a win over Norwich, but came to a screeching halt against Mount Ida. The run game was nonexistent (11 carries for 23 yards), and the quarterbacks were inaccurate (17-38, four picks). They need to be better next week against an IC defense that may be one of the best in the conference.

[saxontad]

Thoughts on yesterday's AU-Springfield game:  AU made wonderful adjustments on defense at the halftime break and really shut down Springfield's running game.  Great work.  The offense concentrated on the run game and ground it out in the second half and as good as Dwyer is (and was yesterday)  that DeRosa kid is a great assett to the Saxon backfield.  Next week at Fisher makes me nervous.  They are going to be a pissed off team after Hobart, and Fisher doesn't like us anyway, especially up at their place.  A question:  Is Hobart so much better than the rest of the Liberty League or did Fisher just play poorly.  And is it possible Fisher is not very good this year?  Not trying to start an argument, just wondering.  Any comments, curses?

On Saxon Warriors!!

[boobyhasgameyo]

Thoughts on yesterday's AU-Springfield game:  AU made wonderful adjustments on defense at the halftime break and really shut down Springfield's running game.  Great work.  The offense concentrated on the run game and ground it out in the second half and as good as Dwyer is (and was yesterday)  that DeRosa kid is a great assett to the Saxon backfield.  Next week at Fisher makes me nervous.  They are going to be a pissed off team after Hobart, and Fisher doesn't like us anyway, especially up at their place.  A question:  Is Hobart so much better than the rest of the Liberty League or did Fisher just play poorly.  And is it possible Fisher is not very good this year?  Not trying to start an argument, just wondering.  Any comments, curses?

On Saxon Warriors!!

Since there aren't many Fisher posters around these days (there aren't many posters around in general these days...the glory days have passed it seems) I'll take on your question.  I mentioned it earlier both on this board and the LL's but I'll say it again - Hobart is probably that much better than the rest of the Liberty League but Fisher is also not a good team.  Who knows maybe they are a talented bunch that just assumed teams would bow down to them and this punch in the mouth woke them up...I really hope so but I doubt it.  I don't see Alfred as getting much of a challenge.  This isn't a defeatist attitude either, I like to think I am a pretty unbiased Fisher fan.  If I felt they were better than Alfred, as I have virtually every year I've followed them except this one to be honest, I'd say it. 


Also I don't think there is a disdain for Alfred from our perspective -  I know I don't mind rooting for you guys if you make it to the NCAA's...Alfred has just single handedly kept us out of the playoffs in 2005 and last year off the top of my head.  2005 was the Brady show and a hard fought game, but that team wouldn't have done much damage had it made it into the playoffs anyway.  The more I think about last year's team the more I wish I could have seen them make it.  Our offense was so nasty that it very nearly made up for our average at best defense.  Graduate the best QB in our team's history along with nearly an entire offensive line and this year's team is the result...an average offense with an average defense. 

[fisheralum91]

The only thing that made my trip back to Fisher worthwhile yesterday was the fact that I saw some old friends and had a good time. The fact that there was a football game going on was an after thought.  We were commenting on the fact that this was how it used to be when we were at Fisher when it was homecoming- Go tailgate, hit the game, watch a quarter until it was out of reach and then resume the party elsewhere.  Fisher was dominated in every way.  Not even the kicking game got away without trouble.  While it was great to reconnect with old friends, this trip was a dud as my alma mater gave me the chills like it was 1991 all over again!  Lets hope they right the ship, otherwise its going to be a long season!

[Bombers798891]

Updated E8 rankings.


4) SJF: Ouch. OUCH. From dominating the Courage Bowl to getting dominated by Hobart. It doesn't get easier with Alfred coming to town, and the question I have to ask is, which Fisher team will we get?
5) Ithaca: No change to the #5 spot in the bye week, although an IC win and a Fisher loss may see the Bombers move up the list. Up next for the Bombers: Hartwick, in a tough road environment (the Cage).

I'm flipping these two right now. Now, before people think I've lost my mind, or am betraying my own internal logic, hear me out. This is not me saying IC will beat Fisher in two weeks. Or that IC will finish the season ahead of Fisher in the E8. It is simply a statement of where I think the teams are now.

Both schools are 2-1. They each opened their season with close, unimpressive home wins, so I'd put them about even at that point. But Ithaca's other two games have put them ahead. Yes, Fisher beat Rochester 52-3 while IC only beat Union 37-18, but Union is better than Rochester (as evidenced by the game yesterday, which Union led comfortably most of the way) and Ithaca was playing a true road game, not a neutral site game. I'd have them roughly the same here too, although if I had to put one of them ahead, it would be Fisher, because Union spent the whole game shooting themselves in the foot.

But in their only loss, IC hangs with the 2nd-best E8 team on the road for most of the game, whereas Fisher gets killed at home by what looks like the best team in the LL. Hobart may prove to be good, and in fact better than Salisbury, but with five minutes to go, Ithaca is down 14-7 and Fisher is down 56-14. Style points matter to me, so amazingly, I have found something that underrates the Bombers.

[Saxon73]

There sure are a lot of bizzare thing going on this year as mentioned.  Looking around, I just noticed that Salsbury only beat Christopher Newport by 4 points in the last minute.  Chris-Newport lost to Stevenson, a first year program in Maryland.    ?

[Cardinal Pride]

Updated E8 rankings.


4) SJF: Ouch. OUCH. From dominating the Courage Bowl to getting dominated by Hobart. It doesn't get easier with Alfred coming to town, and the question I have to ask is, which Fisher team will we get?
5) Ithaca: No change to the #5 spot in the bye week, although an IC win and a Fisher loss may see the Bombers move up the list. Up next for the Bombers: Hartwick, in a tough road environment (the Cage).

I'm flipping these two right now. Now, before people think I've lost my mind, or am betraying my own internal logic, hear me out. This is not me saying IC will beat Fisher in two weeks. Or that IC will finish the season ahead of Fisher in the E8. It is simply a statement of where I think the teams are now.

Both schools are 2-1. They each opened their season with close, unimpressive home wins, so I'd put them about even at that point. But Ithaca's other two games have put them ahead. Yes, Fisher beat Rochester 52-3 while IC only beat Union 37-18, but Union is better than Rochester (as evidenced by the game yesterday, which Union led comfortably most of the way) and Ithaca was playing a true road game, not a neutral site game. I'd have them roughly the same here too, although if I had to put one of them ahead, it would be Fisher, because Union spent the whole game shooting themselves in the foot.

But in their only loss, IC hangs with the 2nd-best E8 team on the road for most of the game, whereas Fisher gets killed at home by what looks like the best team in the LL. Hobart may prove to be good, and in fact better than Salisbury, but with five minutes to go, Ithaca is down 14-7 and Fisher is down 56-14. Style points matter to me, so amazingly, I have found something that underrates the Bombers.

Hobart is big, physical and athletic on both sides of the ball.  I don't believe Fisher really expected Hobart to be that good.  I don't care what league they are in, Hobart is a very good football team.

[Bombers798891]

Updated E8 rankings.


4) SJF: Ouch. OUCH. From dominating the Courage Bowl to getting dominated by Hobart. It doesn't get easier with Alfred coming to town, and the question I have to ask is, which Fisher team will we get?
5) Ithaca: No change to the #5 spot in the bye week, although an IC win and a Fisher loss may see the Bombers move up the list. Up next for the Bombers: Hartwick, in a tough road environment (the Cage).

I'm flipping these two right now. Now, before people think I've lost my mind, or am betraying my own internal logic, hear me out. This is not me saying IC will beat Fisher in two weeks. Or that IC will finish the season ahead of Fisher in the E8. It is simply a statement of where I think the teams are now.

Both schools are 2-1. They each opened their season with close, unimpressive home wins, so I'd put them about even at that point. But Ithaca's other two games have put them ahead. Yes, Fisher beat Rochester 52-3 while IC only beat Union 37-18, but Union is better than Rochester (as evidenced by the game yesterday, which Union led comfortably most of the way) and Ithaca was playing a true road game, not a neutral site game. I'd have them roughly the same here too, although if I had to put one of them ahead, it would be Fisher, because Union spent the whole game shooting themselves in the foot.

But in their only loss, IC hangs with the 2nd-best E8 team on the road for most of the game, whereas Fisher gets killed at home by what looks like the best team in the LL. Hobart may prove to be good, and in fact better than Salisbury, but with five minutes to go, Ithaca is down 14-7 and Fisher is down 56-14. Style points matter to me, so amazingly, I have found something that underrates the Bombers.

Hobart is big, physical and athletic on both sides of the ball.  I don't believe Fisher really expected Hobart to be that good.  I don't care what league they are in, Hobart is a very good football team.

That's all well and good, but Fisher was down by six touchdowns on their home field. Can't ignore a team giving up points like that at home. Neither Ithaca or Fisher have looked that impressive this season, but when you've got a loss like that, it stands out. Don't worry. When Fisher beats IC by 24 points in two weeks, the Cardinals will be back in front. But right now, I think Ithaca's better

[bomber3]

Updated E8 rankings.


4) SJF: Ouch. OUCH. From dominating the Courage Bowl to getting dominated by Hobart. It doesn't get easier with Alfred coming to town, and the question I have to ask is, which Fisher team will we get?
5) Ithaca: No change to the #5 spot in the bye week, although an IC win and a Fisher loss may see the Bombers move up the list. Up next for the Bombers: Hartwick, in a tough road environment (the Cage).

I'm flipping these two right now. Now, before people think I've lost my mind, or am betraying my own internal logic, hear me out. This is not me saying IC will beat Fisher in two weeks. Or that IC will finish the season ahead of Fisher in the E8. It is simply a statement of where I think the teams are now.

Both schools are 2-1. They each opened their season with close, unimpressive home wins, so I'd put them about even at that point. But Ithaca's other two games have put them ahead. Yes, Fisher beat Rochester 52-3 while IC only beat Union 37-18, but Union is better than Rochester (as evidenced by the game yesterday, which Union led comfortably most of the way) and Ithaca was playing a true road game, not a neutral site game. I'd have them roughly the same here too, although if I had to put one of them ahead, it would be Fisher, because Union spent the whole game shooting themselves in the foot.

But in their only loss, IC hangs with the 2nd-best E8 team on the road for most of the game, whereas Fisher gets killed at home by what looks like the best team in the LL. Hobart may prove to be good, and in fact better than Salisbury, but with five minutes to go, Ithaca is down 14-7 and Fisher is down 56-14. Style points matter to me, so amazingly, I have found something that underrates the Bombers.

I agree.  No way IC's defense gives up 56 points to anyone outside of the top 10 in the nation.  Both IC and Fisher have their issues, but right now Ithaca's body of work has been more impressive.  Fisher is in the middle of a very difficult part of their schedule and despite being 0-0 in the conference, could be 2-2 and staring a trip to Ithaca in the face.  IC had a bye this week and Hartwick next so they should be fresh and ready to go in two weeks barring any collapse in Oneonta.  Fisher will have played their rivalry game, lost by 36 to Hobart, and then face the defending conference champion and #16 ranked Saxons before coming to South Hill.  That is an emotional roller coaster this early in the season.

[boobyhasgameyo]

Updated E8 rankings.


4) SJF: Ouch. OUCH. From dominating the Courage Bowl to getting dominated by Hobart. It doesn't get easier with Alfred coming to town, and the question I have to ask is, which Fisher team will we get?
5) Ithaca: No change to the #5 spot in the bye week, although an IC win and a Fisher loss may see the Bombers move up the list. Up next for the Bombers: Hartwick, in a tough road environment (the Cage).

I'm flipping these two right now. Now, before people think I've lost my mind, or am betraying my own internal logic, hear me out. This is not me saying IC will beat Fisher in two weeks. Or that IC will finish the season ahead of Fisher in the E8. It is simply a statement of where I think the teams are now.

Both schools are 2-1. They each opened their season with close, unimpressive home wins, so I'd put them about even at that point. But Ithaca's other two games have put them ahead. Yes, Fisher beat Rochester 52-3 while IC only beat Union 37-18, but Union is better than Rochester (as evidenced by the game yesterday, which Union led comfortably most of the way) and Ithaca was playing a true road game, not a neutral site game. I'd have them roughly the same here too, although if I had to put one of them ahead, it would be Fisher, because Union spent the whole game shooting themselves in the foot.

But in their only loss, IC hangs with the 2nd-best E8 team on the road for most of the game, whereas Fisher gets killed at home by what looks like the best team in the LL. Hobart may prove to be good, and in fact better than Salisbury, but with five minutes to go, Ithaca is down 14-7 and Fisher is down 56-14. Style points matter to me, so amazingly, I have found something that underrates the Bombers.

I agree.  No way IC's defense gives up 56 points to anyone outside of the top 10 in the nation.  Both IC and Fisher have their issues, but right now Ithaca's body of work has been more impressive.  Fisher is in the middle of a very difficult part of their schedule and despite being 0-0 in the conference, could be 2-2 and staring a trip to Ithaca in the face.  IC had a bye this week and Hartwick next so they should be fresh and ready to go in two weeks barring any collapse in Oneonta.  Fisher will have played their rivalry game, lost by 36 to Hobart, and then face the defending conference champion and #16 ranked Saxons before coming to South Hill.  That is an emotional roller coaster this early in the season.

I love when people make statements that in no way can be substantiated...because you just know you could hold Wesley to under 56, or North Central or just have a bad day against a team like Springfield or Hobart.  I think Ithaca's defense is better than Fisher's but then I think Fisher's defense is average.  But don't go around making assertions that can't be backed up.   

[Old IC Voice]

Updated E8 rankings.


4) SJF: Ouch. OUCH. From dominating the Courage Bowl to getting dominated by Hobart. It doesn't get easier with Alfred coming to town, and the question I have to ask is, which Fisher team will we get?
5) Ithaca: No change to the #5 spot in the bye week, although an IC win and a Fisher loss may see the Bombers move up the list. Up next for the Bombers: Hartwick, in a tough road environment (the Cage).

I'm flipping these two right now. Now, before people think I've lost my mind, or am betraying my own internal logic, hear me out. This is not me saying IC will beat Fisher in two weeks. Or that IC will finish the season ahead of Fisher in the E8. It is simply a statement of where I think the teams are now.

Both schools are 2-1. They each opened their season with close, unimpressive home wins, so I'd put them about even at that point. But Ithaca's other two games have put them ahead. Yes, Fisher beat Rochester 52-3 while IC only beat Union 37-18, but Union is better than Rochester (as evidenced by the game yesterday, which Union led comfortably most of the way) and Ithaca was playing a true road game, not a neutral site game. I'd have them roughly the same here too, although if I had to put one of them ahead, it would be Fisher, because Union spent the whole game shooting themselves in the foot.

But in their only loss, IC hangs with the 2nd-best E8 team on the road for most of the game, whereas Fisher gets killed at home by what looks like the best team in the LL. Hobart may prove to be good, and in fact better than Salisbury, but with five minutes to go, Ithaca is down 14-7 and Fisher is down 56-14. Style points matter to me, so amazingly, I have found something that underrates the Bombers.

Hobart is big, physical and athletic on both sides of the ball.  I don't believe Fisher really expected Hobart to be that good.  I don't care what league they are in, Hobart is a very good football team.

Bombers: I considered it for a minute or two, but I can't do that quite yet. Ithaca's had one solid offensive showing in three games, and I need proof that what happened in Schenectady wasn't a one-time performance before I put them higher than fifth. A solid win at Hartwick, in a road environment they've struggled in in the past, would be a big help.

[maxpower]

......how bout those Bills?