FB: Empire 8

[sjfcards]

rams1102 - I agree with you..................although knowing a ton from the inside of Rowan's teams under Keeler, I don't really count them for reasons that may or may not be obvious to many on this board. Let's just say that the administration turned it's heads and Keeler had full run of the place for a period of time. They've cleaned it up since.

Ah, Mr. Sunglasses. My firsrt D3 game was Wesley vs Rowan in 2000. I thought the Rowan team looked like Madden Football players. Wesley hung for 3 1/2 quarters before losing with Visconti at QB. I know what you mean.

I remember being a kid and my Dad took me to a Cortland State game against one of those Rowan teams. I can't remember all of the particulars, but I remember that C-State team was having a good year, and Rowan just blew the doors off of them. My dad and I were wondering aloud how Rowan was in the same league as Cortland. That was a totally different level of athlete from where I sat, and I was like 12.

[bman]

rams1102 - I agree with you..................although knowing a ton from the inside of Rowan's teams under Keeler, I don't really count them for reasons that may or may not be obvious to many on this board. Let's just say that the administration turned it's heads and Keeler had full run of the place for a period of time. They've cleaned it up since.

Though I think that started 1 coach before Keeler...

[Pat Coleman]

rams1102 - I agree with you..................although knowing a ton from the inside of Rowan's teams under Keeler, I don't really count them for reasons that may or may not be obvious to many on this board. Let's just say that the administration turned it's heads and Keeler had full run of the place for a period of time. They've cleaned it up since.

Ah, Mr. Sunglasses. My firsrt D3 game was Wesley vs Rowan in 2000. I thought the Rowan team looked like Madden Football players. Wesley hung for 3 1/2 quarters before losing with Visconti at QB. I know what you mean.

Cool -- I was at that game, too!

I remember being a kid and my Dad took me to a Cortland State game against one of those Rowan teams. I can't remember all of the particulars, but I remember that C-State team was having a good year, and Rowan just blew the doors off of them. My dad and I were wondering aloud how Rowan was in the same league as Cortland. That was a totally different level of athlete from where I sat, and I was like 12.

[jknezek]

Pat -- do you need to take a refresher course on the quote system?   

[Bombers798891]

E8 Rankings/Predictions

1. Fisher— The best team in the East controls its destiny for a Pool A, but could face, in consecutive weeks, two squads who do the same.

2. Buffalo State— Here by the virtue of a H2H win and the fact that they control their own destiny, but honestly, I'm just not impressed by them. They're constantly playing from behind, and they've got a mediocre defense. That stuff makes for exciting games and newspaper stories, but not the playoffs. However, they tend to play to the level of their opponent, so Fisher shouldn't overlook them

3. Ithaca— We learned little about Ithaca we didn't already know, but the injury to Tristan Brown could be a season-killer if he cannot return. I will never, for the life of me, understand how Frostburg scored 38 points against them

4. Brockport— Are they sneaky good? 3rd in E8 in scoring offense and defense, 1st in sacks and sacks allowed. Interesting note: Brockport's QB, Chase Venuto went to Ithaca High School.

5. Utica— Hey, why not? They couldn't beat the big boys, but I think they could wind up 7-3 this season

6. Salisbury— They are some kind of awful at defending the pass. But honestly, the E8 gets pretty uninspiring at this point

7. Alfred— The Saxons are 2-3 in conference, and can't go five minutes without turning the ball over.

8. Frostburg— Scored 38 against Ithaca, and have scored 36 in their other five E8 games.

9. Team Boltus— There's a 2 QB system in the works, but they have a dreadful offensive line. Allowed 9 sacks against Brockport. However, they managed to gain 400 yards through the air despite those sacks. If they had a line, they might be dangerous

[Bengalsrule]

E8 Rankings/Predictions

1. Fisher— The best team in the East controls its destiny for a Pool A, but could face, in consecutive weeks, two squads who do the same.

2. Buffalo State— Here by the virtue of a H2H win and the fact that they control their own destiny, but honestly, I'm just not impressed by them. They're constantly playing from behind, and they've got a mediocre defense. That stuff makes for exciting games and newspaper stories, but not the playoffs. However, they tend to play to the level of their opponent, so Fisher shouldn't overlook them


3. Ithaca— We learned little about Ithaca we didn't already know, but the injury to Tristan Brown could be a season-killer if he cannot return. I will never, for the life of me, understand how Frostburg scored 38 points against them

4. Brockport— Are they sneaky good? 3rd in E8 in scoring offense and defense, 1st in sacks and sacks allowed. Interesting note: Brockport's QB, Chase Venuto went to Ithaca High School.

5. Utica— Hey, why not? They couldn't beat the big boys, but I think they could wind up 7-3 this season

6. Salisbury— They are some kind of awful at defending the pass. But honestly, the E8 gets pretty uninspiring at this point

7. Alfred— The Saxons are 2-3 in conference, and can't go five minutes without turning the ball over.

8. Frostburg— Scored 38 against Ithaca, and have scored 36 in their other five E8 games.

9. Team Boltus— There's a 2 QB system in the works, but they have a dreadful offensive line. Allowed 9 sacks against Brockport. However, they managed to gain 400 yards through the air despite those sacks. If they had a line, they might be dangerous

I couldn't have said it better myself!!!

[Bombers798891]

Predictions on a 2nd post:

Fisher 41, Buffalo State 14— The Bengals have had a great season, but I think they're due for a wake-up call. Fisher rolls

Ithaca 27, Brockport 21— Will the IHS grad take out his hometown team? Will Tom Dempsey live? This is going to be a compelling game, but I think the allure of Fisher vs. Ithaca for all the marbles is too strong.

Hartwick 34, Frostburg 27— Hartwick's defense can make almost anyone look good, but the two-headed quarterback monster prevails

Salisbury 34, Alfred 20— The Saxons continue to struggle with turnovers, and see several promising drives end. The Gulls realize they're playing on turf

Bonus Pick: Wesley 55, College of Faith 0, dignity, -1,000— I know and respect that Wesley has trouble filling a schedule. Regardless, this game has no business being played. College of Faith played North Carolina's club team on Sept. 27. They were shut out by Limestone College, a 2nd-year program that's allowed 48 PPG in all their other games this season. This game will probably be played with abbreviated quarters or a running clock in the 2nd half, which is why I think the score will not be some historically bad margin. If however, for some insane reason, this game is played under normal circumstances, you could double this score and I'd lay the points

[boobyhasgameyo]

Predictions on a 2nd post:

Fisher 41, Buffalo State 14— The Bengals have had a great season, but I think they're due for a wake-up call. Fisher rolls

Ithaca 27, Brockport 21— Will the IHS grad take out his hometown team? Will Tom Dempsey live? This is going to be a compelling game, but I think the allure of Fisher vs. Ithaca for all the marbles is too strong.

Hartwick 34, Frostburg 27— Hartwick's defense can make almost anyone look good, but the two-headed quarterback monster prevails

Salisbury 34, Alfred 20— The Saxons continue to struggle with turnovers, and see several promising drives end. The Gulls realize they're playing on turf

Bonus Pick: Wesley 55, College of Faith 0, dignity, -1,000— I know and respect that Wesley has trouble filling a schedule. Regardless, this game has no business being played. College of Faith played North Carolina's club team on Sept. 27. They were shut out by Limestone College, a 2nd-year program that's allowed 48 PPG in all their other games this season. This game will probably be played with abbreviated quarters or a running clock in the 2nd half, which is why I think the score will not be some historically bad margin. If however, for some insane reason, this game is played under normal circumstances, you could double this score and I'd lay the points

Bengals, I know that prediction will upset you.  But just know that Fisher is averaging 42.7 ppg on offense while giving up 14 on the dot.  Therefore, Bombers actually thinks you are above average in terms of opponents that Fisher has faced this year!     

[ExTartanPlayer]

Bonus Pick: Wesley 55, College of Faith 0, dignity, -1,000— I know and respect that Wesley has trouble filling a schedule. Regardless, this game has no business being played. College of Faith played North Carolina's club team on Sept. 27. They were shut out by Limestone College, a 2nd-year program that's allowed 48 PPG in all their other games this season. This game will probably be played with abbreviated quarters or a running clock in the 2nd half, which is why I think the score will not be some historically bad margin. If however, for some insane reason, this game is played under normal circumstances, you could double this score and I'd lay the points

I think your prediction is about right.  Wesley has been a pretty classy program under Drass & generally has not run up the score against overmatched opponents, and COF has played a few games this season with abbreviated second halves (which does kind of beg the question why they're bothering to field a team at all with such a quixotic schedule, I don't really see how an online-only religious school fields a team at all, but whatever).

From Wesley's side, though, given the choice between playing this game and not playing at all...they can mess around with a few unconventional looks on offense or defense if they want, and it'll be a nice JV game for them after the first quarter or so.  Of course they'd rather play a real team, but if the choices are "bye week" vs. "scrimmagelike thing that we can use as a tune-up and an excuse to keep the kids out of trouble on a Friday night near the end of the season" then I think they've got to take it.  Without that game they're off for two straight weeks leading into Charlotte.  What a weird schedule for those kids, to open with a series of pretty-good D3 teams, play four straight bad non-D3 teams, then an FCS team, and then head into the playoffs.  Talk about your extremes.

[XREDDRAGON77]

Cards,
In 97 we were both undefeated and ranked 1and 2 in the east. Rowan stomped us 41-6. Their QB got knocked out of the game and their #2 picked us apart. They had a lot of D1 transfers on their roster from the early to late 90's. In 99, they had 2 All ACC d lineman that. Came in from Maryland (White AND Watson). One of them was drafted by Seattle. They also had a Db and LB from Ohio St and Penn St, and a QB who spent time at ND and Michigan St before settling at Rowan. They had amazing personnel!  Schematically, they were an I offense and a 4-3 cov. 2 defense. Their Jimmy and Joe's were amazing,...Xs and Os not so much....apologies for typos. Phone keypad is not sized for my thumbs.

[jknezek]

Yeah, this year Wesley's schedule has truly sucked. I'm assuming a lot of that is not being able to offer home/home games since everything changes next year. But Concordia-Selma, Menlo and COF are all bad games. Only Menlo has been an opponent in the past. The question that was briefly debated over on the Independent board is what kind of effect does this stretch have on Wesley. I know if you use a sharp knife to cut soft things long enough, the sharp knife goes dull. I'd hate to see a very promising Wesley team turn dull on these three weeks.

This COF game is the worst of the bunch. I think UMU was kicking field goals on first down last weekend, Wesley might have to be even more drastic for their third string guys to keep it under 100...

COF is a first year program and got 60+ kids out to the team according to the website, so give them credit as their is a reason for their team. They just aren't going to be worth playing for anyone with a legitimate college team, at any level, for a few years.

[Bombers798891]

I think your prediction is about right.  Wesley has been a pretty classy program under Drass & generally has not run up the score against overmatched opponents, and COF has played a few games this season with abbreviated second halves (which does kind of beg the question why they're bothering to field a team at all with such a quixotic schedule, I don't really see how an online-only religious school fields a team at all, but whatever).

From Wesley's side, though, given the choice between playing this game and not playing at all...they can mess around with a few unconventional looks on offense or defense if they want, and it'll be a nice JV game for them after the first quarter or so.  Of course they'd rather play a real team, but if the choices are "bye week" vs. "scrimmagelike thing that we can use as a tune-up and an excuse to keep the kids out of trouble on a Friday night near the end of the season" then I think they've got to take it.  Without that game they're off for two straight weeks leading into Charlotte.  What a weird schedule for those kids, to open with a series of pretty-good D3 teams, play four straight bad non-D3 teams, then an FCS team, and then head into the playoffs.  Talk about your extremes.

As usual, you make lots of salient points. The thing I can't shake is this: There are people out there who turn their noses up a D-III football, who consider it nothing more than glorified high school football. One of my best friends used to say that he believed his friends, with enough practice time, could beat Ithaca's team.

I don't agree at all with that assessment, obviously. But I don't doubt that it is out there. So when Wesley, one of D-III's consistently elite programs of the past decade, and a legitimate national title contender, plays a late season game against an online-only religious school that practices at a high school, frankly, I think it just gives ammo to idiots.

Sure, that's not Wesley's concern, and we could all just ignore those people. But I'm not thinking like an AD and just trying to get my team a game in an impossible situation. I'm just a fan, who you all know hates the lack of parity and constant blowouts in the sport. I hate people who

This game is stupid on every conceivable level. Absolutely no one gains anything from it. An intersquad scrimmage would be more competition. Want the kids to stay out of trouble? Schedule a mandatory team-bonding activity. Hand out candy to trick-or-treaters that night.

[D3MAFAN]

I think your prediction is about right.  Wesley has been a pretty classy program under Drass & generally has not run up the score against overmatched opponents, and COF has played a few games this season with abbreviated second halves (which does kind of beg the question why they're bothering to field a team at all with such a quixotic schedule, I don't really see how an online-only religious school fields a team at all, but whatever).

From Wesley's side, though, given the choice between playing this game and not playing at all...they can mess around with a few unconventional looks on offense or defense if they want, and it'll be a nice JV game for them after the first quarter or so.  Of course they'd rather play a real team, but if the choices are "bye week" vs. "scrimmagelike thing that we can use as a tune-up and an excuse to keep the kids out of trouble on a Friday night near the end of the season" then I think they've got to take it.  Without that game they're off for two straight weeks leading into Charlotte.  What a weird schedule for those kids, to open with a series of pretty-good D3 teams, play four straight bad non-D3 teams, then an FCS team, and then head into the playoffs.  Talk about your extremes.

As usual, you make lots of salient points. The thing I can't shake is this: There are people out there who turn their noses up a D-III football, who consider it nothing more than glorified high school football. One of my best friends used to say that he believed his friends, with enough practice time, could beat Ithaca's team.

I don't agree at all with that assessment, obviously. But I don't doubt that it is out there. So when Wesley, one of D-III's consistently elite programs of the past decade, and a legitimate national title contender, plays a late season game against an online-only religious school that practices at a high school, frankly, I think it just gives ammo to idiots.

Sure, that's not Wesley's concern, and we could all just ignore those people. But I'm not thinking like an AD and just trying to get my team a game in an impossible situation. I'm just a fan, who you all know hates the lack of parity and constant blowouts in the sport. I hate people who

This game is stupid on every conceivable level. Absolutely no one gains anything from it. An intersquad scrimmage would be more competition. Want the kids to stay out of trouble? Schedule a mandatory team-bonding activity. Hand out candy to trick-or-treaters that night.

Can't go wrong with that!

[Bengalsrule]

Predictions on a 2nd post:

Fisher 41, Buffalo State 14— The Bengals have had a great season, but I think they're due for a wake-up call. Fisher rolls

Ithaca 27, Brockport 21— Will the IHS grad take out his hometown team? Will Tom Dempsey live? This is going to be a compelling game, but I think the allure of Fisher vs. Ithaca for all the marbles is too strong.

Hartwick 34, Frostburg 27— Hartwick's defense can make almost anyone look good, but the two-headed quarterback monster prevails

Salisbury 34, Alfred 20— The Saxons continue to struggle with turnovers, and see several promising drives end. The Gulls realize they're playing on turf

Bonus Pick: Wesley 55, College of Faith 0, dignity, -1,000— I know and respect that Wesley has trouble filling a schedule. Regardless, this game has no business being played. College of Faith played North Carolina's club team on Sept. 27. They were shut out by Limestone College, a 2nd-year program that's allowed 48 PPG in all their other games this season. This game will probably be played with abbreviated quarters or a running clock in the 2nd half, which is why I think the score will not be some historically bad margin. If however, for some insane reason, this game is played under normal circumstances, you could double this score and I'd lay the points

Bengals, I know that prediction will upset you.  But just know that Fisher is averaging 42.7 ppg on offense while giving up 14 on the dot.  Therefore, Bombers actually thinks you are above average in terms of opponents that Fisher has faced this year!     

I'm not upset podner!  I would not expect anyone to pick the Bengals winning at Fisher. I'm excited about the opportunity that BSC has this weekend. There is no better way to see where u stand in the E 8 than by facing the best ( current) that the E 8 has to offer. I can't wait till Saturday arrives!!   

   I must admit that there will probably be a few people in WNY watching this game. Plus I am sure that at least 1 long time SUNYAC (that's the basketball conference that BSC plays in) supporter, who lives in Plattsburgh, we also be tuned in to this 1 Saturday. Many of us in Buffalo, and the SUNYAC (only 3 schools participate in football, Brockport, BSC and Cortland),  take not only great pride in what the BENGALS do, but we are also very proud that Coach Boyes took them out of the NJAC 3 years ago, and put them in the toughest D3 conference in the nation.  That took some stones!! 3 years later we are in a game that could propel us to the conference championship and "possibly" give us a "shot" a the title. Whats there to get :"upset" about??    What more can you ask for ?

Go BENGALS!!

[thewaterboy]

I think your prediction is about right.  Wesley has been a pretty classy program under Drass & generally has not run up the score against overmatched opponents, and COF has played a few games this season with abbreviated second halves (which does kind of beg the question why they're bothering to field a team at all with such a quixotic schedule, I don't really see how an online-only religious school fields a team at all, but whatever).

From Wesley's side, though, given the choice between playing this game and not playing at all...they can mess around with a few unconventional looks on offense or defense if they want, and it'll be a nice JV game for them after the first quarter or so.  Of course they'd rather play a real team, but if the choices are "bye week" vs. "scrimmagelike thing that we can use as a tune-up and an excuse to keep the kids out of trouble on a Friday night near the end of the season" then I think they've got to take it.  Without that game they're off for two straight weeks leading into Charlotte.  What a weird schedule for those kids, to open with a series of pretty-good D3 teams, play four straight bad non-D3 teams, then an FCS team, and then head into the playoffs.  Talk about your extremes.

As usual, you make lots of salient points. The thing I can't shake is this: There are people out there who turn their noses up a D-III football, who consider it nothing more than glorified high school football. One of my best friends used to say that he believed his friends, with enough practice time, could beat Ithaca's team.

I don't agree at all with that assessment, obviously. But I don't doubt that it is out there. So when Wesley, one of D-III's consistently elite programs of the past decade, and a legitimate national title contender, plays a late season game against an online-only religious school that practices at a high school, frankly, I think it just gives ammo to idiots.

Sure, that's not Wesley's concern, and we could all just ignore those people. But I'm not thinking like an AD and just trying to get my team a game in an impossible situation. I'm just a fan, who you all know hates the lack of parity and constant blowouts in the sport. I hate people who

This game is stupid on every conceivable level. Absolutely no one gains anything from it. An intersquad scrimmage would be more competition. Want the kids to stay out of trouble? Schedule a mandatory team-bonding activity. Hand out candy to trick-or-treaters that night.

This is what happens when no one in Division III wants to play you. Wesley wants to play 10 games. I know Wesley had a campaign and tried to call almost all D3 teams in the nation with an open date (including E8 teams). They have even called some D2, NAIA schools etc. The 5 D3 teams that responded, ended up playing Wesley. They were supposed to play Alfred State, and Widener but they bailed on their agreements. Division III teams don't wanna play Wesley but after this year that wont be a problem.

I understand CoF may not be the strongest opponent but wouldn't say this game is stupid. FBS (yes, they will be in CUSA next year so they are technically that level) Charlotte comes in two weeks. IMO it does not help them to go two weeks without playing then go up a team like Charlotte.