FB: Empire 8

[boobyhasgameyo]

Happy game day everyone.  A lot of interesting games on the docket across the nation.   

[boobyhasgameyo]

Well that was Fenti's worst passing half of the season thus far.  He looked awful and was missing nearly everything.  It doesn't help that our #1 receiver Nigolian is hurt.  He is playing but he's being a decoy out there.  He is limping and Fenti hasn't even looked to pass it to him.

In other news - both defenses are playing great and Ithaca's kicker isn't half bad.  Tied 6-6 at the half.  Fisher starts with the ball in the second half.   

[boobyhasgameyo]

Mmmmm, I stand corrected.  The 2nd half was the worst.  Without exaggeration or living in the moment, excluding the Ryan Kramer era for various reasons, that was the worst QB performance I've ever seen from a Fisher QB.  Can't be upset at a guy for trying his best, it's just sad that it had to happen today.  Really wish we had Nigolian. 

Fine defensive performance by Fisher for the most part, and a good job with the running game when not fumbling.  Congratulations Ithaca.  I hope you represent the conference well in the playoffs, I will be rooting for you. 

[D O.C.]

Way to go Ithaca.

[BomberJeff]

Sometimes it really is as simple as not turning the ball over.  SJF offensively had the better day with the exception of the turnover margin, but that's all Ithaca needed.  Well that and a great moment to pull out the trick play with Buffoli.

Congrats to SJF, you gave Ithaca a tough game.  Hopefully you'll be watching your team play as well in 2 weeks time.

(And I never, EVER would have believed you could lose to Frostburg and win the E8.  It just seems insane to contemplate.)

[Upstate]

Ithaca barely cracked 200yards of offense...

They didn't even run for 50 yards...

And still won by 11...

Unreal...

10 turnovers the past two games vs IC for Fisher is just laughably pathetic...

[AUPepBand]

....and this score just in from Charles A. Gaetano Stadium:
Utica wins field hockey game over Stevens, 3-2.
Fisher leading W&J, 3-0.

...football coming up at 6 pm....On Saxon Warriors!

[jmcozenlaw]

I just got home from the DelVal game and can't believe the results that I'm seeing. Fisher scores 8 points. Morrisville clocks Montclair. Had Hobart missed that field goal, I'm assuming that the Widener vs. DelVal winner would have gotten the #2 seed in the I-won't-call-it-East bracket. I wonder if Hobart or DelVal/Widener is seeded higher next Sunday.

What a day!!!

[Bombers798891]

I don't know how ithaca won that game, but I don't care. Two championships in a row!

[AUPepBand]

I don't know how ithaca won that game, but I don't care. Two championships in a row!

The Bombers' success can be attributed, to quote Alex Yunevich, to a "preponderance of score." 

[Bartman]

I don't know how ithaca won that game, but I don't care. Two championships in a row!

The Bombers' success can be attributed, to quote Alex Yunevich, to a "preponderance of score." 

I love the quote from a great coach

[rams1102]

I just got home from the DelVal game and can't believe the results that I'm seeing. Fisher scores 8 points. Morrisville clocks Montclair. Had Hobart missed that field goal, I'm assuming that the Widener vs. DelVal winner would have gotten the #2 seed in the I-won't-call-it-East bracket. I wonder if Hobart or DelVal/Widener is seeded higher next Sunday.

What a day!!!

Let's go Del-Val. Zoto's for breakfast and a NCAA playoff game.  From the Jersey Boyz.

[middlerelief]

Not sure if an at-large bid with two losses is in the Cards this season when you'll have a one loss team in the Del-Valley/Widener game.

What a shame, this team is so talented - yet under execute, and that's just not a reference to the players.  The OC and the DC have to have some introspection on the season as well.  Some really questionable calling and non-calling has left heads scratching.

The team is too talented and the program should be beyond willing to play ECAC bowls. 

As of now, SJF v St Lawrence is likely, however, if Utica and Buff State win they'll also represent the conference in those games as well.

[ITH radio]

SLU won't put in a bid which is a shame.

[Jonny Utah]

Not sure if an at-large bid with two losses is in the Cards this season when you'll have a one loss team in the Del-Valley/Widener game.

What a shame, this team is so talented - yet under execute, and that's just not a reference to the players.  The OC and the DC have to have some introspection on the season as well.  Some really questionable calling and non-calling has left heads scratching.

The team is too talented and the program should be beyond willing to play ECAC bowls. 

As of now, SJF v St Lawrence is likely, however, if Utica and Buff State win they'll also represent the conference in those games as well.

I'm not sure the SJF offensive playcalling was horrible, but for whatever reason the plays they ran on certain downs just seemed to hurt them at the wrong times.  For instance, their simple zone read seemed to go for decent yards on 1st and 10 and even 3rd and 5 or so, but when they tried to run it on 2nd and medium or long they got stuffed, forcing them into longer 3rd down passing situations. 

Ithaca also seems to have larger d-lineman and linebackers that they usually do, and this lets them keep 5-6 guys tight in the box, while letting the other 5-6 do some things in the defensive backfield that made SJFs Qb a little confused on a few plays.  IC certainly gave up some yards, but they seemed to play that bend but don't break defense that ultimately worked.

Same goes for IC's offense which was conservative as usual.  No screens, reverses, or throwbacks, but both of IC's scores were a result of SJF over pursuing the play.  I think Dempsey looks awkward at times in the pocket, but does a good job playing smart and not making mistakes.  He is a good runner as well and I'm surprised they don't boot him more.