FB: Empire 8

[Jonny Utah]

LL vs E8 makes all kinds of NY state pride sense to me. Fun game.

Sure, but couldn't they just do that in the regular season? Aren't there like, 4-5 teams in each league playing each other?

I think after IC leaves for the LL we might see a regular season E8/LL showdown to start the year. Both conferences are going to need games with the conference moves ahead. Just need to get more of the LL schools on board with Hobart's scheduling. Thank you HWS for not being such elitist dickweeds and scheduling a SUNY school.

You are welcome....and please,  that is Mr. Richard Weeds 

Upstate, I'm not sure the LL schools do that to be elitist.  They do it because they don't want to play games they could lose which is understandable.  And besides Rochester, most LL teams play some decent out of conference games, many of them E8 teams. 

[Bombers798891]

Upstate, I'm not sure the LL schools do that to be elitist.  They do it because they don't want to play games they could lose 

Ahhh...it's like I'm back at IC in the late 80s, listening people talk about Union

[fisheralum91]

Upstate, I'm not sure the LL schools do that to be elitist.  They do it because they don't want to play games they could lose 

Ahhh...it's like I'm back at IC in the late 80s, listening people talk about Union

^
Now thats funny!!

[UfanBill]

Fisher...I'm not sure what's "funny" about Bombers remark? Maybe he's referring to jealousy of the strong Union teams of the eighties (Stagg Bowl '83, '89) or Union's run over Ithaca...'99 ECAC game 31-7, '05 NCAA game 55-41 or the start of a home and home, '09...24-21. Grant you that since '10 the Bombers HAVE won 28-20,37-18,27-24 OT, 17-3,21-16 and last year 38-23...for an average of 28-17. As for Pep's predicted 31-8 this year, I'll go with the 28-17 and it just may be a lot closer, a surprise "U" victory?

[fisheralum91]

Geez Ufan,
Did I touch a nerve?

It was no bash on Union.
I laughed at Bombers joke.....
Cuz, well
Some Union peeps were a tad elitist back in the day

[UfanBill]

OK Fisher...yes and after an 0-10 many U fans are more than a bit "nervy". We're very much looking forward to what a new coaching staff can bring to the table and would like nothing more than to present it to the E8 Saturday.  If you listened to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ith/2016/08/30/in-huddlle--liberty-league-football-talk-show (and I know you probably didn't, it's a LL show) ...22 minutes in you will hear former Union play by play radio host and D3 Football writer Frank Rossi discuss his take on the recent plight of Union football. Frank thinks coach Audino (who I have a ton of respect for) got a raw deal with his method of dismissal while I and many of my fan group think it was a couple of years overdue. I've been a Union player and fan since 1968 and have attended 100+ games including all the above mentioned match-ups with the Bombers. I'll be at Butterfield tomorrow with the optimism of a new beginning. I'm hoping coach Jeff Behrman can correct some serious deficiencies in the recent Union product. Look for a better coached Union team.

[Bombers798891]

Fisher...I'm not sure what's "funny" about Bombers remark? Maybe he's referring to jealousy of the strong Union teams of the eighties (Stagg Bowl '83, '89) or Union's run over Ithaca...'99 ECAC game 31-7, '05 NCAA game 55-41 or the start of a home and home, '09...24-21. Grant you that since '10 the Bombers HAVE won 28-20,37-18,27-24 OT, 17-3,21-16 and last year 38-23...for an average of 28-17. As for Pep's predicted 31-8 this year, I'll go with the 28-17 and it just may be a lot closer, a surprise "U" victory?

It's funny because a number of Ithaca people believed Union spent the 1980s/early 90s ducking them. Don't misunderstand me, everyone at IC was aware that Union had a very strong program—that's why Ithaca wanted to play them so badly. Butterfield used to say he'd play them in the parking lot. Union and Ithaca people both had their party line for why these games never actually happened. I'm just saying, whatever the reason actually was, what I used to hear a lot was "Union won't play us because they know we're better."

I highly doubt they were jealous of Union's Stagg Bowl teams. They had their own. As I said, Union was a very strong program in the 1980s. Ithaca's was better.

As for the recent stuff, meh. It's well-documented on these boards that I think all ECAC games (including the ones won by Ithaca) are stupid and pointless and shouldn't be a thing that exist. Union's NCAA win over Ithaca in 2005 was a bummer, but it didn't sting any worse than the 2003 or 2008 losses did.

The current series is what it is. Thirty years too late, IMO. Frankly, I wish Union and Ithaca were still both really good and this were going on. Union was a big deal during my formative years of IC fandom, and I only got to see them once when both programs were at their apex. I was actually really excited when this series got announced, but both programs kind of hit hard times, and now it's just a game. The teams have played some competitive games, but there's nothing particularly special about the series, win or lose.

[dlippiel]

Fisher...I'm not sure what's "funny" about Bombers remark? Maybe he's referring to jealousy of the strong Union teams of the eighties (Stagg Bowl '83, '89) or Union's run over Ithaca...'99 ECAC game 31-7, '05 NCAA game 55-41 or the start of a home and home, '09...24-21. Grant you that since '10 the Bombers HAVE won 28-20,37-18,27-24 OT, 17-3,21-16 and last year 38-23...for an average of 28-17. As for Pep's predicted 31-8 this year, I'll go with the 28-17 and it just may be a lot closer, a surprise "U" victory?

It's funny because a number of Ithaca people believed Union spent the 1980s/early 90s ducking them. Don't misunderstand me, everyone at IC was aware that Union had a very strong program—that's why Ithaca wanted to play them so badly. Butterfield used to say he'd play them in the parking lot. Union and Ithaca people both had their party line for why these games never actually happened. I'm just saying, whatever the reason actually was, what I used to hear a lot was "Union won't play us because they know we're better."

I highly doubt they were jealous of Union's Stagg Bowl teams. They had their own. As I said, Union was a very strong program in the 1980s. Ithaca's was better.

As for the recent stuff, meh. It's well-documented on these boards that I think all ECAC games (including the ones won by Ithaca) are stupid and pointless and shouldn't be a thing that exist. Union's NCAA win over Ithaca in 2005 was a bummer, but it didn't sting any worse than the 2003 or 2008 losses did.

The current series is what it is. Thirty years too late, IMO. Frankly, I wish Union and Ithaca were still both really good and this were going on. Union was a big deal during my formative years of IC fandom, and I only got to see them once when both programs were at their apex. I was actually really excited when this series got announced, but both programs kind of hit hard times, and now it's just a game. The teams have played some competitive games, but there's nothing particularly special about the series, win or lose.

The first bold is interesting to dlip. The Dutchmen probably didn't want a regular season match-up with IC because it would have been a ****ing midseason war. dlip certainly would have loved to see it. He has a very clear recollection of our (Union's or some Union people) view regarding Williams College. It was very much the same. To this day dlip detests the Ephs because of their unwillingness to keep playing Union once the Dutchmen turned the tables on them. They loved playing us when we were not strong however once we started beating them they "all of a sudden" refused to play us. **** them and the rest of the NESCAC ...

As far as the second bold bombers is right on. dlip was so pumped when the series was rejuvenated however with Union's recent woes it certainly hasn't lived up to dlip's unrealistic and historic expectations. With that said dlip still feels the IC program garners a lot of respect across the country. Maybe not what it once had but certainly a solid program.

Go easy on UfanBill fellas. it's been a very difficult and humbling last decade or so. We are edgy and impatient yearning for the past but faced with the reality of the present. With that said dlip agrees with UfanBill wholeheartedly regarding what you will see from Union. It may not reflect in wins and losses right away however dlip can certainly guarantee one thing. You won't see ****ing defensive players looking towards the sidelines pre-snap with their arms up in the air yelling, "What the **** do we do?" 15 times a game. *That is no knock on Audino it was just the reality of the situation for a variety of reasons.

We shall see what comes of tomorrow but dlip will certainly be out at Butterfield nice and early walking around and hanging out. He ****ing LOVES Butterfield Stadium! The feel, the history, the student TV pregame stuff, all of it. If anyone is around please feel free to say hello. dlip is looking forward to seeing UfanBill out there for sure!

[fisheralum91]

Best of luck this year!!!

[UfanBill]

Thanks DLIP but as for E8 posters "going easy on me" well I AM on their board and thus expect and require them to voice their dissenting opinion; that's what this is all about. Well this discussion started with talk about LL/E8 match=ups so in that sense the current home and home between Ithaca and Union is special in that it is in it's 8th year. I do know it will obviously continue with Ithaca joining the LL. I have been a proponent of a NYS super conference with a private school side and a public school side. The LL and E8 are moving towards just that configuration but a "merger" of sorts with a championship series (maybe in the 'Dome) is only on the wish list.

[dlippiel]

Thanks DLIP but as for E8 posters "going easy on me" well I AM on their board and thus expect and require them to voice their dissenting opinion; that's what this is all about. Well this discussion started with talk about LL/E8 match=ups so in that sense the current home and home between Ithaca and Union is special in that it is in it's 8th year. I do know it will obviously continue with Ithaca joining the LL. I have been a proponent of a NYS super conference with a private school side and a public school side. The LL and E8 are moving towards just that configuration but a "merger" of sorts with a championship series (maybe in the 'Dome) is only on the wish list.

Only meant in fun UfanBill. dlip hopes that statement wasn't taken in a way he didn't mean it to be taken. He knows your knowledge and experience can handle itself on any thread. Let's make sure we meet up tomorrow. I am heading out with Mike N and my Father. You are welcome to join us. We are meeting at Union at 8:30 tomorrow morning.

By the way, +k to the board. It begins tonight!

[Bartman]

Friday, September 2

7:00 PM Morrisville State 14 @ St Lawrence 28

Saturday, September 3

12:00 PM Husson 17 @ Alfred  31
12:00 PM Otterbein 12 @ Buffalo State 35
12:00 PM SUNY Cortland 27 @ Heidelberg  24
1:00 PM Olivet College 17 @ St. John Fisher  35
1:00 PM Hobart 20 @ Brockport State (NY)  14
1:00 PM Union  8 @ Ithaca  31
1:00 PM Utica 45 @ Misericordia 6
5:00 PM Hartwick 31 @ Western Connecticut State  40

Pep's Picks for Week 1
Thanks for posting the schedule, D3! +K

Only picking LL/E8 matchups:

Morrisville 14  St. Lawrence 21 (last minute score for Larries win)

Union        17  Ithaca          28 (closer than expected)

Hobart      28  Brockport      21 (Hobart gets on bus quickly after ref misses interference call on screen pass to Andrews for possible tie)

[D3viewer]

Looks like Brockport's QB will be a D2 transfer, Brian Mckean. CW Post. He is in his 4th year of football though, but is JR eligibility. RS 1st year at Post, DNP next 2 seasons. 2013 HS grad. So he was on the team for 3 years but never saw action. Avg size..6-0 190. Saw his HS tape, throws OK, runs OK. Played in a spread shotgun offense like Brockport runs.  We'll see.

[AUPepBand]

Tomorrow will be special at Yunevich Stadium. Julio Fuentes will serve as honorary captain. Here's a story on his progress since that fateful day, Sept. 9, 2006, when he suffered a spinal injury while blocking on a kickoff return.

http://m.oleantimesherald.com/sports/area_college/courage-to-overcome/article_3bf0eaaa-70c2-11e6-87f5-ff8b8553cf62.html?mode=jqm

Pep has long been a fan of Julio Fuentes for his courage and work ethic in overcoming adversity. He's a true Saxon Warrior!

Much love to Julio, his girlfriend, his family. We wish you continued progress and much happiness as you seek to help others become overcomers as well.

[sjfcards]

Tomorrow will be special at Yunevich Stadium. Julio Fuentes will serve as honorary captain. Here's a story on his progress since that fateful day, Sept. 9, 2006, when he suffered a spinal injury while blocking on a kickoff return.

http://m.oleantimesherald.com/sports/area_college/courage-to-overcome/article_3bf0eaaa-70c2-11e6-87f5-ff8b8553cf62.html?mode=jqm

Pep has long been a fan of Julio Fuentes for his courage and work ethic in overcoming adversity. He's a true Saxon Warrior!

Much love to Julio, his girlfriend, his family. We wish you continued progress and much happiness as you seek to help others become overcomers as well.

Very Cool!