FB: Empire 8

[Bombers798891]

May have gotten lost in the six pages of literary criticism, but Pep looks at today's game as a real battle between the Saxons trying to clinch and the Bombers, backed into a corner with their streak of winning seasons at stake.

Pep thinks the Saxons are tuxedo-clad, ready to go to the dance, but now facing a cornered skunk....this one could really stink before it's over.

Sad to say I won't be there. At least when I was unemployed, I had the time to go to football games. Plus, there was the added bonus of Ithaca, you know, not losing all the time.

Honestly, while I appreciate Pep's analogy of Ithaca being a skunk, I'm going to channel my inner JoseQViper. This isn't about heart, pride, home field, 39 years of whatever. This is just a case of one team being better than the other. The talent level is just not equal, especially on offense. And that's WITH Secky out.

The last few years when this game rolled around, Ithaca was at the tail end of a five or six week campaign of mass destruction. Now they're just injured and haven't strung together two decent weeks together all season. Worse yet, they've shown very little ability to play from behind, with the exception of the Utica game.

Alfred's been tripped up before, but those were by good Ithaca teams. This isn't one.

Alfred 33
Ithaca 14

And I'll say this my Saxon friends. Do us all a favor and don't lose in the first round of the playoffs? We're all getting a little tired of seeing E8 teams bounced in the first round, and Fisher isn't there to save us this season.

Shame on you bombers.  Football is always about pride.  Especially bomber football.

Go Bombers.

I forgot. You know what we oughta do? Take our three National Championship Trophies and put them in Alfred's locker room, in plain sight. That way, our illustrious history will intimidate Alfred so badly, it'll turn into Hartwick '98 all over again. Heck, the Saxons may not even take the field after seeing the stature of the program they have to face.

Bombers 63
Alfred 7

Better? 

Has nothing to do with National Championships.  Ithaca has the ability to beat Alfred today.  And they will.

Some of us had some bomber optimism!

Hey, I was wrong. It happens. I'm sure our "Bomber optimists" don't want to talk about the Fisher games these last few years

Even I don't have a lot of optomism going into those games anymore.  Although I would like to see that game moved towards the end of the season for a few years.

I could go either way. Yeah, they're rivals now, but remember when IC and Buff State were rivals? If one of the teams drops off, suddenly we're saying "Man I wish the ____ game was at the end of the year"

I've never seen a team own IC like Fisher does. I know the IC guys won't say Fisher's in their heads but I think something changed with the '08 game.

It's one thing for IC to lose to some great Fisher teams, but '08 was a great Ithaca team--in the regular season at least--against maybe the worst Fisher team since '02, and the Bombers were so bad in the 2nd half it was hard to watch. Then they go out in 2009, both good but flawed teams and the only points the Bombers get in 3 quarters is on a XP return?

Some teams just have other team's numbers. Ithaca's got Alfred's for some reason. But right now, Fisher owns IC

[AlfredSaxon8]

Who are the early predictions for Empire 8 players of the year?

Obviously they are simliar to pre-season polls in the sense they can change in an instant but I'm thinking Secky could be a top candidate...

Also, watch out for Alfred WR Ryan Thon- I honestly believe he could end up with 15 TD catches no problem. He should be the number 1 guy and he has, without a doubt, the best hands I have ever seen on a wide receiver.  He's gotten faster and more comfortable throughout his career and his experience will help carry the Alfred offense.  His senior year could be a very big one...

[bomber3]

Who are the early predictions for Empire 8 players of the year?

Obviously they are simliar to pre-season polls in the sense they can change in an instant but I'm thinking Secky could be a top candidate...

Also, watch out for Alfred WR Ryan Thon- I honestly believe he could end up with 15 TD catches no problem. He should be the number 1 guy and he has, without a doubt, the best hands I have ever seen on a wide receiver.  He's gotten faster and more comfortable throughout his career and his experience will help carry the Alfred offense.  His senior year could be a very big one...

Well going on who returned from last year's all-conference team you have the following individuals:
First Team (excluding lineman)
QB - Tom Secky (AU)
TE - Dan Higgins (IC)

Second Team
QB - Tim Bailey (SJF)
RB - Christian Zemaitis (SJF)
WR - Tom Vossler (IC)

Honorable Mention
WR - Ruffrage (IC)
TE - Loughlin-Pope (AU)

So going off this rationale the odds on favorite for OPOY would probably be Secky, Bailey, and Zemaitis.  There is too much question who will throw IC's wideouts the ball (Higgins, Vossler, Ruffrage) so that has to eliminate them and a non-skill position player probably won't get it.

So I would say those three. I don't know defense so I won't try to guess.

[AUPepBand]

Who are the early predictions for Empire 8 players of the year?

Obviously they are simliar to pre-season polls in the sense they can change in an instant but I'm thinking Secky could be a top candidate...

Also, watch out for Alfred WR Ryan Thon- I honestly believe he could end up with 15 TD catches no problem. He should be the number 1 guy and he has, without a doubt, the best hands I have ever seen on a wide receiver.  He's gotten faster and more comfortable throughout his career and his experience will help carry the Alfred offense.  His senior year could be a very big one...

Pep believes Thon will invite double coverage which could limit his numbers. It is imperative that AU develop some more top notch receivers to keep defenses honest.

Meanwhile, Pep just drove past Merrill Field only to see a crew disassembling the home side grandstand. While no formal announcement has been made to date (unless Pep missed it), it appears AU will have a new grandstand and, more than likely, new field turf for the 2010 campaign.

And, on another note, ticket prices at Merrill Field have been raised from $5 general admission to $20. (Just kidding).  

[Bombers798891]

Who are the early predictions for Empire 8 players of the year?

Obviously they are simliar to pre-season polls in the sense they can change in an instant but I'm thinking Secky could be a top candidate...

Also, watch out for Alfred WR Ryan Thon- I honestly believe he could end up with 15 TD catches no problem. He should be the number 1 guy and he has, without a doubt, the best hands I have ever seen on a wide receiver.  He's gotten faster and more comfortable throughout his career and his experience will help carry the Alfred offense.  His senior year could be a very big one...

Well going on who returned from last year's all-conference team you have the following individuals:
First Team (excluding lineman)
QB - Tom Secky (AU)
TE - Dan Higgins (IC)

Second Team
QB - Tim Bailey (SJF)
RB - Christian Zemaitis (SJF)
WR - Tom Vossler (IC)

Honorable Mention
WR - Ruffrage (IC)
TE - Loughlin-Pope (AU)

So going off this rationale the odds on favorite for OPOY would probably be Secky, Bailey, and Zemaitis.  There is too much question who will throw IC's wideouts the ball (Higgins, Vossler, Ruffrage) so that has to eliminate them and a non-skill position player probably won't get it.

So I would say those three. I don't know defense so I won't try to guess.

Not for nothing, but I kind of want to see Zemantis get more than 92 carries. I know there was an injury thing, but injuries have a funny habit of messing up careers. Remember Jamie Donovan before he started getting banged up? Still good, but never quite the same

That's not to say Zemantis won't be good, but I don't want to put anyone coming off a major injury in a POY discussion--even though I know he's the feature back this season--until we see how he responds. Secky and Bailey are probably smart picks.

My feeling is Secky will get it. But who knows?

[Jonny Utah]

Who are the early predictions for Empire 8 players of the year?

Obviously they are simliar to pre-season polls in the sense they can change in an instant but I'm thinking Secky could be a top candidate...

Also, watch out for Alfred WR Ryan Thon- I honestly believe he could end up with 15 TD catches no problem. He should be the number 1 guy and he has, without a doubt, the best hands I have ever seen on a wide receiver.  He's gotten faster and more comfortable throughout his career and his experience will help carry the Alfred offense.  His senior year could be a very big one...

Well going on who returned from last year's all-conference team you have the following individuals:
First Team (excluding lineman)
QB - Tom Secky (AU)
TE - Dan Higgins (IC)

Second Team
QB - Tim Bailey (SJF)
RB - Christian Zemaitis (SJF)
WR - Tom Vossler (IC)

Honorable Mention
WR - Ruffrage (IC)
TE - Loughlin-Pope (AU)

So going off this rationale the odds on favorite for OPOY would probably be Secky, Bailey, and Zemaitis.  There is too much question who will throw IC's wideouts the ball (Higgins, Vossler, Ruffrage) so that has to eliminate them and a non-skill position player probably won't get it.

So I would say those three. I don't know defense so I won't try to guess.

Not for nothing, but I kind of want to see Zemantis get more than 92 carries. I know there was an injury thing, but injuries have a funny habit of messing up careers. Remember Jamie Donovan before he started getting banged up? Still good, but never quite the same

That's not to say Zemantis won't be good, but I don't want to put anyone coming off a major injury in a POY discussion--even though I know he's the feature back this season--until we see how he responds. Secky and Bailey are probably smart picks.

What is the word on the IC qb situation for next year?

[AUPepBand]

From the Bomber 2009 roster, assuming Welch doesn't like to start an untested frosh:

8    Rob Zappia    QB Jr.  6-0 185 Greece Athena Rochester
9    Mike Mathews  QB So.  6-3 190 Fox Lane Pound Ridge
13    Jason Hendel  QB Fr.  6-3 180 Deerfield Riverwoods, Ill.

Are there others?

[Jonny Utah]

From the Bomber 2009 roster, assuming Welch doesn't like to start an untested frosh:

8    Rob Zappia    QB Jr.  6-0 185 Greece Athena Rochester
9    Mike Mathews  QB So.  6-3 190 Fox Lane Pound Ridge
13    Jason Hendel  QB Fr.  6-3 180 Deerfield Riverwoods, Ill.

Are there others?

Don't know.  Did I hear on here that Mathews was leaving?

[dlippiel]

Who are the early predictions for Empire 8 players of the year?

Obviously they are simliar to pre-season polls in the sense they can change in an instant but I'm thinking Secky could be a top candidate...

Also, watch out for Alfred WR Ryan Thon- I honestly believe he could end up with 15 TD catches no problem. He should be the number 1 guy and he has, without a doubt, the best hands I have ever seen on a wide receiver.  He's gotten faster and more comfortable throughout his career and his experience will help carry the Alfred offense.  His senior year could be a very big one...

Please don't rule out Josh Carter from Springfield. Kid had a solid year running the triple opt in 09 and now comes in as a junior (dlip believes). Junior year was a HUGE year for Chris Sharpe. Obviously they are built differently but Carter has, at times, shown glimpses of Sharpe type form. With the amount of qb takes he will get in 2010 he is worth keeping an eye on. dlip wishes Carter all the success in the world with the exception of the final game of the regular season agains the U!

[AUPepBand]

Who are the early predictions for Empire 8 players of the year?

Obviously they are simliar to pre-season polls in the sense they can change in an instant but I'm thinking Secky could be a top candidate...

Also, watch out for Alfred WR Ryan Thon- I honestly believe he could end up with 15 TD catches no problem. He should be the number 1 guy and he has, without a doubt, the best hands I have ever seen on a wide receiver.  He's gotten faster and more comfortable throughout his career and his experience will help carry the Alfred offense.  His senior year could be a very big one...

Please don't rule out Josh Carter from Springfield. Kid had a solid year running the triple opt in 09 and now comes in as a junior (dlip believes). Junior year was a HUGE year for Chris Sharpe. Obviously they are built differently but Carter has, at times, shown glimpses of Sharpe type form. With the amount of qb takes he will get in 2010 he is worth keeping an eye on. dlip wishes Carter all the success in the world with the exception of the final game of the regular season agains the U!

Good point, dlip. Carter was scary at Merrill Field last year and the Saxons must travel the 6 hours to that concrete jungle in Massachusetts this fall.

[theoriginalupstate]

Not for nothing, but I kind of want to see Zemantis get more than 92 carries. I know there was an injury thing, but injuries have a funny habit of messing up careers. Remember Jamie Donovan before he started getting banged up? Still good, but never quite the same

That's not to say Zemantis won't be good, but I don't want to put anyone coming off a major injury in a POY discussion--even though I know he's the feature back this season--until we see how he responds. Secky and Bailey are probably smart picks.

My feeling is Secky will get it. But who knows?

Zemaitis tore his meniscus, no ligaments or anything so it's not a major injury.  His lower body has so much muscle mass that he was walking around with out a brace or crutches a week after surgery.  I don't think the knee is any issue at all for him.

I think it will come down to Secky and Zemaitis, if SJF goes back to an offense that is more run based I can see him getting close to 1,600-1,800 yards and 15 TDs.  If SJF puts the ball in Bailey's hands and throw the ball a ton I think Secky will probably walk away with the award. 

I think it will come down to Secky and Zemaitis

[Bombers798891]

Not for nothing, but I kind of want to see Zemantis get more than 92 carries. I know there was an injury thing, but injuries have a funny habit of messing up careers. Remember Jamie Donovan before he started getting banged up? Still good, but never quite the same

That's not to say Zemantis won't be good, but I don't want to put anyone coming off a major injury in a POY discussion--even though I know he's the feature back this season--until we see how he responds. Secky and Bailey are probably smart picks.

My feeling is Secky will get it. But who knows?

Zemaitis tore his meniscus, no ligaments or anything so it's not a major injury.  His lower body has so much muscle mass that he was walking around with out a brace or crutches a week after surgery.  I don't think the knee is any issue at all for him.

I think it will come down to Secky and Zemaitis, if SJF goes back to an offense that is more run based I can see him getting close to 1,600-1,800 yards and 15 TDs.  If SJF puts the ball in Bailey's hands and throw the ball a ton I think Secky will probably walk away with the award. 

I think it will come down to Secky and Zemaitis

Fair enough. I couldn't remember the details of his injury

[dlippiel]

Pep will admit that Bombers798891's "Bomber Bowl Half Empty" approach helped to create some false hope when Pep's Saxons were headed to ButterField in 2009, which made the defeat more disappointing than all of AU's losses there in years past.

Yeah, we need something to bust us out of our ButterField funk.  That'll take a large cow suit and some more cow bell!!!  Bring on ButterField in 2011 (or better yet, in the Regional Finals in 2010!).

More cowbell: www.funnyhub.com/videos/pages/snl-more-cowbell.html

[AUPepBand]

Pep will admit that Bombers798891's "Bomber Bowl Half Empty" approach helped to create some false hope when Pep's Saxons were headed to ButterField in 2009, which made the defeat more disappointing than all of AU's losses there in years past.

Yeah, we need something to bust us out of our ButterField funk.  That'll take a large cow suit and some more cow bell!!!  Bring on ButterField in 2011 (or better yet, in the Regional Finals in 2010!).

More cowbell: www.funnyhub.com/videos/pages/snl-more-cowbell.html

Pep will always consider that skit one of SNL's finer moments. Meanwhile, in Mayberry, all seating has been removed from the home team grandstand at Merrill Field. There's not a seat in the place on the west side.

[dlippiel]

Pep will admit that Bombers798891's "Bomber Bowl Half Empty" approach helped to create some false hope when Pep's Saxons were headed to ButterField in 2009, which made the defeat more disappointing than all of AU's losses there in years past.

Yeah, we need something to bust us out of our ButterField funk.  That'll take a large cow suit and some more cow bell!!!  Bring on ButterField in 2011 (or better yet, in the Regional Finals in 2010!).

More cowbell: www.funnyhub.com/videos/pages/snl-more-cowbell.html

Pep will always consider that skit one of SNL's finer moments. Meanwhile, in Mayberry, all seating has been removed from the home team grandstand at Merrill Field. There's not a seat in the place on the west side.

Are they making upgrades to the field?