FB: Empire 8

[bomber3]

Ok so now the first Bombers game is out of the way here are my thoughts on the first week:

1.  The suspensions and aftermath of the incident was handled very poorly by the decision makers involved.  The severity and consistency (compared to other programs' punishments) of the suspensions were incorrect in my opinion.  I also believe the handled it wrong with the media.  With that being said, it is now behind them and the only way it hurts them is the players didn't get a week of reps and a game's worth of situations.  Since the majority are seniors and have been playing for 2+ years it shouldn't matter.
2.  The IC defense looked very solid against St. Lawrence - but then again they shut them out last year.  Hopefully Coach Raymond improved the team significantly from last year but the IC defense held them in check.  Also, the lack of a legit punter hurt them but those sweeping punts actually allowed them to pick up a fourth down conversion -- poor job by the IC special teams not realizing they were going to do that.  I could see that one from the stands from a mile away.
3.  The offensive line was mediorce.  There was no push from the middle and no holes to run through.  They protected well in the shotgun and in pass situations though.
4.  The QB situation looked shaky.  11-23 without any obvious drops against STL won't cut it.  Had several receivers openon a number of plays that would have resulted in scores. They need improvement from that position moving forward.
5.  Running backs  looked solid but there wasn't much difference between the two so they will probably continue to split carries and it is good to have an insurance policy in case of injury.
6.  I think its a big advantage to play one game before another team.  Ithaca has a week to iron out any kinks and already have the nerves out of the way (except for those that didn't play).  I think they'll get a little revenge from last year's tough loss in Schenectady but I expect it to be a close game that could go either way in the final quarter.

Go Bombers!!

[AUPepBand]

-Utica?? Well dlip won't argue with that amount of points even against a week NEFC opponent, congrats to Utica for sure.

Becker is actually a member of the newly-founded Eastern Collegiate Football Conference, which, with eight members, is in line for an AQ among the NCAA's 32 NCAA participants in 2011(?) [Can you help me here, Pat?]

Former E8 member Norwich, which opened the 2009 campaign with successive losses to Western New England (remember them, 'wick?) 28-27, St. Lawrence 21-17 and Hartwick 28-7, ran the table in the ECFC to finish at 8-3, undefeated in the ECFC, with a post-season win over fellow ECFC member Mt. Ida. The Cadets beat Becker last year, 42-2.

Pep is thinking the ECFC makes the NEFC look pretty good.

[dewcrew88]

i would llike to know more about the UC game....Is UC good or Becker that bad?

only good teams beat other teams 78-19

Eh. Becker's probably one of the worst teams in D-III (4-42 in four plus seasons). They lost five games last year by 50+ points. And actually, I'm not really a fan of how they went about their game plan.

In the 4th quarter, up 58-13, with just over twelve minutes to go, Utica began with a first and 25, and threw the ball on four consecutive plays to go up 65-13. On their next drive, they threw three more times to go up 71-13.  Yeah, they probably would have done just as well running the ball, but really? Throwing when up by 52?

Then, on their final drive, which started with 2:18 to go, they ran twice for a TD. Technically, they couldn't have run the clock out by taking a knee, but they probably could have run it down to about 10 seconds by doing so.

IDK, it just bugs me to look at the box score of a 78-19 game and see the winning team pass the ball more often than they run.

I think Utica pretty much had everybody on the roster get in the game. How can the younger guys learn anything if they just run the ball to kill clock?

[Jonny Utah]

i would llike to know more about the UC game....Is UC good or Becker that bad?

only good teams beat other teams 78-19

Eh. Becker's probably one of the worst teams in D-III (4-42 in four plus seasons). They lost five games last year by 50+ points. And actually, I'm not really a fan of how they went about their game plan.

In the 4th quarter, up 58-13, with just over twelve minutes to go, Utica began with a first and 25, and threw the ball on four consecutive plays to go up 65-13. On their next drive, they threw three more times to go up 71-13.  Yeah, they probably would have done just as well running the ball, but really? Throwing when up by 52?

Then, on their final drive, which started with 2:18 to go, they ran twice for a TD. Technically, they couldn't have run the clock out by taking a knee, but they probably could have run it down to about 10 seconds by doing so.

IDK, it just bugs me to look at the box score of a 78-19 game and see the winning team pass the ball more often than they run.

I think Utica pretty much had everybody on the roster get in the game. How can the younger guys learn anything if they just run the ball to kill clock?

Although stats can be taken out of context, I'm going to bet Utica could have learned some things by running the ball as well.   

[Frank Rossi]

I think Utica pretty much had everybody on the roster get in the game. How can the younger guys learn anything if they just run the ball to kill clock?

I don't know... Something called PRACTICE?  Plus, Keyte came in the game for the entire half -- seemingly, a lot of second and third teamers played for a while in this game.  It was a road game -- Utica likely didn't suit up 90 players based on the travel scenario (the participation report shows 57 players that played for Utica).

I have a problem with this drive in particular:

  U 1-10 B39   UTICA COLLEGE drive start at 12:14 (4th).
  U 1-10 B39   PENALTY UTICA IP 5 yards to the BCFB44.
  U 1-15 B44   PENALTY UTICA HL 10 yards to the UTICA46.
  U 1-25 U46   Jared Keyte pass incomplete to Chris Cobb.
  U 2-25 U46   Jared Keyte pass complete to Andy Moth for 17 yards to the BCFB37.
  U 3-8  B37   PENALTY BCFB roughing passer 15 yards to the BCFB22, 1ST DOWN UTICA.
  U 1-10 B22   Jared Keyte pass complete to Chris Cobb for 12 yards to the BCFB10, 1ST DOWN UTICA (Dan Marrone).
  U 1-G  B10   PENALTY UTICA face mask 7 yards to the BCFB17.
  U 1-G  B17   Jared Keyte pass complete to Andy Moth for 17 yards to the BCFB0, TOUCHDOWN,
               clock 10:41.
               Seth Mitchell kick attempt good.

                                  ===========================
                                  UTICA COLLEGE 65, BECKER 13
                                  ===========================

--------------- 4 plays, 39 yards, TOP 01:33 ---------------

Taking 1:33 off the clock in four plays (all passes) doesn't smell really good, in my opinion.  The roughing the passer penalty likely shows the frustration Becker was feeling at the passing onslaught that continued.  The following drive shows just how angst-ridden Becker was (it seems like the team basically gave up):

  TJ Losowski kickoff 70 yards to the BCFB0, touchback.
      B 1-10 B20   BECKER drive start at 04:00 (4th).
      B 1-10 B20   J. Rivera rush for 9 yards to the BCFB29 (Scott Williams;Nate Stewart).
      B 2-1  B29   Thomas Pearson rush for 1 yard to the BCFB30, 1ST DOWN BCFB (M. Herberger;Sean Fontanez).
      B 1-10 B30   PENALTY BCFB illegal motion 5 yards to the BCFB25.
      B 1-15 B25   William Ramirez pass incomplete to Trae Jacobs.
      B 2-15 B25   William Ramirez sacked for loss of 11 yards to the BCFB14 (Steve Karboski).
      B 3-26 B14   J. Rivera rush for no gain to the BCFB14 (Eric Rindo).
      B 4-26 B14   J. Rivera rush for no gain to the BCFB14 (Eric Rindo).
--------------- 6 plays, minus 6 yards, TOP 01:42 ---------------

That was Becker's side of the field, and they went for it on their own 14 on 4th & 26.

Dewcrew, hate to say it, but there was more than met the eye in that fourth quarter -- did the teams even shake hands after this game?  Seems clear that Utica wasn't doing everything it could to run down that clock without embarrassing Becker -- even if we forgive the passing game still lighting things up in the middle of the 4th.

[pg04]

We should now make a poll to see whether or not Utica will score as many points combined in their last 8 games than they will in the first 2...  I'm thinking no. 

[Bombers798891]

Ok so now the first Bombers game is out of the way here are my thoughts on the first week:

1.  The suspensions and aftermath of the incident was handled very poorly by the decision makers involved.  The severity and consistency (compared to other programs' punishments) of the suspensions were incorrect in my opinion.  I also believe the handled it wrong with the media.  With that being said, it is now behind them and the only way it hurts them is the players didn't get a week of reps and a game's worth of situations.  Since the majority are seniors and have been playing for 2+ years it shouldn't matter.
2.  The IC defense looked very solid against St. Lawrence - but then again they shut them out last year.  Hopefully Coach Raymond improved the team significantly from last year but the IC defense held them in check.  Also, the lack of a legit punter hurt them but those sweeping punts actually allowed them to pick up a fourth down conversion -- poor job by the IC special teams not realizing they were going to do that.  I could see that one from the stands from a mile away.
3.  The offensive line was mediorce.  There was no push from the middle and no holes to run through.  They protected well in the shotgun and in pass situations though.
4.  The QB situation looked shaky.  11-23 without any obvious drops against STL won't cut it.  Had several receivers openon a number of plays that would have resulted in scores. They need improvement from that position moving forward.
5.  Running backs  looked solid but there wasn't much difference between the two so they will probably continue to split carries and it is good to have an insurance policy in case of injury.
6.  I think its a big advantage to play one game before another team.  Ithaca has a week to iron out any kinks and already have the nerves out of the way (except for those that didn't play).  I think they'll get a little revenge from last year's tough loss in Schenectady but I expect it to be a close game that could go either way in the final quarter.

Go Bombers!!

1. How did the media handle it poorly? There was no real editorializing in the Journal that I saw, just a factual report of what happened. Is there something specific you read?

3. The Bombers' offensive line is going to be a major weak spot all season. I wondered briefly if maybe St. Lawrence stacked against the run knowing IC didn't have the weapons in the passing game, but even so, there were a lot of runs into the line for 1 and 2 yards.

5. Zappia, ugh. Just didn't make the throws. There was one in particular with the score tied where he rolled out and missed a wide open receiver for a sure touchdown. I know he was missing some options, but he struggled immensely.

6. Special teams were a major issue. The punting game was terrible. Rogowski averaged just 28.8 yards a punt, and the only one he did hit well (47 yards) went in for a touchback. That's going to hurt the Bombers if it continues against better opponents. He also missed a 47-yard FG by at least 10 yards--and before you say "It was from 47!", SLU's kicked nailed one win room to spare from that distance. Rogowski's might not have hit from 35.

As usual, I think the Union game will tell us a lot about this team.

Count me as someone unimpressed by the E8. Utica may as well have been playing a high school team, and St. Lawrence, Kings, Widener and Morrisville aren't any good either. Brockport is usually at least decent, but maybe they're finally on the outs.

Next week, Fisher, Alfred and Utica play three more terrible teams. Hartwick and Springfield play pretty mediocre teams. Only the Bombers are likely to be challenged. Wake me up when someone beats non-terrible OOC team

[maxpower]

I think Ithaca has used 10% of the season as a suspension guideline in similar situations in the past... not sure what was so mishandled about it. And it was a suspension for the St. L game, so like you say, it's behind us and didn't really matter.

[maxpower]

Re: Utica, I remember a game in... must've been 2003 where the Pioneers got the ball in the last minute of a game they were losing by like 50 points againts IC. They called two timeouts and spiked it to try and score (don't remember if they did or not). That was pretty bush from the other end. Of course, that was a different coach.

[Bombers798891]

Re: Utica, I remember a game in... must've been 2003 where the Pioneers got the ball in the last minute of a game they were losing by like 50 points againts IC. They called two timeouts and spiked it to try and score (don't remember if they did or not). That was pretty bush from the other end. Of course, that was a different coach.

I'm going to throw out one caveat...Utica didn't score in their first three games against IC, so in the tail end of the 2003 game, I don't mind them trying to, if only for the symbolism of the situation.

I agree. I don't think the suspensions were unfair. But honestly, I would have been very interested to see what would have happened had the opening game not been St. Lawrence

[AUPepBand]

Here's a shout out to #15's older brother, an IC man who was cheering for the Saxons on Saterday!
Glad you stopped to say hello. Pep recalls a nice conversation last year with your Pops about one particular game on South Hill Field back when he was wearing the blue...in 1970s, which were rehashed thanks to Lois' book, Wasn't That Fun!

On Saxon Warriors!

[sjfcards]

I watched most of the Ithaca game online, and I actually thought they looked better than I expected. They do have issues on the O-line (which caused a lot of problems for the backs), and at QB. But the D was solid. I would take only giving up 3 points on a 47 yard field goal. I don't think that IC is in danger of ending that streak of winning seasons. Do I think they are going to win the league...? No. But they will give people trouble.

As far as the weekend the league had, I agree that nobody really played anybody, but I do think the way Fisher, AU, SC, IC won this weekend was impressive. Most rolled to easy wins, and IC (which lets be honest did struggle at times) was down several starters. I didn't see the AU game, but a shutout speaks volumes considering the secondary was a question mark. How was Widener?

Most impressive...I will take Fisher I guess by default, and because I am a homer, but they did look good.

[AUPepBand]

Widener fielded a good defense but its offensive strength--the running game--was trumped by Alfred's solid front seven most of the game. Let's just say that AU's secondary wasn't really tested.

The Pride's three different QBs put it in the air only 16 times resulting in 5 completions and 4 interceptions. Widener had 141 yards rushing on 43 carries. One of those five completions occurred when an overthrown pass was tipped by a receiver and then caught by another receiver further downfield.

Pep will give AU's secondary credit, however, as their pass coverage looked much better than in the scrimmage with Susquehanna. Whether that was Widener's weakness or AU's improvement, time will tell. Yielding only five completions while stealing four, either way you look at it, was encouraging.

[Bombers798891]

Random tangent: I really hate the "Booga Booga" chant. Maybe I'm growing bitter and jaded, but at the very least, save it for meaningful times. Bust it out in the 4th quarter against Cortland. Or when you take a lead late in a game. Or maybe 15 years from now when we host another NCAA game.

But I hate hearing it in games Ithaca's up 40 points in the 3rd quarter against Utica or Frostburg. I know, I've turned into Johnny Sportsmanship over here, but I'm wondering, what do other people think?

[sjfcards]

Random tangent: I really hate the "Booga Booga" chant. Maybe I'm growing bitter and jaded, but at the very least, save it for meaningful times. Bust it out in the 4th quarter against Cortland. Or when you take a lead late in a game. Or maybe 15 years from now when we host another NCAA game.

But I hate hearing it in games Ithaca's up 40 points in the 3rd quarter against Utica or Frostburg. I know, I've turned into Johnny Sportsmanship over here, but I'm wondering, what do other people think?

I hate it. I have always hated it. I would love if it went away for ever. Sorry to be so harsh, I am sure if was an IC guy I would love it, but I really don't like it.