FB: Empire 8

[AUPepBand]

What I'm saying is that Coney ripped up IC last year. It definitely showed a weakness. Just like in 2007 (I think that's right) hartwick exploited the cushion IC gave for the 10 yd out route. So, its not so much that they changed to stop Coney, rather he exploited a possible weakness and this change should help fix said weakness. But I guess we'll see this weekend

That ignores the addition of a quality second receiver and potentially a decent catching Tight End this year -- that's why I'd find a wholesale change of defense questionable.  If you have four real threats on the field at any given time, then the defense is always going to be taking gambles -- you can't easily cover all four no matter how many you have stacked in the box and in what order they are there.  As a Union fan, I'd almost invite the 3-4 to be player because it will establish the run game for sufficient yardage such that Union will retain possessions, shorten the game and make it tough on Ithaca to gain momentum in the game.  That's at least my take on this.

How long have you been a Union fan, Frank?

[Frank Rossi]

What I'm saying is that Coney ripped up IC last year. It definitely showed a weakness. Just like in 2007 (I think that's right) hartwick exploited the cushion IC gave for the 10 yd out route. So, its not so much that they changed to stop Coney, rather he exploited a possible weakness and this change should help fix said weakness. But I guess we'll see this weekend

That ignores the addition of a quality second receiver and potentially a decent catching Tight End this year -- that's why I'd find a wholesale change of defense questionable.  If you have four real threats on the field at any given time, then the defense is always going to be taking gambles -- you can't easily cover all four no matter how many you have stacked in the box and in what order they are there.  As a Union fan, I'd almost invite the 3-4 to be player because it will establish the run game for sufficient yardage such that Union will retain possessions, shorten the game and make it tough on Ithaca to gain momentum in the game.  That's at least my take on this.

How long have you been a Union fan, Frank?

This is my 16th season announcing at least some of their games, Pep.

[boobyhasgameyo]

But, IC's offense is designed to average at least 17-21 points a game.  

So that's why Fisher has been kicking the crap out of them lately...

Might want to send Coach Welch a memo to design an offense that scores more than Fisher...

We used to have those. But at least we never lost to Norwich

Curry...

26-21...

I'll just leave it at that...

Oh, a 'Dem Spicy Boys burn!  

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-09-08-collegedestinationsONLINE_ST_N.htm

Anyone see Pittsford on this list? Me either

Having lived near Ithaca all my life, except for my time at Fisher, and a brief stint out west, I would say IC does a great job recruiting in spite of the city of Ithaca, not because of the city of Ithaca.

I agree with Cards 100% on that.  The actual township of Ithaca I find to be subpar (albeit it is glorious compared to the town of Cortland...gross) and its only redeeming qualities are Cornell and IC.  Mainly Cornell.  

[fisheralum91]

tap tap.... this thing on?

[fisheralum91]

http://athletics.sjfc.edu/news/2010/9/7/FB_0907105107.aspx
Nice article about our newcomer Ryan Kramer getting some E8 love!

[boobyhasgameyo]

Aww I got smited.  Sorry I won't tell the truth next time. 

[dlippiel]

What I'm saying is that Coney ripped up IC last year. It definitely showed a weakness. Just like in 2007 (I think that's right) hartwick exploited the cushion IC gave for the 10 yd out route. So, its not so much that they changed to stop Coney, rather he exploited a possible weakness and this change should help fix said weakness. But I guess we'll see this weekend

That ignores the addition of a quality second receiver and potentially a decent catching Tight End this year -- that's why I'd find a wholesale change of defense questionable.  If you have four real threats on the field at any given time, then the defense is always going to be taking gambles -- you can't easily cover all four no matter how many you have stacked in the box and in what order they are there.  As a Union fan, I'd almost invite the 3-4 to be player because it will establish the run game for sufficient yardage such that Union will retain possessions, shorten the game and make it tough on Ithaca to gain momentum in the game.  That's at least my take on this.

How long have you been a Union fan, Frank?

This is my 16th season announcing at least some of their games, Pep.

To dlip the deal with Union is complex yet simple. The have a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Aside from Chris Coney you have a QB who, when smart and playing well, has the arm strength to absolutely kill a secondary. You have two very talented athletes at receiver, one of which dlip wholeheartedly believes cannot be covered one on one by anyone in the country, as well as a decent tight end who may end up playing a larger role in the O than many think.

What it comes down to for Union is their ability to show teams they can successfully execute in the air and on the ground consistently so opponents' defenses are always on their heals. If Union can do this, and the young D with some experienced leadership on the D line can step up to task Union will be very difficult to deal with.

Yet, if the air game remains inconsistent and turnover prone and defense may just benefit from zeroing in on Coney.

[Doid23]

But, IC's offense is designed to average at least 17-21 points a game. 

So that's why Fisher has been kicking the crap out of them lately...

Might want to send Coach Welch a memo to design an offense that scores more than Fisher...

We used to have those. But at least we never lost to Norwich

Curry...

26-21...

I'll just leave it at that...

Oh, a 'Dem Spicy Boys burn! 

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-09-08-collegedestinationsONLINE_ST_N.htm

Anyone see Pittsford on this list? Me either

Having lived near Ithaca all my life, except for my time at Fisher, and a brief stint out west, I would say IC does a great job recruiting in spite of the city of Ithaca, not because of the city of Ithaca.

You can substitute many teams in Upstate New York into that sentence (sadly)

Union - Schenectady
RPI - Troy
Utica - Utica
etc.

[sjfcards]

I agree with Cards 100% on that.  The actual township of Ithaca I find to be subpar (albeit it is glorious compared to the town of Cortland...gross) and its only redeeming qualities are Cornell and IC.  Mainly Cornell.  

Have you ever been on the commons? That place is a train wreck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OysuRzKLX3Y

[SJFF82]

I don't think it is a stretch at all to say that Union's RB Chris (Cooley dlip?) Coney is a huge reason why the Bombers when back to the 3-4 defense.

So is this the second time a Union running back forced Ithaca to change its entire defense?

Yeah i sincerely doubt IC changed it's entire defense for Union of all teams...

I was always of a mindset that a 3-4 defense isn't a great run defense for stopping first downs.  You're generally conceding 3- or 4-yard gains because of the lack of manpower up front.  That's enough for first down if a team is hellbent on establishing a run.  At least the 4-3 stacks the front of the box in a way to prevent (in some cases at least) the real establishment of the run.  I think the 3-4 is better suited for a passing offense since a linebacker can drop into coverage once the QB drops back to pass.  So, putting yourself into a 3-4 defense to stop Coney doesn't make much sense to me.

If run right, the 3-4 gives you 5 players that can focus on the inside run.  3 defensive linemen and 2 linebackers that can focus on solely inside runs and don't have to worry about contain.  The 4-3 you need two outside backers that can play contain and help out on the inside runs.  That is one of the toughest positions to play in football in my opinion (I played an OLB at Ithaca in the 3-4 when I started)  On the other hand, you still have to worry about those off tackle runs in the 3-4.  I guess the 3-4 all depends on how you want your OLBs/DE's to play.  You can have them be big strong pass rushers with easy contain responsibilities without quick coverages in the flat, or have some quick linebacker types that can get to the ball quick and tackle well, but might get pushed around.

I think the 4-3 defense is better if you can do it, but the 3-4 is a little more flexible and you can hide your weak spots a little better.

Edit again:  The 4-3 can actually give you 7 guys that can focus on the inside run, but the OLBs always have to worry about contain and/or pass coverage at the same time.

62 stack monster, 62 stack monster....ready....break

[fisheralum91]

82,
I am most befuddled by your lack of seeing your use of big words in lights.
too bad
i thought i was funny.
i laughed.
ill keep my day job

[AUPepBand]

Alright, knowing all of you were asking for this, here's Pep's Picks for Week 2:

RPI 28, Endicott 6....Engineers shoot down those seagulls
Lebanon Valley 21, Grove City 13....last week's LVC loss was a shocker
Delaware Valley 20, W&J 14....Aggies on a mission
Montclair State 38, Westfield State 12..Red Hawks off to the races
St. John Fisher 47, Buffalo State 13.....Boyes still looking for some men
Hobart 27, Dickinson 21....new digs would be a disappointment with a loss
St. Lawrence 17, Norwich 13....Raymond gets his first win with the Saints.
Springfield 37, Husson 17...Roll Pride Roll!
Utica 97, Castleton State (-16)....Pioneers going where they've never been before!
Ithaca 28, Union 24.....Bombers mean business at Butterfield.
Hartwick 31, Salve Regina 27...another cage match on the hill.

[Jonny Utah]

We should have a pickem.  No one has done it for the e8/mac/ll/east have they?

[sjfcards]

I second that idea.

[theoriginalupstate]

There is an E8 pick em board but it hasn't been posted on since 2008