FB: Empire 8

[Touch The Rock]

I agree with most of that. But, ill say. 9-1 IC team is in the playoffs.

depends. but a 9-1 Ithaca probably gets the aq anyway.

Ithaca won't get the AQ. I can't see them beating Fisher. I think Fisher gets the AQ and it comes down to how good Alfred/Cortland/Union turn out to be

Mark it down -- if IC is 9-1 with their only loss to Fisher they will get a pool C.  The E8 is the best conference in the East with no team being an easy out and any one of four teams getting the AQ nod.  This is a LONG ways away though with four games remaining where IC would be the underdog/slight favorite (Springfield, Alfred, Cortland, Fisher).  7-3/8-2 is the likely direction they're headed but I will cross my fingers for 9-1.

That being said, they looked very good for the majority of the game.  They dominated the first quarter and still didn't have anything to show for it.  Take away the two possessions early in the fourth quarter and Union had about 140 yards.  This game could have very easily been 35-7 if they converted opportunities in the first quarter and tightened things up in the fourth.  It just seemed like the game was never in doubt, even in the first quarter.

In regard to the special teams I am not worried.  Rogowski still is one of the better kickers in the country and, despite the early troubles, should be able to bounce back nicely.  It looks like Ruffrage/Jamison will split the punt return duties and should pair up to be one of the better return tandems in the region. 

After Ruffrage's season last year and Jamison's performance today,  I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of teams punt out of bounds when that duo is on the field. 

[Bombers798891]

I agree with most of that. But, ill say. 9-1 IC team is in the playoffs.

depends. but a 9-1 Ithaca probably gets the aq anyway.

Ithaca won't get the AQ. I can't see them beating Fisher. I think Fisher gets the AQ and it comes down to how good Alfred/Cortland/Union turn out to be

Mark it down -- if IC is 9-1 with their only loss to Fisher they will get a pool C.  The E8 is the best conference in the East with no team being an easy out and any one of four teams getting the AQ nod.  This is a LONG ways away though with four games remaining where IC would be the underdog/slight favorite (Springfield, Alfred, Cortland, Fisher).  7-3/8-2 is the likely direction they're headed but I will cross my fingers for 9-1.

That being said, they looked very good for the majority of the game.  They dominated the first quarter and still didn't have anything to show for it.  Take away the two possessions early in the fourth quarter and Union had about 140 yards.  This game could have very easily been 35-7 if they converted opportunities in the first quarter and tightened things up in the fourth.  It just seemed like the game was never in doubt, even in the first quarter.

In regard to the special teams I am not worried.  Rogowski still is one of the better kickers in the country and, despite the early troubles, should be able to bounce back nicely.  It looks like Ruffrage/Jamison will split the punt return duties and should pair up to be one of the better return tandems in the region. 

After Ruffrage's season last year and Jamison's performance today,  I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of teams punt out of bounds when that duo is on the field. 

As long as Ruffrage doesn't cough any more up...

Ithaca's always had great punt returners, which has bailed them out a lot over the years. Ruffrage, Tosh, Gordon, Cheir, Buddenhagen, Higgins...there's a long list

[sjfcards]

I watched most of the IC/Union game on the internet yesterday, and I think 9-1 is a real possibility for Ithaca. They looked a lot better than what I expected going into the game, and the offense was much improved. That D will keep them in a lot of games when the offense may struggle. And I think a 9-1 IC team is in the playoffs for sure.

The only problem that I see with IC is that they do have some tough games. Cortland looked strong today, Fisher, AU, Springfield, and even Utica can jump up and nab a win against IC. They have to be ready for every game or else they have a real chance of losing.

Fisher looked strong today. They lost the second half, but most of that was played with players way down on the depth chart. They need to get ready for U of R who played Case Western tight today.

[Old IC Voice]

Got back really late last night after a trip to Saratoga. Glad to see the Bombers got a good, solid revenge win over a good, solid Union team. IC only allowed 38 rushing yards to a guy who's been one of the top rushers in D3 the last few years. Given all the injuries and inconsistencies on defense last year, that's really refreshing to see.

I'm not sure I go 9-1 on them this year. I feel like they lose to Fisher, for sure, and that Cortland and Springfield are toss-ups (although the Pride have struggled at Butterfield the last several visits). Still, Lycoming and Alfred both aren't pushovers, and Utica could put a scare into IC with that offense. There's not a lot of margin for error to try and go 9-1, but I feel reasonably confident about 8-2 or, worst-case scenario, 7-3. With all the QB troubles in camp and the still-questionable offensive line, I think most IC fans would be pretty content with either scenario.

[fisheralum91]

I didnt see the IC game- but they did show- on paper that they can beat a quality team.
My concern is that after the Uof R game- Fisher has to go to Geneva and face a very tough Hobart team, go to UC for their homecoming and then get home for IC.
If Fisher gets through that stretch unscathed then all arows point to 10-0

[SJFF82]

i really think Fisher is going to have their hands full next Sat night in front of a huge crowd at the Futbol stadium.  UR, players and coaches, really get up for this game.  There is alot of added emotion with the kids being involved and the additional pomp and circumstance that goes along with this game.  Coach Scott Greene is always full of piss and vinegar for this matchup and I just kinda figure they're going to pull through one of these games.

As far as a football matchup...what is UR looking like this year?  It seems every year, they limp into this game, play well, and go on to an average season. 

My prediction:

SJF 41

UR  38  OT

[SJFF82]

At the game this year, Camp Good Days is trying to break the Guinness World Record for Largest Kazoo Ensemble. During halftime, fans will be presented with blue and yellow kazoos. The current record is held by a group from Sydney, Australia with 3,861 participants.

...Pep...Kaz00....TAKE NOTICE   

[boobyhasgameyo]

Hey Ithaca posters don't think we haven't noticed the classic Bill Simmons reverse jinx you are all putting on us by having all of you concede that Fisher will most likely defeat Ithaca.  Personally I think Ithaca will dominate Fisher slapping them with a big bag of whatthehelljusthappenedtous.  

Reverse jinx nullified.  A job well done.  

[theoriginalupstate]

i really think Fisher is going to have their hands full next Sat night in front of a huge crowd at the Futbol stadium.  UR, players and coaches, really get up for this game.  There is alot of added emotion with the kids being involved and the additional pomp and circumstance that goes along with this game.  Coach Scott Greene is always full of piss and vinegar for this matchup and I just kinda figure they're going to pull through one of these games.

As far as a football matchup...what is UR looking like this year?  It seems every year, they limp into this game, play well, and go on to an average season. 

My prediction:

SJF 41

UR  38  OT

I am a bit worried about this game, UR always plays Fisher tight.  Fisher usually physically dominates them but UR just keeps on managing to keep it close.  Fisher really needs to play perfect football and put them away early.  Last year they should have put 50 on them but pulled their starters after going up 35-13 with 7 minutes left in the 3rd.  SJF can not make the same mistake this year!

I like SJF's D this year, the #1's have allowed 13 points per game so far, they look quick and the secondary which was one of my concerns going in has played VERY well.  If SJF shuts down UR's RB, it should be a pick fest for SJF.

[dewcrew88]

I agree with most of that. But, ill say. 9-1 IC team is in the playoffs.

depends. but a 9-1 Ithaca probably gets the aq anyway.

Ithaca won't get the AQ. I can't see them beating Fisher. I think Fisher gets the AQ and it comes down to how good Alfred/Cortland/Union turn out to be

Mark it down -- if IC is 9-1 with their only loss to Fisher they will get a pool C.  The E8 is the best conference in the East with no team being an easy out and any one of four teams getting the AQ nod.  This is a LONG ways away though with four games remaining where IC would be the underdog/slight favorite (Springfield, Alfred, Cortland, Fisher).  7-3/8-2 is the likely direction they're headed but I will cross my fingers for 9-1.

That being said, they looked very good for the majority of the game.  They dominated the first quarter and still didn't have anything to show for it.  Take away the two possessions early in the fourth quarter and Union had about 140 yards.  This game could have very easily been 35-7 if they converted opportunities in the first quarter and tightened things up in the fourth.  It just seemed like the game was never in doubt, even in the first quarter.

In regard to the special teams I am not worried.  Rogowski still is one of the better kickers in the country and, despite the early troubles, should be able to bounce back nicely.  It looks like Ruffrage/Jamison will split the punt return duties and should pair up to be one of the better return tandems in the region. 

After Ruffrage's season last year and Jamison's performance today,  I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of teams punt out of bounds when that duo is on the field. 

As long as Ruffrage doesn't cough any more up...

Ithaca's always had great punt returners, which has bailed them out a lot over the years. Ruffrage, Tosh, Gordon, Cheir, Buddenhagen, Higgins...there's a long list

Tosh. That guy gave us nightmares. Set a school record for punt return yards against UC.

[Bombers798891]

I watched most of the IC/Union game on the internet yesterday, and I think 9-1 is a real possibility for Ithaca. They looked a lot better than what I expected going into the game, and the offense was much improved. That D will keep them in a lot of games when the offense may struggle. And I think a 9-1 IC team is in the playoffs for sure.

The only problem that I see with IC is that they do have some tough games. Cortland looked strong today, Fisher, AU, Springfield, and even Utica can jump up and nab a win against IC. They have to be ready for every game or else they have a real chance of losing.

Fisher looked strong today. They lost the second half, but most of that was played with players way down on the depth chart. They need to get ready for U of R who played Case Western tight today.

There are a lot of toss-ups on IC's schedule. I think we'll know more about them when their opponents start playing real teams. I also don't see 9-1 for the Bombers because of the Springfield, Cortland, Fisher, AU quartet, I think IC loses two. But there's nothing wrong with 8-2.

The defense will keep Ithaca in a lot of games, and the passing game looks like it will be solid enough. Fisher looks like the class of the conference. There's no point in trying to be diplomatic about the fact that they're in Ithaca's head.

I always hate to pick on Alfred, but I just looked at the Box Score of their game against Widener and was blown away by their running game. Outside of on 50-yard run, (and removing the sacks), Alfred ran the ball 29 times for 53 yards. Secky's going to be under a lot of pressure if that doesn't improve.

[Bombers798891]

I agree with most of that. But, ill say. 9-1 IC team is in the playoffs.

depends. but a 9-1 Ithaca probably gets the aq anyway.

Ithaca won't get the AQ. I can't see them beating Fisher. I think Fisher gets the AQ and it comes down to how good Alfred/Cortland/Union turn out to be

Mark it down -- if IC is 9-1 with their only loss to Fisher they will get a pool C.  The E8 is the best conference in the East with no team being an easy out and any one of four teams getting the AQ nod.  This is a LONG ways away though with four games remaining where IC would be the underdog/slight favorite (Springfield, Alfred, Cortland, Fisher).  7-3/8-2 is the likely direction they're headed but I will cross my fingers for 9-1.

That being said, they looked very good for the majority of the game.  They dominated the first quarter and still didn't have anything to show for it.  Take away the two possessions early in the fourth quarter and Union had about 140 yards.  This game could have very easily been 35-7 if they converted opportunities in the first quarter and tightened things up in the fourth.  It just seemed like the game was never in doubt, even in the first quarter.

In regard to the special teams I am not worried.  Rogowski still is one of the better kickers in the country and, despite the early troubles, should be able to bounce back nicely.  It looks like Ruffrage/Jamison will split the punt return duties and should pair up to be one of the better return tandems in the region. 

After Ruffrage's season last year and Jamison's performance today,  I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of teams punt out of bounds when that duo is on the field. 

As long as Ruffrage doesn't cough any more up...

Ithaca's always had great punt returners, which has bailed them out a lot over the years. Ruffrage, Tosh, Gordon, Cheir, Buddenhagen, Higgins...there's a long list

Tosh. That guy gave us nightmares. Set a school record for punt return yards against UC.

Yeah, that game was kind of unfortunate in that regard. You can call off the dogs offensively but there's nothing you can do on returns. He actually had a TD called back in that game too.

Dew, is Utica's defense any better this year? The offense can score, but are they still pulling a "Hartwick Lite" overall?

[dewcrew88]

I think utica's defense will be good. Castleton scored 22, but most of it was against backups. The number ones haven't played anywhere near a full four quarters yet. the test will be saturday against RPI.

[Frank Rossi]

I think utica's defense will be good. Castleton scored 22, but most of it was against backups. The number ones haven't played anywhere near a full four quarters yet. the test will be saturday against RPI.

If Endicott can hold RPI to 6 points, Utica should allow no more than 3.

Obviously, this is being said tongue in cheek, but Utica can't allow more than 13 points to beat RPI, IMHO.

[SJFF82]

i really think Fisher is going to have their hands full next Sat night in front of a huge crowd at the Futbol stadium.  UR, players and coaches, really get up for this game.  There is alot of added emotion with the kids being involved and the additional pomp and circumstance that goes along with this game.  Coach Scott Greene is always full of piss and vinegar for this matchup and I just kinda figure they're going to pull through one of these games.

As far as a football matchup...what is UR looking like this year?  It seems every year, they limp into this game, play well, and go on to an average season. 

My prediction:

SJF 41

UR  38  OT

I am a bit worried about this game, UR always plays Fisher tight.  Fisher usually physically dominates them but UR just keeps on managing to keep it close.  Fisher really needs to play perfect football and put them away early.  Last year they should have put 50 on them but pulled their starters after going up 35-13 with 7 minutes left in the 3rd.  SJF can not make the same mistake this year!

I like SJF's D this year, the #1's have allowed 13 points per game so far, they look quick and the secondary which was one of my concerns going in has played VERY well.  If SJF shuts down UR's RB, it should be a pick fest for SJF.

I think UR is going to come out throwing early and often.  We banged up Keegan last year and put an end to that.  If they keep him upright, I echo your pre-season concerns and UR might throw for 300/3