FB: Empire 8

[pumkinattack]

I know you'll all cite rivalry (as if the many IC blowouts of Cortland don't exist and rivalries have to be close games), but:

http://www.libertyleaguesports.org/1011/statistics/football/roc10911.htm

I doubt you have to worry about Keegan throwing for 300/3, unless you mean 3 picks.  I would put more money on SJF throwing for 300/3 in that game looking at what a new QB at CWRU did to their secondary (Roch did get three picks, which probably kept the game close).

[sjfcards]

I think the Fisher/U of R game will be close this year, but I think Fisher has a real shot at winning by a comfortable margin. The game with U of R this year comes down to one thing...Can Fisher stop Onyiriuka? If they can, and they force U of R to throw the ball, then Fisher has them where they want them. If Fisher can not stop him, and U of R can get their line to lean on Fisher and Onyiriuka can start to wear them down, then Fisher is in for a dog fight.

I think Fisher will be able to move the ball, but I the game hinges on Fisher's ability to stop the run.

[pumkinattack]

I'll be interested to see that as well because Hobart's got real depth at RB and a strong veteran OL.  They weren't forced to do much yesterday bc special teams gave them, more or less, 17 pts, but that should be a strength for Bart this year.

[AUPepBand]

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   

Pep would like to know who is providing the kazoos. Can you send Pep a dozen?  

Ironically, at Merrill Field on Oct. 2, AU will attempt to set a Guinness World Record for Longest Massage Chain.

[dlippiel]

Thoughts from yesterdays loss at Butterfield stadium:

Ithaca

The Bombers really played quite well on both sides of the football. Their D really kept Connelly, even with time in the pocket, frozen and indecisive. Ithaca tackled well and took the run option completely out of Union's repertoire. Their defensive unit played very cohesively and made almost all of the necessary adjustments needed. Especially toward the end of the game when they adjusted to Union's pass success.

On the offensive side of the ball Zappia played  much better than dlip anticipated. His passing was not as accurate as it could/should be but he made up for this with his excellent decision making and ability to run the football and play fake. dlip was very impressed with Vossler at the WR position as well as Jamison's return ability. The only area dlip feels IC needs work in is at RB. The backs were not very explosive and aggressive out of the backfield. If IC can start running the ball effectively watch out.

Overall very impressed with IC and dlip congratulates them on their victory yesterday. 9-1 or 9-2 is very possible for this team in 2010.

Union

dlip felt Union really had a poor game on the defensive side of the ball. The secondary played poorly and "tight" coverage was really non-existent. What perplexed dlip the most was with the 4-4 how there was constantly LB's in deep one on one coverage against IC WR's or the athletic TE. IC should have exploited this more because time and again either a coverage was completely blown or a Union LB's  were 25 yards off scrimmage in deep coverage against much taller and faster receivers. The D did do a decent job against the run but bit early and often on play fakes.

As far as penetration goes the d-line made progress throughout the game and did throw Zappia off a few times. The Union D played very hard and dlip credits all of them for their effort, the execution just was not there yesterday but dlip knows it will improve as 2010 continues.

On the offensive side of the football Union was very inconsistent and was unable, for the most part, to create any flow and real identity. The running game was completely non-existent. dlip (having so much to learn about the game of football) really got an idea of just how important a role the O-line plays. The line was simply unable to create holes for Chris and as a result Union instantly became one dimensional.

Regarding the passing game dlip saw a very mixed bag. First dlip wants to give credit to the O-line for their pass protection. Connelly started off very slow looking very confused at times. Yet as the game progressed and U went into some 5 receiver sets he made some excellent throws and decisions with the football. Throughout the game though he missed many wide open receivers and needs to check off more consistently if the offense is to reach their potential. The receivers were really quite solid throughout running some strong patterns and showing some excellent hands. J Gallo is simply nasty and his brother is getting better each game.

These are just some of dlip's observations and are not meant in anyway to attack or put down any individual players. dlip believes in this team and values all of the players hard work and the talent they bring to the field day in and day out. As of now dlip must concur with Rossi that Bart is the LL favorite. Yet we may be looking back at this game saying that it is what really woke Union up and got them on the right track this year. Great comeback fellas and great heart never giving up yesterday. dlip is proud of this team and believes there will be some high points this season. dlip is truly proud to be a U fan!

[AUPepBand]

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.

Minus Vinson Hendrix, it appears that AU is still undecided as to who will be the workhorse RB, which may have had an impact on the Widener game stats as in those 30 carries, not one Saxon touched the ball more than 7 times. Pep would like to believe any of the Saxon RBs could have a break out game once a rhythm is established.

A quick look at Widener stats from its Thiel game reveal that the Pride yielded only 54 yards on 35 Tomcat carries. Knowing that first-year Head Coach Isaac Collins is a defensive specialist, Pep is suggesting that Widener's first priority likely is to shut down the run. And they have done that very well in their first two games.

Pep looks forward to seeing the Saxon run game develop as the season progresses. Time will tell.

Nevertheless, keen observation on your part, 798891. +K

[rams1102]

Congrats to Alfred for making the D3 Football Poll at #25.

I have Fisher and Ithaca ahead of Alfred in my East Poll. Shows ya what I know. 

[AUPepBand]

Congrats to Alfred for making the D3 Football Poll at #25.

I have Fisher and Ithaca ahead of Alfred in my East Poll. Shows ya what I know. 

Interesting. Pep might have to agree with ya. 'Zoo has Fisher ahead of AU in the East Poll as well. IC may belong ahead, too, with the Bombers' solid start.

In the national poll, Widener's 21-0 shutout of Thiel must have helped the Saxon cause, as well as Alfred's running the numbers off the scoreboard against Bye.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Congrats to Alfred for making the D3 Football Poll at #25.

I have Fisher and Ithaca ahead of Alfred in my East Poll. Shows ya what I know. 

Interesting. Pep might have to agree with ya. 'Zoo has Fisher ahead of AU in the East Poll as well. IC may belong ahead, too, with the Bombers' solid start.

In the national poll, Widener's 21-0 shutout of Thiel must have helped the Saxon cause, as well as Alfred's running the numbers off the scoreboard against Bye.

Yeah, you and North Central each gained 23 points by whupping BYE.  Must have been much tougher opponents than poor UWSP's BYE - they lost 22 points!

[fisheralum91]

I am confused.
AU gets a bye week and gains points.
Hmm.
Not that I dont respect AU, but ok.
I was hoping that it was Fisher that cracked the top 25.
Perhaps next week.
That is the crazy thing- Many of us INCLUDING PC felt that Fisher was a preseason top 25.
Hopefully they begin the climb soon!

[Bombers798891]

I am confused.
AU gets a bye week and gains points.
Hmm.
Not that I dont respect AU, but ok.
I was hoping that it was Fisher that cracked the top 25.
Perhaps next week.
That is the crazy thing- Many of us INCLUDING PC felt that Fisher was a preseason top 25.
Hopefully they begin the climb soon!

I agree. Alfred gains more on a bye than Ithaca does for beating Union? But, the people doing the polls know more about it than I do

[theoriginalupstate]

I am confused.
AU gets a bye week and gains points.
Hmm.
Not that I dont respect AU, but ok.
I was hoping that it was Fisher that cracked the top 25.
Perhaps next week.
That is the crazy thing- Many of us INCLUDING PC felt that Fisher was a preseason top 25.
Hopefully they begin the climb soon!

Eh, I noticed it but I'm not to concerned about it...

It will come eventually...

If they continue to drop 50+ on teams they'll be fine...

[fisheralum91]

Agreed Upstate.
Tho even though id love to see 50 dropped on UofR
Im not feeling that.
I do feel that it is a w-just not a blowout

[AUPepBand]

I am confused.
AU gets a bye week and gains points.
Hmm.
Not that I dont respect AU, but ok.
I was hoping that it was Fisher that cracked the top 25.
Perhaps next week.
That is the crazy thing- Many of us INCLUDING PC felt that Fisher was a preseason top 25.
Hopefully they begin the climb soon!

I agree. Alfred gains more on a bye than Ithaca does for beating Union? But, the people doing the polls know more about it than I do

I will be fascinated with Saterday's games as Ithaca and Alfred both face a common opponent, the Bombers traveling to Chester to take on Widener and the Saxons heading to the North Country to take on St. Lawrence, always a challenging trip for Alfred.

In hindsight, Pep applauds Coach Murray's decision to keep the starters in the whole game in running the numbers off the scorebord against Bye. It paid off in the poll. Na-na-na-na, Na-na-na-na, Hey, Hey, Good Bye!


On Saxon Warriors!

[Bombers798891]

I am confused.
AU gets a bye week and gains points.
Hmm.
Not that I dont respect AU, but ok.
I was hoping that it was Fisher that cracked the top 25.
Perhaps next week.
That is the crazy thing- Many of us INCLUDING PC felt that Fisher was a preseason top 25.
Hopefully they begin the climb soon!

I agree. Alfred gains more on a bye than Ithaca does for beating Union? But, the people doing the polls know more about it than I do

I will be fascinated with Saterday's games as Ithaca and Alfred both face a common opponent, the Bombers traveling to Chester to take on Widener and the Saxons heading to the North Country to take on St. Lawrence, always a challenging trip for Alfred.

In hindsight, Pep applauds Coach Murray's decision to keep the starters in the whole game in running the numbers off the scorebord against Bye. It paid off in the poll. Na-na-na-na, Na-na-na-na, Hey, Hey, Good Bye!


On Saxon Warriors!

This week should give us a little better take on how good everyone is. While I always appreciate Pep attempting to be diplomatic, St. Lawrence is all kinds of awful on offense and there's really no reason to think Alfred won't win in a walk. Ithaca didn't score an offensive touchdown until the 3rd quarter against them and still won by 30 points.

The Bombers should be able to win, although the team struggles mightily on the road. True story: Last year against St. Lawrence was the only road game the Bombers won by more than 10 points. This game could be closer than I originally thought, but I still think Ithaca moves to 3-0.

Springfield has to go on the road to play Wilkes, but even on grass the Pride should win.

Fisher has the rivalry game, but since they haven't lost it since 2001, I'm not buying it this year.

The Wick plays Norwich, which can only win games in their cruddy conference, so they'll be no problem.

And I see no reason why Utica can't win as well. The conference probably stays undefeated, but is probably still without a quality win.