FB: Empire 8

[theoriginalupstate]

The scoreboard sure made it look like a dominating performance, but statistically looked pretty close.  Fisher led 473 to 400 in total yardage and actually trailed 6.6 to 5.7 in yards per play (granted, they ran 22 more plays).  Bart had 2 turnovers to SJF 0, which I'm sure made a difference, but not 20 points.

Did any of you guys see it live to shed some more light on the game?

Hobart's defensive line was manhandled yesterday, the SJF defensive line got great penetration all game and got solid hits on Vella time and time again.

If not for Webb and his game breaking play the yardage wouldn't have been close.  The Hobart offense got a couple big plays by Webb but other than that was held in check.

Webb made those plays happen, not taking anything away from him because he is special, just saying if not for him Hobart wouldn't have done jack squat last night.

We joke about Team Boltus, but Hobart is going to be known as Team Webb the next 3+ years!

[sjfcards]

I posted this on the in game updates board, but to me the Fisher O line looked like a varsity against a jv team yesterday. Hobart is good team and will win some games this year, but Fisher looked real strong last night. I don't want to poo poo Hobart at all but fisher was at a different level with the running game so strong last night.

[Frank Rossi]

I posted this on the in game updates board, but to me the Fisher O line looked like a varsity against a jv team yesterday. Hobart is good team and will win some games this year, but Fisher looked real strong last night. I don't want to poo poo Hobart at all but fisher was at a different level with the running game so strong last night.

One thing jumped out at me as I looked at the stats to prepare for "In the HuddLLe" tonight -- Hobart did get 400 yards against the Fisher defense.  It's rare to see a team scoring just twice achieving that many yards.  That indicates to me that Fisher's offense may have to be prepared to win some shootouts in the E8 games that lay ahead, especially since I believe Hobart's weaker unit is the offense.  So, it's hard for me to see the game playing out the way it did.

The problem Hobart probably faced is that they were more fearful of Bailey in their preparation.  We always hear about teams covering the run game, "daring" the quarterback to throw and complete passes and win the game.  In this case, I think it was the opposite -- Hobart daring SJF to let the running game win.  And win, SJF did in that department.  Hobart's a very good team.  I just think the SJF offense has too many weapons this year for a defense like Hobart's to contain this early in the season.  Congrats to SJF on the win.

[theoriginalupstate]

The yardage put up by Hobart is a little deceptive because of Webb's big play ability,  I can't take anything away from him because he's legit and honestly Hobart needs to get Webb more involved in the pass game, I know that's hard to believe with him having 100 yards receiving but they need to get him the ball more.  The kid has elite speed for the D3 level and great lateral quickness!

[fisheralum91]

good analysis all of you...but was it me or did the Fisher WRs have an off evening.
every other play they are dropping catches.
if all cylinders are firing this team has few peers in the east.

[union89]

The yardage put up by Hobart is a little deceptive because of Webb's big play ability,  I can't take anything away from him because he's legit and honestly Hobart needs to get Webb more involved in the pass game, I know that's hard to believe with him having 100 yards receiving but they need to get him the ball more.  The kid has elite speed for the D3 level and great lateral quickness!

Would you call it, "blazing"?

[lewdogg11]

The yardage put up by Hobart is a little deceptive because of Webb's big play ability,  I can't take anything away from him because he's legit and honestly Hobart needs to get Webb more involved in the pass game, I know that's hard to believe with him having 100 yards receiving but they need to get him the ball more.  The kid has elite speed for the D3 level and great lateral quickness!

Would you call it, "blazing"?

Come on now.  We all know blazing speed only exists in the nescac.

[fisheralum91]

Blazing?   What's your crime?  Stampeeding cattle?

[AUPepBand]

Congrats to the Cardinals for crackin' the Top 25!

Ironically, St. John Fisher makes its way into the poll so politely as to not cause anyone to drop out. Pep's Saxons, who jumped up to #23 from #25 after a less than impressive 24-16 win at St. Lawrence, drop back into a tie with Randolph-Macon at #25 after defeating previously unbeaten Springfield, 35-28. St. John Fisher no doubt impressed pollsters with their easily handling a highly-regarded Hobart squad, gaining enough votes to take the #24 slot.

It's nice to have a couple of E8 squads getting national recognition.

On Saxon Warriors!

[theoriginalupstate]

Results from last weeks pick ems are recalculated and updated...

[fisheralum91]

Pep,
Im not sure how it makes sense that Fisher is ahead of AU but that is ok by me  .
Talk about pc-no, not you Pat--2 25's
Now that conference play is upon us things will shake out rather quickly!
Congrats to Fisher on making the top 25......albeit 4 weeks late 

[AUPepBand]

Pep,
Im not sure how it makes sense that Fisher is ahead of AU but that is ok by me  .
Talk about pc-no, not you Pat--2 25's
Now that conference play is upon us things will shake out rather quickly!
Congrats to Fisher on making the top 25......albeit 4 weeks late 

Not a surprise to Pep....Fisher has been putting up big numbers--against formidable opponents--and deserves the recognition.

The East Region Fan Poll has certainly noticed. The ERFP participants, a conglomerate of ten (or nine) fans from the East Region and regulars on these boards, Pep would opine, are a little more in step with East Region teams than some of the national pollsters, particularly from other regions. Fisher has been ahead of AU for a few weeks now. Pep will be interested to see how the East Region poll appears after Fisher spoiled Hobart's new digs nighttime debut.

Pep, as stated before, doesn't get too excited about the polls as it can be a distraction. Serves as a real team set-up for a big letdown like an overinflated balloon....POP!!!

Despite his alliterative affection for the letter "P," Pep doesn't like to pop...unless it's the free popcorn at Tinkertown Hardware...the best!!

On Saxon Warriors!

[theoriginalupstate]

Eh, the ranking doesn't mean much right now.  They're playing great right now and that's all that matters!

I hope they come out with a good game plan to get pressure on UC's QB who was sacked 4 times last week and didn't look as comfortable in the pocket as he did the first couple of games.

I think SJF puts up points regardless, Utica doesn't have the guys on defense to shut down the SJF Offense.  It will be up to the SJF defense to hold the UC offense in check.

Early prediction is SJF-41, Utica 24

[fisheralum91]

Just listened to the ATN podcast.
Nice job Pat.
This Sat. should be the week to show the pretenders from the contenders.
If Fisher gets through the trip to Utica, and I for one think they will without a lot of trouble, a favorable homestand is on the horizon minus the trip to Mayberry.
Come on baby- let this be the year the stars align for Fisher!

[Pat Coleman]

Thank you for starting your day with the ATN Podcast.

The 23-25 spots, all four of them, are separated by so few points that it's not surprising there's a little movement down there.