FB: Empire 8

[clandfan]

TTR,
I havent seen your air attack, but i doubt that it is as potent as UC.
It seems that the Fisher defense is a bend dont break d.
It doesnt make sense to get in a shootout with Fisher.
I would assume that you would like to have long drawn out series.

I don't think it's been as potent. Zappia has some accuracy issues to be sure. A 60% completion percentage is good, but it's not going to sustain the long drives needed if you say "screw it, we're passing 45 times a game." That being said, considering that Higgins, Vossler and Ruffrage have played in only 10 of a possible 15 games, Zappia's done a good job. But it's not like 2005 with Felliceti, who completed 70% of his passes that season. The passing game is good, but it's not the substitute for the running game.

I do think the run game will be better, simply because I believe Ardoin is better than Ruggerio and making him the exclusive back will help. This isn't going to be like Donovan beating out Baez and Davis in 2004, but it's an improvement.

Defensively, I think the Bombers new style will help. Usually, IC is a "let it come to us defense." Fisher's way too good for that to work. Look at some numbers from this year to last year (This year's numbers projected, since we're through five games and the math is easy)

Sacks
2009: 12 for 57 yards (~6.0 AVG)
2010: 28 for 210 yards (7.5 AVG)

TFL
2009: 72 for 143 yards (~2.0 AVG)
2010: 96 for 300 yards (~3.0 AVG)

Passes broken up
2009: 35
2010: 52

The defense is getting in the backfield more often, and when they do, the losses are bigger. The secondary is being more aggressive and getting to more balls--interception numbers are basically identical.

I'm not saying this new strategy will work against Fisher. But considering what the Bombers had been doing hadn't worked, this is a welcome change. We know Fisher's not going to shoot themselves in the foot like the Wick did, so the Bombers will need to take it from them. They always say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Well, we've broken that cycle.

I still think Fisher's the obvious favorite. Too big on the lines, at home, too many recent blowouts to get past. But progress can be (and needs to be) made this season.

But next year, with a lot of graduating players for Fisher, IC bringing back a lot of talent, the game being at IC. That may be their shot...fingers crossed.

Bombers: you are an optimist.  Perhaps you might want to consider that the combined record of Ithaca's opponents to date is 11-9.  the combined record of your remaining opponents is 21-3 with three ranked teams.  I don't that's easy math...that's funny math.  I'm not saying it's not possible but you have a tough road ahead.

[AlfredSaxon8]

I don't think Ithaca will beat Fisher, but I would say they have at least the same chance that UC did.

So, while I understand why it might be annoying for you Fisher guys to have all the Bomber posters (except the new guys) lamenting the foregone conclusion of a loss, it's equally annoying for you guys to act like you just heard someone say that marshmallows cure cancer when one of us dares suggest we might give you a game.

Ithaca's major problem the last few years has been consistency. But hey, maybe that means this will be an "up" week .

TTR, I don't buy any of your arguments as to why Ithaca will win. Here's the only way Ithaca will win:

1) Don't turn it over.
2) In fact, make fewer mistakes in general than SJF does.
3) DO not miss out on opportunities for big plays.
4) L-U-C-K.

It's very possible. But on paper, it's easy to see why SJF is the favorite.

When you play in a game like this, skill is not the most important thing, it's consistency.  There's gonna be a lot of hype for this game, there already is.  But when the dust settles in the game, its going to be about which way the ball bounces and who responds best to it.  

Whoever steps up and makes the most plays will prevail.  And Ithaca is more than capable to do that.

I'm not saying Fisher will lose and Ithaca will win but you gotta give a little more respect to Ithaca... It seems like there's a lot of hype surrounding Fisher right now and rightfully so, the team looks good.  But the right gameplan and execution can beat just about anyone.  

[Touch The Rock]

I don't think Ithaca will beat Fisher, but I would say they have at least the same chance that UC did.

So, while I understand why it might be annoying for you Fisher guys to have all the Bomber posters (except the new guys) lamenting the foregone conclusion of a loss, it's equally annoying for you guys to act like you just heard someone say that marshmallows cure cancer when one of us dares suggest we might give you a game.

Ithaca's major problem the last few years has been consistency. But hey, maybe that means this will be an "up" week .

TTR, I don't buy any of your arguments as to why Ithaca will win. Here's the only way Ithaca will win:

1) Don't turn it over.
2) In fact, make fewer mistakes in general than SJF does.
3) DO not miss out on opportunities for big plays.
4) L-U-C-K.

It's very possible. But on paper, it's easy to see why SJF is the favorite.

I'm not doubing SJF is the favorite, but those are your keys to victory?  Sounds generic.  

[maxpower]

I don't think Ithaca will beat Fisher, but I would say they have at least the same chance that UC did.

So, while I understand why it might be annoying for you Fisher guys to have all the Bomber posters (except the new guys) lamenting the foregone conclusion of a loss, it's equally annoying for you guys to act like you just heard someone say that marshmallows cure cancer when one of us dares suggest we might give you a game.

Ithaca's major problem the last few years has been consistency. But hey, maybe that means this will be an "up" week .

TTR, I don't buy any of your arguments as to why Ithaca will win. Here's the only way Ithaca will win:

1) Don't turn it over.
2) In fact, make fewer mistakes in general than SJF does.
3) DO not miss out on opportunities for big plays.
4) L-U-C-K.

It's very possible. But on paper, it's easy to see why SJF is the favorite.

I'm not doubing SJF is the favorite, but those are your keys to victory?  Sounds generic.  

It's incredibly generic. It's incredibly generic because we do not match up talent-wise, and those keys right there are how less talented teams win games.

[Touch The Rock]

I don't think Ithaca will beat Fisher, but I would say they have at least the same chance that UC did.

So, while I understand why it might be annoying for you Fisher guys to have all the Bomber posters (except the new guys) lamenting the foregone conclusion of a loss, it's equally annoying for you guys to act like you just heard someone say that marshmallows cure cancer when one of us dares suggest we might give you a game.

Ithaca's major problem the last few years has been consistency. But hey, maybe that means this will be an "up" week .

TTR, I don't buy any of your arguments as to why Ithaca will win. Here's the only way Ithaca will win:

1) Don't turn it over.
2) In fact, make fewer mistakes in general than SJF does.
3) DO not miss out on opportunities for big plays.
4) L-U-C-K.

It's very possible. But on paper, it's easy to see why SJF is the favorite.

I'm not doubing SJF is the favorite, but those are your keys to victory?  Sounds generic.  

It's incredibly generic. It's incredibly generic because we do not match up talent-wise, and those keys right there are how less talented teams win games.

Fair enough.

[Jonny Utah]

I don't think Ithaca will beat Fisher, but I would say they have at least the same chance that UC did.

So, while I understand why it might be annoying for you Fisher guys to have all the Bomber posters (except the new guys) lamenting the foregone conclusion of a loss, it's equally annoying for you guys to act like you just heard someone say that marshmallows cure cancer when one of us dares suggest we might give you a game.

Ithaca's major problem the last few years has been consistency. But hey, maybe that means this will be an "up" week .

TTR, I don't buy any of your arguments as to why Ithaca will win. Here's the only way Ithaca will win:

1) Don't turn it over.
2) In fact, make fewer mistakes in general than SJF does.
3) DO not miss out on opportunities for big plays.
4) L-U-C-K.

It's very possible. But on paper, it's easy to see why SJF is the favorite.

I'm not doubing SJF is the favorite, but those are your keys to victory?  Sounds generic.  

It's incredibly generic. It's incredibly generic because we do not match up talent-wise, and those keys right there are how less talented teams win games.

You forgot one:

5) Score more points than SJF scores.

[Bombers798891]

I don't think Ithaca will beat Fisher, but I would say they have at least the same chance that UC did.

So, while I understand why it might be annoying for you Fisher guys to have all the Bomber posters (except the new guys) lamenting the foregone conclusion of a loss, it's equally annoying for you guys to act like you just heard someone say that marshmallows cure cancer when one of us dares suggest we might give you a game.

Ithaca's major problem the last few years has been consistency. But hey, maybe that means this will be an "up" week .

TTR, I don't buy any of your arguments as to why Ithaca will win. Here's the only way Ithaca will win:

1) Don't turn it over.
2) In fact, make fewer mistakes in general than SJF does.
3) DO not miss out on opportunities for big plays.
4) L-U-C-K.

It's very possible. But on paper, it's easy to see why SJF is the favorite.

I'm not doubing SJF is the favorite, but those are your keys to victory?  Sounds generic.  

Well, what ultra-specific things are your keys? Honestly, as much as we try to make it a complex game, it strikes me that there's a bunch of generic stuff we can point to( "Run well", "Pressure the QB", "Don't get into a hole", "Control the tempo")

Personally, I think the key is getting Bailey to move to his left, especially between the 25-and 35-yard lines. When he does that while throwing off his left foot, he struggles, especially when he throws it under 10 yards in the air. Offensively, Ithaca has to ensure their WR's go exactly 7, 12 and 15 yards down the  field, as those routes have produced the highest completion %'s.

Better?

[maxpower]

I don't think Ithaca will beat Fisher, but I would say they have at least the same chance that UC did.

So, while I understand why it might be annoying for you Fisher guys to have all the Bomber posters (except the new guys) lamenting the foregone conclusion of a loss, it's equally annoying for you guys to act like you just heard someone say that marshmallows cure cancer when one of us dares suggest we might give you a game.

Ithaca's major problem the last few years has been consistency. But hey, maybe that means this will be an "up" week .

TTR, I don't buy any of your arguments as to why Ithaca will win. Here's the only way Ithaca will win:

1) Don't turn it over.
2) In fact, make fewer mistakes in general than SJF does.
3) DO not miss out on opportunities for big plays.
4) L-U-C-K.

It's very possible. But on paper, it's easy to see why SJF is the favorite.

I'm not doubing SJF is the favorite, but those are your keys to victory?  Sounds generic.  

It's incredibly generic. It's incredibly generic because we do not match up talent-wise, and those keys right there are how less talented teams win games.

You forgot one:

5) Score more points than SJF scores.

Eh, I think they can win without doing that. That's how the Bills won the '91 super bowl.... right? Right?

[Touch The Rock]

I don't think Ithaca will beat Fisher, but I would say they have at least the same chance that UC did.

So, while I understand why it might be annoying for you Fisher guys to have all the Bomber posters (except the new guys) lamenting the foregone conclusion of a loss, it's equally annoying for you guys to act like you just heard someone say that marshmallows cure cancer when one of us dares suggest we might give you a game.

Ithaca's major problem the last few years has been consistency. But hey, maybe that means this will be an "up" week .

TTR, I don't buy any of your arguments as to why Ithaca will win. Here's the only way Ithaca will win:

1) Don't turn it over.
2) In fact, make fewer mistakes in general than SJF does.
3) DO not miss out on opportunities for big plays.
4) L-U-C-K.

It's very possible. But on paper, it's easy to see why SJF is the favorite.

I'm not doubing SJF is the favorite, but those are your keys to victory?  Sounds generic.  

Well, what ultra-specific things are your keys? Honestly, as much as we try to make it a complex game, it strikes me that there's a bunch of generic stuff we can point to( "Run well", "Pressure the QB", "Don't get into a hole", "Control the tempo")

Personally, I think the key is getting Bailey to move to his left, especially between the 25-and 35-yard lines. When he does that while throwing off his left foot, he struggles, especially when he throws it under 10 yards in the air. Offensively, Ithaca has to ensure their WR's go exactly 7, 12 and 15 yards down the  field, as those routes have produced the highest completion %'s.

Better?

Haha not bad. 

[theoriginalupstate]

I respect Ithaca as a program and when most of us talk smack it's just because it's game week, come next week most of us with a brain wont be talking smack.

I think it's going to be a close game (8-10 points) and will probably be a high scoring affair.  

I think SJF gets an early lead and IC keeps it close and makes a run at the end.

Honestly SJF's offense is so balanced it's hard to stop, Borum is a beast and Bailey will kill you if you blitz him.  Unless Bailey has an awful day SJF comes away with the win.

[Touch The Rock]

I respect Ithaca as a program and when most of us talk smack it's just because it's game week, come next week most of us with a brain wont be talking smack.

I think it's going to be a close game (8-10 points) and will probably be a high scoring affair.  

I think SJF gets an early lead and IC keeps it close and makes a run at the end.

Honestly SJF's offense is so balanced it's hard to stop, Borum is a beast and Bailey will kill you if you blitz him.  Unless Bailey has an awful day SJF comes away with the win.

It's funny how much my mindset changed coming into this week.  Looking at it in the beginning of the year I said in my first post that until IC proves otherwise, you just can't pick them.  But, now that the week is here I still feel like I am prepping to play.  It's Friday, coming up on 24 hours until game time and I've got the butterflies/excitement I had when I was suting up. 

Respect? Definitely.  Hatred? Absolutely.

[maxpower]

I respect Ithaca as a program and when most of us talk smack it's just because it's game week, come next week most of us with a brain wont be talking smack.

I think it's going to be a close game (8-10 points) and will probably be a high scoring affair.  

I think SJF gets an early lead and IC keeps it close and makes a run at the end.

Honestly SJF's offense is so balanced it's hard to stop, Borum is a beast and Bailey will kill you if you blitz him.  Unless Bailey has an awful day SJF comes away with the win.

Exactly 8 points.... right Upstate?

[fisheralum91]

Wow.
TTR
5 years ago not a single IC poster on her would have used the word hate.
It wasnt even considered a rivalry game as IC had Fishers number.
Now I am VERY pleased to see that the shoe is not only on the other foot, but firmly placed up ICs ass.


There i said it.



Come on that was funny

[Touch The Rock]

Haha I wouldn't go that far. 

But, my freshman year was the Struzzi INT game.  I had heard about the year before where the pick that hit the turf ended it.  So, I'm use to it being a big week.  I wasn't around for the years where Fisher was our Norwich.

There, I said it. 

[maxpower]

FA- Way to anticipate that no one would find that funny!

Are we really calling this a rivalry? We beat you every year for awhile, now you beat us every year. I think there has to be a little back and forth before it's a rivalry.... and '04-'05 doesn't really cut it.


EDIT: To clarify, I'm not saying I didn't get worked up for the SJF game from like 04-07. It had the makings of a rivalry then... but Fisher sort of pulled away, and now I end up just hoping we win instead of "hating."