FB: Empire 8

[Jonny Utah]

So my wife and I were talking about football last night and she asked me who the best coach in the Empire 8 is. I thought that would be a perfect question for the board. My honest answer is I don't really know, but I guess if I was starting a program today I would take Faggiano (?). He is largely untested, but the turnarounds at Fisher and Utica are impressive.

I mean, I think there are coaches who have strengths in various areas. Faggiano is a great recruiter. Vosburg's always got a game plan ready, etc. I've heard Welch is very good at the day-to-day operations (if not the x's and o's) of the program. I guess if I had to pick one, I'd pick Vosburg. Blaise needs to prove he can be a consistent winner on this level

I'll say this.  Coach Welch is one of the best, if not the best X's and O's coaches I have been around in my 25 years of playing and coaching organized football.  If he didn't want to be a head coach at Ithaca (he is from upstate ny) there is no doubt in my mind he would be a 1-A defensive co by now.

[sjfcards]

So my wife and I were talking about football last night and she asked me who the best coach in the Empire 8 is...

I'm sorry, I stopped reading after that. You and your wife talk about E8 football? Impressive. +K for you and the mrs.

She more listens than talks, but when she started to engage in some conversation about D3/E8 football I knew I was going to make her my wife.

[Bombers798891]

Since the IC game is mercifully over for another year, I can root for a 10-0 Fisher to keep a team from being shipped into the East. So, my question is this: Why should I believe in this Fisher team? I say that not derogatorily. I just mean, we've seen talented Fisher teams get tripped up in conference play before--arguably more talented ones. So what's different about this team's makeup?

I say makeup, because, on some level, I believe that's what it comes down to. In this conference, we've all had games we've lost that we should have won. What's this Fisher team got that say, the 2006-2007 versions don't? Or the 2006 Pride? The 2008 Bombers? 2004 Norwich? (just kidding)

Yeah, this is me being cynical, but if you were a Michigan State fan, you'd understand why talk of possible greatness struggles to impress me

[boobyhasgameyo]

Since the IC game is mercifully over for another year, I can root for a 10-0 Fisher to keep a team from being shipped into the East. So, my question is this: Why should I believe in this Fisher team? I say that not derogatorily. I just mean, we've seen talented Fisher teams get tripped up in conference play before--arguably more talented ones. So what's different about this team's makeup?

I say makeup, because, on some level, I believe that's what it comes down to. In this conference, we've all had games we've lost that we should have won. What's this Fisher team got that say, the 2006-2007 versions don't? Or the 2006 Pride? The 2008 Bombers? 2004 Norwich? (just kidding)

Yeah, this is me being cynical, but if you were a Michigan State fan, you'd understand why talk of possible greatness struggles to impress me

I'm telling you man their passing offense is championship caliber when it's on.  Their running game is eastern bracket runner up caliber when it is on (though I do wish Zemaitis was not out for the year...again).  If their defense can continue to improve feel free to believe in them whole heartedly because if that does happen look out. 

[maxpower]

So my wife and I were talking about football last night and she asked me who the best coach in the Empire 8 is...

I'm sorry, I stopped reading after that. You and your wife talk about E8 football? Impressive. +K for you and the mrs.

i was going to say the same thing... you married well!

[SJFF82]

Since the IC game is mercifully over for another year, I can root for a 10-0 Fisher to keep a team from being shipped into the East. So, my question is this: Why should I believe in this Fisher team? I say that not derogatorily. I just mean, we've seen talented Fisher teams get tripped up in conference play before--arguably more talented ones. So what's different about this team's makeup?

I say makeup, because, on some level, I believe that's what it comes down to. In this conference, we've all had games we've lost that we should have won. What's this Fisher team got that say, the 2006-2007 versions don't? Or the 2006 Pride? The 2008 Bombers? 2004 Norwich? (just kidding)

Yeah, this is me being cynical, but if you were a Michigan State fan, you'd understand why talk of possible greatness struggles to impress me

Bombers798891...I posted this the other day on the Fan Poll page...


just 'thinkin' out loud here...and wondering how strong this Fisher team is compared to the 2006 squad that hung within 5 pts until 4 minutes to go against MUC.

I saw several games live that year and 2 so far this year.  In my mind, this present team is at least a 7pt underdog to the 2006 team.  How that equates to the relative strength of the East this year and the rest of the country remains to be seen.

The 2 major differences are the RB and the defense as a whole.  I have seen Borum carry the ball 40 or so times this year, and I cannot recall seeing him break many tackles nor do I recall seeing him getting to the second level on too many runs.  Robinson did that on almost every carry in 2006.  I dont see Borum busting through MUC's defensive line on 4th and goal from the 1 in December like Robby did in '06.  You need that to go deep in December.

Yes their passing game is the 'greatest show on turf' since the Rams of Warner, Faulk, et al, but passing games can become erratic, and good defenses will make you pay for being 1 dimensional.

Their current defense is a far cry from the ball-hawking defense that led them in 06.  Stepnick and Lang were animals.  This defense is very adequate, and even showed some spark against IC this week, but very adequate means you only give up 49 to MUC in December instead of 49 by half time.  And dont tell me about bend dont break defense, because the 06 defense never bent OR broke..well, except the Chris Sharpe debacle, but they were down Stepnick and others that game.

So...being the glass is laying broken on the floor instead of half-full guy that I am....I am going out on a limb and stating that should we make the NCAA's this year, anything less than a 4th quarter show-down with MUC along the way will prove the correctness of the foregoing non-sense.

I kinda see us going down in a shootout with DVC ala 2004...before MUC gets their teeth in us.

[maxpower]

How do Fisher (or other) fans see the game against the HEY PRIDE shaking out?

[Bombers798891]

Since the IC game is mercifully over for another year, I can root for a 10-0 Fisher to keep a team from being shipped into the East. So, my question is this: Why should I believe in this Fisher team? I say that not derogatorily. I just mean, we've seen talented Fisher teams get tripped up in conference play before--arguably more talented ones. So what's different about this team's makeup?

I say makeup, because, on some level, I believe that's what it comes down to. In this conference, we've all had games we've lost that we should have won. What's this Fisher team got that say, the 2006-2007 versions don't? Or the 2006 Pride? The 2008 Bombers? 2004 Norwich? (just kidding)

Yeah, this is me being cynical, but if you were a Michigan State fan, you'd understand why talk of possible greatness struggles to impress me

Bombers798891...I posted this the other day on the Fan Poll page...


just 'thinkin' out loud here...and wondering how strong this Fisher team is compared to the 2006 squad that hung within 5 pts until 4 minutes to go against MUC.

I saw several games live that year and 2 so far this year.  In my mind, this present team is at least a 7pt underdog to the 2006 team.  How that equates to the relative strength of the East this year and the rest of the country remains to be seen.

The 2 major differences are the RB and the defense as a whole.  I have seen Borum carry the ball 40 or so times this year, and I cannot recall seeing him break many tackles nor do I recall seeing him getting to the second level on too many runs.  Robinson did that on almost every carry in 2006.  I dont see Borum busting through MUC's defensive line on 4th and goal from the 1 in December like Robby did in '06.  You need that to go deep in December.

Yes their passing game is the 'greatest show on turf' since the Rams of Warner, Faulk, et al, but passing games can become erratic, and good defenses will make you pay for being 1 dimensional.

Their current defense is a far cry from the ball-hawking defense that led them in 06.  Stepnick and Lang were animals.  This defense is very adequate, and even showed some spark against IC this week, but very adequate means you only give up 49 to MUC in December instead of 49 by half time.  And dont tell me about bend dont break defense, because the 06 defense never bent OR broke..well, except the Chris Sharpe debacle, but they were down Stepnick and others that game.

So...being the glass is laying broken on the floor instead of half-full guy that I am....I am going out on a limb and stating that should we make the NCAA's this year, anything less than a 4th quarter show-down with MUC along the way will prove the correctness of the foregoing non-sense.

I kinda see us going down in a shootout with DVC ala 2004...before MUC gets their teeth in us.

Can they run the table in your mind? If not, who trips them up?

[fisheralum91]

In my humble opinion,
The Fisher Alfred game decides the E8 and ultimately the region.
If Fisher beats AU in Mayberry, I see smooth sailing til the NCAAs.

[sjfcards]

Since the IC game is mercifully over for another year, I can root for a 10-0 Fisher to keep a team from being shipped into the East. So, my question is this: Why should I believe in this Fisher team? I say that not derogatorily. I just mean, we've seen talented Fisher teams get tripped up in conference play before--arguably more talented ones. So what's different about this team's makeup?

I say makeup, because, on some level, I believe that's what it comes down to. In this conference, we've all had games we've lost that we should have won. What's this Fisher team got that say, the 2006-2007 versions don't? Or the 2006 Pride? The 2008 Bombers? 2004 Norwich? (just kidding)

Yeah, this is me being cynical, but if you were a Michigan State fan, you'd understand why talk of possible greatness struggles to impress me

This Fisher team will go as far as their defense takes them. I agree with booby that their passing game is of a championship team caliber, and their running game is more than adequate in my oppinion. I think Borum is getting better as the season goes on, and he has had some good games. Also, Fisher uses a lot of lateral passes to the sideline etc. to compliment/use in place of their running game. The O line is big and athletic, and Bailey is a Stud.

On defense I don't think this team is anywhere near the 2006 team. They have seemed to buckle down on 3rd down situations, and they are not giving up a ton of points. However, I have always said that bend but don't break defenses all break at some point. I think a very good offensive team will be able to score with Fisher. So far, when the Defense has been tested (U of R early, Utica) Fisher has relied a bit too much on the turnover IMHO. Having said all of that, the defense does appear to be getting better, and they have some talent on that side of the ball and have proven they can make plays when they need to.

I think they go unbeaten in the regular season, and I think they have a real shot at getting back to Alliance. MUC does not seem as dominant this year, compared to normal MUC standards, so the game may be tight (probably not 2006 tight, but "we stayed with MUC" tight), but I don't see Fisher being able to get past that hurdle.

[labart96]

I think SJF will go 10-0, but will lose in the regional finals. 

The Cardinal defense isn't as solid as it was in 2006 and will cost them come the playoffs...

[fisheralum91]

All year- and I mean even preseason, we have been hearing about how this Fisher team (on paper) was the best assembled to date.  Well so far folks, they have proven themselves correct.   Did the 2006 team have some studs- hell yes!
But what many of you are forgetting is that that 2006 team had some hiccups too.
Injuries were an issue on that team and others picked up the slack.

This version of the Fisher team has a few d hangups, but who is to say that they dont shore it up come playoff time?
If this team goes 10-0, then has a bye week into the playoffs-maybe Im a homer- but I see a deep playoffe run!

[sjfcards]

In my humble opinion,
The Fisher Alfred game decides the E8 and ultimately the region.
If Fisher beats AU in Mayberry, I see smooth sailing til the NCAAs.

Agreed 91. With all of this talk of Fisher going 10-0 I think Alfred has slipped back into the Rodney Dangerfield roll they love so much. They are a solid 5-0, are ranked right behind Fisher in the top 25, and are the defending champs of the E8. And yet, no one is talking about them running the table.

That game has to be the game of the year in the conference. In the East region?

[labart96]

In my humble opinion,
The Fisher Alfred game decides the E8 and ultimately the region.
If Fisher beats AU in Mayberry, I see smooth sailing til the NCAAs.

Agreed 91. With all of this talk of Fisher going 10-0 I think Alfred has slipped back into the Rodney Dangerfield roll they love so much. They are a solid 5-0, are ranked right behind Fisher in the top 25, and are the defending champs of the E8. And yet, no one is talking about them running the table.

That game has to be the game of the year in the conference. In the East region?

Well, given DVC and Wesley was technically in region that would be a good candidate too, but at the moment, not much will define the East playoffs more than SJFC vs. Alfred other than Montclair vs. Cortland; but that's just my opinion.

[SJFF82]

In my humble opinion,
The Fisher Alfred game decides the E8 and ultimately the region.
If Fisher beats AU in Mayberry, I see smooth sailing til the NCAAs.

Agreed 91. With all of this talk of Fisher going 10-0 I think Alfred has slipped back into the Rodney Dangerfield roll they love so much. They are a solid 5-0, are ranked right behind Fisher in the top 25, and are the defending champs of the E8. And yet, no one is talking about them running the table.

That game has to be the game of the year in the conference. In the East region?

Bingo...was thinkin the exact thing as I was scrolling the last few posts...and bam, there was your post.  AU, the football team, lies in wait for the SJF hype train, just as Pep, Kazoo, and co. are lying silent here, listening to this deserved, but premature hype of the 10-0 season.

Meanwhile, we have Wick this week, which certainly has stung us before, and the last time SJF started a season 6-0.....NORWICH said 'stick that in your pipe and smoke it' as Garcon lie tackled at the 1 yd line...