FB: Empire 8

[AUKaz00]

Pep was thinking....Rochester beat Worcester Tech, Worcester Tech beat RPI, RPI beat Alfred....then UR could very well hand the Saxons their second loss of the season.

I LIKE the way you think......

Ethelred, have you no love for family?

Nice find, 'z00! You amaze Pep with your wit and wiki.answers. Bring on dem Yellowjackets!

Stumbled across that one when I learned that Alfred succeeded his brother Æthelred as King and then figured Ethelred the Unready had to be a relative!

[AUPepBand]

Alfred University is mourning the death of one of its own, alum and trustee Beth Judson and her husband, Jim, who died Tuesday morning in a plane crash in Mississippi.

http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/roswell-mourns-millionaire-next-696250.html

http://ceramics.org/ceramictechtoday/uncategorized/beth-judson-husband-die-in-plane-crash/

The Judsons had annually hosted a St. Patrick's Day Brunch at their home in Roswell, GA for area Alfred University alumni, a tradition they had begun in 2003.

[dewcrew88]

I think utica could get it done, if they have no mistakes.
from the UC website.

The Pioneers are 0-9 all-time against the Bombers in nine previous meetings. Last season Ithaca was ranked No. 20 in the nation when it traveled to Gaetano to square off against UC. The Pioneers opened up a 24-14 lead in the first half but five second half turnovers led to 13 points and a slim three point victory for the Bombers.

I think Utica matches up well with the Bombers, who struggle against good passing teams. And Benkwitt is really good. But can Utica defend it any better? Becker, Castleton State, St. Lawrence, Springfield and Wilkes are not going to pass on you. And Utica did just ok against RPI and not well at all against Bailey. So I'm not convinced IC won't be able to pass on them. I think both teams will struggle running the ball. Utica's got the better run game, but Ithaca defends it better. Neither team seems to have a back who is a home run threat.

Utica's secondary has allowed a 60% completion rate and has 6 picks and 13 breakups, IC's has allowed a 54% completion rate and had 11 picks and 31 breakups. The pass attempts aren't totally equal, but they aren't far enough off that those numbers aren't significant.

At home, I think the Bombers' secondary rises to the occasion and makes the plays Utica's hasn't this season. Similar to the Fisher game for the Pioneers...34-24 Bombers

You don't know what you're talking about, Bombers!  As a dedicated Pioneer fan, like my man DC, you haven't seen what makes this team tick.  The only reason the completion percentage is so high against our secondary is because we're dropping 80 on people every week!  Eventually our opposition has to air it out and against our third stringers they're bound to make a few catches.  Don't get me wrong, Ithaca's a good team so I think it'll be tough for us to break 60 this week, but I think we will.  63-31, Moose.  Book it.

And +K to my fellow Utica brother for reaching 2k.

speaking of dreams... +K

[Zoberist]

Video from a 1968 game pitting UNION and the Saxons. Film is a little dark and the day looks overcast and muddy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5sPadq_T0M

[Frank Rossi]

Alfred University is mourning the death of one of its own, alum and trustee Beth Judson and her husband, Jim, who died Tuesday morning in a plane crash in Mississippi.

http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/roswell-mourns-millionaire-next-696250.html

http://ceramics.org/ceramictechtoday/uncategorized/beth-judson-husband-die-in-plane-crash/

The Judsons had annually hosted a St. Patrick's Day Brunch at their home in Roswell, GA for area Alfred University alumni, a tradition they had begun in 2003.

My condolences to the Saxon family.  It's been a season of loss for a lot of teams, it feels like this year.

[K-Mack]

I was personally pretty impressed with IC on my recruiting trip.  But, with that said, both of my parents went to IC, my father and cousin played at IC so it's extremely possible that I might be a touch, just a touch biased. 

The obvious reasons are the lack of facilities.  The locker room and weight room at IC are pretty awful in comparison to SJF and  C-State.  The new A&E center really has nothing to do with the football team.  I'm sure they'll be able to use the turf field in bad weather, but to my knowledge...that's about it. 

Price is definitely a factor.  But, there's plenty of schools with high tuition.  I think Hobart is upwards of like $52,000?  Price definitely factors, but I believe a lot of it has to do with academic affairs.   Coach Welch can't promise a kid that he can get in nor can he really speak to how much money they'll be getting.  I can't tell you the amount of kids that I "hosted" that the coaches really wanted that didn't come because of a lack of money.  I'm not saying that Academic Affairs has to reach out to the football team and let everyone in.  The difference is that when I was recruited by Coach Murray at Alfred, he called me the night after I met him and told me that I was in and an idea of the kind of money/aid I could get.  IC can just tell you that they want you. 

I had a buddy that visited IC and all of that.  He was set on IC and ready to commit.  He got a call right before he sent in his deposit from RPI and they offered him more money and a laptop.  He had no choice but to take the money/laptop. 

I think that's a lot of it.  And of course, in recruiting, you're going to miss sometimes.  IC missed out on a great talent like Robinson and that's tough.  But, I'm sure it goes the other way too. 

Dropping in only in the middle of this discussion, but I enjoyed this post.

[AUKaz00]

I think utica could get it done, if they have no mistakes.
from the UC website.

The Pioneers are 0-9 all-time against the Bombers in nine previous meetings. Last season Ithaca was ranked No. 20 in the nation when it traveled to Gaetano to square off against UC. The Pioneers opened up a 24-14 lead in the first half but five second half turnovers led to 13 points and a slim three point victory for the Bombers.

I think Utica matches up well with the Bombers, who struggle against good passing teams. And Benkwitt is really good. But can Utica defend it any better? Becker, Castleton State, St. Lawrence, Springfield and Wilkes are not going to pass on you. And Utica did just ok against RPI and not well at all against Bailey. So I'm not convinced IC won't be able to pass on them. I think both teams will struggle running the ball. Utica's got the better run game, but Ithaca defends it better. Neither team seems to have a back who is a home run threat.

Utica's secondary has allowed a 60% completion rate and has 6 picks and 13 breakups, IC's has allowed a 54% completion rate and had 11 picks and 31 breakups. The pass attempts aren't totally equal, but they aren't far enough off that those numbers aren't significant.

At home, I think the Bombers' secondary rises to the occasion and makes the plays Utica's hasn't this season. Similar to the Fisher game for the Pioneers...34-24 Bombers

You don't know what you're talking about, Bombers!  As a dedicated Pioneer fan, like my man DC, you haven't seen what makes this team tick.  The only reason the completion percentage is so high against our secondary is because we're dropping 80 on people every week!  Eventually our opposition has to air it out and against our third stringers they're bound to make a few catches.  Don't get me wrong, Ithaca's a good team so I think it'll be tough for us to break 60 this week, but I think we will.  63-31, Moose.  Book it.

And +K to my fellow Utica brother for reaching 2k.

speaking of dreams... +K

Speaking of dreams, it may be a little premature, but after the Pioneers take down the Bombers this weekend the Moose will win out and win their first E8 championship (at least a share of it).  Next week, we'll handle Hartwick, Springfield will beat Fisher and Ithaca will take down Alfred leaving our showdown with the Saxons at Chuckie G Stadium the only thing keeping us from a 5-way tie and share of the conference title!!!  Sure, Springfield would get the AQ after AU and IC were eliminated on losses leaving the Pride with head-to-heads over the Moose and the Fish, but this will be the next step in our ultimate dominance of the Empire 8!

[Yanks 99]

I think utica could get it done, if they have no mistakes.
from the UC website.

The Pioneers are 0-9 all-time against the Bombers in nine previous meetings. Last season Ithaca was ranked No. 20 in the nation when it traveled to Gaetano to square off against UC. The Pioneers opened up a 24-14 lead in the first half but five second half turnovers led to 13 points and a slim three point victory for the Bombers.

I think Utica matches up well with the Bombers, who struggle against good passing teams. And Benkwitt is really good. But can Utica defend it any better? Becker, Castleton State, St. Lawrence, Springfield and Wilkes are not going to pass on you. And Utica did just ok against RPI and not well at all against Bailey. So I'm not convinced IC won't be able to pass on them. I think both teams will struggle running the ball. Utica's got the better run game, but Ithaca defends it better. Neither team seems to have a back who is a home run threat.

Utica's secondary has allowed a 60% completion rate and has 6 picks and 13 breakups, IC's has allowed a 54% completion rate and had 11 picks and 31 breakups. The pass attempts aren't totally equal, but they aren't far enough off that those numbers aren't significant.

At home, I think the Bombers' secondary rises to the occasion and makes the plays Utica's hasn't this season. Similar to the Fisher game for the Pioneers...34-24 Bombers

You don't know what you're talking about, Bombers!  As a dedicated Pioneer fan, like my man DC, you haven't seen what makes this team tick.  The only reason the completion percentage is so high against our secondary is because we're dropping 80 on people every week!  Eventually our opposition has to air it out and against our third stringers they're bound to make a few catches.  Don't get me wrong, Ithaca's a good team so I think it'll be tough for us to break 60 this week, but I think we will.  63-31, Moose.  Book it.

And +K to my fellow Utica brother for reaching 2k.

speaking of dreams... +K

Speaking of dreams, it may be a little premature, but after the Pioneers take down the Bombers this weekend the Moose will win out and win their first E8 championship (at least a share of it).  Next week, we'll handle Hartwick, Springfield will beat Fisher and Ithaca will take down Alfred leaving our showdown with the Saxons at Chuckie G Stadium the only thing keeping us from a 5-way tie and share of the conference title!!!  Sure, Springfield would get the AQ after AU and IC were eliminated on losses leaving the Pride with head-to-heads over the Moose and the Fish, but this will be the next step in our ultimate dominance of the Empire 8!

Ha...that's actually pretty funny...

[Bombers798891]

Here's a question that merges a couple of things we've talked about...if Utica beats Ithaca, do the Pioneers "arrive"? Or does it depend how the Bombers finish the season? A loss to Utica opens the door to a 5-5 season. Now I know they were 5-3 after eight games last season and finished 7-3, but this year they have to go to Alfred and Cortland (although frankly it doesn't matter for Cortland)

I hear a lot on these boards that "Ithaca is still Ithaca," although I don't always agree with that assessment. I think it would be a major win for the Utica program, especially since they're 0-9 against IC all-time, but it's tough to call. In some ways, it's shaping up a little like Union-St. Lawrence in the LL. My perception at the beginning of the year was that the Union game would be a big win for the Bombers. Clearly, that's not the case, and, looking back, I wonder how they only won by 8 at home. The St. Lawrence game is probably a better win in retrospect. Thoughts?

[theoriginalupstate]

For Utica fans it doesn't matter when the win comes vs IC as long as they win I'm sure they wouldn't care how good Ithaca was at the time...

For Ithaca fans a Utica loss would probably be a "have we fallen this far?" moment for them...

[Yanks 99]

Here's a question that merges a couple of things we've talked about...if Utica beats Ithaca, do the Pioneers "arrive"? Or does it depend how the Bombers finish the season? A loss to Utica opens the door to a 5-5 season. Now I know they were 5-3 after eight games last season and finished 7-3, but this year they have to go to Alfred and Cortland (although frankly it doesn't matter for Cortland)

I hear a lot on these boards that "Ithaca is still Ithaca," although I don't always agree with that assessment. I think it would be a major win for the Utica program, especially since they're 0-9 against IC all-time, but it's tough to call. In some ways, it's shaping up a little like Union-St. Lawrence in the LL. My perception at the beginning of the year was that the Union game would be a big win for the Bombers. Clearly, that's not the case, and, looking back, I wonder how they only won by 8 at home. The St. Lawrence game is probably a better win in retrospect. Thoughts?

Of course Utica beating Ithaca would be a major win for their program.  Just as a win over Alfred (possibly later this season) or SJF (obviously too late for this year) would be...as they have never beaten these 3 teams.

I agree with Upstate's comment above...if Utica beats Ithaca this year, it won't matter if Ithaca finishes 5-5...it would easily be the program's biggest win ever, by a landslide.  I just don't think it will happen.  While I hate to say it, Utica will be favored to beat Hartwick, and will more then likely lose in a close game to Ithaca (my guess is Blaise will have them fired up for this one with two weeks to prepare) and badly to Alfred (they aren't letting Utica stand in their way of an E8 championship, especially if they beat Ithaca)...and finish at 6-4 and a fifth place finish in the E8 (or E6). 

[Jonny Utah]

Ithaca is like the Notre Dame of d3 football.  Neither program has been a top 5 team since 1994.

It still has the name, and beating them is going to be a huge win for any team which has never beaten them before.

[maxpower]

Ithaca is like the Notre Dame of d3 football.  Neither program has been a top 5 team since 1994.

It still has the name, and beating them is going to be a huge win for any team which has never beaten them before.

Good analogy, +k.

[Bombers798891]

Here's a question that merges a couple of things we've talked about...if Utica beats Ithaca, do the Pioneers "arrive"? Or does it depend how the Bombers finish the season? A loss to Utica opens the door to a 5-5 season. Now I know they were 5-3 after eight games last season and finished 7-3, but this year they have to go to Alfred and Cortland (although frankly it doesn't matter for Cortland)

I hear a lot on these boards that "Ithaca is still Ithaca," although I don't always agree with that assessment. I think it would be a major win for the Utica program, especially since they're 0-9 against IC all-time, but it's tough to call. In some ways, it's shaping up a little like Union-St. Lawrence in the LL. My perception at the beginning of the year was that the Union game would be a big win for the Bombers. Clearly, that's not the case, and, looking back, I wonder how they only won by 8 at home. The St. Lawrence game is probably a better win in retrospect. Thoughts?

Of course Utica beating Ithaca would be a major win for their program.  Just as a win over Alfred (possibly later this season) or SJF (obviously too late for this year) would be...as they have never beaten these 3 teams.

I agree with Upstate's comment above...if Utica beats Ithaca this year, it won't matter if Ithaca finishes 5-5...it would easily be the program's biggest win ever, by a landslide.  I just don't think it will happen.  While I hate to say it, Utica will be favored to beat Hartwick, and will more then likely lose to in a close game to Ithaca (my guess is Blaise will have them fired up for this one with two weeks to prepare) and badly to Alfred (they aren't letting Utica stand in their way of an E8 championship, especially if they beat Ithaca)...and finish at 6-4 and a fifth place finish in the E8 (or E6). 

This has a Wick feeling all over it in some ways. There are going to be major points scored here, as both secondaries are suspect and both quarterbacks good. IC's offense numbers doesn't look as good on the surface,  but I think if the Bombers continue their plan of just passing, they'll get their points against a weak Utica secondary. The Bombers red zone defense is arguably one of the worst in the country, so they've got to keep Utica out of there. The Bombers also need to stop letting guys get open 15-20 yards downfield in the middle of the field.

[SJFF82]

what if Utica lays a reverse-double-monkey-stomp on Ithaca?