FB: Empire 8

[Frank Rossi]

Stan Ren is the great LL/E8 unifier.  He shall someday be the mascot for a New York Superconference when it comes to pass.

That'll be the day when said super conference competes for one AQ (like the NEFC) instead of two or three (E8, LL, NJAC).

To be honest, I don't think we're too far from the day that the NCAA may be forced to re-jigger the qualifying standards in order to assure some amount of Pool C bids.  We pretty much know that 32 is the maximum size of the field, so that means the access ratio may need to be pushed upward toward 8 someday.  Why?  Well, once the ECFC gets an AQ, that puts us to 24.

Little by little, we're noticing that conferences are spreading out toward less members.  For instance, the NJAC losing Buffalo State to the E8 would be a move toward that.  However, with new conference possibilities, etc., you have to begin doing the math.  Specifically, there are 229 non-NESCAC D3 football programs.  Automatic bids are given out to conferences, with certain other rules, that have 7 members.  In a completely distributed world, 229/7 = just less than 33.  In other words, there would be no Pool C slots available if all schools distributed -- and if two more schools join D3 in football (net, of course, with the leaving of McMurry and maybe RPI down the road), there wouldn't be enough Pool A slots even.

OK, that's a perfect world, and we know it.  But where would membership draw the line in terms of Pool C bids?  In other words, what is the minimum number of Pool B+C bids most D3 schools would like to see sustained in the current system?  My guess:  4 (one per region).  So, what would the average conference size have to be to sustain that?  8.18 schools per conference or greater.  In other words, more conferences would have to have 9 teams, than those conferences with 7 teams (and this assumes no independent teams for Pool B purposes).  If we keep seeing schools nudging toward 7 and 8 teams, we're in trouble because the math says we'll eventually cross a line.

So, in conclusion, pray that the NEFC never splits and that the NESCAC doesn't join the playoff system if you like the current system and access ratio.  Otherwise, we'll be pressing the limits of the current 7-team must system, and crossing toward an 8-team must system within the next decade.  Just some food for thought.

[Pat Coleman]

The UMAC also gets a bid this year so we skip past 24 and go right to 25. One B bid and six C's.

[fisheralum91]

Good to see boob on pre season!
Here is hoping that when I come up for the game homecoming weekend that we wax Hobart!

[Bombers798891]

Stan Ren is the great LL/E8 unifier.  He shall someday be the mascot for a New York Superconference when it comes to pass.

That'll be the day when said super conference competes for one AQ (like the NEFC) instead of two or three (E8, LL, NJAC).

To be honest, I don't think we're too far from the day that the NCAA may be forced to re-jigger the qualifying standards in order to assure some amount of Pool C bids.  We pretty much know that 32 is the maximum size of the field, so that means the access ratio may need to be pushed upward toward 8 someday.  Why?  Well, once the ECFC gets an AQ, that puts us to 24.

Little by little, we're noticing that conferences are spreading out toward less members.  For instance, the NJAC losing Buffalo State to the E8 would be a move toward that.  However, with new conference possibilities, etc., you have to begin doing the math.  Specifically, there are 229 non-NESCAC D3 football programs.  Automatic bids are given out to conferences, with certain other rules, that have 7 members.  In a completely distributed world, 229/7 = just less than 33.  In other words, there would be no Pool C slots available if all schools distributed -- and if two more schools join D3 in football (net, of course, with the leaving of McMurry and maybe RPI down the road), there wouldn't be enough Pool A slots even.

OK, that's a perfect world, and we know it.  But where would membership draw the line in terms of Pool C bids?  In other words, what is the minimum number of Pool B+C bids most D3 schools would like to see sustained in the current system?  My guess:  4 (one per region).  So, what would the average conference size have to be to sustain that?  8.18 schools per conference or greater.  In other words, more conferences would have to have 9 teams, than those conferences with 7 teams (and this assumes no independent teams for Pool B purposes).  If we keep seeing schools nudging toward 7 and 8 teams, we're in trouble because the math says we'll eventually cross a line.

So, in conclusion, pray that the NEFC never splits and that the NESCAC doesn't join the playoff system if you like the current system and access ratio.  Otherwise, we'll be pressing the limits of the current 7-team must system, and crossing toward an 8-team must system within the next decade.  Just some food for thought.

Yeah, the bigger conferences is a bummer. It's nice to see some new teams every once in awhile. Sometimes, matchups get stale and you need to stir the pot a little

[AUKaz00]

WR-Though the loss of Thon will hurt, there are several recievers returning with experience. McCloud, Phillips and Beauford all produced last season. There is also a wide reciever, Polino, who was absolutely fantastic on JV last season, I think he could step up and contribute on varsity this season.

I'm high on Phillips (and why not, it was his route that resulted in our only points against Mount Union), but McCloud, while likely the fastest player on the team, seems to have trouble hauling in the ball.  Last year he pulled in likely the longest play from scrimmage when he beat his coverage, but juggled the ball a half dozen times before securing it and running down the sideline.  Tighter coverage and he doesn't get a chance to make that catch.  Then again, he was a converted running back, so that may be indicitive of what we can expect from any of the incoming backs who are trying to land a receiving spot.

[AUPepBand]

WR-Though the loss of Thon will hurt, there are several recievers returning with experience. McCloud, Phillips and Beauford all produced last season. There is also a wide reciever, Polino, who was absolutely fantastic on JV last season, I think he could step up and contribute on varsity this season.

TE- Loughlin Pope may have been the starter, but Adam Schutz was statistically more productive. With Schutz now the only real main tight end, we'll see if his production steps up. I think it will.

FB- Justin McCombs graduates here, but Brandon Yarnes had comparable stats in lesser time. Stats arent always the best way to judge a fullback, but I assume Yarnes can come in and be dependable.

Jaron Pollino is a Jamestown kid with some size at 6-3 and 200. Not sure of his speed but he could be a solid possession receiver, perhaps. East High's (Rochester) QB Michael Perkins, recruited to play WR, may challenge for a starting role.

Adam Schutz was outstanding last year in passing situations.  A great receiver who's hard to bring down, but AU needs another blocking TE the caliber of the Pope.

McCombs, again, was the starter because of his blocking abilities, not necessarily reflected in the stats. Yet Pep has no reason to believe Yarnes can't get the job done as well.

Pep is hoping that with more than 200 in pre-season camp again this year, the coaching staff will have adequate time to assess the players' abilities and reload.

On Saxon Warriors!

[bomber3]

Well I haven't been on the boards in a few weeks/months but I'm back and I bring good news for the Bombers with me.  #23 will be back for the Bombers next year at wideout - marking the 10th (and absolutely final) season for the family on South Hill. 

The team does have its question marks but from what I hear the defense will be legit.  Conti/White are arguably the two best corners in the league and the linebacking core is solid too.  Overall, expectations for the defense are high and they should be one of the best defensive teams in the league.

Offensively there are some holes to fill - especially in the passing game.  Vossler is irreplaceable but Ingrao is legit and should provide an adequate replacement.  In one of the games Vossler didn't play last year, he racked up 100+ yards.  Zappia needs to be replaced but Hendel was neck and neck with him last year before being suspended and losing all momentum.  My thoughts are they will be a similar team on offense but hopefully they can develop some semblance of a run game.

Overall, I think the team should be solid - there is not a chance they will be 4-6 as predicted by someone on the boards.  They won't be going 10-0 but they can be anywhere from 5-5 with the schedule they have to 8-2/9-1 if everything falls in place.  Almost one month left to the season - camp starts next week!

[Bombers798891]

Well I haven't been on the boards in a few weeks/months but I'm back and I bring good news for the Bombers with me.  #23 will be back for the Bombers next year at wideout - marking the 10th (and absolutely final) season for the family on South Hill. 

The team does have its question marks but from what I hear the defense will be legit.  Conti/White are arguably the two best corners in the league and the linebacking core is solid too.  Overall, expectations for the defense are high and they should be one of the best defensive teams in the league.

Offensively there are some holes to fill - especially in the passing game.  Vossler is irreplaceable but Ingrao is legit and should provide an adequate replacement.  In one of the games Vossler didn't play last year, he racked up 100+ yards.  Zappia needs to be replaced but Hendel was neck and neck with him last year before being suspended and losing all momentum.  My thoughts are they will be a similar team on offense but hopefully they can develop some semblance of a run game.

Overall, I think the team should be solid - there is not a chance they will be 4-6 as predicted by someone on the boards.  They won't be going 10-0 but they can be anywhere from 5-5 with the schedule they have to 8-2/9-1 if everything falls in place.  Almost one month left to the season - camp starts next week!

Wow, finally something I can't argue with you on. This feels awkward.

But seriously, that's great news. The Bombers will still have holes to fill on offense next season, but bottom line is they return arguably their best offensive players and one of the best receivers in the conference. Someone else will have to step up so he's not double-teamed all season, but hopefully that happens.

The QB situation feels really odd. I remember Zappia and Hendel being neck and next last summer, but, as good as Zappia was, I feel like it was a wasted year. I know I'm using hindsight, but Hendel couldn't have gotten that team to 6-4? At least then you'd have a little more experience returning on offense.

Instead, Ithaca is now breaking in a new quarterback for the third straight year (Technically, Grastorf started a couple of games in 2008, but you get my drift), and he's going to be throwing to mostly unproven, inexperienced, receivers. If the line doesn't step up, there could be some growing pains.

I don't know if Dan Ruffrage tips the scales of games like Fisher or Salisbury--who I keep hearing great things about, but I think he can do so in some of those other games, like say Union. And it makes it harder for teams like Utica to pull of the upset. I like the offense a lot more than I did 24 hours ago, that's for sure.

[AUSaxons]

Don't forget about Beauford, he displayed solid hands, speed and agility in his time last year. I think he could very easily be the most improved offensive player next season stats wise just because I think they'll throw it to him more in his sophomore campaign.

WR-Though the loss of Thon will hurt, there are several recievers returning with experience. McCloud, Phillips and Beauford all produced last season. There is also a wide reciever, Polino, who was absolutely fantastic on JV last season, I think he could step up and contribute on varsity this season.

I'm high on Phillips (and why not, it was his route that resulted in our only points against Mount Union), but McCloud, while likely the fastest player on the team, seems to have trouble hauling in the ball.  Last year he pulled in likely the longest play from scrimmage when he beat his coverage, but juggled the ball a half dozen times before securing it and running down the sideline.  Tighter coverage and he doesn't get a chance to make that catch.  Then again, he was a converted running back, so that may be indicitive of what we can expect from any of the incoming backs who are trying to land a receiving spot.

[bomber3]

Well I haven't been on the boards in a few weeks/months but I'm back and I bring good news for the Bombers with me.  #23 will be back for the Bombers next year at wideout - marking the 10th (and absolutely final) season for the family on South Hill. 

The team does have its question marks but from what I hear the defense will be legit.  Conti/White are arguably the two best corners in the league and the linebacking core is solid too.  Overall, expectations for the defense are high and they should be one of the best defensive teams in the league.

Offensively there are some holes to fill - especially in the passing game.  Vossler is irreplaceable but Ingrao is legit and should provide an adequate replacement.  In one of the games Vossler didn't play last year, he racked up 100+ yards.  Zappia needs to be replaced but Hendel was neck and neck with him last year before being suspended and losing all momentum.  My thoughts are they will be a similar team on offense but hopefully they can develop some semblance of a run game.

Overall, I think the team should be solid - there is not a chance they will be 4-6 as predicted by someone on the boards.  They won't be going 10-0 but they can be anywhere from 5-5 with the schedule they have to 8-2/9-1 if everything falls in place.  Almost one month left to the season - camp starts next week!

Wow, finally something I can't argue with you on. This feels awkward.

But seriously, that's great news. The Bombers will still have holes to fill on offense next season, but bottom line is they return arguably their best offensive players and one of the best receivers in the conference. Someone else will have to step up so he's not double-teamed all season, but hopefully that happens.

The QB situation feels really odd. I remember Zappia and Hendel being neck and next last summer, but, as good as Zappia was, I feel like it was a wasted year. I know I'm using hindsight, but Hendel couldn't have gotten that team to 6-4? At least then you'd have a little more experience returning on offense.

Instead, Ithaca is now breaking in a new quarterback for the third straight year (Technically, Grastorf started a couple of games in 2008, but you get my drift), and he's going to be throwing to mostly unproven, inexperienced, receivers. If the line doesn't step up, there could be some growing pains.

I don't know if Dan Ruffrage tips the scales of games like Fisher or Salisbury--who I keep hearing great things about, but I think he can do so in some of those other games, like say Union. And it makes it harder for teams like Utica to pull of the upset. I like the offense a lot more than I did 24 hours ago, that's for sure.

Now let's not discredit the one or two other times we have agreed the past 2 years.  We may disagree on a lot of things but deep down we're on the same page. 

Ingrao will be fine on the outside but Andre Jamison will not be returning so someone will need to fill his shoes.  Overall, there are undoubtedly a lot of holes to fill but that is normal in D3.  The program has a strong base and development system that allows players to step right in and produce during their junior and senior seasons.  They graduate and the process repeats itself.

I think the main factor in this team's success is how the offensive line produces.  If they are able to hold their own and provide Hendle some protection (assuming he is the starter), the team should do fine and will win between 7-9 games.  If they can't develop any semblance of a run game and can't protect Hendle long enough to get the ball to his receivers, it could get ugly.  The defense will be fine, special teams will be fine, the QB/wideouts will be fine but the real question lies with the OL. 

[maxpower]

Now let's not discredit the one or two other times we have agreed the past 2 years.  We may disagree on a lot of things but deep down we're on the same page. 

Ingrao will be fine on the outside but Andre Jamison will not be returning so someone will need to fill his shoes.  Overall, there are undoubtedly a lot of holes to fill but that is normal in D3.  The program has a strong base and development system that allows players to step right in and produce during their junior and senior seasons.  They graduate and the process repeats itself.

I think the main factor in this team's success is how the offensive line produces.  If they are able to hold their own and provide Hendle some protection (assuming he is the starter), the team should do fine and will win between 7-9 games.  If they can't develop any semblance of a run game and can't protect Hendle long enough to get the ball to his receivers, it could get ugly.  The defense will be fine, special teams will be fine, the QB/wideouts will be fine but the real question lies with the OL. 

I'm going to go into mourning now. Who knows when I'll be back. If any of you in the Boston area hear the sound of muffled sobbing, you'll know who it is.

[Bombers798891]

Well I haven't been on the boards in a few weeks/months but I'm back and I bring good news for the Bombers with me.  #23 will be back for the Bombers next year at wideout - marking the 10th (and absolutely final) season for the family on South Hill. 

The team does have its question marks but from what I hear the defense will be legit.  Conti/White are arguably the two best corners in the league and the linebacking core is solid too.  Overall, expectations for the defense are high and they should be one of the best defensive teams in the league.

Offensively there are some holes to fill - especially in the passing game.  Vossler is irreplaceable but Ingrao is legit and should provide an adequate replacement.  In one of the games Vossler didn't play last year, he racked up 100+ yards.  Zappia needs to be replaced but Hendel was neck and neck with him last year before being suspended and losing all momentum.  My thoughts are they will be a similar team on offense but hopefully they can develop some semblance of a run game.

Overall, I think the team should be solid - there is not a chance they will be 4-6 as predicted by someone on the boards.  They won't be going 10-0 but they can be anywhere from 5-5 with the schedule they have to 8-2/9-1 if everything falls in place.  Almost one month left to the season - camp starts next week!

Wow, finally something I can't argue with you on. This feels awkward.

But seriously, that's great news. The Bombers will still have holes to fill on offense next season, but bottom line is they return arguably their best offensive players and one of the best receivers in the conference. Someone else will have to step up so he's not double-teamed all season, but hopefully that happens.

The QB situation feels really odd. I remember Zappia and Hendel being neck and next last summer, but, as good as Zappia was, I feel like it was a wasted year. I know I'm using hindsight, but Hendel couldn't have gotten that team to 6-4? At least then you'd have a little more experience returning on offense.

Instead, Ithaca is now breaking in a new quarterback for the third straight year (Technically, Grastorf started a couple of games in 2008, but you get my drift), and he's going to be throwing to mostly unproven, inexperienced, receivers. If the line doesn't step up, there could be some growing pains.

I don't know if Dan Ruffrage tips the scales of games like Fisher or Salisbury--who I keep hearing great things about, but I think he can do so in some of those other games, like say Union. And it makes it harder for teams like Utica to pull of the upset. I like the offense a lot more than I did 24 hours ago, that's for sure.

Ingrao will be fine on the outside but Andre Jamison will not be returning so someone will need to fill his shoes.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Jamison showed flashes of potential, yes but:

4 catches, 104 yards
2 carries, 8 yards

Here's what bugged me about Jamieson. The Bombers offense was pretty average all season. The scored 67 points against their four toughest opponents (Alfred, Springfield, Cortland and Fisher). The Bombers were in a heavy pass-first offense--Zappia threw the ball an average of 36 times a game (not counting sacks and scrambles) and Bombers' RB's carried it 22 times a game. Ithaca's offense completely relied on the pass to score. And yet, Jamieson never sees the field? I don't know what it was, but I can't imagine Ithaca's offense couldn't have used him last season. So where was he?

[bomber3]

Jamison's main contribution was on special teams.  On offense, they will miss Vossler, Higgins, Crandall, and others alot more than him but he was solid in both the punt and kick return games.  He was not a star by any means but he was another weapon teams needed to account for. 

[Cardinal Pride]

Hello,  I would just like to introduce myself to the board.  I have been reading the posts on this forum for awhile now and decided to join in.  My son will be a member of the Cardinal football team this year.  I have been bringing him to home games and Fisher camps for years so I guess this was bound to be his choice.  I probably won't post alot because I have noticed that there are far more knowledgable fans on this board than me.  I enjoy the insight many of you have regarding the game as well as the league.   I can't wait for the season to begin.

[Frank Rossi]

Welcome, CP, and best of luck to your son.  Overall, this year looks to be a weaker year for SJF -- weaker than the last six probably -- as the E8 balance has gotten stronger.  That said, SJF knows how to win, and the program is still an example of how tough scheduling and good management can combine toward success.  Your son chose very well.