FB: Empire 8

[boobyhasgameyo]

Tim...Bailey.  Single greatest reason our offense has struggled so mightily.  We have two of the best wide receivers in the eastern region in my opinion and they are severely underutilized in this offense.  Ryan Francis is probably the most talented wide receiver since Noah Fehrenbach but you wouldn't know it because Fisher only believes in running screen passes apparently.  The offensive line isn't as great as last year but they aren't terrible either.  My God do I miss the vertical passing game. 

[Bombers798891]

The most shocking stat I heard, considering the history of the position:

IC's tight ends this season have one catch for -2 yards. How is that even possible?

[dlippiel]

Tim...Bailey.  Single greatest reason our offense has struggled so mightily.  We have two of the best wide receivers in the eastern region in my opinion and they are severely underutilized in this offense.  Ryan Francis is probably the most talented wide receiver since Noah Fehrenbach but you wouldn't know it because Fisher only believes in running screen passes apparently.  The offensive line isn't as great as last year but they aren't terrible either.  My God do I miss the vertical passing game.

Maybe they are just trying the ease Kramer into the position? Watching the Alfred game (until Yo Gabba Gabba) dlip felt Kramer was/would be quite capable of throwing the ball out there some more. It would be challenging to go from Tim Bailey to anyone though ya know.

[Bombers798891]

Tim...Bailey.  Single greatest reason our offense has struggled so mightily.  We have two of the best wide receivers in the eastern region in my opinion and they are severely underutilized in this offense.  Ryan Francis is probably the most talented wide receiver since Noah Fehrenbach but you wouldn't know it because Fisher only believes in running screen passes apparently.  The offensive line isn't as great as last year but they aren't terrible either.  My God do I miss the vertical passing game.

Maybe they are just trying the ease Kramer into the position? Watching the Alfred game (until Yo Gabba Gabba) dlip felt Kramer was/would be quite capable of throwing the ball out there some more. It would be challenging to go from Tim Bailey to anyone though ya know.

Is it also possible the offensive line has been an issue? Borum's YPC has dropped from 4.6 to 3.8, (as a team, Fisher has gone from 4.5 to 3.7) and Fisher's only got 2 rushing touchdowns this season, after 26 a year before. Could the quick screens be a way to attempt to work around weaker line play?

[sjfcards]

Tim...Bailey.  Single greatest reason our offense has struggled so mightily.  We have two of the best wide receivers in the eastern region in my opinion and they are severely underutilized in this offense.  Ryan Francis is probably the most talented wide receiver since Noah Fehrenbach but you wouldn't know it because Fisher only believes in running screen passes apparently.  The offensive line isn't as great as last year but they aren't terrible either.  My God do I miss the vertical passing game.

Maybe they are just trying the ease Kramer into the position? Watching the Alfred game (until Yo Gabba Gabba) dlip felt Kramer was/would be quite capable of throwing the ball out there some more. It would be challenging to go from Tim Bailey to anyone though ya know.

Is it also possible the offensive line has been an issue? Borum's YPC has dropped from 4.6 to 3.8, (as a team, Fisher has gone from 4.5 to 3.7) and Fisher's only got 2 rushing touchdowns this season, after 26 a year before. Could the quick screens be a way to attempt to work around weaker line play?

Fisher has done that in the past. Short passes to supplement a run game, but I think that strategy only works if you have some threat of a verticle passing game. Otherwise, defenses can just pack the box, and even if the run/screen passes are executed you are looking at short gains.

What I am surprised with is that with Borum's size and strength, that he does not carry the ball more. It would seem like they would want to make sure they made it a point to get the ball to him at least 20 times a game. 12 carries against AU (Kramer had 14). The #2 back (Miller) had 6. I don't know what Fisher has at backup for QB, but I would almost rather see Fisher use a big arm QB, line Kramer up with Borum in the backfield, and do some direct snaps to make sure Kramer touches the ball as much as possible.

Maybe what Fisher should do is adopt the Salisbury/SC offense while Kramer is under center.

[SJFF82]

Tim...Bailey.  Single greatest reason our offense has struggled so mightily.  We have two of the best wide receivers in the eastern region in my opinion and they are severely underutilized in this offense.  Ryan Francis is probably the most talented wide receiver since Noah Fehrenbach but you wouldn't know it because Fisher only believes in running screen passes apparently.  The offensive line isn't as great as last year but they aren't terrible either.  My God do I miss the vertical passing game.

Maybe they are just trying the ease Kramer into the position? Watching the Alfred game (until Yo Gabba Gabba) dlip felt Kramer was/would be quite capable of throwing the ball out there some more. It would be challenging to go from Tim Bailey to anyone though ya know.

Is it also possible the offensive line has been an issue? Borum's YPC has dropped from 4.6 to 3.8, (as a team, Fisher has gone from 4.5 to 3.7) and Fisher's only got 2 rushing touchdowns this season, after 26 a year before. Could the quick screens be a way to attempt to work around weaker line play?

Fisher has done that in the past. Short passes to supplement a run game, but I think that strategy only works if you have some threat of a verticle passing game. Otherwise, defenses can just pack the box, and even if the run/screen passes are executed you are looking at short gains.

What I am surprised with is that with Borum's size and strength, that he does not carry the ball more. It would seem like they would want to make sure they made it a point to get the ball to him at least 20 times a game. 12 carries against AU (Kramer had 14). The #2 back (Miller) had 6. I don't know what Fisher has at backup for QB, but I would almost rather see Fisher use a big arm QB, line Kramer up with Borum in the backfield, and do some direct snaps to make sure Kramer touches the ball as much as possible.

Maybe what Fisher should do is adopt the Salisbury/SC offense while Kramer is under center.

See 1st play from scrimmage for SJF against AU:  direct snap to Kramer in the backfield, off a helmet....fumblerooskie...you were right in the 1st instance though about giving the ball to Borum.

I dont know  why they dont so I am  assuming the coaches rightfully know why they dont.  He does fumble, so maybe that is the reason.  Radio color guy Montemurno whom I know studies the film and goes to practices has been calling for him to get the ball more, so there is some credible basis for your position.

[AUKaz00]

Finally back on the board.  Always tough to watch your team lose, especially when you make the trip to an away game.  But, alas, the Fisher D-Line was nothing short of dominant against Alfred.  That allowed them to routinely drop 8 and resulted in many of the interceptions as a linebacker was waiting for an ill-advised pass.  Tough game to watch for both sides until the end when Fisher finally made Alfred pay for all those miscues.  A game full of gut-punches for the Saxon faithful.  Here's to better weather and better football for Homecoming.  On Saxon Warriors!!!

[Bombers798891]

Thoughts on this weekend's upcoming games.

Fisher-IC: I think this game will be close, as neither offense seems capable of putting up a ton of points consistently (Rochester and Union are looking more and more like the exception rather than the rule for these two teams offenses) and both teams will force turnovers. Key questions: Can Hendel avoid turnovers against a team that picked off Secky four times? Can Conti and White shut down Schmidt and Francis? Is Will Carter going to play for the Bombers and help stabilize the defense? Who wins the special teams battle?

Prediction: Fisher 27, IC 14. Bombers hang around, but the streak continues

Springfield-Salisbury: Flip a coin, because honestly, I have no clue how to tell the teams apart. I'm leaning towards Salisbury at home, but this one could go either way.

Salisbury 34, Springfield 31

Frostburg-Wesley/Team Boltus-Alfred: Putting these two together because I think it's the same situation: An overmatched team that will probably get blown out. Sorry Yanks.

Wesley 56, Frostburg 10. Alfred 35, Wick 7

Utica-RPI: The Pioneers get a break from E8 play thankfully, but Utica's defense is simply getting ripped apart. RPI strikes another blow for the LL

RPi 49, Utica 27

[Cardinal Pride]

Tim...Bailey.  Single greatest reason our offense has struggled so mightily.  We have two of the best wide receivers in the eastern region in my opinion and they are severely underutilized in this offense.  Ryan Francis is probably the most talented wide receiver since Noah Fehrenbach but you wouldn't know it because Fisher only believes in running screen passes apparently.  The offensive line isn't as great as last year but they aren't terrible either.  My God do I miss the vertical passing game.

Maybe they are just trying the ease Kramer into the position? Watching the Alfred game (until Yo Gabba Gabba) dlip felt Kramer was/would be quite capable of throwing the ball out there some more. It would be challenging to go from Tim Bailey to anyone though ya know.

Is it also possible the offensive line has been an issue? Borum's YPC has dropped from 4.6 to 3.8, (as a team, Fisher has gone from 4.5 to 3.7) and Fisher's only got 2 rushing touchdowns this season, after 26 a year before. Could the quick screens be a way to attempt to work around weaker line play?

Fisher has done that in the past. Short passes to supplement a run game, but I think that strategy only works if you have some threat of a verticle passing game. Otherwise, defenses can just pack the box, and even if the run/screen passes are executed you are looking at short gains.

What I am surprised with is that with Borum's size and strength, that he does not carry the ball more. It would seem like they would want to make sure they made it a point to get the ball to him at least 20 times a game. 12 carries against AU (Kramer had 14). The #2 back (Miller) had 6. I don't know what Fisher has at backup for QB, but I would almost rather see Fisher use a big arm QB, line Kramer up with Borum in the backfield, and do some direct snaps to make sure Kramer touches the ball as much as possible.

Maybe what Fisher should do is adopt the Salisbury/SC offense while Kramer is under center.

I have watched every game and I just don't think that Borum is hitting the line with any force or aggression. He seems to almost shuffle to the line and dive into a percieved gap and drives for 2 or 3  yards. In my opinion if he would take the ball a hit the whole accelerating he would turn those runs into 4 and 5 yard carries.  Maybe the coaches see the same thing.

[Old IC Voice]

Updated E8 rankings after Saturday.

1) Salisbury: The new top dog in the conference following their offensive outburst against Utica. It's no secret that this team can put up the points, but can they beat a team with a similar option attack in Springfield, something they may not see again all year?
2) SJF: Big leap for the Cardinals after one of the more impressive wins by an E8 team this season. A sixth consecutive win over Ithaca (and GOD, does that thought make me sick as an IC alum) and a Salisbury loss, and suddenly, this team may go from #4 to #1 in the conference in the span of two weeks.
3) Alfred: Tough setback for the Saxons, but not one they can't recover from. Two second-half turnovers gave the Cardinals a short field and led to the two decisive touchdowns in a game that was otherwise pretty even statistically. They get what should be an easy win in Hartwick this coming weekend.
4) Springfield: Others are more impressed with Springfield than I am. In my eyes, they haven't beaten anyone of note, and their defense allowed 21 points to a 1-4 team last week. In their one game against a capable opponent, Alfred ran for 232 yards. That's not a good sign for a team looking to stop Salisbury's lethal option attack.
5) Ithaca: As I said a few days ago, without Ruffrage's big day and Conti's game-ending pick-six, Ithaca may have lost Saturday at Hartwick. The Cage has been a longtime nemesis for the Bombers, and they get another one this week when SJF comes to the South Hill.
6) Frostburg State: Nothing changes after the bye week. Unfortunately, that includes their opponent this week, regional power Wesley.
7) Utica: The Pioneers put up 45 points against what was thought to be a respectable Salisbury defense. The only problem? They gave up 70. Their game Saturday should be a good one, though, as they get an RPI team that hasn't allowed fewer than 21 points in a game through four weeks.
8) Hartwick: Some will say they should have defeated the Bombers Saturday, and I'll oblige that the argument is there. I say it's more due to the Cage getting into IC's head, and that they need to play their best game of the season to keep this week's game at Alfred within reach.

[Saxon73]

Looks like it's Fisher-Salisbury may be the game to decide the E8.

I don't know if I would say that yet. AU still has to play Salisbury, and with that Fisher offense a team that can manage to put up some points (UC, Springfield, Salisbury) maybe give them a lot of trouble. Fisher still has a lot of work to do on the offensive side of the ball. I am really worried about that Salisbury game for Fisher. On the road, against a quirky offense, a big physical team, at the end of the season without a bye week. Yikes!! I was really happy to see the Fisher offense move the ball and get scores in the second half, when they needed them. I would still like to see more use of Borum, and less of the offense where we get the ball to Kramer and let him run around until someone breaks open.

I think after a few games in conference we are looking at a scenario that Kickoff sort of predicted. Maybe no one goes undefeated in league play, and the AQ decision is made deeper into the tie breakers than in years past. Would anyone be shocked if Fisher lost to Salisbury, but then Salisbury lost to AU? Throw a Springfield team that has had some success against Fisher in the past, and you have a real interesting race for that AQ.

Unfortunately, I can't help being analytical in nature.  Further research shows Salisbury beat Christopher Newport in the last minute, Chris-New lost to Stevenson narrowly, and Stevenson (a first year program) was decimated by Wilkes, Leb Valley and DelValley.  Still respecting Sal's 4-0 record something seems afoot    (yes a retired AU engineer)

sjfcards,  very well put,  you summarized where I was going in my step by step approach and have stated it probably better than I would have 

[Saxon73]

Methinks next weekend's matchup of Salisbury vs Springfield will be a game to watch.  Difficulties in handling these offenses should be a concern to each team still to play either.

Sorry, meant to include this previous post also

[drt]

Thoughts on this weekend's upcoming games.

Fisher-IC: I think this game will be close, as neither offense seems capable of putting up a ton of points consistently (Rochester and Union are looking more and more like the exception rather than the rule for these two teams offenses) and both teams will force turnovers. Key questions: Can Hendel avoid turnovers against a team that picked off Secky four times? Can Conti and White shut down Schmidt and Francis? Is Will Carter going to play for the Bombers and help stabilize the defense? Who wins the special teams battle?

Prediction: Fisher 27, IC 14. Bombers hang around, but the streak continues

Springfield-Salisbury: Flip a coin, because honestly, I have no clue how to tell the teams apart. I'm leaning towards Salisbury at home, but this one could go either way.

Salisbury 34, Springfield 31

Frostburg-Wesley/Team Boltus-Alfred: Putting these two together because I think it's the same situation: An overmatched team that will probably get blown out. Sorry Yanks.

Wesley 56, Frostburg 10. Alfred 35, Wick 7

Utica-RPI: The Pioneers get a break from E8 play thankfully, but Utica's defense is simply getting ripped apart. RPI strikes another blow for the LL

RPi 49, Utica 27

I'm interested in what RPI's D brings to the table that Salisbury didn't.

[Bombers798891]

Thoughts on this weekend's upcoming games.

Fisher-IC: I think this game will be close, as neither offense seems capable of putting up a ton of points consistently (Rochester and Union are looking more and more like the exception rather than the rule for these two teams offenses) and both teams will force turnovers. Key questions: Can Hendel avoid turnovers against a team that picked off Secky four times? Can Conti and White shut down Schmidt and Francis? Is Will Carter going to play for the Bombers and help stabilize the defense? Who wins the special teams battle?

Prediction: Fisher 27, IC 14. Bombers hang around, but the streak continues

Springfield-Salisbury: Flip a coin, because honestly, I have no clue how to tell the teams apart. I'm leaning towards Salisbury at home, but this one could go either way.

Salisbury 34, Springfield 31

Frostburg-Wesley/Team Boltus-Alfred: Putting these two together because I think it's the same situation: An overmatched team that will probably get blown out. Sorry Yanks.

Wesley 56, Frostburg 10. Alfred 35, Wick 7

Utica-RPI: The Pioneers get a break from E8 play thankfully, but Utica's defense is simply getting ripped apart. RPI strikes another blow for the LL

RPi 49, Utica 27

I'm interested in what RPI's D brings to the table that Salisbury didn't.

What did Union's or Forstburg's? Both of those teams held Utica to less, but we'd probably put the Sea Gulls ahead of them. Maybe 49-37 is closer. But I think RPI wins it

[sjfcards]

Updated E8 rankings after Saturday.

1) Salisbury: The new top dog in the conference following their offensive outburst against Utica. It's no secret that this team can put up the points, but can they beat a team with a similar option attack in Springfield, something they may not see again all year?
2) SJF: Big leap for the Cardinals after one of the more impressive wins by an E8 team this season. A sixth consecutive win over Ithaca (and GOD, does that thought make me sick as an IC alum) and a Salisbury loss, and suddenly, this team may go from #4 to #1 in the conference in the span of two weeks.
3) Alfred: Tough setback for the Saxons, but not one they can't recover from. Two second-half turnovers gave the Cardinals a short field and led to the two decisive touchdowns in a game that was otherwise pretty even statistically. They get what should be an easy win in Hartwick this coming weekend.
4) Springfield: Others are more impressed with Springfield than I am. In my eyes, they haven't beaten anyone of note, and their defense allowed 21 points to a 1-4 team last week. In their one game against a capable opponent, Alfred ran for 232 yards. That's not a good sign for a team looking to stop Salisbury's lethal option attack.
5) Ithaca: As I said a few days ago, without Ruffrage's big day and Conti's game-ending pick-six, Ithaca may have lost Saturday at Hartwick. The Cage has been a longtime nemesis for the Bombers, and they get another one this week when SJF comes to the South Hill.
6) Frostburg State: Nothing changes after the bye week. Unfortunately, that includes their opponent this week, regional power Wesley.
7) Utica: The Pioneers put up 45 points against what was thought to be a respectable Salisbury defense. The only problem? They gave up 70. Their game Saturday should be a good one, though, as they get an RPI team that hasn't allowed fewer than 21 points in a game through four weeks.
8) Hartwick: Some will say they should have defeated the Bombers Saturday, and I'll oblige that the argument is there. I say it's more due to the Cage getting into IC's head, and that they need to play their best game of the season to keep this week's game at Alfred within reach.

Judging by how often these rankings have changed over the past several weeks it appears that the E8 has a really tight group of teams from #1 to lets say #5/6 ( I am still counting Utica in the mix, but maybe I should stop). I was talking with a friend yesterday about if that is a good thing or a bad thing? Would it be better for the E8 to have one team way above everyone else, and then a solid group behind that team, as far as getting multiple teams into the playoffs? If the E8 had a team like Rowan used to be would that help a one loss team that finishes in second get in? I don't know if having a really competitive conference where everyone loses a game like we have had in the E8 for a while is helping or hurting the conference as a whole.