FB: Empire 8

[sjfcards]

sorry guys, no disrespect, just going short when i type, so i will use fisher from now on.

No worries. You are not the first or the last...

[sjfcards]

So what do people think of the AU/IC game this weekend? The game is at IC, and Ithaca has a lot to play for, but AU needs a win as well. I don't think either team saw this game the way it has played out.

[Yanks 99]

So what do people think of the AU/IC game this weekend? The game is at IC, and Ithaca has a lot to play for, but AU needs a win as well. I don't think either team saw this game the way it has played out.

I am going to go with Ithaca on this one.  Maybe more because I am actually pulling for them.  Let's face it...to me anyways, the Empire 8 and the East Region are better when Ithaca is better.  That doesn't mean I want them to win every game...it doesn't mean that I wouldn't want Hartwick to monkey stomp them every single year until the day I take a dirt nap.  But a relevant Ithaca...one with 40+ years of winning seasons...is better for all of us.

[Bombers798891]

So what do people think of the AU/IC game this weekend? The game is at IC, and Ithaca has a lot to play for, but AU needs a win as well. I don't think either team saw this game the way it has played out.

Call me crazy, but I like IC in this one. The Bombers' defense is much better on grass and Alfred is pretty horrible up here. Bombers 17-13.

Ithaca's problems are well-documented and pretty easy to spot, but what in the heck is wrong with Alfred? Look, I know they lost some wideouts, but Secky had been having a terrible year. And the defense is sort of a train wreck. Why have they struggled?

[AUKaz00]

Ithaca's problems are well-documented and pretty easy to spot, but what in the heck is wrong with Alfred? Look, I know they lost some wideouts, but Secky had been having a terrible year. And the defense is sort of a train wreck. Why have they struggled?

I think it's the opposite end of everything we experienced last year - luck, confidence, big plays and turnovers.  It's just the other end of the wheel of fortune in 2011.  The things we focused on during the offseason and highlighted in Kickoff - offensive line and receiving corps - have never gelled and subsequently the offense has looked like they did in Alliance a number of times this year.  The Salisbury game is a perfect example: defensive stop to open the game, but couldn't hang on for the first down on third down; Salisbury scores and a wide open Saxon reciever couldn't haul in the deep ball; Salisbury scored again, muffed punt and Salisbury went up 21-0.  From there it seemed like the team went through the motions the rest of the game with passes being bounced and dropped, miscues and turnovers.  It's unfortunate, but really last year all the breaks went the Saxons' way with OOC losses, a gift home playoff game and a winnable second round game.  We'll have our day in the sun again, even if we have to wait another 30 years...

[Bombers798891]

BTW, is Secky hurt?

[AUKaz00]

BTW, is Secky hurt?

Well, he certainly hurt something at Fisher, but I think with all the school records in hand and playoffs out of reach, Kilcarr is getting the chance to start after backing up Secky for all four years.

[Bombers798891]

BTW, is Secky hurt?

Well, he certainly hurt something at Fisher, but I think with all the school records in hand and playoffs out of reach, Kilcarr is getting the chance to start after backing up Secky for all four years.

That's an interesting move. Here's something I've wondered, and I'm not trying to start something, but it's been bugging me. Didn't Secky pick up an unsportsmanlike penalty against Salisbury on his last play of that game? Maybe I'm wrong, but I could have sworn I saw that posted. Is it possible him not playing was started by that? Or, maybe, in another out there idea, that the coaches honestly think Kilcarr is the best option? Secky's last three starts were basically one mediocre performance and two train wrecks.

IDK, I'm not trying to paint Secky as a troublemaker or a bum. I mean, yeah, it's nice to reward your long-time backup. That seems like exactly the Alfred thing to do.

But the more I think about it, the more I feel like there has to be something there. It just seems a bit strange for your four-year, record-breaking starter to be on the sidelines if everything is copacetic—especially for multiple games. I could understand doing something like having them alternate series during the final game of the season, which happens to be at home.

I mean, don't get me wrong, It's great for Kilcarr to get his experience, but what about Secky's? Do you want his last experience at Alfred football to be a 69-0 whitewash at home to Salisbury? I can't imagine that's the note they'd want him to go out on (if they can help it).

[AUKaz00]

Well, there certainly was a penalty at the end of Alfred's last drive in the 3rd quarter, but as cold and miserable as that day was I couldn't tell you who it was on.  When the offense came back out in the 4th, Kilcarr was in and it seemed appropriate as did the start at Frostburg.  They both are captains, which is an honor bestowed on them by their teammates, so perhaps it's as simple as the team making the decision on who should start.  If I knew what the rationale was, I probably wouldn't say anyway.

[sjfcards]

BTW, is Secky hurt?

Well, he certainly hurt something at Fisher, but I think with all the school records in hand and playoffs out of reach, Kilcarr is getting the chance to start after backing up Secky for all four years.

That's an interesting move. Here's something I've wondered, and I'm not trying to start something, but it's been bugging me. Didn't Secky pick up an unsportsmanlike penalty against Salisbury on his last play of that game? Maybe I'm wrong, but I could have sworn I saw that posted. Is it possible him not playing was started by that? Or, maybe, in another out there idea, that the coaches honestly think Kilcarr is the best option? Secky's last three starts were basically one mediocre performance and two train wrecks.

IDK, I'm not trying to paint Secky as a troublemaker or a bum. I mean, yeah, it's nice to reward your long-time backup. That seems like exactly the Alfred thing to do.

But the more I think about it, the more I feel like there has to be something there. It just seems a bit strange for your four-year, record-breaking starter to be on the sidelines if everything is copacetic—especially for multiple games. I could understand doing something like having them alternate series during the final game of the season, which happens to be at home.

I mean, don't get me wrong, It's great for Kilcarr to get his experience, but what about Secky's? Do you want his last experience at Alfred football to be a 69-0 whitewash at home to Salisbury? I can't imagine that's the note they'd want him to go out on (if they can help it).

I have no idea why it is going the way it is going, but I would imagine Kilcarr has been the top option the last few weeks because he is a very capable backup, and the Starter was not having as great of a year. Two years ago when Secky had to leave the game against Fisher, I was really impressed by Kilcarr's composure and ability to move the ball. My guess would be when Secky started to struggle, Kilcarr gave AU a better chance to win week in and week out.

If we were to pick apart why Secky is struggling that is another conversation, but is unfortunate that after all Secky has done in a Saxon uniform that he struggled this year. Happy to see Kilcarr get his shot after sitting behind Secky for so long.

[sjfcards]

So what do people think of the AU/IC game this weekend? The game is at IC, and Ithaca has a lot to play for, but AU needs a win as well. I don't think either team saw this game the way it has played out.

I am going to go with Ithaca on this one.  Maybe more because I am actually pulling for them.  Let's face it...to me anyways, the Empire 8 and the East Region are better when Ithaca is better.  That doesn't mean I want them to win every game...it doesn't mean that I wouldn't want Hartwick to monkey stomp them every single year until the day I take a dirt nap.  But a relevant Ithaca...one with 40+ years of winning seasons...is better for all of us.

I agree that upstate football is better when Ithaca is good. Even if they are the team that you love to hate. I am pulling for IC this year simply because it makes Cortaca a much more interesting game. The game will be fun either way, but if IC is playing for the streak that would be fun story line to the game.

[wesleydad]

it is wednesday, time for game talk.  what chance does fisher have of stopping salisbury from steamrolling the E8?  adding them and frostburg to keep the AQ seemed like a good idea at the time, but did anyone think that salisbury would win the league?  I am looking forward to this game and hope it is a good one.

[Bombers798891]

So what do people think of the AU/IC game this weekend? The game is at IC, and Ithaca has a lot to play for, but AU needs a win as well. I don't think either team saw this game the way it has played out.

I am going to go with Ithaca on this one.  Maybe more because I am actually pulling for them.  Let's face it...to me anyways, the Empire 8 and the East Region are better when Ithaca is better.  That doesn't mean I want them to win every game...it doesn't mean that I wouldn't want Hartwick to monkey stomp them every single year until the day I take a dirt nap.  But a relevant Ithaca...one with 40+ years of winning seasons...is better for all of us.

I agree that upstate football is better when Ithaca is good. Even if they are the team that you love to hate. I am pulling for IC this year simply because it makes Cortaca a much more interesting game. The game will be fun either way, but if IC is playing for the streak that would be fun story line to the game.

I agree. The streak on the line makes it compelling

[Bombers798891]

it is wednesday, time for game talk.  what chance does fisher have of stopping salisbury from steamrolling the E8?  adding them and frostburg to keep the AQ seemed like a good idea at the time, but did anyone think that salisbury would win the league? I am looking forward to this game and hope it is a good one.

I believe Brian Delaney, who covered the E8 in Kickoff, called it. Salisbury finished 2nd in the E8 preseason poll behind Alfred, who was a pretty overwhelming #1

[AUPepBand]

BTW, is Secky hurt?

Well, he certainly hurt something at Fisher, but I think with all the school records in hand and playoffs out of reach, Kilcarr is getting the chance to start after backing up Secky for all four years.

That's an interesting move. Here's something I've wondered, and I'm not trying to start something, but it's been bugging me. Didn't Secky pick up an unsportsmanlike penalty against Salisbury on his last play of that game? Maybe I'm wrong, but I could have sworn I saw that posted. Is it possible him not playing was started by that? Or, maybe, in another out there idea, that the coaches honestly think Kilcarr is the best option? Secky's last three starts were basically one mediocre performance and two train wrecks.

IDK, I'm not trying to paint Secky as a troublemaker or a bum. I mean, yeah, it's nice to reward your long-time backup. That seems like exactly the Alfred thing to do.

But the more I think about it, the more I feel like there has to be something there. It just seems a bit strange for your four-year, record-breaking starter to be on the sidelines if everything is copacetic—especially for multiple games. I could understand doing something like having them alternate series during the final game of the season, which happens to be at home.

I mean, don't get me wrong, It's great for Kilcarr to get his experience, but what about Secky's? Do you want his last experience at Alfred football to be a 69-0 whitewash at home to Salisbury? I can't imagine that's the note they'd want him to go out on (if they can help it).

I have no idea why it is going the way it is going, but I would imagine Kilcarr has been the top option the last few weeks because he is a very capable backup, and the Starter was not having as great of a year. Two years ago when Secky had to leave the game against Fisher, I was really impressed by Kilcarr's composure and ability to move the ball. My guess would be when Secky started to struggle, Kilcarr gave AU a better chance to win week in and week out.

If we were to pick apart why Secky is struggling that is another conversation, but is unfortunate that after all Secky has done in a Saxon uniform that he struggled this year. Happy to see Kilcarr get his shot after sitting behind Secky for so long.

Pep has been thinking a lot about the QB Situation. Here's Pep's take. (Take it or leave it.)

When Secky enrolled at AU, Pep was thrilled that a top-notch QB was coming in to follow in Keeley's footsteps. When Pep expressed his delight to one of the assistant coaches, Pep was informed that AU was also getting a top-notch QB from Clarkstown South (near the Tappan Zee Bridge) who would push Secky. That became apparent in 2009 when Secky was injured in the first half at Growney and Kilcarr led the Saxons to triumph. Kilcarr followed that up the next week with a win over UR before returning to his back-up role.

Fast forward to 2011. Saxon O-line, decimated by graduation, nevertheless started strong against RPI and SLU. But as time goes on, more is revealed. Opponents discover a team's weakness and exploit it. Secky already has re-written the Saxon record books. But his first three seasons were behind an O-line that operated like the Secret Service. Sacks were unacceptable. When there was some pressure, Secky could throw in Thon's direction and know that he had a good chance of getting a completion. Secky hasn't had that luxury in 2011. His strength is his arm as a pocket passer. With the Secret Service still in operation and Thon still running routes, this discussion doesn't happen.

Sans Secret Service, Pep believes the coaching staff sees AU's best chance of winning is to have a more mobile QB who can turn would-be sacks into 5-yard gains. That's a strength of the smaller but equally competitive Kilcarr. Watching Kilcarr operate reminds Pep of standout Saxon QB Lance Locey, who together with tailback Ray Rogers, ran the option back in 1988-1990. Locey, also a lax standout at AU, once told Pep that he loved taking hits. Not sure whether Kilcarr enjoys taking hits like Locey, but seems to bounce right back every time.

Pep predicts a field goal extravaganza at ButterField Saterday as neither offense is able to muster much of an attack. Rogowsky versus Rockwood. AU gets a 6-3 OT thriller, its first win on South Hill since 1982.

On Saxon Warriors!