FB: Empire 8

[AUPepBand]

One more note about the Buff St game. I noticed several posts mentioning chartered plane rides to Wisconsin. The fact of the matter is they went by bus.  The only reason I bring it up, is I think it makes there achievement even more impressive factoring in a 12 hour bus ride.

You are right. Mis-infrormation on my part. Hopefully that doesnt take away from the monumenmtal win and what those boy accomplished this weekend!!

Im glad to see that my mistake has brought another Buff State fan to these boards. It's been lonely being the only BENGALS voice (with an occassional shout out by "Upstate") on these boards. Hope to see more posts from you Buffdad!!!!

Yes Bengalsrule, my son's a freshman on the team so I'll be around for awhile. The excitement from the game made we search around for forums like this to see what the talk was about Buffalo St. and it's future.

Glad you found us -- one thing I noticed this weekend was that the players were very much up on the site but not sure all the adults were. A member of the traveling party thought I worked for UWW, then thought I could get the highlights on SportsCenter. Wish I had that power.

+1 on glad you found these boards. I've been an active participant on the basketball side for yerars but just ventured to football this season! Don't be intimidated by all the St. John Fisher fans on these boards . And keep recruiting the BENGAL faithful! (P.s...My son graduated from Buff State in 2009).

As far as Pat Coleman /ESPN....All in due time Pat...all in due time!!!!!!

When Pep joined this forum years ago, the Empire8 thread was dominated by Ithaca posters, as was the E8. After Fisher's nice playoff run last year, it's been Fisher posters. Now Pep finds it refreshing to see a page on this forum with neither Ithaca nor Fisher posters. What's that about? Posting on this forum, however, has only increased Pep's love for D3 football and through it Pep has gotten acquainted with fans of the Saxons' opponents. Glad to have Buffalo State faithful aboard and getting exited about Saterday's game at Coyer Field.

On Saxon Warriors!

[Bengalsrule]

When Pep joined this forum years ago, the Empire8 thread was dominated by Ithaca posters, as was the E8. After Fisher's nice playoff run last year, it's been Fisher posters. Now Pep finds it refreshing to see a page on this forum with neither Ithaca nor Fisher posters. What's that about? Posting on this forum, however, has only increased Pep's love for D3 football and through it Pep has gotten acquainted with fans of the Saxons' opponents. Glad to have Buffalo State faithful aboard and getting exited about Saterday's game at Coyer Field.

On Saxon Warriors!

Glad to be on board! Hopefully the BENGALS can match or exceed the success of other E8 teams. Will you be joining us at Coyer Field this Sat???

[wesleydad]

well since the topic seems to have continued here, I will respond to the UWW folks who have come on here.  I will apologize for my broad brush comment about UWW posters being pompous and arrogant, as you have stated it brings some into it that do not deserve such a lable, emma and 413, you would be in that category.  I can not recall if I was posting in 2005 so I dont know if I was involved in that situation.  In the end, as Pat has stated my description is not over the top when it comes to any discussion between Wesley and UWW.  I have no issues with many of you and have met some of you at the Stagg Bowl and had some good discussions about football.  The shoe incident is a non issue and I could care less about the cannon.  I am a fan of fun atmosphere at a stadium and will say that I had a great time at UWW when they defeated Wesley somthing to 7 in the playoffs, my son caught the only TD for Wesley.  I, unlike many posters on many of these sites who only follow their team, pay attention to the entire country and have a good idea about many teams.  Check out my travel intinerary last year.  These fine folk on the E8 website are some of the most knowledgable that I have talked to in recent years.  Good luck the rest of the year and hopefully we will meet again down the road.  I know I will be in Salem again this year, Wesley playing or not.  I am a fan of D3 football.

ps, checked my status and I did not register until Sept of 07.

[footballfan413]

well since the topic seems to have continued here, I will respond to the UWW folks who have come on here.  I will apologize for my broad brush comment about UWW posters being pompous and arrogant, as you have stated it brings some into it that do not deserve such a lable, emma and 413, you would be in that category.  I can not recall if I was posting in 2005 so I dont know if I was involved in that situation.  In the end, as Pat has stated my description is not over the top when it comes to any discussion between Wesley and UWW.  I have no issues with many of you and have met some of you at the Stagg Bowl and had some good discussions about football.  The shoe incident is a non issue and I could care less about the cannon.  I am a fan of fun atmosphere at a stadium and will say that I had a great time at UWW when they defeated Wesley somthing to 7 in the playoffs, my son caught the only TD for Wesley.  I, unlike many posters on many of these sites who only follow their team, pay attention to the entire country and have a good idea about many teams.  Check out my travel intinerary last year.  These fine folk on the E8 website are some of the most knowledgable that I have talked to in recent years.  Good luck the rest of the year and hopefully we will meet again down the road.  I know I will be in Salem again this year, Wesley playing or not.  I am a fan of D3 football.

ps, checked my status and I did not register until Sept of 07.

Now this is some hatchet burying I can get behind.  Apology accepted.  Please accept mine as well. Like I said, I will keep Pat's suggestion in mind.   And sorry to the E8 board for sidetracking it in this manner. BS's huge win over the Warhawks deserves to be center stage.  Congrats again!   

[AUPepBand]

When Pep joined this forum years ago, the Empire8 thread was dominated by Ithaca posters, as was the E8. After Fisher's nice playoff run last year, it's been Fisher posters. Now Pep finds it refreshing to see a page on this forum with neither Ithaca nor Fisher posters. What's that about? Posting on this forum, however, has only increased Pep's love for D3 football and through it Pep has gotten acquainted with fans of the Saxons' opponents. Glad to have Buffalo State faithful aboard and getting exited about Saterday's game at Coyer Field.

On Saxon Warriors!

Glad to be on board! Hopefully the BENGALS can match or exceed the success of other E8 teams. Will you be joining us at Coyer Field this Sat???

Plans are that Pep WILL be at Coyer Field this Saturday and will likely be surrounded by a band of Saxon fans armed with instruments!

GO A-U!!

[AUPepBand]

An AU All-American football player is still making plays. Here's a cool story about Brian Keefer, former Saxon strong safety:

http://www.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/610233/Keefer-s-Shaggy-Mop-Will-Be-Removed-For-Worthy-Cause.html?nav=5019

On Saxon Warriors!

[emma17]

well since the topic seems to have continued here, I will respond to the UWW folks who have come on here.  I will apologize for my broad brush comment about UWW posters being pompous and arrogant, as you have stated it brings some into it that do not deserve such a lable, emma and 413, you would be in that category.  I can not recall if I was posting in 2005 so I dont know if I was involved in that situation.  In the end, as Pat has stated my description is not over the top when it comes to any discussion between Wesley and UWW.  I have no issues with many of you and have met some of you at the Stagg Bowl and had some good discussions about football.  The shoe incident is a non issue and I could care less about the cannon.  I am a fan of fun atmosphere at a stadium and will say that I had a great time at UWW when they defeated Wesley somthing to 7 in the playoffs, my son caught the only TD for Wesley.  I, unlike many posters on many of these sites who only follow their team, pay attention to the entire country and have a good idea about many teams.  Check out my travel intinerary last year.  These fine folk on the E8 website are some of the most knowledgable that I have talked to in recent years.  Good luck the rest of the year and hopefully we will meet again down the road.  I know I will be in Salem again this year, Wesley playing or not.  I am a fan of D3 football.

ps, checked my status and I did not register until Sept of 07.

Thanks wesleydad, I've always respected your passion and knowledge for the game.
I hope for the best for Buffalo State in the E8 conference schedule as it has proven to be one of the best already. 
 

[bleedpurple]

I don't know about the rankings. I believe teams that are in the Top 12 should be in the Top 12, but there should be some type of re arrangement. I do not know how Salisbury swap with Wabash and Whitewater losing to an unranked team at home, I still feel at this time they deserve to be Top-10, but not Top-4, just MHO. Also, I didn't know by losing you could move up (i.e. Cal Lutheran.) Even though St. John Fisher has had some close games, they still won and are undeafeated.

Nevertheless, since we have many more games and a playoff at the end of the season, everything will clear itself out, especially if we have cross-regional match-ups again. At least we all can have some nice discussions this week.

On my "fan poll" ballot, I had this Top 10:

1. UMU
2. UMHB
3. Linfield
4. Wesley
5. St. Thomas
6. UW-W
7. Wabash
8. Salisbury
9. North Central
10. Cal Lutheran

Without a doubt, filling out a ballot is more art than science.  While THIS season has to be the primary factor, it would be delegitimize a poll, IMHO, if one ignores some sort of power rating baseline.  After all, it seems absurd not to use any "who would likely win" criteria when a poll is labeled "Top 25". 
I felt pretty clear in my mind about my Top 4.  Then it got dicey for me.  An argument could be made for Wabash over UW-W and an argument could be made for Salisbury over Wabash.  However, given last December's result (which shouldn't be completely ignored), putting Salisbury ahead of UW-W is problematic.  NCC is like UW-W to me.  Wherever you put them, you will probably put them behind some teams they would likely beat and ahead of some teams that can legitimately make arguments they deserve to be ahead of them.  As more data comes in the teams will begin to sort themselves out.  Or not....    Either way it looks like a fun and fascinating year ahead. 

[boobyhasgameyo]

One more note about the Buff St game. I noticed several posts mentioning chartered plane rides to Wisconsin. The fact of the matter is they went by bus.  The only reason I bring it up, is I think it makes there achievement even more impressive factoring in a 12 hour bus ride.

You are right. Mis-infrormation on my part. Hopefully that doesnt take away from the monumenmtal win and what those boy accomplished this weekend!!

Im glad to see that my mistake has brought another Buff State fan to these boards. It's been lonely being the only BENGALS voice (with an occassional shout out by "Upstate") on these boards. Hope to see more posts from you Buffdad!!!!

Yes Bengalsrule, my son's a freshman on the team so I'll be around for awhile. The excitement from the game made we search around for forums like this to see what the talk was about Buffalo St. and it's future.

Glad you found us -- one thing I noticed this weekend was that the players were very much up on the site but not sure all the adults were. A member of the traveling party thought I worked for UWW, then thought I could get the highlights on SportsCenter. Wish I had that power.

+1 on glad you found these boards. I've been an active participant on the basketball side for yerars but just ventured to football this season! Don't be intimidated by all the St. John Fisher fans on these boards . And keep recruiting the BENGAL faithful! (P.s...My son graduated from Buff State in 2009).

As far as Pat Coleman /ESPN....All in due time Pat...all in due time!!!!!!

When Pep joined this forum years ago, the Empire8 thread was dominated by Ithaca posters, as was the E8. After Fisher's nice playoff run last year, it's been Fisher posters. Now Pep finds it refreshing to see a page on this forum with neither Ithaca nor Fisher posters. What's that about? Posting on this forum, however, has only increased Pep's love for D3 football and through it Pep has gotten acquainted with fans of the Saxons' opponents. Glad to have Buffalo State faithful aboard and getting exited about Saterday's game at Coyer Field.

On Saxon Warriors!

There used to be a lot of Ithaca posters, certainly more than there are now (MIYH, MIOH, TECMO, etc.) but there was always a strong contingent of Fisher posters to contend with.  It hasn't just been this past year.  I still remember the back and forth that would go on between us in the weeks leading up to Fisher vs. Ithaca starting in 2004 (after Fisher lost by 1 point the year before we figured it was time we could finally start talking a little smack to them).  There was so much smack talk I remember Pat's pregame write-up saying that no way a game could live up to the hype put on it by the posters on this board...but it kind of did. 

R.I.P.  Tags, Superman, FA05, and crew.   

[Frank Rossi]

I don't know about the rankings. I believe teams that are in the Top 12 should be in the Top 12, but there should be some type of re arrangement. I do not know how Salisbury swap with Wabash and Whitewater losing to an unranked team at home, I still feel at this time they deserve to be Top-10, but not Top-4, just MHO. Also, I didn't know by losing you could move up (i.e. Cal Lutheran.) Even though St. John Fisher has had some close games, they still won and are undeafeated.

Nevertheless, since we have many more games and a playoff at the end of the season, everything will clear itself out, especially if we have cross-regional match-ups again. At least we all can have some nice discussions this week.

On my "fan poll" ballot, I had this Top 10:

1. UMU
2. UMHB
3. Linfield
4. Wesley
5. St. Thomas
6. UW-W
7. Wabash
8. Salisbury
9. North Central
10. Cal Lutheran

Without a doubt, filling out a ballot is more art than science.  While THIS season has to be the primary factor, it would be delegitimize a poll, IMHO, if one ignores some sort of power rating baseline.  After all, it seems absurd not to use any "who would likely win" criteria when a poll is labeled "Top 25". 
I felt pretty clear in my mind about my Top 4.  Then it got dicey for me.  An argument could be made for Wabash over UW-W and an argument could be made for Salisbury over Wabash.  However, given last December's result (which shouldn't be completely ignored), putting Salisbury ahead of UW-W is problematic.  NCC is like UW-W to me.  Wherever you put them, you will probably put them behind some teams they would likely beat and ahead of some teams that can legitimately make arguments they deserve to be ahead of them.  As more data comes in the teams will begin to sort themselves out.  Or not....    Either way it looks like a fun and fascinating year ahead.

Listen, while I agree that one loss does not a season make, you have to look at what's causing the questions right now.  The losses of Coppage and Blanchard may be bigger issues than we realized coming into the season.  Brekke has never been a world beater in UW-W fans' minds from discussions I've had in the past, and there were certainly nerves when Blanchard was injured in the past.

Until UW-W can prove that it can score consistently with their current parts, I have questions.  Defensively, they are obviously very strong, and defense indeed can win championships.  However, when it comes to polls, questions about one side of the ball do not normally play out well.  Buffalo State gave up an average of 27.5 points per game against Cortland and Brockport.  UW-W managed 6 points.

So, long story short is this:  is UW-W the #4, 5 or 6 team in my mind CURRENTLY (which is what the poll is supposed to capture)?  No.  Is it based on just one game?  No, as two major pieces of their offense are no longer there -- and I'm not sold on them yet, with the loss making that anxiety play out a little larger.  Can showing some offensive ability jump the team back into that 4/5/6 mix on my own ballot?  Absolutely.  The point is that a Wesley or Salisbury CAN put up a fair number of points against UW-W in my opinion.  I'm not sure if UW-W's offense can put up more points to win at the present time.  This is something that will begin to play itself out as time moves forward, though.

[TheeBuffaloSabres]

what happened to buffalo state WR/KR Mike Doherty? Did he graduate?

[buffdad]

what happened to buffalo state WR/KR Mike Doherty? Did he graduate?

Unfortunately he got injured in practice right before the first game of the season. I believe he's out for the year.

[footballfan413]

I don't know about the rankings. I believe teams that are in the Top 12 should be in the Top 12, but there should be some type of re arrangement. I do not know how Salisbury swap with Wabash and Whitewater losing to an unranked team at home, I still feel at this time they deserve to be Top-10, but not Top-4, just MHO. Also, I didn't know by losing you could move up (i.e. Cal Lutheran.) Even though St. John Fisher has had some close games, they still won and are undeafeated.

Nevertheless, since we have many more games and a playoff at the end of the season, everything will clear itself out, especially if we have cross-regional match-ups again. At least we all can have some nice discussions this week.

On my "fan poll" ballot, I had this Top 10:

1. UMU
2. UMHB
3. Linfield
4. Wesley
5. St. Thomas
6. UW-W
7. Wabash
8. Salisbury
9. North Central
10. Cal Lutheran

Without a doubt, filling out a ballot is more art than science.  While THIS season has to be the primary factor, it would be delegitimize a poll, IMHO, if one ignores some sort of power rating baseline.  After all, it seems absurd not to use any "who would likely win" criteria when a poll is labeled "Top 25". 
I felt pretty clear in my mind about my Top 4.  Then it got dicey for me.  An argument could be made for Wabash over UW-W and an argument could be made for Salisbury over Wabash.  However, given last December's result (which shouldn't be completely ignored), putting Salisbury ahead of UW-W is problematic.  NCC is like UW-W to me.  Wherever you put them, you will probably put them behind some teams they would likely beat and ahead of some teams that can legitimately make arguments they deserve to be ahead of them.  As more data comes in the teams will begin to sort themselves out.  Or not....    Either way it looks like a fun and fascinating year ahead.

Listen, while I agree that one loss does not a season make, you have to look at what's causing the questions right now.  The losses of Coppage and Blanchard may be bigger issues than we realized coming into the season.  Brekke has never been a world beater in UW-W fans' minds from discussions I've had in the past, and there were certainly nerves when Blanchard was injured in the past.

Until UW-W can prove that it can score consistently with their current parts, I have questions.  Defensively, they are obviously very strong, and defense indeed can win championships.  However, when it comes to polls, questions about one side of the ball do not normally play out well.  Buffalo State gave up an average of 27.5 points per game against Cortland and Brockport.  UW-W managed 6 points.

So, long story short is this:  is UW-W the #4, 5 or 6 team in my mind CURRENTLY (which is what the poll is supposed to capture)?  No.  Is it based on just one game?  No, as two major pieces of their offense are no longer there -- and I'm not sold on them yet, with the loss making that anxiety play out a little larger.  Can showing some offensive ability jump the team back into that 4/5/6 mix on my own ballot?  Absolutely.  The point is that a Wesley or Salisbury CAN put up a fair number of points against UW-W in my opinion. I'm not sure if UW-W's offense can put up more points to win at the present time.  This is something that will begin to play itself out as time moves forward, though.

I agree with every point you made, especially about the the questions regarding our offense and loss of Blanchard and Coppage but you lost me with the point I have bolded.    In theory, any team CAN put up numbers on any other team but how did our defense, who has only allowed 1 TD in the first two games and that one was only in the last 3.5 seconds, give you reason to feel they are suspect? Borland's defense has been a constant component to the success we have enjoyed the last 7 years and this years unit is expected to continue that trend and I see nothing, so far this season, to suggest that will change.

[Frank Rossi]

I agree with every point you made, especially about the the questions regarding our offense and loss of Blanchard and Coppage but you lost me with the point I have bolded.    In theory, any team CAN put up numbers on any other team but how did our defense, who has only allowed 1 TD in the first two games and that one was only in the last 3.5 seconds, give you reason to feel they are suspect? Borland's defense has been a constant component to the success we have enjoyed the last 7 years and this years unit is expected to continue that trend and I see nothing, so far this season, to suggest that will change.

I think I gave kudos to the UW-W defense above all else.  My statement was that teams like Wesley and Salisbury could put up a "fair number of points" against the team.  That's not necessarily 21+ (and historically hasn't been).  However, to win football games, UW-W has to outscore their opponents.  And that's my point -- you can only rely on the defense for so much.  Can the offense outscore the teams I mentioned ultimately?  Currently, that question is unanswerable but problematic for a pollster.  The next couple weeks can prove a lot with respect to it.  However, under current analysis, I just don't know and don't have 100% confidence with respect to the answer in the affirmative.

[emma17]

I agree with every point you made, especially about the the questions regarding our offense and loss of Blanchard and Coppage but you lost me with the point I have bolded.    In theory, any team CAN put up numbers on any other team but how did our defense, who has only allowed 1 TD in the first two games and that one was only in the last 3.5 seconds, give you reason to feel they are suspect? Borland's defense has been a constant component to the success we have enjoyed the last 7 years and this years unit is expected to continue that trend and I see nothing, so far this season, to suggest that will change.

I think I gave kudos to the UW-W defense above all else.  My statement was that teams like Wesley and Salisbury could put up a "fair number of points" against the team.  That's not necessarily 21+ (and historically hasn't been).  However, to win football games, UW-W has to outscore their opponents.  And that's my point -- you can only rely on the defense for so much.  Can the offense outscore the teams I mentioned ultimately?  Currently, that question is unanswerable but problematic for a pollster.  The next couple weeks can prove a lot with respect to it.  However, under current analysis, I just don't know and don't have 100% confidence with respect to the answer in the affirmative.

Unfortunately for the E8 Board, now you have an increase in WIAC posters- but that's what you get for beating us  . 

Great discussion by both and you are both right in my book.  UWW will have to score more, but not a lot more.  Neither of those teams had much success against UWW's defense- and the defense is at least as strong as last year.