FB: Empire 8

[D3viewer]

Blaise has done an admirable job getting UC's record to slowly climb the ladder. Their record has gotten better (except for 2 consec 5-5 seasons)every season he has been there. This past season they finshed 6-4 and had their first winning E8 record. Glancing at last years scores..they seemed to either win big or lose big. They were a great passing team with an excellent QB who is now gone. So is their OC and OL coach. Even though Blaise's specialty is defense.they seemed to win more with offense. But..even though they finished 6-4..they did not get an ECAC bid even )not unusual for that record). The hard part is getting over that hump and going 7-3 or 8-2 and getting some type of postseason bid. The offense and its staff being somewhat "gutted"..it's hard to imagine another step up in record.

[Bombers798891]

I cant wrap myself around that 31% Grad rate at UC.
That is beyond bad.
Is that figure accurate?
If so, UC has lots of 'splainin' to do.
Middlestates doesn't look too kindly on rates like that!

According to the U.S. News (Which, in fairness, has come under scrutiny,) the number is 30%. The six-year rate for the 2005 incoming class was 44%

As far as why Utica still hasn't "arrived," it's probably a variety of factors. A $40,000 price tag coupled with that graduation rate. The fact that they're still a relatively new program in a pretty packed area for football. How about the fact that Utica is a horrible, horrible place to live? There's no way I'd want to spend the better part of four years of my life in that city. The better part of four hours would be tough enough.

To me, the success of the program is mostly Benkwitt-related. Seriously, what's the difference between them and the Boltus-era Hawks? They've allowed 40+ points in 10 of their last 20, and scored 40+ in 7 of 20. Benkwitt isn't as good as Boltus was, (few are) but he's good enough to win you some shootouts. It'll be interesting to see what they do the first year without him.

[pg04]

No need to get snippy, CardinalPride. You remind me of an old cat lady who is offended that I mistook a dog as one of her pets. When a thread discusses two schools over a series of semi-coherent posts, then no it isn't obvious which school stinks worse. Bah! I should have just Googled it. SJF has a 64% 4-year graduation rate.

It's OK, he clearly doesn't have the ability to use the quote function which made it even less coherent. It took me a while to find the response, and yes it was fairly snippy. The 30% number does seem rather startling.

[Jonny Utah]

No need to get snippy, CardinalPride. You remind me of an old cat lady who is offended that I mistook a dog as one of her pets. When a thread discusses two schools over a series of semi-coherent posts, then no it isn't obvious which school stinks worse. Bah! I should have just Googled it. SJF has a 64% 4-year graduation rate.

It's OK, he clearly doesn't have the ability to use the quote function which made it even less coherent. It took me a while to find the response, and yes it was fairly snippy. The 30% number does seem rather startling.

What percentage of football players graduating in 4-6 years is probably a better way to look at it though.  And interestingly enough, I knew two kids (from the high school I coach at in Massachusetts) who actually went to Utica to play football, and both dropped out after their freshman years. 

And I haven't posted on here in a few weeks, but wrote down that my karma was 778 last week, and is now at 766.  that means some prick goes out of their way to find my name back at my last post and smites me.  Loser!

[D3MAFAN]

No need to get snippy, CardinalPride. You remind me of an old cat lady who is offended that I mistook a dog as one of her pets. When a thread discusses two schools over a series of semi-coherent posts, then no it isn't obvious which school stinks worse. Bah! I should have just Googled it. SJF has a 64% 4-year graduation rate.

It's OK, he clearly doesn't have the ability to use the quote function which made it even less coherent. It took me a while to find the response, and yes it was fairly snippy. The 30% number does seem rather startling.

And I haven't posted on here in a few weeks, but wrote down that my karma was 778 last week, and is now at 766.  that means some prick goes out of their way to find my name back at my last post and smites me.  Loser!

Same thing here...I am currently in the negative.

[fisheralum91]

I cant wrap myself around that 31% Grad rate at UC.
That is beyond bad.
Is that figure accurate?
If so, UC has lots of 'splainin' to do.
Middlestates doesn't look too kindly on rates like that!

According to the U.S. News (Which, in fairness, has come under scrutiny,) the number is 30%. The six-year rate for the 2005 incoming class was 44%

As far as why Utica still hasn't "arrived," it's probably a variety of factors. A $40,000 price tag coupled with that graduation rate. The fact that they're still a relatively new program in a pretty packed area for football. How about the fact that Utica is a horrible, horrible place to live? There's no way I'd want to spend the better part of four years of my life in that city. The better part of four hours would be tough enough.
To me, the success of the program is mostly Benkwitt-related. Seriously, what's the difference between them and the Boltus-era Hawks? They've allowed 40+ points in 10 of their last 20, and scored 40+ in 7 of 20. Benkwitt isn't as good as Boltus was, (few are) but he's good enough to win you some shootouts. It'll be interesting to see what they do the first year without him.

For someone that lives outside of Utica, and works in the City, I can tell you that it is not a horrible place to live.  Quite the contrary.  Im happy I live here and am raising my kids in a smaller town with great schools.  Sorry that you think that way bombers, some of us actually like it here!

[AUPepBand]

No need to get snippy, CardinalPride. You remind me of an old cat lady who is offended that I mistook a dog as one of her pets. When a thread discusses two schools over a series of semi-coherent posts, then no it isn't obvious which school stinks worse. Bah! I should have just Googled it. SJF has a 64% 4-year graduation rate.

It's OK, he clearly doesn't have the ability to use the quote function which made it even less coherent. It took me a while to find the response, and yes it was fairly snippy. The 30% number does seem rather startling.

What percentage of football players graduating in 4-6 years is probably a better way to look at it though.  And interestingly enough, I knew two kids (from the high school I coach at in Massachusetts) who actually went to Utica to play football, and both dropped out after their freshman years. 

And I haven't posted on here in a few weeks, but wrote down that my karma was 778 last week, and is now at 766.  that means some prick goes out of their way to find my name back at my last post and smites me.  Loser!

Pep prefers positive posts to provide post-post promotions. Pep  promotes "P" parley perhaps for the pizzazz it provides to Pep. (Pep schooled Mrs. Pep in Scrabble last night....a rarity! PG would like the fact that Pep used a "P" to spell "PORT" in a triple word score corner. The words were flowing!)

+K for all the off-season posts....and to counteract the smites.    (even Fisher fans!  )

[pg04]

No need to get snippy, CardinalPride. You remind me of an old cat lady who is offended that I mistook a dog as one of her pets. When a thread discusses two schools over a series of semi-coherent posts, then no it isn't obvious which school stinks worse. Bah! I should have just Googled it. SJF has a 64% 4-year graduation rate.

It's OK, he clearly doesn't have the ability to use the quote function which made it even less coherent. It took me a while to find the response, and yes it was fairly snippy. The 30% number does seem rather startling.

What percentage of football players graduating in 4-6 years is probably a better way to look at it though.  And interestingly enough, I knew two kids (from the high school I coach at in Massachusetts) who actually went to Utica to play football, and both dropped out after their freshman years. 

And I haven't posted on here in a few weeks, but wrote down that my karma was 778 last week, and is now at 766.  that means some prick goes out of their way to find my name back at my last post and smites me.  Loser!

Pep prefers positive posts to provide post-post promotions. Pep  promotes "P" parley perhaps for the pizzazz it provides to Pep. (Pep schooled Mrs. Pep in Scrabble last night....a rarity! PG would like the fact that Pep used a "P" to spell "PORT" in a triple word score corner. The words were flowing!)

+K for all the off-season posts....and to counteract the smites.    (even Fisher fans!  )

Perfectly prudent!

[D3MAFAN]

Is there any news about the past E 8 champions Salisbury??? Don't hear to much about them.

[Bombers798891]

Is there any news about the past E 8 champions Salisbury??? Don't hear to much about them.

According to their 2012 roster, the following starters in their playoff game against Widener were seniors. (I do not know if any of them still have eligibility, and there could be other attrition as well)

RB Joe Benedetti: 1168 rushing yards, 12 TDs
QB Dan Griffin: 603 rushing yards, 13 TDs, 52 completions, 7 TDs
RB Ross Flanigan: 589 rushing yards, 4 TDs
WR Juma Richards: 21 Rec, 351 yards, 2 TDs
OL Brian Mansfield
OL Jeremy Harrissmith
LB Rodney Hill 66 TCK, 7.5 TFL
LB Matt McMurdo 72 TCK 4.5 TFL, 2 SK
LB Kevin Costello 49 TCK 2 TFL
CB Paul Moore 50 TCK, 2 INT
S Chris Everret 60 TCK, INT

With the whole defensive line returning, as well as Stanton and Carter in the defensive backfield, I suspect the Gulls will be really tough on defense, unless the losses at LB become an issue.

Offensively, things could be interesting. Replacing so many parts of the triple option could be tough.

But regardless, the Gulls will be good. The triple option will be annoying and boring to watch, but I'd have to think Salisbury's the favorite to win the conference

[mattvsmith]

No need to get snippy, CardinalPride. You remind me of an old cat lady who is offended that I mistook a dog as one of her pets. When a thread discusses two schools over a series of semi-coherent posts, then no it isn't obvious which school stinks worse. Bah! I should have just Googled it. SJF has a 64% 4-year graduation rate.

It's OK, he clearly doesn't have the ability to use the quote function which made it even less coherent. It took me a while to find the response, and yes it was fairly snippy. The 30% number does seem rather startling.

What percentage of football players graduating in 4-6 years is probably a better way to look at it though.  And interestingly enough, I knew two kids (from the high school I coach at in Massachusetts) who actually went to Utica to play football, and both dropped out after their freshman years. 

And I haven't posted on here in a few weeks, but wrote down that my karma was 778 last week, and is now at 766.  that means some prick goes out of their way to find my name back at my last post and smites me.  Loser!

I have the odd problem of people giving me karma for staying off the boards, and smiting me to encourage my silence. Maybe someone is trying to tell you to post more often?

[MooseKnuckles]

   Thanks all for the input on Utica.  I agree with "Utes"...would like to see graduation rates of only football players in 4-6 years.  Nevertheless, it appears Utica has some work to do in the Empire 8 "classroom".  Speaking of the Empire 8, I saw that Brockport will join in 2014.  How does that work?  Do they tell Frostburg or Salisbury to move along?  In that same vein, why does Cortland play in the NJAC?  I think the Empire 8 is considered one of the tougher DIII football conferences.  Cortland is usually tough as well and would fit right in.  I'm sure the idea of an all NY Empire 8 is enticing to many fans.  Many factors to consider with travel, costs, etc.  What about Hobart?  Have they ever shown an interest in joining?  What are you guys thoughts on an all NY Empire 8? 

[Jonny Utah]

   Thanks all for the input on Utica.  I agree with "Utes"...would like to see graduation rates of only football players in 4-6 years.  Nevertheless, it appears Utica has some work to do in the Empire 8 "classroom".  Speaking of the Empire 8, I saw that Brockport will join in 2014.  How does that work?  Do they tell Frostburg or Salisbury to move along?  In that same vein, why does Cortland play in the NJAC?  I think the Empire 8 is considered one of the tougher DIII football conferences.  Cortland is usually tough as well and would fit right in.  I'm sure the idea of an all NY Empire 8 is enticing to many fans.  Many factors to consider with travel, costs, etc.  What about Hobart?  Have they ever shown an interest in joining?  What are you guys thoughts on an all NY Empire 8?

Welcome to the boards mooseknuckles.......

As far as the E8, I think Salisbury and Frostburg were always going to be looked at as temporary members.  And I don't think they would ever be asked to leave, they did the league a favor in the first place and are probably welcome to stay as long as they want.

Cortland will probably want to stay in the NJAC, as it is filled with similar schools, and I would also add that you don't want to have every league have all the great teams.  Balance is nice.

The all NY d3 league discussion has been beaten like 1000 dead horses, and will basically not happen.

Hobart isn't going anywhere, they are in a upstate league for the most part anyway.

[AUPepBand]

   Thanks all for the input on Utica.  I agree with "Utes"...would like to see graduation rates of only football players in 4-6 years.  Nevertheless, it appears Utica has some work to do in the Empire 8 "classroom".  Speaking of the Empire 8, I saw that Brockport will join in 2014.  How does that work?  Do they tell Frostburg or Salisbury to move along?  In that same vein, why does Cortland play in the NJAC?  I think the Empire 8 is considered one of the tougher DIII football conferences.  Cortland is usually tough as well and would fit right in.  I'm sure the idea of an all NY Empire 8 is enticing to many fans.  Many factors to consider with travel, costs, etc.  What about Hobart?  Have they ever shown an interest in joining?  What are you guys thoughts on an all NY Empire 8?

Welcome to the boards mooseknuckles.......

As far as the E8, I think Salisbury and Frostburg were always going to be looked at as temporary members.  And I don't think they would ever be asked to leave, they did the league a favor in the first place and are probably welcome to stay as long as they want.

Cortland will probably want to stay in the NJAC, as it is filled with similar schools, and I would also add that you don't want to have every league have all the great teams.  Balance is nice.

The all NY d3 league discussion has been beaten like 1000 dead horses, and will basically not happen.

Hobart isn't going anywhere, they are in a upstate league for the most part anyway.

Pep was thinking that horse had long since been buried...MooseKnuckles must believe in the resurrection.

Utes is right. Cortland is happy in the NJAC where they are always a winner/contender. And were you to have Hobart, Union, Cortland, Buffalo State, Ithaca, Alfred, Fisher and Brockport, there'd be some really good teams that couldn't finish above .500. Or maybe you'd have 8 teams finish 4-4 in the conference! (Now that would make for an interesting tiebreaker!)

As it is now, Upstate NY can get three AQs by winning the E8, LL and NJAC, respectively.

On Saxon Warriors!

[D3viewer]

I could see Salisbury eventually landing in the NJAC. Frostburg is kinda the oddball location wise. They probably location/ability wise belong in the PAC conf. They used to be a decent powerhouse. Now it seems not so much. Cortland is probably happy in the NJAC..they can just zip down I 81 to all those Jersey schools. The E8 adding Bport and Buff St make it more of diverse Upstate NY conf. Probably the best that can be hoped for right now. The Liberty League..not to offend ye ole E8ers..remains as the upper echelon academic league..