FB: Empire 8

[fisheralum91]

Great article about Tyler Fenti in ATR.
Check it out!

GO cards!

[dlippiel]

Nice story about Fenti for sure. Dlip wishes him the very best!

[sjfcards]

I agree. Since there is no video footage during the game, I believe that this can be harmful to Division III football. The refs definitely need to confer with each other and see which ref had the better view and what they saw and then see if it match that of the other ref that actually threw the flag. I think at the DIII level, refs are going to throw the flag everytime there is a remote chance that it was helmet to helmet, which can be very detrimental to teams.

Sometimes the game has to be hurt so players can be safer. Not totally safe, because we all know that can never happen. But safer. Attempting to eliminate head contact is a good thing.

I have no issue with the rule to avoid head to head contact, but I have  serious issue with the "when in doubt, throw them out" stipulation the NCAA put in place. I will admit then when I saw the Moore hit last week, my first thought was it was a personal foul (and knowing what the new rule was that he would be thrown out). I didn't think, and still don't think that the hit would ever be considered bad enough to toss a player without the when in doubt attitude.

Even if Moore had head contact, I don't think the officials would ever consider throwing him out last year. Throw the flag and penalize the player, sure. The ejection for an honest attempt to play the ball that happens to result in head to head contact is WAY too harsh.

[D3MAFAN]

I agree. Since there is no video footage during the game, I believe that this can be harmful to Division III football. The refs definitely need to confer with each other and see which ref had the better view and what they saw and then see if it match that of the other ref that actually threw the flag. I think at the DIII level, refs are going to throw the flag everytime there is a remote chance that it was helmet to helmet, which can be very detrimental to teams.

Sometimes the game has to be hurt so players can be safer. Not totally safe, because we all know that can never happen. But safer. Attempting to eliminate head contact is a good thing.

I have no issue with the rule to avoid head to head contact, but I have  serious issue with the "when in doubt, throw them out" stipulation the NCAA put in place. I will admit then when I saw the Moore hit last week, my first thought was it was a personal foul (and knowing what the new rule was that he would be thrown out). I didn't think, and still don't think that the hit would ever be considered bad enough to toss a player without the when in doubt attitude.

Even if Moore had head contact, I don't think the officials would ever consider throwing him out last year. Throw the flag and penalize the player, sure. The ejection for an honest attempt to play the ball that happens to result in head to head contact is WAY too harsh.

My question now is, do you think that there will be more touchdowns by the offense as a result of the rule or just more ejections due to the rule?

[dlippiel]

Hard to say. Dlip certainly can see a db/safety/ lb pull up enough where a receiver makes the catch, bounces off a softer tackle and gets in the end zone.

Dlip really has no idea what to think about these calls. The game seems to have become so much more dangerous with players getting bigger, faster, and stronger every year. It seems that all injuries across the board have increased. Yet so has our ability to identify injuries. Dlip just feels for these kids getting hurt badly what seems like every game and now practice. It's just a tough tough game man oh man.

[Upstate]

That Moore ruling is ridiculous...

So from now on anytime someone gets hit over the middle it's going to be called targeting right???

That's all Moore did he didn't even lead with his head. Hell, he barely touched the guy...

[AlfredSaxon8]

I agree. Since there is no video footage during the game, I believe that this can be harmful to Division III football. The refs definitely need to confer with each other and see which ref had the better view and what they saw and then see if it match that of the other ref that actually threw the flag. I think at the DIII level, refs are going to throw the flag everytime there is a remote chance that it was helmet to helmet, which can be very detrimental to teams.

Sometimes the game has to be hurt so players can be safer. Not totally safe, because we all know that can never happen. But safer. Attempting to eliminate head contact is a good thing.

I have no issue with the rule to avoid head to head contact, but I have  serious issue with the "when in doubt, throw them out" stipulation the NCAA put in place. I will admit then when I saw the Moore hit last week, my first thought was it was a personal foul (and knowing what the new rule was that he would be thrown out). I didn't think, and still don't think that the hit would ever be considered bad enough to toss a player without the when in doubt attitude.

Even if Moore had head contact, I don't think the officials would ever consider throwing him out last year. Throw the flag and penalize the player, sure. The ejection for an honest attempt to play the ball that happens to result in head to head contact is WAY too harsh.

My question now is, do you think that there will be more touchdowns by the offense as a result of the rule or just more ejections due to the rule?

It is interesting to think that the targeting rule only can be given to defensive players. What about crack blocks? Players getting ear-holed on special teams? How about special teams in general? You have 6'2" 220 lb players running full speed at a wall of blockers?

I gues to me, its just really ambiguous. And I actually agree with the DB that ended Keller's season and probably career when he said new rules force him to go low. And at that point, DB's will be going low on TE's and end up knocking themselves out anyway!

I just think it should have been left as a personal foul. If you are going to change, make it full circle. The ejection rule is ridiculous. And to me, its a small step that will make almost no impact.

[dewcrew88]

Union vs. Utica pre game write up ready on dlip's blog.

      www.dlipthedutchman.blogspot.com

No prediction? What a copout! Haha, Utica 31, Union 17.

[Bengalsrule]

McLane Center was full last night for the Saxon Volleyball Team's home match with St. John Fisher. A thunderstorm with severe lightning had forced the cancellation of football practice, so the football team showed up as part of "Saxons backing Saxons."

It being the 12th anniversary of 9/11, the PA announced asked that the crowd stand and observe a moment of silence. The big crowd was then asked to remain standing for the playing of the National Anthem. Upon attempting to mic a playback device, it became apparent that it was not going to work. After a quiet awkward pause, a group of football players began singing the National Anthem and everyone joined in. While Pep does not advise this team to enter any choral competition, the spontaneous performance was capped with a chant, "U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A!!!"

On Saxon Warriors!

Pep...Sounds like it was a moment to remember! I'm feeling it thru your post!!!!!

[AUPepBand]

McLane Center was full last night for the Saxon Volleyball Team's home match with St. John Fisher. A thunderstorm with severe lightning had forced the cancellation of football practice, so the football team showed up as part of "Saxons backing Saxons."

It being the 12th anniversary of 9/11, the PA announced asked that the crowd stand and observe a moment of silence. The big crowd was then asked to remain standing for the playing of the National Anthem. Upon attempting to mic a playback device, it became apparent that it was not going to work. After a quiet awkward pause, a group of football players began singing the National Anthem and everyone joined in. While Pep does not advise this team to enter any choral competition, the spontaneous performance was capped with a chant, "U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A!!!"

On Saxon Warriors!

Two things Pep:

1. Could you PM me re: the details of "Saxons backing Saxons"? Sounds like something my company may be interested in a story on.

2. Thoughts on this? http://www.bcheights.com/news/band-audio-system-clash-at-wake-game-1.3059957

Pep thinks you probably already know his thoughts on the press box blasting canned music over top the pep band. At Merrill Field, it's not an issue. The PA announcer, himself a solid trumpet, appreciates the efforts of the pep band. At AU, there's an appreciation for students performing at athletic events.

When Li'l Alf is on the road, Pep tries to talk with the SID or AD of the host team prior to the game to clear the air. At the very least, the host school will cease from playing music after an AU touchdown so that the AU Pep Band can play/celebrate. During timeouts, most will play canned music, so the band defers. Doesn't make much sense to try to compete with blasting speakers. That just makes it unpleasant for everyone.

Pep was dismayed at Salisbury last year that the press box blasted music into the stadium for every timeout and all of halftime, while a pep band of about 15 to 20 outstanding student musicians sat in the stands and were denied those opportunities to play. The band resorted to playing songs when AU had the ball....playing right through our QB barking signals, which Pep early in his pep band experience learned was unacceptable. In fact, Pep was alerted by a referee before a home game (about 10 years ago) that if the band played when the opponent's QB was under center, the Saxons would be penalized five yards. The second time this happened at Salisbury, Pep made a bee line for the pep band and spoke with its director, advising them that playing at that time was not permitted. Pep was told they would stop but that "it was the only time they could play" because the game day staff in the press box insisted on playing music through the sound system. Pep is hoping for the SU band's sake that a change in policy is made. They were a very good band and Pep wanted to hear them....just not when the Saxons were starting a play.

On Saxon Warriors!

[Jonny Utah]

McLane Center was full last night for the Saxon Volleyball Team's home match with St. John Fisher. A thunderstorm with severe lightning had forced the cancellation of football practice, so the football team showed up as part of "Saxons backing Saxons."

It being the 12th anniversary of 9/11, the PA announced asked that the crowd stand and observe a moment of silence. The big crowd was then asked to remain standing for the playing of the National Anthem. Upon attempting to mic a playback device, it became apparent that it was not going to work. After a quiet awkward pause, a group of football players began singing the National Anthem and everyone joined in. While Pep does not advise this team to enter any choral competition, the spontaneous performance was capped with a chant, "U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A!!!"

On Saxon Warriors!

Two things Pep:

1. Could you PM me re: the details of "Saxons backing Saxons"? Sounds like something my company may be interested in a story on.

2. Thoughts on this? http://www.bcheights.com/news/band-audio-system-clash-at-wake-game-1.3059957

Pep thinks you probably already know his thoughts on the press box blasting canned music over top the pep band. At Merrill Field, it's not an issue. The PA announcer, himself a solid trumpet, appreciates the efforts of the pep band. At AU, there's an appreciation for students performing at athletic events.

When Li'l Alf is on the road, Pep tries to talk with the SID or AD of the host team prior to the game to clear the air. At the very least, the host school will cease from playing music after an AU touchdown so that the AU Pep Band can play/celebrate. During timeouts, most will play canned music, so the band defers. Doesn't make much sense to try to compete with blasting speakers. That just makes it unpleasant for everyone.

Pep was dismayed at Salisbury last year that the press box blasted music into the stadium for every timeout and all of halftime, while a pep band of about 15 to 20 outstanding student musicians sat in the stands and were denied those opportunities to play. The band resorted to playing songs when AU had the ball....playing right through our QB barking signals, which Pep early in his pep band experience learned was unacceptable. In fact, Pep was alerted by a referee before a home game (about 10 years ago) that if the band played when the opponent's QB was under center, the Saxons would be penalized five yards. The second time this happened at Salisbury, Pep made a bee line for the pep band and spoke with its director, advising them that playing at that time was not permitted. Pep was told they would stop but that "it was the only time they could play" because the game day staff in the press box insisted on playing music through the sound system. Pep is hoping for the SU band's sake that a change in policy is made. They were a very good band and Pep wanted to hear them....just not when the Saxons were starting a play.

On Saxon Warriors!

My day would not be complete without a pepband drama story!

[UfanBill]

Union vs. Utica; Turn the clocks back a few years, Utica as a fledgling program, scrimmaged Union a couple of times and as expected got pushed around.  In 2011, now a solid program and a member of the E8,Utica hosted Union and shocked the Dutchman in there first regular season meeting 28-27.  Last year the Pioneers proved it was no fluke with a convincing monkeystomp 45-17.  Now the Pioneers have Union's full attention and a rivalry has broken out. I see all the makings of a great DIII football game at Utica Saturday night. With all due respect for Dlip...I'll make a prediction: Union 38- Utica 33, in a shootout! I look forward to all LL vs E8 match-ups. I hope the series continues.

[boobyhasgameyo]

FA91 - Keith picked the Fisher game as his selection for game of the week.  He also lauded their scheduling efforts.  This is an example to show he is not an unabashed Fisher hater. 

[AUKaz00]

I also think it's important to remember that these ejections are not likely to be very common. You've got what, 240 D-III football teams? That means you have something like ~1,200 games a year. How many times are players going to be tossed for this?

First game of the season and we have one, 240 teams, would equal a possible 120 games?  1:120 in week one alone if this is the only case.  Not exactly lottery numbers here.   That would equal 120 players getting tossed in a season.  Obviously we will have to wait and see how this actually plays out.

If the odds are really 1:120 and there are 120 games played a weekend, then there would only be an average of 11 ejections for the season (maybe a 12th from all the postseason games).

[Upstate]

FA91 - Keith picked the Fisher game as his selection for game of the week.  He also lauded their scheduling efforts.  This is an example to show he is not an unabashed Fisher hater.

Keith's obviously just covering his tracks. He loathes Fisher and always picks against them!

/sarcasm