FB: Empire 8

[fisheralum91]

Wow,
What a whirlwind weekend!
Just getting back from Philly and the blizzard and am just finishing up on the reading of the posts from the weekend.
First and foremost, Kudos to UMHB.  Great team with a good fan base.  You guys were classy on here and I hope you win it all!
Secondly, Congrats to the alma mater on what was a fantastic season.  So much to be proud of I cant list all of it- but suffice it to say wow..
I am one proud alum!
Looking forward-I REALLY like this team to make a return performance to the NCAAs.
The parts are there and I would love to see us pushing the envelope to get back to the final 4!
Now I can catch my breath, drink some egg nog and wait for August!!!

[Jonny Utah]

Any word on the d3 upstate recruiting front?  Any stud RBs going to d3 schools?  It seems like the high profile RBs make the most impact right away.   God knows Ithaca could use one bad.

[Bombers798891]

Any word on the d3 upstate recruiting front?  Any stud RBs going to d3 schools?  It seems like the high profile RBs make the most impact right away.   God knows Ithaca could use one bad.

I'd rather the Bombers get better on the lines. At the end of the day, an elite line can make a bigger difference.

While Ithaca's had other problems hurt them offensively, line play has been the biggest issue:

2008: Bergerstock/Ruggerio average 5.5 YPC, Bombers score TDs 73% of the time in the RZ
2009: Bergerstock/Ruggerio average 4.0 YPC, Bombers score TDs 65% of the time in the RZ
2010: Ruggerio/Ardoin average 3.2 YPC. Bombers score TD 57% of the time in the RZ
2011: Sulla/Nadien average 3.9 YPC, (with one run accounting for more than 10% of their total) Bombers score TDs 37% of the time in the red zone.

I know there were injuries, and the QB play deteriorated, but the Bombers line went from elite in 2008 to trainwreck by 2011. Though they're better, they're still under 50% when it comes to TDs in the RZ in 2013.

There are two things I want to run numbers for for three years, 2008, 2011, and last year

1. Ithaca's success rate on 3rd/4th and 1/2 when running the ball (Success = First down)
2. Ithaca's success rate on goal-to-to runs inside the five (Success = score)

These are the two things that I think have flat out killed them, and really, the things that probably hold them back

[Jonny Utah]

Any word on the d3 upstate recruiting front?  Any stud RBs going to d3 schools?  It seems like the high profile RBs make the most impact right away.   God knows Ithaca could use one bad.

I'd rather the Bombers get better on the lines. At the end of the day, an elite line can make a bigger difference.

While Ithaca's had other problems hurt them offensively, line play has been the biggest issue:

2008: Bergerstock/Ruggerio average 5.5 YPC, Bombers score TDs 73% of the time in the RZ
2009: Bergerstock/Ruggerio average 4.0 YPC, Bombers score TDs 65% of the time in the RZ
2010: Ruggerio/Ardoin average 3.2 YPC. Bombers score TD 57% of the time in the RZ
2011: Sulla/Nadien average 3.9 YPC, (with one run accounting for more than 10% of their total) Bombers score TDs 37% of the time in the red zone.

I know there were injuries, and the QB play deteriorated, but the Bombers line went from elite in 2008 to trainwreck by 2011. Though they're better, they're still under 50% when it comes to TDs in the RZ in 2013.

There are two things I want to run numbers for for three years, 2008, 2011, and last year

1. Ithaca's success rate on 3rd/4th and 1/2 when running the ball (Success = First down)
2. Ithaca's success rate on goal-to-to runs inside the five (Success = score)

These are the two things that I think have flat out killed them, and really, the things that probably hold them back

Those stats may all be true, but I have a feeling that if you switched Hobart's oline with Ithaca's oline, Webb would still be a nationally ranked running back. Put Webb on the Bombers, and Ithaca might still be playing at this point.

[Bombers798891]

Any word on the d3 upstate recruiting front?  Any stud RBs going to d3 schools?  It seems like the high profile RBs make the most impact right away.   God knows Ithaca could use one bad.

I'd rather the Bombers get better on the lines. At the end of the day, an elite line can make a bigger difference.

While Ithaca's had other problems hurt them offensively, line play has been the biggest issue:

2008: Bergerstock/Ruggerio average 5.5 YPC, Bombers score TDs 73% of the time in the RZ
2009: Bergerstock/Ruggerio average 4.0 YPC, Bombers score TDs 65% of the time in the RZ
2010: Ruggerio/Ardoin average 3.2 YPC. Bombers score TD 57% of the time in the RZ
2011: Sulla/Nadien average 3.9 YPC, (with one run accounting for more than 10% of their total) Bombers score TDs 37% of the time in the red zone.

I know there were injuries, and the QB play deteriorated, but the Bombers line went from elite in 2008 to trainwreck by 2011. Though they're better, they're still under 50% when it comes to TDs in the RZ in 2013.

There are two things I want to run numbers for for three years, 2008, 2011, and last year

1. Ithaca's success rate on 3rd/4th and 1/2 when running the ball (Success = First down)
2. Ithaca's success rate on goal-to-to runs inside the five (Success = score)

These are the two things that I think have flat out killed them, and really, the things that probably hold them back

Those stats may all be true, but I have a feeling that if you switched Hobart's oline with Ithaca's oline, Webb would still be a nationally ranked running back. Put Webb on the Bombers, and Ithaca might still be playing at this point.

The Bombers allowed 12 sacks in their two NCAA playoff games. The run game was an issue, no doubt. I don't think either RB has home run ability. But the Bombers' offensive line isn't of the quality the team needs either

[Jonny Utah]

Any word on the d3 upstate recruiting front?  Any stud RBs going to d3 schools?  It seems like the high profile RBs make the most impact right away.   God knows Ithaca could use one bad.

I'd rather the Bombers get better on the lines. At the end of the day, an elite line can make a bigger difference.

While Ithaca's had other problems hurt them offensively, line play has been the biggest issue:

2008: Bergerstock/Ruggerio average 5.5 YPC, Bombers score TDs 73% of the time in the RZ
2009: Bergerstock/Ruggerio average 4.0 YPC, Bombers score TDs 65% of the time in the RZ
2010: Ruggerio/Ardoin average 3.2 YPC. Bombers score TD 57% of the time in the RZ
2011: Sulla/Nadien average 3.9 YPC, (with one run accounting for more than 10% of their total) Bombers score TDs 37% of the time in the red zone.

I know there were injuries, and the QB play deteriorated, but the Bombers line went from elite in 2008 to trainwreck by 2011. Though they're better, they're still under 50% when it comes to TDs in the RZ in 2013.

There are two things I want to run numbers for for three years, 2008, 2011, and last year

1. Ithaca's success rate on 3rd/4th and 1/2 when running the ball (Success = First down)
2. Ithaca's success rate on goal-to-to runs inside the five (Success = score)

These are the two things that I think have flat out killed them, and really, the things that probably hold them back

Those stats may all be true, but I have a feeling that if you switched Hobart's oline with Ithaca's oline, Webb would still be a nationally ranked running back. Put Webb on the Bombers, and Ithaca might still be playing at this point.

The Bombers allowed 12 sacks in their two NCAA playoff games. The run game was an issue, no doubt. I don't think either RB has home run ability. But the Bombers' offensive line isn't of the quality the team needs either

Not to make excuses, but there were a lot of slow play action fakes where running backs missed blocks and didn't pick up blitzes, and Dempsey isn't the most nimble guy back there either.  There were also numerous occasions where he should have thrown the ball away. But I was talking more about running backs that can make plays.  I don't doubt that the oline could have done a better job. 

[D3MAFAN]

Any word on the d3 upstate recruiting front?  Any stud RBs going to d3 schools?  It seems like the high profile RBs make the most impact right away.   God knows Ithaca could use one bad.

I'd rather the Bombers get better on the lines. At the end of the day, an elite line can make a bigger difference.

While Ithaca's had other problems hurt them offensively, line play has been the biggest issue:

2008: Bergerstock/Ruggerio average 5.5 YPC, Bombers score TDs 73% of the time in the RZ
2009: Bergerstock/Ruggerio average 4.0 YPC, Bombers score TDs 65% of the time in the RZ
2010: Ruggerio/Ardoin average 3.2 YPC. Bombers score TD 57% of the time in the RZ
2011: Sulla/Nadien average 3.9 YPC, (with one run accounting for more than 10% of their total) Bombers score TDs 37% of the time in the red zone.

I know there were injuries, and the QB play deteriorated, but the Bombers line went from elite in 2008 to trainwreck by 2011. Though they're better, they're still under 50% when it comes to TDs in the RZ in 2013.

There are two things I want to run numbers for for three years, 2008, 2011, and last year

1. Ithaca's success rate on 3rd/4th and 1/2 when running the ball (Success = First down)
2. Ithaca's success rate on goal-to-to runs inside the five (Success = score)

These are the two things that I think have flat out killed them, and really, the things that probably hold them back

Those stats may all be true, but I have a feeling that if you switched Hobart's oline with Ithaca's oline, Webb would still be a nationally ranked running back. Put Webb on the Bombers, and Ithaca might still be playing at this point.

The Bombers allowed 12 sacks in their two NCAA playoff games. The run game was an issue, no doubt. I don't think either RB has home run ability. But the Bombers' offensive line isn't of the quality the team needs either

5 to the little sisters of the poor.

[AlfredSaxon8]

How depressing that all new posts on the eastern region boards are NESCAC posts talking about things absolutely nobody outside of Pat, Utah, and NESCAC posters care about.  I wish the Ithaca vs Fisher Stagg Bowl dream was still alive!

You guys have written about 3000 words on the 2003 RPI/SJF game (ive read most of them) and you want to complain about the NESCAC board writing about things people might be interested in?

Hey, I'd love to talk about all sorts of stuff on here, but there is only so much E8 football talk you can have without having posters lose interest.

So who is favored next year in the E 8 and East region in general.

Well, Pep can guarantee that Alfred will be at the top of the E8 conference standings when the season begins. 

On Saxon Warriors!

+1

Lots of young talent in key positions. Add an always solid Murray defense and I think they could make a push for an E8 title.

SJF will probably have the top recruiting class of the E8 with another strong showing in the playoffs. But I put them after AU mostly because of personal bias   It will be interesting to see who steps up for the Cards after some key production players move on.

IC was a nice surprise this year so it will be interesting to see if they continue their way back to the top after some disappointing seasons recently. But, they are the Champs until someone takes it from them. They get my #1 spot.

My most intriguing team for next year is the Gulls. It's hard to tell if it was an off year for Salisbury or if their initial dominance in the E8 has come to an end.  Competitive without a doubt but hardly the whipping they laid on some top E8 teams *cough* Alfred *cough* in the past.

And I am still waiting for Buff State to put together a complete season. Im curious how Brockport will perform in the E8 but I dont have very high expectations, simply a middle of the conference type team.

1) IC
2) AU
3) SJF
4) Salisbury
5) Brockport
5) Buff State
6) Hartwick
7) Utica
8) Frostburg State

A lot of what Fisher will look like next year will depend on if Fenti comes back. He has another year to play if he chooses.

I didnt realize he had an additional year. Could work out well for the Cards if he stays. But unfortunately he's not like a redshirt on a lot of other levels and would be paying for that extra semester. ..

[fisheralum91]

Pep,
I get that the placing of AU ahead of Fisher was a bit tongue and cheek, but wouldn't IC and Fisher be 1,1A at this point?
Regular season AND resulting postseason?
Just sayin

[Bombers798891]

Pep,
I get that the placing of AU ahead of Fisher was a bit tongue and cheek, but wouldn't IC and Fisher be 1,1A at this point?
Regular season AND resulting postseason?
Just sayin

I wouldn't put Ithaca at #1 personally. Too many close wins (5-1 in games decided by less than a touchdown) and graduating practically the entire defense means too many question marks. Unless Fisher and Alfred are experiencing similar losses, I'd go:

Fisher (Assuming Fenti comes back)
Alfred
IC
Salisbury
Buff State-Wick-Brockport-Utica (pick your own order)
Frostburg

[HSCTiger74]

Pep,
I get that the placing of AU ahead of Fisher was a bit tongue and cheek, but wouldn't IC and Fisher be 1,1A at this point?
Regular season AND resulting postseason?
Just sayin

Maybe Pep was thinking that since all the teams will be 0-0 at the beginning of the season Alfred will be on top of the standings by virtue of alphabetizing.

[AUPepBand]

Pep,
I get that the placing of AU ahead of Fisher was a bit tongue and cheek, but wouldn't IC and Fisher be 1,1A at this point?
Regular season AND resulting postseason?
Just sayin

Maybe Pep was thinking that since all the teams will be 0-0 at the beginning of the season Alfred will be on top of the standings by virtue of alphabetizing.

So there's a poster who knows his A-B-C's! +K for reading Pep's brilliant mind (brilliant minds think alike, no?)!

On Saxon Warriors!

[D3MAFAN]

Pep,
I get that the placing of AU ahead of Fisher was a bit tongue and cheek, but wouldn't IC and Fisher be 1,1A at this point?
Regular season AND resulting postseason?
Just sayin

I wouldn't put Ithaca at #1 personally. Too many close wins (5-1 in games decided by less than a touchdown) and graduating practically the entire defense means too many question marks. Unless Fisher and Alfred are experiencing similar losses, I'd go:

Fisher (Assuming Fenti comes back)
Alfred
IC
Salisbury
Buff State-Wick-Brockport-Utica (pick your own order)
Frostburg

Is there any chance anyone think Brockport may win a couple games against the Top 4?

[Upstate]

Pep,
I get that the placing of AU ahead of Fisher was a bit tongue and cheek, but wouldn't IC and Fisher be 1,1A at this point?
Regular season AND resulting postseason?
Just sayin

I wouldn't put Ithaca at #1 personally. Too many close wins (5-1 in games decided by less than a touchdown) and graduating practically the entire defense means too many question marks. Unless Fisher and Alfred are experiencing similar losses, I'd go:

Fisher (Assuming Fenti comes back)
Alfred
IC
Salisbury
Buff State-Wick-Brockport-Utica (pick your own order)
Frostburg

Is there any chance anyone think Brockport may win a couple games against the Top 4?

They're already 0-1, Port is going to be matched up vs Fisher in the Courage Bowl...

They've never lost one and I don't see them losing one anytime soon...

Oh and again, thanks UofR for dropping out of the series just because your feelings were hurt...

[D3viewer]

Upstate wrote..."They're [Brockport] already 0-1, Port is going to be matched up vs Fisher in the Courage Bowl..."

Well played. I like your confidence.