FB: Empire 8

[Jonny Utah]

Meh

Turn the channel dude

Interesting he got rid of his account.  There was some other personal stuff you could have found out with some simple internet sleuthing, but lets not get too into a d3 football message board and peoples opinions and personal lives.

On the other hand, if you have a personal ax to grind, be prepared to be outed.

[Jonny Utah]

Moving on.

I am not a huge fan of Ithaca's new uniforms.  I liked the Penn State look a little more than what they have more.  I've never been a fan of different colored sleeves either.

[Bombers798891]

Moving on.

I am not a huge fan of Ithaca's new uniforms.  I liked the Penn State look a little more than what they have more.  I've never been a fan of different colored sleeves either.

I never liked them either. I liked the simple, classic style of the old uniforms, and the helmet logo.

Of course, these things are all about appealing to 16, 17, and 18 year old kids, so we're the wrong guys to ask

[Jonny Utah]

Moving on.

I am not a huge fan of Ithaca's new uniforms.  I liked the Penn State look a little more than what they have more.  I've never been a fan of different colored sleeves either.

I never liked them either. I liked the simple, classic style of the old uniforms, and the helmet logo.

Of course, these things are all about appealing to 16, 17, and 18 year old kids, so we're the wrong guys to ask

Yea I understand the single solid stripe on the pantsand the 3 stripes on the long jersey are out of style, but I've never like the "retro" shoulder patch type jersey.  I'm not sure what to think of the blue blotch on the pants either.

[Upstate]

On to Utica...

I hope Utica's QB doesn't have the legs that Benedetto has. He was killing fisher on scrambles, designed runs and zone reads for the majority of the game...

Fisher would play solid on 1st/2nd down, setting them up to defend 3rd and long nearly the whole game only to let the QB break contain and bust out long runs...

Morrisville converting on 15 of 20 on 3rd downs is a huge concern. Especially with QBs like Pine and Johnson that can run remaining on the schedule...

Fiutko was outstanding, 20/26 for 280 yards, 2 TDS and 2 more TDS on the ground. He had a pick but the next drive he threw the ball all over the field for a TD to go ahead for good...

This kid may be special. Fisher is lucky to have him!!!

[Bombers798891]

E8 Thoughts:

IC/Boltus: I told you guys that Felicetti's return could have magical effects. 50 points! Man, Hartwick cannot stop anyone. Ithaca had 46 points in 4 games heading into the week, and 37 in the second half. "Mr. Shafer, your offense seems to have the momentum of a runaway freight train. Why are you so popular?"

Hartwick's offense did nothing special. 13 points, 160 yards in meaningful time. Pine can make plays, but he also makes mistakes, and refuses to throw the ball away.

Cortland/Buff State: Speaking of terrible defenses...Cortland allows 575, one week after allowing 687. From what I saw, this game shouldn't have been this close, as Buff State sort of shot itself in the foot repeatedly in the red zone. The Red Dragons still look like they need an answer at QB, as, excepting the Hartwick game (for obvious reasons), their non-Ferreira QBs have thrown 4 TDs/10 INTs.

Fisher/Morrisville: Man, what happened to Morrisville? Fisher might have offensive talent everywhere, but you can't allow 49 points to a team with that much on the sidelines. I will admit the 3rd down conversion number for Fisher's D was pretty abysmal, but remember, survive and advance. They're 6-0.

Boltus 2/Utica: Dan Andrews is a special, special player. 250+ yards. Still, this is a disappointing finish for Utica, who were 4-0, but might be staring at 6-4, with Alfred/Fisher left.

[Upstate]

I really think there's something special with this Fisher team this year. They've been uncharacteristically mentally tough all season.

When they get their backs against the wall several players are coming through to get them out of jams. It's not just one person. It's Naton & Collicio vs Springfield icing the game with the long TD, it's Logory with the game winning pick last week vs BSC, it's Nelson with back to back picks vs Cortland, it's Naton w/ 6 TDs vs Brockport and running in the game winning TD with a broken hand and it's Fiutko and Smith the past two weeks on offense.

Fiutko had his first pass attempt in the 3rd quarter end up being a tipped pass picked off inside their own 30 which Morrisville's offense subsequently tied the game at 21 a few plays later.

From that moment on Fiutko went 11/12 for 140 yards and 2 TDs in the air and then added a 10 yard TD run for good measure. For a freshman to step up like that in a tie game after getting picked is extremely impressive. He's not just chucking up passes down the sidelines like Hartwick does either, he's hitting those outs, throwing passes over the middle in tight windows and he's rolling out and making difficult throws when needed.

[TheHitman]

I really think there's something special with this Fisher team this year. They've been uncharacteristically mentally tough all season.

When they get their backs against the wall several players are coming through to get them out of jams. It's not just one person. It's Naton & Collicio vs Springfield icing the game with the long TD, it's Logory with the game winning pick last week vs BSC, it's Nelson with back to back picks vs Cortland, it's Naton w/ 6 TDs vs Brockport and running in the game winning TD with a broken hand and it's Fiutko and Smith the past two weeks on offense.

Fiutko had his first pass attempt in the 3rd quarter end up being a tipped pass picked off inside their own 30 which Morrisville's offense subsequently tied the game at 21 a few plays later.

From that moment on Fiutko went 11/12 for 140 yards and 2 TDs in the air and then added a 10 yard TD run for good measure. For a freshman to step up like that in a tie game after getting picked is extremely impressive. He's not just chucking up passes down the sidelines like Hartwick does either, he's hitting those outs, throwing passes over the middle in tight windows and he's rolling out and making difficult throws when needed.

Just like I mentioned last week, the kid played about as good as you can ask a freshman to play.  He not only made plays throwing those outs, but also with his feet like you mention.  The one play that really impressed me, even though it wasn't a huge play was the one where he was scrambling to his left and threw the ball on the run to the TE I believe it was. Not only does he have the ability to move out of the pocket, but to keep his eye's downfield while on the move.  Can't ask for a better two games from him.  Not to say that he has played against the top teams in the E8 but any game in the E8 is never easy no matter who it is.  Morrisville is a much better team than their 0-5 record indicates.  Are they great? No.  Are they awful? Absolutely not.  A few plays here and there and they may have been able to win a couple games.

Something that does concern me is the inability to get offenses off the field for Fisher's defense on 3rd downs.  This year they seem to put together a few good plays and get themselves in a situation where they need one more to get off the field and then let up a big play or get a mental mistake penalty to keep the offensive drive alive.  I'd also like to see more toughness on D.  They got bullied by a QB last night.  Maybe one thing to have a QB throw on you or have an RB make some runs, but they knew that the QB was the only one to carry the ball last night and he did so successfully without much pressure.

[sjfcards]

I really think there's something special with this Fisher team this year. They've been uncharacteristically mentally tough all season.

When they get their backs against the wall several players are coming through to get them out of jams. It's not just one person. It's Naton & Collicio vs Springfield icing the game with the long TD, it's Logory with the game winning pick last week vs BSC, it's Nelson with back to back picks vs Cortland, it's Naton w/ 6 TDs vs Brockport and running in the game winning TD with a broken hand and it's Fiutko and Smith the past two weeks on offense.

Fiutko had his first pass attempt in the 3rd quarter end up being a tipped pass picked off inside their own 30 which Morrisville's offense subsequently tied the game at 21 a few plays later.

From that moment on Fiutko went 11/12 for 140 yards and 2 TDs in the air and then added a 10 yard TD run for good measure. For a freshman to step up like that in a tie game after getting picked is extremely impressive. He's not just chucking up passes down the sidelines like Hartwick does either, he's hitting those outs, throwing passes over the middle in tight windows and he's rolling out and making difficult throws when needed.

It does feel like Fisher has found a way to win some games that they may have lost in previous years. Specifically the Brockport game and the Buff State games just felt like games they lost in year's past. If they start to get some of these guys back that are sidelined I think this team has a shot at being really good.

Not to sound like other posters, but the defense does seem to be more porous than previous years, but they certainly make plays when they need to. And I can not say enough about Chris Smith. What a great athlete and great performance yesterday.  He is a stud for sure, and bouncing around to play where the team needs him is pretty impressive as well.

Fiutko could be something special.

[Upstate]

3rd down attempts by Mo'ville (by Benedetto only, took out the garbage time drive):

1st drive (1st quarter)
3rd and 13- 14 yard pass
3rd and 11- 14 yard QB run
3rd and 6- 8 yard pass
3rd and 8- Pass interference on Mortillaro
3rd and goal- 1 yd TD QB run

2nd drive
3rd and 2- 2 yard pass
3rd and 9- incomplete pass

3rd drive (2nd quarter):
3rd and 5- 6 yard pass
3rd and 1- 7 yard QB run
3rd and 4- Pass interference on Rivera
3rd and 10- incomplete pass

4th drive
3rd and 1- 4 yard TD by QB

5th drive (3rd quarter)
3rd and 5- 8 yard QB run

6th drive
3rd and 10- 19 yard QB run
3rd and 7- 12 yard QB run
3rd and 5- 6 yard pass
3rd and 23- 7 yard QB run

7th drive (4th quarter)
3rd and 2- incomplete pass

8th drive
3rd and 2- 3 yard pass
3rd and 10- 7 yard run


Of Benedetto's 135 yards and 3 TDs rushing last night, he had 79 yards and 2 TDs (8.7 yards per carry) on 3rd down...

They definitely need to work on rush lanes, they allowed him to break the pocket either upfield or to the outside way too much last night...

[Upstate]

I really think there's something special with this Fisher team this year. They've been uncharacteristically mentally tough all season.

When they get their backs against the wall several players are coming through to get them out of jams. It's not just one person. It's Naton & Collicio vs Springfield icing the game with the long TD, it's Logory with the game winning pick last week vs BSC, it's Nelson with back to back picks vs Cortland, it's Naton w/ 6 TDs vs Brockport and running in the game winning TD with a broken hand and it's Fiutko and Smith the past two weeks on offense.

Fiutko had his first pass attempt in the 3rd quarter end up being a tipped pass picked off inside their own 30 which Morrisville's offense subsequently tied the game at 21 a few plays later.

From that moment on Fiutko went 11/12 for 140 yards and 2 TDs in the air and then added a 10 yard TD run for good measure. For a freshman to step up like that in a tie game after getting picked is extremely impressive. He's not just chucking up passes down the sidelines like Hartwick does either, he's hitting those outs, throwing passes over the middle in tight windows and he's rolling out and making difficult throws when needed.

It does feel like Fisher has found a way to win some games that they may have lost in previous years. Specifically the Brockport game and the Buff State games just felt like games they lost in year's past. If they start to get some of these guys back that are sidelined I think this team has a shot at being really good.

Not to sound like other posters, but the defense does seem to be more porous than previous years, but they certainly make plays when they need to. And I can not say enough about Chris Smith. What a great athlete and great performance yesterday.  He is a stud for sure, and bouncing around to play where the team needs him is pretty impressive as well.

Fiutko could be something special.

The other poster was right, the DL isn't very good, it's especially true now with Smith playing RB. He was their only real pass rushing threat off the edge.

I love seeing the bruising downhill running by Smith but Fusco/Chambers are your big play guys. They're the ones who can take it for 50/60 yards on any play.

I hope those two are back soon to make the overall team better by getting Smith back at DE.

[boobyhasgameyo]

New polls are out - Fisher is up a spot to 13 and Alfred is up two spots to #23. 

Also, I believe Chambers is out for the season.  But yes, hopefully Fusco can at least come back soon and take over the bulk of the carries. 

[Bombers798891]

Fisher's defense is allowing 24.6 PPG/392 YPG/50% 3rd-down conversion.

Let's be honest, those numbers aren't great (although it's interesting that opponents have run 105 more plays). But they're not awful, and they're far from the worst in the conference.

There's zero reason to think they'll be anything other than 9-0 heading into Alfred. They're catching Utica at the right time, they're not going to lose to the Bombers, and Hartwick is Hartwick.

Fisher will be fine

[boobyhasgameyo]

Fisher's defense is allowing 24.6 PPG/392 YPG/50% 3rd-down conversion.

Let's be honest, those numbers aren't great (although it's interesting that opponents have run 105 more plays). But they're not awful, and they're far from the worst in the conference.

There's zero reason to think they'll be anything other than 9-0 heading into Alfred. They're catching Utica at the right time, they're not going to lose to the Bombers, and Hartwick is Hartwick.

Fisher will be fine

Seems to me like Ithaca has certainly had an awakening recently.  I wouldn't call that game a given. 

I'd say Fisher should clearly be favored in all 3 and wouldn't be surprised if they went 3-0.  But then I wouldn't be surprised if they went 1-2 either. 

[boobyhasgameyo]

Actually though, Upstate is right in that this team does have a resiliency about them.  I take it back.  1-2 would be surprising.  But 2-1?  Sure!