FB: Empire 8

[Bill McCabe]

Tags, was it just one of those days where the defense just couldn't do anything and SC was clicking?  From what I have read, they both sound like good teams.

[Tags]

Tags, was it just one of those days where the defense just couldn't do anything and SC was clicking?  From what I have read, they both sound like good teams.

Well, the truth is that Springfield runs that option to perfection & are very tough to stop. That said, the Fisher D didn't seem like they were prepared for what they saw, and didn't make any adjustments that made any difference throughout the game.

The Fisher D didn't make the plays, but again, Sprinfield is a very good offensive team.

[Bill McCabe]

Tags, I'm in Texas and don't hear a lot about these teams, but does SC run the triple option?

[Tags]

Yes they run the triple option. Their QB - Sharpe is a great athlete & carries the majority of the time. If Sharpe doesn't keep, their fullback (Calabrese I believe) pounds it up the middle very effectively.

Sharpe makes very good decisions, so it's hard to stop.

[Bill McCabe]

Do they run out of the I or is it a spit back (veer)?  I would love to see them play.

[gordonmann]

Veer option at Springfield.  It's a lot of fun to watch when they are on.

Obviously right now they are on.

[Bill McCabe]

There aren't many teams left that run the veer.  It was the rage when I played, both wishbone and split back.  When it is clicking it is unstoppable.  Frustrating for defenses.

[truebluefan05]

I just got back from the fisher-springfield game. Sharpe is just nasty and is complimented by a great fullback. Very strong runner and great at making quick decisions. Made a decent fisher D look like they didn't know which side of the ball to be on.

Fisher's defense just looked sad. Although I'd have to say springfields really didn't look any better. I may be wrong, but from memory, niether defense stopped the opposing offense EVEN ONCE in this game except for when springfield blocked a field goal.

There were A LOT of fumbles today. I counted about 8, maybe more.

Really looking forward to seeing next weekends game vs Ithaca. Very interesting matcheup. I have to think Ithaca's D will match up better. I know that a teams defensive scheme totally changes when playing springfield, but I still think that Ithaca's quicker 3-4 will match up better against the option than fisher's slower 5-2.

Many people say this is just an excuse, but I believe the fact that they are playing on grass also helps Ithaca simply because it's grass, not turf.  Springfield almost always plays better on turf b/c of how important cutting and angles are in the triple optino. Will Ithaca stop springfield, I don't think so, but they may only have to get one or two stops.

From what I saw today Ithaca should have success running and passing the ball against springfield. The defensive backs were VERY suspect. One play they'd be giving the receivers a 15 yard cushion and the next play they'd be getting blown away deep with noone near the receiver.

I'm thinking this will be a very high scoring game like we saw today, but probably not quite as high. The key for springfield is to put pressure on the QB, while Ithaca needs to establish the run on offense and prevent Sharpe from breaking long ones.

Any thoughts?

[Bill McCabe]

Springfield Quarterback Chris Sharpe ran for seven rushing touchdowns and 280 yards as the 17th ranked Pride defeated No. 14 St. John Fisher 55-38. Sharpe was one short of the NCAA record for rushing touchdowns in a single game.

Just read this on the D3 home page.  I would say they are clicking!!!!

[Tags]

Last week I was singing a different tune, but I don't think Ithaca will be able to handle Springfield.

[gobombers15]

Tags, I bet that was a lot of fun, except for the SJF fans at the end.  If they win out, will they still get a Pool C bid?  I would think they would.

I think they'll get in if they can win decisively at both Utica & Alfred. Springfield clearly was the better team today - Fisher's D was not up to the challenge.

Sharpe was a lot better than I had anticipated - He's a real tough kid, and as soon as he sees any daylight he's gone... pretty impressive.

First, before we get into this debate, if this happens (IC beating SC and all three finishing with one loss), let's agree that we won't all get into a "well, IC beat SC," then "Fisher beat IC," and "SC beat Fisher" screaming match because nothing will be solved that way.

I'm pretty sure if all three teams finish with one loss, Fisher will be the odd team out. Such a prognostication would assume that IC defeated Alfred, Springfield and Cortland in their last three games. I don't see the committee really frowning upon that. Also, even if Rowan beats Cortland, Ithaca would represent two of the three combined losses of Cortland and Springfield...that's pretty good.

The fact of the matter is this: In the committee's eyes, Fisher would likely have the weakest schedule of those three teams. Each team would be able to hang its hat on one conference victory. I think IC's potential victory over Cortland and SC's victory over Union would trump Fisher's victory over Rochester. Also, and I'm not saying I agree with this, but Fisher would be the team whose key loss came at home...that would probably find its way into the equation.

All of this is hypothesizing. I don't think anyone is going to sleep on Alfred anymore, considering they've had the most success stopping SC and, from some accounts, had their chances to beat them ON THE ROAD. It's gonna be a great few weeks.

[Tags]

Bombs-

I would tend to agree with that - you've got your hands full with Springfield though. Ithaca is out if they lose that game as I'm sure you have thought about.

[gobombers15]

I 100% agree with you. I made no bones about it in my post that those were some hefty assumptions. Cliche alert: Just gotta take it one week at a time.

I can almost  promise you that the grass at Butterfield has been cut for the last time before the Springfield game. Grow it loooonnnnnggggg.

[roach05]

all i gotta say is heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy prideeeeeeeeeeeeeee be there next week as the grass is grown longer and the janitor is out there watering the filed all night long

[theoriginalupstate]

Springfield hats off to you....

Sharpe is just sick when he has the ball....

SJF dont even bother looking at the tape, there's nothing you can learn from this game defensively.  You guys controll your own destiny, win out and your more than likely in....

Good game Suchyna in the 2nd half....