FB: Empire 8

[fisheralum91]

Thats funny- i didnt know that the pep band was clothing optional.

[JQV]

I was just putzing around the internet and checked out the Fisher Football page..

the 2007 schedule is out and here it is:

Sept 1 @ Kings College
Sept 8 @ Buff State
Sept 15 U of R
Sept 22 @ Ithaca
Sept 29 @ Hartwick
Oct 6 SUNY Brockport
Oct 13 Norwich
Oct 20 @ Springfield
Oct 27 Utica College
Nov 10 Alfred University

I have a few quick thoughts...I was unaware that Fisher was adding Buff State to the schedule. Is this a few year deal, or just a one year spot before they add Mt. Union? Either way I am glad to see that Mt. Ida is off the schedule. It may be a tougher game on the road but they will be better for it.

Also after looking at the schedule for a second I noticed that Springfield and Ithaca are both on the road. That makes it tough to think Fisher will go 2-0 through that stretch. Those teams along with Alfred will all probably contend for the league title and that is not a favorable schedule for the Cards.

I am happy that the Alfred game is at Fisher. Something makes me think that game may go a long way toward who is the eventual Empire 8 Champ. I don't necessarily think that will be the E8 Championship, but in a tiebreaker situation it may be huge.

I do think Fisher has a good chance at winning the league this year, but it will be very tough to win every game with three other real quality teams in the league this year. It is too early to predict anything for next year, but I think Fisher is looking at another solid season...perhaps NCAA play? Fingers crossed

are any other teams 2007 schedule's out?

The interesting note about both 'Port and Buff State being on Fisher's schedule is that is virtually guarantees they won't be on IC's schedule (given that the NJAC teams only get one OOC game with the new additions).  That means IC will be looking for two new opponents.  Hopefully they are looking around the PAC for at least one of those games and a broader national search for the other.

EDIT:  It has been brought to my attention that the new NJAC will not take effect until 2008.  Therefore, IC will keep Brockport this season but, in all likelihood, lose them from the 2008 schedule.

As for 2007 E8 Predictions, I think it is too early because, in D3, there is always the possibility that a kid just doesn't come back to school.  In fact, Hartwick may be facing that possibility with their QB who was rumored to be looking for a transfer if I remember correctly.  (COME TO IC).  Either way, I think Alfred has the best returning player in the league in QB Paul Keeley.  I think Fisher will be hurt by graduation more than you think they will.  I think the Bombers have the inside track by getting both Fisher and Alfred at home and having only SC on the road (which is probably the road stadium that has the least effect on IC for some reason). 

I know I am going to take some stuff for saying Keeley is better than Chris Sharpe.  But I think Sharpe has been proven to be a one trick pony in a gimmick offense.  Cue fan of d3.

[AUKaz00]

Jose,
  I honestly think your are right that Ithaca has the best schedule for winning the E8 this year.  Getting Alfred and Fisher at home is a big help.  With that said, the Bombers still need to execute like they did against Springfield last year and not Alfred and Fisher.
  As a Saxon fan I am very nervous about our schedule.  Starting the year off at Thiel, then getting St. Lawrence (who played us real tough last year) at home, followed by Springfield on our turf, we could very easily start 1-2.  If we get rolling though it will make our three game road trip to end the season (@ Hobart, @ Ithaca, @ Fisher) exciting, but no less brutal.
  I'd love to see Keeley get a chance at the NCAAs to make up for the screw job in 2005, but the deck seems stacked against him.  So, the team will have to collectively step up this year - starting with the Pep Band!

Kaz00

[JQV]

With that said, the Bombers still need to execute like they did against Springfield last year and not Alfred and Fisher.

I absolutely agree.  I didn't mean to imply that IC was without question marks heading into 2007. 

1. Can we be more consistent on offense?  I basically chalked the sputters up to a rookie QB.  When Juvan showed up two years ago, we were all excited, but he obviously needs to improve on 2006 and move from being a guy that you hope manages the game and doesn't lose it to a playmaker that wins the game.  Otherwise, there could be footsteps from E8PP Fan Favorite Brian Grastorf...

2. Will the real Jamie Donovan please stand up?  He is coming back for a 5th year but he hasn't been the player he was his rookie campaing in some time.  If he can't find that form again, all he is doing is taking touches from Alex Baez, who is also back.  Also, the RB situation is complicated by the presence of Justin Kulp who probably deserves to get the pill more often considering the fact that he scored 8 touchdowns on just 31 carries.

3. How does the defense rebound after losing Blumenauer and Napoleone?  The loss of a senior LB can hurt in the second year of the 3-4.

[Tags]

3. How does the defense rebound after losing Blumenauer and Napoleone?  The loss of a senior LB can hurt in the second year of the 3-4.

If they play like they did in the first half @ Fisher, and like they did vs. Springfield last year they will be very tough. I agree it is hard to lose individual leaders, but in those references it was a swarming team defense that looked very good.

[sjfcards]

Jose,
  I honestly think your are right that Ithaca has the best schedule for winning the E8 this year.  Getting Alfred and Fisher at home is a big help.  With that said, the Bombers still need to execute like they did against Springfield last year and not Alfred and Fisher.
  As a Saxon fan I am very nervous about our schedule.  Starting the year off at Thiel, then getting St. Lawrence (who played us real tough last year) at home, followed by Springfield on our turf, we could very easily start 1-2.  If we get rolling though it will make our three game road trip to end the season (@ Hobart, @ Ithaca, @ Fisher) exciting, but no less brutal.
  I'd love to see Keeley get a chance at the NCAAs to make up for the screw job in 2005, but the deck seems stacked against him.  So, the team will have to collectively step up this year - starting with the Pep Band!

Kaz00

That stretch for Alfred at the end of the season is about as tough as they come in D3 Football. It could very easily make or break their season. I honestly think that AU can beat Springfield, and they have proven they can beat IC and Fisher the last two seasons. Should be real interesting to see how AU plays into the outcome of the league this year. The last two years I think they kind of snuck up on some teams, and were better than most may have thought. It should be fun this year. I don't see too many teams taking them lightly.

The great unknown it seems is Springfield. I have a grasp on Fisher, IC, and AU at this point (as good of an idea as you can have right now). But, I have no idea what to expect from SC. I know Sharpe is nasty, and that they have that quirky offense. I think they should be very good, same as last year. Does anyone know if they are good enough to win the league...what did they lose from last year. What did they gain in recruiting...a lot of questions.

I would love if we could get an honest assessment of all the teams in the league. Kind of like the NCAA team capsules that people wrote in over on the Basketball page before the NCAA tourny. Obviously it is early...I am just really excited for the season already...

[AUPepBand]

Here it is May....students are now leaving campus with commencement here in Saxonville at 10 a.m. Saturday. Yet E8PPers are already getting excited about the 2007 football season. Time for AU Pep Band to order some new tunes for the coming season. Does anyone know where we might find an "in-the-stands" arrangement of "It's Getting Hot In Here...."

[JQV]

Does anyone know where we might find an "in-the-stands" arrangement of "It's Getting Hot In Here...."

I bet these dudes have a copy:

[AUKaz00]

Here it is May....students are now leaving campus with commencement here in Saxonville at 10 a.m. Saturday. Yet E8PPers are already getting excited about the 2007 football season. Time for AU Pep Band to order some new tunes for the coming season. Does anyone know where we might find an "in-the-stands" arrangement of "It's Getting Hot In Here...."

AUPB,
  Don't forget to stop up at The 67 on Saturday for Momma Kaz00-in-law's graduation party.  And while you're collecting sheet music for next season, make sure you get a copy of the full repertoire from the UofR lone bugler!

[FisherAlum05]

I was just putzing around the internet and checked out the Fisher Football page..

the 2007 schedule is out and here it is:

Sept 1 @ Kings College
Sept 8 @ Buff State
Sept 15 U of R
Sept 22 @ Ithaca
Sept 29 @ Hartwick
Oct 6 SUNY Brockport
Oct 13 Norwich
Oct 20 @ Springfield
Oct 27 Utica College
Nov 10 Alfred University

I have a few quick thoughts...I was unaware that Fisher was adding Buff State to the schedule. Is this a few year deal, or just a one year spot before they add Mt. Union? Either way I am glad to see that Mt. Ida is off the schedule. It may be a tougher game on the road but they will be better for it.

Also after looking at the schedule for a second I noticed that Springfield and Ithaca are both on the road. That makes it tough to think Fisher will go 2-0 through that stretch. Those teams along with Alfred will all probably contend for the league title and that is not a favorable schedule for the Cards.

I am happy that the Alfred game is at Fisher. Something makes me think that game may go a long way toward who is the eventual Empire 8 Champ. I don't necessarily think that will be the E8 Championship, but in a tiebreaker situation it may be huge.

I do think Fisher has a good chance at winning the league this year, but it will be very tough to win every game with three other real quality teams in the league this year. It is too early to predict anything for next year, but I think Fisher is looking at another solid season...perhaps NCAA play? Fingers crossed

are any other teams 2007 schedule's out?

The interesting note about both 'Port and Buff State being on Fisher's schedule is that is virtually guarantees they won't be on IC's schedule (given that the NJAC teams only get one OOC game with the new additions).  That means IC will be looking for two new opponents.  Hopefully they are looking around the PAC for at least one of those games and a broader national search for the other.

EDIT:  It has been brought to my attention that the new NJAC will not take effect until 2008.  Therefore, IC will keep Brockport this season but, in all likelihood, lose them from the 2008 schedule.

As for 2007 E8 Predictions, I think it is too early because, in D3, there is always the possibility that a kid just doesn't come back to school.  In fact, Hartwick may be facing that possibility with their QB who was rumored to be looking for a transfer if I remember correctly.  (COME TO IC).  Either way, I think Alfred has the best returning player in the league in QB Paul Keeley.  I think Fisher will be hurt by graduation more than you think they will.  I think the Bombers have the inside track by getting both Fisher and Alfred at home and having only SC on the road (which is probably the road stadium that has the least effect on IC for some reason). 

I know I am going to take some stuff for saying Keeley is better than Chris Sharpe.  But I think Sharpe has been proven to be a one trick pony in a gimmick offense.  Cue fan of d3.

Chairman and sjfcards,

Fisher is dropping Kings College next season and replacing them with Mt. Union.  Buffalo
State will remain on their schedule for atleast 2 years.  Also, I have heard through good sources that IC plans to pick up Kings College next year. 

[FisherAlum05]

And I really believe Fisher's schedule is not as tough as everyone is making it out to be.  They only play 2 tough road games.  IC is tough yes, but they are due to win there.  And, remeber SJF has never lost to SC @ SC.  I think they could go 9-1 with a lone loss to IC @ IC. 

[JQV]

And I really believe Fisher's schedule is not as tough as everyone is making it out to be.  They only play 2 tough road games.  IC is tough yes, but they are due to win there.  And, remeber SJF has never lost to SC @ SC.  I think they could go 9-1 with a lone loss to IC @ IC. 

This is the most crackpot argument.  For some reason, sports is the only place in all of the world where previous failure is evidence of future success.  You'll never hear:

-My stockbroker sucks and has lost millions of dollars for his clients, but I am sticking with him because he is due.

-My kid's schoolbus driver has gotten into an accident once a week for two months.  That makes me feel like my kid is safe because the driver is due.

-I have arrested that same crack dealer on that same corner 10 times, I am not going to arrest him this time because he is due to be obeying the law.

-That surgeon really hacked up his last few patients so I am going to let him perform my bypass because he is due.

-That kid has failed his GED test 6 straight times but we are going to let him into Cortland anyway because he is due. (OK, well maybe you would hear this one in the world).

Sorry about the soapbox.  This just always makes me crazy.

P.S. IC has added King's for 2007.

[lewdogg11]

And I really believe Fisher's schedule is not as tough as everyone is making it out to be.  They only play 2 tough road games.  IC is tough yes, but they are due to win there.  And, remeber SJF has never lost to SC @ SC.  I think they could go 9-1 with a lone loss to IC @ IC. 

This is the most crackpot argument.  For some reason, sports is the only place in all of the world where previous failure is evidence of future success.  You'll never hear:

-My stockbroker sucks and has lost millions of dollars for his clients, but I am sticking with him because he is due.

-My kid's schoolbus driver has gotten into an accident once a week for two months.  That makes me feel like my kid is safe because the driver is due.

-I have arrested that same crack dealer on that same corner 10 times, I am not going to arrest him this time because he is due to be obeying the law.

-That surgeon really hacked up his last few patients so I am going to let him perform my bypass because he is due.

-That kid has failed his GED test 6 straight times but we are going to let him into Cortland anyway because he is due. (OK, well maybe you would hear this one in the world).

Sorry about the soapbox.  This just always makes me crazy.

P.S. IC has added King's for 2007.

I don't know man.  If I went out to the bars and got no action 3 nights in a row.  I would definately be due on the 4th night.  Maybe it would happen.  Maybe it wouldn't. 

If SJF loses again, can they find an Ithaca type team on the corner, and PAY for a win???

If not, they can just go home, watch TV, and lay into some Chinese Food with their hands down their pants.

[JQV]

That's ironic LD, I just found this picture on Rob Kramer's Myspace Page over the caption, post-Butterfield:

[AUPepBand]

And I really believe Fisher's schedule is not as tough as everyone is making it out to be.  They only play 2 tough road games.  IC is tough yes, but they are due to win there.  And, remeber SJF has never lost to SC @ SC.  I think they could go 9-1 with a lone loss to IC @ IC. 

Every private college that has ever played at Butterfield is "due to win there."