FB: Empire 8

[Bombers798891]

Re: Fisher being a "doormat"...they certainly weren't impressive based on some of their seasons, but I wouldn't say they were absolutely awful.

1999 Results against teams now in the E8

at Ithaca 44-0 L
at Norwich 23-3 L
at Hartwick 38-2 L
Alfred 20-14 L

2000 Results

at Alfred 43-14 L
Norwich 24-23 L
Ithaca 42-14 L
Hartwick 27-21 L

2001

Norwich 19-14 L
at Ithaca 52-0 L
at Hartwick 24-7 L
Utica 41-6 W

A couple of close games, one win against a just starting up Utica team, but adds up to 1-11 withquite a few blowouts. It wasn't until the next season that they really started making improvements. And really, aside from Ithaca, they held their own mostly.

Was Fisher a "Doormat?" That's a little harsh. They certainly struggled a bit. They went 11-45 from 1996-2001, but that happens to schools sometimes. From what I've seen, the only year I'd consider calling Fisher a "Doormat" would be the 1991 team that only scored 38 points in 9 games. But heck, even then their defense kept them in a few games.

It's a natural ebb and flow for teams most of the time. Look at Buffalo State. They used to be Ithaca's nemesis and a yearly NCAA threat in the mid-late 90's. But once Boyes left, the program just took a nosedive (16-52 since 2000). In fact, even in the lean years for SJF in the late 90's they were playing teams close. But every team has ups and downs, even if they're just relative. Ithaca used to be a national title contender every year. Now, they've only had one 9-win season in the last what, 17 years, and probably functioning as much on reputation as they are on ability. Are they a bad team? No, but they'll probably go 8-2, 7-3 and be a borderline NCAA team. 20 years ago, that was a down year. Now, it's a regular happening.

I'd also think that Fisher's facilities have to play a role in recruiting. Not that that's a bad thing, but if you're a D-3 kid who's not getting any money, or--for the most part--national exposure, wouldn't state-of-the-art facilities draw you in? Heck, one of the reasons I chose to go to IC was because their TV-R department had great facilities. Why should football be any different?

I think Fisher's a phenominal example of a program building itself up and becoming successful. And they've certainly raised the bar for the E8 conference as a whole. They've been legit NC contenders for a few years now, something no-one else can claim since Ithaca was there in the early 90's.

And yes, they are the only E8 team to win at Ithaca since the conference started, but in fairness, we must point out that Hartwick and Alfred have given the Bombers serious scares at home and Springfield came in in 2000--their last trip to Ithaca before the E8 started--and hung a nice little 55 spot.

[PA_wesleyfan]

Thanks, PA_wes....that makes sense now.

BTW, Pep recalls Wesley making a trip to Merrill Field years ago. Pep remembers the Wolverines fielded a very solid defensive team, as did the Saxons. Wesley was the better team that day. 

Coach Drass always has a tough bunch on D..  I think Wesley played the Saxons a few times in the early nineties.

[AUPepBand]

Re: Fisher being a "doormat"...they certainly weren't impressive based on some of their seasons, but I wouldn't say they were absolutely awful.

1999 Results against teams now in the E8

at Ithaca 44-0 L
at Norwich 23-3 L
at Hartwick 38-2 L
Alfred 20-14 L

2000 Results

at Alfred 43-14 L
Norwich 24-23 L
Ithaca 42-14 L
Hartwick 27-21 L

2001

Norwich 19-14 L
at Ithaca 52-0 L
at Hartwick 24-7 L
Utica 41-6 W

A couple of close games, one win against a just starting up Utica team, but adds up to 1-11 withquite a few blowouts. It wasn't until the next season that they really started making improvements. And really, aside from Ithaca, they held their own mostly.

Was Fisher a "Doormat?" That's a little harsh. They certainly struggled a bit. They went 11-45 from 1996-2001, but that happens to schools sometimes. From what I've seen, the only year I'd consider calling Fisher a "Doormat" would be the 1991 team that only scored 38 points in 9 games. But heck, even then their defense kept them in a few games.

It's a natural ebb and flow for teams most of the time. Look at Buffalo State. They used to be Ithaca's nemesis and a yearly NCAA threat in the mid-late 90's. But once Boyes left, the program just took a nosedive (16-52 since 2000). In fact, even in the lean years for SJF in the late 90's they were playing teams close. But every team has ups and downs, even if they're just relative. Ithaca used to be a national title contender every year. Now, they've only had one 9-win season in the last what, 17 years, and probably functioning as much on reputation as they are on ability. Are they a bad team? No, but they'll probably go 8-2, 7-3 and be a borderline NCAA team. 20 years ago, that was a down year. Now, it's a regular happening.

I'd also think that Fisher's facilities have to play a role in recruiting. Not that that's a bad thing, but if you're a D-3 kid who's not getting any money, or--for the most part--national exposure, wouldn't state-of-the-art facilities draw you in? Heck, one of the reasons I chose to go to IC was because their TV-R department had great facilities. Why should football be any different?

I think Fisher's a phenominal example of a program building itself up and becoming successful. And they've certainly raised the bar for the E8 conference as a whole. They've been legit NC contenders for a few years now, something no-one else can claim since Ithaca was there in the early 90's.

And yes, they are the only E8 team to win at Ithaca since the conference started, but in fairness, we must point out that Hartwick and Alfred have given the Bombers serious scares at home and Springfield came in in 2000--their last trip to Ithaca before the E8 started--and hung a nice little 55 spot.

Excellent well thought out post, 798891....+K

[PA_wesleyfan]

 The word is Hartwick was approached and turned down Wesley. Hartwick says it is happy with it's 9 game schedule. I guess putting Wesley in between Ithaca and SJF on the schedule would give them less time to prepare for SJF or to recover from Ithaca.

[superman57]

well to the defense of Hartwick, a  schedule of Welsley, Ithaca, Fisher  could possibly be the hardest schedule of 3 consecutive games in a long time...

[PA_wesleyfan]

I agree..   
  Being around Wesley football for 14 years now I know how hard it has been to get even nine games a few years let alone ten. And as you can see by Wesley's schedule it's not easy to get DIII teams. Coach Drass' teams have traveled far to fill out schedules over the years and I know of only one instance where Wesley declined a game and that was a Championship D1AA program a few years back.

[Cardinal Long Time Fan]

I've followed Fisher football for sometime..and they seem to think that bigger, heavier, slower lineman will bring them a national championship...not..Mt. Union was smaller...but stronger and quicker. Fisher is wasting their senior lineman who know what it takes to win, have been in the program for four years and they are using Freshman and Sophomores...who think they are still playing in high school and don't know what it takes to be win the Fisher way....with heart and desire! They don't know the techniques of college ball and that's why there is no overall running game. Look at Saturday's game and count the fumbled snaps!

[AUPepBand]

How long, CLTF, have you been following Fisher football?

[superman57]

Bmcqueen's  son, brother, nephew, grandson... Ryan McQueen is a senior Oline men for Fisher listed at 5'10 260... Ok, please don't be another windbag... Fisher has notoriusly has a great O-Line... if your family member has an issue with not playing he should bring it up to the coaches, not having you bring it up on a message board where he could get in trouble...  and yes I did my research first to make sure that this wasn't a player...

and P.S. to the players out there... DON'T let your friends, parents, family members post stupidly on here... Follow the lead of Mr. N and ER who are open about who they are... and post useful information and have a good time posting on here...

[Tags]

I've followed Fisher football for sometime..and they seem to think that bigger, heavier, slower lineman will bring them a national championship...not..Mt. Union was smaller...but stronger and quicker. Fisher is wasting their senior lineman who know what it takes to win, have been in the program for four years and they are using Freshman and Sophomores...who think they are still playing in high school and don't know what it takes to be win the Fisher way....with heart and desire! They don't know the techniques of college ball and that's why there is no overall running game. Look at Saturday's game and count the fumbled snaps!

PS- It's not rational to use the MUC game as a measuring stick for the strength of Fisher's running game.

[Yanks 99]

The word is Hartwick was approached and turned down Wesley. Hartwick says it is happy with it's 9 game schedule. I guess putting Wesley in between Ithaca and SJF on the schedule would give them less time to prepare for SJF or to recover from Ithaca.

I haven't heard that yet...but I can check.  Like I said, I know 'Wick was scrambling to get a 10th game during the summer...but I have no idea what the circumstances with Wesley was at the time.

While I would love to see a tough non-conference, out of region game, now would be a tough time and place to add that game for sure.  The week off between IC and SJF would probably be better served preparing/healing.  The ultimate goal is to make the playoffs.  I don't see the E8 getting 3 bids again...at the very least you can't count on it...so 'Wick would either need to run the table in the E8 or finish a clear second with only one loss...as opposed to last years mess in standings. 

Ultimately, the final decision is made with the AD.  Some places, I am sure budgets aren't a huge issue.  I cannot speak for this situation exactly, but have a feeling it could be the case.

[Yanks 99]

I've followed Fisher football for sometime..and they seem to think that bigger, heavier, slower lineman will bring them a national championship...not..Mt. Union was smaller...but stronger and quicker. Fisher is wasting their senior lineman who know what it takes to win, have been in the program for four years and they are using Freshman and Sophomores...who think they are still playing in high school and don't know what it takes to be win the Fisher way....with heart and desire! They don't know the techniques of college ball and that's why there is no overall running game. Look at Saturday's game and count the fumbled snaps!

Wow...I am not a SJFC fan but this is a ridiculous statment.  I know you are angry about your kid/relative not playing...but this isn't high school.  The coach should be honest with him...but to imply for a second that SJFC doesn't know what they are doing is crazy.  First, you can't use MUC as a measuring stick.  They are not the normal D3 team.  Second, hasn't SJFC been to the Final 4 and Elite 8 over the past two seaons, with a sick record over the last 6-7 years? 

I know you are frustrated CLTF...but let it go.  It does no good to complain on here, especially when you aren't making sense.

[Yanks 99]

yanks99 is there even room to expand on the hill at wick?
everything is so bunched together as is.

There is some...they could cut into the north end of the field.  There is really nothing behind there, but it looks like they could expand with something down there...locker rooms, additional seating, etc.

Not an engineer though...so I am not sure what the possibilities are.  I love the new field turf, and the new building and seats.  Good start for sure.

[maninorangehat]

Bmcqueen's  son, brother, nephew, grandson... Ryan McQueen is a senior Oline men for Fisher listed at 5'10 260... Ok, please don't be another windbag... Fisher has notoriusly has a great O-Line... if your family member has an issue with not playing he should bring it up to the coaches, not having you bring it up on a message board where he could get in trouble...  and yes I did my research first to make sure that this wasn't a player...

and P.S. to the players out there... DON'T let your friends, parents, family members post stupidly on here... Follow the lead of Mr. N and ER who are open about who they are... and post useful information and have a good time posting on here...

well said supa - A quick google search solves this riddle and if you've
(bmcqueen) paid attention to these boards at all... you should know that there are about 69 detectives on here.

MIOH is wondering if Coach Welch has put a call into Jeff Bostic?  If our wideouts are having as much trouble as Tecmo & JoseViper have alluded to he would be a nice solution.   

MIOH is assuming Bostic is still in good shape and would help out with all of those points left in the red zone.  Someone go get him out of the Hill Center on Saterday's.  There's still some time here before he goes and tears up the E8 in Hoops.

Tecmo - I didn't get a report on special teams with your message.

Go Bombers

+K for the board.

Go Mets - Real, I hope your as exited as I am about our chances this year. 



 

[maninorangehat]

supes - Is MIOH still supposed to smite you?  It's been a while... just want to make sure.

Go Bombers