FB: Empire 8

[saxondeuce]

AU fans...how did the Pride look or sound yesterday.  Obviously it was a close game.  Is AU getting on track?  I know it is several weeks away, but week 10 could be the big one

I don't think any Saxon fans who post here were at the game yesterday.  And without a radio broadcast, the closest to game action we came was Pep on the phone with the press box asking for updates (and play-by-play for the final 3 minutes).

My perception of Alfred and Springfield didn't change after yesterday's game.  I think both programs are in a re-building phase and so the game was a 50-50 proposition.  That the Saxons came out on top is encouraging, but I still forsee them finishing at my originally projected 6-4.  I honestly think that Wick, UofR, Ithaca and Fisher are all better than the Saxons right now, but that Alfred will squeak out a win against one of them (most likely one of the home games) and win their games against Norwich and Utica.  In that case, the E8 could be wrapped up by week 10 so Fisher's trip into Mayberry may be anti-climactic.

Now, I am hopeful that the Saxons continue to build off their success and gel as a team as the season progresses.  If not for this year, then for next.  As a Saxons fan, all I can hope for is that like the two previous seasons it will all come down to week 11 (and you could include 2005 in there too if you believe that Alfred got snubbed after their win at Fisher).

As deuce pointed out, winning at Springfield was something that even our 2006 team was unable to do, though I suspect that both clubs were stronger that year than this.  Regardless, it keeps things interested for the pep band!

called a buddy of mine who still plays...said they were more effective yesterday because they established a ground game...that O-Line is very yong and can only learn and get better which is very promising.  I am excited to see what they can do the rest of the year...I knew the D would be solid as Coach Murray is always prepared and is an excellent defensive coach but the O seems to be doing better than I thought.  Regardless, that is a good win at Springfield.  Hopefully they play good football the rest of the year so Week 11 with SJF at AU having some meaning. 

[boobyhasgameyo]

I listened to the game today and Fisher seemed to play great.  Especially in the second half.  I think a 9-1 finish is very possible.  Before DewCrew can post his updated East Region top 10, here is mine:

1.  SJF
2.  Cortland
3.  Delaware Valley
4.  RPI
5.  Ithaca
6.  Hobart
7.  Albright
8.  Rowan
9.  Kean
10. Hartwick

pbr would have del val at #1... 8)

Yeah well I wouldn't, I never thought Wesley and Salisbury deserved being ranked so high.  We will see how the rest of their seasons go, but Salisbury has at least one more loss coming to them in about 2 weeks

pfff...wesley is the real deal dont kid yourself. salisbury runs a very unique offense that is very difficult to prepare for in 1 week.  we know you wouldnt put dvc at #1 that is why you dont vote or do atn...

pfffffffffffffffff saying Wesley wasn't the 3rd best team in the country doesn't mean I don't think they are the "real deal".  Does thinking they should be ranked about the 15th best team in the country make them a crappy team??   pffffffffffffff Salisbury's very unique offense will be tested against our defense in two weeks, like I said before in regards to Ithaca I don't think Salisbury's offense will be better than Mount Union's who our defense only gave up 27 points to.  pfffffffff yeah sorry for not putting dvc at #1, I mean Fisher only lost to the best team in division 3 history while Delaware Valley lost to Iona. 

[fishfan]

Fisher rebuilding?  9 seniors start on defense, PK and punter seniors, punt retuner and kick returner are also seniors. TE #44 is also a senior. Do you still think they are rebuilding?

[theoriginalupstate]

Fisher rebuilding?  9 seniors start on defense, PK and punter seniors, punt retuner and kick returner are also seniors. TE #44 is also a senior. Do you still think they are rebuilding?

No one said anything about the Defense...

Everyone knew that it was going to be their strength this year...

[sjfcards]

gb15...sorry 'about the 'mediocre' thing...wasn't meant to label you as saying that.  I can see where we aren't too hot on Juvan right now.  But before DJ we were rather spoiled with Fellecetti at the helm.  Quick fun question...How do you think Juvan would have done with the supporting cast #3 had as well as the state of the E8 during that time?  

And you really think Ithaca is not a perennial football power anymore? (not meant to irk anyone or start arguments!) Maybe I see thing differently since I don't come from a football background, but I would be hard pressed to think Ithaca is no longer a football power in the East.  (let me know if I'm reading your posts wrong!)

I have to agree with the Fellecetti and Juvan. I have watched Juvan against Fisher each of the last 3 years, and I always end up saying the same thing..."Man he looks like an amazing athlete. It seems like he throws the ball a mile. Wow, he can really make it tough on a Defense...Why don't they score more? How did we hold him to such a low point total.

I will get some heat from IC fans I am sure, but I think he is just not a very good QB. Great athlete, not so good at running a team.

See, I think the supporting casts have been pretty similar. Both had Donovan and Baez for two years. Felicetti may have had slightly better WR's (Espo, O'Hara, et al), but Juvan has had pretty good talent at his disposal, too (Crandall, Hogan, Weverbergh). I don't think it's a matter of who had better weapons.

When Felicetti got the ball, you knew Ithaca was going to score. That just doesn't happen with Juvan. You can break down why until the cows come home. But that's just how it is. Juvan isn't bad and I'm not trying to say he is. But he really has not improved in 3 years, at least from what I have seen.

[PBR...]

I listened to the game today and Fisher seemed to play great.  Especially in the second half.  I think a 9-1 finish is very possible.  Before DewCrew can post his updated East Region top 10, here is mine:

1.  SJF
2.  Cortland
3.  Delaware Valley
4.  RPI
5.  Ithaca
6.  Hobart
7.  Albright
8.  Rowan
9.  Kean
10. Hartwick

pbr would have del val at #1... 8)

Yeah well I wouldn't, I never thought Wesley and Salisbury deserved being ranked so high.  We will see how the rest of their seasons go, but Salisbury has at least one more loss coming to them in about 2 weeks

pfff...wesley is the real deal dont kid yourself. salisbury runs a very unique offense that is very difficult to prepare for in 1 week.  we know you wouldnt put dvc at #1 that is why you dont vote or do atn...

pfffffffffffffffff saying Wesley wasn't the 3rd best team in the country doesn't mean I don't think they are the "real deal".  Does thinking they should be ranked about the 15th best team in the country make them a crappy team??   pffffffffffffff Salisbury's very unique offense will be tested against our defense in two weeks, like I said before in regards to Ithaca I don't think Salisbury's offense will be better than Mount Union's who our defense only gave up 27 points to.  pfffffffff yeah sorry for not putting dvc at #1, I mean Fisher only lost to the best team in division 3 history while Delaware Valley lost to Iona. 

LOL...where does pbr start w/ so many things wrong w/ the above statements...

nevermind its not even worth it 

[boobyhasgameyo]

I listened to the game today and Fisher seemed to play great.  Especially in the second half.  I think a 9-1 finish is very possible.  Before DewCrew can post his updated East Region top 10, here is mine:

1.  SJF
2.  Cortland
3.  Delaware Valley
4.  RPI
5.  Ithaca
6.  Hobart
7.  Albright
8.  Rowan
9.  Kean
10. Hartwick

pbr would have del val at #1... 8)

Yeah well I wouldn't, I never thought Wesley and Salisbury deserved being ranked so high.  We will see how the rest of their seasons go, but Salisbury has at least one more loss coming to them in about 2 weeks

pfff...wesley is the real deal dont kid yourself. salisbury runs a very unique offense that is very difficult to prepare for in 1 week.  we know you wouldnt put dvc at #1 that is why you dont vote or do atn...

pfffffffffffffffff saying Wesley wasn't the 3rd best team in the country doesn't mean I don't think they are the "real deal".  Does thinking they should be ranked about the 15th best team in the country make them a crappy team??   pffffffffffffff Salisbury's very unique offense will be tested against our defense in two weeks, like I said before in regards to Ithaca I don't think Salisbury's offense will be better than Mount Union's who our defense only gave up 27 points to.  pfffffffff yeah sorry for not putting dvc at #1, I mean Fisher only lost to the best team in division 3 history while Delaware Valley lost to Iona. 

LOL...where does pbr start w/ so many things wrong w/ the above statements...

nevermind its not even worth it 

Well I only made 3 statements, so how you could find "so many things wrong" with it is beyond me.  But yes please don't try and refute any of them, i don't think many people on this board care what you think anyway 

[Jonny Utah]

Ok so SJF happened to get lucky for the 3rd year in a row.

IC wins it out and SJF loses the rest of their games.

Go Pats.

Coach Vos owns coach Welch after halftime....

1st Half points for Ithaca and SJF 2006-2008

Fisher 20
Ithaca 20

2nd Half points for Ithaca and SJF from 2006-2008

Fisher 88
Ithaca 12

Come on man, if you're going to steal my stuff, at least give me cedit!!!!!!!!! LOL! I posted that last night!!! Plagarism is a crime!  

I dont see anything really that simialar in the two posts....

[theoriginalupstate]

Ok so SJF happened to get lucky for the 3rd year in a row.

IC wins it out and SJF loses the rest of their games.

Go Pats.

Coach Vos owns coach Welch after halftime....

1st Half points for Ithaca and SJF 2006-2008

Fisher 20
Ithaca 20

2nd Half points for Ithaca and SJF from 2006-2008

Fisher 88
Ithaca 12

Come on man, if you're going to steal my stuff, at least give me cedit!!!!!!!!! LOL! I posted that last night!!! Plagarism is a crime!  

I dont see anything really that simialar in the two posts....

I got the point break downs from him....

Which i had no intentions of taking credit for, i assumed because I used the same format that people would know it was from you.  However i dont think that worked out that way...

[Jonny Utah]

Ok so SJF happened to get lucky for the 3rd year in a row.

IC wins it out and SJF loses the rest of their games.

Go Pats.

Coach Vos owns coach Welch after halftime....

1st Half points for Ithaca and SJF 2006-2008

Fisher 20
Ithaca 20

2nd Half points for Ithaca and SJF from 2006-2008

Fisher 88
Ithaca 12

Come on man, if you're going to steal my stuff, at least give me cedit!!!!!!!!! LOL! I posted that last night!!! Plagarism is a crime!  

I dont see anything really that simialar in the two posts....

I got the point break downs from him....

Which i had no intentions of taking credit for, i assumed because I used the same format that people would know it was from you.  However i dont think that worked out that way...

Oh ok I thought he meant my post....

[Jonny Utah]

And for any IC grads that get the IC quarterly, there is a nice piece on bomber Glen Caruso '96.  He is now the head coach at d3 St. Thomas.

[AUPepBand]

AU fans...how did the Pride look or sound yesterday.  Obviously it was a close game.  Is AU getting on track?  I know it is several weeks away, but week 10 could be the big one

I don't think any Saxon fans who post here were at the game yesterday.  And without a radio broadcast, the closest to game action we came was Pep on the phone with the press box asking for updates (and play-by-play for the final 3 minutes).

My perception of Alfred and Springfield didn't change after yesterday's game.  I think both programs are in a re-building phase and so the game was a 50-50 proposition.  That the Saxons came out on top is encouraging, but I still forsee them finishing at my originally projected 6-4.  I honestly think that Wick, UofR, Ithaca and Fisher are all better than the Saxons right now, but that Alfred will squeak out a win against one of them (most likely one of the home games) and win their games against Norwich and Utica.  In that case, the E8 could be wrapped up by week 10 so Fisher's trip into Mayberry may be anti-climactic.

Now, I am hopeful that the Saxons continue to build off their success and gel as a team as the season progresses.  If not for this year, then for next.  As a Saxons fan, all I can hope for is that like the two previous seasons it will all come down to week 11 (and you could include 2005 in there too if you believe that Alfred got snubbed after their win at Fisher).

As deuce pointed out, winning at Springfield was something that even our 2006 team was unable to do, though I suspect that both clubs were stronger that year than this.  Regardless, it keeps things interested for the pep band!

called a buddy of mine who still plays...said they were more effective yesterday because they established a ground game...that O-Line is very yong and can only learn and get better which is very promising.  I am excited to see what they can do the rest of the year...I knew the D would be solid as Coach Murray is always prepared and is an excellent defensive coach but the O seems to be doing better than I thought.  Regardless, that is a good win at Springfield.  Hopefully they play good football the rest of the year so Week 11 with SJF at AU having some meaning. 

Pep had nothing to go by but stats...but sometimes they speak volumes. Despite the fact the Saxons didn't light up the scoreboard, Pep was PLEASED to see that the Saxons made a concerted effort to establish the running game. AU had a balanced attack, getting its first 100-yard rusher this season in Morgan O'Brien. While total yards were nothing to brag about, the fact that AU got as many yards on the ground as thru the air was encouraging...and, as stated above, effective.

The Saxon defense shut down the Pride attack enough to give AU a chance. And the Saxons had a little luck as well, as the Pride missed TWO field goal attempts in the fourth quarter--one early in the period from 29 yards and the 41-yarder with 13 seconds remaining.

On Saxon Warriors!

[saxondeuce]

AU fans...how did the Pride look or sound yesterday.  Obviously it was a close game.  Is AU getting on track?  I know it is several weeks away, but week 10 could be the big one

I don't think any Saxon fans who post here were at the game yesterday.  And without a radio broadcast, the closest to game action we came was Pep on the phone with the press box asking for updates (and play-by-play for the final 3 minutes).

My perception of Alfred and Springfield didn't change after yesterday's game.  I think both programs are in a re-building phase and so the game was a 50-50 proposition.  That the Saxons came out on top is encouraging, but I still forsee them finishing at my originally projected 6-4.  I honestly think that Wick, UofR, Ithaca and Fisher are all better than the Saxons right now, but that Alfred will squeak out a win against one of them (most likely one of the home games) and win their games against Norwich and Utica.  In that case, the E8 could be wrapped up by week 10 so Fisher's trip into Mayberry may be anti-climactic.

Now, I am hopeful that the Saxons continue to build off their success and gel as a team as the season progresses.  If not for this year, then for next.  As a Saxons fan, all I can hope for is that like the two previous seasons it will all come down to week 11 (and you could include 2005 in there too if you believe that Alfred got snubbed after their win at Fisher).

As deuce pointed out, winning at Springfield was something that even our 2006 team was unable to do, though I suspect that both clubs were stronger that year than this.  Regardless, it keeps things interested for the pep band!

called a buddy of mine who still plays...said they were more effective yesterday because they established a ground game...that O-Line is very yong and can only learn and get better which is very promising.  I am excited to see what they can do the rest of the year...I knew the D would be solid as Coach Murray is always prepared and is an excellent defensive coach but the O seems to be doing better than I thought.  Regardless, that is a good win at Springfield.  Hopefully they play good football the rest of the year so Week 11 with SJF at AU having some meaning. 

Pep had nothing to go by but stats...but sometimes they speak volumes. Despite the fact the Saxons didn't light up the scoreboard, Pep was PLEASED to see that the Saxons made a concerted effort to establish the running game. AU had a balanced attack, getting its first 100-yard rusher this season in Morgan O'Brien. While total yards were nothing to brag about, the fact that AU got as many yards on the ground as thru the air was encouraging...and, as stated above, effective.

The Saxon defense shut down the Pride attack enough to give AU a chance. And the Saxons had a little luck as well, as the Pride missed TWO field goal attempts in the fourth quarter--one early in the period from 29 yards and the 41-yarder with 13 seconds remaining.

On Saxon Warriors!

  better lucky than good!! go saxons!

[AUPepBand]

Yesterday's game was much like the Alfred at Catholic skirmish in D.C. in 1994 when the guru, working the Catholic press box, gave Pep a play-by-play over the phone.

Pep was at his PC watching the Fisher-Ithaca game, while posting AU Vs. SC in-game-updates every 20 minutes or so by calling the press box. With AU up 17-14 and Springfield with the ball late in the game, Pep enlisted the guy in the Springfield press box to give him a "play-by-play" although Pep had to prod for info. Pep had never posted at that pace.....crazy!! Play-by-play via Pep's fingertips!

[SJFF82]

Just sat down to give my thoughts on the most horrific 18 minutes of Bombers football that I've seen since I showed up on South Hill. I never thought I'd see the day where an Ithaca team would be trailing 9-6 with 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter and end up losing by 31. I'm going to do this in two parts: one dedicated to Ithaca, one dedicated to Fisher. To some (Ithaca fans), these posts will seem overly fatalistic. To others (Fisher fans), you will surely be disappointed that I'm not fawning over your team as much as you are. It's one man's opinion and I calls 'em as I sees 'em. Here are my thoughts:

1) I hope someone woke up Mike Welch in time for the bus ride home. Wow, was Mike Welch ever exposed on Saturday. Simply put, Vosburgh and his coaching staff are far better than Welch and his. The most confounding and glaring error by Welch took place with 12 minutes left in the 4th quarter and Ithaca trailing 23-6. Ithaca has the ball on Fisher's 13 yd line, faced with 4th-and-6. Oh, and our backup QB is in the game. I didn't even think there was a decision to be made here. You kick the FG 100% of the time. You're down 3 scores. You're going to need the FG at some point. Kick it, make it 23-9 and at least give your team an opportunity. I couldn't believe my eyes when Welch left the offense on the field to go for it. Of course, Ithaca failed to convert and, for all intents and purposes, they were Dead Team Walking for the last 12 minutes. There's a fine line between aggressive and stupid. This was the latter. The second absurd sequence took place on IC's second drive: 3rd-and-9 from Fisher's 31. Clearly four-down territory; too close to punt, to far to kick the FG. You know you have two downs to work with. Run something to get the first down or make it a manageable 4th down (screen pass would have been the PERFECT call). Instead, they throw it incomplete downfield on 3rd down and then, inexplicably, take a delay of game without Juvan even getting under center to try and draw an offsides. Who is coaching these guys? Then, predictably, we punt out of the end zone: net 16 yards. Nice job, Welchie.

The stat that Bombers798891 gave says it all: Fisher has outscored Ithaca 88-12 in the 2nd half over the last three years. Welch is getting worked by Vosburgh and his coaching staff.

2) If our offense was an ice cream flavor, it would be Vanilla. Make that reduced fat, sugar-free vanilla. In a dish, not a cone. I liked the end-around on the first drive, but after that IC did absolutely NOTHING to keep Fisher's defense off-balance. It looks like we have three running plays: off-guard left, off-guard right, dive. No counters, no stretches, no tosses. How about a draw or inside handoff out of the shotgun to keep the defense honest? How about a screen on a 2nd-and-long when Fisher brought the blitz so frequently? Has the coaching staff ever heard of WR screens or bubble screens. You would think they have considering how often we've been gashed by those plays in the last 4 years.

Look, I'm not asking for Ithaca to start running the spread option or an offense like Hartwick's. But, at any level of football, if you can't keep the defense off-balance in big games, you're not going to win. This may get the job done against Hartwick and King's, but you're going to find yourselves on the short end of the stick more times than not when you play a team as talented or more talented than you. That's been the case for the last few years and it will continue to be for as long Ithaca continues calling plays like this.

3) Does Seth Molisani have any eligibility left? I say this because there hasn't been a real playmaker in that secondary since he graduated after the 2003 season. I know those guys are giving effort out there, and I commend that, but they are just getting gashed to death. Jimmy Smith ran by Conti like Conti was running in quicksand. A lot of times the safety would bite on the run and be left out of position. And if this was a Madden video game, I think all of their Awareness ratings would be about "3." When a right-handed QB rolls left, especially at this level, he's throwing to the sideline. He's not going to throw across his body and, if he does, Happy Birthday. Each time Bailey rolled left, he had an option of throwing to two guys whose heels were against the sidelines. Yet the secondary didn't cheat towards those players once. They were wide open. It was unbelievable. Also, I must comment on how flat-footed the secondary looks when they are playing in the zone. It looks like they're completely unaware of the guys running through their zones. I'm going to throw up if I keep talking about this.

4) The Ithaca name far exceeds on-field performance. This dawned on me as I was watching the Tennessee-Auburn game: Ithaca is the D3 version of Tennessee. A team who rarely beats its biggest rivals anymore (Georgia/Florida, Fisher/Cortland)? Check. A team whose fanbase has unrealistically high expectations heading into each season? Check. A coach who seems like the game has passed him by? Check. A coach who gets worked by coaches who have stayed abreast of the modern game (Richt/Urban Meyer/Les Miles, Vosburgh/Hartwick)? Check. A team, who despite the prestige associated with its name, is perpetually battling for the bottom of the top 25 poll? Check. A team who is being closed in on by what's viewed as the lesser teams in the conference (Kentucky/Vandy, Alfred/Hartwick)? Check. I understand the analogy isn't perfect: the SEC is far better top-to-bottom than the E8. But the parallels are striking.

5) Prepare for another kick to the midsection. Bombers798891 touched on this. Can there be any doubt that Ithaca will come back and win its next five games, entering the Cortland game with an 8-1 record. By then, seemingly all will be right in Bombers Nation and we'll probably be analyzing who IC may match up with in the 1st round of the playoffs. Then we'll lose to Cortland by 14 points and either a) play an ECAC game, or b) slip into the playoffs and get hammered by a better team in a road playoff game. Can you tell I'm excited about the rest of the year?

6) Reality Check. Ithaca is 1-4 in its last five games against Fisher and 2-3 in their last five against Cortland. That's 3-7 in the last 10 games against their two biggest rivals. Ithaca hasn't won a playoff game since 2003. Those are the facts. Ugh.

Ok...I'll be posting my thoughts on Fisher later. Time to go watch my Mets blow it on the last day of the season for the second straight year. Oli Perez on 3 days rest!! Get excited. Stab me.

incredibly insightful post  +k