East Region Fan Poll

[Bartman]

I have no real problem with the poll. I had Utica at #8 and WNE out but a very close to #10. My choice for Utica was they beat 2 ranked teams (ohio northern & Cortland). WNE had no big wins and yes I realize they can only play the teams on their schedule.

Yes, but they have beat those teams decisively and was never really in a battle with its opponents. Do I think WNE can beat Utica, Ohio Northern, and the current Cortland, Yes! Again, they have played very well.

For whatever the AFCA Coaches poll is worth(not sure the coaches have much time to follow this during their season??) WNE is ranked 37th(8th in the East) and neither Rowan nor Utica received any votes. Perhaps this reflects a regional bias for NE coaches to vote for WNE, but it also shows no love for Utica or Rowan from any coach .I think WNE had solid "not in doubt" performances against Union and Springfield( mid level LL teams) and a 55-7 against Westfield St. as their OOC wins. Hard to really assess outcomes against the top teams from this sample, but I am sure they would be very competitive.   
  On a more selfish matter of interest, the Coaches poll also shows that Hobart is ranked 16th (3rd in the East)...while I am happy to see this as a Statesman homer, I think this is a function of their brand on a National basis and being 5-0 as opposed to following the actual performance week to week........c'mon Defense pick it up  against RPI ...otherwise we look like Hartwick

[Upstate]

I have no real problem with the poll. I had Utica at #8 and WNE out but a very close to #10. My choice for Utica was they beat 2 ranked teams (ohio northern & Cortland). WNE had no big wins and yes I realize they can only play the teams on their schedule.

Yes, but they have beat those teams decisively and was never really in a battle with its opponents. Do I think WNE can beat Utica, Ohio Northern, and the current Cortland, Yes! Again, they have played very well.

For whatever the AFCA Coaches poll is worth(not sure the coaches have much time to follow this during their season??) WNE is ranked 37th(8th in the East) and neither Rowan nor Utica received any votes. Perhaps this reflects a regional bias for NE coaches to vote for WNE, but it also shows no love for Utica or Rowan from any coach .I think WNE had solid "not in doubt" performances against Union and Springfield( mid level LL teams) and a 55-7 against Westfield St. as their OOC wins. Hard to really assess outcomes against the top teams from this sample, but I am sure they would be very competitive.   
  On a more selfish matter of interest, the Coaches poll also shows that Hobart is ranked 16th (3rd in the East)...while I am happy to see this as a Statesman homer, I think this is a function of their brand on a National basis and being 5-0 as opposed to following the actual performance week to week........c'mon Defense pick it up  against RPI ...otherwise we look like Hartwick

Don't beat yourself up for a very uncharacteristic Hobart defense...

Hobart could put 9 guys out there on Defense and still be better than Hartwick...

[Bartman]

I have no real problem with the poll. I had Utica at #8 and WNE out but a very close to #10. My choice for Utica was they beat 2 ranked teams (ohio northern & Cortland). WNE had no big wins and yes I realize they can only play the teams on their schedule.

Yes, but they have beat those teams decisively and was never really in a battle with its opponents. Do I think WNE can beat Utica, Ohio Northern, and the current Cortland, Yes! Again, they have played very well.

For whatever the AFCA Coaches poll is worth(not sure the coaches have much time to follow this during their season??) WNE is ranked 37th(8th in the East) and neither Rowan nor Utica received any votes. Perhaps this reflects a regional bias for NE coaches to vote for WNE, but it also shows no love for Utica or Rowan from any coach .I think WNE had solid "not in doubt" performances against Union and Springfield( mid level LL teams) and a 55-7 against Westfield St. as their OOC wins. Hard to really assess outcomes against the top teams from this sample, but I am sure they would be very competitive.   
  On a more selfish matter of interest, the Coaches poll also shows that Hobart is ranked 16th (3rd in the East)...while I am happy to see this as a Statesman homer, I think this is a function of their brand on a National basis and being 5-0 as opposed to following the actual performance week to week........c'mon Defense pick it up  against RPI ...otherwise we look like Hartwick

Don't beat yourself up for a very uncharacteristic Hobart defense...

Hobart could put 9 guys out there on Defense and still be better than Hartwick...

+k for the comforting comment......I did some research and although I am disappointed on a relative basis, Hobart D is currently ranked 63rd nationally giving up 325 yards per game...Hartwick is 241st and giving up 534 ypg......wow

[sjfcards]

hobart and sjfc seem to be very similar to me in that they've won several close calls and perhaps are underperforming compared to their true potential.

Agree on Sals vs Rowan - really only exciting matchup of the wkd at a national level. RPI could turn heads as Hobart isn't invulnerable and did lose to them last year to boot.

I don't know about this true potential. They were 7-4 last year. I don't know if it was the week 1 blow out that changed the perception of the outlook of the team but so far the Fisher fan's (except 1) have been extremely pleased with the team's effort this year. Last year Fisher scored 27 pts a game and averaged 340 yards of offense. This year they've scored 37 points, and have put up 429 yards a game. This year's offense light years better than last year's offense in terms of efficiency and execution. Offensively they're converting 55% on 3rd down as opposed to 35% last year.

Also going forward it's going to be hard to preform up to "true potential" when your starting QB and top 2 RBs are gone for an extended period of time. They have a freshman QB and a DE starting at RB for the next few weeks so we will see how the team responds vs Morrisville and Utica before the BYE.

I am also not sure what more can be expected from them. Sure they have played 3 consecutive tight games, but all are E8 games (never easy). Against Cortland they had to adjust the defensive gameplan on the fly as the QB they prepared for was knocked out early. Cortland was also ranked and at home. The Brockport game was on the road, in front of a very large crowd for a bowl game type atmosphere, and Fisher did not have their best RB. Buff State was tight, but again Fisher was missing their entire starting backfield. If you want to add the SC game, which they did win by 2 touchdowns, they played that option offense that always gives them fits, and that game was never really in doubt.

None of these are excuses as to why Fisher is under-performing. I am trying to make the point that maybe the 5-0 start is better than I would have expected from other Fisher teams. I think it speaks to the depth and grit of this group. They have had a tough schedule to date and handled it well. It doesn't mean they are the best team in the East, but I don't think they are under-performing either.

[fisheralum91]

Cards,
Under performing according to who?
I dont see any team in the east that has put Mount Union like numbers on opponents.
I think that the E8 and the top of the LL is going to have some strong teams.
Salisbury looks strong but look at their schedule coming up- no easy feat there either.

5-0 is still 5-0

My only caveat to that is that Fisher's 5-0 had adversity and grit.....Something a team can build and rally upon!

[sjfcards]

Cards,
Under performing according to who?
I dont see any team in the east that has put Mount Union like numbers on opponents.
I think that the E8 and the top of the LL is going to have some strong teams.
Salisbury looks strong but look at their schedule coming up- no easy feat there either.

5-0 is still 5-0

My only caveat to that is that Fisher's 5-0 had adversity and grit.....Something a team can build and rally upon!

I was piggy-backing on Upstate's post, in response to ITH radio comparing Hobart and Fisher as perhaps under-performing. I can't say if Hobart is underperforming or not, but I think Upstate nailed it when he said all (except one) Fisher fans are pretty happy with the 5-0 start.

[Upstate]

I have no real problem with the poll. I had Utica at #8 and WNE out but a very close to #10. My choice for Utica was they beat 2 ranked teams (ohio northern & Cortland). WNE had no big wins and yes I realize they can only play the teams on their schedule.

Yes, but they have beat those teams decisively and was never really in a battle with its opponents. Do I think WNE can beat Utica, Ohio Northern, and the current Cortland, Yes! Again, they have played very well.

For whatever the AFCA Coaches poll is worth(not sure the coaches have much time to follow this during their season??) WNE is ranked 37th(8th in the East) and neither Rowan nor Utica received any votes. Perhaps this reflects a regional bias for NE coaches to vote for WNE, but it also shows no love for Utica or Rowan from any coach .I think WNE had solid "not in doubt" performances against Union and Springfield( mid level LL teams) and a 55-7 against Westfield St. as their OOC wins. Hard to really assess outcomes against the top teams from this sample, but I am sure they would be very competitive.   
  On a more selfish matter of interest, the Coaches poll also shows that Hobart is ranked 16th (3rd in the East)...while I am happy to see this as a Statesman homer, I think this is a function of their brand on a National basis and being 5-0 as opposed to following the actual performance week to week........c'mon Defense pick it up  against RPI ...otherwise we look like Hartwick

Don't beat yourself up for a very uncharacteristic Hobart defense...

Hobart could put 9 guys out there on Defense and still be better than Hartwick...

+k for the comforting comment......I did some research and although I am disappointed on a relative basis, Hobart D is currently ranked 63rd nationally giving up 325 yards per game...Hartwick is 241st and giving up 534 ypg......wow

Long live Team Boltus!!!!

[AUKaz00]

Week 6 Fan Poll 

Team	Record	Points	Last Rating	Next Week
1   St. John Fisher ( 1 )	6-0	45	2	at Utica
2   Stevenson ( 2 )	5-0	44	3	at Widener
3   St. Lawrence ( 2 )	6-0	39	4	Open
4   Alfred	5-0	34	5	vs. Cortland State
5   Rowan	4-1	23	10	at Southern Virginia
6   Salisbury	4-1	22	1	at William Paterson
7   Delaware Valley	4-1	18	7	vs. Wilkes
8   Christopher Newport	4-1	17	8	vs. Montclair State
9   Western New England	5-0	10	9	vs. MIT
10t Albright	3-2	7	NR	vs. FDU-Florham
10t Wesley	3-2	7	NR	at Kean

Dropping Out:
Hobart

Also Receiving votes:               
Widener 5
Hobart 4
                     
            
Voting Distribution:            

St. John Fisher (1,2,2,2,3)
Stevenson (3,1,1,4,2)
St. Lawrence (2,9,3,1,1)
Alfred (4,6,4,3,4)
Rowan (6,10,5,5,6)
Salisbury (7,3,6,6,NR)
Delaware Valley (5,7,NR,7,7)
Christopher Newport (8,5,8,9,8)
Western New England (9,NR,10,10,5)
Albright (NR,4,NR,NR,NR)
Wesley (NR,8,9,NR,9)
Widener (NR,NR,7,NR,10)
Hobart (10,NR,NR,8,NR)

[boobyhasgameyo]

It would be fun to see St. John Fisher against St. Lawrence.  Fisher's offense has yet to be remotely contained this year and St. Lawrence has their highly touted defense which had a remarkable start to the season. 

Although if they were to play that is a game I would certainly want our starting QB back for.  The past couple of weeks we have had a freshman quarterback starting and he has done so well all things considered...just want to bench him in favor of experience for this hypothetical matchup. 

[wesleydad]

Week 6 Fan Poll 

Team	Record	Points	Last Rating	Next Week
1   St. John Fisher ( 1 )	6-0	45	2	at Utica
2   Stevenson ( 2 )	5-0	44	3	at Widener
3   St. Lawrence ( 2 )	6-0	39	4	Open
4   Alfred	5-0	34	5	vs. Cortland State
5   Rowan	4-1	23	10	at Southern Virginia
6   Salisbury	4-1	22	1	at William Paterson
7   Delaware Valley	4-1	18	7	vs. Wilkes
8   Christopher Newport	4-1	17	8	vs. Montclair State
9   Western New England	5-0	10	9	vs. MIT
10t Albright	3-2	7	NR	vs. FDU-Florham
10t Wesley	3-2	7	NR	at Kean

Dropping Out:
Hobart

Also Receiving votes:               
Widener 5
Hobart 4
                     
            
Voting Distribution:            

St. John Fisher (1,2,2,2,3)
Stevenson (3,1,1,4,2)
St. Lawrence (2,9,3,1,1)
Alfred (4,6,4,3,4)
Rowan (6,10,5,5,6)
Salisbury (7,3,6,6,NR)
Delaware Valley (5,7,NR,7,7)
Christopher Newport (8,5,8,9,8)
Western New England (9,NR,10,10,5)
Albright (NR,4,NR,NR,NR)
Wesley (NR,8,9,NR,9)
Widener (NR,NR,7,NR,10)
Hobart (10,NR,NR,8,NR)

Ok, at this point I have to ask, what is the justification for having Albright at 4?  I have a feeling about Wesley and could have easily put them 1, 2, or 3 and ahead of the 2 teams they lost to, but with 2 loses can not justify it yet.

[AUKaz00]

Ok, at this point I have to ask, what is the justification for having Albright at 4?  I have a feeling about Wesley and could have easily put them 1, 2, or 3 and ahead of the 2 teams they lost to, but with 2 loses can not justify it yet.

I think voters come at their rankings in different ways.  Is the poll a reflection of what's occurred on the field to date, or how strong each team is currently playing, or expectations on how teams will do going forward?  I'm okay with outliers since the overall rankings (especially the totals points column) seem logical even though every voter could squabble about a team or two's placement based on their personal logic.  So, I guess it comes down to what the ERFP should be - past power rankings, future power rankings, standings?  This mixture of opinions produces a nice result, IMO.

[Bartman]

I think this region has not revealed itself yet. The undefeated teams have not beaten any of the other top ten yet(I could see a realistic scenario where no teams are undefeated except WNE).... Albright and Wesley could end up being ranked as top teams,even with 2 loses,  but so could Hobart and Widener(picked them as they are unranked) who only have one loss...I looked at eliminating the high and low votes and it didn't do much except knock out Albright... I don't think the beasts are resident in the East this year, so the conference races should be VERY entertaining

[dlippiel]

dlip is happy to see WNE getting some love (not just because they beat Union). Obviously coming from the NEFC there is a certain level of doubt (understandably so) that hangs over their head. However dlip was very impressed with their athleticism and composure. They have some real talent and if they can run the table they may prove to be quite a challenge come NCAA time!

[Bartman]

dlip is happy to see WNE getting some love (not just because they beat Union). Obviously coming from the NEFC there is a certain level of doubt (understandably so) that hangs over their head. However dlip was very impressed with their athleticism and composure. They have some real talent and if they can run the table they may prove to be quite a challenge come NCAA time!

Dlip,
     The Golden Bears should send you some nice game gear with their logo for your support.....I keep thinking that Jack Nicklaus should be their spokesperson. In any event, 2 very solid OOC wins against Springfield and Union is certainly respectable. I think they deserve top 10, but not sure about top 5 given the NEFC, but they may surprise someone in the playoffs....
   

[wesleydad]

dlip is happy to see WNE getting some love (not just because they beat Union). Obviously coming from the NEFC there is a certain level of doubt (understandably so) that hangs over their head. However dlip was very impressed with their athleticism and composure. They have some real talent and if they can run the table they may prove to be quite a challenge come NCAA time!

Dlip,
     The Golden Bears should send you some nice game gear with their logo for your support.....I keep thinking that Jack Nicklaus should be their spokesperson. In any event, 2 very solid OOC wins against Springfield and Union is certainly respectable. I think they deserve top 10, but not sure about top 5 given the NEFC, but they may surprise someone in the playoffs....

They deserve top 5 more than a 2 loss Albright team does!!!  And I know Albright might crush them if they played them, but that is not the point.  I am pretty sure Wesley would also crush them and I still have WNEW ahead of Wesley based on actual performance.  When the season ends I believe that Wesley will be the best team in the east and if they get in the playoffs will win a game or 2, but right now I can't justify them being ranked at that level.  Polls are fun and allow us to have conversation which makes the week go by faster while we wait for Saturday.