2010 Alfland Mug

[Mr. Ypsi]

Remember with SOS, the Empire 8 plays generally 5 OOC games (allowing for a huge variance in SOS above or below .500), while the NJAC teams play 1 OOC each (meaning SOS is trapped between .490 and .510 for the most part).  Again, this is a reminder of how deceiving SOS figure can be -- we don't truly know from the numbers alone how good/bad Cortland is this year.

Ok dumb question of the day so please excuse me in advance. Isn't SOS by definition then useless when comparing any two teams when they don't play common opponents or is there some attempt made to weight the calculations to make the results meaningful?

Not completely useless, but it can be misleading and (contrary to the selection committee this year) should not be over-emphasized.  Since it is composed of both OWP and OOWP, it tells something about strength of schedule, just not necessarily very much.

The CCIW, for example, heavily populated the top end of SoS due to a 22-2 record out-of-conference.  By our own admission, many of the victims were cupcakes and tomato cans, but (by good fortune) some were highly successful cupcakes this year!  (NathCon AQ Benedictine [8-2] lost to North Park, who hasn't won a CCIW game in approximately forever. )  When your 7 conference opponents all share that 22-2 non-con record, SoS is gonna look good!

Other than human judgment, there is no 'weighting' done to correct the flaws in SoS (as far as I know).

[RedDragonFan]

Thanks for the great explanations and examples Frank and Mr Ypsi. In the end I guess it's fair to say it is what it is and better than nothing as long as you keep it's limitations in mind.

To steal a line from The Untouchables, "And so endeth the lesson."

Thanks again and happy thanksgiving.

[XREDDRAGON77]

My last trip to the NCAA's took place in 1997 and ended abruptly with a loss to TCNJ in the round of 16. How do most of the schools deal with Thanksgiving?  Early Thr practice followed by a lay off with a Fri afternoon walk through?  Kids within several hours can go home for the night.......or is it Turkey in the dining halls?

[RedDragonFan]

My last trip to the NCAA's took place in 1997 and ended abruptly with a loss to TCNJ in the round of 16. How do most of the schools deal with Thanksgiving?  Early Thr practice followed by a lay off with a Fri afternoon walk through?  Kids within several hours can go home for the night.......or is it Turkey in the dining halls?

Cstate team had to stay. Dorms closed but there seem to be enough players in off campus apts to cover everyone. They lifted and practice today and are going as a team to a local hotel for a thanksgiving dinner. Usual day before sessions tomorrow then game day!

[saxontad]

Let's fire up these boards!!

On Saxon Warriors!!

[AUKaz00]

Kaz00 Jr has been down with a fever the past few days so I'll use the hours of watching Wonder Pets as inspiration for this post:

Pep Band! Pep Band!
We're on our way
To help the Saxons
And save the day
We're not too big
And we're not too tough
But when we work together
We've got the right stuff
Go, Saxons, yay!

Pep, tad and Kaz00
We're AU Pep Band and we'll help you.
What's gonna work? Teamwork!
What's gonna work? Teamwork!

[saxontad]

Kaz00 Jr has been down with a fever the past few days so I'll use the hours of watching Wonder Pets as inspiration for this post:

Pep Band! Pep Band!
We're on our way
To help the Saxons
And save the day
We're not too big
And we're not too tough
But when we work together
We've got the right stuff
Go, Saxons, yay!

Pep, tad and Kaz00
We're AU Pep Band and we'll help you.
What's gonna work? Teamwork!
What's gonna work? Teamwork!

Outstanding!!  Cortland we are on our way!!  Hope Kaz00 Jr is recovering nicely!!  Slay the Dragons!!

On Saxon Warriors!!

[dahlby]

AUKazOO:

Plus K for the enthusiasm!!!

Go for it dude. We are all pulling for you guys to have a great day....and also for your Saxons on the field!

Hope you loaded up on turkey day...our best.

[XREDDRAGON77]

From my Wonder Pet knowledge...due to a 2.5 year old girl........I believe they would come to the Dragons aid if in need, not slay them.  Wonder Pets got our back!

[AUKaz00]

Perhaps, but the Saxons were close enough to the Vikings that you can call me Hiccup while Alfred trains the Red Dragons to lay down tomorrow!

[maxpower]

I'm afraid I'm going to have to shut down this whole train of thought before it leaves the station...

[DanPadavona]

So who is bringing the giant cardboard cutout head of Alf?  I will be at the game with my 11-year old son, who wants to brave the cold and watch some playoff football.  

Just an FYI to anyone coming to the game...Game time temperatures will be in the middle to upper 30s, and the wind will be 10 to 20 mph with higher gusts.  So factor in the wind chill when you decide what to wear.

The best place to sit will be on the Cortland side, because it is the west side and the tall bleachers will shield you somewhat from the wind.  There should be plenty of room for Alfred fans based on last week's turnout for the Endicott game.  

[XREDDRAGON77]

I'd like to think that the winds will work to Cortland's advantage, but don't know enough about Alfred to say.  If neither team throws due to the winds...who's rush offense v. rush defense looks better?

[saxontad]

I'd like to think that the winds will work to Cortland's advantage, but don't know enough about Alfred to say.  If neither team throws due to the winds...who's rush offense v. rush defense looks better?

We allow 111.9 yds. rushing per game, Cortland 78.8.  Coming into the AU game Ithaca was holding teams under 90 per game and our freshman Austin Dwyer rushed for 273.  His best games this year came against the toughest defenses.  In that game Secky only threw 20 passes.  I think if the wind really affects the passing game, then can our o-line block your d-line and vice versa.  Of course that's true whether it is windy or not.  But I will say that I don't think the AU coaching staff quite realized what we had with Dwyer, even though he was Class B New York State Player of the year in 2009.  He is the real deal.  I guess your guy Autera (sp?) is as well.  I think it is going to be a hell of a game!!

On Saxon Warriors!!

[RedDragonFan]

This is going to be a great game wind or not. By all accounts it should be a close game which means exciting to the final whistle. Can't wait for kickoff! Anyone making the trip, safe travels and dress warm!

Go Cstate!!!