It's almost that time of year again....so why not start another board!
Don't want to count the chickens before they hatch, but....we're gonna have 2 good teams slugging it out in the Bronx. I'm an IC fan this week as I'd love to see both teams head in at 9-0! Heard the stadium was sold out. Didn't take the time to check but I'd find it believable based on the MetLife crowd from 2019.
The IC defense has been playing well! Their offense has been solid too! Cortland has given up points but most of them(outside the Brockport game) were second half scores when they cleared the bench. Should be another great game!
Quote from: XREDDRAGON77 on October 31, 2022, 12:28:23 PM
Don't want to count the chickens before they hatch, but....we're gonna have 2 good teams slugging it out in the Bronx. I'm an IC fan this week as I'd love to see both teams head in at 9-0! Heard the stadium was sold out. Didn't take the time to check but I'd find it believable based on the MetLife crowd from 2019.
The IC defense has been playing well! Their offense has been solid too! Cortland has given up points but most of them(outside the Brockport game) were second half scores when they cleared the bench. Should be another great game!
Yea that would be something huh? Two 9-0 teams playing at Yankee Stadium for nothing but pride? I haven't seen Cortland this year but have this pessimistic feeling that they are just better than IC. IC is a very good team. They are well coached and execute better than any Ithaca team I have seen in a long time. But they lack that "playmaker" that great teams always seem to have. The RBs are great but I don't look at them and say "this guy is a stud." The WRs are the same. #3 is fast as hell but he is a slot type back that needs schemes to get him open. That being said the Oline seems to be doing the job and may be the best Oline in the past 30 years. They had 140 yards rushing against RPI who is one of the top 5 teams in the country against the rush. Ithaca has not run the ball this well in a long time.
Defense though? IC has very few weaknesses. Maybe their pass coverage deep on occasion? Every once in a while a team will run a nice play action/RPO where the QB has time and is able to fling it deep and beat the IC defensive backs. RPI did it twice, and Union has the capability to do it as well.
Anyway this Union game is more important to the bombers which is sad to say. The way things have gone for Ithaca the past 10 years is they lose to Union and then Cortland (or lose to Union, miss the playoffs and then beat Cortland).
Taste it.
I don't think it's that Union is more important than Cortland. It's a natural byproduct of playing in different conferences in a world with very few Pool C bids.
But even if IC were to beat Union, Cortland is still important.
It matters to the program, it matters for playoff seeding, certainly. But honestly, Cortland is the type of team IC needs to beat. Hobart and Union are good, solid programs. So is Brockport. But Cortland started 11-0 last year, and are certainly going to be 9-0 this year. They're a cut above those teams, and for IC's program to take the next step forward, they need to beat that caliber of team.
My gut tells me Cortland is a bit better on offense, but I think IC has an edge on special teams and the defenses are really close. Anthony Robinson is a tough loss for the Bombers and they haven't played the type of team to make that an issue yet
Quote from: IC798891 on November 01, 2022, 09:53:21 AM
I don't think it's that Union is more important than Cortland. It's a natural byproduct of playing in different conferences in a world with very few Pool C bids.
But even if IC were to beat Union, Cortland is still important.
It matters to the program, it matters for playoff seeding, certainly. But honestly, Cortland is the type of team IC needs to beat. Hobart and Union are good, solid programs. So is Brockport. But Cortland started 11-0 last year, and are certainly going to be 9-0 this year. They're a cut above those teams, and for IC's program to take the next step forward, they need to beat that caliber of team.
My gut tells me Cortland is a bit better on offense, but I think IC has an edge on special teams and the defenses are really close. Anthony Robinson is a tough loss for the Bombers and they haven't played the type of team to make that an issue yet
No I agree with you and don't want to minimize the rivalry. But it brings be back to the early 1990's where Buffalo State/IC was the game that sometimes mattered "more" than Cortaca. Tough to put into words but it was almost more of a bitter rivalry than Cortaca. When I played Cortland players and coaches were good guys. Good friendly rivalry. I didn't get that sense with the Buffalo State team. They were an angry bunch of SOBs. ;D
Quote from: Jonny Utah on November 01, 2022, 10:14:49 AM
Quote from: IC798891 on November 01, 2022, 09:53:21 AM
I don't think it's that Union is more important than Cortland. It's a natural byproduct of playing in different conferences in a world with very few Pool C bids.
But even if IC were to beat Union, Cortland is still important.
It matters to the program, it matters for playoff seeding, certainly. But honestly, Cortland is the type of team IC needs to beat. Hobart and Union are good, solid programs. So is Brockport. But Cortland started 11-0 last year, and are certainly going to be 9-0 this year. They're a cut above those teams, and for IC's program to take the next step forward, they need to beat that caliber of team.
My gut tells me Cortland is a bit better on offense, but I think IC has an edge on special teams and the defenses are really close. Anthony Robinson is a tough loss for the Bombers and they haven't played the type of team to make that an issue yet
No I agree with you and don't want to minimize the rivalry. But it brings be back to the early 1990's where Buffalo State/IC was the game that sometimes mattered "more" than Cortaca. Tough to put into words but it was almost more of a bitter rivalry than Cortaca. When I played Cortland players and coaches were good guys. Good friendly rivalry. I didn't get that sense with the Buffalo State team. They were an angry bunch of SOBs. ;D
Buff State absolutely was that. Boyes was passed over for the IC job after Butterfield left, and those teams had a bit of a chip on their shoulder. They were also typically just *better* than Cortland at that time. Plus, for a few years, they were actually the last game of the season, and with both teams being independents, it was a defacto playoff game many years
Quote from: IC798891 on November 01, 2022, 10:37:28 AM
Quote from: Jonny Utah on November 01, 2022, 10:14:49 AM
Quote from: IC798891 on November 01, 2022, 09:53:21 AM
I don't think it's that Union is more important than Cortland. It's a natural byproduct of playing in different conferences in a world with very few Pool C bids.
But even if IC were to beat Union, Cortland is still important.
It matters to the program, it matters for playoff seeding, certainly. But honestly, Cortland is the type of team IC needs to beat. Hobart and Union are good, solid programs. So is Brockport. But Cortland started 11-0 last year, and are certainly going to be 9-0 this year. They're a cut above those teams, and for IC's program to take the next step forward, they need to beat that caliber of team.
My gut tells me Cortland is a bit better on offense, but I think IC has an edge on special teams and the defenses are really close. Anthony Robinson is a tough loss for the Bombers and they haven't played the type of team to make that an issue yet
No I agree with you and don't want to minimize the rivalry. But it brings be back to the early 1990's where Buffalo State/IC was the game that sometimes mattered "more" than Cortaca. Tough to put into words but it was almost more of a bitter rivalry than Cortaca. When I played Cortland players and coaches were good guys. Good friendly rivalry. I didn't get that sense with the Buffalo State team. They were an angry bunch of SOBs. ;D
Buff State absolutely was that. Boyes was passed over for the IC job after Butterfield left, and those teams had a bit of a chip on their shoulder. They were also typically just *better* than Cortland at that time. Plus, for a few years, they were actually the last game of the season, and with both teams being independents, it was a defacto playoff game many years
Ha yep you know the story then. I remember playing at Buff State (1993 or 1995?) One of their dlineman got a leg injury and Boyes ran onto the field and pointed at our sideline swearing at our coaches (inferring that our coaches taught dirty blocks). Coach Czar of course was having none of that and screamed right back. Czar and Boyes were teammates at Ithaca during the glory years as well.
Ahh good times, good times.
It's tough to compare with both teams in different leagues! I'm gonna sit back and just enjoy the game and not try to over think it! IC plays a strong schedule in the LL. The E8 the same....both have solid programs, but all are in different phases of success at the moment. The Ithaca D is definitely capable of slowing Cortland down! I don't think we will see more than 28 points from the Dragons.
As for your Union game....I get it! You need that win for the AQ! Got to do what you got to do! League games are league games! As a player in the mid to late 90s, I recall Buff State being strong! Tough to follow the hype with another great opponent! Brockport, who wasn't a strong, was our post Cortaca opponent! Regardless, it didn't work out well for us! 96,97, and 99 they got us after winning Cortaca.
Quote from: XREDDRAGON77 on November 01, 2022, 12:30:54 PM
It's tough to compare with both teams in different leagues! I'm gonna sit back and just enjoy the game and not try to over think it! IC plays a strong schedule in the LL. The E8 the same....both have solid programs, but all are in different phases of success at the moment. The Ithaca D is definitely capable of slowing Cortland down! I don't think we will see more than 28 points from the Dragons.
As for your Union game....I get it! You need that win for the AQ! Got to do what you got to do! League games are league games! As a player in the mid to late 90s, I recall Buff State being strong! Tough to follow the hype with another great opponent! Brockport, who wasn't a strong, was our post Cortaca opponent! Regardless, it didn't work out well for us! 96,97, and 99 they got us after winning Cortaca.
Yup. One of the great things Swanstrom did was get the bombers ready for the Cortaca game. It was years of faltering to the Red Dragons, even in years where Ithaca had the better team and was going against a backup QB and sometimes a 3rd string QB. Swanstrom turned the corner on that series.
But yea Ithaca's defense has not been challenged this year. Hobart had a shot but imo their offensive scheme needs a kick in the ass. Cortland also not challenged as well, and made sure the
arrival of Utica doesn't come until 2023 ;D
NOT SO FAST MY FRIENDS...Ok, so this is a discussion of the Cortaca Jug but Ithaca has work to do first. As important as the upcoming game against Union is for the Bombers it's also crucial for Union if the Dutchmen are going to maximize their 2022 season. A win over Ithaca followed by a win in the Shoes Game versus RPI gives the LL title to the Dutchmen. Ithaca would have to hope for a Pool C.
Quote from: UfanBill on November 01, 2022, 07:19:39 PM
NOT SO FAST MY FRIENDS...Ok, so this is a discussion of the Cortaca Jug but Ithaca has work to do first. As important as the upcoming game against Union is for the Bombers it's also crucial for Union if the Dutchmen are going to maximize their 2022 season. A win over Ithaca followed by a win in the Shoes Game versus RPI gives the LL title to the Dutchmen. Ithaca would have to hope for a Pool C.
Ufan,
While I am rooting for your scenario for my own amusement, I must say Bing Crosby has a theme song for this possibility for Dutchmen fans https://youtu.be/wtgklHQ52WE; or if you prefer Louis Armstrong...https://youtu.be/K1zyaaUZ4rY
So it's officially time! Cortland was up 49-0 in the 3rd l...so I'm thinking it's safe to assume that both teams will be 9-0!
Quote from: XREDDRAGON77 on November 05, 2022, 03:02:41 PM
So it's officially time! Cortland was up 49-0 in the 3rd l...so I'm thinking it's safe to assume that both teams will be 9-0!
Should be a fun experience now knowing that both teams are in the playoffs. Just a big game in what appears to be a sold out stadium last time I checked. (Not sure how many fans are allowed at Yankee stadium for football.)
I still don't think Ithaca has the team to beat Cortland. They have a nice offense and real good defense but Cortland seems to have a powerhouse this year. But we have seen stranger things happen............
9-0 vs 9-0. Should be a great day.
70 degrees in the Bronx tomorrow. Signs of rain are decreasing! Should be a great day for a great day! Feel bad for every D3 guy that isn't a Red Dragon or Bomber this week. Playoff bound or not, this game and environment is nuts every year!
Tomorrow is going to be something. Weather going to be completely different than MetLife 3 years ago...it was COLD at the Meadowlands.
Looking forward to a sloberknocker....I'll take the Dragons 27-24
Ice Bear wishing for a great injury free game today and The Stadium. The Bear is hoping for a big Bomber W today. Ice is happy for all the student athletes and alum who are able to be a part of and enjoy this great opportunity! Let's go Bombers!!!!!!
The only day I liked Cortland is the one time their own students tried to burn it to the ground. World would be better off if they finished the job one of these years.
This game is awesome! 8-)
IC can't stop the QB scramble at all
Ice absolutely loving this Cortaca game! Ice says goodness IC plays hard! Ice says what a great experience for these kids on both teams. Bombers representing the LL well thus far.
Ice says Zac Boyes just hasn't faced a defense like this. Kid's a warrior though.
WHAT DO WE LIKE? WHAT DO WE EAT? DRAGON MEAT!
Quote from: Caz Bombers on November 12, 2022, 02:50:08 PM
WHAT DO WE LIKE? WHAT DO WE EAT? DRAGON MEAT!
Ice says IC looked great! Ice sends his congrats to the Bombers!
Ithaca whipped us but we knew they were good! They executed to near perfection. Maybe we will see a rematch in a few weeks! Congrats to the Bombers
Congratulations to the Bombers on a well played and well coached BIG win over the E8 Champ Red Dragons.
Good luck in the NCAA Tournament!
Toerper was a great pick as HC by the Bombers. Bartman is already working on encouraging a D1 offer to avoid a dominant run by Ithaca over the next few years ;)
Great game... turnovers, hurt Cortland big time today. Possible rematch in the playoffs.
What a team.
Ithaca finishes the regular season 10-0 with a decisive 34-17 victory in the Cortaca Jug.
The Bombers' D forces Cortland to become one dimensional, as the Red Dragons got nothing done in the air. And they made two crucial red zone stops. The first came at the end of the first half, when an interception kept Cortland off the board and secured a 17-7 halftime lead. The next came when the Bombers were clinging to a 20-14 lead and at the risk of losing momentum. The force three incompletions and hold Cortland to a FG.
On offense, the Bombers were almost flawless. A.J. Wingfield completed 18-of-20 passes, and showed great poise. And Ithaca's running game simply wore the Red Dragons down, leading to an emphatic, game-sealing TD run by Jake Williams. And I do mean emphatic — watch the replay when you get a chance. All told, Ithaca averaged 6.6 yards per play and committed just two penalties.
IC's special teams made great plays, with an 87-yard kickoff return setting up a FG.
Michael Toeper has completely invigorated the Bombers and it shows. The poise the team showed in answering Cortland when it was 20-17 is something we've seen all year, whether that was getting over the RPI hump or answering the bell at Union with the playoffs on the line.
What a team.
Ithaca is clearly a cohesive bunch who have rallied around their coach. I felt like their running game was better than the results this year, and they came through yesterday. Catch in the end zone was nuts. Wingfield stayed within himself. Defense lost track of Boyes too many times but otherwise was outstanding.
Cortland's RB looked the part and Boyes tried to put them on his back with his legs
Their passing game left us a bit confused. Boyes was not very accurate and when he was a
lot of his guys had the dropsies. Not sure if this was a result of a weak schedule overinflating, or nerves at Yankee Stadium....
Quote from: tecmobowler on November 13, 2022, 06:52:52 AM
Their passing game left us a bit confused. Boyes was not very accurate and when he was a lot of his guys had the dropsies.
This was the surprising thing to me as well. IC was definitely taking away the pass by dropping guys back, but I was stunned at how just...off...Boyes looked.
His second pick in particular
Any post-game press conference? Would love to have heard player/coaches reactions.
Thought Ithaca play-calling from the sidelines, and execution a huge difference. Cortland attack on the other hand very predictable -- to the extent Bombers knew what was coming. Hats off to Ithaca. Couldn't have played much better!
Ithaca was flat out solid across the board! I know the Dragons didn't get a Friday afternoon practice in due to the weather, and I would imagine Ithaca was in the same situation. The better team won yesterday. Luckily for the Red Dragons, they have a week to fix the mistakes and start over. Best of luck to both teams in the playoffs!
Quote from: XREDDRAGON77 on November 13, 2022, 11:25:31 AM
Ithaca was flat out solid across the board! I know the Dragons didn't get a Friday afternoon practice in due to the weather, and I would imagine Ithaca was in the same situation. The better team won yesterday. Luckily for the Red Dragons, they have a week to fix the mistakes and start over. Best of luck to both teams in the playoffs!
X dragon.....How amazing would it be (we can dream) to see Ithaca/Cortland in the final 4 or god forbid the national championship. God knows I don't want to face that team again! I could only watch some of the game (I had to coach in a game myself) but caught most of the 2nd half. I'm a pessimist by nature I think but IC798891 said it best. This team is special because of who they are. No superstars, just a bunch of kids who show up and play for each other. Coaches had them ready. it looked like they forced Boyes (**** only a Soph) to either run or throw deep down the sideline....IC took everything else away.
Ok. So now I'm wondering does this game just go back to the Meadowlands in 2024? Wtf not right? 40k for this game? Gotta still get 25k for a game at the meadowlands right?
Not sure what the next few weeks hold. IC is consistent! They are a high powered Tortoise. Focused and gritty. Cortland was the Hare, but if they can stay focused, who knows! If the projections hold up, we have to get through Salisbury and that option! Find out around 5pm!