Get ready for an exciting football showdown this Saturday, as the Ithaca College Bombers aim for their fifth consecutive victory! But here's where it gets interesting... they're up against a formidable opponent, the St. Lawrence Saints, in a historic rivalry that dates back to 1930.
The Bombers' Dominance: A Streak to Remember
Ithaca College has an impressive record against St. Lawrence, with a 36-6-1 all-time series lead. And get this, they've won three of the last four games by a shutout, including a dominant 41-0 victory last season. But here's the real kicker: a win this Saturday will extend their winning streak to an incredible 30 straight games over St. Lawrence! The last time the Saints tasted victory in this series was way back in 1983.
Last Week's Battle: A Close Call
In their last outing, the Bombers faced off against the Rochester Yellowjackets, improving their season record to an impressive 4-1. It was a tight game, with the Bombers edging out a 10-6 win. The game remained scoreless in the first half, but all the action happened in the third quarter, with both teams trading leads. It was a true team effort, with Michael Reed and Matthew Parker sharing quarterback duties, and Chris Scully rushing for 84 yards. The defense, led by Joe Spirra and Sam Tourangeau, was rock solid, keeping Rochester's offense at bay.
Defending Champions: The IC Defense
The IC defense has been on fire, consistently ranking among the best in the country. Over the past four weeks, they've held their opponents to an average of just 7.5 points and a meager 199.8 yards of offense. It's no wonder the Bombers are currently the only team in the Liberty League with an undefeated 3-0 record.
National Recognition: The Bombers' Rise
For the first time this season, Ithaca has received votes in both the D3football.com and AFCA Top 25 Polls. They're currently ranked in the top 30 nationally in several key categories, including completion percentage, total defense, scoring defense, and net punting.
Scouting the Saints: A Tough Opponent
St. Lawrence is no pushover, with a 2-3 season record and a 1-1 record in the Liberty League. They're coming off a strong 45-14 win against Hilbert last week, and they average a respectable 22.4 points per game. The Saints have a balanced offense, with Will Lederman leading the charge at quarterback and also as the team's top rusher. Their receivers are a threat, with four players having caught passes over 50 yards. Defensively, they have a deep rotation, with nine players recording over 20 tackles this season.
The Future: Homecoming Weekend
After their bye week on October 18, the Bombers will return to Butterfield Stadium for Homecoming Weekend, facing off against Union on October 25. It's sure to be an electric atmosphere as the Bombers look to continue their winning ways and solidify their position at the top of the Liberty League.
So, football fans, who do you think will come out on top this Saturday? Will the Bombers extend their impressive winning streak, or will the Saints pull off an upset? Let's discuss in the comments!
