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November 15, 2008. The Ithaca College Bombers retained the Cortaca Jug with a 35-13 victory over SUNY Cortland. The Bombers victory ended Cortland's hopes for an undefeated 2008 season, and damaged Cortland's chances for hosting a playoff game beyond the first round.

 

While Ithaca was celebrating its win over SUNY Cortland, more good news hit the Bombers locker room when Alfred defeated St. John Fisher 36-33 in overtime. The Fisher loss clinched the Empire 8 conference for Ithaca, and awarded the Bombers an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

 

Cortland led 10-7 early in the second quarter when freshman Cody Allen blocked an Ithaca punt attempt. The ball was recovered freshman Billy Smith, who returned the ball 12 yards for a touchdown. Ithaca took the lead with 1:26 remaining in the first half, when Brian Grastorf threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Crandall. The Bombers never trailed again, as Cortland saw numerous trips inside the Ithaca 35-yard line yield only 3 points.

Turnovers plagued Cortland in an otherwise well contested game. Senior cornerback Jason Chier had 3 interceptions for Ithaca to tie a school record. Cortland turned over the football 5 times, to only 1 turnover by the Bombers.

 

Senior quarterback Ray Miles was intercepted 3 times and lost a fumble on a hard sack. The Bombers excellent defensive play took away the deep routes the entire football game, and took advantage of every Cortland mistake.

 

Ithaca quarterback Brian Grastorf threw for 273 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first career start. The junior made few mistakes, and was intercepted only once.

Without question Ithaca is the most talented team Cortland has faced in 2008. However SUNY Cortland needs to take its game to a higher level if it wishes to compete with NCAA playoff caliber opponents. The defense has yielded close to 1000 yards in its last two games. The offense cannot survive 5 turnovers against strong competition.

The NCAA tournament brackets will be set Sunday afternoon and announced on ESPN News at 3 P.M. SUNY Cortland and Ithaca College will be watching closely to see where they will play when the playoffs begin next Saturday.