This year, the “biggest little game in the nation” was decided by 23 points as Ithaca beat SUNY-Cortland 40-17.  The Bombers brought the Cortaca Jug back to Ithaca for the first time since  2004.

Both the offense and the defense played impressively, with the offense putting up 534 total yards and the defense holding Cortland to 281 total yards. The offensive attack was lead by junior quarterback Dan Juvan, who had by far his best game this season, going 12-16 for 306 yards and two touchdowns.  It was the Bombers fourth straight game scoring more than 40 points.

“That’s the goal of the whole team, to get better every single week,” said Juvan.  “The offense is doing their job and everybody’s executing and we’re putting points on the board.

In addition to throwing two touchdown passes, Juvan also ran for a 35 yard score. Both of Juvan’s touchdown passes were to junior tight end Brian Weverbergh, one for seven and the other for 55 yards.  Weverbergh has certainly established himself as quite a threat, not only in the red zone but anywhere on the field. He led the Bombers today with 128 yards on five receptions.  His play this year has members of the coaching staff talking about just how good the junior could be when it’s all said and done.

“I think that Brian Weverbergh is an unbelievable player and he’s going to be the best player to go down in Ithaca College history,” said assistant tight ends coach Chuck DeTaeye.  “He’s physically a specimen and intelligence wise, he’s top of the barrel and he can’t be stopped by anyone.”

Not to be overshadowed by the offense, the defense picked stepped their play up in the second half and did everything necessary to insure a Bomber victory.

“We just kept doing the things we were coached to do all week, kept blitzing, kept bringing pressure and their quarterback was never comfortable,” said junior linebacker John Scanlon.  “We were able to cut them off that effectively just ruined their game plan.”

The Bombers have made quite a case for an invitation into the NCAA Division III playoffs with their big victory.  Since they were eliminated from Empire 8 title contention for the first time this year, it’s now up to the NCAA selection committee to decide Ithaca’s playoff destiny.