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ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland football players are gearing up for a huge matchup.
Saturday at noon, a sold-out crowd will pack Ithaca’s Butterfield Stadium for the annual Cortaca Jug showdown. According to Ithaca Athletics, it’ll be the 83rd all-time contest between the Bombers and Red Dragons, and the 66th edition of the Jug game.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Cortland Head Coach Tom Blumenauer said the team has been practicing with artificial crowd noise and loud music. Ithaca Head Coach Mike Toerper said the split crowd will be electric.
“You just feel the wave of one side when somebody’s announced or a good play happens, and then you feel the wave of the other side when they make a play,” he said.
Ithaca sophomore defensive back Joe Spirra said the Bombers must keep an even keel.
“Being able to stay level-headed, confident, and just sound throughout the game is the biggest part,” he said.
Ithaca will not have much room for error, as Cortland enters the matchup on an eight-game win streak. Toerper said the Red Dragons have a “tremendous” offensive attack.
On the other sideline, Blumenauer said Ithaca is “incredibly well-coached.” He added the Bombers are “big and physical.”
Cortland junior wide receiver Joe Iadevaio said he loves “every second” of the rivalry.