Once again PBR will provide his prediction for the MAC Champion.... Drum Roll Please....

DVU will dominate once again and come out on top of the MAC!!

My prediction has not been wrong in so many seasons PBR has lost count. Drop your lunch money DVU.
PBR Out....

DVU 2024 schedule is out... Front half looks most difficult.

https://athletics.delval.edu/sports/football/schedule

Quote from: jmcozenlaw on November 15, 2023, 03:13:53 PM
PBR - You had me waxing nostalgic about board action from the past (and I do remember dlip). The Aggies conference dominance has chased everybody away from here. Simba was all over the board when Lycoming was decent. Bman was a Widener regular. Bill from FDU. A few of the Wilkes guys (Colonel John). Even a few Wesley guys (who lived in the PA suburbs) like Wesleydad were semi-regulars. They are all gone. It's pretty much down to me and kate........with a splash of PBR.

I can't do the NESCAC board. There is only so much "SAT score" and "my son is at Goldman Sachs" conversation that I can take..........on a football board. Besides, many of the top clients in my book of business slummed it at PA State Schools so that stuff has always rung a bit hollow to me. I love foxhole guys........not those who can figure out a way to avoid that at all costs. Collars NEVER were meant to be worn up and lobsters should never be on shorts worn by grown men!!

I miss the good old days. With what is going on in the world (and being a man of faith), I'm glad to be on the back nine.

Was fun times back in the day. All sorts of discussions. Lots of DVU/Rowan, DVU/Lyco, DVU/Widener add in LL peeps with RPI/Union for da shoes....

Quote from: Ice Bear on November 14, 2023, 02:47:37 PM
What's up PBR? I used to post on here for almost a decade under dlip. Then I had a major temper tantrum, got off the boards, and then got right back on as I couldn't help myself. It was a fine moment of infantile maturity. Great to see you on here as I always loved your posts and perspective. Hoping you and your loved ones are well.

I'm really looking forward to this matchup/game. I believe this is an excellent draw for both teams as I believe both teams can realistically win. I know this has been somewhat of a down year for Del Val, and I only mean that in the sense that I believe they lost a ton from last year and for the first time in sometime they were somewhat suspect in the MAC. Well all they did was continue their MAC winning streak, go undefeated in the league, and win the league crown yet again. That's pretty impressive to me for any team in any league who is supposedly "down."

Ufan did a great job hitting on all the important aspects of Union. I love our quarterback Donavon Pacatte. With that said, we tend to live and die, points wise, based upon his accuracy. We run the ball very very well, but when Donavon and his receivers are not on the same page, which has happened at times throughout the season, we struggle to score. Last weekend I believe (please anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) we failed to score on 4 trips to the redzone. We had every opportunity to put more points on the board and didn't. Obviously tons of credit goes to the tough RPI D. Yet our passing game was really off and while we ran the ball very well, we didn't score more than 13. I believe we are going to have to be a bit better on Saturday to have a chance to win.

How about the Aggies? What can you tells us?

Dlip... been awhile. Hope you are well. I do miss the old days on LL .... I still hear from LewDogg/Reg/'Gro not obviously on these boards. I am living in Delray Beach, FL now. Was thinking about retiring after 25 years on Wall St. but my best friend somehow convinced PBR to go work for his company in medical device sales in the O.R. so PBR is now grinding away again but having fun in the O.R. most days.  Still have some family in Doylestown but many of my family and friends are migrating south into the Carolina's and Florida. JM can fill you in more on DVU than I can at this point. He gave a breakdown in an earlier post about the graduation/injury losses this year. Somehow this team pushes on and keeps winning. Says a lot about the coaching staff and players. You making it down to Dtown for the game? I will be back up there for Thanksgiving.

Quote from: UfanBill on November 14, 2023, 10:56:52 AM

Quote from: PBR... on November 14, 2023, 08:43:13 AM

Quote from: UfanBill on November 13, 2023, 03:38:36 PM
I know little about DVU except that they've got an incredible 53 game winning streak in the MAC and that they've been in the tourney almost every year lately under HC Duke Greco. I also remember your epic battles with Wesley. Nobody in D3 misses those guys right? As I said earlier Union has never played DVU and as a matter of fact it appears that you have only one historical match-up with any member of the Liberty League... a 2005 tourney win over Hobart. In checking it looks like incredibly Union has only played one previous game against anyone from the MAC...Widener in the 2000 tournament. This is truly a rare pairing.

That Hobart vs DVU game was a crusher for Hobart with DVU (DVC scoring late in the 4th qtr). Adam Knoblauch was a great qb for DVU and all the scoring was in the 4th qtr of that game. Looking forward to this weekends match up. Fill us in a little more on Union this year. How is their offense good running game or passing? How many seniors are starting? Defense? Strong against the run or pass?

This Union team, under first year coach Jon Poppe, is battle tested. Twelve Union 5th years played in the NCAA Tourney as freshmen in 2019(a 24-21 win over Case Western Reserve followed by a 62-41 loss to Salisbury). Unlike the MAC the Liberty League is well balanced with RPI, Hobart, Ithaca and Union all contending for the championship every year.

Under their new coach the Garnet have become a run first team. They have an excellent O-line and 2 interchangeable running backs. Michael Fiore has rushed for 1031 yards and 15 TDs. Equally effective Jonathan Anderson has 859 and 5 TDs. They don't have super break away speed but they're extremely hard to tackle. QB Donovan Pacatte also tucks it and runs, 276 yds/6 TDs. Pacatte throws the ball well 148/256 yds, 11 TDs. They use a lot of WRs. the best being Landers Green. Their tight ends are big and great blockers. More like O-linemen but can catch a pass when called upon. Speaking of the O-line. They are big, tough,deep and experienced as evidenced by their success running the ball. The place kicker is the solid Max Gluck. 38/43 on xpts and 13/18 on FGs with a long of 40. 

That's the offense. Now for the real strength, the defense. Union is nationally ranked in a number of defensive categories...2nd in First Downs allowed defense, 4th in 3rd down conversions allowed, 6th in rushing yards allowed and 3rd in scoring defense giving up just 8.3 points per game. They're really strong up front. They run a 3-4 and all seven starters are 5th years or seniors. They also have a 5th year starting at safety who leads a talented defensive backfield. The D is the key.     

*Edited to include the link to Union's Game Notes from it's most recent game against RPI  https://unionathletics.com/documents/2023/11/10/2023_FB_10_RPI.pdf

Good stuff. Union will be a very difficult opponent no doubt. Looking forward to the game. PBR has always wished DVU played the LL more. Good competition that is not too far away for a home and home series with Union/RPI/etc....

Quote from: Jonny Utah on November 14, 2023, 10:01:13 AM
I hear there is a big HS football game in that area Friday night as well?  Central Bucks West vs. Central Bucks South in the playoffs?  Gotta send a Union coach there for a quick recruiting trip!

Utah!! Long time since we have talked. Hope you are well. The older crew from LL I still talk to off of here. Yes the game is at 7 pm at CB West. Very close to DVU campus probably about 1 mile apart.

Quote from: unionpalooza on November 13, 2023, 08:50:18 AM
Union v. DVU!  Man, this is going to be a great matchup - two tremendous defenses squaring off for the first time in the playoffs.  I know DVU has powered through some real adversity this year and is a great program, and I'm really excited to see this game.

DVU folks:  Any recommendations for a bite in Doyleston before or after the game, or for visiting the stadium in general?

Give you a couple of places to eat. When I have more time I will try and get you more.
1. Paganini's ... excellent Italian food.
2. 86 West .... Good mixed food menu.
3. Doylestown Inn... Historic and nice to sit in and relax at the bar if you want a nice drink.
4. Honey... Not sure of their hours so check if going here but excellent food.

* Note these are all right in the center of town. In this area of town, (State Street/Main Street there are many restaurants you can walk around and see what menu interests you)  You can walk around town and see the history and beautiful architecture of Doylestown. Home of James Michener (author), Henry Mercer (Mercer Tile Works), many more people as well.

Quote from: UfanBill on November 13, 2023, 03:38:36 PM
I know little about DVU except that they've got an incredible 53 game winning streak in the MAC and that they've been in the tourney almost every year lately under HC Duke Greco. I also remember your epic battles with Wesley. Nobody in D3 misses those guys right? As I said earlier Union has never played DVU and as a matter of fact it appears that you have only one historical match-up with any member of the Liberty League... a 2005 tourney win over Hobart. In checking it looks like incredibly Union has only played one previous game against anyone from the MAC...Widener in the 2000 tournament. This is truly a rare pairing.

That Hobart vs DVU game was a crusher for Hobart with DVU (DVC scoring late in the 4th qtr). Adam Knoblauch was a great qb for DVU and all the scoring was in the 4th qtr of that game. Looking forward to this weekends match up. Fill us in a little more on Union this year. How is their offense good running game or passing? How many seniors are starting? Defense? Strong against the run or pass?

Quote from: jmcozenlaw on November 09, 2023, 08:42:11 AM

Quote from: PBR... on November 06, 2023, 09:16:42 AM
Have admit this was the first year in many that PBR didn't swing by preseason and predict another DVU lockdown. PBR wasn't sure if DVU would pull off taking the crown again. Boy did these folks prove PBR wrong. The coaches and players removed all doubt and played a season full of pride, hard work and guts to win it again. Congrats to everyone! Time to take down Widener and pivot to the playoffs. Everyone deserves credit... Well Done!

PBR - Kind of remarkable given all that the Aggies were up against this year. Lost 7 out of 11 defensive starters (including 4 All-Americans and the DPOY). Lost 5 of their 6 top WR's, 3 on the OL, RB #2, FB/HB #1, TE #1, only 3 QB's in the entire program (need to address that big time as 2 of the 3 are seniors in 2024)..............and then during the season, lost All-Region RB, Jay White during Game 4, All-Conference LT, Justin Roman in Game 5 and a few other vital depth pieces........on a team lacking sorely in the depth area. They also have no kicking game, their backup QB was forced to become punter #1 and the lack of depth shows on not-so-special teams.

Despite all of this and the veteran rosters of King's, LebVal, Stevenson and Widener, the Aggies have it wrapped up before the last game of the season. Simply remarkable!!

The coaches did an amazing job patching this thing together with spit and glue and need a monster recruiting year (freshmen and impact transfers) for 2024 (not as much given what is coming back) and absolutely beyond as they lose a lot after the 2024 season.

The MAC streak will end someday and when it does, it will be amazing to look back and realize how tough it is to win 50+ straight conference games, especially how a football bounces and how key injuries can deplete an already depleted team.

This season was the best coaching job I've seen anywhere in a long time and Coach Greco should be the runaway winner for MAC Coach of the Year.

JM this team never ceases to amaze me. With all the change this year and overcoming injuries they continue to roll on.... Good Luck DVU in the playoffs!

Quote from: UfanBill on November 12, 2023, 09:34:02 PM
Hi Kate and JM and any other DelVal fans. I'm pleased to introduce you to your next opponent. The Union College Dutchmen or Garnet Chargers(we've had a recent controversial name change) from Schenectady, NY. We play in the very competitive Liberty League. The Garnet are tough, senior stacked and hard to score on. We run the ball mixing in a respectable passing game. The two programs have never met on the football field so this will be interesting. Expect a large, enthusiastic, vocal contingent of U fans to invade Doylestown Saturday. Union fans on these boards would enjoy exchanging with you.

Welcome to Doylestown and DVU. This should be a good game. Not many expected DVU to be here in their normal spot this year but with grit and determination this team rose to the top. Enjoy your time in Doylestown if you get a chance, as its a quaint beautiful town with great restaurants, bars, and art galleries with much history.

Have admit this was the first year in many that PBR didn't swing by preseason and predict another DVU lockdown. PBR wasn't sure if DVU would pull off taking the crown again. Boy did these folks prove PBR wrong. The coaches and players removed all doubt and played a season full of pride, hard work and guts to win it again. Congrats to everyone! Time to take down Widener and pivot to the playoffs. Everyone deserves credit... Well Done!

DVU 2023 Schedule is out and released... Doesn't seem quite right with so many away games but who knows maybe it is correct...


https://athletics.delval.edu/

This weekend DVU shakes up the college football world. You heard it here first from PBR....

FYI... DVC sched is out... Rolling for 5 straight... PBR out

DVU 2021 Schedule is up ... As they work towards their goal of another MAC Title....

https://athletics.delval.edu/sports/football/schedule