FB: Liberty League

[Frank Rossi]

TGP: How bout a breakdown of the trip to Denver for the Fall Classic?  TDT doesn't believe he's seen a full report for the LLPP, Inc.

Hey Frank, Loosen up your undies and relax.  All these charts and statistical analysis and SOS arguments are boring the bejeezus outta the LLPP.  Have a laugh I mean this isn't life and death.  Let's keep a little perspective here.

God forbid we talk some football and the numbers and issues associated with it one day a week.  Have it your way, Tommy.

[Pat Coleman]

RT is angry the guru edited his signature line

And I'm angry you posted risque material all over my message board, at the bottom of each of your thousands of posts.

[Frank Rossi]

Wow - it's like Day of our Lives up in this B.....

Anyway, here's more fuel for the fire:

Peel the Onion - Hobart vs. Union

This weekend Hobart travels to Schenectady, NY to face long-time rival Union College (5-2, 5-0).  This Saturday will be the 91st meeting between the two schools, making Union the second longest active Hobart football rivalry (Hobart and Union first faced off in 1896, Union leads the all-time series 48-40-2).  The Dutchmen of Union have won the last two contests.  The Statesmen's last win over Union was the somewhat infamous 33-27 OT decision back in 2004 at the Boz.

Last weekend Union won their 5th consecutive LL contest as So QB Jared Gourrier rushed for a career high 103 yards and a TD to lead Union to a 20-9 victory at St. Lawrence. This was Union's 12th straight win in the series.  Gourrier was 8 for 14 with two interceptions and 95 yards passing.  Sr RB Zach Tillo had 78 yards on 22 carries with a TD in the wet conditions up in Canton (aka Almost-Canada), NY.  Tillo also led the Dutchmen with 39 yards on three receptions.  To date, the Dutchmen have won 19 of their last 20 Liberty League games, and this season's seniors have a four year record in league play of 24-2 (.920).

With a victory this weekend at Frank Bailey Field, Hobart can make up for what was just a humiliating 31-14 loss last year at the Boz.  Hobart came into that game undefeated and ranked #14 in NCAA D3.  The end result was a humbling one for the Statesmen, who came out flat, couldn't get anything going on offense and were torched on defense for 418 yards.

Fortunately for Hobart, this year's Union squad no longer possesses their all-time career passing, receiving and rushing yardage leaders.  The Union offense is still fairly potent  though, averaging about 300+ yards and 21 points a game.  Union also leads the LL in pass defense and pass defense efficiency, and are second in scoring defense, opponent first downs and total defense.

Still, the Hobart offense is having a record setting year.  TGP checked the Hobart media guide, and from what TGP could see, this current scoring streak (5 games in a row with over 40 points scored) is a first in 116 seasons of Hobart Football.  Looking at the stat comparison listed in the the Union - Hobart Game notes:

http://www.unionathletics.com/Pdfs/football/2007/10/30/Game%208%20Notes%202007.pdf

Hobart clearly has the stronger offense.  It will be interesting to see if Union has success in cooling off the red hot Andy Strom who is averaging about 2x the yardage the Dutchmen D allows.

*Note - the penalty data is incorrect.  The Statesmen have only been penalized 45 times for 340 yds (42.5/game avg), not the 30 for 1088 shown in the Union notes.

3 Keys to the Game:

1.  Score early and often
While Hobart averages over 40 points a game, Union has only allowed a total of 40 points during their current 5 game win streak.  Given that Hobart is on the road, they need to take the Union crowd out of the game to eliminate the home field advantage (which is quite formidable at Union given the fact that a fraternity house is practically 20 feet from the football field). 

2.  Get to Gourrier
Unlike Hobart's smooth transition from Shawn Mizro to Andy Strom, Union is still searching for an heir apparent to their graduated all-time passing leader, Anthony Mariotti '07.  So far Union has used 3 different QBs this season, but Jared Gourrier has started the last two games.  Looking at Gourrier's stats would lead you to believe he is mediocre at best as a passer.  He is more of a rushing style QB, so if Hobart can bottle him up and force him into passing situations, they stand to benefit from the fact Gourrier has shown to have some ball control issues.  If Gourrier struggles, expect to see So QB Andrew Catellier (more of a pure drop back passer) take over the Union offense.

3.  Remember/Avenge 2006
The 31-14 loss to Union in 2006 was the lone blemish on what was one of Hobart's best regular seasons.  Anyone who listened to/was at that game could tell you Union simply kicked Hobart's collective a$$.  Hobart came out flat, made mental mistakes, and were physically dominated at the line of scrimmage leading to their most lop-sided defeat since a 45-14 whipping by Rowan in the 2004 NCAA play-offs.  Both Hobart and Union need to win this game to keep their NCAA hopes alive, so the stakes are high once again.  A loss eliminates Hobart from NCAA consideration (same deal for Union).

For any of you that may be travelling to the Albany area for the game this Saturday, Hobart will be hosting both pre and post game alumni/ae gatherings for any one who cares to attend (see the Hobart alumni website for more info).

Although Union has had Hobart's number as of late, TGP thinks Hobart notches a win this weekend.  This Union team hasn't played an offense of Hobart's caliber all year.  I think Union and Bart play close in the first half and Hobart puts the game away in the second.

TGP's Prediction:

Hobart 35 - Union 21

I don't want this to get lost in the shuffle...Nice job TGP, although this type of post breaks LLPP rules, apparently.

[finsleft]

Greetings LLPP'ers. Haven't been by to visit for a while. I just thought you married guys should consider, when the opportunity presents, the following clothing/upholstery combo for when your wife is looking for you for help with the laundry or such...

[dlippiel]

Rossi solid post regarding the game this weekend. Who do you think the dutchmen should start on Sat? Gourrier or Catillier?

[Knightstalker]

Greetings LLPP'ers. Haven't been by to visit for a while. I just thought you married guys should consider, when the opportunity presents, the following clothing/upholstery combo for when your wife is looking for you for help with the laundry or such...

+K KS needs to get that couch and camo combo.

[Frank Rossi]

Rossi solid post regarding the game this weekend. Who do you think the dutchmen should start on Sat? Gourrier or Catillier?

That's The Great Pumpkin's post -- I just bumped it up above the debate from earlier.

[labart96]

Rossi solid post regarding the game this weekend. Who do you think the dutchmen should start on Sat? Gourrier or Catillier?

That's The Great Pumpkin's post -- I just bumped it up above the debate from earlier.

Thanks Frank and DLippiel.  It appears as though my Union-Bart preview did get overwhelmed by the other banter on the board.  TGP was surprised he got no comments from the Union LLPPers until now.

[dewcrew88]

BudCrew, can you explain your rationale to having Rochester ranked #9 in your East Region Poll while having Union unranked??

Thanks.

U89,
Rochester may be a bit misplaced.

That is all.
DC88



Not being a wiseass here....what does that mean....are you admitting to f'ing up the poll??

That means they may be a bit higher than they should be... But! They are a team I've had up and down in previous weeks, so I didn't totally get it wrong.

[dewcrew88]

Who hath smitten me?!

I make a couple of comments on the LL and E8 boards, and my karma is smashed.

[Apple Jack]

Nice work Frank!

Does Frank's boss appreciate the value of all of his post patterns work on the company dime???

That's getting a bit old.  You better come up with a new insult.

However, one insult that never seems to grow old would be:

RPI Sucks!!!

That insult is so 1999 with some extra points for originality....

[RJ]

Wow - it's like Day of our Lives up in this B.....

Anyway, here's more fuel for the fire:

Peel the Onion - Hobart vs. Union

This weekend Hobart travels to Schenectady, NY to face long-time rival Union College (5-2, 5-0).  This Saturday will be the 91st meeting between the two schools, making Union the second longest active Hobart football rivalry (Hobart and Union first faced off in 1896, Union leads the all-time series 48-40-2).  The Dutchmen of Union have won the last two contests.  The Statesmen's last win over Union was the somewhat infamous 33-27 OT decision back in 2004 at the Boz.

Last weekend Union won their 5th consecutive LL contest as So QB Jared Gourrier rushed for a career high 103 yards and a TD to lead Union to a 20-9 victory at St. Lawrence. This was Union's 12th straight win in the series.  Gourrier was 8 for 14 with two interceptions and 95 yards passing.  Sr RB Zach Tillo had 78 yards on 22 carries with a TD in the wet conditions up in Canton (aka Almost-Canada), NY.  Tillo also led the Dutchmen with 39 yards on three receptions.  To date, the Dutchmen have won 19 of their last 20 Liberty League games, and this season's seniors have a four year record in league play of 24-2 (.920).

With a victory this weekend at Frank Bailey Field, Hobart can make up for what was just a humiliating 31-14 loss last year at the Boz.  Hobart came into that game undefeated and ranked #14 in NCAA D3.  The end result was a humbling one for the Statesmen, who came out flat, couldn't get anything going on offense and were torched on defense for 418 yards.

Fortunately for Hobart, this year's Union squad no longer possesses their all-time career passing, receiving and rushing yardage leaders.  The Union offense is still fairly potent  though, averaging about 300+ yards and 21 points a game.  Union also leads the LL in pass defense and pass defense efficiency, and are second in scoring defense, opponent first downs and total defense.

Still, the Hobart offense is having a record setting year.  TGP checked the Hobart media guide, and from what TGP could see, this current scoring streak (5 games in a row with over 40 points scored) is a first in 116 seasons of Hobart Football.  Looking at the stat comparison listed in the the Union - Hobart Game notes:

http://www.unionathletics.com/Pdfs/football/2007/10/30/Game%208%20Notes%202007.pdf

Hobart clearly has the stronger offense.  It will be interesting to see if Union has success in cooling off the red hot Andy Strom who is averaging about 2x the yardage the Dutchmen D allows.

*Note - the penalty data is incorrect.  The Statesmen have only been penalized 45 times for 340 yds (42.5/game avg), not the 30 for 1088 shown in the Union notes.

3 Keys to the Game:

1.  Score early and often
While Hobart averages over 40 points a game, Union has only allowed a total of 40 points during their current 5 game win streak.  Given that Hobart is on the road, they need to take the Union crowd out of the game to eliminate the home field advantage (which is quite formidable at Union given the fact that a fraternity house is practically 20 feet from the football field). 

2.  Get to Gourrier
Unlike Hobart's smooth transition from Shawn Mizro to Andy Strom, Union is still searching for an heir apparent to their graduated all-time passing leader, Anthony Mariotti '07.  So far Union has used 3 different QBs this season, but Jared Gourrier has started the last two games.  Looking at Gourrier's stats would lead you to believe he is mediocre at best as a passer.  He is more of a rushing style QB, so if Hobart can bottle him up and force him into passing situations, they stand to benefit from the fact Gourrier has shown to have some ball control issues.  If Gourrier struggles, expect to see So QB Andrew Catellier (more of a pure drop back passer) take over the Union offense.

3.  Remember/Avenge 2006
The 31-14 loss to Union in 2006 was the lone blemish on what was one of Hobart's best regular seasons.  Anyone who listened to/was at that game could tell you Union simply kicked Hobart's collective a$$.  Hobart came out flat, made mental mistakes, and were physically dominated at the line of scrimmage leading to their most lop-sided defeat since a 45-14 whipping by Rowan in the 2004 NCAA play-offs.  Both Hobart and Union need to win this game to keep their NCAA hopes alive, so the stakes are high once again.  A loss eliminates Hobart from NCAA consideration (same deal for Union).

For any of you that may be travelling to the Albany area for the game this Saturday, Hobart will be hosting both pre and post game alumni/ae gatherings for any one who cares to attend (see the Hobart alumni website for more info).

Although Union has had Hobart's number as of late, TGP thinks Hobart notches a win this weekend.  This Union team hasn't played an offense of Hobart's caliber all year.  I think Union and Bart play close in the first half and Hobart puts the game away in the second.

TGP's Prediction:

Hobart 35 - Union 21

I don't want this to get lost in the shuffle...Nice job TGP, although this type of post breaks LLPP rules, apparently.

TGP good job but I differ on the results ...

Everyone loves offense the Patriots, the Colts etc.   Hobart has a great offense, how will they hold up to a very good Union defense.

Hobart's averaging 45.6 pts per game in LL play while Union allows only 8 per game in LL play.

Hobart's rushing is presently 3rd in the league behind 2nd Rochester, Union held Rochester to 85 yards rushing if Hobart can't establish the run and try to throw every down the Union blitz package will be introducing themselves to Andy Storm. This was the same scenario for the Union vs. WPI game the QB was on his back many time after the 3 step release  ....

Prediction Union 21 Hobart 17

[Jonny Utah]

Ok, I dont want to answer a question that is in the FAQ, but........

Is Wesley's league in the east region for playoff purposes?   I think they are in region for some teams, and one of them gets in sometimes but could the east playoffs look like this?

1-Wesley or Salsbury
2-Wesley or Salsbury
3- Mac champ
4- Nefc champ
5- LL champ
6- NJAC champ
7- E8 champ
8- Pool B/C?

or is it more likely that neither Wesley or Salsbury gets in and there will be 3 pool b/c teams in the east?

[Touchdown Tommy]

I'm not sure it matters Jonny.  East Champ dies when they travel to Alliance in early December.
Region seeds in 2007 (in TDT's opinion):
1. North
2. West
3. South
4. East


Lewwwwwwwwwdoggie: How was Vegas?  Full disclosure for the LLPP...

[Frank Rossi]

Ok, I dont want to answer a question that is in the FAQ, but........

Is Wesley's league in the east region for playoff purposes?   I think they are in region for some teams, and one of them gets in sometimes but could the east playoffs look like this?

1-Wesley or Salsbury
2-Wesley or Salsbury
3- Mac champ
4- Nefc champ
5- LL champ
6- NJAC champ
7- E8 champ
8- Pool B/C?

or is it more likely that neither Wesley or Salsbury gets in and there will be 3 pool b/c teams in the east?

One of Wesley or Salisbury will likely end up in the South.  Thus, open up another Pool C slot for the East.