FB: Liberty League

[stimulator]

Congrats to RPI players, coaches and extended football family.  Great season.. certainly not what the team had envisioned re: NCAA's but a very successful 8-2 campaign with both losses being a total of 5 points.  Great to see the seniors walk away with a win and now '86 has gone out the right way.
31-9 is an exceptional run for a class and the seniors should be very proud of their 4 years

Although the field was in pretty good shape for this late in the year, they might have as well played this game in the parking lot.  Lot's of slipping and falling due to the frozen ground.  Glad I wasn't diving/tackling ir being tackled on that surface.

Very impressed with Alfred they came to play and they are a solid team.  Just when it looked like RPI gave them a chance to quit they fought back and made it a game either team had a chance to win.

Very exciting game... was amazed that both offenses (and QB's) could execute with the weather.  E8 lookout.. the QB (freshman) will be a force if yesterday is any indication of things to come.  I know he had a very successful season.  Kid throws darts. 

Underclassmen you understand what it takes and the bar is set.  Offseason effort is what makes the successful season a reality.

[Pat Coleman]

Oddly enough, the NAC actually alleviates a lot of our bracket problems when it becomes a true member of the East Region in a couple years... It will be the sixth auto-bid conference, putting us on equal footing with the North, South and West finally.  I think there's less importation pressure for us when that happens.

The NAC is not in line for an automatic bid any time soon. It doesn't have seven teams or four full-time members playing football in it.

['gro]

Oddly enough, the NAC actually alleviates a lot of our bracket problems when it becomes a true member of the East Region in a couple years... It will be the sixth auto-bid conference, putting us on equal footing with the North, South and West finally.  I think there's less importation pressure for us when that happens.

The NAC is not in line for an automatic bid any time soon. It doesn't have seven teams or four full-time members playing football in it.

They'll have the teams next year, but its mostly an affiliate conference.

http://www.nacathletics.com/about/sponsorship

Anna Maria (new program)
Becker
Castleton St. (new program)
Gallaudet
Husson
Mt. Ida
SUNY Maritime
Norwich

Only Castleton and Husson are full time members.  Maine Maritime is a conference member but plays football in the NEFC.  Depending on the AD's and how conference play shakes out they could try to get to 4 full time members.

['gro]

The east could conceivably have 8 Pool A bids if the following happened:

NAC built up to an AQ
NEFC Split into 2 AQ conferences
NESCAC joined the playoff party

That's 4, plus LL, E8, NJAC, and MAC

Not saying it should, not saying it will, just saying it could.

[pumkinattack]

Strikes me that the current structure has a number of problems.  I still don't understand all the affiliate member and conference hopping.  Its like the NCAA is saying, screw all your original conference and inter-play relationships, we're creating the system and you have to conform to it.  Isn't really a surprise, but why do all these educational institutions put up with the NCAA all the time?  Is it really a net positive to the institutions financially, holistically or otherwise to have the NCAA dictating everything? 

On another, somewhat sad, note.  Boswell field renovations have been put on hold.  Due to the economic climate, the renovations have been put on hold and any unnecessary travel is to be eliminated.  This pretty much guarantees that Bart won't be picking up a 10th game in the next few years and may impact roster size a little. 

[HScoach]

I'm really looking forward to seeing another new team come to Alliance.  Last year's playoff match up with the East sure added some life to the playoffs because we've seen enough of the North teams to get a little bored. 

The O-Line is experienced and had decent size, but haven't performed in run blocking.  They are pretty proficient with their footwork and pass block well.    

Should make for an interesting match at the LOS as Mount's defense is built on getting to the QB.  Their base alignment is a 4-2-5 which is basically the nickel package all the time and they blitz a ton.  The DT's are average size (5'-11', 250 +/-) with decent movement.  The DE's and LB's are undersized, but very fast and active.  Especially the DE's.   Heading into yesterday's game, the two leading tacklers on the team were the two DE's. 

The linebackers and safeties get in on the blitz quite a bit too as MUC will zone blitz and drop at DE into coverage in the flats to take away the hot slant. 

The OAC has been down the last couple years, so it's hard to tell exactly how good this Mount team really is, but they've yet to play anyone this season that could protect their QB.  The closest was Otterbein because they ran the ball so much, but in obvious passing situtations, Mount was all over their QB.  The other OAC teams like John Carroll, Baldwin Wallace, Ohio Northern, Wilmington are all pass-happy which is why the base Mount defensive alignment is the nickel.  Since most of the teams that we see in the regular season are some kind of spread requiring a nickel, Mount has just adapted to that as the base D.

If needed to stop the run, the strong safety will walk up and play the weak OLB position making it a 4-3.  Usually Mount's adjustment to a strong running game is safety blitzes and stunts up front to get penetration.  What allowed Justin Beaver to run all over Mount in last years's Stagg was his ability to break a tackle at the line and get to the second level quickly.  Mount's run blitzes were in position, but they couldn't tackle Beaver near the LOS and his cut backs in the open field killed Mount's pursuit. 

That being said, the offense has kind of changed the last three weeks with some new personnel.  The running game was more tosses and outside runs before, but yesterday it was much more line up under center and run iso's or off tackle, north-south kind of running. 

The switch to ISO's instead of sweeps is a good one against Mount.  The DE's play the pass first and really get up field making it awfully hard to run wide, especially when coupled with the speed at LB and safety.  However the outside push by the DE's and the undersized LB's can be taken advantage of between the tackles on quick hitting type runs, ISO's and counters. 

The biggest problem might be that Doyle has a funky delivery to begin with, kind of cocked push throwing motion and has a shoulder injury to boot, so while Lyco wasn't getting to him, the throws left Doyle's hand on level with his helmet (a couple inches lower than a "normal" throwing motion) which led to many batted balls at the LOS. 

That's unfortunate if he really is limited in arm strength due to the shoulder injury as the MUC secondary can be susceptible to giving up the big play due to their overly aggressive style.  The low delivery might be an issue on swing passes as the DE's play those very well and have come inches away from taking a couple back for TD's.  I doubt the low release will be an issue across the middle as the DT's are short and don't get up.

[Jonny Utah]

Strikes me that the current structure has a number of problems.  I still don't understand all the affiliate member and conference hopping.  Its like the NCAA is saying, screw all your original conference and inter-play relationships, we're creating the system and you have to conform to it.  Isn't really a surprise, but why do all these educational institutions put up with the NCAA all the time?  Is it really a net positive to the institutions financially, holistically or otherwise to have the NCAA dictating everything? 

On another, somewhat sad, note.  Boswell field renovations have been put on hold.  Due to the economic climate, the renovations have been put on hold and any unnecessary travel is to be eliminated.  This pretty much guarantees that Bart won't be picking up a 10th game in the next few years and may impact roster size a little. 

PA,

In some regards I like the Pool A/AQ stuff, but when the day comes (if it comes) and all these spots are filled (no more room for second place teams) there is a problem in my opinion.  I llike how the NEFC is included and maybe the NAC will be, but I would hate the feeling when that day comes that one loss is the end of your season.  Its almost like what many d1 teams go through without a playoff (one loss and you are out of the national championship race).

Too bad about the Boz, but Im sure Ithaca would still play Hobart if the dates match up.

[pumkinattack]

I'm just a little sensitive to the conference alignment issue b/c its having a big immpact on the lacrosse program at Bart being able to stay DI and maintain their long, long time rivalries with Cornell and SU.  In that case, Bart could get squeezed by the NCAA's who are really throwing historical relationships out the window completely and for the non-revenue generating DI sports that's a bad thing. 

Ithaca, Utica, AU and SJF are probably the only teams they could add for a 10th game at the moment and I'd love to have IC or AU back on the schedule (no slight to UC or SJF, but I played against the other two and like having those two on the schedule). 

HS Coach, that's a lot of good info.  I'm surprised by the DT's metrics.  I guess I just think of MUC as having 6'1 - 6'3 and 235 - 300 across the D line.  I'm sure they're still fast and disciplined, but this will be the first time the myth meets reality for me. 

[redswarm81]

RPI ends the '86 Field Era with a win. 34-31 over Alfred.

8-0 in ECAC games

Congratulations to RPI!

The Rev is glad that you were able to end '86 Field's tradition with a win against a good team.

Historically, '86 Field's "tradition" has not been a winning one.   I join in the celebration that the '86 Field's tradition has ended.  With a win.   

Depends on how you look at it. Since 1990, RT would argue it has.............

Inarguably, since 1990.  But I don't recall any '86 Field tradition "starting" in 1990.  '86 Field's first season was 1912.

That raises an interesting historical question--I wonder how many college football fields have been in use for as long?  I know that the '86 Field hasn't been used continuously, since it was out of commission for one or two seasons during the construction of the Johnson Engineering Center.  But still, 97 seasons (inclusive) between the first and last is a long time for one field.

[Jonny Utah]

I'm just a little sensitive to the conference alignment issue b/c its having a big immpact on the lacrosse program at Bart being able to stay DI and maintain their long, long time rivalries with Cornell and SU.  In that case, Bart could get squeezed by the NCAA's who are really throwing historical relationships out the window completely and for the non-revenue generating DI sports that's a bad thing. 

Ithaca, Utica, AU and SJF are probably the only teams they could add for a 10th game at the moment and I'd love to have IC or AU back on the schedule (no slight to UC or SJF, but I played against the other two and like having those two on the schedule). 

HS Coach, that's a lot of good info.  I'm surprised by the DT's metrics.  I guess I just think of MUC as having 6'1 - 6'3 and 235 - 300 across the D line.  I'm sure they're still fast and disciplined, but this will be the first time the myth meets reality for me. 

Does Hobart really have a "long, long time" rivalry with Cornell and SU?  I don't think the ECAC matchups will hurt Hobart in the longrun in terms of NCAA seeding with d1 playoffs.  I think Hobart/Cornell and SU are just starting some good rivalries.  Its good to see the non-scholorship schools still doing pretty well in the d1 lax world.

[Jonny Utah]

RPI ends the '86 Field Era with a win. 34-31 over Alfred.

8-0 in ECAC games

Congratulations to RPI!

The Rev is glad that you were able to end '86 Field's tradition with a win against a good team.

Historically, '86 Field's "tradition" has not been a winning one.   I join in the celebration that the '86 Field's tradition has ended.  With a win.   

Depends on how you look at it. Since 1990, RT would argue it has.............

Inarguably, since 1990.  But I don't recall any '86 Field tradition "starting" in 1990.  '86 Field's first season was 1912.

That raises an interesting historical question--I wonder how many college football fields have been in use for as long?  I know that the '86 Field hasn't been used continuously, since it was out of commission for one or two seasons during the construction of the Johnson Engineering Center.  But still, 97 seasons (inclusive) between the first and last is a long time for one field.

_{Redswarm opens up '86 field with a bang....}

[Senor RedTackle]

RPI ends the '86 Field Era with a win. 34-31 over Alfred.

8-0 in ECAC games

Congratulations to RPI!

The Rev is glad that you were able to end '86 Field's tradition with a win against a good team.

Historically, '86 Field's "tradition" has not been a winning one.   I join in the celebration that the '86 Field's tradition has ended.  With a win.   

Depends on how you look at it. Since 1990, RT would argue it has.............

Inarguably, since 1990.  But I don't recall any '86 Field tradition "starting" in 1990.  '86 Field's first season was 1912.

That raises an interesting historical question--I wonder how many college football fields have been in use for as long?  I know that the '86 Field hasn't been used continuously, since it was out of commission for one or two seasons during the construction of the Johnson Engineering Center.  But still, 97 seasons (inclusive) between the first and last is a long time for one field.

Guess RT just doesn't get why you need to rain on the parade of success & tradition that Coach King has built in his tenure. Yea...fine, we all know RPI sucked prior to the 1980's ...then they couldn't put winning seasons consistently together until the 1990's. Why cant we focus on that?...20 years is a long enough window where alot of people consider that a "generation" and relevant. Thanks for trying to bring down your own team...jeez

[redswarm81]

RPI ends the '86 Field Era with a win. 34-31 over Alfred.

8-0 in ECAC games

Congratulations to RPI!

The Rev is glad that you were able to end '86 Field's tradition with a win against a good team.

Historically, '86 Field's "tradition" has not been a winning one.   I join in the celebration that the '86 Field's tradition has ended.  With a win.   

Depends on how you look at it. Since 1990, RT would argue it has.............

Inarguably, since 1990.  But I don't recall any '86 Field tradition "starting" in 1990.  '86 Field's first season was 1912.

That raises an interesting historical question--I wonder how many college football fields have been in use for as long?  I know that the '86 Field hasn't been used continuously, since it was out of commission for one or two seasons during the construction of the Johnson Engineering Center.  But still, 97 seasons (inclusive) between the first and last is a long time for one field.

Guess RT just doesn't get why you need to rain on the parade of success & tradition that Coach King has built in his tenure. Yea...fine, we all know RPI sucked prior to the 1980's ...then they couldn't put winning seasons consistently together until the 1990's. Why cant we focus on that?...20 years is a long enough window where alot of people consider that a "generation" and relevant. Thanks for trying to bring down your own team...jeez

I'm not trying to talk down or bring down my own team.

It's not my fault that the '86 Field tradition started 68 years before Joe King stood on the '86 Field sideline during a game.

Joe King has established a fine winning tradition at RPI, one that stands in welcome and stark contrast to the history of '86 Field.

Thanks for trying to bring down a guy on your own team. . . . jeez.

[Senor RedTackle]

RPI ends the '86 Field Era with a win. 34-31 over Alfred.

8-0 in ECAC games

Congratulations to RPI!

The Rev is glad that you were able to end '86 Field's tradition with a win against a good team.

Historically, '86 Field's "tradition" has not been a winning one.   I join in the celebration that the '86 Field's tradition has ended.  With a win.   

Depends on how you look at it. Since 1990, RT would argue it has.............

Inarguably, since 1990.  But I don't recall any '86 Field tradition "starting" in 1990.  '86 Field's first season was 1912.

That raises an interesting historical question--I wonder how many college football fields have been in use for as long?  I know that the '86 Field hasn't been used continuously, since it was out of commission for one or two seasons during the construction of the Johnson Engineering Center.  But still, 97 seasons (inclusive) between the first and last is a long time for one field.

Guess RT just doesn't get why you need to rain on the parade of success & tradition that Coach King has built in his tenure. Yea...fine, we all know RPI sucked prior to the 1980's ...then they couldn't put winning seasons consistently together until the 1990's. Why cant we focus on that?...20 years is a long enough window where alot of people consider that a "generation" and relevant. Thanks for trying to bring down your own team...jeez

I'm not trying to talk down or bring down my own team.

It's not my fault that the '86 Field tradition started 68 years before Joe King stood on the '86 Field sideline during a game.

Joe King has established a fine winning tradition at RPI, one that stands in welcome and stark contrast to the history of '86 Field.

Thanks for trying to bring down a guy on your own team. . . . jeez.

whatever....if you think your comments reminding us of the losing years was crucial to the argument, then so be it

[redswarm81]

I'm not trying to talk down or bring down my own team.

It's not my fault that the '86 Field tradition started 68 years before Joe King stood on the '86 Field sideline during a game.

Joe King has established a fine winning tradition at RPI, one that stands in welcome and stark contrast to the history of '86 Field.

Thanks for trying to bring down a guy on your own team. . . . jeez.

whatever....if you think your comments reminding us of the losing years was crucial to the argument, then so be it

If you think that my recitation of historical facts related to the '86 Field was somehow derogatory towards RPI or Joe King, then there's probably nothing I can do to change your mind.  Maybe Mr. Rossi can better educate you on the concept of relevance.

I'm glad we're all happy that the last game played on the '86 Field was a win for RPI.