FB: Liberty League

[union89]

First off maybe we can all take a moment to wish Gary Holtz and his family the best. dlip was right near there and talked to some kids who came from the roof where Gary fainted. They said he was talking and seemed O.K. but none the less they were not sure of specifics. All dlip knows is that he is hoping Gary is O.K.

On to the game, some thoughts here on what dlip saw from the U:

Positives:

Special Teams: Holy **** where did Zach Epply come from? Hats off to Zach who made THREE extra points and a huge 28 yard field goal on the opening drive after half. dlip can't even begin to describe how huge this was for the Dutch and how it was non-existant in 08. Also, Blaise Ancona with some excellent kickoffs putting one in the endzone for a touch back (yes he had the wind)! Last the kickoff coverage was decent, aside from allowing a 2nd Q 38 yd return from Dan Ruggerio. Overall this is clearly one of the biggest reasons why the U lost those close games in 08. Special Teams seem much improved and that boads well for the U in 09.

Offense: Well Drew Connelly has matured that is for sure. Throughout most of the game Drew seemed composed and confident throwing many pinpoint darts for positive yardage. His 2nd Q interception was a very poor decision but in all honesty he is human, a sophmore, and a QB so he will throw picks. Difference I see already between him and Marotti from years ago is the timing of the picks. Taking nothing away from Anthony here but timing and momentum is huge and if Drew keeps making solid decisions backed by strong throws and good reads there is no telling how well this kid will play. Keep in mind though his youth and as U fans dlip feels we must give him room to make mistakes and continue to grow. We are ****ing very deep at wide out. Can't say enough about the athleticism of Charles K, Jared G, the Gallo's and Mike C. Justin Gallo HANDS! Very impressive day for the wide outs. All seemd to run consistent routes and let Drew find them. Gourrier had some very impressive catches. If this core stays healthy dlip sees a lot of trouble for U opposition in the future. The only suggestion dlip has is when one reciever is hot keep spreading the wealth. Yesterday dlip feels one of the ints was a result of the bombers focusing on JGallo and anticipating the ball coming his way. With this depth U can realy keep secondary's guessing all ****ing day long. Chris Coney, quoting my dear friend NLNG, "nuff said", ****ing steller and a top notch competitor. If healthy, may challenge Tommy A records. O-line played great, opened holes, game Drew time, and just were strong. They are the heart and soul of this O. If they continue to perform the U O will be able to get all their skilled players involved. Only recommendation is playcalling. Please stop the direct snap to Coney deal. Two or three times it almost lead to costly U turnovers.

Defense: dlip said it from the beginning this game, this season, lies heavily on the shoulders of the U D. To win yesterday dlip knew the D would have to stop the run. Bergerstock (although maybe not 100%) and Ruggiero are steller backs that, for the most part, were shut down. Hence Grastorf was forced to really make things happen on O. dlip feels (no disrespect to Ithaca) that most of Ithaca's opportunities came from U mishaps. Second Q TD was on like Fourth and 12 and the U dback fell down and coverage was blown. Without that fall U would have been up 14-0 at half. U dline pressured grastorf and was very tough on the inside. Tackling was very consistent (for the most part) and the flat (which has hurt U D in the past) was blocked up. By the way Hovsepian is an animal and if he keeps up his aggresiveness he may end up a LL first or second teamer. Utah makes a good point about the D at times, looking silly, but dlip feels they were a bit tired in the second half when U O stalled with some 3 and outs. One thing about Bomber O, they keep you active and can definitely tire a D. Congrats U D you played an excellent game yesterday!

Last thoughts: First off Ithaca fans and players seemed like a class act to dlip. Fans were very polite and supportive of the Bombers and represented a very storied program well. Ithaca players were helping U players up throughout the game and seemed very classy and representative of a top ranked program. Union must continue to improve if they plan to have success here in 09. with Muhlenburg and Salisbury on the road, as well as the LL schedule starting in two weeks, the Dutch must not believe the hype they will recieve after this W and continue to grow, improve and stay hungry. Don't forget, 5-4 season is right behind you and losses to Rochester and WPI will ****ing demolish a season.

Wow, very solid and insightful.  U89 agrees with pretty much every point.

+1k

[Jonny Utah]

dlippiel maybe you agree with me but I thought Ithacas and Unions devensive backfields were outmatched one on one.  Ithacas cornerbacks were simply too small to stop a few of those fades.  Unions CBs the same way were a little overmatched when Grastorf had time to throw a few wide open passes. (edit: I should say Unions Strong Safety was a little small to handle a WR one on one but Ithaca only passed it to the twins or trips side a few times!....they should have isolated him more and thrown a few post wheels or slants.)

And did you see the play where Ithaca had it on 3rd down I believe going towards the scoreboard in the first half, and the throw was over the middle and the union LB or SS leveled the IC WR before the ball went there?  Was that ball just too far over his head that the ref didn't call it or was the ball already passed him and I had a bad angle?

And man, on that series when Union kicked that field goal, Ithaca got a facemask penalty after the RB was already stuffeed on 4th and short.  That killed em.

And I dont think those direct snaps were to Coney were they?  I think they were a few wildcat plays to #1, the kid from New Orleans.  I think twice Coney or Connely went the wrong way on a snap from the shotgun and it looked messed up.

And in the program it said that Gallo was like a junior college all american basketball player or something?  Did I read something like that?

Also hats off to the Union TE who reached Ithacas DE on a lot of thost big outside runs that Coney had.  I saw he was from Acton Boxboro here in MA as well, a top program in the state.  I still dont know how Coney got ouside on some of those runs with the Ithaca DE and SS on the TE side.  That just cant happen, especially when the dam SS is jamming the TE!

[dlippiel]

dlippiel maybe you agree with me but I thought Ithacas and Unions devensive backfields were outmatched one on one.  Ithacas cornerbacks were simply too small to stop a few of those fades.  Unions CBs the same way were a little overmatched when Grastorf had time to throw a few wide open passes.

And did you see the play where Ithaca had it on 3rd down I believe going towards the scoreboard in the first half, and the throw was over the middle and the union LB or SS leveled the IC WR before the ball went there?  Was that ball just too far over his head that the ref didn't call it or was the ball already passed him and I had a bad angle?

And man, on that series when Union kicked that field goal, Ithaca got a facemask penalty after the RB was already stuffeed on 4th and short.  That killed em.

And I dont think those direct snaps were to Coney were they?  I think they were a few wildcat plays to #1, the kid from New Orleans.  I think twice Coney or Connely went the wrong way on a snap from the shotgun and it looked messed up.

And in the program it said that Gallo was like a junior college all american basketball player or something?  Did I read something like that?

Also hats off to the Union TE who reached Ithacas DE on a lot of thost big outside runs that Coney had.  I saw he was from Acton Boxboro here in MA as well, a top program in the state.  I still dont know how Coney got ouside on some of those runs with the Ithaca DE and SS on the TE side.  That just cant happen, especially when the dam SS is jamming the TE!

Right with ya Utah on the secondary issues, especially regarding one on one coverage. When each of these teams play teams with tall recievers dlip feels they will need a lot of help in coverage to deal with solid passing. dlip watched Grastorf key on J.P. Sticco from Union. Kid is small but a quick and very skilled DB who just needs to keep working to improve his coverage. The size issue in the secondary will always kill teams and it hurt both a bit yesterday. As far as the officiating went dlip felt it was very poorus for both teams. If we are thinking of the same play the ball was uncatchable, yet that old amn ref called PI on U for a ball that was also uncatchable. It was weird because the consistency of officaiting was there it was just ****ty for both teams. dlip often wonders where the hell D3 gets its officials. He often holds his tongue regarding the officiating but just wonder if these guys have any clue what the **** they are doing? Utah dlip thinks Coney is just nasty and decievingly fast when getting to the outside. dlip actually felt Ithacas pursuit was there, they just couldn't catch him.

And I dont think those direct snaps were to Coney were they?  I think they were a few wildcat plays to #1, the kid from New Orleans.  I think twice Coney or Connely went the wrong way on a snap from the shotgun and it looked messed up.

dlip thinks you are right here. Those snaps just came at very crucial times and had dlip wanting a ****ing cathiter because it made his so nervous. Utah if you make the trip to Frank Bailey next time let me know.

Also Gallo was a nasty, nasty, nasty B-Ball player. dlip even heard he had some serious D1 and D3 interest but really wanted to stay local and play Football with his brother at the U. Just classy kids!

[stimulator]

Great win for Union... MMA, Susq and WPI all are 2-0.  Great week for the LL.
Running game was just OK.  Had a bit to do with game flow and play calling.

RPI has some work to do but the potential is there.  Lot's of mistakes with inevitable slow start on O.  D played well.  

All in all a successful start.  Had the same feeling watching the QB from SC yesterday who entered in the 2nd quarter as I did watching Secky in the ECAC game last year.  He is going to be a force in the LL for the next 4 years.  While he doesn't have a Secky arm, he can throw it down the field and has a way of getting the ball to the receivers in stride.

He showed a very calm and collected way about him, made good decisions and for 6'6" 240 he can really avoid pressure and runs/scrambles like he was 5'10 - 190.  Time and better competition will tell but it seems there is life after Robertson.

D line played surprisingly well.  Freshman NT from Avon Old Farms is a stud.

Interesting matchup coming up this week with Utica coming to Troy having scored 126 points in 2 games (>1000yards) and RPI pitching a shutout in their first week.  

 

[Doid23]

C'mon U89, you should know by now that there is no way that U is going to beat the Ithaca Cornbombers. Just not possible. They'd have a better chance of beating the Steelers.  UColl could have 22 returning 4 year starters, and Ithaca could be fielding 22 mini-Cornbombers, spot the Dutchmen 2 TD's, and IC would still roll by 30.

Ithaca 49 (moral victory that they don't break 50)
UColl     3

What kind of demented Union AD would ever willingly schedule Ithaca?






And that is one sensitive pollster, I'll say that. Stay Strong U89.

That was close...

25 year old inside joke between U89 and other 80's Dutchmen....and the demented AD.

[Jonny Utah]

C'mon U89, you should know by now that there is no way that U is going to beat the Ithaca Cornbombers. Just not possible. They'd have a better chance of beating the Steelers.  UColl could have 22 returning 4 year starters, and Ithaca could be fielding 22 mini-Cornbombers, spot the Dutchmen 2 TD's, and IC would still roll by 30.

Ithaca 49 (moral victory that they don't break 50)
UColl     3

What kind of demented Union AD would ever willingly schedule Ithaca?






And that is one sensitive pollster, I'll say that. Stay Strong U89.

That was close...

25 year old inside joke between U89 and other 80's Dutchmen....and the demented AD.

Any word on the long term implications of this series?  I hope its every year.  Easy 3 hour day trip for me.

And it was wierd, I saw two people walking their dogs on Unions campus yesterday that didn't pick up after them after taking huge dumps on the admissions lawn.  I actually said something to the second guy and he told me his daughter was having a meeting in the admissions office and that he didn't have a bag with him.  I just shook my head but should have grabbed the guy by the back of the neck and rubbed his nose in it.....

[Jonny Utah]

dlippiel maybe you agree with me but I thought Ithacas and Unions devensive backfields were outmatched one on one.  Ithacas cornerbacks were simply too small to stop a few of those fades.  Unions CBs the same way were a little overmatched when Grastorf had time to throw a few wide open passes.

And did you see the play where Ithaca had it on 3rd down I believe going towards the scoreboard in the first half, and the throw was over the middle and the union LB or SS leveled the IC WR before the ball went there?  Was that ball just too far over his head that the ref didn't call it or was the ball already passed him and I had a bad angle?

And man, on that series when Union kicked that field goal, Ithaca got a facemask penalty after the RB was already stuffeed on 4th and short.  That killed em.

And I dont think those direct snaps were to Coney were they?  I think they were a few wildcat plays to #1, the kid from New Orleans.  I think twice Coney or Connely went the wrong way on a snap from the shotgun and it looked messed up.

And in the program it said that Gallo was like a junior college all american basketball player or something?  Did I read something like that?

Also hats off to the Union TE who reached Ithacas DE on a lot of thost big outside runs that Coney had.  I saw he was from Acton Boxboro here in MA as well, a top program in the state.  I still dont know how Coney got ouside on some of those runs with the Ithaca DE and SS on the TE side.  That just cant happen, especially when the dam SS is jamming the TE!

Right with ya Utah on the secondary issues, especially regarding one on one coverage. When each of these teams play teams with tall recievers dlip feels they will need a lot of help in coverage to deal with solid passing. dlip watched Grastorf key on J.P. Sticco from Union. Kid is small but a quick and very skilled DB who just needs to keep working to improve his coverage. The size issue in the secondary will always kill teams and it hurt both a bit yesterday. As far as the officiating went dlip felt it was very poorus for both teams. If we are thinking of the same play the ball was uncatchable, yet that old amn ref called PI on U for a ball that was also uncatchable. It was weird because the consistency of officaiting was there it was just ****ty for both teams. dlip often wonders where the hell D3 gets its officials. He often holds his tongue regarding the officiating but just wonder if these guys have any clue what the **** they are doing? Utah dlip thinks Coney is just nasty and decievingly fast when getting to the outside. dlip actually felt Ithacas pursuit was there, they just couldn't catch him.

And I dont think those direct snaps were to Coney were they?  I think they were a few wildcat plays to #1, the kid from New Orleans.  I think twice Coney or Connely went the wrong way on a snap from the shotgun and it looked messed up.

dlip thinks you are right here. Those snaps just came at very crucial times and had dlip wanting a ****ing cathiter because it made his so nervous. Utah if you make the trip to Frank Bailey next time let me know.

Also Gallo was a nasty, nasty, nasty B-Ball player. dlip even heard he had some serious D1 and D3 interest but really wanted to stay local and play Football with his brother at the U. Just classy kids!

Dlip I wasn't going to go because I had to work Sat night and it was raining but then at the last minute at 9am, in good dlip fashion I just said **** it and got in the truck and went up.

[Senor RedTackle]

And tonight, 7:30pm on InTheHuddle

www.inthehuddlle.com or www.blogtalkradio.com/ITH

If you can't make it live, check out the archive from the site...

Sat 9/12. Guests include Karl Heimbrock (RB) - Merchant Marine, to discuss the thrilling 2OT win against Coast Guard. We'll also have Frank's prerecorded post game interview with Union's head coach, John Audino, and Kyle Holmes, Fullback, after last minute upset of #8 Ithaca.

We'll also have the recaps from Satuday's action from the rest of the Liberty League and our usual cutting edge analysis!

[pumkinattack]

Wow, WTF!  This is what I get.  I played in the early Cragg years when we were just turning the corner and all these years post graduation I'd go into every game, including SLU, UofR, MMA, CGA worrying about losing.  This year, I feel good after a number of years of just getting it done and we look like 1980's, toughest kid on the team only owns pastels and is a fourth generation at Hotchkiss guy.  

I have done a 360 on Vella and have zero confidence in him until he proves otherwise now.  The RPI game I consider an anomoly.  I assumed Marlier was hurt and couldn't believe he dropped behind two guys, including one who didn't play RB last year.  Makes sense if he's healthy something else is/was going on.  Two carries for 21 yards when he was in.  In fact, they pushed Dickinson around on the OLine all game.  Bring in the transfer, Earl.  You've got four experienced receivers even without Schulz as well as two TE's with experience and your longest pass play is for 13 yards against a team that gave up 47 points the week before (I have no interest in hearing how potent Grove City's offense is - its 47 pts vs. 3).  Sad thing is we drove onto their side of the field all day, 3 pts in three times in the red zone?  

What really has me pissing blood is that is sounded like they gave up about half way through the third quarter when it was still a game.  I hope Coach Cragg beat the s**t out of them today.  In fact, he should take the red jersey off Vella, have full contact and require him to sit between the tackles for at least 5 seconds every play before he moves anywhere.  Maybe bring back Evan Hoffman, who liked to lead with his helmet for these practices.  

God d**n, mothers**t!  There better be exponential improvement before next Sat. or these kids are going to give Cragg his first losing season as  a head coach.  Congrats to everyone else.  Nice week for the league in general and way to take it to the E8.  

[redswarm81]

Week 2 Poll is out, and it's a revelation--how appropriate that it came out on a Sunday.  

A week ago, Union was the definition of suck--zero poll votes.  But this week, after beating 343 points of non-suck/no. 8 Ithaca, Union is a sweet no. 22, with 102 points of non-sucky goodness.

Hobart's need for redemption is clear, and its path is not easy.  The Dickinson forces of evil started the season only 4 poll points away from suck, and their first game loss to UW-W win over mighty Grove City (thanks, Tiger) cut that already slim margin to a mere 3 points.  Hobart, with 209 poll points of no. 15 standing, has plummeted to 16 points away from suck, while Dickinson has distanced itself from suck by 35 points.

If only our LL teams could catch some divine spirit as graced St. John's, who held off 43 poll point UW-Eau Claire in a close game at home, and was rewarded with a high holy 168 poll points and 5 poll positions, as it rose faster than both Washington & Jefferson and Ohio Northern on its way from 280 points of no. 11 to 448 points of no. 5 divinity.

[labart96]

Wow, WTF!  This is what I get.  I played in the early Cragg years when we were just turning the corner and all these years post graduation I'd go into every game, including SLU, UofR, MMA, CGA worrying about losing.  This year, I feel good after a number of years of just getting it done and we look like 1980's, toughest kid on the team only owns pastels and is a fourth generation at Hotchkiss guy.  

I have done a 360 on Vella and have zero confidence in him until he proves otherwise now.  The RPI game I consider an anomoly.  I assumed Marlier was hurt and couldn't believe he dropped behind two guys, including one who didn't play RB last year.  Makes sense if he's healthy something else is/was going on.  Two carries for 21 yards when he was in.  In fact, they pushed Dickinson around on the OLine all game.  Bring in the transfer, Earl.  You've got four experienced receivers even without Schulz as well as two TE's with experience and your longest pass play is for 13 yards against a team that gave up 47 points the week before (I have no interest in hearing how potent Grove City's offense is - its 47 pts vs. 3).  Sad thing is we drove onto their side of the field all day, 3 pts in three times in the red zone?  

What really has me pissing blood is that is sounded like they gave up about half way through the third quarter when it was still a game.  I hope Coach Cragg beat the s**t out of them today.  In fact, he should take the red jersey off Vella, have full contact and require him to sit between the tackles for at least 5 seconds every play before he moves anywhere.  Maybe bring back Evan Hoffman, who liked to lead with his helmet for these practices.  

God d**n, mothers**t!  There better be exponential improvement before next Sat. or these kids are going to give Cragg his first losing season as  a head coach.  Congrats to everyone else.  Nice week for the league in general and way to take it to the E8.  

Definitely not encouraging.  TGP wrote in his post-game blog wrap-up the point that perhaps Vella should convert to RB. 

Given CMU is likely to run the ball 60+ times like they did against Grove City, the Statesmen offense is going to need to step up and complete some drives and control the TOP.

[Naked Nott Run]

NNR is now 2-0 on the season for our high school team my good man and top 10 in state... weee what is your record???

Here is our record:

love livin in the past... your 0-1 in case you missed it

[Naked Nott Run]

No offense taken.

I can't take smack talk serious from a program I consider beneath IC. 

Besides, NNR has extra axes to grind with JoseQ because the high school team he coaches can't beat JQV's alma mater.

+k to the Union faithful.

NNR is now 2-0 on the season for our high school team my good man and top 10 in state... weee what is your record???

Union 1-0 and ranked soon ...learn to love it

NNR: Union will not be ranked.. i think they started too low.

you my friend have failed

[labart96]

TGP's Statesmen may have been flat in Week 1, but TGP's LLPPFFL's B&Cs are looking good to go 1-0.  TGP hasn't seen scoring such as the LLPPFFL (with fractions of points, etc), but no matter - a win's a win.

[HSCTiger74]

Week 2 Poll is out, and it's a revelation--how appropriate that it came out on a Sunday.   

A week ago, Union was the definition of suck--zero poll votes.  But this week, after beating 343 points of non-suck/no. 8 Ithaca, Union is a sweet no. 22, with 102 points of non-sucky goodness.

Hobart's need for redemption is clear, and its path is not easy.  The Dickinson forces of evil started the season only 4 poll points away from suck, and their first game loss to UW-W cut that already slim margin to a mere 3 points.  Hobart, with 209 poll points of no. 15 standing, has plummeted to 16 points away from suck, while Dickinson has distanced itself from suck by 35 points.

If only our LL teams could catch some divine spirit as graced St. John's, who held off 43 poll point UW-Eau Claire in a close game at home, and was rewarded with a high holy 168 poll points and 5 poll positions, as it rose faster than both Washington & Jefferson and Ohio Northern on its way from 280 points of no. 11 to 448 points of no. 5 divinity.

Wrong Dickinson swarm81. The Dickinson College Red Devils opened their season with a win over Grove City. UWW defeated Dickinson State, an NAIA school from North Dakota.