FB: Liberty League

[Olorin]

Congrats on RPI's big win yesterday Olorin +k! Dlip will be pulling for the Engineers next week big time!

Thanks. And congrats to Union for a great year.

I only wish that d*** non-injury wish of mine came true though.

[Bartman]

OK, Last LL game recap/pics of 2017:

Rochester  3(12)    Hobart    96(51)      Frustrations of Hobart season taken out on the Yellowjackets(no disrespect to U of R Seniors) A WIN IS A WIN
Ithaca     24(48)    Cortland  21(20)      A heartstopping finish as the great inebriated multitude celebrate on Butterfield IC DOMINATES
Union      17(14)    RPI         21(20)      Both teams want to be fitted at the cobbler....... but Engineers get the Shoes and an NCAA bid RPI MOVES ON
SLU         14 (7)     BPORT    28(28)      Saints put a small scare into sans Germinerio Golden Eagles SLU GAVE IT THEIR BEST

35-9 on season for pics, but would have gladly gone 0-44 IF these 2 scenarios happened in 2 games:

Wish #1. With 13 minutes to go in the Union game , Hobart with a 4th and 6 on Union's 11, behind 21-3 , Matt Woods catches pass from Sweeney for a Touchdown and is behind 21-10....Hobart goes on to win 30-28 with unbelievable comeback(what really happened :Matt Woods is stopped on fourth down one yard short of the first down on Union's 6 yard line...Hobart comeback falls short that one TD, 23-28)...One yard can really make a difference. 2018 Karma prediction: Matt Woods will score the winning TD at the BOZ
Wish #2. With 40 seconds left in the Ithaca game, Dakota Harvey lets kickoff go out of bounds and Hobart starts last drive on the 40, goes 60 yards in 40 seconds for the winning drive and wins for the first time at Butterfield 28-24(What really happened; Harvey catches KO at the 5 and goes out of bounds....Sweeney goes 58 yards in 35 seconds and Hail Mary from the 37 falls incomplete and Ithaca wins 24-21. 2018 Karma Prediction: Dakota Harvey will score 3 TD's in a Statesmen win at the Boz

High hopes for 2017 were not realized as the solid play by both Ithaca and Union thwarted our LL title hopes. Congratulations to both these programs. The win over RPI 30-0 shows what could have been. Some great seniors moving on, but Hobart still has 13 starters returning and many ready to step up.

Also congratulations to Freshman Kyle Hackett for going 10-10 in field goals this year...the only NCAA kicker to make 100% of his FG s in 2017

Good luck to RPI in the NCAA's and to Ithaca in the ECACs(guessing here) and Union in the NYS Bowl(also guessing)

One more prediction: Union will beat Cortland in the NYS Bowl and the E8/LL interconference record will be 8-8(Parity!) and when Buffalo State joins the LL in 2019, the LL will be the #1 conference in New York ! 

[Bartman]

Good luck to the Engineers as they take on the Wesley Wolverines next week in an All East bracket!

[Caz Bombers]

BTW, Cortland at Union in the NYS Bowl is officially on for noon next Saterday.

Presumably IC to play somebody down in the Delaware ECAC Jamboree or whatever.

[Oline89]

OK, Last LL game recap/pics of 2017:

Rochester  3(12)    Hobart    96(51)      Frustrations of Hobart season taken out on the Yellowjackets(no disrespect to U of R Seniors) A WIN IS A WIN
Ithaca     24(48)    Cortland  21(20)      A heartstopping finish as the great inebriated multitude celebrate on Butterfield IC DOMINATES
Union      17(14)    RPI         21(20)      Both teams want to be fitted at the cobbler....... but Engineers get the Shoes and an NCAA bid RPI MOVES ON
SLU         14 (7)     BPORT    28(28)      Saints put a small scare into sans Germinerio Golden Eagles SLU GAVE IT THEIR BEST

35-9 on season for pics, but would have gladly gone 0-44 IF these 2 scenarios happened in 2 games:

Wish #1. With 13 minutes to go in the Union game , Hobart with a 4th and 6 on Union's 11, behind 21-3 , Matt Woods catches pass from Sweeney for a Touchdown and is behind 21-10....Hobart goes on to win 30-28 with unbelievable comeback(what really happened :Matt Woods is stopped on fourth down one yard short of the first down on Union's 6 yard line...Hobart comeback falls short that one TD, 23-28)...One yard can really make a difference. 2018 Karma prediction: Matt Woods will score the winning TD at the BOZ
Wish #2. With 40 seconds left in the Ithaca game, Dakota Harvey lets kickoff go out of bounds and Hobart starts last drive on the 40, goes 60 yards in 40 seconds for the winning drive and wins for the first time at Butterfield 28-24(What really happened; Harvey catches KO at the 5 and goes out of bounds....Sweeney goes 58 yards in 35 seconds and Hail Mary from the 37 falls incomplete and Ithaca wins 24-21. 2018 Karma Prediction: Dakota Harvey will score 3 TD's in a Statesmen win at the Boz

High hopes for 2017 were not realized as the solid play by both Ithaca and Union thwarted our LL title hopes. Congratulations to both these programs. The win over RPI 30-0 shows what could have been. Some great seniors moving on, but Hobart still has 13 starters returning and many ready to step up.

Also congratulations to Freshman Kyle Hackett for going 10-10 in field goals this year...the only NCAA kicker to make 100% of his FG s in 2017

Good luck to RPI in the NCAA's and to Ithaca in the ECACs(guessing here) and Union in the NYS Bowl(also guessing)

One more prediction: Union will beat Cortland in the NYS Bowl and the E8/LL interconference record will be 8-8(Parity!) and when Buffalo State joins the LL next year, the LL will be the #1 conference in New York in 2018!

Batman,
My wishes could keep going: Ithaca game, 4th and 18, 4th quarter, Bart up 21-17, pass into double coverage, ref calls incomplete pass, Bart ball (reality, pass interference, 1st and 10 Ithaca, touchdown to follow after 2 more 4th down conversions);  Union game, start of second half, Hobart defense comes out fired up, stop the Dutchmen 3 and out, punt, fair catch called at the 35, Hobart ball (reality, return team can't locate ball on the short punt, ball hits blocker, turnover, Union ball, touchdown 3 plays later).  We will certainly miss this very talented senior class, from the well known stars (Sweeney, Shed, Rio Schmidt), to the unsung heroes (DE Brandon Ball, is an All American, IMHO), to the quiet on field leaders (Zach Withers, Almamy Conde, and Zach Robak).  Hobart will certainly come back with a vengeance (it was nice to see So. QB Ryan Hoffman run the offense this weekend), 4/5 O lineman return, fast and strong RB's, and a very talented Freshman class chomping at the bit to contribute!

Good luck to RPI in the NCAA's, Union in the NY State Bowl, and Ithaca in ECAC's.  Rooting hard for the Liberty League teams next weekend(s), seeking revenge in 2018!  Go Bart!!!

[Bartman]

Oline79,
    I am wishing everyone luck in the playoffs....RPI, Union, Ithaca...but it is killing me that this team couldn't close the deal in a couple of games this year...it is like your kid comes home with B s when you know they are capable of A s....now I know this team collectively is not the 2012-2014 group especially on the defensive side of the ball, but this team had some special pieces and was deep enough to be playing this weekend....I hope that we pull it back  together for next year because the current LL is a very tough league and undefeated seasons will be very rare ..... I will move on .....but the disappointment is there for now

[Bombers798891]

What a great Cortaca.

Seven years of frustration over tough breaks and close calls got unleashed in one of the most dominant first halves I've ever seen Ithaca play. 35-6 at the break, with IC holding a 314-46 edge in yards. Just all-around domination.

If this game is a glimpse to the future, the Bombers are going to rewrite the offensive record books under Swanstrom. They're more aggressive—went for it 32 times on 4th vs. 17 last year. They stick with what works—Swanstrom would just keep calling those fades to Gladney until someone shows they can stop them. And they're smart with play design—after allowing 40 sacks on 297 dropbacks last year (One each 7.4), they emphasized a lot of quick screen passes into the flat and allowed 17 sacks on 347 dropbacks this year (one every 20.4)

Defensively, they obviously returned some talent, but they actually allowed fewer points this year than last (15.1 vs. 19.7). The big difference was a better pass defense (Opponents completed just 51% of passes this year compared to 59% last year)

Now, they get a shot at a program building ECAC game, and this staff gets a full year of recruiting. I'm excited just thinking about next year.

Also, you guys—THEY WON CORTACA

[Bartman]

What a great Cortaca.

Seven years of frustration over tough breaks and close calls got unleashed in one of the most dominant first halves I've ever seen Ithaca play. 35-6 at the break, with IC holding a 314-46 edge in yards. Just all-around domination.

If this game is a glimpse to the future, the Bombers are going to rewrite the offensive record books under Swanstrom. They're more aggressive—went for it 32 times on 4th vs. 17 last year. They stick with what works—Swanstrom would just keep calling those fades to Gladney until someone shows they can stop them. And they're smart with play design—after allowing 40 sacks on 297 dropbacks last year (One each 7.4), they emphasized a lot of quick screen passes into the flat and allowed 17 sacks on 347 dropbacks this year (one every 20.4)

Defensively, they obviously returned some talent, but they actually allowed fewer points this year than last (15.1 vs. 19.7). The big difference was a better pass defense (Opponents completed just 51% of passes this year compared to 59% last year)

Now, they get a shot at a program building ECAC game, and this staff gets a full year of recruiting. I'm excited just thinking about next year.

Also, you guys—THEY WON CORTACA

+k to you and the Bombers for the wipe out win at CORTACA.....I am already projecting Ithaca as the LL favorite for next year...you guys made the move to the LL at the right time, because I think Brockport should have a couple of years on top of the E8

[UfanBill]

   WOW!...I am extremely excited to know that Union will be hosting Cortland next Saturday in the inaugural NYS Bowl. After Saturday's frustrating Shoes game loss, I thought the Dutchmen's season may well be over since it's finals week here in Garnet land.  Another home game and more rebuilding experience for coach Behrman's boys...what's not to like there.
   RPI was the better team Saturday but the Dutchmen fought hard leading for most of the game. Back to back possessions in the 2nd half where Union completed passes but were short of the line to gain were the difference. RPI's defense kept Union from sustaining anything while their offense was knocking at the door and finally found the crack it needed late...ballgame. 
   How about this season in the Liberty League. RPI as champs. Union and Ithaca both bowling. Heck even next year's newcomer Buffalo St. is playing post season. And congratulations to the three schools that felt it was necessary to leave the LL for the NEWMAC. Springfield, WPI and USMMA are ALL extending their seasons. If Hobart had declared for the ECAC they well may have had another game too. Sorry Bartman...

[Bartman]

   WOW!...I am extremely excited to know that Union will be hosting Cortland next Saturday in the inaugural NYS Bowl. After Saturday's frustrating Shoes game loss, I thought the Dutchmen's season may well be over since it's finals week here in Garnet land.  Another home game and more rebuilding experience for coach Behrman's boys...what's not to like there.
   RPI was the better team Saturday but the Dutchmen fought hard leading for most of the game. Back to back possessions in the 2nd half where Union completed passes but were short of the line to gain were the difference. RPI's defense kept Union from sustaining anything while their offense was knocking at the door and finally found the crack it needed late...ballgame. 
   How about this season in the Liberty League. RPI as champs. Union and Ithaca both bowling. Heck even next year's newcomer Buffalo St. is playing post season. And congratulations to the three schools that felt it was necessary to leave the LL for the NEWMAC. Springfield, WPI and USMMA are ALL extending their seasons. If Hobart had declared for the ECAC they well may have had another game too. Sorry Bartman...

UFan,

Thanks for the sympathy, BUT this season was a mere blip, anomaly ,temporary historical distortion in the recent history and future Statesmen domination of the Liberty League....so go to your silly,  meaningless bowls as we prepare for the only prize we desire...the NCAA AQ ...which is now in the hands of a team we beat 30-0...the world will not be in balance again until the Hobart Statesmen reign again as Champions.....so good luck to  RPI, Ithaca and Union for extending your seasons as Bartman will be rooting for you, even in those meaningless bowls.....but we will dedicate ourselves to the weight room, film room, practice fields and recruit living rooms until the 2018 season begins...and we shall be motivated by our defeats and unleash a revengeful Hell on our opponents  next Fall............I hope

[fisheralum91]

No who is Walt Whitman?

[fisheralum91]

   WOW!...I am extremely excited to know that Union will be hosting Cortland next Saturday in the inaugural NYS Bowl. After Saturday's frustrating Shoes game loss, I thought the Dutchmen's season may well be over since it's finals week here in Garnet land.  Another home game and more rebuilding experience for coach Behrman's boys...what's not to like there.
   RPI was the better team Saturday but the Dutchmen fought hard leading for most of the game. Back to back possessions in the 2nd half where Union completed passes but were short of the line to gain were the difference. RPI's defense kept Union from sustaining anything while their offense was knocking at the door and finally found the crack it needed late...ballgame. 
   How about this season in the Liberty League. RPI as champs. Union and Ithaca both bowling. Heck even next year's newcomer Buffalo St. is playing post season. And congratulations to the three schools that felt it was necessary to leave the LL for the NEWMAC. Springfield, WPI and USMMA are ALL extending their seasons. If Hobart had declared for the ECAC they well may have had another game too. Sorry Bartman...

UFan,

Thanks for the sympathy, BUT this season was a mere blip, anomaly ,temporary historical distortion in the recent history and future Statesmen domination of the Liberty League....so go to your silly,  meaningless bowls as we prepare for the only prize we desire...the NCAA AQ ...which is now in the hands of a team we beat 30-0...the world will not be in balance again until the Hobart Statesmen reign again as Champions.....so good luck to  RPI, Ithaca and Union for extending your seasons as Bartman will be rooting for you, even in those meaningless bowls.....but we will dedicate ourselves to the weight room, film room, practice fields and recruit living rooms until the 2018 season begins...and we shall be motivated by our defeats and unleash a revengeful Hell on our opponents  next Fall............I hope

[D3MAFAN]

   WOW!...I am extremely excited to know that Union will be hosting Cortland next Saturday in the inaugural NYS Bowl. After Saturday's frustrating Shoes game loss, I thought the Dutchmen's season may well be over since it's finals week here in Garnet land.  Another home game and more rebuilding experience for coach Behrman's boys...what's not to like there.
   RPI was the better team Saturday but the Dutchmen fought hard leading for most of the game. Back to back possessions in the 2nd half where Union completed passes but were short of the line to gain were the difference. RPI's defense kept Union from sustaining anything while their offense was knocking at the door and finally found the crack it needed late...ballgame. 
   How about this season in the Liberty League. RPI as champs. Union and Ithaca both bowling. Heck even next year's newcomer Buffalo St. is playing post season. And congratulations to the three schools that felt it was necessary to leave the LL for the NEWMAC. Springfield, WPI and USMMA are ALL extending their seasons. If Hobart had declared for the ECAC they well may have had another game too. Sorry Bartman...

UFan,

Thanks for the sympathy, BUT this season was a mere blip, anomaly ,temporary historical distortion in the recent history and future Statesmen domination of the Liberty League....so go to your silly, meaningless bowls as we prepare for the only prize we desire...the NCAA AQ ...which is now in the hands of a team we beat 30-0...the world will not be in balance again until the Hobart Statesmen reign again as Champions.....so good luck to  RPI, Ithaca and Union for extending your seasons as Bartman will be rooting for you, even in those meaningless bowls.....but we will dedicate ourselves to the weight room, film room, practice fields and recruit living rooms until the 2018 season begins...and we shall be motivated by our defeats and unleash a revengeful Hell on our opponents  next Fall............I hope

Bartman,

I wouldn't say it is totally meaningless, because the younger players get the extra practice time to build on next year to achieve the AQ and as always an extra game for the Seniors (most if not all) will never play football again.

[Bartman]

D3MAFAN,

     I know , I know what you say may be true.......but when you don't get to dance the music sux.....the silly bowls are meaningless...I feel better now

[Oline89]

Oline79,
    I am wishing everyone luck in the playoffs....RPI, Union, Ithaca...but it is killing me that this team couldn't close the deal in a couple of games this year...it is like your kid comes home with B s when you know they are capable of A s....now I know this team collectively is not the 2012-2014 group especially on the defensive side of the ball, but this team had some special pieces and was deep enough to be playing this weekend....I hope that we pull it back  together for next year because the current LL is a very tough league and undefeated seasons will be very rare ..... I will move on .....but the disappointment is there for now

Bartman,
What is the history with Hobart and the ECAC's?  I would have loved to see this team play one of the NJAC teams, or even Muhlenberg.  I have watched Centennial League football for years, and I am convinced that the LL and E8 football is a step above.  It would have been nice to see it on the field.