FB: Liberty League

[Oline89]

Every one of Hobart's warts was exposed yesterday. An Oline that has real trouble run blocking, injuries (particularly to ILB, OT), and certainly the biggest one: QB.  The backup QB was put in an impossible situation, biggest game of the year, down 14-0, fast/flying defense and ZERO real playtime in the previous 4 games.   The coaching staff has an important week ahead, stick with the senior QB or start over from a week 1 mindset with the So QB. That being said, Union had a stellar game plan, came out with a ton of energy, and deserved to win.  However, I don't think Union is going undefeated, the next two weeks decide the season for the Statesmen.

[Ice Bear]

Congrats to Union on a "no doubt" win today. Not to take anything away from Union , but this was the lowest energy the Statesmen generated this season. The offensive line is banged up and it showed with 4 sacks today. The NJAC defenses were at least comparable to the Union defense physically, but we had problems giving the QB time which I give full credit to the Union coaches and defense. We had a difficult job running today, which was either a signal that we are banged up or Union is pretty awesome, somehow I think it is in between. I don't know why Hofmann was taken out, other than the pick 6, but in a come from behind game he gives Hobart the best chance. Krewson was knocked silly on one play and had to come out for Hofmann, and Hofmann immediately moved the team, but it was way too little too late. Oh well, very disappointing, and I hope the boys mend for the RPI game at home. There may be some validity to IB theory that having a lighter schedule early keeps the team fresh, because we were not fresh and looked lathargic( poor Dillon Carey our LT needed help getting up every time he fell, so you know they are hurting ).
Now we can only hope for 2 wins against IC and RPI and  2 losses by  Union against the same teams or some crazy three or four way tie. Oh well, good luck to Union , you have your fate in your hands, and should feel great about your win today and the potential for a special season.
PS- Ike Irabor's uniform was covered with oil today and danced a jig for almost 200 yards....the Statesmen could not hold on to him and he has great footwork....a great day for Ike, he should be LL OPOTW

It was also clear to me that Hobart was very flat and Union wanted it more in the 1st half.  Hobart dug a hole and was unable to get out.  Union looked sharper, more physical and was just ready to play yesterday. 

I think the top 25 ranking can also get into teams heads in a game like this.  Hobart goes in a top 25 team, playing a Union team who wasn't ranked and played some cupcakes and Hobart was simply did not look ready to play.

I've watched 1.5 Hobart games, .5 Union games and 4 Ithaca games.  From first glance Hobart doesn't have the playmakers that Ithaca or Union has.  Ithaca has Joe G. and Gladney, Union has Ike and Ross Jr. (although I have yet to see Ross Jr. distinguish himself as a playmaker but I've only seen him on film 1.5 times over the past two years). Hobart doesn't appear to have any play makers.  The oline and dline look big, and the defense looked very aggressive and tough last week against Montclair but over all they don't have that playmaker which is going to give you 7-21 points every week based on just their ability alone and big play potential.  That being said, RPI never seems to have those playmakers either and they have had the top team in the LL without a doubt twice over the past 4 years so that gives Hobart a chance. 

And I'm not being a homer here but Joe G. puts Ithaca in a category by themselves.  Throw Gladney in there and it really makes it tough for other teams to keep up and stop them on offense.  Ithaca's defense runs a scheme that appears to give teams a chance if that team has a QB who can make precision throws like the SJF QB last week.  IC runs an aggressive zone defense that really forces the QB to make a decision IF Ithaca can get pressure with that zone blitz.  SJF was able to give their QB that extra second and that's all they needed to come back.  Add in some screens and nice run schemes, if other teams can see what SJF did, I don't think Ithaca is unbeatable.

Ice Bear agrees Joe G. and Gladney put the Bombers in another category. They are both just excellent players and especially Germinerio can make all the difference. IB agrees Ithaca is beatable but that will be a tall order for any team. If IC can play like they did in the first half against SJF for 4 quarters they should win the LL and at least 2 games in the tourney.

Ice Bear says that there is much FB left to play and whoever is left standing after Bart, Union, RPI, and the Bombers battle will be well deserving of the LL title.

[Bombers798891]

And I'm not being a homer here but Joe G. puts Ithaca in a category by themselves.  Throw Gladney in there and it really makes it tough for other teams to keep up and stop them on offense.  Ithaca's defense runs a scheme that appears to give teams a chance if that team has a QB who can make precision throws like the SJF QB last week.  IC runs an aggressive zone defense that really forces the QB to make a decision IF Ithaca can get pressure with that zone blitz.  SJF was able to give their QB that extra second and that's all they needed to come back.  Add in some screens and nice run schemes, if other teams can see what SJF did, I don't think Ithaca is unbeatable.

IC clearly has the highest ceiling of all the LL teams. We all know about the QB play, and Gladney has been basically unstoppable so far this year. But it's the emergence of Michael Anderson in the passing game that has really changed the game.

We saw two weeks ago when Vito was out and Anderson torched Fisher to the tune of 12-198-1. But even last week, with Vito back. Anderson was good for 5-97. When you have three guys who can each take over a game, it's really hard to stop.

Through four games, the Bombers are essentially 21-for-22 in the Red Zone (I'm not really worried about the final drive against Alfred when the Bombers likely could have scored had they been so inclined to kick a 35-yard FG on 4th down or move with any sort of urgency)

They're not perfect. We saw them nearly fall apart in the 2nd half against Fisher, and the RZ defense has yet to really show up. But when they're on, they're going to be hard to stop

[UfanBill]

From last week...

...." The O's are definitely loaded BUT will it be defense and special teams that decides this one? The Union defense is solid but untested. Hobart's so far they've got the job done. With Hackett, the most accurate kicker ever at Hobart, and Dellisanti, you would again think the Statesmen have a special teams edge but Union has players of their own.  Kicker Marcos Rodriguez and punter/kicker Will Halpin are steady, reliable and experienced. SO what will be the difference? TURNOVERS I'm thinking the Dutchmen have to be +2 in the turnover ratio and they'll pull this one out 27-23. It should be a great game."     

Union indeed won the turnover battle +2 with 3 interceptions versus a lone fumble (on a muffed punt).  Their special teams also matched or surpassed Hobart. Vaunted kicker Kyle Hackett missed from 44 yards on his only field goal attempt as the 1st half closed and was not a factor while Union kicker Marcos Rodriguez made from 34.  Rodriguez did miss an extra point when there was a bad snap...Punting, after a first few low bouncers, Hobart's John DelliSanti got off some beauties late with no return and the muff. Union punter Will Halpin boomed 5 punts with no returns. Special teams and turnovers were certainly key to the Union win.   

Union also had an excellent offensive game plan. They ran their diverse offense without involving star WR Andre Ross Jr. using him as a decoy, thus getting single coverage on WR Griffin Beal and with the Statesmen putting only 5 or 6 in the box the Union rushing attack flourished. The Dutchmen kept pounding the line of scrimmage, rushing for +229 yards, with Ike Irabor spinning, twisting and breaking tackles for 182 of it. It seemed to me that Hobart had seen the scouting report on Irabor, that he had fumbling issues, and made numerous attempts to rip the ball out when they should have been wrapping him up. Kudos to Irabor. Hobart never was able to make much of an adjustment.

Defensively the Dutchmen were stout. They put enough pressure on 'Bart starting QB Ryan Hofman to force a pick six and ultimately him from the game. Reserve QB David Krewson had some success but without much of a running attack, only 33 net yards, Hobart couldn't sustain much offense.

I've read all the posts concerning the game. There were and still remain many doubters as to Union, even among some of the staunchest of fans . I'm seeing it differently. Coach Behrman has constructed a deep, talented team and has them believing in themselves. Losses to Hobart and Ithaca last year were learning experiences and recent   results, beating ranked RPI and Hobart, show they've been progressing rapidly. They still have a major hurdle to climb, beating Ithaca. (Union has never won at Butterfield) They have Rochester next week then St. Lawrence and Buff St. so they might well be 7-0 and ranked themselves when they travel to the Bombers on Nov. 2nd. 4 years ago when Union went 0-10 I lamented that it was like losing a family member, someone you love so much is gone. ... Well they're BACK. Hope this ride keeps going.   

[pumkinattack]

Congrats to Union on a "no doubt" win today. Not to take anything away from Union , but this was the lowest energy the Statesmen generated this season. The offensive line is banged up and it showed with 4 sacks today. The NJAC defenses were at least comparable to the Union defense physically, but we had problems giving the QB time which I give full credit to the Union coaches and defense. We had a difficult job running today, which was either a signal that we are banged up or Union is pretty awesome, somehow I think it is in between. I don't know why Hofmann was taken out, other than the pick 6, but in a come from behind game he gives Hobart the best chance. Krewson was knocked silly on one play and had to come out for Hofmann, and Hofmann immediately moved the team, but it was way too little too late. Oh well, very disappointing, and I hope the boys mend for the RPI game at home. There may be some validity to IB theory that having a lighter schedule early keeps the team fresh, because we were not fresh and looked lathargic( poor Dillon Carey our LT needed help getting up every time he fell, so you know they are hurting ).
Now we can only hope for 2 wins against IC and RPI and  2 losses by  Union against the same teams or some crazy three or four way tie. Oh well, good luck to Union , you have your fate in your hands, and should feel great about your win today and the potential for a special season.
PS- Ike Irabor's uniform was covered with oil today and danced a jig for almost 200 yards....the Statesmen could not hold on to him and he has great footwork....a great day for Ike, he should be LL OPOTW

It was also clear to me that Hobart was very flat and Union wanted it more in the 1st half.  Hobart dug a hole and was unable to get out.  Union looked sharper, more physical and was just ready to play yesterday. 

I think the top 25 ranking can also get into teams heads in a game like this.  Hobart goes in a top 25 team, playing a Union team who wasn't ranked and played some cupcakes and Hobart was simply did not look ready to play.

I've watched 1.5 Hobart games, .5 Union games and 4 Ithaca games.  From first glance Hobart doesn't have the playmakers that Ithaca or Union has.  Ithaca has Joe G. and Gladney, Union has Ike and Ross Jr. (although I have yet to see Ross Jr. distinguish himself as a playmaker but I've only seen him on film 1.5 times over the past two years). Hobart doesn't appear to have any play makers.  The oline and dline look big, and the defense looked very aggressive and tough last week against Montclair but over all they don't have that playmaker which is going to give you 7-21 points every week based on just their ability alone and big play potential.  That being said, RPI never seems to have those playmakers either and they have had the top team in the LL without a doubt twice over the past 4 years so that gives Hobart a chance. 

And I'm not being a homer here but Joe G. puts Ithaca in a category by themselves.  Throw Gladney in there and it really makes it tough for other teams to keep up and stop them on offense.  Ithaca's defense runs a scheme that appears to give teams a chance if that team has a QB who can make precision throws like the SJF QB last week.  IC runs an aggressive zone defense that really forces the QB to make a decision IF Ithaca can get pressure with that zone blitz.  SJF was able to give their QB that extra second and that's all they needed to come back.  Add in some screens and nice run schemes, if other teams can see what SJF did, I don't think Ithaca is unbeatable.

Our two biggest playmakers (not counting Catalioto, rayshawn boswell and Shahkyle matthews) got 7 combined touches....

[Ice Bear]

From last week...

...." The O's are definitely loaded BUT will it be defense and special teams that decides this one? The Union defense is solid but untested. Hobart's so far they've got the job done. With Hackett, the most accurate kicker ever at Hobart, and Dellisanti, you would again think the Statesmen have a special teams edge but Union has players of their own.  Kicker Marcos Rodriguez and punter/kicker Will Halpin are steady, reliable and experienced. SO what will be the difference? TURNOVERS I'm thinking the Dutchmen have to be +2 in the turnover ratio and they'll pull this one out 27-23. It should be a great game."     

Union indeed won the turnover battle +2 with 3 interceptions versus a lone fumble (on a muffed punt).  Their special teams also matched or surpassed Hobart. Vaunted kicker Kyle Hackett missed from 44 yards on his only field goal attempt as the 1st half closed and was not a factor while Union kicker Marcos Rodriguez made from 34.  Rodriguez did miss an extra point when there was a bad snap...Punting, after a first few low bouncers, Hobart's John DelliSanti got off some beauties late with no return and the muff. Union punter Will Halpin boomed 5 punts with no returns. Special teams and turnovers were certainly key to the Union win.   

Union also had an excellent offensive game plan. They ran their diverse offense without involving star WR Andre Ross Jr. using him as a decoy, thus getting single coverage on WR Griffin Beal and with the Statesmen putting only 5 or 6 in the box the Union rushing attack flourished. The Dutchmen kept pounding the line of scrimmage, rushing for +229 yards, with Ike Irabor spinning, twisting and breaking tackles for 182 of it. It seemed to me that Hobart had seen the scouting report on Irabor, that he had fumbling issues, and made numerous attempts to rip the ball out when they should have been wrapping him up. Kudos to Irabor. Hobart never was able to make much of an adjustment.

Defensively the Dutchmen were stout. They put enough pressure on 'Bart starting QB Ryan Hofman to force a pick six and ultimately him from the game. Reserve QB David Krewson had some success but without much of a running attack, only 33 net yards, Hobart couldn't sustain much offense.

I've read all the posts concerning the game. There were and still remain many doubters as to Union, even among some of the staunchest of fans . I'm seeing it differently. Coach Behrman has constructed a deep, talented team and has them believing in themselves. Losses to Hobart and Ithaca last year were learning experiences and recent   results, beating ranked RPI and Hobart, show they've been progressing rapidly. They still have a major hurdle to climb, beating Ithaca. (Union has never won at Butterfield) They have Rochester next week then St. Lawrence and Buff St. so they might well be 7-0 and ranked themselves when they travel to the Bombers on Nov. 2nd. 4 years ago when Union went 0-10 I lamented that it was like losing a family member, someone you love so much is gone. ... Well they're BACK. Hope this ride keeps going.

Ice Bear certainly bumped the U into his top five/six in the ERFP. IB says the Dutch are legit and will be a tough out for anyone if they play the way they did yesterday. IB says the offense has a very high ceiling which they have not yet reached. Ice would love to see them reach that ceiling against IC and RPI.

Ice Bear says the biggest surprise this far has been the play of the D, especially yesterday. They were very physical and certainly played a part in disrupting both Statesmen QB's and basically keeping their running game non existent. This team has the potential to win the league and be special. IB keeps it close though how solid Bart, RPI, and IC are.

Ice Bear says it's going to be fun to watch...even if some players won't finish the academic semester...

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear says it's always a pleasure to watch Union FB with UfanBill. Ice appreciates fan's knowledge of the game and conversation. Ice hopes you enjoyed the ****ing dribbling the hockey team took yesterday with Ice Bear's Old Man.

[Jonny Utah]

Ice Bear says it's always a pleasure to watch Union FB with UfanBill. Ice appreciates fan's knowledge of the game and conversation. Ice hopes you enjoyed the ****ing dribbling the hockey team took yesterday with Ice Bear's Old Man.

As a Northeastern Hockey fan, the Huskies come into Shocktown this weekend as well for a pair of games.  NU is also very good.

[D O.C.]

This ranking conferences stuff I will take a step further.
The Liberty League board is number 1 for content.
Simple.

[Caz Bombers]

all the way to the top 10, oh my stars and garters. Looks like the best chance for a team ahead of us to stumble this week is Bethel, playing what should easily be the national game of the week at Saint John's. If D3 had College Gameday they'd surely be going to the House John Gagliardi Built this week. Next best upset chance looks like #19 UW-Platteville at #3 UW-Whitewater.

[Bombers798891]

all the way to the top 10, oh my stars and garters. Looks like the best chance for a team ahead of us to stumble this week is Bethel, playing what should easily be the national game of the week at Saint John's. If D3 had College Gameday they'd surely be going to the House John Gagliardi Built this week. Next best upset chance looks like #19 UW-Platteville at #3 UW-Whitewater.

I bet a 5-0 Platteville with a road win at Whitewater jumps Ithaca

[Bartman]

This ranking conferences stuff I will take a step further.
The Liberty League board is number 1 for content.
Simple.

D O.C.,
      We are honored to have you participate on the LL board , and a +k for you

[unionpalooza]

Nearly midway through the season, it's nice to see the LL off to a strong start.  Four teams in Ithaca, Union, Hobart and RPI that I believe could beat another team in the East on any given Saturday, and it will be interesting to see if they just beat up on one another or one team can clearly emerge out of the pack.  I know every think's Joey G is the second coming, but I'm not convinced they're world beaters just yet.  They're putting up 450 yards a game and... allowing 420, against pretty average competition.  And as RPI showed last year, even Joey G melts under heavy, physical pressure.

Should be fun to watch how it all sorts out.

[Bartman]

OK, getting this out of the way early and putting the sound of that annoying Union cannon out of my brain.


Bartman is 23-6 on picks this season and LL remains 15-11 in OOC play.

Last week:

Week 5:

Union                 31(23)                                                 Hobart   37(7)                 GAME OF THE WEEKA see-saw gut tester with Hobart pulling it out in the last minute. The only thing I got right was the 7 for Hobart ( well I thought it would be 37.)

RPI                     48 (38)                                               Rochester  7(0)               Engineers roll              As expected

Ithaca                 38(59)                                                 SLU        28(20)                Saints go up early but the Germ does not disappoint Bombers are starting to take off       

WEEK 6

Hobart               17                                                      RPI                   14                GAME OF THE WEEK: A defensive slug fest , could go either way. Hobart stays alive for Buttermilk 

Ithaca                42                                                     Buffalo State      14                The Germ continues to pad his stats

Union                45                                                      Yellowjackets      7                  Union gets everyone involved but loses the shutout


The Statesmen have a tough game every week....... No rest for the wounded , use a sharp slide rule on the Engineers  when the ammo is gone! GOBART

[Bartman]

Congrats to the following LL Players of the week.

Offensive Performer of the Week: Ike Irabor, Union
Defensive Performer of the Week: Evan Gilland, Union
Special Teams Performer of the Week: John DelliSanti, Hobart
Rookie of the Week: Nicholas Bahamonde, Ithaca
Honor Roll: Bryan Aguilar, Hobart; A.J. Clifford, Ithaca; Will Gladney, Ithaca; Sanjay Krishnan, RPI; George Marinopoulos, RPI; Jackson Reaper, St. Lawrence; Michael Roumes, Ithaca; Magnus Wamble, RPI
Irabor almost 200 Yards and Gilland 2 INTs , one for a TD. Hobart's DelliSanti was the coffin corner king against Union and from what I have heard Frosh Bahamonde has a rocket leg and a golden toe for the Bombers. Congrats to all