FB: Liberty League

[unionpalooza]

A near perfect day - Union scores 11 TDs while Hobart and RPI both lose.  It looks like RPI's anemic offense wasn't enough against a tough CMU team, but what happened with Hobart? 

[IC798891]

RPI made a QB change late that seemed to pay off. Kazanowsky was a marked improvement over Petercuskie. Too little, too late this week. But teams with stout defenses only need a few big plays/breaks to generate enough offense to win. Beware.

Either Morrisville got a lot better and is going to play spoiler in the E8 or Hobart is way down.

Union beat Worchester 62-13 last year, so a few more meaningless TDs tacked on against an overmatched program means very little to me. Maybe Union's just that good, but blowouts like that are just as much about the quality of opponent as anything. We really won't know much about them until the Utica game (Springfield might tell us something about their offense, but not the defense)

Ithaca made quick work of Brockport. It was 17-0 in the 1st quarter, and the Golden Eagles never threatened. They never got into the RZ offensively. The defense is still tough. Ithaca did next to nothing on the ground. But that offense is brutal. Don't be fooled by IC being outgained. Brockport averaged just 3.4 YPP.

And although Simonds only got sacked three times officially, he spent a lot of the game being hounded. Lots of times on 3rd and 4th downs, he was forced to run/fall forward when the pocket collapsed on him:

3rd and 15: 1 yard run
4th and 8: 4 yard run
3rd and 10: 2 yard rush
4th and 8: 6 yard rush

Ithaca's offense struggled after a hot start. Alfred should provide less resistance next week, but IC will want to be sharper at Hobart.

But dare I say it, and with all due respect to the Statesmen, but I think this is the third straight season IC is going to start 7-0 before the RPI/Union/Cortland gauntlet to end the season

[UfanBill]

RPI made a QB change late that seemed to pay off. Kazanowsky was a marked improvement over Petercuskie. Too little, too late this week. But teams with stout defenses only need a few big plays/breaks to generate enough offense to win. Beware.

Either Morrisville got a lot better and is going to play spoiler in the E8 or Hobart is way down.

Union beat Worchester 62-13 last year, so ]a few more meaningless TDs tacked on against an overmatched program means very little to me. Maybe Union's just that good, but blowouts like that are just as much about the quality of opponent as anything. We really won't know much about them until the Utica game (Springfield might tell us something about their offense, but not the defense)

Ithaca made quick work of Brockport. It was 17-0 in the 1st quarter, and the Golden Eagles never threatened. They never got into the RZ offensively. The defense is still tough. Ithaca did next to nothing on the ground. But that offense is brutal. Don't be fooled by IC being outgained. Brockport averaged just 3.4 YPP.

And although Simonds only got sacked three times officially, he spent a lot of the game being hounded. Lots of times on 3rd and 4th downs, he was forced to run/fall forward when the pocket collapsed on him:

3rd and 15: 1 yard run
4th and 8: 4 yard run
3rd and 10: 2 yard rush
4th and 8: 6 yard rush

Ithaca's offense struggled after a hot start. Alfred should provide less resistance next week, but IC will want to be sharper at Hobart.

But dare I say it, and with all due respect to the Statesmen, but I think this is the third straight season IC is going to start 7-0 before the RPI/Union/Cortland gauntlet to end the season

OK...Union may have played an over matched opponent in Worcester St. (remember they want to schedule a Boston area opponent every year for recruiting purposes and the better programs duck them) but the game achieved everything coach Behrman and his staff envisioned. More experience for new QB Donovan Pacatte, meaningful plays for star starters Ike Irabor and Andre Ross Jr., plenty of carry opportunities for the full running back stable, a passing game tune-up for Pacatte and his talented receivers and a chance to further build depth by playing the whole roster. Without a JV program a walkover game is a chance to play everybody and get the entire squad ready for the LL schedule. Who's to knock it. It's been working...AND you might be right "maybe Union's just that good."   

[IC798891]

Yes, every coach wants a game where they can do exactly what they want for 60 minutes. That's why the schedule games like this.

My point is, Union played Worchester last year and led 55-6 after three quarters. And then none of it mattered the last two weeks of the season.

[Bartman]

As we comment here on our passion for D3 Football, I want to pause and acknowledge the memory of  9/11 and the deep sadness I feel for the many friends that were tragically lost that day and the sacrifices made by the first responders and military, and for the for the special unity in America that followed. It puts everything one values into perspective.


   

[Bartman]

Back to Football.
1. Tip of the hat to the Mustangs as they came to play yesterday in beating the Statesmen 24-13. They are now 2-0 and have matched their wins for all of last year.
2. The Hobart HC made the decision not to play Krewson, our starting QB for some unknown reason. Medical, Disciplinary, he wanted to sacrifice the game to see how the backups would perform?? It is an unanswered question at this time, but the body language on the sideline looked very strange.
3. Not to take anything away from the Mustangs but 2 of their touchdowns came on 2 critical turnovers, a long scoop and score fumble recovery ( some think a whistle could have been blown before the fumble), and a second was on a muffed punt that the Mustangs took in for a score. The other touchdown was scored on a 28 yard beautiful pass( 28 of the 41 yards passing all day for the Mustangs).
4. After Hobart got kicked in the teeth by the Mustangs for a 21-3 halftime lead the Defense came out and stopped the Mustangs cold and did their job . The Offense could only muster 10 points as third string QB Johnny Columbi showed some legs and promise with a "too little too late" four pass scoring drive.
5. The Mustangs primary RB was injured after allowing the Mustangs to control critical TOP in the first half. The Mustangs should have success this year if they don't let this Win go to their head. They have some very good players if they can play with the running game they showed in the first half and win the TOP title every game, if not the E8 title.
6. Hobart is obviously not a Top 25 program at this point, but it also is not as bad as the result that one might conclude from this loss  . Boswell seems to have some nagging leg injury, but Denham seemed to respond well in the second half, and Hobart needs both of these RBs healthy and for the line to gel better to have any success this year. I have no idea what the story is with Krewson, but I was impressed with Colombi once he settled down because he throws a better pass than Krewson and has legs. I hope the HC can keep this team together and focused for next week and the rest of the season. This game should embarrass and motivate a good team , which I think Hobart is, but the body language on the sidelines yesterday says there is some serious work to be done.
7. St John Fisher should be licking their chops for next week. Will the Statesmen respond with an angry win? We'll see.Hobart can't even think beyond SJF.

[unionpalooza]

Back to Football.
1. Tip of the hat to the Mustangs as they came to play yesterday in beating the Statesmen 24-13. They are now 2-0 and have matched their wins for all of last year.
2. The Hobart HC made the decision not to play Krewson, our starting QB for some unknown reason. Medical, Disciplinary, he wanted to sacrifice the game to see how the backups would perform?? It is an unanswered question at this time, but the body language on the sideline looked very strange.
3. Not to take anything away from the Mustangs but 2 of their touchdowns came on 2 critical turnovers, a long scoop and score fumble recovery ( some think a whistle could have been blown before the fumble), and a second was on a muffed punt that the Mustangs took in for a score. The other touchdown was scored on a 28 yard beautiful pass( 28 of the 41 yards passing all day for the Mustangs).
4. After Hobart got kicked in the teeth by the Mustangs for a 21-3 halftime lead the Defense came out and stopped the Mustangs cold and did their job . The Offense could only muster 10 points as third string QB Johnny Columbi showed some legs and promise with a "too little too late" four pass scoring drive.
5. The Mustangs primary RB was injured after allowing the Mustangs to control critical TOP in the first half. The Mustangs should have success this year if they don't let this Win go to their head. They have some very good players if they can play with the running game they showed in the first half and win the TOP title every game, if not the E8 title.
6. Hobart is obviously not a Top 25 program at this point, but it also is not as bad as the result that one might conclude from this loss  . Boswell seems to have some nagging leg injury, but Denham seemed to respond well in the second half, and Hobart needs both of these RBs healthy and for the line to gel better to have any success this year. I have no idea what the story is with Krewson, but I was impressed with Colombi once he settled down because he throws a better pass than Krewson and has legs. I hope the HC can keep this team together and focused for next week and the rest of the season. This game should embarrass and motivate a good team , which I think Hobart is, but the body language on the sidelines yesterday says there is some serious work to be done.
7. St John Fisher should be licking their chops for next week. Will the Statesmen respond with an angry win? We'll see.Hobart can't even think beyond SJF.

Many thanks for the recap Bartman - I had wondered what exactly went down.

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear says that he was very happy with everything he saw on Saturday at Frank Bailey Field. Ice believes the Dutch accomplished everything and more than planned. Ice Bear says from providing Paccatte more game experience to work on his passing, to the secondary getting some work defending the pass (after being blitzed on the Lancer's first possession), to getting many guys who otherwise might not see the field some game time experience, it was a great ****ing day. Ice says with that being said, he believes that obviously Worcester State was completely outmanned and in regards to Union's overall strength in comparison to the rest of the LL and country for that matter, Ice believes we still don't know much. We will know a bit more come Saturday as Ice believes this Pride team is quite good.

Ice says, as he pukes up some seal skin caught in his throat, to not take Hobart's loss to heart, at least in regards to the Pumpkin's ability to create havoc for the likes of Union, RPI, and Ithaca this season.

Ice also says while very disappointed in RPI's loss to Carnegie Melon, he believed the Engineers defense was just ****ing stellar and will continue to keep RPI in games against anyone they play. Ice says that over in Troylet (which one needs a ****ing plunger just to enter the city limits) this will be a dangerous team on a national level if the offense can get ****ing going. Ice believes they had a plethora of opportunities on Saturday that they just couldn't take advantage of because of that O. Ice says watch, by the SHoes game they'll be averaging 70 a ****ing game.

The Bear looks cross eyed at the Bombers as they seem to be quite good (which we all expected). Maybe that O wasn't killing it all game but they certainly killed it enough early on to do what they needed to. Ice believes they will only get better.

Before Ice forgets he sends his giant mother****ing paw congrats to the Saints and YellowJackets on their first victories of the season. Ice is happy for you and for your prize he sends some advice...

Don't ****ing eat yellow snow in the Arctic

[IC798891]

2. The Hobart HC made the decision not to play Krewson, our starting QB for some unknown reason. Medical, Disciplinary, he wanted to sacrifice the game to see how the backups would perform?? It is an unanswered question at this time, but the body language on the sideline looked very strange.

My first thought was honestly, this: Krewson was, honestly, not great last season. He was pretty lights out in Week 1, though Alfred looks pretty awful in the pass defense department (they allowed 5 passing TDs this week). Is it possible that Hobart wasn't punting the game, but was essentially treating these two weeks as an open competition for the QB1 spot?

But that would make a lot more sense if Krewson was ho-hum in Week 1. He wasn't.

[Bartman]

2. The Hobart HC made the decision not to play Krewson, our starting QB for some unknown reason. Medical, Disciplinary, he wanted to sacrifice the game to see how the backups would perform?? It is an unanswered question at this time, but the body language on the sideline looked very strange.

My first thought was honestly, this: Krewson was, honestly, not great last season. He was pretty lights out in Week 1, though Alfred looks pretty awful in the pass defense department (they allowed 5 passing TDs this week). Is it possible that Hobart wasn't punting the game, but was essentially treating these two weeks as an open competition for the QB1 spot?

But that would make a lot more sense if Krewson was ho-hum in Week 1. He wasn't.

Krewson (agree he was the worst passer in LL last year)had good stats in week 1 but some of the completions were made by the receivers as they had a bit too much air under some of them. Krewson has a strong presence on the field and has a certain competitive will(see Joe Kapp , Minnesota Vikings 1960s). Now they are going into a game that most would predict is a better team than the Mustangs in SJF. It is a home game, and it will be interesting to see who starts at QB. Krewson came back specifically for a fifth year to avenge the close losses to Ithaca and Union and win a LL title. But frankly, I like what I saw from Johnny Colombi, and now he has game experience.

[UfanBill]

SMFT...Last week I spoke of the possibility and maybe probability of the Liberty League having 4 teams ranked in the Top 25 this season. Obviously that's not happening.  So Much For That...   https://www.d3football.com/top25/2022/week2

The LL took a huge hit with lethargic RPI losing to a solid Carnegie Mellon team and Hobart being dazed and confused by a more ready to play Morrisville. Both teams rightfully fell out of the Top 25. Four other LL teams won impressively with Ithaca overpowering Brockport, Union monkey stomping Worcester St, St.Lawrence having it's way with north country rival Norwich and Rochester showing superiority over Alfred St.  The Ithaca Bombers moved up 3 spots in the Top 25 from #16 to #13 (importantly ahead of both Cortland and Delaware Valley) while Union edges closer to the Top 25 receiving votes equivalent to #28. Incredibly just two weeks into the 2022 season there are 8 teams in the Top 25 with a loss. 

[Ice Bear]

2. The Hobart HC made the decision not to play Krewson, our starting QB for some unknown reason. Medical, Disciplinary, he wanted to sacrifice the game to see how the backups would perform?? It is an unanswered question at this time, but the body language on the sideline looked very strange.

My first thought was honestly, this: Krewson was, honestly, not great last season. He was pretty lights out in Week 1, though Alfred looks pretty awful in the pass defense department (they allowed 5 passing TDs this week). Is it possible that Hobart wasn't punting the game, but was essentially treating these two weeks as an open competition for the QB1 spot?

But that would make a lot more sense if Krewson was ho-hum in Week 1. He wasn't.

Krewson (agree he was the worst passer in LL last year)had good stats in week 1 but some of the completions were made by the receivers as they had a bit too much air under some of them. Krewson has a strong presence on the field and has a certain competitive will(see Joe Kapp , Minnesota Vikings 1960s). Now they are going into a game that most would predict is a better team than the Mustangs in SJF. It is a home game, and it will be interesting to see who starts at QB. Krewson came back specifically for a fifth year to avenge the close losses to Ithaca and Union and win a LL title. But frankly, I like what I saw from Johnny Colombi, and now he has game experience.

Ice says if he is being honest, and this is becoming a possible topic here, he has never been sold on Krewson. The Bear thinks he's a solid athlete with potential, but he just can't seem to bring the consistency the Statesmen need through the air. Ice Bear says with that being said he likes the rawness of Krewson and hopes the 5th year player finds his mojo (of course against all but Union). Ice Bear says it's a tough world out there, even in the world of D3 football. Ice believes you've got to put the players on the field who give you the best chance to win...as long as they are doing all the things they need to do. Ice Bear wonders who he'll see behind center in Pumpkin Land next week.

[Bartman]

2. The Hobart HC made the decision not to play Krewson, our starting QB for some unknown reason. Medical, Disciplinary, he wanted to sacrifice the game to see how the backups would perform?? It is an unanswered question at this time, but the body language on the sideline looked very strange.

My first thought was honestly, this: Krewson was, honestly, not great last season. He was pretty lights out in Week 1, though Alfred looks pretty awful in the pass defense department (they allowed 5 passing TDs this week). Is it possible that Hobart wasn't punting the game, but was essentially treating these two weeks as an open competition for the QB1 spot?

But that would make a lot more sense if Krewson was ho-hum in Week 1. He wasn't.

Krewson (agree he was the worst passer in LL last year)had good stats in week 1 but some of the completions were made by the receivers as they had a bit too much air under some of them. Krewson has a strong presence on the field and has a certain competitive will(see Joe Kapp , Minnesota Vikings 1960s). Now they are going into a game that most would predict is a better team than the Mustangs in SJF. It is a home game, and it will be interesting to see who starts at QB. Krewson came back specifically for a fifth year to avenge the close losses to Ithaca and Union and win a LL title. But frankly, I like what I saw from Johnny Colombi, and now he has game experience.

Ice says if he is being honest, and this is becoming a possible topic here, he has never been sold on Krewson. The Bear thinks he's a solid athlete with potential, but he just can't seem to bring the consistency the Statesmen need through the air. Ice Bear says with that being said he likes the rawness of Krewson and hopes the 5th year player finds his mojo (of course against all but Union). Ice Bear says it's a tough world out there, even in the world of D3 football. Ice believes you've got to put the players on the field who give you the best chance to win...as long as they are doing all the things they need to do. Ice Bear wonders who he'll see behind center in Pumpkin Land next week.

Bartman will be watching old film of Shane Sweeney passing to Brandon Shed to remember the good old days, and hope the current team pulls things together and gets back on track to the best of their ability..... and try to remember it's only a game

[Oline89]

2. The Hobart HC made the decision not to play Krewson, our starting QB for some unknown reason. Medical, Disciplinary, he wanted to sacrifice the game to see how the backups would perform?? It is an unanswered question at this time, but the body language on the sideline looked very strange.

My first thought was honestly, this: Krewson was, honestly, not great last season. He was pretty lights out in Week 1, though Alfred looks pretty awful in the pass defense department (they allowed 5 passing TDs this week). Is it possible that Hobart wasn't punting the game, but was essentially treating these two weeks as an open competition for the QB1 spot?

But that would make a lot more sense if Krewson was ho-hum in Week 1. He wasn't.

Krewson (agree he was the worst passer in LL last year)had good stats in week 1 but some of the completions were made by the receivers as they had a bit too much air under some of them. Krewson has a strong presence on the field and has a certain competitive will(see Joe Kapp , Minnesota Vikings 1960s). Now they are going into a game that most would predict is a better team than the Mustangs in SJF. It is a home game, and it will be interesting to see who starts at QB. Krewson came back specifically for a fifth year to avenge the close losses to Ithaca and Union and win a LL title. But frankly, I like what I saw from Johnny Colombi, and now he has game experience.

Ice says if he is being honest, and this is becoming a possible topic here, he has never been sold on Krewson. The Bear thinks he's a solid athlete with potential, but he just can't seem to bring the consistency the Statesmen need through the air. Ice Bear says with that being said he likes the rawness of Krewson and hopes the 5th year player finds his mojo (of course against all but Union). Ice Bear says it's a tough world out there, even in the world of D3 football. Ice believes you've got to put the players on the field who give you the best chance to win...as long as they are doing all the things they need to do. Ice Bear wonders who he'll see behind center in Pumpkin Land next week.

Bartman will be watching old film of Shane Sweeney passing to Brandon Shed to remember the good old days, and hope the current team pulls things together and gets back on track to the best of their ability..... and try to remember it's only a game

The only reasonable answer for Krewson not playing has to be a disciplinary/injury one.  Summer camp is the time to determine QB1, not the second game of the season.  If the staff has actually given up on  a 5th year senior with 3 years of in game experience, they are giving up on the season very early.  I can't believe that will happen.  I fully expect Krewson back in game 3, and also see him leading all LL QB's in rushing, probably second in passing, and (as it goes with cowboy QB's) leading in INT's. 

[IC798891]

Summer camp is the time to determine QB1, not the second game of the season.  If the staff has actually given up on  a 5th year senior with 3 years of in game experience, they are giving up on the season very early.  I can't believe that will happen.  I fully expect Krewson back in game 3, and also see him leading all LL QB's in rushing, probably second in passing, and (as it goes with cowboy QB's) leading in INT's.

Look, I'm probably wrong. Simplest explanations are often the right ones. Really, this started because:

1. No one mentioned him being hurt/banged up at the end of the Week 1 game, and while practice injuries obviously happen, no one mentioned him being on crutches or whatever might indicate an obvious injury.

2. I don't speculate on off-the-field/disciplinary issues.

So it really was just trying to think through what it could be if it wasn't one of those two things.