FB: Liberty League

[JT]

Well, I thought I did by suggesting that in addition to good coaching requiring preparation for those two games, it also requires building the teams character to bounce back.  

Maybe I'm spoiled because Cragg has been so awesome for Hobart, but the 2007 example is comparable.  If you go back to that season, we lost Mizro and Blackowski, but Strom was looking good.  We go down to Dickinson and lose in OT where we had a lead late, lost it and then Doyle in for injured Strom drives to get a FG to tie it, we subsequently lost in OT even though we had a strong legged FG kicker that year.  Bart comes back home a beats a good CMU team by one.  Game three in Geneva.  Robertson/Strom, big plays all over the field, back and forth and RPI wins by having the ball last (meaning it was the type of game where the offenses were playing really well and the last one on the field was winning, not denigrating the win).  Bart's 1-2 overall, 0-1 in conference and could've folded with a new set of offensive players, no Mizro, Blackowski (but other talent obviously).  Cragg rallies the troops and they go on a great run win out including some good wins and get an at large behind RPI's AQ.  Bart probably would've beaten half the playoff field at that point too, but got a really tough draw (2 v. 5) going to a very good SJF and that game was a hard fought loss.  So it's not consecutive weeks, but two out of three after losing a lot of studs on offense is a similar situation.  I guess the bigger question is what standard are they held to?  Is Cragg the standard and if you fall short you're not a good coach?  (I don't think so, but I'm trying to find a comparable situation here)

The thought occurred to me that with respect to WestConn, Buffalo St., and Mo'ville St. in the NJAC, perhaps part of their institutional suckitude can be attributed to their lack of rivalries?

The three teams you mention lack team speed, which is why the can't hang in the NJAC.  Buff St has their "Joe Gibbs" back for a second run.  He created a playoff powerhouse in the 1990's from nothing.  Can he do it again? M'ville just upgraded from a JUCO, he needs a few (four) recruiting classes before you can say the program s*cks.  West Conn has decent coaching, but his recruiting is not measuring up.

[SaintsFAN]

That Wheel of Fortune game does suck me in every once in a while.  Bonus spin like 5% or something like that?  Granted Ive never seen anyone hit more than 25 or 50 on that spin but still...

you're right.  I think she hit on for about $75 while I was in the sportsbook.  That and the rest of her money was gone 35 minutes later when I came out to make sure she was still alive. 

[dewcrew88]

And by the way, have you actually looked at the Salisbury results this year?  Two very close games against the leaders of the USAC, a loss to the #3 team in the country and a loss to a D-2 school.  Salisbury's record to me is meaningless based on the awkward scheduling that school is forced to do right now.  That is a tough team, period.

OK Frank, you win.  But next time you give DC a hard time about being a homer, go look in the mirror.

The point I was making with DC was that it was in published pieces in a non-partisan website.  I've never said I'm not a Union fan and supporter, Lew.  DC and I are still friends -- he knew I was ribbing him a bit just to be an ass.

[EDIT:  And honestly, I'm not sure how your statement fits here.  I'm not saying Union is better than X, Y and Z teams in the country.  I'm comparing the 2009 Dutchmen and 2009 LL to prior years.  The discussion hasn't been focused on bashing teams or over-propping other teams.  In fact, Susquehanna could still end Union's playoff hopes without a doubt in my mind.  That's a tough, tough team.]

And also, those kinds of comments make me a better writer, which never hurts. I know Frank wasn't doing it just to be a dick, it's to remind me that there are 32 teams in the East, and not to focus to much ink on one just because I went there.

[Frank Rossi]

Speaking of perceptions, most alums that I speak with, share LD's opinion of you 100%.

The only thing LD said today about me is that I'm stubborn (no sh!t?!) and that I'm a "homer" (which is pretty obvious since I sink a bunch of money and time into broadcasting for Union's team).  So, if that's what you mean, then I'm guilty as charged and loving my job.

I didn't even mean stubborn....'a homer with blinders on' as a poster in here referred to you.

I don't appreciate when you attempt to tell me how I should speak of the team and it's performance.

I'm bailing on this conversation now....last year this escalated right around now...not going to let it happen again.

No problem.  I'm confident enough in my body of work on here and elsewhere to know that it speaks for itself.  I always welcome constructive criticism of my work -- it just went overboard to destructive last year to the degree that I didn't even want to come back to the Union microphone in 2009.  I'm glad I did as it's been a fun ride this season.  There's been nothing mediocre about it.

[dlippiel]

And by the way, have you actually looked at the Salisbury results this year?  Two very close games against the leaders of the USAC, a loss to the #3 team in the country and a loss to a D-2 school.  Salisbury's record to me is meaningless based on the awkward scheduling that school is forced to do right now.  That is a tough team, period.

OK Frank, you win.  But next time you give DC a hard time about being a homer, go look in the mirror.

The point I was making with DC was that it was in published pieces in a non-partisan website.  I've never said I'm not a Union fan and supporter, Lew.  DC and I are still friends -- he knew I was ribbing him a bit just to be an ass.

[EDIT:  And honestly, I'm not sure how your statement fits here.  I'm not saying Union is better than X, Y and Z teams in the country.  I'm comparing the 2009 Dutchmen and 2009 LL to prior years.  The discussion hasn't been focused on bashing teams or over-propping other teams.  In fact, Susquehanna could still end Union's playoff hopes without a doubt in my mind.  That's a tough, tough team.]

And also, those kinds of comments make me a better writer, which never hurts. I know Frank wasn't doing it just to be a dick, it's to remind me that there are 32 teams in the East, and not to focus to much ink on one just because I went there.

DC like dlip has said before, he thinks your ATE is the best publication the site releases on a weekly basis. **** could you imagine if dlip wrote it? Weekly headlines would look something like this:

Week #1: Union begins season with a bang!
Week #2: Union Union Union
Week #3: Union team meeting's are cool
Week #4: Union is ****ing awesome
Week #5: Union's practices go like this....
Week #6: Garnet is a great school color
Week #7: The Dutchmen locker room is cool
Week #8: RPI ****in Sucks! (Only week where Union isn't in the title)
Week #9: Union making playoff run
Week #10: Union is just beautiful
Week #11: Union
Week #12: Union

[JT]

And by the way, have you actually looked at the Salisbury results this year?  Two very close games against the leaders of the USAC, a loss to the #3 team in the country and a loss to a D-2 school.  Salisbury's record to me is meaningless based on the awkward scheduling that school is forced to do right now.  That is a tough team, period.

OK Frank, you win.  But next time you give DC a hard time about being a homer, go look in the mirror.

The point I was making with DC was that it was in published pieces in a non-partisan website.  I've never said I'm not a Union fan and supporter, Lew.  DC and I are still friends -- he knew I was ribbing him a bit just to be an ass.

[EDIT:  And honestly, I'm not sure how your statement fits here.  I'm not saying Union is better than X, Y and Z teams in the country.  I'm comparing the 2009 Dutchmen and 2009 LL to prior years.  The discussion hasn't been focused on bashing teams or over-propping other teams.  In fact, Susquehanna could still end Union's playoff hopes without a doubt in my mind.  That's a tough, tough team.]

And also, those kinds of comments make me a better writer, which never hurts. I know Frank wasn't doing it just to be a dick, it's to remind me that there are 32 teams in the East, and not to focus to much ink on one just because I went there.

DC like dlip has said before, he thinks your ATE is the best publication the site releases on a weekly basis. **** could you imagine if dlip wrote it? Weekly headlines would look something like this:

Week #1: Union begins season with a bang!
Week #2: Union Union Union
Week #3: Union team meeting's are cool
Week #4: Union is ****ing awesome
Week #5: Union's practices go like this....
Week #6: Garnet is a great school color
Week #7: The Dutchmen locker room is cool
Week #8: RPI ****in Sucks! (Only week where Union isn't in the title)
Week #9: Union making playoff run
Week #10: Union is just beautiful
Week #11: Union
Week #12: Union

We need an LD column... call it the Dogg Pound.

[lewdogg11]

And by the way, have you actually looked at the Salisbury results this year?  Two very close games against the leaders of the USAC, a loss to the #3 team in the country and a loss to a D-2 school.  Salisbury's record to me is meaningless based on the awkward scheduling that school is forced to do right now.  That is a tough team, period.

OK Frank, you win.  But next time you give DC a hard time about being a homer, go look in the mirror.

The point I was making with DC was that it was in published pieces in a non-partisan website.  I've never said I'm not a Union fan and supporter, Lew.  DC and I are still friends -- he knew I was ribbing him a bit just to be an ass.

[EDIT:  And honestly, I'm not sure how your statement fits here.  I'm not saying Union is better than X, Y and Z teams in the country.  I'm comparing the 2009 Dutchmen and 2009 LL to prior years.  The discussion hasn't been focused on bashing teams or over-propping other teams.  In fact, Susquehanna could still end Union's playoff hopes without a doubt in my mind.  That's a tough, tough team.]

And also, those kinds of comments make me a better writer, which never hurts. I know Frank wasn't doing it just to be a dick, it's to remind me that there are 32 teams in the East, and not to focus to much ink on one just because I went there.

DC like dlip has said before, he thinks your ATE is the best publication the site releases on a weekly basis. **** could you imagine if dlip wrote it? Weekly headlines would look something like this:

Week #1: Union begins season with a bang!
Week #2: Union Union Union
Week #3: Union team meeting's are cool
Week #4: Union is ****ing awesome
Week #5: Union's practices go like this....
Week #6: Garnet is a great school color
Week #7: The Dutchmen locker room is cool
Week #8: RPI ****in Sucks! (Only week where Union isn't in the title)
Week #9: Union making playoff run
Week #10: Union is just beautiful
Week #11: Union
Week #12: Union

We need an LD column... call it the Dogg Pound.

It would have to be Pay-Per-View.

[union89]

And by the way, have you actually looked at the Salisbury results this year?  Two very close games against the leaders of the USAC, a loss to the #3 team in the country and a loss to a D-2 school.  Salisbury's record to me is meaningless based on the awkward scheduling that school is forced to do right now.  That is a tough team, period.

OK Frank, you win.  But next time you give DC a hard time about being a homer, go look in the mirror.

The point I was making with DC was that it was in published pieces in a non-partisan website.  I've never said I'm not a Union fan and supporter, Lew.  DC and I are still friends -- he knew I was ribbing him a bit just to be an ass.

[EDIT:  And honestly, I'm not sure how your statement fits here.  I'm not saying Union is better than X, Y and Z teams in the country.  I'm comparing the 2009 Dutchmen and 2009 LL to prior years.  The discussion hasn't been focused on bashing teams or over-propping other teams.  In fact, Susquehanna could still end Union's playoff hopes without a doubt in my mind.  That's a tough, tough team.]

And also, those kinds of comments make me a better writer, which never hurts. I know Frank wasn't doing it just to be a dick, it's to remind me that there are 32 teams in the East, and not to focus to much ink on one just because I went there.

DC, U89 gives you a ton of credit for not being overly sensitive to the criticism....I saw no problem with the articles, but I guess others did......everyone has their own tastes I guess.

[redswarm81]

**** could you imagine if dlip wrote it? Weekly headlines would look something like this:

Week #1: Union begins season with a bang!
Week #2: Union Union Union
Week #3: Union team meeting's are cool
Week #4: Union is ****ing awesome
Week #5: Union's practices go like this....
Week #6: Garnet is a great school color
Week #7: The Dutchmen locker room is cool
Week #8: RPI ****in Sucks! (Only week where Union isn't in the title)
Week #9: Union making playoff run
Week #10: Union is just beautiful
Week #11: Union
Week #12: Union

We need an LD column... call it the Dogg Pound.

It would have to be Pay-Per-View.

In that case, we should call it The Dogg Pounded.

[pg04]

All about how he got his poll in this week. 

[Jonny Utah]

Just kind of wondering how WPI's location makes recruiting a tough thing.  Holy Cross hasn't had too much trouble.

There are a lot of D3 football schools in that New England zone -- and the issue for WPI is that the talent in that area doesn't always want to come to a school that might not ever get to the playoffs.  Plus, WPI is not a pushover school academically, making the admissions process a tougher problem than that of many other New England D3 schools.  Finally, it is tough for WPI to pull student from other states, especially football players from, say, New York since there are so many prolific D3 schools in New York already from which those players can choose.

I dont want this to be argue with Frank day, but I still don't see how WPI has a tough time recruiting from Worcester, MA.  I can see getting kids in being a problem because of academics, but I don't see how they can't get players from New York.  Springfield College does a fantastic job getting players from NY, and Union or RPI dont seem to have a problem getting players from Massachusetts or NE either.

[maxpower]

DC like dlip has said before, he thinks your ATE is the best publication the site releases on a weekly basis. **** could you imagine if dlip wrote it? Weekly headlines would look something like this:

Week #1: Union begins season with a bang!
Week #2: Union Union Union
Week #3: Union team meeting's are cool
Week #4: Union is ****ing awesome
Week #5: Union's practices go like this....
Week #6: Garnet is a great school color
Week #7: The Dutchmen locker room is cool
Week #8: RPI ****in Sucks! (Only week where Union isn't in the title)
Week #9: Union making playoff run
Week #10: Union is just beautiful
Week #11: Union
Week #12: Union

awesome +k.

DC, I think we would all chip in $5 if you made your next headline "Union Team Meetings Are Cool".

[union89]

Just kind of wondering how WPI's location makes recruiting a tough thing.  Holy Cross hasn't had too much trouble.

There are a lot of D3 football schools in that New England zone -- and the issue for WPI is that the talent in that area doesn't always want to come to a school that might not ever get to the playoffs.  Plus, WPI is not a pushover school academically, making the admissions process a tougher problem than that of many other New England D3 schools.  Finally, it is tough for WPI to pull student from other states, especially football players from, say, New York since there are so many prolific D3 schools in New York already from which those players can choose.

I dont want this to be argue with Frank day, but I still don't see how WPI has a tough time recruiting from Worcester, MA.  I can see getting kids in being a problem because of academics, but I don't see how they can't get players from New York.  Springfield College does a fantastic job getting players from NY, and Union or RPI dont seem to have a problem getting players from Massachusetts or NE either.

A kid who's looking at WPI is not also looking at Worcester St., Becker, Anna Maria, Fitchburg St. or even Springfield for that matter.  I think WPI is actually in a pretty uniquely, favorable position in this scenario.

[union89]

And by the way, have you actually looked at the Salisbury results this year?  Two very close games against the leaders of the USAC, a loss to the #3 team in the country and a loss to a D-2 school.  Salisbury's record to me is meaningless based on the awkward scheduling that school is forced to do right now.  That is a tough team, period.

OK Frank, you win.  But next time you give DC a hard time about being a homer, go look in the mirror.

The point I was making with DC was that it was in published pieces in a non-partisan website.  I've never said I'm not a Union fan and supporter, Lew.  DC and I are still friends -- he knew I was ribbing him a bit just to be an ass.

[EDIT:  And honestly, I'm not sure how your statement fits here.  I'm not saying Union is better than X, Y and Z teams in the country.  I'm comparing the 2009 Dutchmen and 2009 LL to prior years.  The discussion hasn't been focused on bashing teams or over-propping other teams.  In fact, Susquehanna could still end Union's playoff hopes without a doubt in my mind.  That's a tough, tough team.]

And also, those kinds of comments make me a better writer, which never hurts. I know Frank wasn't doing it just to be a dick, it's to remind me that there are 32 teams in the East, and not to focus to much ink on one just because I went there.

DC like dlip has said before, he thinks your ATE is the best publication the site releases on a weekly basis. **** could you imagine if dlip wrote it? Weekly headlines would look something like this:

Week #1: Union begins season with a bang!
Week #2: Union Union Union
Week #3: Union team meeting's are cool
Week #4: Union is ****ing awesome
Week #5: Union's practices go like this....
Week #6: Garnet is a great school color
Week #7: The Dutchmen locker room is cool
Week #8: RPI ****in Sucks! (Only week where Union isn't in the title)
Week #9: Union making playoff run
Week #10: Union is just beautiful
Week #11: Union
Week #12: Union

Week #13: If Mike Hermann were the QB at Springfield......Springfield would Monkey Stomp Mount Union

[Jonny Utah]

Just kind of wondering how WPI's location makes recruiting a tough thing.  Holy Cross hasn't had too much trouble.

There are a lot of D3 football schools in that New England zone -- and the issue for WPI is that the talent in that area doesn't always want to come to a school that might not ever get to the playoffs.  Plus, WPI is not a pushover school academically, making the admissions process a tougher problem than that of many other New England D3 schools.  Finally, it is tough for WPI to pull student from other states, especially football players from, say, New York since there are so many prolific D3 schools in New York already from which those players can choose.

I dont want this to be argue with Frank day, but I still don't see how WPI has a tough time recruiting from Worcester, MA.  I can see getting kids in being a problem because of academics, but I don't see how they can't get players from New York.  Springfield College does a fantastic job getting players from NY, and Union or RPI dont seem to have a problem getting players from Massachusetts or NE either.

A kid who's looking at WPI is not also looking at Worcester St., Becker, Anna Maria, Fitchburg St. or even Springfield for that matter.  I think WPI is actually in a pretty uniquely, favorable position in this scenario.

Well thats kind of what I was thinking too.  And thats also an advantage that RPI (And Union) has.  If you are a great high school student that isn't interested in liberal arts but you are interested in engineering or science, schools like WPI, MIT, RPI and Union have programs that other nescac, LL, E8 and other d3 football programs dont have.