FB: Liberty League

[dlippiel]

Frank,

What do you think is the biggest problem with Union right now?  Without seeing them, I can only assume the Oline must be suffering.  The RB is probably as solid as any in d3, and Connely from what I have seen has the tools to make the amazing clutch throws, but isn't consistent enough to make the offense as good as it should be.  The Gallo that is a senior is the playmaker if I'm not mistaken, so I can only assume that the Oline just isn't doing their job up front.  I remember in 2005 the oline not getting the respect they deserved (with Tom A, and the WRs getting most of the credit), and maybe they aren't getting enough heat in 2011?

Are they still running the same offense?  (Multiple Pro with some shotgun, similar to Ithaca)

If you don't mind Utah dlip will touch upon your question as he was about to post his thoughts about the Dutcmen here in 2011.

As far as the O-line goes dlip feels there is some potential there. Last year they really struggled supporting the run (IDHO Coney should have/could have been much better in his senior campaign). Yet, at times, they seemed to really pass block very well. This year, and from listening to the Salve game, dlip thinks they may be O.K. Unions backs are young though and inexperienced so there maturation will take some time. dlip was quite impressed with the play of Frosh Darnel Thomas from NJ. This kid has potential and may be a bright spot for the U this year and especially years to come.

To dlip some of Union's biggest problems are on defense. In fairness though last year the Union O really struggled to sustain drives and TOP. Again, on Saturday in RI, the Union offense lost the TOP battle by almost 10 min. Yet the defense has failed to make big, timely plays again and again. This is not and has not been the Union defense we are accustomed to. Even with the likes of a Gagliardi finiaslist in recent years this side of the ball has really let Union down and continues to do so. Unless something changes on this side of the ball in the area of pass D, run D, coaching, and overall consistency, IDHO (not trying to be negative just honest) Union will have a tough time restablishing themselves as an LL power, let alone an eastern power.

In regards to Connelly dlip still sees a mountain of potential in Drew even though he is a senior. Drew just has to learn to make better decisions with the football. His accuracy is, at times, inconsistent, and contributes to his picks. To dlip, it seems that Drew needs to find some rhythm in the air. When he does he seems to gain confidence and make better choices. Obvioulsy a run game helps make this happen. When Drew feels like he "has" to make plays then trouble seems to come. Anyway right or wrong dlip still has a ton of confidence in Drew and supports him 100%. As far as Justin Gallo goes at WR, to dlip, he is a hard read. The talent is endless and potential huge. To dlip if he can just run his routes, follow the coaching direction, and play within the system the kid could be tops in the nation. Overall dlip feels Connor is the WR the team needs to lean on now. His class and leadership is invaluable and his athleticism is quite solid to boot. The kid can make plays, IDHO Connelly needs to connect with him more.

Listen dlip is very positive on Union right now. You know what? This team is going to be what it is going to be. In front of them right now is an opportunity to turn things around. Honestly, dlip feels they put out a good effort for the most part last week and showed some flashes of growth. He already mentioned some of what currently ales them. dlip has decided to view this team though a different pair of glasses from now on. This is not the 89 Stagg bowl team. Dan Stewart is not the current Union QB and Thomas A is not running the ball. This team is made up of a high quality group of student athletes who are going to carve out their own identity. Maybe that identity will not be exactly what dlip hopes for or wants but nonetheless he supports it. When trying to be objective though and look outside in, he must say this most likely will not be the type of Union team/program that many in the East have come to know as being a powerhouse. dlip wants to step back, support, and allow this team to create it's own identity. We shall see what that is.

[Frank Rossi]

Yanks, you then went on to use the top 15 quote to assess out-of-conference play.  My argument was still that Salve is tops in its own league currently based on things like that.  I didn't say Salve was going 11-0 this year.  I didn't predict the Montclair game.  I predicted that LD was wrong about Salve finishing fifth in the NEFC.

I'm tired of debating issues wrongly attributed to my statements when I specifically spell out the context (even somewhat belatedly, as there).

[Jonny Utah]

Frank,

What do you think is the biggest problem with Union right now?  Without seeing them, I can only assume the Oline must be suffering.  The RB is probably as solid as any in d3, and Connely from what I have seen has the tools to make the amazing clutch throws, but isn't consistent enough to make the offense as good as it should be.  The Gallo that is a senior is the playmaker if I'm not mistaken, so I can only assume that the Oline just isn't doing their job up front.  I remember in 2005 the oline not getting the respect they deserved (with Tom A, and the WRs getting most of the credit), and maybe they aren't getting enough heat in 2011?

Are they still running the same offense?  (Multiple Pro with some shotgun, similar to Ithaca)

If you don't mind Utah dlip will touch upon your question as he was about to post his thoughts about the Dutcmen here in 2011.

As far as the O-line goes dlip feels there is some potential there. Last year they really struggled supporting the run (IDHO Coney should have/could have been much better in his senior campaign). Yet, at times, they seemed to really pass block very well. This year, and from listening to the Salve game, dlip thinks they may be O.K. Unions backs are young though and inexperienced so there maturation will take some time. dlip was quite impressed with the play of Frosh Darnel Thomas from NJ. This kid has potential and may be a bright spot for the U this year and especially years to come.

To dlip some of Union's biggest problems are on defense. In fairness though last year the Union O really struggled to sustain drives and TOP. Again, on Saturday in RI, the Union offense lost the TOP battle by almost 10 min. Yet the defense has failed to make big, timely plays again and again. This is not and has not been the Union defense we are accustomed to. Even with the likes of a Gagliardi finiaslist in recent years this side of the ball has really let Union down and continues to do so. Unless something changes on this side of the ball in the area of pass D, run D, coaching, and overall consistency, IDHO (not trying to be negative just honest) Union will have a tough time restablishing themselves as an LL power, let alone an eastern power.

In regards to Connelly dlip still sees a mountain of potential in Drew even though he is a senior. Drew just has to learn to make better decisions with the football. His accuracy is, at times, inconsistent, and contributes to his picks. To dlip, it seems that Drew needs to find some rhythm in the air. When he does he seems to gain confidence and make better choices. Obvioulsy a run game helps make this happen. When Drew feels like he "has" to make plays then trouble seems to come. Anyway right or wrong dlip still has a ton of confidence in Drew and supports him 100%. As far as Justin Gallo goes at WR, to dlip, he is a hard read. The talent is endless and potential huge. To dlip if he can just run his routes, follow the coaching direction, and play within the system the kid could be tops in the nation. Overall dlip feels Connor is the WR the team needs to lean on now. His class and leadership is invaluable and his athleticism is quite solid to boot. The kid can make plays, IDHO Connelly needs to connect with him more.

Listen dlip is very positive on Union right now. You know what? This team is going to be what it is going to be. In front of them right now is an opportunity to turn things around. Honestly, dlip feels they put out a good effort for the most part last week and showed some flashes of growth. He already mentioned some of what currently ales them. dlip has decided to view this team though a different pair of glasses from now on. This is not the 89 Stagg bowl team. Dan Stewart is not the current Union QB and Thomas A is not running the ball. This team is made up of a high quality group of student athletes who are going to carve out their own identity. Maybe that identity will not be exactly what dlip hopes for or wants but nonetheless he supports it. When trying to be objective though and look outside in, he must say this most likely will not be the type of Union team/program that many in the East have come to know as being a powerhouse. dlip wants to step back, support, and allow this team to create it's own identity. We shall see what that is.

Thanks dlip,  and I did edit my post to include your expert opinion on the Dutchman.

[Jonny Utah]

And for some reason I thought Coney was a Sr this year. 

But that has been Ithacas problem for a long time in my opinion.  They haven't had that back that can break free for 70 yard Tds.  That stud RB seems to be a key in d3 football if you want to make it far in the playoffs.

[Yanks 99]

Yanks, you then went on to use the top 15 quote to assess out-of-conference play.  My argument was still that Salve is tops in its own league currently based on things like that.  I didn't say Salve was going 11-0 this year.  I didn't predict the Montclair game.  I predicted that LD was wrong about Salve finishing fifth in the NEFC.

I'm tired of debating issues wrongly attributed to my statements when I specifically spell out the context (even somewhat belatedly, as there).

I would say I agree to disagree...but you wouldn't let it die anyways...

Don't debate it then...I already said you could be right on the matter, so I don't see what the issue is.  But don't sit there and say my "reading is faulty" when you put up a statement like "I'd be shocked if Salve doesn't win the NEFC" followed up immediately about a top 15 defense nationally (which can only be inferred as a statement supporting your original statement)...then say that our interpretation is incorrect and that we are wrongly attributing your statements.

Salve beat Union...Salve is great...Salve will be ranked #1 in my ERFP next week...

There...you win...

[Stlarry]

SLU actually got a lot better in the second half with a first-time starter at QB and Marcus Washington scoring three TDs.  I'm still scratching my head about how the defense spotted Utica as many points as it did early.  We'll learn a lot more about Utica (and Union, for that matter) this weekend. 

Disappointing, but not too surprising.  Kevin Farr has left SLU, so there is a new D coordinator.  Not sure who it is (not listed in the SLU coaching bios), possibly Raymond himself calling the D.

[Yanks 99]

SLU actually got a lot better in the second half with a first-time starter at QB and Marcus Washington scoring three TDs.  I'm still scratching my head about how the defense spotted Utica as many points as it did early.  We'll learn a lot more about Utica (and Union, for that matter) this weekend. 

Disappointing, but not too surprising.  Kevin Farr has left SLU, so there is a new D coordinator.  Not sure who it is (not listed in the SLU coaching bios), possibly Raymond himself calling the D.

Where did Farr go???  Any idea?

[Yanks 99]

SLU actually got a lot better in the second half with a first-time starter at QB and Marcus Washington scoring three TDs.  I'm still scratching my head about how the defense spotted Utica as many points as it did early.  We'll learn a lot more about Utica (and Union, for that matter) this weekend. 

Disappointing, but not too surprising.  Kevin Farr has left SLU, so there is a new D coordinator.  Not sure who it is (not listed in the SLU coaching bios), possibly Raymond himself calling the D.

Where did Farr go???  Any idea?

Nevermind...looks like we went to Tufts as the DB coach...

http://www.tuftsdaily.com/football-kevin-farr-hired-as-new-defensive-backs-coach-1.2550322

[Frank Rossi]

Yanks, what does Salve winning the NEFC have to do with their game this weekend (which is where you took the discussion despite my disclaimer)?  That's my issue -- you were extrapolating something I specifically said was not my intent.

[Bombers798891]

And for some reason I thought Coney was a Sr this year. 

But that has been Ithacas problem for a long time in my opinion.  They haven't had that back that can break free for 70 yard Tds.  That stud RB seems to be a key in d3 football if you want to make it far in the playoffs.

Ithaca's had some good backs--I maintain Jamie Donovan, when healthy, was completely unstoppable. But I think part of it is that Mike Welch doesn't build his team around the run like Butterfield did. Sure, like every coach, he'll talk about the importance of running, but he's always seemed to emphasize the pass. He took over in 1994, and by 1996, when Mike O'Donovan was starting at QB, the Bombers always seemed to focus on the passing game.

Ironically, two of Welch's most successful recent teams, 2001, and 2003, were really weak at RB, while the team went 0-for-the NCAA's with the school's all-time leading rusher (and a capable backup). I think this had more to do with defense than anything, but it is interesting.

I'd love to see an Ithaca program return to the running based game

[dewcrew88]

All I can hope at this point is that Union goes 2-7 again, because we don't need the NEFC saying their 5th place team beat a top LL team.

I'd be shocked if Salve doesn't win the NEFC.  As Keith pointed out in the "Around the Nation" podcast, Salve last year was the only team that had a defense ranked in the top 15 nationally that didn't make the playoffs.  Most of that defensive crux is back, and as long as they learn to balance their offense a bit more to allow Richie Edwards a little less resistence in his running, their offense seems to be on the right track.  It will be interesting to watch how they perform from here on out just to get some sort of indication of the NEFC's relative strength.

I always thought Salve Regina was pronounced Ruh-gyn-a, like rhymes with vagina; not Ra-gene-a. Hmmm. Just an observation.

[Frank Rossi]

All I can hope at this point is that Union goes 2-7 again, because we don't need the NEFC saying their 5th place team beat a top LL team.

I'd be shocked if Salve doesn't win the NEFC.  As Keith pointed out in the "Around the Nation" podcast, Salve last year was the only team that had a defense ranked in the top 15 nationally that didn't make the playoffs.  Most of that defensive crux is back, and as long as they learn to balance their offense a bit more to allow Richie Edwards a little less resistence in his running, their offense seems to be on the right track.  It will be interesting to watch how they perform from here on out just to get some sort of indication of the NEFC's relative strength.

I always thought Salve Regina was pronounced Ruh-gyn-a, like rhymes with vagina; not Ra-gene-a. Hmmm. Just an observation.

OK, Mulva

[Yanks 99]

Yanks, what does Salve winning the NEFC have to do with their game this weekend (which is where you took the discussion despite my disclaimer)?  That's my issue -- you were extrapolating something I specifically said was not my intent.

Frank, if not for watching them play Union this weekend...why on earth would you say that you would be shocked if they didn't win the NEFC?  Their 6-4 record last year overall?  A close loss to Wick 20-19 in 2010?  Oh, I know...the fact that they have had only win winning season in the last decade!!!

Salve Regina winning the NEFC will have nothing to do with them beating Union this weekend...true...but I am also not the one that said I would be shocked if they didn't win the NEFC this year.  You did...so we are incorrectly inferring that you would be shocked if Salve Regina didn't win the NEFC, because you actually said that "I'd be shocked if Salve doesn't win the NEFC"? 

I concede...I was extrapolating...

[lewdogg11]

I'd be shocked if Endicott or Curry doesn't win the NEFC this year.

[Doid23]

I'd be shocked if I cared who won the NEFC this year.