FB: Liberty League

[Ethelred the Unready]

Been a crazy month or so for PA, but wanted to drop a quick note (in between naps around PA Jr's, class of 2034, schedule) for any LLers still left. 

Weird and tough start to the season for the league.  As a passionate alum/loyalist of Bart, I can honestly say (as I posted on the E8 board a second ago) that this is definitely the fastest, most talented defense they've had since I've been involved back to call it the mid 90's.  As good as a few of their defenses or individual players have been, I have no doubt about this.  The front 6 (Tyre Coleman, Auriemma, T Johnson, Guarino Hyde, Worthington & Toran) is easily the best overall group I've seen and some of the secondary guys who've played the past two years, but have been pretty unhealthy are all generally healthy (except one guy, DelPeruto) easing my concern about the secondary.  I really believe this defense is top five in the country.  The offense has the potential to go toe to toe and make a lot of big plays, but they've looked like s**t so far.  That and the penalties will be their downfall if one is to occur during the season.  I guess a lot of emotion comes with the talent, but guys, you can't retailiate even if you're getting illegally cut or otherwise cheapshotted (is that a word?) on the reg (not the poster, but an ode to Kenny Powers).  Webb has to get his focus, the talents ridiculous, but he has way too many mental lapses and I know it's enticing to see 10-25 yards of open field but you (Souffrant, amongst others) have to secure the catch before you can get all that YAC. 

Obviously I'm hoping the entire league drops bombs on the rest of they're OOC schedule and improve each week (except for the week they play against Bart, of course), but man I really love what Cragg, Yoder and DeWall (whom I've been pretty critical of in terms of his offensive playcalling, but he's a smart, hard working, good dude for sure) has put together this year. 

Good luck to everyone this weekend.  I just hope to make it to the end of a 7pm game with a 3 week old ruining my REM cycles at the moment.

+k for a 3 week old and the 20-25 years before you can rest easy

20-25 years?  Jeesh!  What'd your kid go to Cortland?

If you think you stop worrying about a kid while they are in college, I suspect you haven't gone though the experience yet.  Did you forget what you were like while getting your "higher" education? 

And one went to Oswego and one to Rochester

No, I haven't been through it yet.  But whether or not you 'worry' about your kids in college, they are going to do what they will do.  To be honest, I was a lot worse in the 5 years AFTER college than I was during college.

Soooo....you got that to look forward to.      


Agree that there is nothing you can do to prevent them from making mistakes, but I promise you there won't be a day you don't hope they make the right choices.

[SaintsFAN]

No, I haven't been through it yet.  But whether or not you 'worry' about your kids in college, they are going to do what they will do.  To be honest, I was a lot worse in the 5 years AFTER college than I was during college.

Same here...

[Frank Rossi]

No, I haven't been through it yet.  But whether or not you 'worry' about your kids in college, they are going to do what they will do.  To be honest, I was a lot worse in the 5 years AFTER college than I was during college.

So, that would make you 27 now? 

[lewdogg11]

No, I haven't been through it yet.  But whether or not you 'worry' about your kids in college, they are going to do what they will do.  To be honest, I was a lot worse in the 5 years AFTER college than I was during college.

So, that would make you 27 now? 

Nah, i'm a boring old man now.  Like my man Corey Smith sings:

My clothes are out of fashion
No I'm not cool anymore
In the bed by ten o clock each night
And up at half past four

[UfanBill]

It now has to be a reality to all Union fans that the "U" has become a bad team.  Union played with much heart and effort to gain a 21-7 lead in the final minutes of today's game only to give the game away.  Bad teams find a way to lose a game like that while to quote the Ithaca video broadcast "good teams create their own breaks". Ithaca created enough breaks to steal one from the Dutchmen today 27-24 in OT.  Woe's me for all Union fans.

[Bombers798891]

It now has to be a reality to all Union fans that the "U" has become a bad team.  Union played with much heart and effort to gain a 21-7 lead in the final minutes of today's game only to give the game away.  Bad teams find a way to lose a game like that while to quote the Ithaca video broadcast "good teams create their own breaks". Ithaca created enough breaks to steal one from the Dutchmen today 27-24 in OT.  Woe's me for all Union fans.

It was a tough loss, and while I think "bad" might be stretching it, Union did play with a lack of poise. Hopefully the Dutchmen can rebound

[lewdogg11]

It now has to be a reality to all Union fans that the "U" has become a bad team.  Union played with much heart and effort to gain a 21-7 lead in the final minutes of today's game only to give the game away.  Bad teams find a way to lose a game like that while to quote the Ithaca video broadcast "good teams create their own breaks". Ithaca created enough breaks to steal one from the Dutchmen today 27-24 in OT.  Woe's me for all Union fans.

It was a tough loss, and while I think "bad" might be stretching it, Union did play with a lack of poise. Hopefully the Dutchmen can rebound

I think MAYBE Union has found they have gone as far as they can go with their current coaching regime, much like RPI did.  Just a thought......

So I heard Buff St beat UWW?  Is that real?  Holy great googly moogly...

[Jonny Utah]

It now has to be a reality to all Union fans that the "U" has become a bad team.  Union played with much heart and effort to gain a 21-7 lead in the final minutes of today's game only to give the game away.  Bad teams find a way to lose a game like that while to quote the Ithaca video broadcast "good teams create their own breaks". Ithaca created enough breaks to steal one from the Dutchmen today 27-24 in OT.  Woe's me for all Union fans.

It was a tough loss, and while I think "bad" might be stretching it, Union did play with a lack of poise. Hopefully the Dutchmen can rebound

I think MAYBE Union has found they have gone as far as they can go with their current coaching regime, much like RPI did.  Just a thought......

So I heard Buff St beat UWW?  Is that real?  Holy great googly moogly...

I was thinking about how much the OC and DC matters for d3 teams.  I don't think Union is ever going to fire Audino (or even think about firing him) for the simple fact that he is a stand up guy and does the right thing for a d3 program. 

Now that leads me to these questions:  How often do d3 teams like Union change up the OC and DC?  Has Audino changed them up?  What do other teams do?  Im asking this because I've seen guys come into programs as new OCs or DCs and basically change and entire program themselves.  The head coach at a d3 program does more (or should do more) than just coach the Xs and Os.

[dlippiel]

It now has to be a reality to all Union fans that the "U" has become a bad team.  Union played with much heart and effort to gain a 21-7 lead in the final minutes of today's game only to give the game away.  Bad teams find a way to lose a game like that while to quote the Ithaca video broadcast "good teams create their own breaks". Ithaca created enough breaks to steal one from the Dutchmen today 27-24 in OT.  Woe's me for all Union fans.

It was a tough loss, and while I think "bad" might be stretching it, Union did play with a lack of poise. Hopefully the Dutchmen can rebound

I think MAYBE Union has found they have gone as far as they can go with their current coaching regime, much like RPI did.  Just a thought......

So I heard Buff St beat UWW?  Is that real?  Holy great googly moogly...

I was thinking about how much the OC and DC matters for d3 teams.  I don't think Union is ever going to fire Audino (or even think about firing him) for the simple fact that he is a stand up guy and does the right thing for a d3 program. 

Now that leads me to these questions:  How often do d3 teams like Union change up the OC and DC?  Has Audino changed them up?  What do other teams do?  Im asking this because I've seen guys come into programs as new OCs or DCs and basically change and entire program themselves.  The head coach at a d3 program does more (or should do more) than just coach the Xs and Os.

Good post Utes and some good questions. dlip will give them a respectable go here on Sunday morning. 1st dlip doesn't think Union would ever fire Coach Audino and honestly ever should unless there was neglect issues, which to dlip, there clearly are not. He is an upstanding gentleman who loves his players and bleeds garnet on a daily basis. He not only represents class at it's best, he mixes that class with a toughness and passion that is truly inspiring for young student athletes. With all this being said regarding John dlip thinks the OC and DC question is the key here.

Listen, dlip is not trying to offend anyone here and he is trying to be as respectable as possible. He is by no means an expert on anything and does not try to pretend he has more football knowledge than any coach. Also, on a personal level, he is sure all the coaches at Union are dedicated and caring about the student athletes they coach. However, dlip feels he has a right to share an opinion based upon his being a devoted and positive fan of the football program, and most importantly one of the biggest fans of the student athletes themselves at Union. To dlip, it may be time for a change or helpful for the program to consider looking at change regarding both coordinator positions, most importantly on the defensive side of the football. dlip hates to make this statement and is not saying that this NEEDS to happen. He is not angry at any coach or the coaching situation at Union. It is just if dlip is being asked or is participating in a discussion regarding the situation, he feels he should speak his honest feelings.

In simple terms using an exhausted phrase, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insane. When looking at Union's defense it has not changed with the times to meet the different types of offesnses sets/schemes etc that teams are running. dlip constantly reports, even when he is frustrated with the D, that to dlip, the effort of athletes is almost always top notch. Obvioulsy there needs to be accountability for the players themselves and dlip thinks there always is. yet it may be time for a little more accountability on the other end. Just some thoughts on a possible direction the program could go in if looking for change and/or improvement regarding the ability to compete and win games at the D3 level.

Again, dlip is not calling anyone out here or at least is not trying to. Just trying to share an opinion regarding a realistic discussion/topic.

[Jonny Utah]

It now has to be a reality to all Union fans that the "U" has become a bad team.  Union played with much heart and effort to gain a 21-7 lead in the final minutes of today's game only to give the game away.  Bad teams find a way to lose a game like that while to quote the Ithaca video broadcast "good teams create their own breaks". Ithaca created enough breaks to steal one from the Dutchmen today 27-24 in OT.  Woe's me for all Union fans.

It was a tough loss, and while I think "bad" might be stretching it, Union did play with a lack of poise. Hopefully the Dutchmen can rebound

I think MAYBE Union has found they have gone as far as they can go with their current coaching regime, much like RPI did.  Just a thought......

So I heard Buff St beat UWW?  Is that real?  Holy great googly moogly...

I was thinking about how much the OC and DC matters for d3 teams.  I don't think Union is ever going to fire Audino (or even think about firing him) for the simple fact that he is a stand up guy and does the right thing for a d3 program. 

Now that leads me to these questions:  How often do d3 teams like Union change up the OC and DC?  Has Audino changed them up?  What do other teams do?  Im asking this because I've seen guys come into programs as new OCs or DCs and basically change and entire program themselves.  The head coach at a d3 program does more (or should do more) than just coach the Xs and Os.

Good post Utes and some good questions. dlip will give them a respectable go here on Sunday morning. 1st dlip doesn't think Union would ever fire Coach Audino and honestly ever should unless there was neglect issues, which to dlip, there clearly are not. He is an upstanding gentleman who loves his players and bleeds garnet on a daily basis. He not only represents class at it's best, he mixes that class with a toughness and passion that is truly inspiring for young student athletes. With all this being said regarding John dlip thinks the OC and DC question is the key here.

Listen, dlip is not trying to offend anyone here and he is trying to be as respectable as possible. He is by no means an expert on anything and does not try to pretend he has more football knowledge than any coach. Also, on a personal level, he is sure all the coaches at Union are dedicated and caring about the student athletes they coach. However, dlip feels he has a right to share an opinion based upon his being a devoted and positive fan of the football program, and most importantly one of the biggest fans of the student athletes themselves at Union. To dlip, it may be time for a change or helpful for the program to consider looking at change regarding both coordinator positions, most importantly on the defensive side of the football. dlip hates to make this statement and is not saying that this NEEDS to happen. He is not angry at any coach or the coaching situation at Union. It is just if dlip is being asked or is participating in a discussion regarding the situation, he feels he should speak his honest feelings.

In simple terms using an exhausted phrase, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insane. When looking at Union's defense it has not changed with the times to meet the different types of offesnses sets/schemes etc that teams are running. dlip constantly reports, even when he is frustrated with the D, that to dlip, the effort of athletes is almost always top notch. Obvioulsy there needs to be accountability for the players themselves and dlip thinks there always is. yet it may be time for a little more accountability on the other end. Just some thoughts on a possible direction the program could go in if looking for change and/or improvement regarding the ability to compete and win games at the D3 level.

Again, dlip is not calling anyone out here or at least is not trying to. Just trying to share an opinion regarding a realistic discussion/topic.

It also makes me think of this Buff State team.  Looking at the staff on the Buff State website, most of those coaches were there when I played (mid 1990s).  Makes me think recruiting (and admissions) is really the big issue here.

[dlippiel]

It now has to be a reality to all Union fans that the "U" has become a bad team.  Union played with much heart and effort to gain a 21-7 lead in the final minutes of today's game only to give the game away.  Bad teams find a way to lose a game like that while to quote the Ithaca video broadcast "good teams create their own breaks". Ithaca created enough breaks to steal one from the Dutchmen today 27-24 in OT.  Woe's me for all Union fans.

UfanBill you may think dlip is crazy and maybe he is becoming a bit complacent, but he actually saw some positives in yesterday's loss. Obviously the loss stings and maybe as a fan dlip's Garnet heart is clouding his vision. He is sure some on here will let him know if that is becoming the case. He feels that even though giving up 14 points in two minutes is just atrocious (no argument there) and that the team literally feel apart at the end, there are some positives to look at. First the play of Sophomore QB Connor Eck. We have a real good QB here if you ask dlip (and his father). Connor continues to show poise and patience with the football. Yes, he still has a long way to go, but, dlip can say he is higher on Eck than he was on Connelly when he was a Sophmore, and dlip thought quite highly (and still does) of Andrew. Also the depth of our backfield is just fantastic. Yesterday, at least for 3 3/4 quarters the D played much better than the previous week. Granted IC is no offensive powerhouse and dlip feels Utica will smoke them, the play was an improvement. Alot of this may come down to dlip's previous post and at this point his love of the program and it's players will continue to keep dlip on searching for the positives regarding Union football.

dlip will end with this, the good old days are over my friend and that is a fact. The reasoning behind this is very complicated and simple at the same time. dlip tries on the inside to be a realist and obvioulsy Union is not a very good team right now. However, as we saw last year that can change as the season goes on. With what looks like a very poor SLU team in our sights for next week, everything we have should be focused on getting that first win up in Canton.

[dlippiel]

It now has to be a reality to all Union fans that the "U" has become a bad team.  Union played with much heart and effort to gain a 21-7 lead in the final minutes of today's game only to give the game away.  Bad teams find a way to lose a game like that while to quote the Ithaca video broadcast "good teams create their own breaks". Ithaca created enough breaks to steal one from the Dutchmen today 27-24 in OT.  Woe's me for all Union fans.

It was a tough loss, and while I think "bad" might be stretching it, Union did play with a lack of poise. Hopefully the Dutchmen can rebound

I think MAYBE Union has found they have gone as far as they can go with their current coaching regime, much like RPI did.  Just a thought......

So I heard Buff St beat UWW?  Is that real?  Holy great googly moogly...

I was thinking about how much the OC and DC matters for d3 teams.  I don't think Union is ever going to fire Audino (or even think about firing him) for the simple fact that he is a stand up guy and does the right thing for a d3 program. 

Now that leads me to these questions:  How often do d3 teams like Union change up the OC and DC?  Has Audino changed them up?  What do other teams do?  Im asking this because I've seen guys come into programs as new OCs or DCs and basically change and entire program themselves.  The head coach at a d3 program does more (or should do more) than just coach the Xs and Os.

Good post Utes and some good questions. dlip will give them a respectable go here on Sunday morning. 1st dlip doesn't think Union would ever fire Coach Audino and honestly ever should unless there was neglect issues, which to dlip, there clearly are not. He is an upstanding gentleman who loves his players and bleeds garnet on a daily basis. He not only represents class at it's best, he mixes that class with a toughness and passion that is truly inspiring for young student athletes. With all this being said regarding John dlip thinks the OC and DC question is the key here.

Listen, dlip is not trying to offend anyone here and he is trying to be as respectable as possible. He is by no means an expert on anything and does not try to pretend he has more football knowledge than any coach. Also, on a personal level, he is sure all the coaches at Union are dedicated and caring about the student athletes they coach. However, dlip feels he has a right to share an opinion based upon his being a devoted and positive fan of the football program, and most importantly one of the biggest fans of the student athletes themselves at Union. To dlip, it may be time for a change or helpful for the program to consider looking at change regarding both coordinator positions, most importantly on the defensive side of the football. dlip hates to make this statement and is not saying that this NEEDS to happen. He is not angry at any coach or the coaching situation at Union. It is just if dlip is being asked or is participating in a discussion regarding the situation, he feels he should speak his honest feelings.

In simple terms using an exhausted phrase, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insane. When looking at Union's defense it has not changed with the times to meet the different types of offesnses sets/schemes etc that teams are running. dlip constantly reports, even when he is frustrated with the D, that to dlip, the effort of athletes is almost always top notch. Obvioulsy there needs to be accountability for the players themselves and dlip thinks there always is. yet it may be time for a little more accountability on the other end. Just some thoughts on a possible direction the program could go in if looking for change and/or improvement regarding the ability to compete and win games at the D3 level.

Again, dlip is not calling anyone out here or at least is not trying to. Just trying to share an opinion regarding a realistic discussion/topic.

It also makes me think of this Buff State team.  Looking at the staff on the Buff State website, most of those guys were their when I played (mid 1990s).  Makes me think recruiting (and admissions) is really the big issue here.

There is no question that is part of the equation in Schenectady. dlip will say this, and he may get a ton of slack for it. Admissions is not the ONLY  reason for what we have seen happeneing on the football field in Schenectady but it is a part of the reason. With the coming and rise of Union's division 1 hockey program their has been a big change in program prioritization at Union, especially over the past decade. As dlip is around more and more he does understand why this is happening, especially since dlip has a huge hockey background and understands exactly how difficult, competitive, and expensive running a D1 hockey program can is. Especially one that does not award full athletic scholarships. Union Football is not alone in this time of more difficult admission standards and less exceptions, help, and/or resources being sent in the direction of the program. There is just so much to it.

[Jonny Utah]

It now has to be a reality to all Union fans that the "U" has become a bad team.  Union played with much heart and effort to gain a 21-7 lead in the final minutes of today's game only to give the game away.  Bad teams find a way to lose a game like that while to quote the Ithaca video broadcast "good teams create their own breaks". Ithaca created enough breaks to steal one from the Dutchmen today 27-24 in OT.  Woe's me for all Union fans.

It was a tough loss, and while I think "bad" might be stretching it, Union did play with a lack of poise. Hopefully the Dutchmen can rebound

I think MAYBE Union has found they have gone as far as they can go with their current coaching regime, much like RPI did.  Just a thought......

So I heard Buff St beat UWW?  Is that real?  Holy great googly moogly...

I was thinking about how much the OC and DC matters for d3 teams.  I don't think Union is ever going to fire Audino (or even think about firing him) for the simple fact that he is a stand up guy and does the right thing for a d3 program. 

Now that leads me to these questions:  How often do d3 teams like Union change up the OC and DC?  Has Audino changed them up?  What do other teams do?  Im asking this because I've seen guys come into programs as new OCs or DCs and basically change and entire program themselves.  The head coach at a d3 program does more (or should do more) than just coach the Xs and Os.

Good post Utes and some good questions. dlip will give them a respectable go here on Sunday morning. 1st dlip doesn't think Union would ever fire Coach Audino and honestly ever should unless there was neglect issues, which to dlip, there clearly are not. He is an upstanding gentleman who loves his players and bleeds garnet on a daily basis. He not only represents class at it's best, he mixes that class with a toughness and passion that is truly inspiring for young student athletes. With all this being said regarding John dlip thinks the OC and DC question is the key here.

Listen, dlip is not trying to offend anyone here and he is trying to be as respectable as possible. He is by no means an expert on anything and does not try to pretend he has more football knowledge than any coach. Also, on a personal level, he is sure all the coaches at Union are dedicated and caring about the student athletes they coach. However, dlip feels he has a right to share an opinion based upon his being a devoted and positive fan of the football program, and most importantly one of the biggest fans of the student athletes themselves at Union. To dlip, it may be time for a change or helpful for the program to consider looking at change regarding both coordinator positions, most importantly on the defensive side of the football. dlip hates to make this statement and is not saying that this NEEDS to happen. He is not angry at any coach or the coaching situation at Union. It is just if dlip is being asked or is participating in a discussion regarding the situation, he feels he should speak his honest feelings.

In simple terms using an exhausted phrase, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insane. When looking at Union's defense it has not changed with the times to meet the different types of offesnses sets/schemes etc that teams are running. dlip constantly reports, even when he is frustrated with the D, that to dlip, the effort of athletes is almost always top notch. Obvioulsy there needs to be accountability for the players themselves and dlip thinks there always is. yet it may be time for a little more accountability on the other end. Just some thoughts on a possible direction the program could go in if looking for change and/or improvement regarding the ability to compete and win games at the D3 level.

Again, dlip is not calling anyone out here or at least is not trying to. Just trying to share an opinion regarding a realistic discussion/topic.

It also makes me think of this Buff State team.  Looking at the staff on the Buff State website, most of those guys were their when I played (mid 1990s).  Makes me think recruiting (and admissions) is really the big issue here.

There is no question that is part of the equation in Schenectady. dlip will say this, and he may get a ton of slack for it. Admissions is not the ONLY  reason for what we have seen happeneing on the football field in Schenectady but it is a part of the reason. With the coming and rise of Union's division 1 hockey program their has been a big change in program prioritization at Union, especially over the past decade. As dlip is around more and more he does understand why this is happening, especially since dlip has a huge hockey background and understands exactly how difficult, competitive, and expensive running a D1 hockey program can is. Especially one that does not award full athletic scholarships. Union Football is not alone in this time of more difficult admission standards and less exceptions, help, and/or resources being sent in the direction of the program. There is just so much to it.

I also thought about these d2 programs in MA which have started to offer money and really build their programs (Merrimack, Stonehill, St. Anselms, Bryant, Bentely, Assumption).  With the exception of Bentely, 20 years ago many of these kids would have gone to Union or Ithaca.  A lot of prep/private school players on these rosters. 

[ITH radio]

Scheduled to appear tonight on ITH are:

Buff State head coach Jerry Boyes
Springfield head coach Mike Delong
Hobart SR RB Bobby Dougherty
Merchant Marine SO QB Luke Stidham

We're live on www.inthehuddlle.com at 7:30 pm or via podcast immediately thereafter. 

[TheGrove]

dlip, any idea if Connor Eck is related to Susquehanna's Jason and Ryan Eck? (Jason graduated in '05, Ryan in... '11 I think.)