FB: Liberty League

[Bombers798891]

There is some credence in the so called "trap game" in sports. It's when "team A" is playing a perceived inferior opponent, "team B", the week before a bigger, much more significant game against "team C' . It's thought that A has a hard time not looking past B and thus does not prepare for B or is not emotionally involved and an upset occurs.  This week Union vs Rochester would be a "trap game" for Union.

I think, in general, you're right, Bill. But I also think the types of teams who pull that kind of upset off tend to have some sort of a puncher's chance. Last year's Rochester team, for example, was able to put up some points against Hobart, Springfield, and WPI and, at least briefly, make those games interesting. Or think about say, 2013 Ithaca that swung the game against Fisher with their return unit, and even gave Wesley headaches with them.

This Rochester team, unfortunately, has not shown anything that makes me think Union will be at a risk to lose. They haven't done anything at all against the three good teams they've played, and they had to stage 2nd half comebacks to beat winless Becker and Alfred State. Union probably falls somewhere between those two extremes, but I still see them winning easily, 31-7 or something like that

[Caz Bombers]

I'd love to know why U of R hasn't scheduled a 10th game since 2009. Certainly isn't a lack of money. I think it reflects badly on the LL when they don't try.

EDIT: Now I see from the front page their head coach is stepping down at season's end. Culture change certainly seems necessary, surprised he didn't get tossed back when that nightmare story about the kidnapping dropped last winter (or some time around then).

[dlippiel]

I'd love to know why U of R hasn't scheduled a 10th game since 2009. Certainly isn't a lack of money. I think it reflects badly on the LL when they don't try.

EDIT: Now I see from the front page their head coach is stepping down at season's end. Culture change certainly seems necessary, surprised he didn't get tossed back when that nightmare story about the kidnapping dropped last winter (or some time around then).

Yeah it's certainly seems like it's time to dlip. dlip always thought Greene, a Michigan State and NFL alum would make U of R much more successful on the field than he did. With that said U of R is a very high end academic institution and he seems to have done an amazing job fostering the growth of his student athletes academically and as young men. Obviously there is nothing more important than that. dlip just expected and hoped for U of R to become a very relevant LL and East Region member regarding success on the field. It will be interesting to see if things can/will change for the Yellowjackets come next season and beyond. dlip wishes Coach Greene the best and the U of R program as well (just not this weekend).

[dlippiel]

There is some credence in the so called "trap game" in sports. It's when "team A" is playing a perceived inferior opponent, "team B", the week before a bigger, much more significant game against "team C' . It's thought that A has a hard time not looking past B and thus does not prepare for B or is not emotionally involved and an upset occurs.  This week Union vs Rochester would be a "trap game" for Union. The Dutchmen are flying high while they look ahead to Hobart, Ithaca and RPI with a legitimate chance to shock the Liberty League. The struggling Yellowjackets are in the way of much more challenging opportunities. Will Union be prepared? Will they be looking ahead? Based on what I've seen of the Dutchman team this year I believe coach Behrman will have them ready. They've already had long road trips and they've already learned to not discount anyone. I see a focused Union team taking care of business this Saturday at Fauver.

Right on Bill. dlip is concerned and feels that no matter what he has witnessed the past two seasons at Union that he has no right to take anyone lightly. However like Bombers points out Roch Cha Cha seems quite poor across the board. dlip watched much of the Becker game and was really surprised with how bad the Yellowjackets looked. Union SHOULD win this game handily. If they don't then well...it will suck bad!

[Bombers798891]

I'd love to know why U of R hasn't scheduled a 10th game since 2009.

Worked for Hobart

[Pat Coleman]

By the way, this finally became official today:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2017/03/buffalo-state-heading-to-liberty-league

[dlippiel]

By the way, this finally became official today:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2017/03/buffalo-state-heading-to-liberty-league

Welcome Bengals!!! dlip is looking forward to your arrival!

[dlippiel]

The Dutchmen make the front page and lead the ATE column! Unreal after 0-10...long way to go and there will be steps back but this is a great start!

Also, congrats to Union Coaching Alums Al Bagnoli (head coach) and John Audino (QB Coach) who have Columbia off to a 4-0 start (this includes a win over Princeton this season). Columbia has been nothing short of ****ing atrocious for quite some time...possibly forever minus one or two seasons. Bagnoli is just unreal!

[Bombers798891]

Fantastic story on the young man who is probably the best WR in conference right now

https://theithacan.org/sports/will-gladney/

[unionpalooza]

Wow - amazing story.  Thanks for sharing. 

Fantastic story on the young man who is probably the best WR in conference right now

https://theithacan.org/sports/will-gladney/

[Bartman]

By the way, this finally became official today:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2017/03/buffalo-state-heading-to-liberty-league

Welcome Bengals......I think this will make the LL an even more competitive league.....I think going undefeated in the future will be rare as we beat each other up.....U of R is the exception

[MRMIKESMITH]

By the way, this finally became official today:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2017/03/buffalo-state-heading-to-liberty-league

The more and more I look at the conference re-alignment makes me wonder what could have been for the CAC, with (Salisbury, Stevenson, Frostburg State, Wesley, CNU, Catholic, Gallaudet, and Newport News Apprentice and/or Southern Virginia). 

[dlippiel]

Fantastic story on the young man who is probably the best WR in conference right now

https://theithacan.org/sports/will-gladney/

One of the best stories dlip has read in some time. This may be a great story for D3football.com. Maybe a spotlight on this young man, his success on and off the field, as well as the great choices he continues to make. Not that I wasn't a fan of him before, he was certainly on dlip's radar. However now dlip will keep a close eye on and be rooting for Will wholeheartedly for the next two and a half years! Thanks for posting Bombers!

[Bombers798891]

Time for another one of my old E8 staples. Weekly predictions:

Game of the week: Ithaca/RPI- This has the potential to thre the LL into chaos and re-open the race for everyone but St. Lawrence, who would still need more help. The Bombers' offense seems to be gaining confidence each week, and RPI is moving in the wrong direction after a strong start. Sean Egan vs. Will Gladney is the key matchup to watch here. Can Egan hold his own? He's got the size most corners don't, which will be critical. RPI has not scored in six quarters. Ithaca went through a six-quarter stretch of their own at one point.

Prediction: Ithaca 27, RPI 10

Union/Rochester: The Dutchmen are in the midst of a mini-revival. (I say mini because the schedule questions are fair). But 5-1 is 5-1. Rochester is coming off a big loss to Ithaca, and have struggled on offense for most of the season. I think the Union train keeps rolling.

Prediction: Union 31, Rochester 3

Hobart/Hartwick: This is a super interesting matchup to me. While this road game for Hobart won't feature grass, it will feature a cage. Hartwick's offense can score on almost anyone, but while their defense is no longer the disaster it was last year, it's probably still a good bet to allow 30+ at least to a team with an elite QB. (See the Cortland game). This is a tempting upset special, but I think the Bart prevails.

Prediction: Hobart 42, Hartwick 34

St. Lawrence/Buff State: A rough season for St. Lawrence, but they catch the Bengals on the downswing. Let's give the nod to my new conference.

Prediction: St. Lawrence 23, Buff State 21

[Bartman]

Fantastic story on the young man who is probably the best WR in conference right now

https://theithacan.org/sports/will-gladney/

Great story...I hope Will Gladney continues his success on and off the field. I wish a Hobart friendly family had adopted him....it would have been nice to have both Shed and Gladney to throw to.