FB: Liberty League

[res ipsa loquitur]

In analyzing the RPI Engineers for this weekend's game with the Statesmen, I can characterize the RPI team as doing whatever it takes to win. This is despite the fact that they were outgained by their opponent in every game except the the blowout against 1-5 Buffalo State. In fact , against the Bombers they lost the yardage battle 418-162(Ithaca , how did you lose at home with this yardage advantage?....IC seemed to wear lead shoes in the redzone). This RPI rubberband defense is tough in the redzone and has 13 INTs on the year( 8 total against Allegheny and WPI). Their run defense is strong with only 506 yards against them , but 1,306 given up in the air shows some vulnerability. This undefeated team has a total yardage disadvantage against opponents of -151 yards( 1661 v. 1812). Their kicking game is decent and return game is very good. So ,how did they win all their games with such mediocre stats except for the 13-2 INT advantage? It seems the offense has made plays at the critical times of the game  and a defense that is carrying this team with a "bend don't break" approach that toughens in the red zone and is always lurking to pick a pass off.
  I am actually less scared of this ranked team after reviewing the stats. Hobart not only has a chance , but I believe a good chance on Saturday. Turnovers will be the key to the game and Hobart's redzone offense. I think the Hobart passing game will get their yards and the run game, even without Harvey,has shown improvement as our young Oline keeps improving. I also think Hobart has a special weapon in Kyle Hackett , and if Hobart wins, Kyle will be the difference if Hobart sputters in the redone(Hobart is 21-21 in redzone scoring this year). The Hobart defense is vulnerable to even a methodical offense like RPI, but they have improved week by week , and hopefully are at the peak of their ability.
  So, I am saying ...we have a decent chance in Troy....the Hobart coaching staff seemed to grow up in the Union game, DeWall  can start to earn a reputation with a win against RPI this Saturday.  Go Bart

To Dutch Boy this is the BIG game for RPI and will provide us with the most insight into how good they may be (within reason). Granted Hobart's season has not been impressive (by Hobart standards), especially with that mother****ing loss to Endicott, however Dutch Boy feels Bart has hit their stride and will be playing the best ball they are capable of this season come Saturday. League games are especially tough and can certainly bring out the best in teams. If RPI can't beat Hobart, hiccup or not, it tells Dutch they really aren't as good as some may think. IDBHO all the pressure sits on the Engineers this weekend. If they can stop fantasizing about Shirley in a G-String, focus, and win in a convincing manner, they might just really be top 20 worthy.

Dutch Boy,
        I just sent five girls named Shirley to Troy in search of the Engineer starters....I told the Shirleys when they find them.....just Distract, Distract, Distract....Triple Ds

At this point, are there really women named Shirley who are younger than 50?

Oh hell no.  Shirley is grandma's euchre partner.

With regard to Hobart-RPI:  Two teams who control their own destiny, with a series record of 30-30-1, and a number of significant games and nail-biters in the past 10 years.  Does the Liberty League really get any more fun than this?  Almost fun enough to make me want to spend an afternoon in Troy.  But not quite.

[Machiavelli]

Mach's Fearless Predictions:

So it's been an interesting week and a half, to say the least, but i'm here, i'm alive(barely) and i'm ready to inflict knowledge into the LLPP boards for this week's fearless predictions:

RPI - 28
Hobart - 17
I mentioned earlier this week that anyone who understands this rivalry and the history of these 2 teams would realistically list this game as a coin flip. And a coin flip where the coin could get stuck on it's skinny side pointing to the ceiling leaving everyone wondering WTF just happened. The true point spread based on the way the season has gone, the game being in Troy, etc etc, would probably be at around RPI -6. I think it's gonna be a tough fought nailbiter. I think RPI pulls away in the 4th and can get set on cruise control until 11/10.

St. Lawrence - 12
Union - 19
A few weeks ago i'd have put Union as a BIG winner here. I think they are reeling a bit right now after the last 2 weeks however. This is probably the game to get them back on track, but it doesn't come easy. St. Lawrence isn't very good, but they are competitive. I think Union squeaks one out up in Canada. The bus ride home from Canton was always fun back in the day...

Rochester - 0
Ithaca - 31
Rochester really really stinks. So, on the whole 'night before night before' thing. I'm giving all Ithaca starters the green light to head out tonight, party you balls off, don't go to bed, eat some late night greasy foods, maybe meet a lady(or a dude if that's your thing), take a trip to pound town, and thoroughly enjoy yourselves. You'll only play about 18 minutes of the game tomorrow. All backups and JV players, get your rest. Big day for you guys tomorrow.

There you have it. The word of the Lord.

[ITH radio]

My take on HOB vs. RPI - expect a decent amount of FGs:

http://gohobart.blogspot.com/2018/10/week-8-rpi-game-preview.html

[Ice Bear]

In analyzing the RPI Engineers for this weekend's game with the Statesmen, I can characterize the RPI team as doing whatever it takes to win. This is despite the fact that they were outgained by their opponent in every game except the the blowout against 1-5 Buffalo State. In fact , against the Bombers they lost the yardage battle 418-162(Ithaca , how did you lose at home with this yardage advantage?....IC seemed to wear lead shoes in the redzone). This RPI rubberband defense is tough in the redzone and has 13 INTs on the year( 8 total against Allegheny and WPI). Their run defense is strong with only 506 yards against them , but 1,306 given up in the air shows some vulnerability. This undefeated team has a total yardage disadvantage against opponents of -151 yards( 1661 v. 1812). Their kicking game is decent and return game is very good. So ,how did they win all their games with such mediocre stats except for the 13-2 INT advantage? It seems the offense has made plays at the critical times of the game  and a defense that is carrying this team with a "bend don't break" approach that toughens in the red zone and is always lurking to pick a pass off.
  I am actually less scared of this ranked team after reviewing the stats. Hobart not only has a chance , but I believe a good chance on Saturday. Turnovers will be the key to the game and Hobart's redzone offense. I think the Hobart passing game will get their yards and the run game, even without Harvey,has shown improvement as our young Oline keeps improving. I also think Hobart has a special weapon in Kyle Hackett , and if Hobart wins, Kyle will be the difference if Hobart sputters in the redone(Hobart is 21-21 in redzone scoring this year). The Hobart defense is vulnerable to even a methodical offense like RPI, but they have improved week by week , and hopefully are at the peak of their ability.
  So, I am saying ...we have a decent chance in Troy....the Hobart coaching staff seemed to grow up in the Union game, DeWall  can start to earn a reputation with a win against RPI this Saturday.  Go Bart

To Dutch Boy this is the BIG game for RPI and will provide us with the most insight into how good they may be (within reason). Granted Hobart's season has not been impressive (by Hobart standards), especially with that mother****ing loss to Endicott, however Dutch Boy feels Bart has hit their stride and will be playing the best ball they are capable of this season come Saturday. League games are especially tough and can certainly bring out the best in teams. If RPI can't beat Hobart, hiccup or not, it tells Dutch they really aren't as good as some may think. IDBHO all the pressure sits on the Engineers this weekend. If they can stop fantasizing about Shirley in a G-String, focus, and win in a convincing manner, they might just really be top 20 worthy.

Dutch Boy,
        I just sent five girls named Shirley to Troy in search of the Engineer starters....I told the Shirleys when they find them.....just Distract, Distract, Distract....Triple Ds

At this point, are there really women named Shirley who are younger than 50?

Oh hell no.  Shirley is grandma's euchre partner.

With regard to Hobart-RPI:  Two teams who control their own destiny, with a series record of 30-30-1, and a number of significant games and nail-biters in the past 10 years.  Does the Liberty League really get any more fun than this?  Almost fun enough to make me want to spend an afternoon in Troy.  But not quite.

****ing well said!

[Ice Bear]

Mach's Fearless Predictions:

So it's been an interesting week and a half, to say the least, but i'm here, i'm alive(barely) and i'm ready to inflict knowledge into the LLPP boards for this week's fearless predictions:

RPI - 28
Hobart - 17
I mentioned earlier this week that anyone who understands this rivalry and the history of these 2 teams would realistically list this game as a coin flip. And a coin flip where the coin could get stuck on it's skinny side pointing to the ceiling leaving everyone wondering WTF just happened. The true point spread based on the way the season has gone, the game being in Troy, etc etc, would probably be at around RPI -6. I think it's gonna be a tough fought nailbiter. I think RPI pulls away in the 4th and can get set on cruise control until 11/10.

St. Lawrence - 12
Union - 19
A few weeks ago i'd have put Union as a BIG winner here. I think they are reeling a bit right now after the last 2 weeks however. This is probably the game to get them back on track, but it doesn't come easy. St. Lawrence isn't very good, but they are competitive. I think Union squeaks one out up in Canada. The bus ride home from Canton was always fun back in the day...

Rochester - 0
Ithaca - 31
Rochester really really stinks. So, on the whole 'night before night before' thing. I'm giving all Ithaca starters the green light to head out tonight, party you balls off, don't go to bed, eat some late night greasy foods, maybe meet a lady(or a dude if that's your thing), take a trip to pound town, and thoroughly enjoy yourselves. You'll only play about 18 minutes of the game tomorrow. All backups and JV players, get your rest. Big day for you guys tomorrow.

There you have it. The word of the Lord.

RPI vs. Hobart - Dutch Boy would ****ing love to see RPI get smoked here and he thinks Hobart is playing their best football of the year right now. With that said he fears the Engineers D will be too strong in the end and make the difference. Expect some back and forth and Mach is right on regarding these LL rivalry games. They are ****ing great and most times you can throw early season results right out the mother****ing window. Plus, Troylet, as ****ty as it is, would kick the ever living **** out of Geneva in a fight.
Shiley's Unwashed Nylons - 24 Pumkinheads - 21

Union vs. SLU - Union, who had an identity early on will be looking to grab one to get them back on track for the Shoes. Dutch Boy is agreeing with Father Mach more that he ever ****ing imagined this week. This will certainly be a close one but look for a play or two from Bellemy/Ross to be the difference. SLU will hurt the U in the air. Bottom line, if Union still believes that the early season boasting is true, they will lose. Buhrman is WAY too good a coach for that to happen.
Beloved Garnet Potion - 24 SLU 17

Ithaca vs. Roch cha cha - See Mach's interpretation of the gospel...end of ****ing story

Thanks be to God

[Oline89]

So here's a take:  Let's see how important it is to play a tough schedule at the beginning of the season.  Before playing Roch last week, Hobart had 5th toughest SOS, after last week it dropped to 20.  RPI sits at 45 this week (and still has Roch on the schedule).  So, is it better to play a tough schedule, work out the kinks/ take a few on the chin, then turn to LL play; or play some cupcakes, build confidence, and head to the LL? 

[Jonny Utah]

So here's a take:  Let's see how important it is to play a tough schedule at the beginning of the season.  Before playing Roch last week, Hobart had 5th toughest SOS, after last week it dropped to 20.  RPI sits at 45 this week (and still has Roch on the schedule).  So, is it better to play a tough schedule, work out the kinks/ take a few on the chin, then turn to LL play; or play some cupcakes, build confidence, and head to the LL?

I think balance is the best, but tougher non conference games at least make things clearer for everyone in the league.  Ithaca plays John Carroll in two years.  If things go the same in d3 football as they have been over the past 25 years, JCU is a good measuring stick for pool C chances. Let's say Ithaca beat JCU (or lost to them close) instead of playing Alfred.  That one game, (especially if they won) would change the entire pool C landscape in the country.  I'm guessing JCU would beat Ithaca this year, but I wouldn't say it's definite.  That game Vs. JCU also effects other LL teams (Let's say RPI lost to Ithaca and finished 9-1, that would put them in a much better light for the pool C if Ithaca beat JCU and IC was 9-1).

But you have to win the games too.  If Ithaca loses big to JCU, the east will be looked at the same. 

But playing St. Vincent does nothing for pool C.  That is a game (like Unions non leage games) which simply gives your team a better chance to win.  Again, balance is key.

[Ice Bear]

So here's a take:  Let's see how important it is to play a tough schedule at the beginning of the season.  Before playing Roch last week, Hobart had 5th toughest SOS, after last week it dropped to 20.  RPI sits at 45 this week (and still has Roch on the schedule).  So, is it better to play a tough schedule, work out the kinks/ take a few on the chin, then turn to LL play; or play some cupcakes, build confidence, and head to the LL?

It's a tough call. Union used to play a tough OOC and it certainly made their downfall seem that much more painful to watch. It never recently or even maybe ever (to Dutch Boy's recollection) earned them an at-large bid or really helped them when it came down to it. Under King RPI played many a ****ing cupcake and always started off great. Dutch Boy thinks it possibly helped them with some recruiting and build the program into what it is today.

Looking at this season it gave the world (and Union) a false sense of just how good they were/are  and the punch in the face that was the last two weeks seems to have certainly taken a tole on the young Dutchmen psyche.

To Dutch Boy if you are REALLY ****ing good it doesn't matter who you play unless you are in need of that pool C bid. Then maybe you play **** OOC to give yourself room at a possible long shot birth if you **** up once or twice in conference play.

Dutch can see both sides. Other thoughts?

[Oline89]

So here's a take:  Let's see how important it is to play a tough schedule at the beginning of the season.  Before playing Roch last week, Hobart had 5th toughest SOS, after last week it dropped to 20.  RPI sits at 45 this week (and still has Roch on the schedule).  So, is it better to play a tough schedule, work out the kinks/ take a few on the chin, then turn to LL play; or play some cupcakes, build confidence, and head to the LL?

It's a tough call. Union used to play a tough OOC and it certainly made their downfall seem that much more painful to watch. It never recently or even maybe ever (to Dutch Boy's recollection) earned them an at-large bid or really helped them when it came down to it. Under King RPI played many a ****ing cupcake and always started off great. Dutch Boy thinks it possibly helped them with some recruiting and build the program into what it is today.

Looking at this season it gave the world (and Union) a false sense of just how good they were/are  and the punch in the face that was the last two weeks seems to have certainly taken a tole on the young Dutchmen psyche.

To Dutch Boy if you are REALLY ****ing good it doesn't matter who you play unless you are in need of that pool C bid. Then maybe you play **** OOC to give yourself room at a possible long shot birth if you **** up once or twice in conference play.

Dutch can see both sides. Other thoughts?

So here is my meager opinion.  Getting their teeth kicked in by Brockport, literally from the first play, did a number on the psyche of the players and the coaches.  That being said, when this series was first set up 2 years ago, nobody knew that BPort was going to become a ****ing juggernaut.  I think it took until the Union game for the entire team to get its swagger back.  Playing strong opponents is great, going out of your way to schedule Mount or UMHB (see Albright), maybe not a great play.

[Bombers798891]

Since he's been here, Dan Swanstrom has stressed that he's got three goals for the program:

1. They want to go undefeated at home
2. They want to win the conference
3. They want to win Cortaca.

Ultimately, I don't think he gives much thought to the Pool C ramifications of his OOC scheduling—not that you can always predict it when you're building things out this far in advance (Look at how improved Brockport and Frostburg got from 2015 to 2017.) He's focused on what else he can do with OOC scheduling. St. Vincent was about recruiting. John Carroll certainly would boost IC's Pool C chances, but that's also a chance for him to make a big statement about where he's elevated the program to.

[Ice Bear]

Big day today in the LL.

RPI/Hobart is huge for both teams. If you ask Dutch if the Engineers win today and run over the Pumpkinheads, they win the league (don't know the specifics but don't care) end of story.

For the Garnet they must ****ing bring it today and not only win but win with an exclamation to achieve respectability within the league and to actually bring some type of mystique to the upcoming Shoes game. Union loses today or squeaks out a W, they lose the season IDBHO and will get ****ing steam rolled by RPI. If they win in an impressive manner, by dismantling a SLU team they ****ing should dismantle, they will steam roll listless Roch cha cha and go into Troy with some energy and the realistic possibility of royally pissing off the Engineer faithful (many of whom can design a ****ing nuclear submarine but can't change a mother****ing light bulb...).

[UfanBill]

There's an added element to scheduling. Something college basketball coaches have done for a long time. That's playing a OOC game or two in your recruiting hotbed, not only to help future recruiting but to reward the players and their families who already made the commitment to your program by playing games closer to their homes.  Of the 101 players on the current Union roster 46 are from New England (Ma-29,Ct-13,RI-2. Me-1, NH-1).  Might that explain why Union has continued to schedule New England? Makes sense to me.

Today the Dutchmen travel to Canton to meet the Larries. I'm not sure what type of effort we'll see by Union. They have a second bye after this game so there's no excuse not to go all in. St. Lawrence seems to be improving and I'm thinking they feel this is a winnable game. Union is outscoring it's opponents this year by an average of 30-14. That sounds like a good score to me. I'll be watching the video feed. One trip to Canton was enough.

[UfanBill]

In an outcome that may very well help the LL or the E8 get a second team in the playoffs...Rowan beats Wesley 28-27.

[Ice Bear]

In an outcome that may very well help the LL or the E8 get a second team in the playoffs...Rowan beats Wesley 28-27.

How in the **** did that happen?

[wesleydad]

In an outcome that may very well help the LL or the E8 get a second team in the playoffs...Rowan beats Wesley 28-27.

How in the **** did that happen?

sloppy play and there is little chance of the LL or E8 getting a second team in the playoffs unless someone can end up with only 1 loss.  Cortland would have to win out and win the E8 and Brockport would surely get in as a pool C.  Other than that 2 losses pretty much eliminates anyone.  RPI will win the LL even if they lose a game so no one else can get in since they all have 2 losses.  The loss may help a team like CWRU if they win out.