FB: Liberty League

[MRMIKESMITH]

Amazing to me how the LL gets such little respect in the national top 25 poll.  RPI just got dumped from 14 to off the poll, Ithaca (top ranked team in the East, not getting auto bid to NCAA) gets a smattering of votes.  Muhlenberg goes 9-1, but plays a slew of noncompetitive teams in the CC, same argument for Del Vall.  Linfield goes 7-2, no real impressive wins but still makes the top 25.  The CCIW actually places 3 teams in the top 25 (North Central, Wheaton  and Il Wes), SAA also with two (Centre and Berry), the NCAC places 2 (Wabash and Wittenberg) not including Dennison who actually won the league.  It just doesn't seem that there is consistency, are they going for the best 25 teams, or the 25 teams most likely to make the playoffs?  I hope it is the former, in which case RPI and/or Ithaca deserves a spot.

I am not going to go into this (well I did )...I do know that sometimes conference champs aren't always the "best" team, however I agree, the Top 25 is what it is. I would have been in favor of other teams, but we will have to let the playoffs do the talking and RPI will have to win its 1st round game and then potentially Brockport and Frostburg. Then they will get the attention of others. Furthermore after beating what we have as the two best East Representatives in Brockport and Frostburg, RPI will have to show up in the final 4 and score and defend. Then and only then can you get the effect of those aforementioned teams. Representatives can't go and lose by 30-50+ points to Mount Union. Although only 3 teams have won the Stagg in many year's, it's the point differential and losses not by our top representative, but the 2nd and 3rd place teams when facing the 2nd and 3rd place teams and getting beat by 30+ points. The only East teams to not do that over the last 10 years has been Brockport (last year), Wesley (blown out a few times in that range and many close calls over the years), and a few good teams over the last ten years. Another thing Wesley has actually beaten Linfield (playoffs) and North Central (non-conference game) What the LL needs to do since they are saving money, is play that 10th game against such aforementioned opponents, get outside the East and show your worth. Ithaca is playing John Carroll, the LL need more match-ups like that. Play Wabash, Illinois Wesleyan, Wittenberg, give Linfield a 10th game (Rowan plays then next year). We can't complain win your top teams lose, either beat them in the playoffs or play admirably or schedule in OOC and win or play admirably. Playing those game and winning or at least losing respectably on a consistent basis will change the opinions.

[ITH radio]

End of day RPI's losing by 27 gave the voters the opening to take them out. To be fair, they were only 9 points away from staying in at #25, but some of the voters must have looked at the Union loss (and the close calls against Utica, Hobart and SLU who are a combined 13-16) as bad enough to merit the fall.

On the flip side, I would say overall the LL is a stronger conference this season than the E8 based on overall standings and how things finished up. Sadly we won't get to add another data point after Hobart bailed on the NYS bowl.

DelVal staying in is mostly bolstered by their losing in Wk 1 (aug 30 - which is forever ago, football speaking). I am not convinced the MAC is that great (they got smoked in the bowls last season and very well could see the same thing this weekend), and I think the Aggies could be one and done this weekend. If they're really a Top 15 team, they win Saturday then give JCU a close game on 11/24.

[ITH radio]

Amazing to me how the LL gets such little respect in the national top 25 poll.  RPI just got dumped from 14 to off the poll, Ithaca (top ranked team in the East, not getting auto bid to NCAA) gets a smattering of votes.  Muhlenberg goes 9-1, but plays a slew of noncompetitive teams in the CC, same argument for Del Vall.  Linfield goes 7-2, no real impressive wins but still makes the top 25.  The CCIW actually places 3 teams in the top 25 (North Central, Wheaton  and Il Wes), SAA also with two (Centre and Berry), the NCAC places 2 (Wabash and Wittenberg) not including Dennison who actually won the league.  It just doesn't seem that there is consistency, are they going for the best 25 teams, or the 25 teams most likely to make the playoffs?  I hope it is the former, in which case RPI and/or Ithaca deserves a spot.

I am not going to go into this (well I did )...I do know that sometimes conference champs aren't always the "best" team, however I agree, the Top 25 is what it is. I would have been in favor of other teams, but we will have to let the playoffs do the talking and RPI will have to win its 1st round game and then potentially Brockport and Frostburg. Then they will get the attention of others. Furthermore after beating what we have as the two best East Representatives in Brockport and Frostburg, RPI will have to show up in the final 4 and score and defend. Then and only then can you get the effect of those aforementioned teams. Representatives can't go and lose by 30-50+ points to Mount Union. Although only 3 teams have won the Stagg in many year's, it's the point differential and losses not by our top representative, but the 2nd and 3rd place teams when facing the 2nd and 3rd place teams and getting beat by 30+ points. The only East teams to do that has been Brockport (last year), Wesley (blown out a few times, and many close calls over the years), and few good games over the last ten year. What the LL needs to do since they are saving money, is play that 10th game against such aforementioned opponents, get outside the East and show your worth. Ithaca is playing John Carroll, the LL need more match-ups like that. Play Wabash, Illinois Wesleyan, Wittenberg, give Linfield a 10th game (Rowan plays then next year). We can't complain win your top teams lose.

Hobart reached out to Rowan to get on their schedule. Haven't heard if the Profs accepted.

[Bombers798891]

I've said this on the E8 boards, and I'll say it here: This phenomenon where the supposed top East teams struggle to impressively win (or even straight up lose) against the mediocre teams of their conferences is not, IMO, indicative of the strength of those weaker teams, but of the weakness of the better teams, and it's backed up by how rarely our top teams make a real impact in the playoffs.

It's no surprise RPI got bumped out of the Top 25 after getting straight smoked. They've played with fire all season long, and looked impressive maybe three times all season.

Ditto IC not being in the Top 25. While Bombers fans dream about the what if scenarios that have them 9-1 or 10-0, not much had to change for IC to end up 6-4, or even 5-5.

RPI will have their shot. If they're legitimately a Top 25 caliber team, and the ECFC is just a bunch of overrated NE schools (As we're often told) this would be a great chance to win by like, 40, and prove it.

[ITH radio]

I've said this on the E8 boards, and I'll say it here: This phenomenon where the supposed top East teams struggle to impressively win (or even straight up lose) against the mediocre teams of their conferences is not, IMO, indicative of the strength of those weaker teams, but of the weakness of the better teams, and it's backed up by how rarely our top teams make a real impact in the playoffs.

Fair statement. Also shows the true talent dilution due to the sheer amount of teams in the East. I know other regions say Brockport's path is easy, but the East doesn't have a lot of the competitive advantages the other regions do which is why it's been this way for so long (and probably will in perpetuity, honestly).

As for Husson, I think they'll give RPI a decent run. That's not bc RPI stinks but Husson has been going to the playoffs for several years now and has play makers on both sides of the ball to hang around for a couple of quarters. I think RPI will win, but 40 points? I'm thinking maybe 31-14.

[Ice Bear]

I've said this on the E8 boards, and I'll say it here: This phenomenon where the supposed top East teams struggle to impressively win (or even straight up lose) against the mediocre teams of their conferences is not, IMO, indicative of the strength of those weaker teams, but of the weakness of the better teams, and it's backed up by how rarely our top teams make a real impact in the playoffs.

It's no surprise RPI got bumped out of the Top 25 after getting straight smoked. They've played with fire all season long, and looked impressive maybe three times all season.

Ditto IC not being in the Top 25. While Bombers fans dream about the what if scenarios that have them 9-1 or 10-0, not much had to change for IC to end up 6-4, or even 5-5.

RPI will have their shot. If they're legitimately a Top 25 caliber team, and the ECFC is just a bunch of overrated NE schools (As we're often told) this would be a great chance to win by like, 40, and prove it.

Bold #1 = Yup, right on bombers +k for NHH (nail head hitting)

Bold #2 = dlip is partially at fault for this...partially. Husson is a good football team.

[Jonny Utah]

What's over is over, but if you go to YouTube, on the bombersports channel, they have the Hobart highlights in slow motion. On the fumble play Hobarts QB gets hit going backward, and as he goes back, his arm goes forward and the ball come out.  Not exactly like Brady and the tuck rule, but kinda similar as neither qb was attempting a pass, and Brady clearly wasn't.  Don't think the refs saw it anyway, but it at least looked like a pass, although I'm not sure if he was trying to throw it or not, and I'm not sure on the rule on that anyway

[Bombers798891]

Also shows the true talent dilution due to the sheer amount of teams in the East.

This is absolutely true. And the HS demographics aren't helping things either

[Jonny Utah]

And no one posted about it on the Mascac board, but I guess after the westConn/Westfield game, a WestConn guy punched a Westfield player in the handshake line.  Then a a scuffle for about a minute with both teams pushing and shoving.  Ugly scene.

[ITH radio]

yeah, we saw video and got some background from someone at the game. Not a good scene at all.

LL awards came out:

https://libertyleagueathletics.com/news/2018/11/13/liberty-league-announces-2018-football-awards-and-all-league-teams.aspx

Not sure I agree on Gladney as OPOY and there are some guys up higher and lower than I would have picked, but I know there's an unspoken preference shown to SRs.

Anyway, congrats to all the kids on the list and to Coach I and the RPI staff on a great season.

[Bombers798891]

LL awards came out:

https://libertyleagueathletics.com/news/2018/11/13/liberty-league-announces-2018-football-awards-and-all-league-teams.aspx

Not sure I agree on Gladney as OPOY and there are some guys up higher and lower than I would have picked, but I know there's an unspoken preference shown to SRs.

Gladney isn't a senior

[ITH radio]

Wasn't referring to him in that comment.

[D3viewer]

yeah, we saw video and got some background from someone at the game. Not a good scene at all.

LL awards came out:

https://libertyleagueathletics.com/news/2018/11/13/liberty-league-announces-2018-football-awards-and-all-league-teams.aspx

Not sure I agree on Gladney as OPOY and there are some guys up higher and lower than I would have picked, but I know there's an unspoken preference shown to SRs.

Anyway, congrats to all the kids on the list and to Coach I and the RPI staff on a great season.

Interesting to see all the 1st team skill position guys (except for TE) are underclassmen, and 6 of 7 2nd team skill guys are also underclassmen. Looks like most of the offensive skill talent will be back next year, so that bodes well for excitement and talent for the LL next season. Plus, the 3rd QB chosen, Hoffman from Hobart, is also returning.

[ITH radio]

Hobart, Union, UofR and SLU were all much younger rosters than we've seen in some time. I agree it bodes well for more exciting games in the 2019 season.

[UfanBill]

LL awards came out:

https://libertyleagueathletics.com/news/2018/11/13/liberty-league-announces-2018-football-awards-and-all-league-teams.aspx

Not sure I agree on Gladney as OPOY and there are some guys up higher and lower than I would have picked, but I know there's an unspoken preference shown to SRs.

Anyway, congrats to all the kids on the list and to Coach I and the RPI staff on a great season.

A couple of comments on the Liberty League selections:  It's remarkable and surprising that QB Will Bellamy was named 1st team over returning stars Wahi Nabi and Ryan Hofmann. Bellamy came out firing from week one and his ability and composure was a very pleasant surprise to Union fans. RB Ike' Irabor also came from nowhere for the Dutchmen this season to a 1st team selection. He became a stallwart and seemed to get better each game. I also think statistics bear out that Andre Ross Jr. should have been Offensive POY. His 57/929/13 TDs exceeds Gladney's 54/634/6. Congrats for his ROY designation. 'Nuff said.
    Going into this season the one player that the Union offense was counting on was 2017 !st teamer WR Griffin Beal. Beal was overshadowed from the get go this season by sensational freshman Ross Jr. Initially he was the defensive focus which allowed Ross to excel. He was also banged up because he was used extensively for WR screens where he took a lot of hits. He wasn't the first option this year but still  had 49/659 5 TDs. Congratulations to Griffin Beal for being named 2nd team and he will be back next year.  Also congrats to 1st team selections LB Jack Reilly, the physical leader of the team. DB Tucker Newman and C Ryan Ehrets the leader of the young, improving O-line. 2nd team selections include  DL Dan Gioiso, LB Hunter Ordukhanyan, LB Colin Lama, DB Paul Chambers and P Will Halpin. Don't forget NT Bobby Law who was named Honorable Mention. All but three of these Union players are underclassmen. The future of Union football is bright. Thanks coach Jeff Behrman.
    Speaking of the future...Buffalo St, is joining the LL thus coming on the schedule next year. Look for Union to continue OOC games with Springfield and/or Coast Guard. in addition MIT and E8 neighbor Utica are in negotiation. Look for another E8 team also. Husson and Curry are off.