FB: Liberty League

[Bartman]

WEEK 5 LL PICKS:

     Bartman is 23-2 on picks YTD and the LL is 19-6 Out of Conference:

October2;

UNION                   49           Buffalo State                 10         Union takes it easy on the Bengals

Rochester               10           RPI                               28        The Yellowjackets are real, but can't score enough

Hobart                    31           Ithaca                          30         Bombers have a hard time scoring TDs in the red zone, 
                                                                                            and Bahamonde kicks a record 10 fieldgoals as
                                                                                            Hobart ends the Bfield curse. Bartman is totally not
                                                                                            objective as he would make a deal with the devil
                                                                                            to win in Bomberville for the first time

Good predictions although I hope you are wrong on the IC/Bart game.  You also missed a key LL matchup this weekend that I can add:

Science: 77   
Dr. Shirley Jackson: 0

And just to add to this prediction.  This is the 5th week in a row that Dr. Jackson will face off against Science.  Dr. Jackson is 0-4 on the season.  Each week Science pounds the rock, throws the ball at will and scores whenever it wants too.  I've heard Science even told Dr. Jackson what plays they are going to run and Dr. Jackson simply ignores it and continues to do the same thing.  Will things change this week?  The answer is no.

Johhny U,
   I was wrong on the Hobart-Ithaca game, but it was a great game. Some Hobart fans felt the refs were partial, but frankly the refs were no better/worse than other D3 contests. All the credit to the Bombers after responding to the Boswell 70 yard TD run and coming from behind , especially after missing the 40+ yard FG (despite the miss,  Bahamonde is a great talent and took our twin returners out of the game on every kickoff.). After seeing the results from the Union and RPI games, I might give Ithaca the edge over the remaining undefeated and Hobart has a decent chance against them as well. We will see.
   Your prediction about Science kicking Dr. Jackson's butt will continue at every RPI home game. The virus stats are trending down and it is an outside event???......if she doesn't lift the restriction for Senior Day on October 30 at EVAC against Ithaca it is not only giving science another lopsided victory.....but it is totally disrespecting those kids. The entire alumni and parents should be all over her. Shame on you Dr. Jackson.

[UfanBill]

They have some new offensive coaches there don't they?  Did their old OC step down?  I'm sure that is a factor.

A late response to your question Utah...Yes, Union hired a new Offensive Coordinator, Travis James, to replace the departed Kevin Trigonis. That may well be a factor since Union's offense flourished under Tragonis, who was also OC at RPI during QB Mike Hermann's prolific career. He seems to have left coaching.    
The jury's still out on James though I see little difference in the Union scheme. I'm hoping they can get, and keep, everyone healthy.

[Jonny Utah]

WEEK 5 LL PICKS:

     Bartman is 23-2 on picks YTD and the LL is 19-6 Out of Conference:

October2;

UNION                   49           Buffalo State                 10         Union takes it easy on the Bengals

Rochester               10           RPI                               28        The Yellowjackets are real, but can't score enough

Hobart                    31           Ithaca                          30         Bombers have a hard time scoring TDs in the red zone, 
                                                                                            and Bahamonde kicks a record 10 fieldgoals as
                                                                                            Hobart ends the Bfield curse. Bartman is totally not
                                                                                            objective as he would make a deal with the devil
                                                                                            to win in Bomberville for the first time

Good predictions although I hope you are wrong on the IC/Bart game.  You also missed a key LL matchup this weekend that I can add:

Science: 77   
Dr. Shirley Jackson: 0

And just to add to this prediction.  This is the 5th week in a row that Dr. Jackson will face off against Science.  Dr. Jackson is 0-4 on the season.  Each week Science pounds the rock, throws the ball at will and scores whenever it wants too.  I've heard Science even told Dr. Jackson what plays they are going to run and Dr. Jackson simply ignores it and continues to do the same thing.  Will things change this week?  The answer is no.

Johhny U,
   I was wrong on the Hobart-Ithaca game, but it was a great game. Some Hobart fans felt the refs were partial, but frankly the refs were no better/worse than other D3 contests. All the credit to the Bombers after responding to the Boswell 70 yard TD run and coming from behind , especially after missing the 40+ yard FG (despite the miss,  Bahamonde is a great talent and took our twin returners out of the game on every kickoff.). After seeing the results from the Union and RPI games, I might give Ithaca the edge over the remaining undefeated and Hobart has a decent chance against them as well. We will see.
   Your prediction about Science kicking Dr. Jackson's butt will continue at every RPI home game. The virus stats are trending down and it is an outside event???......if she doesn't lift the restriction for Senior Day on October 30 at EVAC against Ithaca it is not only giving science another lopsided victory.....but it is totally disrespecting those kids. The entire alumni and parents should be all over her. Shame on you Dr. Jackson.

Yea I think Ithaca's quarterback was the difference in that game.  He made 3 perfect throws on fade/stop type balls that were impossible to cover and Ithaca converted on them.  I think Ithaca's defense also stopped Hobart's planned run game and Hobart had to open up the playbook a little to get Boswell and Denham the ball.  One of the problems (not a bad one) Hobart has is that their two best players are at RB and if Hobart plays a great run defense, they will need to adjust.  I like what a lot of NFL teams do in putting RBs out wide forcing defenses to either cover them or adjust somehow.  I wonder if you could put those two wide and start throwing screens or more flare passes to them.  Running the ball inside you have to get by linebackers.  Running the ball out in the open you have to get by defensive backs which those two guys aren't getting tackled by.

Dr. Jackson is a heavy underdog again this week.  I'll take science and the points (88).

[Jonny Utah]

They have some new offensive coaches there don't they?  Did their old OC step down?  I'm sure that is a factor.

A late response to your question Utah...Yes, Union hired a new Offensive Coordinator, Travis James, to replace the departed Kevin Trigonis. That may well be a factor since Union's offense flourished under Tragonis, who was also OC at RPI during QB Mike Hermann's prolific career. He seems to have left coaching.    
The jury's still out on James though I see little difference in the Union scheme. I'm hoping they can get, and keep, everyone healthy.

Well Behrman is an offensive guy so the offense might be his, with the coordinators just running his philosophy and scheme.   

[Jonny Utah]

NCAA TOP (TIME OF POSSESSION) LEADERS FOR 2021

1   Grinnell   4   150   37
2   Trinity (TX)   3   111   37
3   SUNY Brockport   4   142   35
4   Trinity (CT)   3   105   35
5   SUNY Cortland   4   140   35
6   Hobart   5   175   35
7   Hamline   4   138   34
8   Susquehanna   5   172   34
9   Waynesburg   5   172   34
10   Dubuque   4   137   34
11   Randolph-Macon   5   170   34
12   Williams   3   102   34
13   Hartwick   3   101   33
14   Castleton   5   169   33
15   Martin Luther   5   168   33
16   Olivet   4   134   33
17   Wesleyan (CT)   3   100   33
18   Wilkes   4   133   33
19   Methodist   4   133   33
20   Westminster (MO)   3   99

[Oline89]

Now let's investigate this Dr Stevenson concept a little closer.  As each week progresses, we have seen a negative trend in attendance (485->237->236) while consitently showing a positive win total direction AND most importantly, maintaining TOP average of 31 min 40 seconds, a solid number.  Now if RPI admin can crack down a little harder, think outside the box... maybe eliminate coaches wives, a side judge, cut the chain crew down to 2 guys, public address announcer can be moved to a safer remote location.....then that TOP number will surely skyrocket.  Victory over science is within reach.

[Ice Bear]

NCAA TOP (TIME OF POSSESSION) LEADERS FOR 2021

1   Grinnell   4   150   37
2   Trinity (TX)   3   111   37
3   SUNY Brockport   4   142   35
4   Trinity (CT)   3   105   35
5   SUNY Cortland   4   140   35
6   Hobart   5   175   35
7   Hamline   4   138   34
8   Susquehanna   5   172   34
9   Waynesburg   5   172   34
10   Dubuque   4   137   34
11   Randolph-Macon   5   170   34
12   Williams   3   102   34
13   Hartwick   3   101   33
14   Castleton   5   169   33
15   Martin Luther   5   168   33
16   Olivet   4   134   33
17   Wesleyan (CT)   3   100   33
18   Wilkes   4   133   33
19   Methodist   4   133   33
20   Westminster (MO)   3   99

Ice Bear says nice ****ing job Hartwick coming in at a solid #13. Ice Bear questions any fans sanity when they say nothing is happening in the ****ing cage on the hill.

TOP is happening mother****ers

[Bartman]

Now let's investigate this Dr Stevenson concept a little closer.  As each week progresses, we have seen a negative trend in attendance (485->237->236) while consitently showing a positive win total direction AND most importantly, maintaining TOP average of 31 min 40 seconds, a solid number.  Now if RPI admin can crack down a little harder, think outside the box... maybe eliminate coaches wives, a side judge, cut the chain crew down to 2 guys, public address announcer can be moved to a safer remote location.....then that TOP number will surely skyrocket.  Victory over science is within reach.

+k Oline for your anaysis and creativity......Dr. Shirley may want to hire you as an advisor.....of course you will be banned from further posts if you accept

[Bartman]

Bartman's depression after falling short in Bomberville is starting to fade as the Statesmen rest this week before rebounding in 10 days against the Engineers at the Boz.  PIX: 2-1 Last week; 25-3 YTD

WEEK 6 IN THE LL:

Bengals                    10                  Engineers                    41   Engineers score more points than fans attend
                                                                                              Dr. Jackson bans the spread formation

Bombers                   38                  Yellowjackets               14   Yellowjackets score first, then stinger falls out

Larries                      21                  Dutchmen                   35    Larries hang with the Dutchies for 45 min
             

[Bartman]

I gave evyone posting this month a +k, just to keep encouraging any discussion

[Ice Bear]

I gave evyone posting this month a +k, just to keep encouraging any discussion

Ice Bear says he feels this game with SLU could be quite tough for the Dutchmen. Ice likes the SLU air attack and feels that this team can score on Union. Ice says this is no slight on the Dutchmen D, who have IIBHO overachieved so far this season. This D has bent but not broken time and again. Ice thinks the lack of consistency from the O has put too much pressure on the D early in the season against some questionable competition. The D is bound to have a rough one, especially against a capable QB.

Ice Bear is worried about the recent awkwardness and lack of fluidity (shout out to Walt Clyde Frazier) that the Dutchmen O has shown. This may be the game where it bites the Garnet in the proverbial butthole.

Ice Bear also knows that this Dutch offense can explode at any minute and even a loss here, although it wouldn't look good, may loosen the fellas up and bring out that ****ing Eye of the Tiger **** we saw in 19.

[Jonny Utah]

I gave evyone posting this month a +k, just to keep encouraging any discussion

Ice Bear says he feels this game with SLU could be quite tough for the Dutchmen. Ice likes the SLU air attack and feels that this team can score on Union. Ice says this is no slight on the Dutchmen D, who have IIBHO overachieved so far this season. This D has bent but not broken time and again. Ice thinks the lack of consistency from the O has put too much pressure on the D early in the season against some questionable competition. The D is bound to have a rough one, especially against a capable QB.

Ice Bear is worried about the recent awkwardness and lack of fluidity (shout out to Walt Clyde Frazier) that the Dutchmen O has shown. This may be the game where it bites the Garnet in the proverbial butthole.

Ice Bear also knows that this Dutch offense can explode at any minute and even a loss here, although it wouldn't look good, may loosen the fellas up and bring out that ****ing Eye of the Tiger **** we saw in 19.

I don't think Union has any trouble with the Larries.  SLU has been scooping soft serve ice cream for four weeks and now it's time to see if they can handle a little creme brulee.  I think it will be a high scoring game but Union will run away with it 52-28.

Union might be looking at a big win this week, but not as much as Science is.  For the 5th week in a row, Science rolls over Dr. Jackson 80-3.

Ithaca coming off a huge win and might need a little jumpstart but I think they roll in this one in another high scoring affair 42-21.

RPI has the Bengals coming into town and should handle them in front of a crowd of 7 people.  I say RPI wins 24-3

HUGE Empire 8 game this weekend between the Red Dragons and Golden Eagles.  I think Cortland gets by them after a slow start by both teams 27-17.

I think to spice things up I'm gonna add a big D2 game each week to predict.  This week it will be the Colorado School of Mines travelling to Spearfish, SD to take on Black Hills State in a key RMAC matchup.  I think the Orediggers prevail over the Yellow Jackets 45-14.

I also noticed that St. Lawrence's leading WR is Sean McCormack.  I assume that is former Bomber George McCormack's son (currently the head Lacrosse coach at Williams and former DC there)

[UfanBill]

I gave evyone posting this month a +k, just to keep encouraging any discussion

Ice Bear says he feels this game with SLU could be quite tough for the Dutchmen. Ice likes the SLU air attack and feels that this team can score on Union. Ice says this is no slight on the Dutchmen D, who have IIBHO overachieved so far this season. This D has bent but not broken time and again. Ice thinks the lack of consistency from the O has put too much pressure on the D early in the season against some questionable competition. The D is bound to have a rough one, especially against a capable QB.

Ice Bear is worried about the recent awkwardness and lack of fluidity (shout out to Walt Clyde Frazier) that the Dutchmen O has shown. This may be the game where it bites the Garnet in the proverbial butthole.

Ice Bear also knows that this Dutch offense can explode at any minute and even a loss here, although it wouldn't look good, may loosen the fellas up and bring out that ****ing Eye of the Tiger **** we saw in 19.

Come on Icebear, -k for your negativity here. I get it, you're worried but let's talk about this...Sure Tyler Grochot is a great QB. Maybe the best in the LL, but will he outscore the Dutchmen? When Union hosted St. Lawrence in 2019 Grochot hit deep threat WR Andrew Murphy(both are back) twice in the first half for long TDs and the game was tied 17-17 at halftime. In the 2nd half Union used three long TD drives to dominate TOP keeping Grochot on the bench and outscoring the Larries 21-0 for the 38-17 win. The Dutchmen defense adjusted and the offense ran the ball. racking up 249 yards rushing. I'd look for much of the same Saturday. Expect a couple of early deep throws by Grochot to test out the Union secondary early and maybe he'll hit one or two but Union will score themselves and take this game. Remember even though the Dutchmen offense has not been at it's best in the past two road games, they have scored 30 points in each and now they're home. 

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear says fair enough and all good points made. Ice is certainly looking forward to some D3 football and watching his beloved Garnet next to his father, UfanBill, and our friend Bob (also some other wonderful people).

Ice says sure, the Dutch should handle the Larries and will hopefully run the ****ing pigskin right down their throats. He just continues to be uncomfortable with the way Bellamy has played and the lack of fluidity on O. Ice may be being too hard on the young men but it's just how he sees it. Ice Bear will happily eat crow in regards to his thoughts.

Ice Bear is also feeling a bit bitter as the Union AD has not returned his call in regards to Ice Bear volunteering to perform "Ice Ice Baby" from the Garnet U at midfield during half time. Maybe Ice's singing career is really washed up...

Ice says, "Let's ****ing go U!"

[unionpalooza]

While I agree Bellamy's had a few down weeks something tells me he goes ape on the Larries tomorrow and thanks to Union's d-line, it will be weeks before Grochot gets the taste of Schenectady AstroTurf out of his mouth.  That's especially true if Union's offense starts to heal up and Bellamy, Irabor, Ross and Tolbert are all on the field together for the first time since week 1.

Also have to love the performance of Union's younger guys so far.  Leading receiver is a freshman (Tolbert), sophomore Fiore has almost 300 years in the three games he was healthy, and fourth-string freshman Jonathan Anderson has started the last two games, putting up over 200 yards.  Not two mentioned starting a freshman at corner, a sophomore at the other corner, and a sophomore at safety.