FB: Liberty League

[UfanBill]

With the new regional rankings out, I think it's very clear IC will be a strong Pool C contender should they win and Union lose.

Cortland being #1 means they almost assuredly survive a loss. RPI would be, #3 most likely. And Hobart sneaking in at 8 probably stays in if they win. I'd have to think they'd jump Union, who is 7, even with the H2H loss. The win over RPI and a better showing vs. IC probably the difference. But a 2-1 record vs. regionally ranked opponents, to go along with a huge SOS bodes well.

Cortland survive a loss? What's to survive since Cortland has already clinched the E8 title and will be in the tournament. Their seed would obviously be altered with a loss to Ithaca though.

These are important words written at the bottom of the Regional Rankings page. How to use regional rankings: If you are an at-large candidate, you want to be sure you are the top at-large candidate in your region. That will ensure you get discussed by the national committee and have a chance to be put in the field. The prospects of a LL team, Ithaca or Union, being 9-1 and also the top at-large candidate in Region 2 are good. The committee is under no obligation to name a Pool C from Region 2 however.

Survive as in remain regionally ranked, which would then give Ithaca another win over a regionally ranked opponent.

A 9-1 Ithaca is going to be the top at-large team in the region. RPI losing would drop them below IC, as would Muhlenberg losing. Hopkins has no hope of jumping a 9-1 IC.

As for whether or not the committee would select a 9-1 Ithaca, they are obviously not required to, but IC's massive SOS number (which is only going to grow once Cortland is factored in) is already better than anyone from regions 1-5.

Additionally, IC would likely be 2-1 vs regionally ranked opponents. I've already discussed that I think Cortland will survive in the rankings despite a loss. The RPI will remain ranked after beating Union. And Hobart will likely remain ranked with a win over Rochester — I don't know who else the committee might be considering at the #8 spot, but it seems likely, especially if Union, right in front of them, loses.

A 2-1 record vs. RR opponents with a super high SOS makes me feel very confident that Ithaca will be in the tournament if they go 9-1 and fall into Pool C.

But who knows? They(Ithaca) could lose Cortaca. They could get left out even at 9-1. Or Union could beat RPI and render the entire debate pointless.

WIN YOU'RE IN?...D3Football guru Greg Thomas has presented his early prediction today in his Around The Nation column... https://www.d3football.com/columns/around-the-nation/2021/playoff-projection He foresees an Ithaca loss to Cortland coupled with a Union win over RPI in The Shoes. That scenario (which seems most likely to me) would give Ithaca the LL Pool A and place 9-1 Union in a prime position to get a Pool C. He actually has the Dutchmen coming off the board as the second at large chosen.  In another scenario, RPI beats Union and Ithaca beats Cortland giving the Engineers the Pool A and leaving a 9-1 Ithaca in the top of the Pool C discussion. It seems that all three LL teams have the opportunity to play their way in this weekend  How great is that.      

*...It must be noted that Greg Thomas(or anyone else from D3football.com) is NOT on the NCAA selection committee.                                                                                              

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear says that he is happy to see some of the possibilities regarding his beloved Dutchmen. Ice has had a few days to digest the devastating defeat Union took at the hands of IC last weekend. Honestly, that just really ****ing pissed Ice off.

Ice Bear says anywho, Union has a decent chance of getting that pool C bid with a win over ipr. ipr will win the league and a punched ticket with a win over U. Ice Bear says this is what it's all about regarding this game. May the best team win!

What a great ****ing season for the LL as a whole. Hats off to all the LL teams. Roch cha cha has improved, SLU has also improved and is filled with some excellent athletes. Of course hats off to the big four of the LL. They have given us one **** of an exciting ****ing season and it's not over yet. Ice will have predictions coming tomorrow...not that anyone gives a **** 

Ice Bear also thinks the LLPP should have a "Poster of the Season" award decided on by the LLPP faithful and maybe some outside votes as well. Could be fun...or could be ****. Ice will think of his nominee to go along with his Saturday predictions.

Ice Ice Baby
+k to Ufan for that last post while Ice was posting. Right ****ing on Ufan!

[unionpalooza]

One thing I would note in terms of playoff chances - it's really important to both union and Ithaca that Hobart bears Rochester.  Otherwise they each lose a RR win, which reduces seeding and pool c odds. 

Go Bart!

[MRMIKESMITH]

With the new regional rankings out, I think it's very clear IC will be a strong Pool C contender should they win and Union lose.

Cortland being #1 means they almost assuredly survive a loss. RPI would be, #3 most likely. And Hobart sneaking in at 8 probably stays in if they win. I'd have to think they'd jump Union, who is 7, even with the H2H loss. The win over RPI and a better showing vs. IC probably the difference. But a 2-1 record vs. regionally ranked opponents, to go along with a huge SOS bodes well.

Cortland survive a loss? What's to survive since Cortland has already clinched the E8 title and will be in the tournament. Their seed would obviously be altered with a loss to Ithaca though.

These are important words written at the bottom of the Regional Rankings page. How to use regional rankings: If you are an at-large candidate, you want to be sure you are the top at-large candidate in your region. That will ensure you get discussed by the national committee and have a chance to be put in the field. The prospects of a LL team, Ithaca or Union, being 9-1 and also the top at-large candidate in Region 2 are good. The committee is under no obligation to name a Pool C from Region 2 however.

Survive as in remain regionally ranked, which would then give Ithaca another win over a regionally ranked opponent.

A 9-1 Ithaca is going to be the top at-large team in the region. RPI losing would drop them below IC, as would Muhlenberg losing. Hopkins has no hope of jumping a 9-1 IC.

As for whether or not the committee would select a 9-1 Ithaca, they are obviously not required to, but IC's massive SOS number (which is only going to grow once Cortland is factored in) is already better than anyone from regions 1-5.

Additionally, IC would likely be 2-1 vs regionally ranked opponents. I've already discussed that I think Cortland will survive in the rankings despite a loss. The RPI will remain ranked after beating Union. And Hobart will likely remain ranked with a win over Rochester — I don't know who else the committee might be considering at the #8 spot, but it seems likely, especially if Union, right in front of them, loses.

A 2-1 record vs. RR opponents with a super high SOS makes me feel very confident that Ithaca will be in the tournament if they go 9-1 and fall into Pool C.

But who knows? They(Ithaca) could lose Cortaca. They could get left out even at 9-1. Or Union could beat RPI and render the entire debate pointless.

WIN YOU'RE IN?...D3Football guru Greg Thomas has presented his early prediction today in his Around The Nation column... https://www.d3football.com/columns/around-the-nation/2021/playoff-projection He foresees an Ithaca loss to Cortland coupled with a Union win over RPI in The Shoes. That scenario (which seems most likely to me) would give Ithaca the LL Pool A and place 9-1 Union in a prime position to get a Pool C. He actually has the Dutchmen coming off the board as the second at large chosen.  In another scenario, RPI beats Union and Ithaca beats Cortland giving the Engineers the Pool A and leaving a 9-1 Ithaca in the top of the Pool C discussion. It seems that all three LL teams have the opportunity to play their way in this weekend  How great is that.      

*...It must be noted that Greg Thomas(or anyone else from D3football.com) is NOT on the NCAA selection committee.                                                                                            

I think Greg has about 7 to 9 flights in his project. However, a Union win over RPI, results in Ithaca getting the Automatic bid and IMHO a higher seed. As such, I'd think that he'd have Union and Ithaca switched in his example.

[wally_wabash]

One thing I would note in terms of playoff chances - it's really important to both union and Ithaca that Hobart bears Rochester.  Otherwise they each lose a RR win, which reduces seeding and pool c odds. 

Go Bart!

Hobart is going to be RRO-countable regardless.  But losing to Rochester could certainly be the source of some unwanted conversation about the quality of an LL's "result" against regionally ranked Hobart.

[Oline89]

One thing I would note in terms of playoff chances - it's really important to both union and Ithaca that Hobart bears Rochester.  Otherwise they each lose a RR win, which reduces seeding and pool c odds. 

Go Bart!

Hobart is going to be RRO-countable regardless.  But losing to Rochester could certainly be the source of some unwanted conversation about the quality of an LL's "result" against regionally ranked Hobart.

Hobart may put up 50 this weekend, doubt the defense will give up much (until 3-4th string hits the field in Q4). 56-13, Hobart

[Bartman]

One thing I would note in terms of playoff chances - it's really important to both union and Ithaca that Hobart bears Rochester.  Otherwise they each lose a RR win, which reduces seeding and pool c odds. 

Go Bart!

+k for the Statesmen support, even as self serving as it may be . Don't worry ,the Yellowjackets will be de-stingered this weekend and the Centennial Cup will remain in Statesmen hands....GO BART!

[Bartman]

Bartman offers his picks for the final weekend of the LL season....and what an exciting season it was(a great season would be with Hobart playing for the title ).....I'm going against the grain on the big games(and putting 38-4 record on the line), so let's go:

RPI               17       Union            14         A slugfest as the Engineers defense makes a critical 4thQ stop

Ithaca           31       Cortland        28         The Ithaca D makes a critical 4thQ pick of Brees Segala

Hobart          42       Rochester      21          Statesmen fend off a feisty Yellowjacket effort, look for ECAC bid

SLU              35       Buff State      17          Saints QB passes for 250+ and prepare for 2022

Good health to all of our boys and I'm hoping for 2 LL teams in the NCAAs .Thanks to everyone on this board for sharing their passion for D3 and LL football! ......even the Bombers and Dutchmen fans  that barely squeaked by my Statesmen this year....And after three years we finally get you back at the BOZ in 2022 

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear says here WE ****ing go and here HE ****ing goes!

Cortica

Seems to be one of Cortland's best teams in years...that says a lot considering the Red Dragons usually produce solid football teams year in and year out. IC has been battle tested losing one and winning two against formidable opponents within the LL. As one of the Big ****ing Four in the LL a win here would not only put the Bombers into Pool C consideration, but would look very good for the league as a whole. Admittedly a down E8 this season but no one is saying a down Cortland. Red Dragons roll, really showing how good they are and avoiding a four game losing streak in a rivalry that rivals any in the country at any division - 28-10

Shoes N ****

Ice Bear's favorite football game going...PERIOD. While Ice, a life long Doid who admittedly grew up hating anything and everything ipr, has certainly matured and now has a healthy respect for the ipr football team/program/fans. He says he still gets heated from the inside out anytime these two schools meet...that includes ****ing intramural Ping Pong. See his classic overreaction and over the top bitching session a few years back after and ipr win after like 6 ipr students stormed the Frank Bailey Field. Ice says this game has a **** ton of meaning and not only to Ice. Both teams come in looking for a postseason birth. ipr is looking for the vaunted LL title and an auto bid while the Dutch, after last week's abysmal loss at the hands of a very good IC team is hanging on with hopes for a Pool C bid after being ranked in the top 15 nationally for most of the season. If you asked Ice early in the season, he'd say his thoughts were that the game would end up something like 2 years ago, a big and convincing W for Union. Now, not even close. Georgie is back for ipr and so is that solid D. Which Union team will we see? Will the likes of Ross, Tolbert, and Finn be mostly left out of the impact portion of the game plan like they have been? Will Ike be handed the ball 869 times? Will QB Will B throw to Freshman RB Jonathon Anderson on 3rd and long as opposed to one of his top three receivers? We shall see. Ice is believing that we will see the Union play calling of old, and even with an injured Bellamy, that will be the difference...even in the rain. Ice has said it before and he'll say it again, as critical as he is of Will B he loves the kid and his toughness. He does compete and Ice believes he has been hurt for quite some time, hence his accuracy issues. Union wins 24-17.

Poster of the Year: GroAward

Ice nominates UfanBill for LLPP poster of the year. Ufan has a very impressive knowledge of the game and simply loves his former team through and through. Ice believes he is a very objective poster and calls it as he sees it. Ice believes this is always Mach's title to lose every year as we all know Mach (formerly Lewdogg) is pretty ****ing witty and knows football. However we missed him a bunch this year. Bartman is Ice's runner up as he is very objective, very dedicated, and a knowledgeable D3 Pumkinhead and LL fan.

Honestly, it is a pleasure to post here and Ice genuinely respects and feels a connection with the other posters (even if we don't always see eye to eye). **** the rest of D3 as the LLPP is still one of the better boards going.

Ice ****ing out

[UfanBill]

Union QB Will Bellamy has had an upside down career. After sitting behind Nick Cascione as a freshman, Bellamy took over as the starter in 2018 and bolstered by the addition of RB Ike Irabor and WR Andre Ross jr. the Union QB had a sensational season. He was named  LL 1st Team All League in leading the Dutchman back into prominence.  In 2019 as a junior he guided the Dutchmen to an undefeated LL championship. Poised to have a great senior season in 2020 Covid pulled the season out from under him. With his decision to come back this year Union fans were anticipating another stellar season from their star QB.

What's gone wrong? Things started fine. Through the first 5 games Bellamy was performing well with 14 TD passes spread among star WR Ross and newcomer Robbie Tolbert's 6 each. Then the defenses got better. Tolbert got injured and Bellamy has only thrown 4 TDs since.(3 of them to Ross) His attempts per game have remained steady with an average of 25 a game but he's just not connecting. Is it better defense, no Tolbert, or something physical?  Someone asked why Union doesn't incorporate a RPO in their offense. Bellamy is a rugged kid though not fast afoot. He is not a running QB. This season he's only rushed 14 times for -27 yards mostly on scrambles though only 5 sacks, and he does have a rushing TD. By contrast Ithaca QB A.J.Wingfield has rushed 53 times and even RPI's George Marinopoulos 47.  Keeping Bellamy healthy while other offensive weapons...Ross, Irabor, Fiore, Anderson and Tolbert have missed significant time...has been a priority. But is he healthy? He's played every game. 

Saturday could be the last game for Bellamy and other 5th years'...Lama, Gioioso, Katchadurian, Crevani and St. Pierre. (other stars like Irabor and Ross actually have another year of eligibility ) If they win and get a Pool C then they'll have another game but if they lose The Shoes, they may very well pass on an ECAC... I said a few years ago in the aftermath of Union going 0-10 in 2015, that it seemed like a death in the family, losing something I loved so much. Thanks to the efforts of these fine players and coach Jeff Behrman the Dutchmen are back to D3 football prominence. I'm very grateful. 

The Shoes...What's the Union offense going to look like Saturday? Will Ike Irabor get 30+ carries. Will Bellamy throw multiple touchdowns? Will the defense contain a sluggish but capable RPI offense?  Union has been on a slide the last 3 weeks. Will Bellamy has not been himself and they're overworking Irabor. Will a backup RB, Anderson or maybe Fiore be able to contribute? Can Ross shake free and will Tolbert be back to help? The RPI defense has been formidable all season while their offense has done just enough to win 8 games. I say Union holds up the home field and The Shoes in a hard fought, late score game. Here's hoping the Liberty League can show the country why they deserve two NCAA berths this year.   

* Thanks Ice Bear for your confidence and kind words. Don't know about your Poster of the Year award but I love these boards. Gives an old curmudgeon like me, who usually stays in the background(for example the Union staff has no idea I exist) a forum.   

                                                       KEEP THE SHOES
and oh yeah FIRE THE CANNON

[Machiavelli]

Grease up your buttholes and make room for the cannon. Needs a warm and sh!tty place for the winter, right in a Schenectady living Union fan's dirty butthole. Enjoy!

[Oline89]

Should be a great final weekend in the LL. If the Union O regains some of it's swagger, and based on the painful game RPI played against SLU, I expect a Union victory, lets go 24-10.  I really worry about IC playing outside of Butterfield.  It would be great to see 2 LL teams in the playoffs, going with IC pulling it out late, 31-28


As for poster of the ****ing year:  the ****ing deep dives that Johnny U pulls are stellar.  The elder ****ing Statesmen, Bartman, is the gentleman of the boards, his predictions are ****ing gold.  ****ing Mach makes me snort my ****ing coffee on a regualr basis.  U ****ing Fan****ing Bill went over to the national boards and ****ing laid down the ****ing law, standing up for the ***ing LL.  However there is only one ****ing poster  on this whole ****ing board who ****ing lays it out week after ****ing week, the only ****ing f*** who gets my ****ing vote is Ice mother ****ing Bear.

[Bartman]

Should be a great final weekend in the LL. If the Union O regains some of it's swagger, and based on the painful game RPI played against SLU, I expect a Union victory, lets go 24-10.  I really worry about IC playing outside of Butterfield.  It would be great to see 2 LL teams in the playoffs, going with IC pulling it out late, 31-28


As for poster of the ****ing year:  the ****ing deep dives that Johnny U pulls are stellar.  The elder ****ing Statesmen, Bartman, is the gentleman of the boards, his predictions are ****ing gold.  ****ing Mach makes me snort my ****ing coffee on a regualr basis.  U ****ing Fan****ing Bill went over to the national boards and ****ing laid down the ****ing law, standing up for the ***ing LL.  However there is only one ****ing poster  on this whole ****ing board who ****ing lays it out week after ****ing week, the only ****ing f*** who gets my ****ing vote is Ice mother ****ing Bear.

No disrespect to UFAN Bill , our defender of the LL on the National boards, but Oline gets it ****ing right again.....Bartman ran his objective Posters rating model....( positive karma minus negative karma divided by total posts) and ****ing Ice blows everyone away with a 46% rating.....I think ICE is so far ahead , he'll never be caught......although Mach seriously amuses the dark side....Good luck tomorrow, you ****ers

[UfanBill]

                 FIRE THE CANNON   
   
                 BOB RIDINGS       
                                                   
                                                       


                                                                                                                                            

[Machiavelli]

                 FIRE THE CANNON   
   
                 BOB RIDINGS       
                                                   
                                                       


                                                                                                                                            

Get out the lube Bill. Gonna be a tight squeeze.