FB: Liberty League

[IC798891]

I mean we aren't talking TOP here but red zone stats are still very important.  A good kicker helped Ithaca stay in the top tier for overall red zone stats, but a good team needs to be 60% (I think?).  2021 Oklahoma State finished first in overall RZ scoring (97%) with a 76% TD percentage

Quite ironically, the 2016 Bombers were at 70% TDs in the RZ, and scored just 19.8 PPG.

But yes, in general, I think getting into the 60-70 range is where you want to be.

[Oline89]

If Ithaca is going to take the next step in their progression as a program, they must get better at scoring TDs in the RZ. It was not a strong suit for them under Swanstrom:

2021: 51%
2019: 68%
2018: 50%
2017: 52%

Obviously, the season where the Bombers had a grad transfer All-American candidate at QB might be seen as a bit of an outlier. But suffice to say, Ithaca needs to improve on that number.

I'm also interested to see how aggressive Toerper is this season. Swanstrom had a very big aggressive streak, perhaps to the point of predictability. The Cortaca Jug — and really the season — turned when he called for an onside kick on a kickoff from the 50 late in the 3rd quarter. The move makes sense in a lot of ways, but it's something he did frequently in those situations, and Cortland was ready for it. Mike Welch was pretty famously conservative. Will Toerper follow Swanstrom's style?

god, I almost forgot what a tapioca-brained Scott Frost-ass dumbf*** Swanstrom was.

Cortland was 80% for red zone TDs in 2021 and finished 2nd in the country for overall red zone offense (94% TD/FG). 

Union was 25th overall (86%) RZO (67% TD in the RZ)
SLU was 60th overall (82%) RZO and (68% TD in the RZ)
Ithaca was 65th overall (81%) RZO  (48% TD in the RZ)
Hobart was 79th overall (80%) RZO and (66% TD in the RZ)
RPI was 135th overall (76%) RZO and (62% TD in the RZ)
Roch was 195th overall (63%) RZO and (59% TD in the RZ)
BSU was 200th overall (62%) RZO and (48% TD in the RZ)

I mean we aren't talking TOP here but red zone stats are still very important.  A good kicker helped Ithaca stay in the top tier for overall red zone stats, but a good team needs to be 60% (I think?).  2021 Oklahoma State finished first in overall RZ scoring (97%) with a 76% TD percentage

I couldn't find TD only red zone stats for colleges but the NFL has some stats online.  Buffalo finished first in TD RZ with 66% while the Giants were last at 45%

YES YES YES !!! RZO is the new TPO.  TDRZO is an even better.  Finally, I am locked in on 2022.  J Utah, I am expecting big things this season.

[UfanBill]

UNION opens Saturday in Meadville, PA against a Region 4 opponent, ALLEGHENY. https://team1sports.com/allegheny/ ...The Gators were 3-7 in the so-so North Coast Athletic Conference last season ( ranked #18/27) but have moved to the tougher PAC. (#10...the LL is #7) for 2022 . Interestingly Allegheny is coached by veteran head coach Rich Nagy who spent one year, 1989, coaching linebackers for Stagg Bowl runner-up Union College.

[Bartman]

Season #128 for the Hobart Statesmen being played during the bicentennial of Hobart College( what did they do for the first 72 years without football?) against an old rival that has provided some of the best games in the history of Western NY small college football. Will the Saxon Warriors improve on their 5-5 season by shocking the Statesmen in tonight's opener under the lights at the Boz? It will take some trickery from the Alfred coaching staff to get the Statesmen off balance. The Statesmen should be workman like on Offense and let the returning Hogs do their job as the best 1-2 rushing duo in league Denham/Boswell (and maybe in the country by the end of the year) looks to improve on their 2021 combined 2,102 rushing yards and 27 TDs. Boswell is also a pass threat with 19 catches for 272 yards and 3 TDs. Hobart defense loses 6 regular starters including an All American LB(Forde) and a top corner that got a look by the Giants(Leake) , so lots of opportunity for the new starters to fill some big shoes. I'm thinking the offense should roll and Hobart wins 42-13 as the defense gets some needed experience. Go Bart Team # 128 .

[unionpalooza]

UNION opens Saturday in Meadville, PA against a Region 4 opponent, ALLEGHENY. https://team1sports.com/allegheny/ ...The Gators were 3-7 in the so-so North Coast Athletic Conference last season ( ranked #18/27) but have moved to the tougher PAC. (#10...the LL is #7) for 2022 . Interestingly Allegheny is coached by veteran head coach Rich Nagy who spent one year, 1989, coaching linebackers for Stagg Bowl runner-up Union College.

This game makes me nervous; Alleghany has all the makings of a sleeper success, with a top-notch coach and a very young team that returns nearly everyone, including a prolific QB.  And the Dutchmen have to make a long trip and start some green players at key positions.  Here's to hoping Union's veteran O-line and stable of RB talent can pound the rock and keep a potential upstart under control.   

[Ice Bear]

UNION opens Saturday in Meadville, PA against a Region 4 opponent, ALLEGHENY. https://team1sports.com/allegheny/ ...The Gators were 3-7 in the so-so North Coast Athletic Conference last season ( ranked #18/27) but have moved to the tougher PAC. (#10...the LL is #7) for 2022 . Interestingly Allegheny is coached by veteran head coach Rich Nagy who spent one year, 1989, coaching linebackers for Stagg Bowl runner-up Union College.

This game makes me nervous; Alleghany has all the makings of a sleeper success, with a top-notch coach and a very young team that returns nearly everyone, including a prolific QB.  And the Dutchmen have to make a long trip and start some green players at key positions.  Here's to hoping Union's veteran O-line and stable of RB talent can pound the rock and keep a potential upstart under control.

Ice believes so much will be dependent on the play of the defensive front and/LB's as well as the QB play this season. Ice Bear says teams will most definitely play the run and force the green Union QB to make some plays. With an excellent receiving corps the potential for the Union O to not only rely on the run are there. The games will tell Ice and others if the U is able to punish opponents who overplay the run against them.

Ice looks at the defensive front and LB corps with ? and the hope that some young mother****ing bucks will step in and up to allow the returning secondary to defend the pass well. Ice thinks this season could go either way but is confident his beloved Dutchmen have enough talent to compete and make some noise.

Ice shoots some +k out his ass in support of his fellow LLPP posters coming out and spitting knowledge! Ice sits on his block of ice with admitted shrinkage and anticipation of the ****ing Pumpkins blowing the barn doors off of Alfred tonight.

[AUPepBand]

UNION opens Saturday in Meadville, PA against a Region 4 opponent, ALLEGHENY. https://team1sports.com/allegheny/ ...The Gators were 3-7 in the so-so North Coast Athletic Conference last season ( ranked #18/27) but have moved to the tougher PAC. (#10...the LL is #7) for 2022 . Interestingly Allegheny is coached by veteran head coach Rich Nagy who spent one year, 1989, coaching linebackers for Stagg Bowl runner-up Union College.

This game makes me nervous; Alleghany has all the makings of a sleeper success, with a top-notch coach and a very young team that returns nearly everyone, including a prolific QB.  And the Dutchmen have to make a long trip and start some green players at key positions.  Here's to hoping Union's veteran O-line and stable of RB talent can pound the rock and keep a potential upstart under control.

Ice believes so much will be dependent on the play of the defensive front and/LB's as well as the QB play this season. Ice Bear says teams will most definitely play the run and force the green Union QB to make some plays. With an excellent receiving core the potential for the Union O to not only rely on the run are there. The games will tell Ice and others if the U is able to punish opponents who overplay the run against them.

Ice looks at the defensive front and LB core with ? and the hope that some young mother****ing bucks will step in and up to allow the returning secondary to defend the pass well. Ice thinks this season could go either way but is confident his beloved Dutchmen have enough talent to compete and make some noise.

Ice shoots some +k out his ass in support of his fellow LLPP posters coming out and spiting knowledge! Ice sits on his block of ice with admitted shrinkage and anticipation of the ****ing Pumpkins blowing the barn doors off of Alfred tonight.

Hey now...question here....is it "corps" or "core"? Copyeditors want to know!

And yeah, Saxons big-time underdogs at Boswell tonight...not an easy start for a squad that struggled on the offensive side last season before putting together some good wins to finish 5-5 (4-2 in the E8).

On a sad note, Pep is shocked to hear of the passing earlier this week of the affable former Saxon team captain and outstanding QB T.J. Kilcarr, who aptly spelled Tom Secky on numerous occasions during his career including a 31-28 win at St. John Fisher in 2009. RIP T.J.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVk1KA_MX0M

[AUPepBand]

Season #128 for the Hobart Statesmen being played during the bicentennial of Hobart College( what did they do for the first 72 years without football?) against an old rival that has provided some of the best games in the history of Western NY small college football. Will the Saxon Warriors improve on their 5-5 season by shocking the Statesmen in tonight's opener under the lights at the Boz? It will take some trickery from the Alfred coaching staff to get the Statesmen off balance. The Statesmen should be workman like on Offense and let the returning Hogs do their job as the best 1-2 rushing duo in league Denham/Boswell (and maybe in the country by the end of the year) looks to improve on their 2021 combined 2,102 rushing yards and 27 TDs. Boswell is also a pass threat with 19 catches for 272 yards and 3 TDs. Hobart defense loses 6 regular starters including an All American LB(Forde) and a top corner that got a look by the Giants(Leake) , so lots of opportunity for the new starters to fill some big shoes. I'm thinking the offense should roll and Hobart wins 42-13 as the defense gets some needed experience. Go Bart Team # 128 .

Just hoping the Saxons, clear underdogs, give it their best shot at the Boswell tonight. From what Pep has seen, if the Saxon offense takes care of the rock, the defense could keep the visitors in the game. Will know more tonight. On Saxon Warriors! Win one for #10!

[Ice Bear]

UNION opens Saturday in Meadville, PA against a Region 4 opponent, ALLEGHENY. https://team1sports.com/allegheny/ ...The Gators were 3-7 in the so-so North Coast Athletic Conference last season ( ranked #18/27) but have moved to the tougher PAC. (#10...the LL is #7) for 2022 . Interestingly Allegheny is coached by veteran head coach Rich Nagy who spent one year, 1989, coaching linebackers for Stagg Bowl runner-up Union College.

This game makes me nervous; Alleghany has all the makings of a sleeper success, with a top-notch coach and a very young team that returns nearly everyone, including a prolific QB.  And the Dutchmen have to make a long trip and start some green players at key positions.  Here's to hoping Union's veteran O-line and stable of RB talent can pound the rock and keep a potential upstart under control.

Ice believes so much will be dependent on the play of the defensive front and/LB's as well as the QB play this season. Ice Bear says teams will most definitely play the run and force the green Union QB to make some plays. With an excellent receiving core the potential for the Union O to not only rely on the run are there. The games will tell Ice and others if the U is able to punish opponents who overplay the run against them.

Ice looks at the defensive front and LB core with ? and the hope that some young mother****ing bucks will step in and up to allow the returning secondary to defend the pass well. Ice thinks this season could go either way but is confident his beloved Dutchmen have enough talent to compete and make some noise.

Ice shoots some +k out his ass in support of his fellow LLPP posters coming out and spiting knowledge! Ice sits on his block of ice with admitted shrinkage and anticipation of the ****ing Pumpkins blowing the barn doors off of Alfred tonight.

Hey now...question here....is it "corps" or "core"? Copyeditors want to know!

And yeah, Saxons big-time underdogs at Boswell tonight...not an easy start for a squad that struggled on the offensive side last season before putting together some good wins to finish 5-5 (4-2 in the E8).

On a sad note, Pep is shocked to hear of the passing earlier this week of the affable former Saxon team captain and outstanding QB T.J. Kilcarr, who aptly spelled Tom Secky on numerous occasions during his career including a 31-28 win at St. John Fisher in 2009. RIP T.J.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVk1KA_MX0M

+K pep and Ice certainly means no disrespect towards your beloved Saxons. Ice is very fond of the Saxons and wishes them success this season against all non LL teams.

Ice Bear sends his deepest condolences on the passing of T.J. Ice remembers him well. Ice says life can just be so damn sad, what a shame. Ice wishes his family and loved ones the very best.

[Ice Bear]

UNION opens Saturday in Meadville, PA against a Region 4 opponent, ALLEGHENY. https://team1sports.com/allegheny/ ...The Gators were 3-7 in the so-so North Coast Athletic Conference last season ( ranked #18/27) but have moved to the tougher PAC. (#10...the LL is #7) for 2022 . Interestingly Allegheny is coached by veteran head coach Rich Nagy who spent one year, 1989, coaching linebackers for Stagg Bowl runner-up Union College.

This game makes me nervous; Alleghany has all the makings of a sleeper success, with a top-notch coach and a very young team that returns nearly everyone, including a prolific QB.  And the Dutchmen have to make a long trip and start some green players at key positions.  Here's to hoping Union's veteran O-line and stable of RB talent can pound the rock and keep a potential upstart under control.

Ice believes so much will be dependent on the play of the defensive front and/LB's as well as the QB play this season. Ice Bear says teams will most definitely play the run and force the green Union QB to make some plays. With an excellent receiving core the potential for the Union O to not only rely on the run are there. The games will tell Ice and others if the U is able to punish opponents who overplay the run against them.

Ice looks at the defensive front and LB core with ? and the hope that some young mother****ing bucks will step in and up to allow the returning secondary to defend the pass well. Ice thinks this season could go either way but is confident his beloved Dutchmen have enough talent to compete and make some noise.

Ice shoots some +k out his ass in support of his fellow LLPP posters coming out and spiting knowledge! Ice sits on his block of ice with admitted shrinkage and anticipation of the ****ing Pumpkins blowing the barn doors off of Alfred tonight.

Hey now...question here....is it "corps" or "core"? Copyeditors want to know!

And yeah, Saxons big-time underdogs at Boswell tonight...not an easy start for a squad that struggled on the offensive side last season before putting together some good wins to finish 5-5 (4-2 in the E8).

On a sad note, Pep is shocked to hear of the passing earlier this week of the affable former Saxon team captain and outstanding QB T.J. Kilcarr, who aptly spelled Tom Secky on numerous occasions during his career including a 31-28 win at St. John Fisher in 2009. RIP T.J.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVk1KA_MX0M

Ice Bear...with his grammatical head hanging low from embarrassment says the proper word is corps not core (Ice changed that **** and bolded it in his post). Core may be acceptable slang but usually refers to the middle of something. Ice appreciates the correction and is very excited pep is hanging on the LLPP!

[Bartman]

Season #128 for the Hobart Statesmen being played during the bicentennial of Hobart College( what did they do for the first 72 years without football?) against an old rival that has provided some of the best games in the history of Western NY small college football. Will the Saxon Warriors improve on their 5-5 season by shocking the Statesmen in tonight's opener under the lights at the Boz? It will take some trickery from the Alfred coaching staff to get the Statesmen off balance. The Statesmen should be workman like on Offense and let the returning Hogs do their job as the best 1-2 rushing duo in league Denham/Boswell (and maybe in the country by the end of the year) looks to improve on their 2021 combined 2,102 rushing yards and 27 TDs. Boswell is also a pass threat with 19 catches for 272 yards and 3 TDs. Hobart defense loses 6 regular starters including an All American LB(Forde) and a top corner that got a look by the Giants(Leake) , so lots of opportunity for the new starters to fill some big shoes. I'm thinking the offense should roll and Hobart wins 42-13 as the defense gets some needed experience. Go Bart Team # 128 .

Just hoping the Saxons, clear underdogs, give it their best shot at the Boswell tonight. From what Pep has seen, if the Saxon offense takes care of the rock, the defense could keep the visitors in the game. Will know more tonight. On Saxon Warriors! Win one for #10!

The Saxon defense shut the Hobart running game down early as each team looked like it was a week#1 game and are working out some kinks. Not the prettiest game with a bunch of dumb penalties by both teams . Hobart QB threw some bad passes and some great ones as the  Statesmen receivers fought to catch four TD passes (A good omen for QB Krewson who threw only 5 TD passes in 2021). Although Hobart has four returning OL starters , they miss graduating Center Ludner Mercer who lead the line in 2021 but  Bartman feels the line will gel before the big game against Ithaca on 10/1. The Defense has some good athletes that will also gel over the next few weeks especially in the secondary that left some Saxon Warrior receivers open at times. Bartman appreciated the fight that the Saxons brought to the start of the game by shutting down Hobart's run game, and feels that they will have a winning season once their young QB gets more experience.   

[Oline89]

Last night's Hobart game is exactly why I love high level DIII football.  Hobart came in with a powerful running game, questionable defense and a QB with only 5 TD passes all last season.  What happened?  D throws a virtually shut out (only score was a 10 yard run after a turnover on the 10 yard line), QB throws 4TD's, and running game almost nonexistent.  RZO 100.00, TDRZO 100.00, TPO 32:30 (need some work here).  As a bonus, Statesmen are well on their way to maintianing the Most Penalized Team again (9-95). 
Alfred will win their share of games in the E8, strong defense, fast RB and good receivers. 
Looking foward to the rest of the weekend.

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear congratulates the Pumpkinheads on their victory over Alfred last night. Ice has so much gratitude around being able to watch D3 football for another season. To Ice, the Pumpkins D looked solid and their O, when faced with some adversity running the ball were able to make some impressive plays through the air. Krewson was inconsistent but Ice says he is very athletic and made some excellent throws when he needed to. Ice is happy for him and the Statesmen faithful.

[Bartman]

Ice Bear congratulates the Pumpkinheads on their victory over Alfred last night. Ice has so much gratitude around being able to watch D3 football for another season. To Ice, the Pumpkins D looked solid and their O, when faced with some adversity running the ball were able to make some impressive plays through the air. Krewson was inconsistent but Ice says he is very athletic and made some excellent throws when he needed to. Ice is happy for him and the Statesmen faithful.

Thanks Ice Bear, always good to hear your insights. Good luck to the Dutchmen today!

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear is preparing himself (deep ducking breathing) for the Dutchmen's 2022 kickoff today down in Allegheny. Some questions linger around the, QBS, LBs and defensive front but Ice believes there certainly is enough talent to make some noise. Ice Bear says early test here for the Garnet. A W would be great.

Also, props to former LL member and triple option dynamos the Pride of Springfield College on their dominating W last night over Western New England. Ice claims this W is a good statement for the Pride and shows they may be in the discussion this season as one of New England's best! Ice says Chris ****ing Sharpe!