FB: Liberty League

[NedM]

Ufan:

Thank you for that update. I did not know that information was available.

I also number myself among those that miss paper programs.

Ned

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear says this will be a tough matchup for the U today. Ice Bear holds his paws high in hopes of the Dutch secondary standing strong today as they will be tested. Ice says on O he expects more running by committee staring all four talented backs. The Bear believes the U will begin to feature Irabor more during conference play. Ice would also like to see Paccatte hit some accurate throws today and showing some growth in this area and building bc his confidence. The Bear growls...

Let's go U

[UfanBill]

Ask and you shall receive?...Suddenly voila the Game Notes for tomorrow's Union vs Utica game includes the Two Deep. Thank you.

For those that may be looking...the Union Gameday program including the Two Deep can be found by going to the Union Football homepage and clicking on Fan Zone in the headliner . Look for Gameday Programs on the drop down menu. They don't make it easy to find.

[Jonny Utah]

Hobart dominating on the road at Keystone.  Krewson looks sharp throwing and running.  Don't like the orange unis on the road though.  I like Hobart with the white pants/jerseys or even the orange pants/white jerseys (not sure if they wear those anymore).  There is also someone in the background throwing F-bombs like there is no tomorrow.  I can't tell if its a fan or a Keystone coach/player?

Union also has the ball rolling and should take care of Utica if they keep playing like they are playing.

[Jonny Utah]

Hobart dominating on the road at Keystone.  Krewson looks sharp throwing and running.  Don't like the orange unis on the road though.  I like Hobart with the white pants/jerseys or even the orange pants/white jerseys (not sure if they wear those anymore).  There is also someone in the background throwing F-bombs like there is no tomorrow.  I can't tell if its a fan or a Keystone coach/player?

Union also has the ball rolling and should take care of Utica if they keep playing like they are playing.

Well I didn't mean to jinx Union but wow did they look flat in the 2nd half.  Utica is a legit good team, but man Union kinda looked like they packed it in once Utica tied it up. 

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear witnessed one of the craziest Union losses he's seen...and Ice has seen some doozies.

The Bear gives huge credit to the Pioneers today. They never gave up and turned the second half into a completely different game. Ice says the Pioneers are VERY athletic with an excellent QB and some playmakers on the offensive side of the football. Their defense completely dominated the line of scrimmage in the second half and made plays time and again.

Congratulations to an excellent Pioneers team on what was a great comeback.

Ice says as far as his Dutchmen go, there will need to be some soul searching done by both the players and the coaching staff after this one. Ice says it's not the loss that is frustrating as much as it's the way it all went down. Ice will wait and see if they bounce back.

[UfanBill]

So what happened?...Union looked strong in the first half going out to a 24-7 lead BUT significantly lost QB Donovan Pacatte to an injury. When Pacatte didn't return after halftime Utica stepped up the defense and the Dutchmen fell apart. With the backup QB in the Pioneers crowded the line of scrimmage challenging the Dutchmen to throw. It was quickly evident that without Pacatte the passing game was non existent. Turns out so was the running game. Utica kept pecking away. Union faltered and spirited Utica scored 24 unanswered points to win. I did not see this kind of a collapse coming. I'd say the Union coaching staff was thoroughly outcoached in the second half. congrats to Utica.

[unionpalooza]

Just a brutal loss for the Dutchmen.  After piling up 300 first half yards, they couldn't muster a single first down in the second half.  Obviously they missed Pacatte but they clearly had no game plan without him - it was runs up the middle on first and second down followed by third down throws under pressure; could not have been more predictable, and the backup was not put in a position to get a feel for the game.  And the running back by committee approach continues to drive me nuts. Irabor had 10 carries for over a hundred yards, including a long TD, yet the second string back had 19 carries, and as Utica stormed back, we were still giving the third string guy the ball in the fourth quarter.  Hopefully the loss will cause some philosophical adjustments in the approach going forward.  You can't not put your best players on the field against good teams.

At least RPI also screwed the pooch today, so the day's not a total loss. It looks like Ithaca will be a cut above the rest this year, while Union/RPI/Hobart struggle with 6-4 type seasons. 

PS:  Utica seems legit, and their QB is a giant UAlbany transfer with a cannon. 

[Caz Bombers]

Fisher beat RPI 3-0? Were they playing volleyball or soccer instead, just for a goof? Disgusting sicko score.

[Bartman]

And then there was one.....Ithaca is the only undefeated team going into the Conference games. Before the season began , I was hoping for four undefeated teams going into the Conference schedule, instead the LL is 14-11 in OOC games and Hobart and RPI have had bad OOC losses(heck ,Morrisville is 3-0 against the LL ), while Union has shown the lack of depth at the QB position as well as some Questionable in game coaching to lose to Utica . Hobart is playing some angry football after the embarrassing loss to Morrisville, and I'm thinking there is a chance to upset the Bombers next Saturday, which will only make the LL look really mediocre this season. So, the hell with rankings and let's just have a great Conference schedule and get back to playing LL type football...at least against each other....because, other than Ithaca, so far, the LL looks like **** this year.

[Jonny Utah]

And then there was one.....Ithaca is the only undefeated team going into the Conference games. Before the season began , I was hoping for four undefeated teams going into the Conference schedule, instead the LL is 14-11 in OOC games and Hobart and RPI have had bad OOC losses(heck ,Morrisville is 3-0 against the LL ), while Union has shown the lack of depth at the QB position as well as some Questionable in game coaching to lose to Utica . Hobart is playing some angry football after the embarrassing loss to Morrisville, and I'm thinking there is a chance to upset the Bombers next Saturday, which will only make the LL look really mediocre this season. So, the hell with rankings and let's just have a great Conference schedule and get back to playing LL type football...at least against each other....because, other than Ithaca, so far, the LL looks like **** this year.

Ha yea I think the LL matchups will have a few "upsets".  Ithaca in three games has played almost perfect, although the second half of the Brockport game was not pretty from an offensive standpoint.  You never know if Brockport figured something out (that other LL teams can pick up on) or if Ithaca just got complacent after a nice halftime lead. 

Union's future this year probably hinges on Pacatte's injury status.  I think you need to fault the Union coaching staff for not having the #2 QB ready to go and to keep the team focused.  Losing the starting QB and having a backup plan is a must for any coaching staff. 

RPI loses in a shocker, but RPI does that more than any LL team don't they?  Last year they were the best team in the league but eight of their wins were by 7 points or less.  They only had two wins by more than 14 points in 2021.  Ithaca had six, Union had five, Hobart had seven and even SLU had four.  This could be the year they drop off for real, but RPI is a team that year in and year out seems to be in every game they play.  They rise to the occasion when needed but looks like they go down a notch as well versus average teams.

Hobart is the clear #2 team in the LL now imo.  Morrisvile is a legit team and after what I saw from Krewson yesterday, I think they have things figured out on offense and defense.  Krewson looked in control and confident yesterday.

Back to Union, Ross Jr. is a player I can't quite figure out.  He is a legit deep threat but it seems they don't throw to him or use him as much as they should?  He doesn't seem to get a lot of screens or short routes but he seems to be WIDE open on many of his catches.  Just a guess on my part but I'm guessing he is not a very physical player and may be injury prone and this may be the reason they don't get him more involved.  I could be way off here as I've only watched spurts of Union games throughout the past 4 years. 

I've also noticed the teams from New England that we all used to crap on are getting better.  Crossover games from New England and NY/NJAC have shown that things have gotten much more competitive between the two regions.   

[unionpalooza]

And then there was one.....Ithaca is the only undefeated team going into the Conference games. Before the season began , I was hoping for four undefeated teams going into the Conference schedule, instead the LL is 14-11 in OOC games and Hobart and RPI have had bad OOC losses(heck ,Morrisville is 3-0 against the LL ), while Union has shown the lack of depth at the QB position as well as some Questionable in game coaching to lose to Utica . Hobart is playing some angry football after the embarrassing loss to Morrisville, and I'm thinking there is a chance to upset the Bombers next Saturday, which will only make the LL look really mediocre this season. So, the hell with rankings and let's just have a great Conference schedule and get back to playing LL type football...at least against each other....because, other than Ithaca, so far, the LL looks like **** this year.

Ha yea I think the LL matchups will have a few "upsets".  Ithaca in three games has played almost perfect, although the second half of the Brockport game was not pretty from an offensive standpoint.  You never know if Brockport figured something out (that other LL teams can pick up on) or if Ithaca just got complacent after a nice halftime lead. 

Union's future this year probably hinges on Pacatte's injury status.  I think you need to fault the Union coaching staff for not having the #2 QB ready to go and to keep the team focused.  Losing the starting QB and having a backup plan is a must for any coaching staff. 

RPI loses in a shocker, but RPI does that more than any LL team don't they?  Last year they were the best team in the league but eight of their wins were by 7 points or less.  They only had two wins by more than 14 points in 2021.  Ithaca had six, Union had five, Hobart had seven and even SLU had four.  This could be the year they drop off for real, but RPI is a team that year in and year out seems to be in every game they play.  They rise to the occasion when needed but looks like they go down a notch as well versus average teams.

Hobart is the clear #2 team in the LL now imo.  Morrisvile is a legit team and after what I saw from Krewson yesterday, I think they have things figured out on offense and defense.  Krewson looked in control and confident yesterday.

Back to Union, Ross Jr. is a player I can't quite figure out.  He is a legit deep threat but it seems they don't throw to him or use him as much as they should?  He doesn't seem to get a lot of screens or short routes but he seems to be WIDE open on many of his catches.  Just a guess on my part but I'm guessing he is not a very physical player and may be injury prone and this may be the reason they don't get him more involved.  I could be way off here as I've only watched spurts of Union games throughout the past 4 years. 

I've also noticed the teams from New England that we all used to crap on are getting better.  Crossover games from New England and NY/NJAC have shown that things have gotten much more competitive between the two regions.

I think you're about right on Ross.  With the game tied up yesterday the backup threw a perfect deep ball from his own 2 where it looked like Ross could get under and take to the house.  Instead he pulled up and grabbed his calf.  Sort of par for the course. 

[IC798891]

LL Power Ranking with a twist — Reason for optimism/concern

1. Ithaca

Reason for optimism: The Bombers have scored more defensive/return points than they have allowed on defense this season.
Reason for concern: Purely speculative, but a ho-hum rushing performance against Brockport has me wondering if they'll be able to run against the tougher opponents later in the season.

2. Hobart

Reason for optimism: Undefeated with their starting QB in the lineup, and a strong defense makes them the #2 to me
Reason for concern: Krewson or no, Hobart's failed to score 20 points on the two tough defenses they've faced, and they have some tough defenses still to face.

3. Union

Reason for optimism: If I had to pick the offense with the highest ceiling, it would be these guys. Irabor and Ross have been doing this a long time. The schedule buys them time to get the QB situation figured out
Reason for concern: While the injury at QB is a problem, I'm actually more concerned that Union gave up 24 second half points at home. The offense isn't the reason they allowed nearly 10 yards per pass attempt, allowed Utica to go 8-of-14 on third down, and gave up a punt return TD

4. RPI
Reason for optimism: Have you seen this defense? They're allowing just 151 YPG. Teams are barely moving the ball against them
Reason for concern: Have you seen the offense? They are averaging just 14.5 PPG, and do not seem to have a sense of who the #1 QB is.

5. Rochester
Reason for optimism: There's a lot more fight there. They hung 530 yards on Utica, and they hung with Brockport much better than you'd typically expect.
Reason for concern: Ultimately, if they can't move the ball against Brockport, I don't think Hobart, IC, and RPI will provide much quarter.

6. St. Lawrence
Reason for optimism: They're not far from being 3-1.
Reason for concern: The 1 in their record came from the best team they've faced

7. Buff State
Reason for optimism: They showed a much better effort against a surprising Morrisville team. I think they have the right coach in place.
Reason for concern: This is a program that's been through a lot the last few years, and the roster just isn't where it needs to be. They'll get there, but this isn't the year.

[UfanBill]

And then there was one.....Ithaca is the only undefeated team going into the Conference games. Before the season began , I was hoping for four undefeated teams going into the Conference schedule, instead the LL is 14-11 in OOC games and Hobart and RPI have had bad OOC losses(heck ,Morrisville is 3-0 against the LL ), while Union has shown the lack of depth at the QB position as well as some Questionable in game coaching to lose to Utica . Hobart is playing some angry football after the embarrassing loss to Morrisville, and I'm thinking there is a chance to upset the Bombers next Saturday, which will only make the LL look really mediocre this season. So, the hell with rankings and let's just have a great Conference schedule and get back to playing LL type football...at least against each other....because, other than Ithaca, so far, the LL looks like **** this year.

Ha yea I think the LL matchups will have a few "upsets".  Ithaca in three games has played almost perfect, although the second half of the Brockport game was not pretty from an offensive standpoint.  You never know if Brockport figured something out (that other LL teams can pick up on) or if Ithaca just got complacent after a nice halftime lead. 

Union's future this year probably hinges on Pacatte's injury status.  I think you need to fault the Union coaching staff for not having the #2 QB ready to go and to keep the team focused.  Losing the starting QB and having a backup plan is a must for any coaching staff. 

RPI loses in a shocker, but RPI does that more than any LL team don't they?  Last year they were the best team in the league but eight of their wins were by 7 points or less.  They only had two wins by more than 14 points in 2021.  Ithaca had six, Union had five, Hobart had seven and even SLU had four.  This could be the year they drop off for real, but RPI is a team that year in and year out seems to be in every game they play.  They rise to the occasion when needed but looks like they go down a notch as well versus average teams.

Hobart is the clear #2 team in the LL now imo.  Morrisvile is a legit team and after what I saw from Krewson yesterday, I think they have things figured out on offense and defense.  Krewson looked in control and confident yesterday.

Back to Union, Ross Jr. is a player I can't quite figure out.  He is a legit deep threat but it seems they don't throw to him or use him as much as they should?  He doesn't seem to get a lot of screens or short routes but he seems to be WIDE open on many of his catches.  Just a guess on my part but I'm guessing he is not a very physical player and may be injury prone and this may be the reason they don't get him more involved.  I could be way off here as I've only watched spurts of Union games throughout the past 4 years. 

I've also noticed the teams from New England that we all used to crap on are getting better.  Crossover games from New England and NY/NJAC have shown that things have gotten much more competitive between the two regions.

I think you're about right on Ross.  With the game tied up yesterday the backup threw a perfect deep ball from his own 2 where it looked like Ross could get under and take to the house.  Instead he pulled up and grabbed his calf.  Sort of par for the course.

How fast things can change. During their meltdown Saturday Union seemingly sustained 2 significant injuries in addition to the psychological blow to team confidence. QB Donovan Pacatte suffered a left shoulder injury which left him in a sling and heavily iced. In addition WR Andre Ross Jr. pulled up with an apparent hamstring pull. I'd suspect both players will be out awhile. Fortunately for the Dutchman the schedule allows them some solace. Union hosts Buffalo St. next then travels to St. Lawrence 10/8. After an off week they resume 10/22 versus Rochester. The coaching staff, which got caught with their pants down by Utica, has a lot of work to do.

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear would agree that Ithaca sits well atop the LL at this point in the season. Ice says there is also no doubt in his mind that 3 of the top 4 are somewhat down this year in relation to their place in the national picture (which usually sits around #12-#30 in the nation.

Ice isn't shocked by RPI's lack of O and absolutely excellent defense. He knows damn well their O will have it together by the Shoes game. The Bear is purring with Hobart's explosion yesterday. Even though it was against an overmatched opponent it may have been exactly what Krewson and company needed to refocus, regain some confidence, and push forward into LL play. Ice says a W at home against the mighty Bombers and it's all of a sudden pumpkin season again. Ice believes IC is very good. We'll see how good next week on the road at the Boz Family Pumpkin Patch.

Ice shudders and turns his focus to his beloved Dutchmen. As the Bear reflects that may have been one of the most hot/cold games he's seen Union play...ever (anyone who knows Ice knows that says a lot, as he's been sitting in front of the frat house since before running water.

Ice absolutely loves and respects this coaching staff through and through. He'll leave that right there but as a fan he is just going to make some observations regarding yesterday.

Ice says first and foremost the Dutchmen defense got absolutely ****ing manhandled. They received a free second half colonoscopy performed by the hands of Nate Palmer and Braeden Zenelovic. Palmer is very quick and Zenelovic is a very big, strong, athletic, and accurate quarterback. He's the real deal at the D3 level. Ice heard Zenelovic yell at his team while walking off the field in the first half, "If they can score 24 in a half so can we." He was right. Union's secondary was carved up, out played, and out coached. Admittedly, they were on the field a ton as a result of the anemic second half offense. Ice hasn't seen a team have their way with the Dutchmen D like that in a while.

Ice says there seemingly was not a plan in place for backup QB Stratton Sherman. Sherman, who Ice understands has very little to no college game experience just couldn't get anything going behind center. There was no passing game at all. Ice saw the aforementioned pass to Ross out of the endzone at least 5 yards short of any space Ross could have gone. Ice could be wrong about that and trusts Palooza, but that's just what he saw. To Ice, Sherman was completely out of his element. Ice hopes that Sherman comes out and proves him wrong next week as Ice knows he was a very strong HS player. 

Ice also says yes, Ross has his moments and is a hell of a receiver but, he feels the Dutch don't go to him as often as one would think because of he is very injury prone. Once Pacatte was out, the box was stacked and Union could simply not function from the one dimensional place they were forced into.

Ice is also is curious about two other things. One, how on earth the Dutch kept running Pacatte as much as they did? It's only a matter of time at this level that you can run your QB over and over and not have him get hurt. Ice says the game is too physical. Ice understands that that option and skill set are very valuable and helps keep the D on their toes. Yet you have arguably one of the top 10 RB's in the nation and arguably the strongest four deep set of RB's in the country. Two, how there was no change on the return team after the same player made 3 mistakes??? Ice supports the kid and has seen the kid do well. Ice says it just wasn't his day and my goodness how long can you do the same thing and expect different results?

Anyway just Ice's thoughts. Overall Ice loves this staff and team. He is just talking some football here and sharing his perspective on what was a crazy game. Ice congrats Utica on never giving up and completely dominating the second half. This is a solid Pioneer team that may give Cortland a challenge if the Utica D can stand up. Onto Buffalo State.