FB: Liberty League

[Bartman]

Ithaca looks like they have a pretty good chance to have two home wins before hitting the North Central wall, although the gulls  will be a challenge. Good luck to the Bombers. RPI looks like a "shoe-in" for the ECAC and Hobart might hopefully hang on for a road game. I think the LL should redeem themselves in the playoffs and make up for their disappointing results against the E8 this season. RPI loss to SJF, Hobart loss to Mooville and the Union loss to Utica got the Pioneers into the NCAA. 

[Oline89]

Ithaca has a great draw for the NCAAs.  Strong chance to win 2 rounds.  As for the rest of the LL, we just beat each other up (as usual). Safe to assume if RPI didn't fall to SJF and Carnegie Mellon (by total of 5 points...) they would have been a Pool C team?

[IC798891]

Ithaca has a great draw for the NCAAs.  Strong chance to win 2 rounds.  As for the rest of the LL, we just beat each other up (as usual). Safe to assume if RPI didn't fall to SJF and Carnegie Mellon (by total of 5 points...) they would have been a Pool C team?

Would they have jumped Utica? Probably, because the Carnegie Mellon win would give them a 1-1 record vs. RR opponents.

I also like IC's first-round matchup. This has a chance to be the season we thought IC was having in 2019

[IC798891]

If you're looking for an underrated key to IC's success this year, the return game is the answer:

Punt return average/TDs

2017: 8.29/0
2018: 4.38/0
2019: 8.73/0
2021: 8.00/0
2022: 12.76/2

Kick return average/TDs

2017: 17.1/0
2018: 20.5/0
2019: 21.4/0
2021: 16.2/0
2022: 28.0/1

For those of us who are old enough to recall both the Butterfield and Welch eras, it was kind of shocking to see that sort of performance in the return game under Swanstrom. Now that IC's dangerous again in the return game, it's really rounded out their attack

[Caz Bombers]

UMass Dartmouth doesn't seem like any kind of pushover, for a MASCAC champ. Weak league, sure, but they didn't play a single one-score game in conference. Losing to Anna Maria and allowing 63 points in the process is pretty horrible but I guess everyone gets one bad week.

One common opponent - Bridgewater State - very similar final scores. Mobile QB and we saw the other day what Boyes did to them with his legs. Sophomore WR Angel Sanchez has put up consistent monster numbers (7 games with 120 or more receiving yards).

They've historically been an also-ran but have all of a sudden won 18 games the past two seasons without a coaching change. Either they switched schemes or made some recruiting changes. Lot of New England kids on the roster, obviously.

Hopefully Johnny Utah can give us his insight into the Corsairs.

[IC798891]

Flittering thoughts based on literally nothing other than scouting a stat sheet.

UMass Dartmouth seems to have a really balanced running attack, with 4 players totalling at least 450 yards, and at least 5 yards a carry. Though it looks like Jean Marvens might be out with an injury, or moved to defense (he had an INT)? And they have a clear #1 WR, with Angel Sanchez averaging 140 ypg. And with a mobile QB, there's another threat as well

Defensively, they can get after the passer, with 32 sacks. It'll be interesting to see if IC's quick passing game can neutralize that. The Anna Maria game looks so out of place it's almost funny. They have a pretty good offense, but I can't fathom how they put up 63 like that.

IC looks to have the special teams advantage, as UMass Dartmouth doesn't seem to have a strong return game. They also missed 11 extra points, and were just 2-of-3 on FGs, with nothing longer than 24. Ithaca has had their own hiccups at time in the kicking game, but missed just one PAT, and Bahamonde hit 13 FGs, including from 45+.  And their return game has been top notch.

Look, I'm old enough to remember when we thought IC was gonna roll Curry by 30 points at home in the first round 2008, only to get outplayed from the jump and lose. I also remember the literal centimeters they beat Framingham by in 2013. Regardless of how long ago that was, I don't subscribe to the idea that the NE region is just there to serve as first round fodder for NY teams. This is going to be a battle. Ithaca can't afford a slow start.

(I mean, if Springfield's triple option comes to Butterfield in late November, I'll love it. But that's just long grass for you, not geography.)

Do I think IC is the favorite? Sure. I think it's more along the lines of 31-20 though.

[XREDDRAGON77]

I fully expect an Ithaca v North Central matchup in a few weeks. Your Cortaca win was well earned and set you up on a great path to get deep into the tourney! Please don't flop like you did against Curry years ago when you slapped a 9-0 Cortland team!

[Caz Bombers]

I fully expect an Ithaca v North Central matchup in a few weeks. Your Cortaca win was well earned and set you up on a great path to get deep into the tourney! Please don't flop like you did against Curry years ago when you slapped a 9-0 Cortland team!

curse the name of Dem Spicy Boyz forever

[Caz Bombers]

Flittering thoughts based on literally nothing other than scouting a stat sheet.

UMass Dartmouth seems to have a really balanced running attack, with 4 players totalling at least 450 yards, and at least 5 yards a carry. Though it looks like Jean Marvens might be out with an injury, or moved to defense (he had an INT)? And they have a clear #1 WR, with Angel Sanchez averaging 140 ypg. And with a mobile QB, there's another threat as well

Defensively, they can get after the passer, with 32 sacks. It'll be interesting to see if IC's quick passing game can neutralize that. The Anna Maria game looks so out of place it's almost funny. They have a pretty good offense, but I can't fathom how they put up 63 like that.

IC looks to have the special teams advantage, as UMass Dartmouth doesn't seem to have a strong return game. They also missed 11 extra points, and were just 2-of-3 on FGs, with nothing longer than 24. Ithaca has had their own hiccups at time in the kicking game, but missed just one PAT, and Bahamonde hit 13 FGs, including from 45+.  And their return game has been top notch.

Look, I'm old enough to remember when we thought IC was gonna roll Curry by 30 points at home in the first round 2008, only to get outplayed from the jump and lose. I also remember the literal centimeters they beat Framingham by in 2013. Regardless of how long ago that was, I don't subscribe to the idea that the NE region is just there to serve as first round fodder for NY teams. This is going to be a battle. Ithaca can't afford a slow start.

(I mean, if Springfield's triple option comes to Butterfield in late November, I'll love it. But that's just long grass for you, not geography.)

Do I think IC is the favorite? Sure. I think it's more along the lines of 31-20 though.

does Hey Pride really still run the triple? Mike DeLong has to be 250 years old by now. Haven't thought about them in years.

[Ice Bear]

Ice Bear says Hey Pride still run that **** like a mother****er. Ice says Delong retired and now Cerasulo  runs the show.

[Jonny Utah]

UMass Dartmouth doesn't seem like any kind of pushover, for a MASCAC champ. Weak league, sure, but they didn't play a single one-score game in conference. Losing to Anna Maria and allowing 63 points in the process is pretty horrible but I guess everyone gets one bad week.

One common opponent - Bridgewater State - very similar final scores. Mobile QB and we saw the other day what Boyes did to them with his legs. Sophomore WR Angel Sanchez has put up consistent monster numbers (7 games with 120 or more receiving yards).

They've historically been an also-ran but have all of a sudden won 18 games the past two seasons without a coaching change. Either they switched schemes or made some recruiting changes. Lot of New England kids on the roster, obviously.

Hopefully Johnny Utah can give us his insight into the Corsairs.

I have zero insight into this Umass Dartmouth team.  In fact I have never seen them play or even been to that campus.  Just a little out of my range.  Like others have said here, the New England conference champs are not pushovers any more at all.  Especially a team like this who seemed to have won this conference without much pushback.  No close games, no tie breakers, etc.   

[Ice Bear]

UMass Dartmouth doesn't seem like any kind of pushover, for a MASCAC champ. Weak league, sure, but they didn't play a single one-score game in conference. Losing to Anna Maria and allowing 63 points in the process is pretty horrible but I guess everyone gets one bad week.

One common opponent - Bridgewater State - very similar final scores. Mobile QB and we saw the other day what Boyes did to them with his legs. Sophomore WR Angel Sanchez has put up consistent monster numbers (7 games with 120 or more receiving yards).

They've historically been an also-ran but have all of a sudden won 18 games the past two seasons without a coaching change. Either they switched schemes or made some recruiting changes. Lot of New England kids on the roster, obviously.

Hopefully Johnny Utah can give us his insight into the Corsairs.

I have zero insight into this Umass Dartmouth team.  In fact I have never seen them play or even been to that campus.  Just a little out of my range.  Like others have said here, the New England conference champs are not pushovers any more at all.  Especially a team like this who seemed to have won this conference without much pushback.  No close games, no tie breakers, etc.

Ice agrees Utah...head on a swivel with these mother****ers!

[ITH radio]

Flittering thoughts based on literally nothing other than scouting a stat sheet.

UMass Dartmouth seems to have a really balanced running attack, with 4 players totalling at least 450 yards, and at least 5 yards a carry. Though it looks like Jean Marvens might be out with an injury, or moved to defense (he had an INT)? And they have a clear #1 WR, with Angel Sanchez averaging 140 ypg. And with a mobile QB, there's another threat as well

Defensively, they can get after the passer, with 32 sacks. It'll be interesting to see if IC's quick passing game can neutralize that. The Anna Maria game looks so out of place it's almost funny. They have a pretty good offense, but I can't fathom how they put up 63 like that.

IC looks to have the special teams advantage, as UMass Dartmouth doesn't seem to have a strong return game. They also missed 11 extra points, and were just 2-of-3 on FGs, with nothing longer than 24. Ithaca has had their own hiccups at time in the kicking game, but missed just one PAT, and Bahamonde hit 13 FGs, including from 45+.  And their return game has been top notch.

Look, I'm old enough to remember when we thought IC was gonna roll Curry by 30 points at home in the first round 2008, only to get outplayed from the jump and lose. I also remember the literal centimeters they beat Framingham by in 2013. Regardless of how long ago that was, I don't subscribe to the idea that the NE region is just there to serve as first round fodder for NY teams. This is going to be a battle. Ithaca can't afford a slow start.

(I mean, if Springfield's triple option comes to Butterfield in late November, I'll love it. But that's just long grass for you, not geography.)

Do I think IC is the favorite? Sure. I think it's more along the lines of 31-20 though.

does Hey Pride really still run the triple? Mike DeLong has to be 250 years old by now. Haven't thought about them in years.

Yes, they still do. Mike DeLong retired several years back, but one of his former assistants (and players) Mike Cerasuolo has done a nice job of keeping the Pride rolling along. They will give EC a good run for their money Saturday.

[Bartman]

UMass Dartmouth doesn't seem like any kind of pushover, for a MASCAC champ. Weak league, sure, but they didn't play a single one-score game in conference. Losing to Anna Maria and allowing 63 points in the process is pretty horrible but I guess everyone gets one bad week.

One common opponent - Bridgewater State - very similar final scores. Mobile QB and we saw the other day what Boyes did to them with his legs. Sophomore WR Angel Sanchez has put up consistent monster numbers (7 games with 120 or more receiving yards).

They've historically been an also-ran but have all of a sudden won 18 games the past two seasons without a coaching change. Either they switched schemes or made some recruiting changes. Lot of New England kids on the roster, obviously.

Hopefully Johnny Utah can give us his insight into the Corsairs.

I have zero insight into this Umass Dartmouth team.  In fact I have never seen them play or even been to that campus.  Just a little out of my range.  Like others have said here, the New England conference champs are not pushovers any more at all.  Especially a team like this who seemed to have won this conference without much pushback.  No close games, no tie breakers, etc.

Ice agrees Utah...head on a swivel with these mother****ers!

Bartman also agrees. Their only loss was against Anna Maria that was a track meet and UMass D had 4 turnovers. Otherwise they sailed through their  schedule. Be ready Ithaca to prepare for a team the skill set of Cortland, don't be overconfident or you'll have a 2008 Curry flashback.

[Ice Bear]

Flittering thoughts based on literally nothing other than scouting a stat sheet.

UMass Dartmouth seems to have a really balanced running attack, with 4 players totalling at least 450 yards, and at least 5 yards a carry. Though it looks like Jean Marvens might be out with an injury, or moved to defense (he had an INT)? And they have a clear #1 WR, with Angel Sanchez averaging 140 ypg. And with a mobile QB, there's another threat as well

Defensively, they can get after the passer, with 32 sacks. It'll be interesting to see if IC's quick passing game can neutralize that. The Anna Maria game looks so out of place it's almost funny. They have a pretty good offense, but I can't fathom how they put up 63 like that.

IC looks to have the special teams advantage, as UMass Dartmouth doesn't seem to have a strong return game. They also missed 11 extra points, and were just 2-of-3 on FGs, with nothing longer than 24. Ithaca has had their own hiccups at time in the kicking game, but missed just one PAT, and Bahamonde hit 13 FGs, including from 45+.  And their return game has been top notch.

Look, I'm old enough to remember when we thought IC was gonna roll Curry by 30 points at home in the first round 2008, only to get outplayed from the jump and lose. I also remember the literal centimeters they beat Framingham by in 2013. Regardless of how long ago that was, I don't subscribe to the idea that the NE region is just there to serve as first round fodder for NY teams. This is going to be a battle. Ithaca can't afford a slow start.

(I mean, if Springfield's triple option comes to Butterfield in late November, I'll love it. But that's just long grass for you, not geography.)

Do I think IC is the favorite? Sure. I think it's more along the lines of 31-20 though.

does Hey Pride really still run the triple? Mike DeLong has to be 250 years old by now. Haven't thought about them in years.

Yes, they still do. Mike DeLong retired several years back, but one of his former assistants (and players) Mike Cerasuolo has done a nice job of keeping the Pride rolling along. They will give EC a good run for their money Saturday.

Ice Bear likes how ITH answers the same question he just answered a couple of posts back, but in a mature/adult manner...