FB: Liberty League

[unionpalooza]

Looks like the LL will go 6-1 on the week.

Union took are of business at Worcester St., as you'd expect.  Defense played particularly well, holding the Lancers to -4 yards in total offense, blocking two punts, recording 10 sacks, and throwing in a safety for good measure.  But WAY too many penalties.  Something to work on.

The offensive game plan was clearly to work out some kinks in the passing game, and after a few early drives with in accurate throws and drops, they clicked well.  The freshman running back (Steve "Petro" Petruziello) looked awesome again, with 93 yards and a TD on 12 carries.

And most importantly, no injuries.

We'll see how they do next week against real competition.  But at this point you have to think the LL is wide open, and nothing on the field to date really separates the top four.

[Bartman]

A good week for the LL going 6-1 with the lone loss by Buffalo State to Apprentice the Shipbuilders from Newport News(FYI the Builders beat Christopher Newport last year , and CNU barely lost to JHU yesterday .....how good is JHU??)

Power Rankings after Week Two:

1. Hobart(2-0)
    Ithaca(1-1)
    RPI(2-0)
    Union(2-0)
5.Rochester
6.St.Lawrence
7.Buffalo State

I might get some legitimate criticism for copping out to a  four way tie at the top, but I'm not ready to jump on the obvious transformation of the RPI offense since the Defense seems to now have issues, Ithaca looks good but not great but have played the best competition(although JHU barely beating CNU is noteworthy), Union looks amazing against the worst teams in D3, and Hobart seems strong on Defense, improved on rushing offense, but the passing game has not appeared yet.  Rochester looked fantastic last night and looks like they may sting an unprepared  top 4 team, St Lawrence has really dropped far from the 9-1 year in 2016 and Buffalo State.........well is Buffalo State.
    I don't see much changing until 9/30 when Hobart plays Ithaca and 10/7 when RPI gets a shot at the Champs..... the days will get cooler but the competition will be hot.

[Bartman]

Hobart JV vs. SJF JV at the BOZ on Sunday will be interesting to see how the "recruits" stack up and whether SJF is turning things around. Hobart has smartly scheduled 2 JV games early to evaluate the youngin's in a real game. Last week the JV offense put up 42 on Alfred JV. We'll see about Sunday v SJF.

Is True Styles gonna start at QB Bartman?

Jonny U,
      Tru Styles got the start for Hobart JV against Fisher, and threw a TD pass in the first quarter. He looked very poised and accurate on his throws. Each quarter featured another Hobart QB as they compete for position, so that was Tru's quarter . The Hobart D looked good in a 13-12 win over Fisher, but Fisher had some fight in them up until Hobart stuffed the Birds on the 2 point conversion for the potential win in the final minute. Fisher has some very good Freshmen, so I see some improvement in the next few years in Pittsford.

[UfanBill]

The season starts this week

#1 VS #2...No not North Central vs Mt Union or Georgia vs Michigan, you'll have to wait for that, but the #1 rushing team in D3 Springfield(386 yds/gm) meets #2 Union(362) in a Friday Night Lights matchup at Frank Bailey Field this week. The Pride with their option offense are always a challenge for any defense and the Garnet have been rolling over inferior competition. How will their D's slow down the others rushing attack? The Springfield D has the task of playing against their teammates run everyday in practice. That should give them confidence they can stifle Union, though they did give up 192 yards rushing to Husson last week. Union has completely shut down their opponents allowing a combined -52 rushing yards in 41 attempts to their two foes(#1 in the country). Of course Union will not completely stonewall the Pride but can they contain them?  Historically the Garnet have done a pretty good job against the option. The strength of the Union D is their front and LBs. just what you need to stuff Springield's quick hitters. Can their secondary stop the  big plays? Usually Springfield pops a big run or two. Can they hit that bomb they surprise you with? For Union can they get Springfield off the field and make some big plays of their own? In last year's 21-6 victory the Dutchmen didn't allow a TD while using their stars for two big TDs but Andre Ross and Ike Irabor aren't there anymore. Can Union score enough to beat Springfield with this year's offense? It's going to answer the questions about just how good both of these teams are.       

[ICAlum16]

The season starts this week

#1 VS #2...No not North Central vs Mt Union or Georgia vs Michigan, you'll have to wait for that, but the #1 rushing team in D3 Springfield(386 yds/gm) meets #2 Union(362) in a Friday Night Lights matchup at Frank Bailey Field this week. The Pride with their option offense are always a challenge for any defense and the Garnet have been rolling over inferior competition. How will their D's slow down the others rushing attack? The Springfield D has the task of playing against their teammates run everyday in practice. That should give them confidence they can stifle Union, though they did give up 192 yards rushing to Husson last week. Union has completely shut down their opponents allowing a combined -52 rushing yards in 41 attempts to their two foes(#1 in the country). Of course Union will not completely stonewall the Pride but can they contain them?  Historically the Garnet have done a pretty good job against the option. The strength of the Union D is their front and LBs. just what you need to stuff Springield's quick hitters. Can their secondary stop the  big plays? Usually Springfield pops a big run or two. Can they hit that bomb they surprise you with? For Union can they get Springfield off the field and make some big plays of their own? In last year's 21-6 victory the Dutchmen didn't allow a TD while using their stars for two big TDs but Andre Ross and Ike Irabor aren't there anymore. Can Union score enough to beat Springfield with this year's offense? It's going to answer the questions about just how good both of these teams are.     

This is going to be an interesting match up for sure. Having watched IC vs Springfield in the playoffs I can say for certain that this team is physical and fundamentally sound. However, their style of play is to their detriment, the triple option can only take you so far. I think as the game goes on Union will be able to out athlete them similar to what the Bombers did to them in the playoffs last year. It will be close in the first half but after Union connects on a few explosives and takes a lead it is going to be very difficult for The Pride to come back. My too early prediction  for this game is Union 31 Springfield 23

[Jersey42]

Buffalo State couldn't beat their non D3 opponent this past week and they have not won since Oct, 2019.  But there is some hope in Bengal-land.  This week they get Dean and in October they play Hilbert.  If you put even a little faith in Logan Hansen's ratings, Buffalo State might be favored in both of those games.  Out of 230 teams, Dean is ranked 228 and Hilbert is 222. Buffalo State is 189. Yes this is the same Hilbert that Union edged 65-0 in their first game. By the way RPI also plays Dean and Hobart plays Hilbert.

[Ice Bear]

Here are my rankings as of now. Obviously at week#2 it's very hard to tell, but just thought I'd take a crack.

1.) Ithaca
2.) Hobart
3.) RPI
4.) Union
5.) Rochester
6.) SLU
7.) Buffalo State

[Bartman]

The season starts this week

#1 VS #2...No not North Central vs Mt Union or Georgia vs Michigan, you'll have to wait for that, but the #1 rushing team in D3 Springfield(386 yds/gm) meets #2 Union(362) in a Friday Night Lights matchup at Frank Bailey Field this week. The Pride with their option offense are always a challenge for any defense and the Garnet have been rolling over inferior competition. How will their D's slow down the others rushing attack? The Springfield D has the task of playing against their teammates run everyday in practice. That should give them confidence they can stifle Union, though they did give up 192 yards rushing to Husson last week. Union has completely shut down their opponents allowing a combined -52 rushing yards in 41 attempts to their two foes(#1 in the country). Of course Union will not completely stonewall the Pride but can they contain them?  Historically the Garnet have done a pretty good job against the option. The strength of the Union D is their front and LBs. just what you need to stuff Springield's quick hitters. Can their secondary stop the  big plays? Usually Springfield pops a big run or two. Can they hit that bomb they surprise you with? For Union can they get Springfield off the field and make some big plays of their own? In last year's 21-6 victory the Dutchmen didn't allow a TD while using their stars for two big TDs but Andre Ross and Ike Irabor aren't there anymore. Can Union score enough to beat Springfield with this year's offense? It's going to answer the questions about just how good both of these teams are.     

Nice analysis UFan, I have no idea how this game will go, but it will be a good test for Poppe's Chargers and will tell us a lot . I'm rooting for the l_z_l (My best attempt to make the new electrified U).

[Bartman]

Congrats to the Yellowjackets Offensive Line and Hobart's Rayshawn Boswell for being named to the D3.com team of the week.

Liberty League Performers of the week:

Offensive Performer of the Week: Jake Kazanowsky, RPI
Defensive Performer of the Week: Peterson Monexant, Hobart
Special Teams Performer of the Week: Tobias Wefering, Hobart
Rookie of the Week: Stephen Petruzziello, Union
Honor Roll: Rayshawn Boswell, Hobart; Anthony D'Agostino, RPI; Jared Elstein, RPI; Michael Fiore, Union; Ryan Rose, Rochester; Ben Stola, Ithaca; Kayden White, RPI; Jack Yensel, Rochester

[Machiavelli]

I'm pretty impressed with my predictions. That's how you debate!


Union - 56 (63)
Worcester - 0 (0)
O'Doyle Rules!!!
<Yawn>

Hobart - 24 (27)
Morrisville - 17 (10)
Not really sure how I feel about Hobart this year.
Still don't know how I feel about Hobart.

Endicott - 21 (17)
Ithaca - 24 (20)
I don't think the game should really be this close. Endicott is big and quasi-athletic though, so will be interesting.
Tough to tell if Ithaca is playing below their potential or if Endicott is a beast of the way East. Maybe a little of both.

SLU - 00 (14)
Norwich - 00 (7)
Who gives a ****?
By the sounds of things, this felt a little like a 0-0 game?

Rochester - 24 (49)
Alfred St - 10 (7)
Also feels like a 'who gives a ****?' game to me. Maybe Roch-Vegas will surprise us this year. Doubt it. But maybe.
Didn't expect Rochacha to put up this many points. Solid defensive effort by Alfred St. Rochester scored 33% of the total points scored in 2022.

Buffalo St. - 45 (23)
Apprentice - 24 (37)
No idea. Will lose zero sleep over having no idea.
As mentioned, I lost zero sleep over this one.

Wilkes - 10 (14)
RPI - 42 (38)
Maybe I'm losing it, but I could've sworn I just read that someone took Wilkes here. That Upstate NY weed must be some good sh!t.
I know it's early, but it feels like RPI has reloaded quite well.

[Machiavelli]

Since my post broke the boards yesterday, I'll quickly try and get out this week's 'Mach's Amazing Predictions':

Ithaca - 28
Alfred - 10
I think Ithaca finds their groove this week(a little).

Springfield - 20
Union - 24
This is a very intriguing matchup since we know NOTHING about Union, and Springfield throttled what are typically 2 decent teams that might be very mediocre this year. I think Union pulls an Ithaca and pulls off a comeback in the 4th to take the W. And O'Doyle still rules...

Rochester - 35
Salve Regina Steamer Carpet Cleaner - 31
It's actually another intriguing matchup. I just don't really care about it too much. I'll give the Jackets the nod for this week.

St. Lawrence - 14
Western New England - 35
Tough call, but I think St. Lawrence is lucky to have gotten their win for this year.

RPI - 42
WPI - 21
While WPI can sometimes be pesky in the battle for the Transit Trophy, I think RPI keeps rolling...

Dean - 9
Buff St. - 10
Well, Buff St. has 3 winnable games on their schedule. This is one of them. Godspeed.

The Mach hath spoken. Go on with your badselves...

[ICAlum16]

Since my post broke the boards yesterday, I'll quickly try and get out this week's 'Mach's Amazing Predictions':

Ithaca - 28
Alfred - 10
I think Ithaca finds their groove this week(a little).

Springfield - 20
Union - 24
This is a very intriguing matchup since we know NOTHING about Union, and Springfield throttled what are typically 2 decent teams that might be very mediocre this year. I think Union pulls an Ithaca and pulls off a comeback in the 4th to take the W. And O'Doyle still rules...

Rochester - 35
Salve Regina Steamer Carpet Cleaner - 31
It's actually another intriguing matchup. I just don't really care about it too much. I'll give the Jackets the nod for this week.

St. Lawrence - 14
Western New England - 35
Tough call, but I think St. Lawrence is lucky to have gotten their win for this year.

RPI - 42
WPI - 21
While WPI can sometimes be pesky in the battle for the Transit Trophy, I think RPI keeps rolling...

Dean - 9
Buff St. - 10
Well, Buff St. has 3 winnable games on their schedule. This is one of them. Godspeed.

The Mach hath spoken. Go on with your badselves...

I am going to give myself a very small pat on the back for starting predictions this year. Im new to the board so sorry if im stealing someones thunder. Anyways on to the good stuff

Ithaca 38 Alfred 13: Another road game which is a same day travel and play so maybe a slow start but Ithaca has owned Alfred as of late I believe winning 8 of the last 10 against the Saxons. I think they explode for a big second half and head into the bye week to prep for the home opener and Statesman showdown.

Union 26 Springfield 19: A tough grind it out game that ultimately I think goes the way of the CHARGERS due to their overall team speed.

Rochester 17 Salve Regina 28: Coming off a hot start I think the long travel to Newport takes a toll on the Yellow Jackets and they drop a tough game here.

SLU 10 WNE 24: Again, another long road trip for a struggling offense does not bode well for the Larry's.

RPI 30 WPI 14: Engineers and their new look offense continue to roll as they get into conference play

Dean 3 Buff St 5: Channeling my inner Chris Berman for this one. Take the alternate under and congrats to Buff St for getting in the W column.

[Jersey42]

Yesterday, they moved RPI's game at WPI to Friday night as a precaution against the weather.  So now both RPI and Union are scheduled to play on Friday.

A little history.
Many people here know that the RPI/Union rivalry is the oldest in New York State. But the RPI/WPI rivalry is even older with their first game in 1894.  With the exception of the Covid year, RPI and WPI have played every season since 1947.  Between 1907 and 1943 they only missed three years. Since WPI left the LL after the 2016 season, RPI pretty much has one "guaranteed" non-conference opponent every year.

Based on RPI records, there have been 114 games in the RPI/WPI series.  RPI and Union have played 118 or 119 times. Union shows two games in 1944.  In any case, that's a lot of football. 

[Ice Bear]

Ithaca vs. Alfred: This will be a telling game for IC IMHO. IC should win this game handily. If not, either Alfred had a week of practice for the ages or IC may have dropped off even more then some of us are thinking they may have. IC 27-10

Union vs. Springfield: I feel the Garnet Chargers are very fortunate this game is home, on a Friday night under the lights. I wholeheartedly believe Union will need all the help they can get this week as they take a step back into reality against a team that made it into the second round of the NCAA's last season. Never mind facing my favorite offense in the triple option, the Garnet Chargers will see athleticism and physicality that they haven't seen so far this season. With that said Union's defensive strength and experience is a combination their defensive line and their physical LB core. I predict the Union O comes out shaky, struggles with timing, and won't mesh until the second quarter. Of course the Pride will get at least one passing TD and an 85 yard running TD out of what appears to be a scrum...still Union 21-20 in a squeaker.

Rochester vs. Salve Regina: I think the Seahawks will pummel the Yellowjackets. I hope I'm wrong on this. SR 32-10.

SLU vs. WNE: WNE has earned my respect over the years, although it seems as if there may have been a drop-off over the last two years or so. Either way the Golden Bears win convincingly. WNE 28 SLU 6 

RPI vs WPI: I really enjoy this rivalry and respect that it takes place between two schools with some very bright student athletes. With RPI the O looks like it's back and many of us are hoping that's the case (with the exception of when they face our respective teams). WPI can ball a bit and they take this game incredibly seriously year in and year out. I think for RPI, while taking it seriously, it may not be as big of a deal as they tend to worry about the other 3 big opponents in the LL that they face. RPI 27 WPI 17

Dean vs. Buff St: Dean gave up 70 to Nichols last week, who is a team that gave up 57 the week before to Mass Dartmouth. Good news for the Bulldogs as they face a really down Buffalo State team and overall program. Bulldogs win 14-10

[UfanBill]

Union vs. Springfield: I feel the Garnet Chargers are very fortunate this game is home, on a Friday night under the lights. I wholeheartedly believe Union will need all the help they can get this week as they take a step back into reality against a team that made it into the second round of the NCAA's last season. Never mind facing my favorite offense in the triple option, the Garnet Chargers will see athleticism and physicality that they haven't seen so far this season. With that said Union's defensive strength and experience is a combination their defensive line and their physical LB core. I predict the Union O comes out shaky, struggles with timing, and won't mesh until the second quarter. Of course the Pride will get at least one passing TD and an 85 yard running TD out of what appears to be a scrum...still Union 21-20 in a squeaker.

Icebear...A little Springfield vs Union history here...The last time the Dutchmen faced Springfield under the lights was in their opener in 2007 on a Saturday at Frank Bailey. That would be the day that solidified your MANCRUSH on Pride QB Chris Sharpe. That night Sharpe rushed for 224 yards with TD runs of 40 and 36 as the Pride option attack was unstoppable.  One thing that WAS stoppable was the game itself as there was a 1:32 weather delay. My memories of that game aren't as sharp as yours and  Springfield no longer has anyone quite as great in their backfield. This is going to be a close game and my fear is that Union lets Springfield hang around and a late field goal by Pride All American Christian Hutra decides it. Hutra is a great kicker as evidenced by last season's stats...53 of 53 on extra points and 13/14 on FGs.