FB: Liberty League

[unionpalooza]

Awesome podcast out by Pat and team going through the playoff criteria and selection process.  Totally worth a listen.

Pat, is the NCAA's version of SOS for each team out there somewhere?

Yep -- we have it on our site:
https://www.d3football.com/seasons/2023/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

Awesome! Many many thanks. 
This is as accurate as we can make it. We'll double check it when the NCAA releases the data next week with the alphabetical rankings. It is usually pretty close.

[unionpalooza]

Awesome podcast out by Pat and team going through the playoff criteria and selection process.  Totally worth a listen.

Pat, is the NCAA's version of SOS for each team out there somewhere?

Yep -- we have it on our site:
https://www.d3football.com/seasons/2023/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

This is as accurate as we can make it. We'll double check it when the NCAA releases the data next week with the alphabetical rankings. It is usually pretty close.

.

This data is fascinating, and sheds a lot of light on Pool C implications.  (I am obviously very keen on assessing Union's, though there is a lot of football left to play.)

Pat, this is crazy talk, but given where Mt. Union shakes out here, is there an actual chance they get left out of Pool C if they lose to John Carroll?  Is seems like on the criteria, with a (relatively) low SOS and no regionally ranked wins, they'd be an edge case at 9-1.  But I have hard time actually believing that.

[Pat Coleman]

In a ten-team conference no team is going to be able to have a very high SOS. But it would definitely make an interesting case.

[Jonny Utah]

Awesome podcast out by Pat and team going through the playoff criteria and selection process.  Totally worth a listen.

Pat, is the NCAA's version of SOS for each team out there somewhere?

Yep -- we have it on our site:
https://www.d3football.com/seasons/2023/schedule?tmpl=sos-template

This is as accurate as we can make it. We'll double check it when the NCAA releases the data next week with the alphabetical rankings. It is usually pretty close.

.

This data is fascinating, and sheds a lot of light on Pool C implications.  (I am obviously very keen on assessing Union's, though there is a lot of football left to play.)

Pat, this is crazy talk, but given where Mt. Union shakes out here, is there an actual chance they get left out of Pool C if they lose to John Carroll?  Is seems like on the criteria, with a (relatively) low SOS and no regionally ranked wins, they'd be an edge case at 9-1.  But I have hard time actually believing that.

My own eyeball/empirical observations for d3 playoff picks by the NCAA has told me that in the end they do what they want to do.  They use a world like "reviewed" in their criteria to allow them to basically pick teams for pool C spots.  Mt. Union is going to get a bid over an LL team this year for a pool C regardless of SOS, OWP, OOWP or OOOOOOOOOOWPx20.

[Machiavelli]

In a ten-team conference no team is going to be able to have a very high SOS. But it would definitely make an interesting case.

I believe if you reference the NCAA D3 Playoff Rulebook, Page 77, Section 12, starting on Line 44, you'll find the 'Mount Union Clause'.  This clause states:

In the event that John Carroll defeats Mt. Union and wins the OAC, a 9-1 Mt Union with a piss poor SOS will be selected regardless of all set forth criteria and above all other Pool C candidates. While the criteria are meant as a guideline, teams like Mt. Union do not have to abide by said criteria, because they are Mt. Union and all hail the king.

[Ice Bear]

Here are my picks for the week.

SLU @ Hobart - This is going to be another tough Saturday for SLU. I'm trying to identify Hobart's mental position after last week's tough loss to Union on the road. I'm not anticipating a let down here but actually the opposite. Hobart still has a lot to play for, the biggest thing IMHO is next weeks matchup, at home, against rival RPI. I see the running game and Colombi bouncing back here with purpose. Colombi has to work on his accuracy and this week will be a great opportunity for him to do so as SLU will have to play the run to even have a shot. Hobart wins 42 - 7.

Rochester at RPI -  RPI has Pool C aspirations and Rochester is the first of three decent opponents standing in their way. Next week will be huge but if the Engineers take their eyes off of the prize next week won't matter as nearly as much as it will if they win Saturday. I really like this RPI team. I think they can hurt you on the ground and through the air but can also frustrate you with their tough defense. Rochester will test them both on the ground and in the air but I think RPI will win with a balanced offensive performance and a good enough performance on D to give their O the space it needs to score enough for the win. RPI 21 -10.

Buffalo State @ Ithaca - The 2023 Liberty League champion has two great opportunities over the next two weeks to get Colin Schumm more reps through the air. We know IC will run the ball with success Saturday but what will the passing game look like? Well, to beat Cortland in two weeks it's going to have to be at the very least a mildly effective option. I say give Schumm the green light to really figure it out through the air and get some solid in season experience in prep for Cortaca. Schumm will not hurt the Bombers enough to impede the run game from doing more than enough to get the W. Personally, I think Schumm will have some positive moments over the next two weeks giving hope to the IC faithful and showing that even though he's a Freshman, he is an Ithaca QB which means he has potential. IC 31-9.

I'm looking forward to an entertaining weekend of Liberty League football and enjoying the fact that Union has a much needed bye week to rest up, work on the little things, and come out swinging next Saturday. Let's hope for an injury free weekend of football fellas. All the best.

[Machiavelli]

Forgot about my sexy picks this week with all of this crazy ish going on in ME. Horrible sh!t. But, without too much thought:

SLU - 10
Hobart - 35
Ho hum.

Rochester - 20
RPI - 38
Really the only game of interest. I think RPI handles this one, but Rochester is still an anomaly to me. Will find out for sure this week.

Buff St - 17
Ithaca - 45
Ho hum.

There ya have it. Stay vigilant.

[Jersey42]

SLU @ Hobart.  Hobart is playing for pride and a possible ECAC bowl bid. Hobart 31 - 14

Buffalo State @ Ithaca. As others have noted this is Ithaca's first of two games to prepare for Cortaca and the NCAA tourney with a freshman QB.  With Wingfield, Ithaca has yet to score more than 24 points this season.  Buffalo has scored at least 21 points in every game since their opener against Brockport.  A possible upset in the making?  No way, but the score could be a little closer than one might suspect.  Ithaca 31 -14.

Rochester @ RPI.  This should be the best of the three games.  If RPI thinks they have a shot at a pool C bid they can't looks past this game. If RPI cuts down on the penalties and turnovers from last week's first half, they should win handily against a against an improving Rochester team.  RPI 35 -14.

By the way if RPI and Union both end up with one loss going into the "? ? Shoes" game in two weeks, I think a pool C bid for either team (especially RPI) will be difficult.  If the teams each have one loss they should both be regionally ranked going into the game..  But the loser of that game will probably drop out of the regional rankings.  I believe the selection criteria looks at wins vs RRO at the time the pool C bids are selected, not going into the last week.  This will probably give Union one RRO win (Springfield) and RPI zero.   I am getting way ahead here as RPI still plays at Hobart next week.  I would love to see an LL pool C bid, but a lot of things would have to fall into place for that to happen.

[UfanBill]

Tried to find a few upsets earlier with no luck. Going with the chalk this week.

Ithaca 49 - Buffalo St. 7...The Bombers will be celebrating and I hate it.

Hobart 34 - St. Lawrence 9...Saints take an early lead with their first made Field Goal of the season (they're 0-1) then......

RPI 27 - Rochester 17...Yellowjackets lead at half but Engineers come back out hot after Machiavelli and 'gro deliver bombastic halftime speech. I may attend this game to watch from over the fence.   

[Ice Bear]

SLU @ Hobart.  Hobart is playing for pride and a possible ECAC bowl bid. Hobart 31 - 14

Buffalo State @ Ithaca. As others have noted this is Ithaca's first of two games to prepare for Cortaca and the NCAA tourney with a freshman QB.  With Wingfield, Ithaca has yet to score more than 24 points this season.  Buffalo has scored at least 21 points in every game since their opener against Brockport.  A possible upset in the making?  No way, but the score could be a little closer than one might suspect.  Ithaca 31 -14.

Rochester @ RPI.  This should be the best of the three games.  If RPI thinks they have a shot at a pool C bid they can't looks past this game. If RPI cuts down on the penalties and turnovers from last week's first half, they should win handily against a against an improving Rochester team.  RPI 35 -14.

By the way if RPI and Union both end up with one loss going into the "? ? Shoes" game in two weeks, I think a pool C bid for either team (especially RPI) will be difficult.  If the teams each have one loss they should both be regionally ranked going into the game..  But the loser of that game will probably drop out of the regional rankings.  I believe the selection criteria looks at wins vs RRO at the time the pool C bids are selected, not going into the last week.  This will probably give Union one RRO win (Springfield) and RPI zero.   I am getting way ahead here as RPI still plays at Hobart next week.  I would love to see an LL pool C bid, but a lot of things would have to fall into place for that to happen.

I agree. Union needs Springfield to win out and remain regionally ranked. Even if that does happen I think the chances for an LL team to get that pool C bid are quite slim, at best. Crazier things have happened that's for sure and I'm really hoping that both Union and RPI meet at 8-1. With that said, I feel the need to say that I would enjoy seeing Hobart beat RPI, but I would much rather have two teams in our beloved league go into the final week with one loss and the chance to get the pool C bid with a win. It would make the _____ game (I really don't know what to call it now) much more entertaining and meaningful. After being absolutely embarrassed last year against RPI Union will need all the motivation it can get to beat what is a very good Engineers team.

BTW, is it me or is Ralph Insernia just an excellent D3 football coach? What he does with RPI year in and year out is quite impressive to me. The Engineers are always competitive and right there. While they may not always be the most talented team across the board they seem to always have a depth of really quality players that buy into Insernia's plan and execute it very well. He really has done an excellent job over there in Troy and deserves credit IMHO. I am looking forward to the Hobart/RPI clash for sure.

[Jonny Utah]

SLU @ Hobart.  Hobart is playing for pride and a possible ECAC bowl bid. Hobart 31 - 14

Buffalo State @ Ithaca. As others have noted this is Ithaca's first of two games to prepare for Cortaca and the NCAA tourney with a freshman QB.  With Wingfield, Ithaca has yet to score more than 24 points this season.  Buffalo has scored at least 21 points in every game since their opener against Brockport.  A possible upset in the making?  No way, but the score could be a little closer than one might suspect.  Ithaca 31 -14.

Rochester @ RPI.  This should be the best of the three games.  If RPI thinks they have a shot at a pool C bid they can't looks past this game. If RPI cuts down on the penalties and turnovers from last week's first half, they should win handily against a against an improving Rochester team.  RPI 35 -14.

By the way if RPI and Union both end up with one loss going into the "? ? Shoes" game in two weeks, I think a pool C bid for either team (especially RPI) will be difficult.  If the teams each have one loss they should both be regionally ranked going into the game..  But the loser of that game will probably drop out of the regional rankings.  I believe the selection criteria looks at wins vs RRO at the time the pool C bids are selected, not going into the last week.  This will probably give Union one RRO win (Springfield) and RPI zero.   I am getting way ahead here as RPI still plays at Hobart next week.  I would love to see an LL pool C bid, but a lot of things would have to fall into place for that to happen.

I agree. Union needs Springfield to win out and remain regionally ranked. Even if that does happen I think the chances for an LL team to get that pool C bid are quite slim, at best. Crazier things have happened that's for sure and I'm really hoping that both Union and RPI meet at 8-1. With that said, I feel the need to say that I would enjoy seeing Hobart beat RPI, but I would much rather have two teams in our beloved league go into the final week with one loss and the chance to get the pool C bid with a win. It would make the _____ game (I really don't know what to call it now) much more entertaining and meaningful. After being absolutely embarrassed last year against RPI Union will need all the motivation it can get to beat what is a very good Engineers team.

BTW, is it me or is Ralph Insernia just an excellent D3 football coach? What he does with RPI year in and year out is quite impressive to me. The Engineers are always competitive and right there. While they may not always be the most talented team across the board they seem to always have a depth of really quality players that buy into Insernia's plan and execute it very well. He really has done an excellent job over there in Troy and deserves credit IMHO. I am looking forward to the Hobart/RPI clash for sure.

Yea he might be the best coach in the LL.  He has done a solid job there.

[Bartman]

Picks for the week:

SLU.           13.           HOBART.  35     Statesmen rebound in front of Homecoming crowd. No looking past Larries

Rochester.   17.           RPI.         42.    RPI slings for 5 passing TDs

Buffalo St.   10.            ITHACA   35     Bombers starting to gel under the understudy QB

Good luck to everyone .

P.S. Hobart Hockey starts their quest for a D3 Championship repeat tonight at Oswego...GOBART HOCKEY!

[Ice Bear]

Picks for the week:

SLU.           13.           HOBART.  35     Statesmen rebound in front of Homecoming crowd. No looking past Larries

Rochester.   17.           RPI.         42.    RPI slings for 5 passing TDs

Buffalo St.   10.            ITHACA   35     Bombers starting to gel under the understudy QB

Good luck to everyone .

P.S. Hobart Hockey starts their quest for a D3 Championship repeat tonight at Oswego...GOBART HOCKEY!

I've got a million things going on tonight but i may try to catch some of this. Good luck to the Hobart Skating Statesmen this season Bartman.

[Bartman]

Picks for the week:

SLU.           13.           HOBART.  35     Statesmen rebound in front of Homecoming crowd. No looking past Larries

Rochester.   17.           RPI.         42.    RPI slings for 5 passing TDs

Buffalo St.   10.            ITHACA   35     Bombers starting to gel under the understudy QB

Good luck to everyone .

P.S. Hobart Hockey starts their quest for a D3 Championship repeat tonight at Oswego...GOBART HOCKEY!

I've got a million things going on tonight but i may try to catch some of this. Good luck to the Hobart Skating Statesmen this season Bartman.

Thanks Ice Bear. Since my Gridiron Statesmen are out of the LL race, I'm really excited about the Skating Statesmen.

[unionpalooza]

In a ten-team conference no team is going to be able to have a very high SOS. But it would definitely make an interesting case.

I believe if you reference the NCAA D3 Playoff Rulebook, Page 77, Section 12, starting on Line 44, you'll find the 'Mount Union Clause'.  This clause states:

In the event that John Carroll defeats Mt. Union and wins the OAC, a 9-1 Mt Union with a piss poor SOS will be selected regardless of all set forth criteria and above all other Pool C candidates. While the criteria are meant as a guideline, teams like Mt. Union do not have to abide by said criteria, because they are Mt. Union and all hail the king.

This is 100% accurate.  It's in invisible ink but if you get out your Ovaltine decoder ring, you'll see it.

I also have it on good authority that there are 10,000 barrels of wildfire under Salem, Virginia, and if the Purple Raiders don't make the playoffs, the whole thing goes up in flames.