FB: Liberty League

[IC798891]

Cortland's going to roll Endicott, so I don't think it matters much that they're on the road. Boyes is, all due respect to Wingfield, a better QB than they have faced all year. If the Red Dragons lose, I'll join the chorus. But I think they win easy. Like 41-14 easy.

Ithaca gets a round 1 opponent that lost to Union 34-7. I'll take it.  If they don't have a Cortaca Hangover, I like them 31-20 like last year

I think Union gets a good draw as well.

[Machiavelli]

Ok, before the postseason officially starts, a few final thoughts from the RPI/Union game this past weekend:

1. Whoever is saying not having Kazanowsky wouldn't have mattered is crazy. McCormack was very good, but there were some VERY critical mistakes made at very critical times. Mistakes of a Freshman playing his second game. Those INTs were rough, bad throws, bad decisions, and the timing could not have been worse. I felt RPI did not have the same energy the last 2 weeks and got pushed around. My gut tells me missing their leader had something to do with that. But I know many will focus on the stats and a few big plays.

2. RPI gave Union every chance under the sun to run away with this game and they couldn't do it. Now I totally credit RPIs defense there, but I'll just say it out loud, I was not super impressed with Union, at least last week. They did what they needed to do, they won, they move on, but they will need to play a heck of a lot better than that and take advantage of those opportunities if they want to beat Delaware Valley.

3. Speaking of Delaware Valley, in theory, I think Union should mop the floor with them IF they execute better than last week. I liked their energy against RPI, but execution wasn't nearly as good as it needs to be.

4. I'll still go to my grave thinking RPI missed a huge opportunity this year. I think they were the better overall team than both Hobart and Union, but some spark was missing, and I think the QB situation, whatever it was, was a factor and it's a disappointing way to close out the year. Add in blowing the game against Ithaca when it was all but over...HUGE missed opportunity and a possible postseason run was lost.


Additional thoughts, postseason related:

1. The comment above that 'Cortland's going to roll Endicott'...I agree Cortland is pretty good, but I'd be very careful about writing off Endicott. They are no longer new to this level of competition and while I think Cortland will ultimately win, I think they are going to have to earn it and I wouldn't be surprised if Endicott wins either.

2. I'm thinking and hoping Ithaca has their way with Springfield. I think Springfield is vastly overrated as is their SOS. They played 1 and a half good/decent teams this year(Union and WNE) and Union treated them like they are on par with St. Lawrence. Playing High School level teams that beat Pop Warner level teams makes their SOS an entire sham. And don't come in and say Salve Regina. Salve lost to Rochester, which also puts them on a similar level with St. Lawrence.

3. I already mentioned Union/Del Valley. Union SHOULD beat them by 2+ TDs. If they don't, it's a black eye on the LL. I don't like routing for Union, but will this week so the NCAA darlings can get exposed. Hopefully Union cleans it up, shows up to play, and puts the boots to them.

4. And lastly, my Ithaca/Cortland rematch prediciton looks a lot less likely with how the brackets shook out. I don't think it's entirely impossible to see an Ithaca/Union rematch, though I think there's a higher likelihood we'll see Ithaca vs. Johnny Hopkins.


Good luck to all the NY teams. This is the time when you gain or lose respect outside of the LL/E8. Hopefully all 3 get it done next weekend.

[unionpalooza]

Ok, before the postseason officially starts, a few final thoughts from the RPI/Union game this past weekend:

1. Whoever is saying not having Kazanowsky wouldn't have mattered is crazy. McCormack was very good, but there were some VERY critical mistakes made at very critical times. Mistakes of a Freshman playing his second game. Those INTs were rough, bad throws, bad decisions, and the timing could not have been worse. I felt RPI did not have the same energy the last 2 weeks and got pushed around. My gut tells me missing their leader had something to do with that. But I know many will focus on the stats and a few big plays.

2. RPI gave Union every chance under the sun to run away with this game and they couldn't do it. Now I totally credit RPIs defense there, but I'll just say it out loud, I was not super impressed with Union, at least last week. They did what they needed to do, they won, they move on, but they will need to play a heck of a lot better than that and take advantage of those opportunities if they want to beat Delaware Valley.

3. Speaking of Delaware Valley, in theory, I think Union should mop the floor with them IF they execute better than last week. I liked their energy against RPI, but execution wasn't nearly as good as it needs to be.

4. I'll still go to my grave thinking RPI missed a huge opportunity this year. I think they were the better overall team than both Hobart and Union, but some spark was missing, and I think the QB situation, whatever it was, was a factor and it's a disappointing way to close out the year. Add in blowing the game against Ithaca when it was all but over...HUGE missed opportunity and a possible postseason run was lost.


Additional thoughts, postseason related:

1. The comment above that 'Cortland's going to roll Endicott'...I agree Cortland is pretty good, but I'd be very careful about writing off Endicott. They are no longer new to this level of competition and while I think Cortland will ultimately win, I think they are going to have to earn it and I wouldn't be surprised if Endicott wins either.

2. I'm thinking and hoping Ithaca has their way with Springfield. I think Springfield is vastly overrated as is their SOS. They played 1 and a half good/decent teams this year(Union and WNE) and Union treated them like they are on par with St. Lawrence. Playing High School level teams that beat Pop Warner level teams makes their SOS an entire sham. And don't come in and say Salve Regina. Salve lost to Rochester, which also puts them on a similar level with St. Lawrence.

3. I already mentioned Union/Del Valley. Union SHOULD beat them by 2+ TDs. If they don't, it's a black eye on the LL. I don't like routing for Union, but will this week so the NCAA darlings can get exposed. Hopefully Union cleans it up, shows up to play, and puts the boots to them.

4. And lastly, my Ithaca/Cortland rematch prediciton looks a lot less likely with how the brackets shook out. I don't think it's entirely impossible to see an Ithaca/Union rematch, though I think there's a higher likelihood we'll see Ithaca vs. Johnny Hopkins.


Good luck to all the NY teams. This is the time when you gain or lose respect outside of the LL/E8. Hopefully all 3 get it done next weekend.

Mach, I thought McCormick was pretty good but I'll take your word on Kaz, as I've just not seen him much.  On those bad throws, in McCormick's defense, he was running for his life on those and a bunch of other throws.  I was surprised that RPI didn't adjust their protection and roll him out more; Union's defense's core strength is the pressure they get up straight up the middle with Jimaar Edwards, and McCormick seemed to have a real hard time with that.

I definitely agree that Union had every chance to run away with it and didn't execute.  The offense is still struggling to figure out how to get the passing game going against better defenses, and they're going to need to either figure that or go ground and pound to win a playoff game.  On the other hand, if they do figure it out, they could do some real damage.

Ithaca v. Springfield should be interesting.  Springfield was not really competitive with Union; the defense shut them down and we passed all over their secondary.  BUT ... that was week 3, and Springfield often gets better as the season goes on.  So Ithaca "should" beat them by four or five scores, but there's always a chance that the Union game actually doesn't tell us a lot.  That said, recent Springfield teams (including this win) lean very heavily on the FB, and don't have that outside QB breakaway speed.  Like Union, Ithaca is very stout up front, and matches up well.

[IC798891]

Endicott is a great story, and I love their win over HSU for our region. They won't be intimidated. And the committee gifted them home field.

But they have not faced a quarterback with anywhere near the physical tools of Boyes, and the weapons he has at WR. Cortland walked through Ithaca and Brockport's defenses like nothing, and they did it in completely different ways.

I was skeptical of Cortland this year. I thought they'd lose to Brockport, and I thought they'd go down if they had to trade punches. Not anymore. If Cortland wins this by less than a monkeystomp, I'll buy you a hot dog at Butterfield when RPI comes to town year

And frankly, not that teams need motivation, but Cortland's gotta be furious they're being sent on the road. They're not going to mess around

[Ice Bear]

Endicott is a great story, and I love their win over HSU for our region. They won't be intimidated. And the committee gifted them home field.

But they have not faced a quarterback with anywhere near the physical tools of Boyes, and the weapons he has at WR. Cortland walked through Ithaca and Brockport's defenses like nothing, and they did it in completely different ways.

I was skeptical of Cortland this year. I thought they'd lose to Brockport, and I thought they'd go down if they had to trade punches. Not anymore. If Cortland wins this by less than a monkeystomp, I'll buy you a hot dog at Butterfield when RPI comes to town year

And frankly, not that teams need motivation, but Cortland's gotta be furious they're being sent on the road. They're not going to mess around

I agree with the above but I also feel Mach's suggestion of pumping the brakes regarding Endicott is warranted. Endicott deserves respect and I'll admit, for many of the same reasons IC just stated, that I have a feeling that this Cortland team, is really that good. So when I say they are going to roll Endicott, I really don't mean any disrespect. I believed, and it came true to an extent, that Cortland was going to roll IC, who beat Endicott at Endicott. Regardless, Mach your point is noted and absolutely valid.

[Ice Bear]

Ok, before the postseason officially starts, a few final thoughts from the RPI/Union game this past weekend:

1. Whoever is saying not having Kazanowsky wouldn't have mattered is crazy. McCormack was very good, but there were some VERY critical mistakes made at very critical times. Mistakes of a Freshman playing his second game. Those INTs were rough, bad throws, bad decisions, and the timing could not have been worse. I felt RPI did not have the same energy the last 2 weeks and got pushed around. My gut tells me missing their leader had something to do with that. But I know many will focus on the stats and a few big plays.

2. RPI gave Union every chance under the sun to run away with this game and they couldn't do it. Now I totally credit RPIs defense there, but I'll just say it out loud, I was not super impressed with Union, at least last week. They did what they needed to do, they won, they move on, but they will need to play a heck of a lot better than that and take advantage of those opportunities if they want to beat Delaware Valley.

3. Speaking of Delaware Valley, in theory, I think Union should mop the floor with them IF they execute better than last week. I liked their energy against RPI, but execution wasn't nearly as good as it needs to be.

4. I'll still go to my grave thinking RPI missed a huge opportunity this year. I think they were the better overall team than both Hobart and Union, but some spark was missing, and I think the QB situation, whatever it was, was a factor and it's a disappointing way to close out the year. Add in blowing the game against Ithaca when it was all but over...HUGE missed opportunity and a possible postseason run was lost.


Additional thoughts, postseason related:

1. The comment above that 'Cortland's going to roll Endicott'...I agree Cortland is pretty good, but I'd be very careful about writing off Endicott. They are no longer new to this level of competition and while I think Cortland will ultimately win, I think they are going to have to earn it and I wouldn't be surprised if Endicott wins either.

2. I'm thinking and hoping Ithaca has their way with Springfield. I think Springfield is vastly overrated as is their SOS. They played 1 and a half good/decent teams this year(Union and WNE) and Union treated them like they are on par with St. Lawrence. Playing High School level teams that beat Pop Warner level teams makes their SOS an entire sham. And don't come in and say Salve Regina. Salve lost to Rochester, which also puts them on a similar level with St. Lawrence.

3. I already mentioned Union/Del Valley. Union SHOULD beat them by 2+ TDs. If they don't, it's a black eye on the LL. I don't like routing for Union, but will this week so the NCAA darlings can get exposed. Hopefully Union cleans it up, shows up to play, and puts the boots to them.

4. And lastly, my Ithaca/Cortland rematch prediciton looks a lot less likely with how the brackets shook out. I don't think it's entirely impossible to see an Ithaca/Union rematch, though I think there's a higher likelihood we'll see Ithaca vs. Johnny Hopkins.


Good luck to all the NY teams. This is the time when you gain or lose respect outside of the LL/E8. Hopefully all 3 get it done next weekend.

I don't think I'm crazy per se for feeling this way, or at least having this perspective,  but I will certainly take your word for it, especially in regard to your knowledge of the intricacies of football and the RPI team as a whole. Maybe what I should have said was that I was very impressed with McCormack as a freshman and think he is going to be a star for RPI behind center moving forward. Honestly, I really like Kazanowsky and the year he has had. It is absolutely fair to say that the game could have gone the other way if Jake was behind center. He showed that this season and deserves that nod.

Union's lack of passing game once again really bothered me. We had a few moments on Saturday, but not enough to create any separation. Listen, I love Pacatte, but Union's ability to really create separation on the score board when playing tough defenses is impacted by his inconsistent accuracy. He has shown he can throw some really accurate passes, and against Hobart brought a short passing game that was incredibly effective. Yet Saturday Union's O just couldn't get that passing game going enough to open up the game and relied heavily on its run game to kill clock and it's defense to hold off a hungry RPI time and again. Who knows, maybe its timing with his receivers, play calling, etc. and not all on Donavon. I'm curious which Union we'll get on Saturday. I hope the offensive game plan is balanced and these guys can execute. We can't afford to miss opportunities against the Aggies. If we do we'll be one and done.

[Machiavelli]

Ok, before the postseason officially starts, a few final thoughts from the RPI/Union game this past weekend:

1. Whoever is saying not having Kazanowsky wouldn't have mattered is crazy. McCormack was very good, but there were some VERY critical mistakes made at very critical times. Mistakes of a Freshman playing his second game. Those INTs were rough, bad throws, bad decisions, and the timing could not have been worse. I felt RPI did not have the same energy the last 2 weeks and got pushed around. My gut tells me missing their leader had something to do with that. But I know many will focus on the stats and a few big plays.

2. RPI gave Union every chance under the sun to run away with this game and they couldn't do it. Now I totally credit RPIs defense there, but I'll just say it out loud, I was not super impressed with Union, at least last week. They did what they needed to do, they won, they move on, but they will need to play a heck of a lot better than that and take advantage of those opportunities if they want to beat Delaware Valley.

3. Speaking of Delaware Valley, in theory, I think Union should mop the floor with them IF they execute better than last week. I liked their energy against RPI, but execution wasn't nearly as good as it needs to be.

4. I'll still go to my grave thinking RPI missed a huge opportunity this year. I think they were the better overall team than both Hobart and Union, but some spark was missing, and I think the QB situation, whatever it was, was a factor and it's a disappointing way to close out the year. Add in blowing the game against Ithaca when it was all but over...HUGE missed opportunity and a possible postseason run was lost.


Additional thoughts, postseason related:

1. The comment above that 'Cortland's going to roll Endicott'...I agree Cortland is pretty good, but I'd be very careful about writing off Endicott. They are no longer new to this level of competition and while I think Cortland will ultimately win, I think they are going to have to earn it and I wouldn't be surprised if Endicott wins either.

2. I'm thinking and hoping Ithaca has their way with Springfield. I think Springfield is vastly overrated as is their SOS. They played 1 and a half good/decent teams this year(Union and WNE) and Union treated them like they are on par with St. Lawrence. Playing High School level teams that beat Pop Warner level teams makes their SOS an entire sham. And don't come in and say Salve Regina. Salve lost to Rochester, which also puts them on a similar level with St. Lawrence.

3. I already mentioned Union/Del Valley. Union SHOULD beat them by 2+ TDs. If they don't, it's a black eye on the LL. I don't like routing for Union, but will this week so the NCAA darlings can get exposed. Hopefully Union cleans it up, shows up to play, and puts the boots to them.

4. And lastly, my Ithaca/Cortland rematch prediciton looks a lot less likely with how the brackets shook out. I don't think it's entirely impossible to see an Ithaca/Union rematch, though I think there's a higher likelihood we'll see Ithaca vs. Johnny Hopkins.


Good luck to all the NY teams. This is the time when you gain or lose respect outside of the LL/E8. Hopefully all 3 get it done next weekend.

I don't think I'm crazy per se for feeling this way, or at least having this perspective,  but I will certainly take your word for it, especially in regard to your knowledge of the intricacies of football and the RPI team as a whole. Maybe what I should have said was that I was very impressed with McCormack as a freshman and think he is going to be a star for RPI behind center moving forward. Honestly, I really like Kazanowsky and the year he has had. It is absolutely fair to say that the game could have gone the other way if Jake was behind center. He showed that this season and deserves that nod.

Union's lack of passing game once again really bothered me. We had a few moments on Saturday, but not enough to create any separation. Listen, I love Pacatte, but Union's ability to really create separation on the score board when playing tough defenses is impacted by his inconsistent accuracy. He has shown he can throw some really accurate passes, and against Hobart brought a short passing game that was incredibly effective. Yet Saturday Union's O just couldn't get that passing game going enough to open up the game and relied heavily on its run game to kill clock and it's defense to hold off a hungry RPI time and again. Who knows, maybe its timing with his receivers, play calling, etc. and not all on Donavon. I'm curious which Union we'll get on Saturday. I hope the offensive game plan is balanced and these guys can execute. We can't afford to miss opportunities against the Aggies. If we do we'll be one and done.

I totally get it. The kid looks like he has a ton of potential and a bright future, but something just felt off overall from an energy and confidence standpoint plus the timing of the mistakes were all super critical. The fumble from Walker-Sutton before the half was an absolute backbreaker as well. Could have changed the feel of the game entirely, even if they settled for a field goal. There was a lot of QB pressure for sure, but there were a few Mac Jones like passes into windows that didn't exist and it bit RPI in the a$$. I'm just disappointed that RPI finished the way they did and how they did it. It wasn't RPI-like at all.

[Bartman]

ECAC Bowls:

Utica vs Hobart at the BOZ 

Widener vs. RPI at Troy

Brockport vs Carnegie Mellon

Merchant Marine vs. Washington & Jefferson

LL gets two great games to defend the Conference. I think these 4 games might be better than some of the first round NCAA match ups.

[Bartman]

Ok, before the postseason officially starts, a few final thoughts from the RPI/Union game this past weekend:

1. Whoever is saying not having Kazanowsky wouldn't have mattered is crazy. McCormack was very good, but there were some VERY critical mistakes made at very critical times. Mistakes of a Freshman playing his second game. Those INTs were rough, bad throws, bad decisions, and the timing could not have been worse. I felt RPI did not have the same energy the last 2 weeks and got pushed around. My gut tells me missing their leader had something to do with that. But I know many will focus on the stats and a few big plays.

2. RPI gave Union every chance under the sun to run away with this game and they couldn't do it. Now I totally credit RPIs defense there, but I'll just say it out loud, I was not super impressed with Union, at least last week. They did what they needed to do, they won, they move on, but they will need to play a heck of a lot better than that and take advantage of those opportunities if they want to beat Delaware Valley.

3. Speaking of Delaware Valley, in theory, I think Union should mop the floor with them IF they execute better than last week. I liked their energy against RPI, but execution wasn't nearly as good as it needs to be.

4. I'll still go to my grave thinking RPI missed a huge opportunity this year. I think they were the better overall team than both Hobart and Union, but some spark was missing, and I think the QB situation, whatever it was, was a factor and it's a disappointing way to close out the year. Add in blowing the game against Ithaca when it was all but over...HUGE missed opportunity and a possible postseason run was lost.


Additional thoughts, postseason related:

1. The comment above that 'Cortland's going to roll Endicott'...I agree Cortland is pretty good, but I'd be very careful about writing off Endicott. They are no longer new to this level of competition and while I think Cortland will ultimately win, I think they are going to have to earn it and I wouldn't be surprised if Endicott wins either.

2. I'm thinking and hoping Ithaca has their way with Springfield. I think Springfield is vastly overrated as is their SOS. They played 1 and a half good/decent teams this year(Union and WNE) and Union treated them like they are on par with St. Lawrence. Playing High School level teams that beat Pop Warner level teams makes their SOS an entire sham. And don't come in and say Salve Regina. Salve lost to Rochester, which also puts them on a similar level with St. Lawrence.

3. I already mentioned Union/Del Valley. Union SHOULD beat them by 2+ TDs. If they don't, it's a black eye on the LL. I don't like routing for Union, but will this week so the NCAA darlings can get exposed. Hopefully Union cleans it up, shows up to play, and puts the boots to them.

4. And lastly, my Ithaca/Cortland rematch prediciton looks a lot less likely with how the brackets shook out. I don't think it's entirely impossible to see an Ithaca/Union rematch, though I think there's a higher likelihood we'll see Ithaca vs. Johnny Hopkins.


Good luck to all the NY teams. This is the time when you gain or lose respect outside of the LL/E8. Hopefully all 3 get it done next weekend.

I don't think I'm crazy per se for feeling this way, or at least having this perspective,  but I will certainly take your word for it, especially in regard to your knowledge of the intricacies of football and the RPI team as a whole. Maybe what I should have said was that I was very impressed with McCormack as a freshman and think he is going to be a star for RPI behind center moving forward. Honestly, I really like Kazanowsky and the year he has had. It is absolutely fair to say that the game could have gone the other way if Jake was behind center. He showed that this season and deserves that nod.

Union's lack of passing game once again really bothered me. We had a few moments on Saturday, but not enough to create any separation. Listen, I love Pacatte, but Union's ability to really create separation on the score board when playing tough defenses is impacted by his inconsistent accuracy. He has shown he can throw some really accurate passes, and against Hobart brought a short passing game that was incredibly effective. Yet Saturday Union's O just couldn't get that passing game going enough to open up the game and relied heavily on its run game to kill clock and it's defense to hold off a hungry RPI time and again. Who knows, maybe its timing with his receivers, play calling, etc. and not all on Donavon. I'm curious which Union we'll get on Saturday. I hope the offensive game plan is balanced and these guys can execute. We can't afford to miss opportunities against the Aggies. If we do we'll be one and done.

I totally get it. The kid looks like he has a ton of potential and a bright future, but something just felt off overall from an energy and confidence standpoint plus the timing of the mistakes were all super critical. The fumble from Walker-Sutton before the half was an absolute backbreaker as well. Could have changed the feel of the game entirely, even if they settled for a field goal. There was a lot of QB pressure for sure, but there were a few Mac Jones like passes into windows that didn't exist and it bit RPI in the a$$. I'm just disappointed that RPI finished the way they did and how they did it. It wasn't RPI-like at all.

The big reason that RPI did not win the last two weeks was their total inability to run the ball AND turnovers:

HOBART: RPI 18 yards on 23 attempts with 3 turnovers(zero TOs for Hobart) and Total yards 368 v 230(RPI Defense?)

Union : RPI 29 yards on 28 attempts with 2 turnovers(zero TOs for Union)and Total yards 363 v 304(RPI Defense)

I had high expectations for RPI after the Ithaca game, which I think they should have won. But the last 2 weeks, it's amazing the games were even close with those numbers. MacCormack passed well but something was missing from the same offensive line...I think Kazanowsky could have made a leadership difference and he is more of a running threat. McCormack played extremely well for a Freshman, and he will be great going forward....but the RPI Oline is usually stout.

[UfanBill]

My thoughts on McCormack...The kid played a very solid game. In many ways he WAS the RPI offense because he got zero help from his running backs and not much help from his O-line. He was sacked 7 times and it could have been many more but for a physical ability to pull away from tackles and even got off some completions while "in the grasp." I kept waiting for WR Sterling Walker-Sutton to make a game changing play. He almost did just before halftime breaking free in the secondary but he fumbled when hit, ball back to Union. Huge missed points for RPI.  He also never got untracked on a punt return with only 2 for 4 total yards though that was a function of the Union punter never giving him a kick he could field in stride(mostly a fortunate accident by Union), punting by both sides was atrocious.
McCormack is fearless.elusive and fast. With Kazanosky only a junior and presumably back next year at QB I would look for the Engineers to find a spot on the field for McCormack.     

[Ice Bear]

Ok, before the postseason officially starts, a few final thoughts from the RPI/Union game this past weekend:

1. Whoever is saying not having Kazanowsky wouldn't have mattered is crazy. McCormack was very good, but there were some VERY critical mistakes made at very critical times. Mistakes of a Freshman playing his second game. Those INTs were rough, bad throws, bad decisions, and the timing could not have been worse. I felt RPI did not have the same energy the last 2 weeks and got pushed around. My gut tells me missing their leader had something to do with that. But I know many will focus on the stats and a few big plays.

2. RPI gave Union every chance under the sun to run away with this game and they couldn't do it. Now I totally credit RPIs defense there, but I'll just say it out loud, I was not super impressed with Union, at least last week. They did what they needed to do, they won, they move on, but they will need to play a heck of a lot better than that and take advantage of those opportunities if they want to beat Delaware Valley.

3. Speaking of Delaware Valley, in theory, I think Union should mop the floor with them IF they execute better than last week. I liked their energy against RPI, but execution wasn't nearly as good as it needs to be.

4. I'll still go to my grave thinking RPI missed a huge opportunity this year. I think they were the better overall team than both Hobart and Union, but some spark was missing, and I think the QB situation, whatever it was, was a factor and it's a disappointing way to close out the year. Add in blowing the game against Ithaca when it was all but over...HUGE missed opportunity and a possible postseason run was lost.


Additional thoughts, postseason related:

1. The comment above that 'Cortland's going to roll Endicott'...I agree Cortland is pretty good, but I'd be very careful about writing off Endicott. They are no longer new to this level of competition and while I think Cortland will ultimately win, I think they are going to have to earn it and I wouldn't be surprised if Endicott wins either.

2. I'm thinking and hoping Ithaca has their way with Springfield. I think Springfield is vastly overrated as is their SOS. They played 1 and a half good/decent teams this year(Union and WNE) and Union treated them like they are on par with St. Lawrence. Playing High School level teams that beat Pop Warner level teams makes their SOS an entire sham. And don't come in and say Salve Regina. Salve lost to Rochester, which also puts them on a similar level with St. Lawrence.

3. I already mentioned Union/Del Valley. Union SHOULD beat them by 2+ TDs. If they don't, it's a black eye on the LL. I don't like routing for Union, but will this week so the NCAA darlings can get exposed. Hopefully Union cleans it up, shows up to play, and puts the boots to them.

4. And lastly, my Ithaca/Cortland rematch prediciton looks a lot less likely with how the brackets shook out. I don't think it's entirely impossible to see an Ithaca/Union rematch, though I think there's a higher likelihood we'll see Ithaca vs. Johnny Hopkins.


Good luck to all the NY teams. This is the time when you gain or lose respect outside of the LL/E8. Hopefully all 3 get it done next weekend.

I don't think I'm crazy per se for feeling this way, or at least having this perspective,  but I will certainly take your word for it, especially in regard to your knowledge of the intricacies of football and the RPI team as a whole. Maybe what I should have said was that I was very impressed with McCormack as a freshman and think he is going to be a star for RPI behind center moving forward. Honestly, I really like Kazanowsky and the year he has had. It is absolutely fair to say that the game could have gone the other way if Jake was behind center. He showed that this season and deserves that nod.

Union's lack of passing game once again really bothered me. We had a few moments on Saturday, but not enough to create any separation. Listen, I love Pacatte, but Union's ability to really create separation on the score board when playing tough defenses is impacted by his inconsistent accuracy. He has shown he can throw some really accurate passes, and against Hobart brought a short passing game that was incredibly effective. Yet Saturday Union's O just couldn't get that passing game going enough to open up the game and relied heavily on its run game to kill clock and it's defense to hold off a hungry RPI time and again. Who knows, maybe its timing with his receivers, play calling, etc. and not all on Donavon. I'm curious which Union we'll get on Saturday. I hope the offensive game plan is balanced and these guys can execute. We can't afford to miss opportunities against the Aggies. If we do we'll be one and done.

I totally get it. The kid looks like he has a ton of potential and a bright future, but something just felt off overall from an energy and confidence standpoint plus the timing of the mistakes were all super critical. The fumble from Walker-Sutton before the half was an absolute backbreaker as well. Could have changed the feel of the game entirely, even if they settled for a field goal. There was a lot of QB pressure for sure, but there were a few Mac Jones like passes into windows that didn't exist and it bit RPI in the a$$. I'm just disappointed that RPI finished the way they did and how they did it. It wasn't RPI-like at all.

The big reason that RPI did not win the last two weeks was their total inability to run the ball AND turnovers:

HOBART: RPI 18 yards on 23 attempts with 3 turnovers(zero TOs for Hobart) and Total yards 368 v 230(RPI Defense?)

Union : RPI 29 yards on 28 attempts with 2 turnovers(zero TOs for Union)and Total yards 363 v 304(RPI Defense)

I had high expectations for RPI after the Ithaca game, which I think they should have won. But the last 2 weeks, it's amazing the games were even close with those numbers. MacCormack passed well but something was missing from the same offensive line...I think Kazanowsky could have made a leadership difference and he is more of a running threat. McCormack played extremely well for a Freshman, and he will be great going forward....but the RPI Oline is usually stout.

I feel the same about the RPI/Ithaca game and if RPI had won that game they would have been my almost no question number one LL team for the remainder of the season. I would have favored them to defeat both Hobart and Union. I can certainly understand the disappointment here because I think we all saw the potential. I think if RPI takes this ECAC game seriously against Widener I think they will gain some good momentum heading into next year.

You know as I look back over the years, going back to when I was quite young, I had a genuine and sincere dislike of RPI. It's amazing how that has changed, especially over the last 5-10 years or so. I went from being a local who grew up attending everything Union with his father. I spent tons of time playing hockey growing up in Achilles Rink, watching countless hockey games there.  We watched countless football games at Frank Bailey and 86 Field in Troy over the years. I mean this sounds bizarre (even pathetic lol) but it was our way, my way of life. Playing sports and watching Union. Woven within that, was a deep dislike (almost a hatred) of anything RPI. It's like I was born with it. It was just there and was expected behavior. Today, that has changed, almost swinging in the complete opposite direction.

Today I still love the rivalry and obviously root hard for Union when facing RPI in anything. Yet I have a really developed a profound respect for RPI, it's school, definitely it's fans, and it's athletic programs. It's even to the point where I usually, not always, root for them when playing anyone other than Union. Bizarre and admittedly a bit snowflake-ish, but the truth.

Anyhow, maybe that came from a combination of the heart and too much free time at work. I will be rooting for all of our LL brethren this weekend, whether it be an NCAA game or an ECAC game. Today what comes across to me more so than ever, is my love for the LL and the ECAC. The only times over the last couple of years where I get pissed, is when teams from those two leagues don't show well.

[Machiavelli]

My thoughts on McCormack...The kid played a very solid game. In many ways he WAS the RPI offense because he got zero help from his running backs and not much help from his O-line. He was sacked 7 times and it could have been many more but for a physical ability to pull away from tackles and even got off some completions while "in the grasp." I kept waiting for WR Sterling Walker-Sutton to make a game changing play. He almost did just before halftime breaking free in the secondary but he fumbled when hit, ball back to Union. Huge missed points for RPI.  He also never got untracked on a punt return with only 2 for 4 total yards though that was a function of the Union punter never giving him a kick he could field in stride(mostly a fortunate accident by Union), punting by both sides was atrocious.
McCormack is fearless.elusive and fast. With Kazanosky only a junior and presumably back next year at QB I would look for the Engineers to find a spot on the field for McCormack.   

I can't really disagree on any of your points, and I'm certainly not at all trying to dismiss how well McCormack played over the 2 games. He played his a$$ off both weeks and definitely surprised a lot of people and has a ton of upside. But it was abundantly clear that something was off. Something was missing. And it's entirely possible that I've missed information along the way, but I'm not aware if Kazanowsky was injured or if it was a non-football/non-injury situation. I think, sometimes, it's easier for a team to rally around an injury than it is to rally around something else. I just don't know the situation at all, but whatever it is, it feels like it had a negative impact on RPI.

Kazanowsky also brought a little of that late game magic to the fold and that was sorely missed in both games. I don't know if it was confidence, experience, or an elevated level of trust. Even though RPI had a chance to win with a TD late against Union, I was never really confident that it was going to happen which is a way different feel than what we've experienced throughout this season and in recent years. The week before, once Hobart's physicality on offense took over, RPIs offense had no answers for it and they just had no sparks to speak of and Hobart just pulled away with very little resistance.

[Bartman]

My thoughts on McCormack...The kid played a very solid game. In many ways he WAS the RPI offense because he got zero help from his running backs and not much help from his O-line. He was sacked 7 times and it could have been many more but for a physical ability to pull away from tackles and even got off some completions while "in the grasp." I kept waiting for WR Sterling Walker-Sutton to make a game changing play. He almost did just before halftime breaking free in the secondary but he fumbled when hit, ball back to Union. Huge missed points for RPI.  He also never got untracked on a punt return with only 2 for 4 total yards though that was a function of the Union punter never giving him a kick he could field in stride(mostly a fortunate accident by Union), punting by both sides was atrocious.
McCormack is fearless.elusive and fast. With Kazanosky only a junior and presumably back next year at QB I would look for the Engineers to find a spot on the field for McCormack.   

I can't really disagree on any of your points, and I'm certainly not at all trying to dismiss how well McCormack played over the 2 games. He played his a$$ off both weeks and definitely surprised a lot of people and has a ton of upside. But it was abundantly clear that something was off. Something was missing. And it's entirely possible that I've missed information along the way, but I'm not aware if Kazanowsky was injured or if it was a non-football/non-injury situation. I think, sometimes, it's easier for a team to rally around an injury than it is to rally around something else. I just don't know the situation at all, but whatever it is, it feels like it had a negative impact on RPI.

Kazanowsky also brought a little of that late game magic to the fold and that was sorely missed in both games. I don't know if it was confidence, experience, or an elevated level of trust. Even though RPI had a chance to win with a TD late against Union, I was never really confident that it was going to happen which is a way different feel than what we've experienced throughout this season and in recent years. The week before, once Hobart's physicality on offense took over, RPIs offense had no answers for it and they just had no sparks to speak of and Hobart just pulled away with very little resistance.

Mach,
     It just feels that something is not right with the team . Is it Kazanowsky or something else...who knows? RPI is always ready and performs at a high level relative to their talent, that is why I've felt Isernia was the best coach over the last ten years. But even during the D3FB In The Huddle show , the RPI players did not seem excited about being named to the ECAC bowl. I know in the old days Hobart's Coach Cragg felt it's NCAA tournament or bust and wasn't a fan of the extra bowl games, it almost confirms you were a loser.....But Coach DeWall fought to get the funds for the discontinued NY State Bowl against Cortland back in 2019(Hobart crushed them) and feels it is great for the Seniors to go out with one more and to develop the Underclassmen. The potential extra game has been put in the budget ever since. I hope the RPI team figures it out and kicks butt against Widener .
   

[Bartman]

Just gave +k to everyone today ....let's have a great week and go 4-0 in the post season this weekend. I'll also include Cortland and Brockport....but I gotta go against the Moose. I'll tally up the regular season pick records and report soon . Let's have a playoff picks weekend for any LL/E8 teams.

[UfanBill]

Just gave +k to everyone today ....let's have a great week and go 4-0 in the post season this weekend. I'll also include Cortland and Brockport....but I gotta go against the Moose. I'll tally up the regular season pick records and report soon . Let's have a playoff picks weekend for any LL/E8 teams.

I'm anxious so I'll start it off...

Brockport at Carnegie Mellon...Most other years CMU would have a strong case for being in the tourney. Thankfully not this year. Their closed schedule in the PAC works against them so I think they'll be chomping at the bit to show how good they are...CMU 27 - Brockport 21.

USMMA at Washington & Jefferson...Throwing this in too. The Presidents play a very strong schedule also in the PAC. Too strong for the Mariners...W&J 30 - USMMA 10.

Widener at RPI...The Engineers are hurting after the last 2 weeks and regain their offense against the MAC member Pride...RPI 38 - Widener 13.

Utica at Hobart...The Statesmen have had a great season against everybody but the LL best and will throttle Utica who are not last years Pioneers...Hobart 31 - Utica 17.

Union at Delaware Valley...The Aggies have an impressive 53 game MAC winning streak. The Garnet are not in the MAC...Union 24 - DVU 20.

Cortland at Endicott...Ithaca beat Endicott, Cortland beat Ithaca so the Red Dragons stomp the Gulls...Cortland 37 - Endicott 23.

Ithaca at Springfield...Union beat Springfield, Ithaca beat Union so the Bombers stuff the Pride...Ithaca 27 - Springfield 21.

Match-ups between the LL, E8 and MAC and PAC are extremely rare. Mostly because those two Pennsylvania leagues have no room for OOC games. I'm going to enjoy this week.  LET'S GO U