FB: Liberty League

[Machiavelli]

Kind of got the vibe right from the jump Saturday that Springfield had brought their A-game. They also confirmed that Cortland just wasn't the same team as last year, which I think everyone kind of felt all season long. Reality though is while Cortland might not be as strong, they are still top tier looking at what Susquehanna is doing. Puts Hobart in a pretty good light as well IMO, even with a loss. I think Cortland's defense and special teams just put them in a tough spot to where they have seemingly been needing to come back more than they had hoped several times this year.

Springfield can always beat anyone if they get out to the lead. I feel like it's always been that way, but they are definitely a little more dynamic and less one-dimensional this year as well. We all know NCC is phenomenal, but Springfield impressed me and if they aren't overly intimidated, they could definitely hold their own next week. If they start poorly, it's also possible they lose by 4+ TDs.

I think Sasquatch has a really good shot at getting to the next round seeing Bethel got beat up by St. John's twice.

I think Salisbury knocks off Mt. Union. Though I also hope they do it gracefully compared to what I've seen them do in past seasons.

Mary Hardin-Baylor kind of snuck up on everyone, and I think they are definitely a dark horse to win the entire thing again, but Johnny Hopkins is hitting their stride(again adding to the LL wasn't THAT down conversation).

It's a fun final 8. Would love to see 2-3 'regulars' get knocked off next week.

[Jonny Utah]

Kind of got the vibe right from the jump Saturday that Springfield had brought their A-game. They also confirmed that Cortland just wasn't the same team as last year, which I think everyone kind of felt all season long. Reality though is while Cortland might not be as strong, they are still top tier looking at what Susquehanna is doing. Puts Hobart in a pretty good light as well IMO, even with a loss. I think Cortland's defense and special teams just put them in a tough spot to where they have seemingly been needing to come back more than they had hoped several times this year.

Springfield can always beat anyone if they get out to the lead. I feel like it's always been that way, but they are definitely a little more dynamic and less one-dimensional this year as well. We all know NCC is phenomenal, but Springfield impressed me and if they aren't overly intimidated, they could definitely hold their own next week. If they start poorly, it's also possible they lose by 4+ TDs.

I think Sasquatch has a really good shot at getting to the next round seeing Bethel got beat up by St. John's twice.

I think Salisbury knocks off Mt. Union. Though I also hope they do it gracefully compared to what I've seen them do in past seasons.

Mary Hardin-Baylor kind of snuck up on everyone, and I think they are definitely a dark horse to win the entire thing again, but Johnny Hopkins is hitting their stride(again adding to the LL wasn't THAT down conversation).

It's a fun final 8. Would love to see 2-3 'regulars' get knocked off next week.

Yup, I think the common theme the past two years is that the top "east" teams (Cortland, Ithaca, Hobart, RPI, Endicott, and now Springfield) are competing and beating the top teams from the rest of the country.  Not sure if we count JHU, Salisbury or Sasquatch in the east group, but those teams are obviously there too. 

I'd love to see Springfield roll North Central but that will be a tough task for sure. 

[Bartman]

Kind of got the vibe right from the jump Saturday that Springfield had brought their A-game. They also confirmed that Cortland just wasn't the same team as last year, which I think everyone kind of felt all season long. Reality though is while Cortland might not be as strong, they are still top tier looking at what Susquehanna is doing. Puts Hobart in a pretty good light as well IMO, even with a loss. I think Cortland's defense and special teams just put them in a tough spot to where they have seemingly been needing to come back more than they had hoped several times this year.

Springfield can always beat anyone if they get out to the lead. I feel like it's always been that way, but they are definitely a little more dynamic and less one-dimensional this year as well. We all know NCC is phenomenal, but Springfield impressed me and if they aren't overly intimidated, they could definitely hold their own next week. If they start poorly, it's also possible they lose by 4+ TDs.

I think Sasquatch has a really good shot at getting to the next round seeing Bethel got beat up by St. John's twice.

I think Salisbury knocks off Mt. Union. Though I also hope they do it gracefully compared to what I've seen them do in past seasons.

Mary Hardin-Baylor kind of snuck up on everyone, and I think they are definitely a dark horse to win the entire thing again, but Johnny Hopkins is hitting their stride(again adding to the LL wasn't THAT down conversation).

It's a fun final 8. Would love to see 2-3 'regulars' get knocked off next week.

Yup, I think the common theme the past two years is that the top "east" teams (Cortland, Ithaca, Hobart, RPI, Endicott, and now Springfield) are competing and beating the top teams from the rest of the country.  Not sure if we count JHU, Salisbury or Sasquatch in the east group, but those teams are obviously there too. 

I'd love to see Springfield roll North Central but that will be a tough task for sure. 

Springfield looked very strong and powerful coming off the ball on offense. While NCC certainly has top skill talent , this "blue collar" Springfield team could roll down the field on offense and surprise the sh** out of the Chicago suburbs. But then again , if the Springfield defense can't stop a very talented multi-dimensional offense it could be lopsided. I think Springfield will beat the 3 TD spread, but winning the game is a long shot, but I'd love to see it.
  Logan Hansen has picked against all of the East teams this weekend(as he did last week going 3-5 on his picks) and his formula still has Ithaca at #37 and Hobart at #40 despite the Sasquatch "good loss" by Hobart. I think all of the East home teams....Salisbury, Susquehanna and Hopkins will win and should not be that big of a stretch, but all great matchups

[UfanBill]

Great to see eastern teams continue to prove themselves against national competition. Things have surely shifted. I was not surprised that Springfield came to play today since their ground game has been rolling and Cortland isn't the 2023 Dragons. Susquehanna knocking off St. John's was gold and JHU and Salibury showed Maryland strong. Nice...All great programs.  

BTW as a Union fan I'm trying hard to forget the disappointment of this past season. It started with only having 4 scheduled home games and the struggle became apparent quickly in a scrimmage against lowly Hartwick. The Garnet never got it right and 3-7 was exactly where they deserved to be. My sources tell me Union's OOC schedule for next season should include the two agreed upon E8 vs LL opponents(I heard Cortland and Utica?) and Susquehanna. Not sure about Springfield since with Hilbert joining the LL there's now room for only 3 OOC games. 2025 looms just as formidable and forgettable. I hope coach Drach brings in some studs. 

So should Union really be playing Cortland and Utica in 2025 and we also already know Cortland will be playing Ithaca every year, Cortland is "off the board" as far as the 2025 LL/E8 interlock goes.

Should anyone find out anything else besides the above about the eastern side of the 2025 interlock post it.

If and when "enough precincts report their results" then everyone in the east can "project their interlock pairings" for 2025 by process of elimination.

Some of the eastern LL websites sometimes take forever to post upcoming schedules. Would be nice to know before forever.

 

Unless the plan has changed the original press release concerning the Liberty League vs Empire 8 scheduling agreement(https://empire8.com/news/2024/6/19/empire-8-and-liberty-league-announce-football-non-conference-scheduling-agreement.aspx) states..."This agreement will see members of both conferences fill vacancies within their respective schedules with nonconference opponents, with each institution playing two contests (one home, one away) against opponents from the other conference.

[unionpalooza]

Great to see eastern teams continue to prove themselves against national competition. Things have surely shifted. I was not surprised that Springfield came to play today since their ground game has been rolling and Cortland isn't the 2023 Dragons. Susquehanna knocking off St. John's was gold and JHU and Salibury showed Maryland strong. Nice...All great programs.  

BTW as a Union fan I'm trying hard to forget the disappointment of this past season. It started with only having 4 scheduled home games and the struggle became apparent quickly in a scrimmage against lowly Hartwick. The Garnet never got it right and 3-7 was exactly where they deserved to be. My sources tell me Union's OOC schedule for next season should include the two agreed upon E8 vs LL opponents(I heard Cortland and Utica?) and Susquehanna. Not sure about Springfield since with Hilbert joining the LL there's now room for only 3 OOC games. 2025 looms just as formidable and forgettable. I hope coach Drach brings in some studs. 

So should Union really be playing Cortland and Utica in 2025 and we also already know Cortland will be playing Ithaca every year, Cortland is "off the board" as far as the 2025 LL/E8 interlock goes.

Should anyone find out anything else besides the above about the eastern side of the 2025 interlock post it.

If and when "enough precincts report their results" then everyone in the east can "project their interlock pairings" for 2025 by process of elimination.

Some of the eastern LL websites sometimes take forever to post upcoming schedules. Would be nice to know before forever.

 

Unless the plan has changed the original press release concerning the Liberty League vs Empire 8 scheduling agreement(https://empire8.com/news/2024/6/19/empire-8-and-liberty-league-announce-football-non-conference-scheduling-agreement.aspx) states..."This agreement will see members of both conferences fill vacancies within their respective schedules with nonconference opponents, with each institution playing two contests (one home, one away) against opponents from the other conference.

yeah, the announcement was pretty unclear as to whether or not Cortaca "counts" as one of the two interplay games.  My hunch is generally no - most years both teams will have two interplay games in addition to Cortaca, exactly for every fourth year when they otherwise would get each other in the regular rotation.  Those interplay games will be in Week 2/3, except that Cortaca can flex to Week 11 when it's a "interplay" game and not an "extra" OOC game.

I for one can't wait for interplay.  Games against every E8 squad every four years sound awesome.  Union v. Brockport and Cortland and Alfred (again)!  Sort of how I felt when Ithaca joined the LL.  These games are way more fun than Montclair or Worcester St. or Oliver. 

Though still hate we had to take in Hilbert as part of the deal.  The far west wing of the LL continues to make no sense.

[tony/troy]

Great to see eastern teams continue to prove themselves against national competition. Things have surely shifted. I was not surprised that Springfield came to play today since their ground game has been rolling and Cortland isn't the 2023 Dragons. Susquehanna knocking off St. John's was gold and JHU and Salibury showed Maryland strong. Nice...All great programs.  

BTW as a Union fan I'm trying hard to forget the disappointment of this past season. It started with only having 4 scheduled home games and the struggle became apparent quickly in a scrimmage against lowly Hartwick. The Garnet never got it right and 3-7 was exactly where they deserved to be. My sources tell me Union's OOC schedule for next season should include the two agreed upon E8 vs LL opponents(I heard Cortland and Utica?) and Susquehanna. Not sure about Springfield since with Hilbert joining the LL there's now room for only 3 OOC games. 2025 looms just as formidable and forgettable. I hope coach Drach brings in some studs. 

So should Union really be playing Cortland and Utica in 2025 and we also already know Cortland will be playing Ithaca every year, Cortland is "off the board" as far as the 2025 LL/E8 interlock goes.

Should anyone find out anything else besides the above about the eastern side of the 2025 interlock post it.

If and when "enough precincts report their results" then everyone in the east can "project their interlock pairings" for 2025 by process of elimination.

Some of the eastern LL websites sometimes take forever to post upcoming schedules. Would be nice to know before forever.

 

Unless the plan has changed the original press release concerning the Liberty League vs Empire 8 scheduling agreement(https://empire8.com/news/2024/6/19/empire-8-and-liberty-league-announce-football-non-conference-scheduling-agreement.aspx) states..."This agreement will see members of both conferences fill vacancies within their respective schedules with nonconference opponents, with each institution playing two contests (one home, one away) against opponents from the other conference.

yeah, the announcement was pretty unclear as to whether or not Cortaca "counts" as one of the two interplay games.  My hunch is generally no - most years both teams will have two interplay games in addition to Cortaca, exactly for every fourth year when they otherwise would get each other in the regular rotation.  Those interplay games will be in Week 2/3, except that Cortaca can flex to Week 11 when it's a "interplay" game and not an "extra" OOC game.

I for one can't wait for interplay.  Games against every E8 squad every four years sound awesome.  Union v. Brockport and Cortland and Alfred (again)!  Sort of how I felt when Ithaca joined the LL.  These games are way more fun than Montclair or Worcester St. or Oliver. 

Though still hate we had to take in Hilbert as part of the deal.  The far west wing of the LL continues to make no sense.

Only time will tell if I what I heard back when is right, wrong or just be total BS but:

1) LONG STANDING ANNUAL rivalry games between teams from opposite conferences, namely Cortica and I90, would remain annual and be INCLUDED in the two games for all the teams involved.

2) The whole idea behind this agreement was to both reduce the total of needed non conference games from 4 to 3 AND to fill 2 of those 3 with lower cost games requiring no overnight stays and accompanying meals for travelling parties of 70 or so. With the possible exception of whenever SLU and Hartwick play each other, this agreement would do that every single time.

3) Thus, in order to contain costs, the four eastern LL teams (RPI, Union, SLU and Ithaca) will only be playing the four eastern E8 teams (Cortland, Utica, Morrisville and Hartwick). With the exception of the previously mentioned non annual SLU Hartwick matchup, the cost all games would be only two buses for one day each and fast food for the same day trip back home.

4) Obviously, the same would be desired for the west. Only problem is that the west started with 5 from the E8 but only three from the LL. So somebody had to be magically be transformed from a E8 team to a LL team and that somebody was Hilbert. Thus, in order to contain costs, the now four western LL teams (Buffalo State, new to the LL Hilbert, Rochester and Hobart) will only be playing the remaining four western E8 teams (Alfred, new to the E8 Alfred State, Brockport and St. John Fisher). With no exceptions, the cost all games would be only two buses for one day each and fast food for the same day trip back home.

5) Only guessing, but, choosing Hilbert as the team to move probably has something to do with geography and total miles traveled though I will be damned if I can figure out exactly what that is.     

[unionpalooza]

Great to see eastern teams continue to prove themselves against national competition. Things have surely shifted. I was not surprised that Springfield came to play today since their ground game has been rolling and Cortland isn't the 2023 Dragons. Susquehanna knocking off St. John's was gold and JHU and Salibury showed Maryland strong. Nice...All great programs.  

BTW as a Union fan I'm trying hard to forget the disappointment of this past season. It started with only having 4 scheduled home games and the struggle became apparent quickly in a scrimmage against lowly Hartwick. The Garnet never got it right and 3-7 was exactly where they deserved to be. My sources tell me Union's OOC schedule for next season should include the two agreed upon E8 vs LL opponents(I heard Cortland and Utica?) and Susquehanna. Not sure about Springfield since with Hilbert joining the LL there's now room for only 3 OOC games. 2025 looms just as formidable and forgettable. I hope coach Drach brings in some studs. 

So should Union really be playing Cortland and Utica in 2025 and we also already know Cortland will be playing Ithaca every year, Cortland is "off the board" as far as the 2025 LL/E8 interlock goes.

Should anyone find out anything else besides the above about the eastern side of the 2025 interlock post it.

If and when "enough precincts report their results" then everyone in the east can "project their interlock pairings" for 2025 by process of elimination.

Some of the eastern LL websites sometimes take forever to post upcoming schedules. Would be nice to know before forever.

 

Unless the plan has changed the original press release concerning the Liberty League vs Empire 8 scheduling agreement(https://empire8.com/news/2024/6/19/empire-8-and-liberty-league-announce-football-non-conference-scheduling-agreement.aspx) states..."This agreement will see members of both conferences fill vacancies within their respective schedules with nonconference opponents, with each institution playing two contests (one home, one away) against opponents from the other conference.

yeah, the announcement was pretty unclear as to whether or not Cortaca "counts" as one of the two interplay games.  My hunch is generally no - most years both teams will have two interplay games in addition to Cortaca, exactly for every fourth year when they otherwise would get each other in the regular rotation.  Those interplay games will be in Week 2/3, except that Cortaca can flex to Week 11 when it's a "interplay" game and not an "extra" OOC game.

I for one can't wait for interplay.  Games against every E8 squad every four years sound awesome.  Union v. Brockport and Cortland and Alfred (again)!  Sort of how I felt when Ithaca joined the LL.  These games are way more fun than Montclair or Worcester St. or Oliver. 

Though still hate we had to take in Hilbert as part of the deal.  The far west wing of the LL continues to make no sense.

Only time will tell if I what I heard back when is right, wrong or just be total BS but:

1) LONG STANDING ANNUAL rivalry games between teams from opposite conferences, namely Cortica and I90, would remain annual and be INCLUDED in the two games for all the teams involved.

2) The whole idea behind this agreement was to both reduce the total of needed non conference games from 4 to 3 AND to fill 2 of those 3 with lower cost games requiring no overnight stays and accompanying meals for travelling parties of 70 or so. With the possible exception of whenever SLU and Hartwick play each other, this agreement would do that every single time.

3) Thus, in order to contain costs, the four eastern LL teams (RPI, Union, SLU and Ithaca) will only be playing the four eastern E8 teams (Cortland, Utica, Morrisville and Hartwick). With the exception of the previously mentioned non annual SLU Hartwick matchup, the cost all games would be only two buses for one day each and fast food for the same day trip back home.

4) Obviously, the same would be desired for the west. Only problem is that the west started with 5 from the E8 but only three from the LL. So somebody had to be magically be transformed from a E8 team to a LL team and that somebody was Hilbert. Thus, in order to contain costs, the now four western LL teams (Buffalo State, new to the LL Hilbert, Rochester and Hobart) will only be playing the remaining four western E8 teams (Alfred, new to the E8 Alfred State, Brockport and St. John Fisher). With no exceptions, the cost all games would be only two buses for one day each and fast food for the same day trip back home.

5) Only guessing, but, choosing Hilbert as the team to move probably has something to do with geography and total miles traveled though I will be damned if I can figure out exactly what that is.     

Awesome intel, thanks so much.  That is not a terrible way to do it; would mean Union/RPI/SLU play Cortland once every three years, and the other schools mostly every other year, with the occasional back-to-back with Utica/MoVille/Hartwick to even things out.  (Ithaca and Cortland would see everyone else every three years.)

My hunch is that we'll see some of these games get pushed back to later (2pm or 3pm) starts, as that seems to be the trend with bus games.  They're week 2 and 3, so daylight still makes that feasible.

I'm a big fan of regional play but this might be a little closer to home than even I'd like; it's kind of funny that Union's longest road trips will be 5-6 hour hauls for league games at Hilbert and Buff St.  Hopefully Union (and everyone else) schedules something cool for the only true open non-conference game.

And hopefully they are putting these savings back into the programs, and not siphoning it off to continue to pay unnecessary administrators or 80-year old professors emeritus.  (I'm looking at you, Union...)

[hazzben]

Well, Landmark Conference boards are a graveyard, so I thought I'd come get my fix from Ice Bear and the LL folks. You've likely got a decent scouting report on Sus from within your region. Here's what I threw out on the MIAC Board earlier.

Found this analysis and breakdown of the Bethel v Sus game from Logan Hansen interesting.

This will be by far the most balanced offense we've faced all year. Coe/Wartburg were very good running teams, SJU/Syverson could throw it all over, but this is a unique combo. It'll be really interesting to see if we can take away the run to make them one dimensional and let our pass rush loose. We seem to be relatively healthy, and having Devon Williams playing to form was huge last week. Loved the way we stuck with the run, even though we weren't getting huge gains, need more of that this week. Also feel like Kidder is due for a breakout game, but we'll see. Sus will definitely have plenty to say about all of this!

The Elrich, La Mons, and Howes all appear to be absolute dudes. Our D has been cooking and has some really elite pieces in Jung, De Wall, and Williams but this will be a massive test. At first blush it looks like we've got a slight edge on O, but SJU felt the same way and the edge proved to be insufficient. What's the dirt!! (hook a brother up Ice Bear  )

[Machiavelli]

Well, Landmark Conference boards are a graveyard, so I thought I'd come get my fix from Ice Bear and the LL folks. You've likely got a decent scouting report on Sus from within your region. Here's what I threw out on the MIAC Board earlier.

Found this analysis and breakdown of the Bethel v Sus game from Logan Hansen interesting.

This will be by far the most balanced offense we've faced all year. Coe/Wartburg were very good running teams, SJU/Syverson could throw it all over, but this is a unique combo. It'll be really interesting to see if we can take away the run to make them one dimensional and let our pass rush loose. We seem to be relatively healthy, and having Devon Williams playing to form was huge last week. Loved the way we stuck with the run, even though we weren't getting huge gains, need more of that this week. Also feel like Kidder is due for a breakout game, but we'll see. Sus will definitely have plenty to say about all of this!

The Elrich, La Mons, and Howes all appear to be absolute dudes. Our D has been cooking and has some really elite pieces in Jung, De Wall, and Williams but this will be a massive test. At first blush it looks like we've got a slight edge on O, but SJU felt the same way and the edge proved to be insufficient. What's the dirt!! (hook a brother up Ice Bear  )

Susquehanna D got kind of shredded by a mediocre Hobart Offense. Don't know a ton about Bethel other than comparing scores against SJU between the 2. I think if it's a shootout, Susquehanna has the edge, but if Bethel's D can manage to stop Sasquatch on Offense a few times, Bethel wins.

[Bartman]

Well, Landmark Conference boards are a graveyard, so I thought I'd come get my fix from Ice Bear and the LL folks. You've likely got a decent scouting report on Sus from within your region. Here's what I threw out on the MIAC Board earlier.

Found this analysis and breakdown of the Bethel v Sus game from Logan Hansen interesting.

This will be by far the most balanced offense we've faced all year. Coe/Wartburg were very good running teams, SJU/Syverson could throw it all over, but this is a unique combo. It'll be really interesting to see if we can take away the run to make them one dimensional and let our pass rush loose. We seem to be relatively healthy, and having Devon Williams playing to form was huge last week. Loved the way we stuck with the run, even though we weren't getting huge gains, need more of that this week. Also feel like Kidder is due for a breakout game, but we'll see. Sus will definitely have plenty to say about all of this!

The Elrich, La Mons, and Howes all appear to be absolute dudes. Our D has been cooking and has some really elite pieces in Jung, De Wall, and Williams but this will be a massive test. At first blush it looks like we've got a slight edge on O, but SJU felt the same way and the edge proved to be insufficient. What's the dirt!! (hook a brother up Ice Bear  )

Susquehanna D got kind of shredded by a mediocre Hobart Offense. Don't know a ton about Bethel other than comparing scores against SJU between the 2. I think if it's a shootout, Susquehanna has the edge, but if Bethel's D can manage to stop Sasquatch on Offense a few times, Bethel wins.

Just adding to Mach insights. SU came out hot against a decent Hobart defense as Ehrlich could do pretty much what he wanted because Hobart could not contain him when he needed to scamper and his passing accuracy was elite. The Hobart Offense was surprised by the grittiness of the SU Defense in the first half. Second half adjustments were made and Hobart offense scored 4 TDs, and Hobart defense pretty much shut down the running attack except Ehrlich was still effective. The SU offensive line was very skillful at undetected holding which worked in the first half, but Hobart linebackers filled/crashed fast in the second half, and let the DBs cover and LBs dropped back less. SU defense looked way better against the Johnies than they did in the second half of the Hobart game. I'd be surprised if SU gets less than 30, so Bethel Offense needs to pile up the TDs to win, IMO. Good luck to both teams.

[Machiavelli]

Sorry Bartman, I just realized I  called Hobart's offense 'mediocre'. No offense intended. 😬

[Bartman]

Sorry Bartman, I just realized I  called Hobart's offense 'mediocre'. No offense intended. 😬

Hey, I get your subtle inference . No worries, Bartman is not that sensitive. But for tomorrow I am SASQUATCHMAN  

[Ice Bear]

What's up hazz! ****ing great having you post over here. Big game for the Baptist Royals Saturday!

IMHO I think Bethel's D will have to play possibly their best game of the season on Saturday to have a chance. I think offensively they can score on "The Usual Sus..." if they take advantage of mistakes and don't face too many third and longs. However the Usual Sus D showed a lot of character last week and has clearly improved. My two score SJU win prediction last week was based somewhat on Cortland's defense making second half adjustments, somewhat like Hobart did, and keeping that high powered offense in check. It didn't happen and to me it showed that this Usual Sus team may just be the Cortland of this season. With "Kayser Soze" taking the snaps that offense is just filthy and proved they can defeat an elite team last week. I consider Bethel elite but the Usual Sus may prove to be too much come Saturday and it may defeat the second of two elite MIAC teams in as many weeks.

[Ice Bear]

BTW, aside from Union winning a third round game and getting to the final four, I would be absolutely ****ing ecstatic if the Pride were to honor the great Chris Sharpe with a huge win against NCC...don't see it happening though. With that being said, it's been one heck of a season for this triple option machine and former member of the LL and E8. Let's go Pride. un it right down their throats!

[Ice Bear]

Bethel down 3 with 5 seconds left, they throw it to the end zone, and score to win the game on the very last play...only to be erased by a ****ing holding call at the LOS. What a ****ing Homer call if I'VE EVER SEEN ONE. Let the players decide the game. Bethel players did, Susquehanna players gave up a TD on the last play of the game and were completely bailed out by the officials.