FB: Liberty League

[dea]

Simple prediction...Union by a TD...'nuff said.

[mattvsmith]

The thing that stood out to me the most was the enthusiasm that RPI showed for the game where the Union team just did not. RPI wanted to play that game more than Union did. After every good RPI play, their sidelines erupted. Union would make some great plays also and their sideline was like a funeral. Union had a big INT late in the game and there was literally ZERO reaction by their sideline.

Sounds familiar!  Maybe its is as The Rev observed at Boswell Field the week before:
U came out to the Boz like Clubber Lang.

From all reports, it seems as if RPI came out with the Eye of the Tiger this week.
Was Union content to rest on its laurels once it beat Bart? Rev can't make that judgment b/c Rev was not there. But it could be that Union had spent all it had against Hobart last week, and just couldn't muster the enthusiasm.

The Rev hopes that both Union and Hobart make their marks on the NCAAs.  This will bring better recogition to U and H, and also to the LL as a whole.  The Rev adds that he hopes that RPI and Rochester will come back next year with a vengence and provide the LL with even more excitement.  Let's also hope that LL bottom-dwellers have good recruiting years and provide stiffer competition.  The Rev would like each and every game to be a nail-biter.  It's a lot to ask, but The Rev feels that the stiffer the competition, the better it is for the league, and the prouder the eventual winners can be of their achievements.

The Rev notes well the good will (i.e. postive vibes) on this board and is thankful for the mutual encouragement toward success in the playoffs.

N.B. -- The Rev hopes his earlier prediction is dead wrong.  Would like to see Hobart turn tables on Rowan.  The Rev can envision a Hobart win IF
a) 'Bart goes in wanting to eat raw owl meet and drink professor blood.
and
b) Rowan comes in thinking that Hobart is a joke they can just roll over on their way to the next round. 

The Rev hopes Bart digs deep and finds genuine confidence, not the chest-pounding ook-ook-ook caricature of confidence.  The Rev means the quiet, firm resolve to win the way you know how to win: Strict discipline, adhering to the fundamentals, playing your own position as best you can, and good old fashioned teamwork.  (And maybe a well-timed flea-flicker for good measure.)

The Rev hopes for Union's success, too.  Maybe this loss against RPI is a wake up that victories aren't a given.
U has its hands full with SJF and needs to be prepared for a battle royale.

[Senor RedTackle]

Hence the hypothetical portion of the exercise.

Chris, having seen Williams this season I would rank them in the No. 15-20 range. Easily able to compete with the best in the Liberty League. Maybe not in the Cortland State/Rowan ballpark, two teams I saw this year. Definitely not as good as UW-Whitewater and Mary Hardin-Baylor, whom I also saw play this year.

..this was on the East Region Playoff Board

Pat....gotta disagree with you on this one. Williams 'easily' competes with Union/Hobart?? RPI should be in that discussion because they still have the talent to put them to top of the LL.  And then you identify Cortland & Rowan as the cream of the crop that Williams has no chance with in the East? Didn't Cortland just get left out of the playoffs? Williams is a decent team but more like a UR, StL, or USMMA....these are the teams with some talent and promise in the LL but not ready to grab the top spot yet.

Is someone not allowed to be the cream of the crop merely because the NCAA's criteria leaves them out? That's not a logical assessment. You're using the NCAA selections to judge who's the best teams and that's just not what they mean.

I believe you agreed with me in Week 4 when I said the Williams team we both saw would compete with the top three of the LL. When did that change to include the LL's sixth-place team?

My girlfriend will tell you that I have a terrible memory...and if I did agree to that, then I'm still wavering on it. Do I think Williams could compete in a game w/ Union/Hobart/RPI?...Sure. But if Williams played each of those three 100 times on a neutral field, they may win about 20-25 times. Does that mean they're competitive?

Anyway, they just need to go to the playoffs to find out.

Pat...who do YOU think is going to the ECAC's? (not that it matters much)

[Regulator]

Reg is back in Maryland after a wodnerful trip back to the wonderful city we call "Troy".  It was very nice to see some alumni and also some new faces brought together by this invention called "the internet" more specifically LLPP.  Garnet, Frank and U89....nice meeting you guys....Hope to see you at shooesapolooza III,  Soirry the car bombs weren't flowing like wine, however, I think the big reason was that RT was doing the radio thing.

Reg probably ate more wings Saturday night then he ever has before....I swear I can still smell them comng from my pores.

A few comments about the game
#1 all I remember about the field was this HUGE clump of dirt about the size of a basketball on the field.....would it have been too hard for a Union player to replace the divot? (I ask because it was on about the 30 right near the U sideline.
#2 Union fans suck....talk about freaking frontrunners.....I was on the left side of the endzone where there was a picnic table around a bunch of U fans, and I didn't hear one word from them or anyone else from the stands the entire game.
#3 I don't know...I didn't feel that Union was "that good"....I didnt think RPI was that good either, however I am very proud of the heart they showed out there on the field.  If RPI could take that kind of mentality against other teams (i.e. STL and Roch) those teams wouldn't stand a chance....it's almost like they forget about the teams they have to play because Union is coming up (hmmmm I wonder who coaches them that?!?!)

All in all, it was a very good game....the field sucked, and I wish these teams got to play on a decent '86 field to show off arcicidono and some other playmakers moves....out on '86, you can't make a cut without falling on your face.

Just my 2 cents.

[Senor RedTackle]

Reg is back in Maryland after a wodnerful trip back to the wonderful city we call "Troy".  It was very nice to see some alumni and also some new faces brought together by this invention called "the internet" more specifically LLPP.  Garnet, Frank and U89....nice meeting you guys....Hope to see you at shooesapolooza III,  Soirry the car bombs weren't flowing like wine, however, I think the big reason was that RT was doing the radio thing.

Reg probably ate more wings Saturday night then he ever has before....I swear I can still smell them comng from my pores.

A few comments about the game
#1 all I remember about the field was this HUGE clump of dirt about the size of a basketball on the field.....would it have been too hard for a Union player to replace the divot? (I ask because it was on about the 30 right near the U sideline.
#2 Union fans suck....talk about freaking frontrunners.....I was on the left side of the endzone where there was a picnic table around a bunch of U fans, and I didn't hear one word from them or anyone else from the stands the entire game.
#3 I don't know...I didn't feel that Union was "that good"....I didnt think RPI was that good either, however I am very proud of the heart they showed out there on the field.  If RPI could take that kind of mentality against other teams (i.e. STL and Roch) those teams wouldn't stand a chance....it's almost like they forget about the teams they have to play because Union is coming up (hmmmm I wonder who coaches them that?!?!)

All in all, it was a very good game....the field sucked, and I wish these teams got to play on a decent '86 field to show off arcicidono and some other playmakers moves....out on '86, you can't make a cut without falling on your face.

Just my 2 cents.

RT zeroed on on that clump of turf early on..it was a subject of amusement the entire game. It literally looked like a large ant-hill that got kicked.

So how would the Reg have fared on that field carrying the ball??

BTW...the Ruck wings were fantastic - nice and crispy w/ the right amount of sauce. However, the dark horse food was the fries. RT prefers the really crispy, almost dry french fries. These were perfect....

[Regulator]

RE: How would Reg have fared?

Reg would have been the man out on '86 during those conditions.  The reason being that Reg had no moves....short of giving a head juke Reg only ran the ball north and south and gained yards by going through people rather than around them.  The good thing was Reg was good for a minimum of 3 yards per play...the bad news is that you wouldnt see any plays where Reg turns the corner for daylight and breaks one.  It jsut wasn't happening.  By the time I got past the line of scrimmage, ran over a LB, ran over a Db, I had the entire freaking team hanging off my shoulder pads bringing me down. 

The good news is you get yardage and the 1st when you need it.  The bad news is that a 100 yard game for Reg had him coming out looking like he was in a 5 round fight with Mike Tyson (in the tyson's punchout era).

If you are a coach, you choose your own adventure.

['gro]

The grassy knoll on '86 was hilarious... it was HUGE. There may have been a union player under there waiting to grab an ankle if the play went by.

If you look at the game's stats... union DID showcase their talent. 400+ yards of offense. Over 100 rushing from TA and 100 receiving each from their 2 starters. Gro couldn't belive it when he read it. Bottom line, RPI wanted it more. Can't belive how many INT's RPI dropped!!  the game could of been a lot more in red's favor.  Then... can't belive RPI was throwing the ball with the lead in the 4th, that INT could of killed them.

Union fans... schmans... was anyone else suprised?  Sorry DEA I know you were just ribbing the RPI guys and posting the facts "Shoes, Schmooze bring on the NCAAs" but you got exactly what you wanted. Good luck at SJF, that game is winable for union but they are tough to beat at home.  Maybe Audino can call up King and ask for some tips at beating SJF.

[Pat Coleman]

I don't have any time to spend pondering ECAC's, sorry. The selection process is so unscientific and political that it isn't worth trying to project.

[Senor RedTackle]

One of the funnier observations relayed to RT on Sat's Shoozapallooza II was relayed to RT by X's and O's (who hasn't posted in ages, it seems).  He mentioned that on his way back to the RPI tailgate at halftime, he had to walk through the Union tailgate and saw some parents cracking open a bottle of Merlot. He didn't say what kind though.

Good luck Union against SJF. Make the LL proud....

[maxpower]

One of the funnier observations relayed to RT on Sat's Shoozapallooza II was relayed to RT by X's and O's (who hasn't posted in ages, it seems).  He mentioned that on his way back to the RPI tailgate at halftime, he had to walk through the Union tailgate and saw some parents cracking open a bottle of Merlot. He didn't say what kind though.

Good luck Union against SJF. Make the LL proud....

Now that's funny. It's the wine of the U vs. the malt liquor of St. John Fisher.

[Frank Rossi]

I don't have any time to spend pondering ECAC's, sorry. The selection process is so unscientific and political that it isn't worth trying to project.

Ouch.

[Frank Rossi]

OK, after reading the back and forth about everything, it's time for my ten observations from this week:

1) One of the most cliche expressions in sports concerns the question of "which team wants it more."  I think it's short-sighted and somewhat humorous that people think that one of the two teams on the field Saturday wasn't really that into it.  'gro picked up on the yardage issue -- Union played a decent game except for one aspect:  passing.  I think Marotti struggled from being unable to plant and from getting a little too unsure of himself as the game went on...I think we all know that can be a self-defeating prophecy.  Did the Union defense play a terrible game?  No.  It certainly wasn't their best game either.  However, the defense made an interception and fourth-down stop at the end (when people here might claim the Union team no longer cared about the result).  It did what it needed to do to get Union in a position to win.  A spread offense is a tough thing for Union's defense this year (see Rochester and their comeback against Union for further proof).  Long story short, Union and RPI both played a great game that they both wanted to win on a terrible field, and both had opportunities to win.  Union made a few bad plays, RPI made a couple bad choices late and Union's defense played okay.  Result:  RPI won a hard-fought game and they deserve congratulations.  Union does not deserve hyper-critical treatment, though.  To criticize a team that's won 24 out of its last 28 games (including 1-1 in the playoffs) is pretty preposterous.

2) I prayed and prayed that Union would not draw SJF or, if they were in the pool, Cortland.  No, folks, it wasn't because I'm afraid of Union's chances -- it's the damned travel from NYC that's the killer!  Union/SJF is an interesting game -- I feel like it's akin to Union/Ithaca last year, except it will be at the E8 team's place.  That means Union has to play even a BETTER game than the 2005 team did against Ithaca because home fields breed advantages (as we all know).  It should be a good chess match.

3) Props to RT for getting together what I'd call the "Teamline Tailgate Show Live from the Red Sea."  We had both ADs, Union and RPI players from days gone by and Adam Samarov (a.k.a. Budcrew) on the show and still didn't miss a minute of football.  While I wish we could have broadcast the pregame show on WABY, it was not to be due to prior programming and commercial commitments.  It still was fun, and I wish more of you had the opportunity to hear it.

4) As you all know, there were several -- what I'd call -- quasi-bets on the game between some RPI folk and me.  While there was no "Chicken Noodle Dance" on the 50 (sorry 'gro), I did come to the Ruck later and shoot some darts with RT and the rest of the RPI clan.  Yes, folks, I dwelled in enemy territory for a couple hours.  My observation, having now witnessed the pre- and post-games of both Union and RPI surrounding the Shoes game is this:  except for Union's parent tailgate (which I have to be honest, generally blows out the RPI equivalent -- but that's because it's just immense beyond belief at home and on the road), the RPI alums and students seem to have a better grasp as to post-game celebration.  It's not just because of the victory -- I think this would've existed either way.  There's just no central nucleus location people go to following Union games in which Union students or alums really get together and continue the celebration outside the parking lots.  There's a lot of apathy on Union's campus related to its sports teams -- and the fact that the student station has so much trouble putting together a crew for Union athletics broadcasts is probably some proof of that unfortunately.  However, I feel like the buildup (with the shirts and the four-hour tailgate) that RPI has before the game and the comraderie that RPI has after the postgame tailgate is something that Union lacks without any really good reason.

5) Unless RT offers you his girlfriend's salsa as a gift for playing on his darts team...ummmm...find a reasonable excuse to make sure he is on the other team (sorry RT, couldn't resist)!

6) I hope someone finds the underground hose that must be constantly running under '86 Field before the next Union/RPI game there in two years.  I know mud wrestlers that wouldn't wrestle in that much mud...and IT DIDN'T RAIN AT ALL THE PRIOR DAY!  Frost and dew can only do so much.  What was with that field?!

7) When you live in New York City long enough, I really think you lose perspective of reality.  While I was at the Ruck, I ordered a burger and fries.  $4.50?  I think they charge $4.50 for the fries alone down here.  Every time I go to an Upstate bar and drink, I end up tipping nearly 100% because I'm SO not expecting the price to be that low.  $3.00 for an Amstel Light?  I'll take a case and smuggle it over the GW Bridge, please!

8) I think ESPNews was having fun at the Guru's expense.  They were using some wacky camera angles in the studio because they know he has trouble staring at the camera or finding which camera is active.  Slow start, Guru, but after the commercial, you were much better. Props as always.

9) I think I understand a little bit better how St. Lawrence came back on RPI earlier in the season, after watching the clock management and play calling in the fourth quarter.  First, you have to learn the new timing rules.  While 25 seconds doesn't seem like much in terms of time you can run off the clock while you have a two-possession lead, it adds up.  RPI didn't milk the initial play clock whenever it regained possession in the final quarter, and it almost came back to bite them.  Then, I think TLM had it wrong when he said RPI passed on second down with five minutes left -- I think it was on first down.  The play call makes no sense.  You want to run on the first two downs no matter what to at least ensure 2 minutes come off the clock.  Third down is the down that you might throw on, but you need to get to third down first.  Trust me, I've been critical of some of Union's play calls throughout the season, but the offense ran back to the field when it made the fourth down stop, showing they understood the 25-second turnover rule well.  If RPI made the same calls against St. Lawrence, then it makes sense that RPI could've easily been bitten by such gaffes.

10) It's with a heavy heart that I announce that this is my final season behind the microphone for Union Football.  While you might find me dabble here and there over the next years when assistance is needed, it's time for me to hang up the microphone.  I'd like to thank George Cuttita and Eric McDowell for their unending support in their roles as Union Sports Information Director over the past 12 years.  While I wasn't continuously a commentator for those 12 years (Unionfootball.com was my attachment to the program for five of those years, with some overlap), I've gotten to call my fair share of great games.  My first NCAA Playoff game call was actually in 2005 vs. Ithaca.  The memories have been great.  The teams have been great.  The coaching staff and other people surrounding the program have been like family to me.  I'll still be around, no doubt.  Why is it over for me, you ask?  There are a lot of reasons, some of which I don't think are appropriate to discuss.  However, we will try to make sure that Union Football receives the radio coverage it deserves in the next years.  EVERY game should be covered, period.  We'll try our damnedest to make sure that comes to fruition.  In the meantime, though, we have some playoff games to talk about and commentate.  Stay tuned...

[Reno Hightower]

1) One of the most cliche expressions in sports concerns the question of "which team wants it more."  I think it's short-sighted and somewhat humorous that people think that one of the two teams on the field Saturday wasn't really that into it.  'gro picked up on the yardage issue -- Union played a decent game except for one aspect:  passing.  I think Marotti struggled from being unable to plant and from getting a little too unsure of himself as the game went on...I think we all know that can be a self-defeating prophecy.  Did the Union defense play a terrible game?  No.  It certainly wasn't their best game either.  However, the defense made an interception and fourth-down stop at the end (when people here might claim the Union team no longer cared about the result).  It did what it needed to do to get Union in a position to win.  A spread offense is a tough thing for Union's defense this year (see Rochester and their comeback against Union for further proof).  Long story short, Union and RPI both played a great game that they both wanted to win on a terrible field, and both had opportunities to win.  Union made a few bad plays, RPI made a couple bad choices late and Union's defense played okay.  Result:  RPI won a hard-fought game and they deserve congratulations.  Union does not deserve hyper-critical treatment, though.  To criticize a team that's won 24 out of its last 28 games (including 1-1 in the playoffs) is pretty preposterous.

Frank, I did feel that Union's defensive effort in the 2nd half was great. Bottom line, they werent ready to go in the first half. If they were, they would have held them to the 7 points that they got in the 2nd half. It's the same knock Union has had on them all year. They don't play all out for 4 quarters of football. I hope they learn how, because if they haven't learned it yet....it will be a short playoff run.

Sad to see you go Frank. You've been great and you will be missed!

[Senor RedTackle]

OK, after reading the back and forth about everything, it's time for my ten observations from this week:





4)  except for Union's parent tailgate (which I have to be honest, generally blows out the RPI equivalent -- but that's because it's just immense beyond belief at home and on the road),

5) Unless RT offers you his girlfriend's salsa as a gift for playing on his darts team...ummmm...find a reasonable excuse to make sure he is on the other team (sorry RT, couldn't resist)!

10) It's with a heavy heart that I announce that this is my final season behind the microphone for Union Football.  While you might find me dabble here and there over the next years when assistance is needed, it's time for me to hang up the microphone.  I'd like to thank George Cuttita and Eric McDowell for their unending support in their roles as Union Sports Information Director over the past 12 years.  While I wasn't continuously a commentator for those 12 years (Unionfootball.com was my attachment to the program for five of those years, with some overlap), I've gotten to call my fair share of great games.  My first NCAA Playoff game call was actually in 2005 vs. Ithaca.  The memories have been great.  The teams have been great.  The coaching staff and other people surrounding the program have been like family to me.  I'll still be around, no doubt.  Why is it over for me, you ask?  There are a lot of reasons, some of which I don't think are appropriate to discuss.  However, we will try to make sure that Union Football receives the radio coverage it deserves in the next years.  EVERY game should be covered, period.  We'll try our damnedest to make sure that comes to fruition.  In the meantime, though, we have some playoff games to talk about and commentate.  Stay tuned...

RT needs to respond to Frank's well-thought out treatise. (RT will keep Frank's firm in mind for any future contract work)

4) the Parent's tailgate - FR didn't see this because it was held in the gymnasium. This is done at the final home game every season. The typical parents' tailgate is an extravaganza that would make the Food Network proud. RT has been to weddings that don't compare to this. Typically, you'll see a LOOOONNNG table w/ the hot pans set out with all kinds of dips, salads, soups, chilis, sides, and hot dishes (the pork BBQ and the beef w/ au jous (Sp?) are RT favorites). FR needs to to come to a game that isn't the finale

5) FR had to go there, didn't he?? RT is not one to make excuses usually, but RT several factors were working against RT - too many beers, too many Ruck wings, a bad back, elation over the win affecting RT's concentration, etc.....usually, RT is much better

10) LLPP,Inc will need to discuss this and will be opening another board to focus on this development. It is unfortunate and a loss to the LL airwaves

[Naked Nott Run]

Won't be the same without F.R.