FB: Liberty League

[union89]

Frank:

I've seen every play this year but me thinks parents of players should not comment on said team in public.  That being said RPI's schedule starts next weekend.  WPI will be a challenge, Rochester has been playing well and Union has seemed to get better every week.


Question for LLPP'rs: want to tailgate at WPI next week w/ family as this is as close as RPI gets to the Boston area.  I know WPI is a a small campus surrounded by residential areas.  Anyone with any idea of a spot to set up and enjoy pre/post game?

There's a parking lot (pretty large) in front of the main sports facilities.  Get there early and be prepared to share the area with WPI tailgaters.  It's basically on top of the hill behind the FORMER site of the Press Box (on top of the area where the players come out from the locker rooms -- look UP from there and that's the parking lot about which I'm discussing).

Goes to show the Tank never tailgated at WPI.  Stimulator wants to park in the lot adjacent to the endzone, across the street. If you're standing on the side of the field with the pressbox, it's the lot behind the endzone to the right. RT believes this is along Rt.9 but not for sure. It's where the visiting fans tend to congregate. You can't miss it...it's the lot behind the endzone that DOES NOT have the baseball field behind it. Look for the RPI FB Alumni tailgate......

Correct, right behind the Mobil station on Rt.9 which is Park Ave.  It's 40 yards from the front gate to the stadium.

[labart96]

Dane Cook is a d-b.

For anyone who's interested, here's TGP HoFred Cup preview:

Here come the #11 Alfred Saxons

This weekend the Statesmen will host 11th-ranked Alfred University Saxons (7-0, 4-0) in what will be the biggest test of the season.  Although the Statesmen do own an 8 game winning streak over the Saxons (Hobart's last loss to AU was a 35-14 defeat in the '95 season), AU comes rolling into Boswell field as one of the top teams in all of D3 football.  Last season, bad weather and a few key breaks helped the Statesmen hold off a strong Alfred team to lead Hobart to a 21-14 victory at Alfred's Merrill Field.

However, as the saying goes, that was last year.  7 games into the 2007 season, AU is averaging 42 points and 488 total yards per game on offense while holding their opponents to less than 17 points per game on defense.  AU has pretty much pounded their opposition early and often in the first half (AU has outscored their opponents by a combined 207-50 in the first half this season) then coasted to easy victories.

AU is lead by QB Paul Heeley and RB Vinson Hendrix (no relation to Jimi as far as I know).  Keeley has already thrown for over 2000 yds on the season and has impressive stats across the board: 131 for 185 (70.8% completion and a 201.58 efficiency rating) with 25 TDs to 5 INTs passing.  Hendrix has gained 940 yards rushing (averaging about 134 yds a game) with 9 TDs.

In general, AU is very solid across the board.  The only Achilles heels I could find are that AU tends to get penalized a lot (averaging about 100 yds a game in penalties) and are somewhat susceptible to turnovers (AU is only +1 in turnover ratio, but that stat could be misleading since these turnovers could be happening after AU has staked to a big lead and has pulled their starters from the game).

Regardless, if Hobart has any hopes of qualifying for the NCAAs they need to a win against this tough Alfred squad.  The keys to a Hobart victory will be 3-fold:

1. Keep the Alfred Offense OFF the Boz - One stat that Hobart has a clear advantage over Alfred is time of possession.  Hobart is currently averaging about 34+ mins/game in TOP to Alfred's 29+ TOP.  Keeping Keeley, Hendrix and Co off the field will help, but I still expect this to be a high scoring affair.  Hopefully Hobart will get the final possession with a chance to win the game with a last second TD drive or a big FG from Ancona for the win.

2.  Capitalize on Saxon Mistakes - AU is definitely a great team, but they have a track record of being prone to mental errors.  Alfred commits an average of nearly 100 yards in penalties a game and has fumbled 12x this season, losing 8.  They have also thrown 6 INTs on the year.  Perhaps these stats are skewed because the Saxon coaches have been putting in 2nd and/or 3rd string players in the second halves of their games (Alfred has typically been up by an average of 3 TDs at the half), but Hobart will need to generate takeaways on defense (see Key #1) to win the game.  One explain of why AU has struggled with penalties and miscues is the old "they play down to their opponents" argument, because AU hasn't really faced any top rated opponents (so far Alfred most impressive win was last week over a then 5-2 Husson, but one of Husson's losses was to 3-4 Springfield, so that's not saying a lot).  Regardless, Hobart has to be opportunistic to stand a chance against this powerful Alfred squad.


3.  Play to Win - Although Alfred is the favorite, Hobart has owned the series of late.  Hobart should be confident based on their recent  track record against the Saxons and the fact that the game is on the Statesmen's home turf.  If Hartwick could upset a then #5 St. John Fisher team just a few weeks ago, then there's no reason Hobart couldn't pull off a similar upset.  Besides, Alfred can still clinch a NCAA bid by winning the Empire 8 conference's AQ (given to the first place team), whereas Hobart's NCAA chances pretty much hinge on winning this game.  Lose and Hobart's best hope would be to qualify for an ECAC Post Season Regional Bowl Game instead of a shot at the NCAA tournament.  In sum, Alfred may be the favorite, but Hobart has more to lose so they need to leave it all on the field, especially for the Seniors who will be playing their final regular season game at Boswell Field.

"With four straight wins in which they've scored a minimum of 41 points the Statesman have come into their own and look to be peaking at a good time of year. As even the trees have taken to donning their Hobart orange, going into the final weeks of the season let's hope they can keep the momentum going until the last leaf falls."

*  Props to Garry Mendez '96 for the eloquent outros.

TGP's Prediction:

Hobart 45 - Alfred 42 (OT)

[res ipsa loquitur]

Almost as jaw dropping as the Papelbomb.  And hopefully a distraction to the Saxons.

http://www.tempe12.com/girls/

(But mainly b/c the only thing better than football are chicks in bikinis)

[Saxon73]

Blaaah, Blah, Pumpkin.  This is this 2007; where were you in 1972. The Saxons are primed. and will win handily.  I appreciate your alliegience, but this is as 1972 "THE YEAR OF THE SAXONS" Best of luck and may no one get hurt.

[FisherAlum05]

TGP,

Good analysis of the matchup between AU and Hobart.  I would definately agree that Alfred is the favorite, but not by much.  Hobart has a great offensive team and this should be a barn burner.  The game is @ Hobart and that is a huge advantage with 2 teams similar in talent.  Plus, like you said, Hobart has owned AU over the years and that has to play into it as well.  

[Frank Rossi]

Blaaah, Blah, Pumpkin.  This is this 2007; where were you in 1972. The Saxons are primed. and will win handily.  I appreciate your alliegience, but this is as 1972 "THE YEAR OF THE SAXONS" Best of luck and may no one get hurt.

I was on the fence about this game until I read your post.  Now, I can say, without hesitation...

GO STATESMEN!  BEAT THE SEXONS!!

[AUPepBand]

Dane Cook is a d-b.

For anyone who's interested, here's TGP HoFred Cup preview:

Here come the #11 Alfred Saxons

This weekend the Statesmen will host 11th-ranked Alfred University Saxons (7-0, 4-0) in what will be the biggest test of the season.  Although the Statesmen do own an 8 game winning streak over the Saxons (Hobart's last loss to AU was a 35-14 defeat in the '95 season), AU comes rolling into Boswell field as one of the top teams in all of D3 football.  Last season, bad weather and a few key breaks helped the Statesmen hold off a strong Alfred team to lead Hobart to a 21-14 victory at Alfred's Merrill Field.

However, as the saying goes, that was last year.  7 games into the 2007 season, AU is averaging 42 points and 488 total yards per game on offense while holding their opponents to less than 17 points per game on defense.  AU has pretty much pounded their opposition early and often in the first half (AU has outscored their opponents by a combined 207-50 in the first half this season) then coasted to easy victories.

AU is lead by QB Paul Heeley and RB Vinson Hendrix (no relation to Jimi as far as I know).  Keeley has already thrown for over 2000 yds on the season and has impressive stats across the board: 131 for 185 (70.8% completion and a 201.58 efficiency rating) with 25 TDs to 5 INTs passing.  Hendrix has gained 940 yards rushing (averaging about 134 yds a game) with 9 TDs.

In general, AU is very solid across the board.  The only Achilles heels I could find are that AU tends to get penalized a lot (averaging about 100 yds a game in penalties) and are somewhat susceptible to turnovers (AU is only +1 in turnover ratio, but that stat could be misleading since these turnovers could be happening after AU has staked to a big lead and has pulled their starters from the game).

Regardless, if Hobart has any hopes of qualifying for the NCAAs they need to a win against this tough Alfred squad.  The keys to a Hobart victory will be 3-fold:

1. Keep the Alfred Offense OFF the Boz - One stat that Hobart has a clear advantage over Alfred is time of possession.  Hobart is currently averaging about 34+ mins/game in TOP to Alfred's 29+ TOP.  Keeping Keeley, Hendrix and Co off the field will help, but I still expect this to be a high scoring affair.  Hopefully Hobart will get the final possession with a chance to win the game with a last second TD drive or a big FG from Ancona for the win.

2.  Capitalize on Saxon Mistakes - AU is definitely a great team, but they have a track record of being prone to mental errors.  Alfred commits an average of nearly 100 yards in penalties a game and has fumbled 12x this season, losing 8.  They have also thrown 6 INTs on the year.  Perhaps these stats are skewed because the Saxon coaches have been putting in 2nd and/or 3rd string players in the second halves of their games (Alfred has typically been up by an average of 3 TDs at the half), but Hobart will need to generate takeaways on defense (see Key #1) to win the game.  One explain of why AU has struggled with penalties and miscues is the old "they play down to their opponents" argument, because AU hasn't really faced any top rated opponents (so far Alfred most impressive win was last week over a then 5-2 Husson, but one of Husson's losses was to 3-4 Springfield, so that's not saying a lot).  Regardless, Hobart has to be opportunistic to stand a chance against this powerful Alfred squad.


3.  Play to Win - Although Alfred is the favorite, Hobart has owned the series of late.  Hobart should be confident based on their recent  track record against the Saxons and the fact that the game is on the Statesmen's home turf.  If Hartwick could upset a then #5 St. John Fisher team just a few weeks ago, then there's no reason Hobart couldn't pull off a similar upset.  Besides, Alfred can still clinch a NCAA bid by winning the Empire 8 conference's AQ (given to the first place team), whereas Hobart's NCAA chances pretty much hinge on winning this game.  Lose and Hobart's best hope would be to qualify for an ECAC Post Season Regional Bowl Game instead of a shot at the NCAA tournament.  In sum, Alfred may be the favorite, but Hobart has more to lose so they need to leave it all on the field, especially for the Seniors who will be playing their final regular season game at Boswell Field.

"With four straight wins in which they've scored a minimum of 41 points the Statesman have come into their own and look to be peaking at a good time of year. As even the trees have taken to donning their Hobart orange, going into the final weeks of the season let's hope they can keep the momentum going until the last leaf falls."

*  Props to Garry Mendez '96 for the eloquent outros.

TGP's Prediction:

Hobart 45 - Alfred 42 (OT)

+K for an outstanding preview of one of many meaningful matchups between the Purple and Orange....and the Purple and Gold. At the old Boswell in 1971, there was the "Miracle at Geneva" at which AU scored 21 points in the final 6:30 to pull off a 28-21 win. A year or so later, the Saxons won "Super Bowl East" at Merrill Field, 31-28. Early in the series, there were similar clashes.

Regarding Hendrix......the closest he is related to Jimi Hendrix is that once he's through the line, he's nothing but a "Purple Haze."

And, the one Alfred strength that you neglected to mention is the AU Pep Band, which is frequently told it is responsible for a minimum of 7 points per game for the Saxons. Thus, Pep sees the Saxons pulling it out in OT....Alfred 48, Hobart 45. (No PAT after the TD).

On Saxon Warriors!

[labart96]

Pep -

TGP thought the Band was cause of all those penalties.  A bass drum boom or kazoo squawk can often confuse audibles causing false starts.

[labart96]

Blaaah, Blah, Pumpkin.  This is this 2007; where were you in 1972.

In 72 TGP was still in his Dad's bag (TGP was born in '74).

[AUPepBand]

Pep -

TGP thought the Band was cause of all those penalties.  A bass drum boom or kazoo squawk can often confuse audibles causing false starts.

Indeed, the band contributes considerably to the penalty total. Pep, playing bass drum, alone was responsible in one game for 45 yards of penalties for late hits.   

[AUPepBand]

As a matter of historical record, 50 years ago, the Alfred Sun reported:

THE ALFRED SUN, FIFTY YEARS AGO, OCTOBER 17, 1957

   The defensive play of the Alfred line has been one of the bright points in a Saxon season that shows 2 wins, 1 defeat and 1 tie as the squad prepares for Saturday's clash with Hobart. In four games, the Saxon line has yielded a net of only 323 yards by rushing. This breaks down to an average of 80.7 yards a game. Five seniors have been sparking the Saxon line performance. This group includes: Ed DeChristopher from Peekskill at center; Nick Teta from Port Washington at guard; Wayne Wales of Sherburne at tackle; John Farnan of Glen Cove and Russ Fahey of Waverly at ends. The starting group is rounded out by chunky Bill McAlee, a junior from Johnsonburg, Pa., and Jo Yannuzzi, 200-pound sophomore from Johnson City at tackle. The Saxon line granted only 32 yards rushing to St. Lawrence last week as Alfred won 18-6 for its second win of the season. This week the Saxons will face one of their stiffest tests of the entire season as they meet undefeated Hobart in a Saturday afternoon game at Geneva.

[Frank Rossi]

As a matter of historical record, 50 years ago, the Alfred Sun reported:

THE ALFRED SUN, FIFTY YEARS AGO, OCTOBER 17, 1957

   The defensive play of the Alfred line has been one of the bright points in a Saxon season that shows 2 wins, 1 defeat and 1 tie as the squad prepares for Saturday's clash with Hobart. In four games, the Saxon line has yielded a net of only 323 yards by rushing. This breaks down to an average of 80.7 yards a game. Five seniors have been sparking the Saxon line performance. This group includes: Ed DeChristopher from Peekskill at center; Nick Teta from Port Washington at guard; Wayne Wales of Sherburne at tackle; John Farnan of Glen Cove and Russ Fahey of Waverly at ends. The starting group is rounded out by chunky Bill McAlee, a junior from Johnsonburg, Pa., and Jo Yannuzzi, 200-pound sophomore from Johnson City at tackle. The Saxon line granted only 32 yards rushing to St. Lawrence last week as Alfred won 18-6 for its second win of the season. This week the Saxons will face one of their stiffest tests of the entire season as they meet undefeated Hobart in a Saturday afternoon game at Geneva.

The Alfred Sun...

Now there's an oxymoron for ya...

[Saxon73]

Blaaah, Blah, Pumpkin.  This is this 2007; where were you in 1972. The Saxons are primed. and will win handily.  I appreciate your alliegience, but this is as 1972 "THE YEAR OF THE SAXONS" Best of luck and may no one get hurt.

I was on the fence about this game until I read your post.  Now, I can say, without hesitation...

GO STATESMEN!  BEAT THE SEXONS!!

Dear Frank, I find you too much defensive about d3 banterring.  Chill out.  It is not the end of the world. I wished best efforts to HC so no one gets hurt, etc.  What is is it exaactly that you find so offensive?  Unfortunately your proffessional career influences your personal advocation on this web site.  Believe it I am well aware of your career choice.  Again, may a good game be played and no one get hurt.

[AUPepBand]

As a matter of historical record, 50 years ago, the Alfred Sun reported:

THE ALFRED SUN, FIFTY YEARS AGO, OCTOBER 17, 1957

   The defensive play of the Alfred line has been one of the bright points in a Saxon season that shows 2 wins, 1 defeat and 1 tie as the squad prepares for Saturday's clash with Hobart. In four games, the Saxon line has yielded a net of only 323 yards by rushing. This breaks down to an average of 80.7 yards a game. Five seniors have been sparking the Saxon line performance. This group includes: Ed DeChristopher from Peekskill at center; Nick Teta from Port Washington at guard; Wayne Wales of Sherburne at tackle; John Farnan of Glen Cove and Russ Fahey of Waverly at ends. The starting group is rounded out by chunky Bill McAlee, a junior from Johnsonburg, Pa., and Jo Yannuzzi, 200-pound sophomore from Johnson City at tackle. The Saxon line granted only 32 yards rushing to St. Lawrence last week as Alfred won 18-6 for its second win of the season. This week the Saxons will face one of their stiffest tests of the entire season as they meet undefeated Hobart in a Saturday afternoon game at Geneva.

The Alfred Sun...

Now there's an oxymoron for ya...

Frank....they call it the Alfred Sun because it only comes out once a week.  8)

[Frank Rossi]

Blaaah, Blah, Pumpkin.  This is this 2007; where were you in 1972. The Saxons are primed. and will win handily.  I appreciate your alliegience, but this is as 1972 "THE YEAR OF THE SAXONS" Best of luck and may no one get hurt.

I was on the fence about this game until I read your post.  Now, I can say, without hesitation...

GO STATESMEN!  BEAT THE SEXONS!!

Dear Frank, I find you too much defensive about d3 banterring.  Chill out.  It is not the end of the world. I wished best efforts to HC so no one gets hurt, etc.  What is is it exaactly that you find so offensive?  Unfortunately your proffessional career influences your personal advocation on this web site.  Believe it I am well aware of your career choice.  Again, may a good game be played and no one get hurt.

Apparently, Superman has confused you and your E8PP boardmates...We speak English in the LLPP, with the occasional "hizzy" and "Mike Rotch" -- the "Queen's English" is not spoken in these parts...It could get you beaten down.