FB: Liberty League

[Frank Rossi]

Stimulator-

Were these guys hustling and playing to the whistle against merchant marine?  I am still trying to figure out what the heck happened against hobart.  If they weren't, why not?

(I hope this isnt a difficult question, just trying to figure out how a team that has 2 wins in the last 2 years beats an NCAA tourney contender)

Fair questions.....with so much to play for, how do you lose to an extremely overmatched MMA.

You score less points than they do.

[stimulator]

From what i saw live .. yes.

Was it a difficult day? .. Yes.

I could give you a number of reasons why it ended up like it did.  But to list them would sound like excuses and or pointing blame which I do not want to do.

Listen you don't win games turning the ball over.  Was that a lack of effort?  Not that I saw.  MMA is not a good team but they did enough to win. 

The weather was a huge equalizer and on a day where the wind was blowing like it was you have to win the quarters in which you have the wind.  They didn't and were faced with trying to come back against a stiff wind the whole 4th Q.

Each time they had a chance to make some headway they turned it over.  Also the punt block was huge.. again.

Was I happy with the result?  No but I didn't see a lack of effort, I saw a lack of execution on a difficult day and a few key missing personnel.  Merot didn't play and they had a reserve LT start and were missing 2 of their 3 starting wideouts.  Also a team on the other sidelines to their credit  that wanted to win as much as RPI did.

**** happens.  Ask Hobart if they feel lucky to have won yesterday.  The numbers don't always predict what will happen when you put the helmet on.

[labart96]

TGP didn't think Hobart was lucky to win that game.  Rather, the Statesmen were incredibly unlucky for most of it.  They overcame 4 turnovers due to mud covered footballs, bad calls from the refs and poor field position (started most of their drives in the second half inside or near their own 20 yd line), not to mention unplayable conditions (TGP wouldn't be surprised if Hobart gets to host a first round game but they - either by Hanna's call or more likely the NCAAs - have to travel and play at the lower seeds home field b/c the Boz is completely wrecked) - having the ball for less than 10 minutes in the first half, etc.

They were stopped short on 4th and goals twice - if anything it was UofR that was lucky to keep it close as they did.

Regardless, this was our 101st game against these guys.  Even if it doesn't get the same hype of the Shoes, this is bonafide rivalry game and Rochester came to play (much like they did against SJF earlier in the season).

Hobart had a qb playingwith a separated shoulder, w/o their #1 rusher, w/o their #1 TE (a capt no less), a defense that could barely move because of mud (but still kept UofR to 1 for 15 on 3rd downs), but guys like woodard (1 int), boyington (1 int - and several great punt returns), doyle (10-21-1 and 1 rush td) and sanders (15 tackles) kept making big plays like guys on championship teams do.

Hobart wasn't the lucky team on Saturday.  It's not luck if you consider including last Saturday’s  three-point win at Rensselaer, Hobart is 14-5 in games decided by eight points or less since the start of the 2004 season (basically when the LL came to be after the UCAA expanded).

In 2008, the Statesmen are 4-1 in such contests (that 1 being a game we gave away b/c of missing 3 FGs).

Yesterday, was just another close one Bart pulled out b/c they were the better team - not the lucky one.

[pumkinattack]

Yeah, I'd like to reiterate TGP's point and congratulate Hobart on finding a way to win despite some tough breaks throughout the year and having struggles on O.  In fact, I think the skepticism about Bart's D, which I've seen some of, would be tempered if people had seen how much time the D spent on the field all year.  Even in the best games, there would be 1 quarter or more of 3 and outs where the D kept on coming back on the field.  That Aruck, Sanders, Hager and Robinson could make big plays late in games is a testament to their conditioning and will to win.  I was going to post a shot of the team after the final sack to end the game, but I'm a little to retarded with technology to figure it out.  Bart has gone out there and represented the school, alums and themselves with great pride over the last few years and deserve everything they've earned.  They also will try hard to represent the conference in the NCAA's and hopefully will acquit themselves well.  I felt horribly for Duliba, who didn't even want to do the senior walk with his parents, he was so down about his injury.  They guy was out on the field for time outs with towels and probably a yard or two on the field the entire game (the sidelines didn't exist just mud).  Funny moment, Matt Marsh, a TE was hustling off the field and ended up doing a baseball slide (only funny because he was ok and ended up making a critical catch in the second half).  Hobaica is on crutches.  These guys are banged up, but I have faith even if they get a tough draw.  Vella looked troubled, but his mobility was rendered moot by the conditions (he lost his footing after breaking away from the pocket with all the room in the world early on).

I'm a little disappointed with RPI's loss.  Not criticizing, but with all the other carnage, I think they would have definitely been in had they pulled it out.  Hopefully they, along with Union (I guess WPI didn't apply?) can beat up on some E8 or NJAC schools in ECAC games.  Looking at the LL, its nice to see 8-1, 7-2, 6-3, 5-4,   4-6, etc.   The bottom has elevated their play and you can no longer assume any wins. 

Frank,  if you see my question on the playoff board, can you inquire on this topic tonight?

[stimulator]

TGP... not what I meant.

I didn't mean to assert that Hobart was lucky,  what I meant to imply was that FB games take strange twists.  Late in the season weather and injuries can make for some strange results.  Whatever your take, bith RPI and Hobart played 2-3 pt games.  RPI on the losing end, Hobart as a winner.

Maybe the right way to say it was Hobart is glad to have that one behind them ... it could have turned out differently as with any close game...regardless of how unlucky, or in your vernacuar deserving  Hobart was.

Good luck to the Pumpkinheads in the playoffs make the LL proud.

PS.... remember one of those 5 losses.. and I know payback is really a bitch

[labart96]

TGP... not what I meant.

I didn't mean to assert that Hobart was lucky,  what I meant to imply was that FB games take strange twists.  Late in the season weather and injuries can make for some strange results.  Whatever your take, bith RPI and Hobart played 2-3 pt games.  RPI on the losing end, Hobart as a winner.

Maybe the right way to say it was Hobart is glad to have that one behind them ... it could have turned out differently as with any close game...regardless of how unlucky, or in your vernacuar deserving  Hobart was.

Good luck to the Pumpkinheads in the playoffs make the LL proud.

PS.... remember one of those 5 losses.. and I know payback is really a bitch

TGP hears ya.  k+

Onto Lyco.   Should be an interesting game.  Certainly the most competitive of the East bracket round 1ers.

[Jonny Utah]

I just love how Dlippel has turned from being this nice clean cut Union poster into something out of an early Eddie Murphy comedy album!

['gro]

I just love how Dlippel has turned from being this nice clean cut Union poster into something out of an early Eddie Murphy comedy album!

Dlippel on casual Friday's


_{"Hello, suck this, and MF, and kiss my big black stuff"}

[dlippiel]

I just love how Dlippel has turned from being this nice clean cut Union poster into something out of an early Eddie Murphy comedy album!

Maybe I am getting comfortable guys I mean I have got to say I love being a part of the LLPP baby! Plus being a teacher I am always so PC. I have resolved to cut the leash on the LLPP and let it hang with the men!

[Jonny Utah]

Dlippel Raw...

"because it is clearly BS that it happened"

"over a questionable team, a ****ing joke of an OOC schedule"

"It is absolute BS to me"

"I know about winning percentage etc etc are are people ****ing blind?"

"See dude the difference is I don't talk crazy **** about my team and blow smoke up everyone's ass who points out reality to you. I am well aware of the Dutchmen's reality as well as Wicks next year. See dude I actually like Wick and think Boltus is the ****!"

"Once Boltus and Phelan are gone your password probably won't work to get on the damn board."

"Sometimes I just like to let it ride....I mean ****ing ride"

"****ing WNEC and then losing to Curry?"

"Yet when you honk your Wick horn you make people call you out on your ****."

"Damn NEFC with two teams I never thought I'd see the day"

"I think it is absolute bull**** that freakin Curry got in over Montclair and Rowan"

"I hope Grassdorf and Co ****ing stomp them into oblivion."

"Many said this year that Wicks two losses to NEFC teams last year was last year and should be forgotton. Bull****"

"Dude Wick sucks and should not have lost to Springfield"

"**** why have Hartwick go and get their ass handed to them?"

"I have been looking all day and haven't seen ****!"

"I am ****ing dumbfounded today."

[dlippiel]

I just love how Dlippel has turned from being this nice clean cut Union poster into something out of an early Eddie Murphy comedy album!

Dlippel on casual Friday's


_{"Hello, suck this, and MF, and kiss my big black stuff"}

"Looking mighty fine in them jeans gro. Why don't you come over here and...." Got to love delirious and raw! If i could give K I would give it to both of you!

[Jonny Utah]

I just love how Dlippel has turned from being this nice clean cut Union poster into something out of an early Eddie Murphy comedy album!

Maybe I am getting comfortable guys I mean I have got to say I love being a part of the LLPP baby! Plus being a teacher I am always so PC. I have resolved to cut the leash on the LLPP and let it hang with the men!

Dlippel +K!

Keep it strong baby.


_{LLPP hires this guy to produce dlippel's first album "LLPP raw"}

[dlippiel]

Dlippel Raw...

"because it is clearly BS that it happened"

"over a questionable team, a ****ing joke of an OOC schedule"

"It is absolute BS to me"

"I know about winning percentage etc etc are are people ****ing blind?"

"See dude the difference is I don't talk crazy **** about my team and blow smoke up everyone's ass who points out reality to you. I am well aware of the Dutchmen's reality as well as Wicks next year. See dude I actually like Wick and think Boltus is the ****!"

"Once Boltus and Phelan are gone your password probably won't work to get on the damn board."

"Sometimes I just like to let it ride....I mean ****ing ride"

"****ing WNEC and then losing to Curry?"

"Yet when you honk your Wick horn you make people call you out on your ****."

"Damn NEFC with two teams I never thought I'd see the day"

"I think it is absolute bull**** that freakin Curry got in over Montclair and Rowan"

"I hope Grassdorf and Co ****ing stomp them into oblivion."

"Many said this year that Wicks two losses to NEFC teams last year was last year and should be forgotton. Bull****"

"Dude Wick sucks and should not have lost to Springfield"

"**** why have Hartwick go and get their ass handed to them?"

"I have been looking all day and haven't seen ****!"

"I am ****ing dumbfounded today."

Utah this is great! Wow my mouth, my mouth? I need to see Dr. Rosenpenis, Dr. Rosenrosen ASAP!

[Frank Rossi]

Tonight on "In the HuddLLe," we have a very special show planned.  Joining Frank Rossi and Eric Ren will be:

- NCAA Division III Football Championships Committee Chairman and Defiance Athletic Director Dick Kaiser, to discuss the selection process used to arrive at this year's "Field of 32" released just a little while ago;

- Liberty League Commissioner Timothy Danehy, who will voice his thoughts on the 2008 Liberty League regular season, the selection process and the playoff teams of the League;

- Hobart Fifth-Year Senior Linebacker Jeff Sanders, whose team will make its fifth consecutive NCAA Playoffs appearance next weekend;

- Hobart Head Coach Mike Cragg, who is already hard at work learning exactly who Lycoming is and what got them to the success they've enjoyed this season; and

- Hobart Guru James Baker, who will give us his thoughts and predictions regarding next week's games involving Liberty League teams, including potential ECAC Bowl berths.

Please join us at 7:30pm EST and ask questions for any of our guests in the chatroom.  The link is at http://blogtalkradio.com/LLRecap -- It should be a great show!

[pumkinattack]

I did a quick review of the MAC conference numbers at it looks like they have no passing games in the entire conference.  The Lyco QB is #1 in passing yards at 207, but he has 16 ints on 12 TD's.  The RB is 3rd in the league at 103/game.  Maybe its a conference full of defenses, but with Bart's secondary I like this matchup since it appears that they can blitz the LB's and the secondary shouldn't be too challenged.  i hope they are licking their chops looking at little Lance Boyington.  That kid is a baller and got robbed of an int that was right in front of me yesterday (would've been his 6th to go with Woodard's 7). 

This is going to be one of those 20pr over/under games.  How did Lyco even with 5 conference games with a -1.22 +/- is my biggest question.