FB: Liberty League

[Jonny Utah]

Totally agree with the quality of the Ithaca broadcast......I was looking forward to it given the communications major reputation at Ithaca. They were also pretty objective reflecting a true journalistic approach. Do they broadcast road games...like next year in Geneva??
    Although the sting of losing remains, we should congratulate the Statesman on the four year regular season win streak , this was truly exceptional and the coaching staff and the players should be proud of this accomplishment. The streak had to end at some point, and losing to a great program like Ithaca carries no shame(but still winless in Ithaca ) Hopefully the Statesmen can start a new regular season streak and maintain the Liberty League crown this year....it won't be easy as we cannot take anyone in the league lightly this year starting with Merchant Marine this weekend.  Liberty League football should be interesting this season.

If you think the radio guys are objective, you should listen to the halftime ICTV show.  Those guys sound like they like to root against the bombers.  That's besides the fact that none of them seem to know anything about the sport of football or the team they are supposedly trying to cover.

I think this is a bit unfair. I've listened to the radio guys, and I think they're critical where it's deserved and positive when that's warranted. I think it's possible they overcorrect at times, and in an effort to not sound like a homer, are too critical. However, I think a bigger problem in general (and this is not directed at you, Jonny) is that a lot of people think that the kids should be overwhelmingly supportive of the program and never critical. Do you recall specific examples that stuck with you?

Regarding their knowledge of the sport and team, I'd say two things: I do think, in general, a more broad knowledge of the program as a whole would serve them (and any broadcasters) well.

However, let's remember that these are students, who are trying to balance broadcasting these games with classes and whatever other extra curricular activities they're doing, and that they're still in the process of refining the skillsets they're being asked to display on the air. If they could do it without making mistakes, or having problems, they'd be professionals earning a paycheck, not 19-year olds forking over a small fortune to go to school.

I'm talking more about the Cortland game last year, where the hosts of the ICTV program were criticizing the Ithaca players, playcalling and basically expecting the team to do things that they haven't done all year, as if they hadn't even watched a game.  And I realized these guys are students, but I don't remember such a lack of knowledge of the sport when guys like Kevin Connors, Jamie Mather, John Meter-Perel, etc were doing the media in the 1990s.  You could tell those guys from the 1990s knew what they were talking about, and were going to make it to the next level.  I dunno, I just expected more professionalism from these guys.  As for them being busy students, I assume these guys want to make a career in sports broadcasting, so that is why I expect the best of the best.

Utes
I get where you are coming from, but for a dose of reality, please sign up and check out a Widener game on Livestream.  While the play by play guy is good, the rest is so bad, that I literally turn off the sound, bring up another game on my second screen, and keep up the sound on that one.  I was able to take in a few games this weekend, including the SJU/Concordia game, which makes me embarrassed about the WU broadcast...(it's also grainy with poor camerawork...)
That should very quickly put the IC broadcast and halftime show in perspective...

I'll have to check them out for a good laugh I guess.  As for the Ithaca guys/girls I have no problem with the radio/TV announcers, just with the halftime people that have a show similar to Fox/NBC does during halftime.

[lewdogg11]

Don't listen to the WRPI feed.....EVER!

[bman]

Don't listen to the WRPI feed.....EVER!

Oh, I am so listening to that, if there is a feed...

[Jonny Utah]

Don't listen to the WRPI feed.....EVER!

Oh, I am so listening to that, if there is a feed...

Hobart had guys on the radio last year that were very good I thought.  Does RPI and Widener have students or adults?

[lewdogg11]

Don't listen to the WRPI feed.....EVER!

Oh, I am so listening to that, if there is a feed...

Hobart had guys on the radio last year that were very good I thought.  Does RPI and Widener have students or adults?

Adults. 1 is good. 1 is the worst.

[bman]

Don't listen to the WRPI feed.....EVER!

Oh, I am so listening to that, if there is a feed...

Hobart had guys on the radio last year that were very good I thought.  Does RPI and Widener have students or adults?

Adults. 1 is good. 1 is the worst.

At WU, the play by play is an adult...I am assuming he get's a student to do color.  I can't wait to compare the RPI bad to the WU bad...
The WU color commentator, I don't think ever participated in, nor watched a football game in his life...I actually get embarrassed for him...Please listen and tell me if I am being too harsh...

[bman]

Don't listen to the WRPI feed.....EVER!

Oh, I am so listening to that, if there is a feed...

Hobart had guys on the radio last year that were very good I thought.  Does RPI and Widener have students or adults?

Adults. 1 is good. 1 is the worst.

At WU, the play by play is an adult...I am assuming he get's a student to do color.  I can't wait to compare the RPI bad to the WU bad...
The WU color commentator, I don't think ever participated in, nor watched a football game in his life...I actually get embarrassed for him...Please listen and tell me if I am being too harsh...

For your listening enjoyment (you may need to create a log in)...
http://livestream.com/accounts/9863050/events/4334845

[dlippiel]

Don't listen to the WRPI feed.....EVER!

Oh, I am so listening to that, if there is a feed...

Hobart had guys on the radio last year that were very good I thought.  Does RPI and Widener have students or adults?

Adults. 1 is good. 1 is the worst.

[D3pc]

League play time! Time for some picks...

at 12:00 we have Springfield @ Rochester

Rochester is riding pretty high as they have strung together some real momentum from the end of last year and through their first two games this year. Springfield juts is not the power it used to be, but the triple offense is never a fun task to go up against. Defending the triple option is all about having a good week of practice and execution, execution, execution. The young Rochester team is more talented, but can they contain Springfield? I say yes as they win this one at home in a high scoring affair. ROCHESTER 38-28

AT 1:00 RPI @ WPI

In another battle of engineers with weird mascots, both have a mutual opponent in the 3rd engineer team, MIT. WPI eeked one out by 3 and RPI handled them with ease, but i expect this one to be close. WPI is also riding high with a 3-0 record and they have this one at home, but I still don't think I can see WPI taking this one. The bus trip isn't too long, I'll take RPI in a surprisingly low scoring affair. RPI 20-16.

The other 1:00 game pits St Lawrence @ Union

Now it is easy to say SLU wins this easy, but i say otherwise. Regardless of record, there is a real hatred (kind of mutual respect) between these two teams. Ever since their OT/fight game about 8 years ago, there is a lot of back and forth between the two teams. 2 years ago when SLU had their turnaround 7-3 season, they were kind of outplayed by Union but stole that one 30-20. Last year, SLU was clearly the better team, but trailed late and only won by a score 28-20. Its at Union, they have played some good teams and will be ready to go. However, SLU still just too good not to win this one, they got their bad loss out of the way in week one. ST LAWRENCE 24-10.

In the 2:00 game, Hobart @ USMMA

One of those interesting games here for the Statesmen. After their first regular season loss since 2011, they came up short and has an abysmal offensive performance against a good Ithaca defense. Lets face it, they may not be as jacked up for this, its a long trip, and against a triple optoin offense, I'm not saying its quite a trap game but it will be very telling of Hobart. Kings Point may pull out everything in their arsenal with trick plays ad extras in special teams, but Hobarts defense i expect will bottle up Kings Point with ease. HOBART 24-6.

Let me know what you think! Also, have not listened to ITH yet and heard predictions, interested to compare.

[Bartman]

D3pc I agree with your pics this week, but I think the LL will have a few surprises in store this year . I think Springfield or WPI could win these games, so don't think those would really be upsets, but the surprise of the week could be Union beating The Saints. The SLU defense showed they are vulnerable based on the Morrisville game , and this would be the kind of win that Audino and the Dutchmen need to revitalize the program . Call me crazy, but I think this could be the first surprise in the league this year.

[lewdogg11]

D3pc I agree with your pics this week, but I think the LL will have a few surprises in store this year . I think Springfield or WPI could win these games, so don't think those would really be upsets, but the surprise of the week could be Union beating The Saints. The SLU defense showed they are vulnerable based on the Morrisville game , and this would be the kind of win that Audino and the Dutchmen need to revitalize the program . Call me crazy, but I think this could be the first surprise in the league this year.

I think the Audino factor will work against Union here as per usual.  SLU by 24.

[Bartman]

Lewdogg I get your point, but either Audino gets a few good wins and turns the program over graciously or it could end ugly with another losing LL season ....while the Columbia program rises from the ashes .... Then all will regret his remaining, including  Audino....we will know in the next few weeks if Union can still get it done...or at least get the dead man bounce....I am feeling the Wes Craven bounce

[dlippiel]

"...but either Audino gets a few good wins and turns the program over graciously or it could end ugly with another losing LL season..."

dlip thinks you hit the figurative nail right on the head Bartman. It's going to either be one or the other. dlip is really hoping for the first...

[Garnet]

D3pc I agree with your pics this week, but I think the LL will have a few surprises in store this year . I think Springfield or WPI could win these games, so don't think those would really be upsets, but the surprise of the week could be Union beating The Saints. The SLU defense showed they are vulnerable based on the Morrisville game , and this would be the kind of win that Audino and the Dutchmen need to revitalize the program . Call me crazy, but I think this could be the first surprise in the league this year.

Boy, things sure have changed in Schenectady! 

[D3pc]

Agreed, there are always a few surprises in the LL and the difference from the top to the bottom really isn't as large a gap as usual, which could make for a great year. I was really hoping for both SLU and Hobart to be undefeated going into their meeting to potentially get 2 playoff bids, with an ECAC game from a third team. Would have really helped the league's case. It looks to be the traditional 1 and 1. Will have to pray for a good playoff matchup.

Now I just looked this up, assuming Husson wins the ECFC again, SLU is within the 500 mile limit (408 miles). However, if Salve or WNE win the NEFC (which either should), they will be closer. So, to avoid the catastrophe that was allowed last year to pit the ECFC and NEFC winners against each other, SLU may have to win the league, and Salve/WNE could go to Ithaca/Rowan/Wesley or something like that. Sorry if that is hard to follow, but i just can't believe MIT got a playoff win last year. I saw them play and actually rooted for them because it was a great story, plus they had a terrific player on either side of the ball in their RB and MLB on top of a smart SR QB. However, they would be MAYBE be .500 team in the LL, and I can't even bring myself to say they would win a single E8 game. Anyway, good luck to the teams this weekend.