FB: Middle Atlantic Conference

[jknezek]

You bring up good memories talking about that 2006 playoff game  I worked for the program as a student in 2005 and 2006; some of the best times of my life!

I still follow the program and have attended four games (Muhlenberg, LVC, Lyco, and Widener) this season. It's been tough to see the current team line up and be almost completely noncompetitive after the first series or two.

I wish I had more insight on the current state of things, but the best I can offer is that I hope the current administration looks at the picture and works to put the program in a better position to win.

Looking back on the 2005/2006 teams, a few factors stand out. One was attitude: many of the players had excellent talent, but it was the grit, the swagger, and the passion to win in each player that put the program on the national stage. Another was not just in-game coaching, but things like position changes. I could show you a depth chart from those seasons and you'd be shocked how many guys started off playing a much different position, only to transition to the roles that led to our greatest success.

I know that many program alums still follow the team, and perhaps the current Colonels could take a few cues from the best Wilkes teams of seasons past. In 2005 and 2006 we knew nothing would be handed to us: it would take maximum effort to conquer the MAC, and the program was able to do that. Hopefully the Colonels get back to that standard soon!

Even though W&L got hammered, I still enjoyed that game. It was W&L's first playoff game, it was the first time they played Wilkes, I flew up from Florida, my Dad picked me up at the airport, and we drove up Friday night. We walked campus together and he showed me what he remembered of the campus and we grabbed a few beers at a dive that was still there from when he was a student. Went to the game the next day and got blown out. Being an option team in a swamp just didn't work out well for us, but even if the field had been pristine we still were going to get hammered. Then stopped at Hot Dog Johnnies on the way back home to NJ before flying out the next day.

I hadn't had Hot Dog Johnnies in years, not since I was a kid and we pulled a trailer to the Poconos for vacations. That Birch Beer brought back some great memories and just spending the time with my Dad made it worthwhile, regardless the score.

[bman]

You bring up good memories talking about that 2006 playoff game  I worked for the program as a student in 2005 and 2006; some of the best times of my life!

I still follow the program and have attended four games (Muhlenberg, LVC, Lyco, and Widener) this season. It's been tough to see the current team line up and be almost completely noncompetitive after the first series or two.

I wish I had more insight on the current state of things, but the best I can offer is that I hope the current administration looks at the picture and works to put the program in a better position to win.

Looking back on the 2005/2006 teams, a few factors stand out. One was attitude: many of the players had excellent talent, but it was the grit, the swagger, and the passion to win in each player that put the program on the national stage. Another was not just in-game coaching, but things like position changes. I could show you a depth chart from those seasons and you'd be shocked how many guys started off playing a much different position, only to transition to the roles that led to our greatest success.

I know that many program alums still follow the team, and perhaps the current Colonels could take a few cues from the best Wilkes teams of seasons past. In 2005 and 2006 we knew nothing would be handed to us: it would take maximum effort to conquer the MAC, and the program was able to do that. Hopefully the Colonels get back to that standard soon!

Even though W&L got hammered, I still enjoyed that game. It was W&L's first playoff game, it was the first time they played Wilkes, I flew up from Florida, my Dad picked me up at the airport, and we drove up Friday night. We walked campus together and he showed me what he remembered of the campus and we grabbed a few beers at a dive that was still there from when he was a student. Went to the game the next day and got blown out. Being an option team in a swamp just didn't work out well for us, but even if the field had been pristine we still were going to get hammered. Then stopped at Hot Dog Johnnies on the way back home to NJ before flying out the next day.

I hadn't had Hot Dog Johnnies in years, not since I was a kid and we pulled a trailer to the Poconos for vacations. That Birch Beer brought back some great memories and just spending the time with my Dad made it worthwhile, regardless the score.

+K great memories!

[jmcozenlaw]

tweisman - Some have more of an "inside track" to information, but nobody has the market cornered. When Jason states that Wesley will be in the NJAC, it is an opinion, and they probably will be for several years to come. The NJAC, like many other conferences in the Northeast, will undergo changes over time, it's just a matter of how much change and who it affects.

I happen to know, from very firsthand accounts (feasibility studies, fundraising, etc.) that DeSales, Messiah, Arcadia, Eastern and a few other schools have looked at adding football. Most will not (will not name names here). One will. Two might. That's about it. You may very well see that 12 team MAC and a championship game, but not for several years.

This is my opinion, based on facts as I know them, and how the conference shuffle spins down the road is anybody's guess. If anybody, and I do mean anybody thinks they know......they don't.

Jmcozenlaw:

I'm glad to hear your okay after that accident. I enjoy your insightful posts as it seems you are more informed than people realize. I completely understood that nobody truly knows everything unless they are running point on operations, but I was curious to hear either what others opinions are or maybe some inside rumbles they may have heard. It seems like you definitely are closer to those rumblings than others may believe.

I'm not surprised other institutions have thought about sponsoring football, but I'm intrigued to see who would be next to get this conference to 12 members and finally have a conference championship. I'm curious to see the schedule setup for when it does happen. My hunch would be two divisions of six teams. Each team would play the other 5 divisional opponents, a permanent crossover conference opponent, 2 rotational cross division opponents, and a non conference opponent. The final week (Championship Weekend) would match division #1 vs division #1, division #2 vs. division #2, and etc. I believe the Midwest conference does something similar their final week. This ensures every team plays a 10 game schedule with 9 conference games total.

Below is what I think would be a likely divisional setup as it already would follow the conference setup for other sports:

MAC Commonwealth

• Stevenson
• Widener
• Albright
• Lycoming
• Lebanon Valley
• Alvernia

MAC Freedom

• Delaware Valley
• King's
• FDU Florham
• Misericordia
• Wilkes
• 12th MAC Member

What is everyone's thoughts?

Thanks for the well wishes!! Your 12 team breakdown by division is 100% spot on. Alvernia/Albright are neighbors. Lycoming and LebVal are the "a bit more out west teams" and Widener is the "southern" most team to pair up with Stevenson.

The three NEPA schools (Miserables, King's, Wilkes) are obvious. The one NJ team (FDU) is as well from a geographical standpoint. DelVal is obvious in this division along with either Eastern, DeSales, Arcadia...........and a sleeper who would know that I opened my yap as it is a "secret". Shhhhhh!!

Jmcozenlaw

I'm ecstatic to hear that my guess was actually spot on! I'm definitely intrigued now who this sleeper will be. I understand you don't won't to open your mouth who it will be, but are you able to at least mention when we could expect to hear an announcement when this could happen? I'm curious because this would determine how long the conference rolls with 11 teams before we get divisional setups.

Tweisman - Unfortunately, not any time soon. There are a few other things going on behind the scenes with several other programs that could have a larger impact if you read between the lines. Let the conference roulette begin yet again (Begin? Does it really ever end? It just takes a break. The length of the break is the only question).

Quickie for you. Given Leb Val beating Stevenson two weeks ago, I'm anticipating a fairly close game in Doylestown tomorrow. How did Leb Val beat the Mustangs? Fluke, or real?

[jmcozenlaw]

Week 8 Predictions:

King's (Home) - 30     FDU - 23     If King's d-backs run their mouths all game like they did against DelVal, FDU might throw for 500 yards against them. But the lack of any running threat dooms FDU.
Lycosimba (Home) - 40    Miserables - 13     Les Miserables men's hoops team was the unanimous #1 selection in the MAC Freedom. That's all that I have, other than Simba is still MIA
Albright (Home) - 54     Wilkes - 10     Wilkes is awful. The non-game related stuff on Saturday will be much more of a focus than the game.........now that ESPN is involved. Oy vey!

Widenerbman - 20     Stevenson (Home) - 13     Stevenson does very little against a stout Widener defense and Widener has much, much more to play for than the Mustangs.

DelVal (Home) - 27     LebVal - 20     LebVal beat Stevenson and is a big, physical team. The Aggies do just enough to escape and get ready for Widener in two weeks (after Les Mis next week).

Eagles - 20     49'ers - 10     The nasty weather keeps NFL MVP candidate (so beautiful to type) Carson Wentz in check but the Birds get to their predicted 7 wins........ BUT, in just 8 games!

Penn State - 24     Ohio State - 23     Purely wishful thinking as the Vegas line approaches Ohio State -6.5. The Buckeyes can not afford another Oklahoma on their home field. WE ARE.......Swarthmore!

[bman]

Week 8 Predictions:

King's (Home) - 30     FDU - 23     If King's d-backs run their mouths all game like they did against DelVal, FDU might throw for 500 yards against them. But the lack of any running threat dooms FDU.
Lycosimba (Home) - 40    Miserables - 13     Les Miserables men's hoops team was the unanimous #1 selection in the MAC Freedom. That's all that I have, other then Simba is still MIA
Albright (Home) - 54     Wilkes - 10     Wilkes is awful. The non-game related stuff on Saturday will be much more of a focus than the game.........now that ESPN is involved. Oy vey!

Widenerbman - 20     Stevenson (Home) - 13     Stevenson does very little against a stout Widener defense and Widener has much, much more to play for than the Mustangs.

DelVal (Home) - 27     LebVal - 20     LebVal beat Stevenson and is a big, physical team. The Aggies do just enough to escape and get ready for Widener in two weeks (after Les Mis next week).

Eagles - 20     49'ers - 10     The nasty weather keeps NFL MVP candidate (so beautiful to type) Carson Wentz in check but the Birds get to their predicted 7 wins........ BUT, in just 8 games!

Penn State - 24     Ohio State - 23     Purely wishful thinking as the Vegas line approaches Ohio State -6.5. The Buckeyes can not afford another Oklahoma on their home field. WE ARE.......Swarthmore!

King's - 38        FDU - 14                 Kings is just a better team...but FDU is better this year than in years past.
Lyco   - 42        Miseracordia - 21     Miseracordia is...well it doesn't matter...  I just hope they get better one day.
Albright - 49     Wilkes - 7                Sorry GMANWU- Albright is annoyed at the outcome at Stevenson and will take it out on your boys...
Stevenson - 21 Widener - 20            Widener has a very good D, but field position and special teams in this one will matter.  Widener has not demonstrated enough O
                                                      to get the pick
DelVal  - 51      LebVal - 24              Leb Val only putting up 17 against Miseracordia is disturbing...and telling
Eagles - 36       49'ers - 14               The Birds can run the ball in this bad weather, which sets up the O to score.
Penn State - 0  Ohio State - 0           I may be the only resident in SE PA that roots against both teams (Bman DESPISES Penn St)...scoreless tie, and PSU covers... 

In a random HCAC game
Manchester(Spartans) 42 - Earlham(Quakers) -17  - hey why not!

[gordonmann]

Spartans versus Quakers doesn't sound like a very fair fight.

[bill]

Spartans versus Quakers doesn't sound like a very fair fight.

Always tough for those conscientious objectors to win in a fight - unless you happen to be Alvin York.

[tweisman5]

tweisman - Some have more of an "inside track" to information, but nobody has the market cornered. When Jason states that Wesley will be in the NJAC, it is an opinion, and they probably will be for several years to come. The NJAC, like many other conferences in the Northeast, will undergo changes over time, it's just a matter of how much change and who it affects.

I happen to know, from very firsthand accounts (feasibility studies, fundraising, etc.) that DeSales, Messiah, Arcadia, Eastern and a few other schools have looked at adding football. Most will not (will not name names here). One will. Two might. That's about it. You may very well see that 12 team MAC and a championship game, but not for several years.

This is my opinion, based on facts as I know them, and how the conference shuffle spins down the road is anybody's guess. If anybody, and I do mean anybody thinks they know......they don't.

Jmcozenlaw:

I'm glad to hear your okay after that accident. I enjoy your insightful posts as it seems you are more informed than people realize. I completely understood that nobody truly knows everything unless they are running point on operations, but I was curious to hear either what others opinions are or maybe some inside rumbles they may have heard. It seems like you definitely are closer to those rumblings than others may believe.

I'm not surprised other institutions have thought about sponsoring football, but I'm intrigued to see who would be next to get this conference to 12 members and finally have a conference championship. I'm curious to see the schedule setup for when it does happen. My hunch would be two divisions of six teams. Each team would play the other 5 divisional opponents, a permanent crossover conference opponent, 2 rotational cross division opponents, and a non conference opponent. The final week (Championship Weekend) would match division #1 vs division #1, division #2 vs. division #2, and etc. I believe the Midwest conference does something similar their final week. This ensures every team plays a 10 game schedule with 9 conference games total.

Below is what I think would be a likely divisional setup as it already would follow the conference setup for other sports:

MAC Commonwealth

• Stevenson
• Widener
• Albright
• Lycoming
• Lebanon Valley
• Alvernia

MAC Freedom

• Delaware Valley
• King's
• FDU Florham
• Misericordia
• Wilkes
• 12th MAC Member

What is everyone's thoughts?

Thanks for the well wishes!! Your 12 team breakdown by division is 100% spot on. Alvernia/Albright are neighbors. Lycoming and LebVal are the "a bit more out west teams" and Widener is the "southern" most team to pair up with Stevenson.

The three NEPA schools (Miserables, King's, Wilkes) are obvious. The one NJ team (FDU) is as well from a geographical standpoint. DelVal is obvious in this division along with either Eastern, DeSales, Arcadia...........and a sleeper who would know that I opened my yap as it is a "secret". Shhhhhh!!

Jmcozenlaw

I'm ecstatic to hear that my guess was actually spot on! I'm definitely intrigued now who this sleeper will be. I understand you don't won't to open your mouth who it will be, but are you able to at least mention when we could expect to hear an announcement when this could happen? I'm curious because this would determine how long the conference rolls with 11 teams before we get divisional setups.

Tweisman - Unfortunately, not any time soon. There are a few other things going on behind the scenes with several other programs that could have a larger impact if you read between the lines. Let the conference roulette begin yet again (Begin? Does it really ever end? It just takes a break. The length of the break is the only question).

Quickie for you. Given Leb Val beating Stevenson two weeks ago, I'm anticipating a fairly close game in Doylestown tomorrow. How did Leb Val beat the Mustangs? Fluke, or real?

Jmcozenlaw

My evaluation was the game was closer to a fluke. This isn't a knock against Leb Val as they are an improved team and have played several contenders close, but if you compare Leb Val's scoring margin against common opponents with Stevenson, the difference show a notable statistical difference. I will say that Leb Val always seems to play Stevenson close each year as they are a physical team that brings it every time. I do agree that they could make things interesting for a while against Del Val, but eventually Del Val will pull away by the middle of the 3rd. The depth of talent Del Val has will be too much of the difference.

[tweisman5]

Below are my week 9 predictions and rankings. The spread (-#) is provided by Massey Ratings and the top 25 rankings are from the Hansen Ratings composite. Good luck to everyone this week!

Week 9 Predictions

Misericordia @ Lycoming (-23.5): Lycoming wins by 23

FDU @ King's (-12.5): King's wins by 13     

Widener @ Stevenson (-7.5): Stevenson wins by 1

Wilkes @ Albright (-35.5): Albright wins by 35

Leb Val @ #5 Del Val (-29.5): Del Val wins by 24

Week 9 Rankings
1. Del Val (7-0, 6-0)
2. Widener (5-2, 5-1)
3. Stevenson (4-3, 4-2)
4. Albright (5-2, 4-2)
5. Leb Val (4-3, 4-2)
6. Lycoming (3-4, 3-3)
7. King's (3-4, 2-4)
8. FDU (2-5, 1-5)
9. Misericordia (1-6, 1-5)
10. Wilkes (0-7, 0-6)

Prediction Record
Last Week: 3-0 (1.000)
Season: 28-12 (.700)

[jmcozenlaw]

Week 8 Predictions:

King's (Home) - 30     FDU - 23     If King's d-backs run their mouths all game like they did against DelVal, FDU might throw for 500 yards against them. But the lack of any running threat dooms FDU.
Lycosimba (Home) - 40    Miserables - 13     Les Miserables men's hoops team was the unanimous #1 selection in the MAC Freedom. That's all that I have, other than Simba is still MIA
Albright (Home) - 54     Wilkes - 10     Wilkes is awful. The non-game related stuff on Saturday will be much more of a focus than the game.........now that ESPN is involved. Oy vey!

Widenerbman - 20     Stevenson (Home) - 13     Stevenson does very little against a stout Widener defense and Widener has much, much more to play for than the Mustangs.

DelVal (Home) - 27     LebVal - 20     LebVal beat Stevenson and is a big, physical team. The Aggies do just enough to escape and get ready for Widener in two weeks (after Les Mis next week).

Eagles - 20     49'ers - 10     The nasty weather keeps NFL MVP candidate (so beautiful to type) Carson Wentz in check but the Birds get to their predicted 7 wins........ BUT, in just 8 games!

Penn State - 24     Ohio State - 23     Purely wishful thinking as the Vegas line approaches Ohio State -6.5. The Buckeyes can not afford another Oklahoma on their home field. WE ARE.......Swarthmore!

tweisman takes his Mustangs (he's like me in never picking against my beloved Eagles)

bman goes against his Pride

and...................................................

JM delivers the correct side, but would like to apologize for missing the Stevenson score by a point (while nailing the Widener score)

Two weeks from now in bucolic Doylestown..............the MAC's Irresistible Force meets the Immovable Object and one side has payback in mind for last year's shellacking!!

[tweisman5]

Week 8 Predictions:

King's (Home) - 30     FDU - 23     If King's d-backs run their mouths all game like they did against DelVal, FDU might throw for 500 yards against them. But the lack of any running threat dooms FDU.
Lycosimba (Home) - 40    Miserables - 13     Les Miserables men's hoops team was the unanimous #1 selection in the MAC Freedom. That's all that I have, other than Simba is still MIA
Albright (Home) - 54     Wilkes - 10     Wilkes is awful. The non-game related stuff on Saturday will be much more of a focus than the game.........now that ESPN is involved. Oy vey!

Widenerbman - 20     Stevenson (Home) - 13     Stevenson does very little against a stout Widener defense and Widener has much, much more to play for than the Mustangs.

DelVal (Home) - 27     LebVal - 20     LebVal beat Stevenson and is a big, physical team. The Aggies do just enough to escape and get ready for Widener in two weeks (after Les Mis next week).

Eagles - 20     49'ers - 10     The nasty weather keeps NFL MVP candidate (so beautiful to type) Carson Wentz in check but the Birds get to their predicted 7 wins........ BUT, in just 8 games!

Penn State - 24     Ohio State - 23     Purely wishful thinking as the Vegas line approaches Ohio State -6.5. The Buckeyes can not afford another Oklahoma on their home field. WE ARE.......Swarthmore!

tweisman takes his Mustangs (he's like me in never picking against my beloved Eagles)

bman goes against his Pride

and...................................................

JM delivers the correct side, but would like to apologize for missing the Stevenson score by a point (while nailing the Widener score)

Two weeks from now in bucolic Doylestown..............the MAC's Irresistible Force meets the Immovable Object and one side has payback in mind for last year's shellacking!!

It's always tough to pick against your alma mater, especially when they are capable and "technically" favored to win. Anyways, I felt this game was more dangerous than Albright. It proved my fear correct. Regardless, it was a heartbreaking loss when my Mustangs had the ball inside Widener's 5 and four downs to score with less than 1:30 remaining in the fourth.

I'm looking ahead now and have identified what Stevenson needs to qualify for a bowl game. The final bowl spot (3rd place) is a tight race with Albright, Stevenson, Leb Val, and Lycoming. I'm curious what the MAC tie breaking procedures are if 3 or more teams find themselves in this situation. I found the link, but not sure if my interpretation is correct. Anyone want to give it a shot to clearly explain. Here is the link below:

http://gomacsports.com/custompages/FactBooks/Tie-Breaking%20Procedure.pdf

Again, congratulations to a tough Widener program today. These final few weeks will be intense!

[tweisman5]

I decided it would be interesting to compile a season resume for each team within the conference to better compare how each team fairs against their peers. I'll try to update these each week and I'll start with the bottom team working my way up. I'll post about three team resumes each day starting on Monday. Now onto the team resumes!

Week 10 Resume

Team: Wilkes

Overall Record: 0-8

Conference Record (Current): 0-7 (10th)

Versus D3 Comp. Top 25: 0-1

Versus > .500: 0-6

Versus < .500: 0-2

Average SM against > .500: -25.33

Average SM against < .500: -23.5

NCAA SOS (rank): .498 (132nd)

Best Win (W-L): None

Worst Loss (W-L): Misericordia (1-7)

Largest MOV (W-L): None

Largest MOD (W-L): 43 points, Muhlenburg (5-3)

[tweisman5]

I decided it would be interesting to compile a season resume for each team within the conference to better compare how each team fairs against their peers. I'll try to update these each week and I'll start with the bottom team working my way up. I'll post about three team resumes each day starting on Monday. Now onto the team resumes!

Week 10 Resume

Team: Misericordia

Overall Record: 1-7

Conference Record (Current): 1-6 (9th)

Versus D3 Comp. Top 25: 0-0

Versus > .500: 0-6

Versus < .500: 1-1

Average SM against > .500: -27.5

Average SM against < .500: +4

NCAA SOS (rank): .461 (190th)

Best Win (W-L): Wilkes (0-8)

Worst Loss (W-L): Merchant Marine (3-4)

Largest MOV (W-L): 29 points, Wilkes (0-8)

Largest MOD (W-L): 58 points, Stevenson (4-4)

[tweisman5]

I decided it would be interesting to compile a season resume for each team within the conference to better compare how each team fairs against their peers. I'll try to update these each week and I'll start with the bottom team working my way up. I'll post about three team resumes each day starting on Monday. Now onto the team resumes!

Week 10 Resume

Team: FDU-Florham

Overall Record: 2-6

Conference Record (Current): 1-6 (8th)

Versus D3 Comp. Top 25: 0-1

Versus > .500: 0-6

Versus < .500: 2-0

Average SM against > .500: -28.83

Average SM against < .500: +16

NCAA SOS (rank): .476 (167th)

Best Win (W-L): New Jersey (2-6)

Worst Loss (W-L): King's (4-4)

Largest MOV (W-L): 18 points, Wilkes (0-8)

Largest MOD (W-L): 53 points, Del Val (8-0)

[tweisman5]

I decided it would be interesting to compile a season resume for each team within the conference to better compare how each team fairs against their peers. I'll try to update these each week and I'll start with the bottom team working my way up. I'll post about three team resumes each day starting on Monday. Now onto the team resumes!

Week 10 Resume

Team: King's PA

Overall Record: 4-4

Conference Record (Current): 3-4 (7th)

Versus D3 Comp. Top 25: 0-1

Versus > .500: 1-4

Versus < .500: 3-0

Average SM against > .500: -13

Average SM against < .500: +7.33

NCAA SOS (rank): .484 (157th)

Best Win (W-L): Leb Val (4-4)

Worst Loss (W-L): Lycoming (4-4)

Largest MOV (W-L): 26 points, Misericordia (1-7)

Largest MOD (W-L): 35 points, Del Val (8-0)