FB: Middle Atlantic Conference

[Pat Coleman]

For years, the ECAC was also a very political organization, it seemed, very old-boys network even long after the NCAA selections stopped being so. I don't have nearly as good visibility into the ECAC anymore, so perhaps that has changed.

[DVgradRUdad]

Some thoughts on Widener DelVal game, I have not had a chance to see DelVal play this year but did get to see Rowan play Widener. Rowan and Montclair are pretty even and each having lost to their MAC opponents this year. I know it was the first game of the year, but Widener being the recipient of 6 interceptions and 1 fumble were unable to put Rowan away until the final 3 minutes of the game, the last interception they took to the house. Rowan is basically a one dimensional team, unlike the teams of the past. where as DelVal is multidimensional, and as noted by one of the previous posts Widener has been suspect to the pass. I was impressed with the Widener coaching but if DelVal can exploit the secondary it should be an exciting game ! I'm picking DelVal.

[bill]

I've heard that the ECAC affiliation is also more costly to maintain on an annual basis than the NCAA affiliation.   And while the NCAA shoulders part of the costs for teams to participate in their playoffs, the ECAC does not.

ECAC = $3500 annually: you pay for postseason travel, tournament costs, etc. ECAC picks up the gate money.
NCAA = $900 annually: NCAA pays for a good majority of tournament travel costs. NCAA also picks up the gate money, but reimburses hosts (to a point).

I actually have not understood why schools participate in the ECAC, especially in these tougher economic times, simply for the chance to say their schools got a couple of post-season games when the costs don't add up.

Dave
You're correct about the costs...but for many programs the few post season games are indeed priceless. For us, the cost is minimal compared to the experiences the student-athletes get. Departments have to look at each student like a customer...they're paying anywhere near 50K a year, and anything the athletic department can do to make their undergraduate experience better is usually worth its weight in gold down the road.

Also, many programs will rarely, if ever, get a chance to sniff the NCAA tournament. Until 2013, FDU's women's hoops teams had never come close to an NCAA berth, so the ECAC tournaments were well worth it. Using football, we haven't exactly had a long history of success...but our ECAC berths in 1993 and 1999 still mean a great deal to the young men who were playing on those teams!

[Pat Coleman]

Great conversation about ECAC games on the ODAC board earlier:

I'm somewhat familar with the ECAC bowls; for the life of me I cannot figure why a senior would want to put in a extra weeks worth of practice to play in a meaningless game in front of a very small crowd (I'm assuming) with final exams, senior papers, and other semester ending work looming, and miss the opportunity to finally watch college football on the tube with a cold one in your hand.
What am I missing

tfa no disrespect but did you play college ball? I would have killed for an extra game as a senior or any year for that matter. Even if that game was at 3am on a Tuesday night with not a soul watching. In fact I'd give up ever watching college football on tv again for a bowl game last year. Would make that trade in a heartbeat any day
I cant really even imagine comparing the opportunity to play in a college bowl game vs the "opportunity" to watch college football on tv. I've got my whole life to do that man

[ECoastFootball]

tfa no disrespect but did you play college ball? I would have killed for an extra game as a senior or any year for that matter. Even if that game was at 3am on a Tuesday night with not a soul watching. In fact I'd give up ever watching college football on tv again for a bowl game last year. Would make that trade in a heartbeat any day
I cant really even imagine comparing the opportunity to play in a college bowl game vs the "opportunity" to watch college football on tv. I've got my whole life to do that man

Great sentiment to hear.

[Simba]

After seeing all the local, state and national coverage on Veterans Day yesterday and again in today's papers, l must "out" a special friend for his many years of service to our Country and congratulate him on his recent retirement at H-Hour on D-Day this past June on Omaha Beach...

For those of you who have been on this board awhile, you know him as Lyco80...Not too hard to figure out (Lyco class of 1980)...To me it's Captain John H. Lea, lll,  a 1980 Lycoming graduate who had gone on to become one of the senior leaders in the U.S. Navy's Chaplain Corps....

Stephen Smith, Lyco '77 (a retired JAG Colonel and serves as Senior Civilian Attorney for the 21st Theater Command in Germany) was there this past June along with over 30 others in the Lyco contingent and covered the event for "Lycoming Magazine"... For four days they celebrated the 70th anniversary of D-Day and Jack's " request for permission to go ashore, sir." (traditional naval retirement request) at H-Hour...

Jack remained in uniform for the rest of the day and everywhere he went total strangers come up to him and thanked him for his service. He participated in the lowering of the American flag ceremony on the Normandy American Cemetery that evening and also posed for  pictures with àdoring French children afterwards. It was truly a day to remember.-Stephen Smith

All The Best Lyco 80...

Simba

[wesleydad]

After seeing all the local, state and national coverage on Veterans Day yesterday and again in today's papers, l must "out" a special friend for his many years of service to our Country and congratulate him on his recent retirement at H-Hour on D-Day this past June on Omaha Beach...

For those of you who have been on this board awhile, you know him as Lyco80...Not too hard to figure out (Lyco class of 1980)...To me it's Captain John H. Lea, lll,  a 1980 Lycoming graduate who had gone on to become one of the senior leaders in the U.S. Navy's Chaplain Corps....

Stephen Smith, Lyco '77 was there this past June along with over 30 others in the Lyco cotingent and covered the event for "Lycoming Magazine"... For four days they celebrated the 70th anniversary of D-Day and Jack's " request for permission to go ashore, sir." (traditional naval retirement request) at H-Hour...

Jack remained in uniform for the rest of the day and everywhere he went total strangers come up to him and thanked him for his service. He participated in the lowering of the American flag ceremony on the Normandy American Cemetery that evening and also posed for  pictures with àdoring French children afterwards. It was truly a day to remember.-Stephen Smith

All The Best Lyco 80...

Simba

Thanks for sharing Simba.  Thanks for serving Lyco80.

[kate]

Thanks so much for your comments, Bill!  I'm with you 100% regarding the ECAC's!!!

[jmcozenlaw]

Last Updated - November 12, 2014

Regional Rankings

EAST         
1 Delaware Valley 9-0 9-0     
2 Hobart 9-0 9-0     
3 Widener 9-0 9-0     
4 Framingham State 8-1 8-1     
5 Ithaca 7-2 7-2     
6 St. John Fisher 6-2 7-2     
7 MIT 8-0 8-0     
8 St. Lawrence 7-2 7-2     
9 Rowan 6-3 6-3     
10 Husson 6-1 7-1

[bman]

Been off a couple days and missed so much!

First and foremost, belated thanks to Lyco80 for your service, always a voice of reason on this board!  And also Knightstalker, whom I havent seen on in awhile, who also served...

Topic 1:
It's a shame Lyco doesn't participate in the ECACs.  While not overly prestigious, it's crazy to suggest that one more game would not be welcome to any student athlete...and it cracks me up to see the comment that it would be welcome to trade that for watching a "real college game" on TV...Not sure of other's opinions, but Big Time college football has become almost like the NFL, and basically unwatchable...Once someone invents NCAA redzone, it will great for those of us without a rooting interest in any particular major team....

Topic 2:
While I don't really have a feel for what's going to occur on Saturday, the thought occurred to me that I have been selling WU short all year.  They have been better than my expectations all year, and I have struggled to give them credit.  I will keep this in mind, while making my picks tomorrow...

Topic 3:
I have targeted this game (to attend), since week 3.  Between fall sports and family commitments, I generally make 1-2 games in Chester.  A change in family comittments has made it unlikely that I will be able to attend, but if I can, it will most likely be only for the 1st half.   If I can go, I'll post, and you can always spot me by the big "N" on my Nebraska cap...and trust me, it's usually the only one there...   

Topic 4:
Years ago, I made a less than mature comment regarding the futility of the Husson football program, and was rightly called out by an ex member of the team.  I was wise enough to admit the mistake.  The comments the individual made, caused me to rethink my take on what sucess in D3 really means.   I am happy to see that Husson has made the top 10 in the regional rankings.  I know there has been alot of debate on the worthiness of teams from the NEFC, and MASCAC in making the NCAA playoff field, but my take is that it's a good thing, that these leagues have (will have) auto bids...It exposes them to teams regularly making the playoffs, and allows for clarity on where the playoff bar is set.  That then makes for more competitive games.  No one likes to drive 5 hours plus to see a game tahts over in the first quarter...

Topic 5:

Bill, The FDU recruiting conundrum will be a good offseason topic.  I hope we can explore it more...

[Boxer7806]

Been off a couple days and missed so much!

First and foremost, belated thanks to Lyco80 for your service, always a voice of reason on this board!  And also Knightstalker, whom I havent seen on in awhile, who also served...

Topic 1:
It's a shame Lyco doesn't participate in the ECACs.  While not overly prestigious, it's crazy to suggest that one more game would not be welcome to any student athlete...and it cracks me up to see the comment that it would be welcome to trade that for watching a "real college game" on TV...Not sure of other's opinions, but Big Time college football has become almost like the NFL, and basically unwatchable...Once someone invents NCAA redzone, it will great for those of us without a rooting interest in any particular major team....

Topic 2:
While I don't really have a feel for what's going to occur on Saturday, the thought occurred to me that I have been selling WU short all year.  They have been better than my expectations all year, and I have struggled to give them credit.  I will keep this in mind, while making my picks tomorrow...

Topic 3:
I have targeted this game (to attend), since week 3.  Between fall sports and family commitments, I generally make 1-2 games in Chester.  A change in family comittments has made it unlikely that I will be able to attend, but if I can, it will most likely be only for the 1st half.   If I can go, I'll post, and you can always spot me by the big "N" on my Nebraska cap...and trust me, it's usually the only one there...   

Topic 4:
Years ago, I made a less than mature comment regarding the futility of the Husson football program, and was rightly called out by an ex member of the team.  I was wise enough to admit the mistake.  The comments the individual made, caused me to rethink my take on what sucess in D3 really means.   I am happy to see that Husson has made the top 10 in the regional rankings.  I know there has been alot of debate on the worthiness of teams from the NEFC, and MASCAC in making the NCAA playoff field, but my take is that it's a good thing, that these leagues have (will have) auto bids...It exposes them to teams regularly making the playoffs, and allows for clarity on where the playoff bar is set.  That then makes for more competitive games.  No one likes to drive 5 hours plus to see a game tahts over in the first quarter...

Topic 5:

Bill, The FDU recruiting conundrum will be a good offseason topic.  I hope we can explore it more...

Couldn't disagree more. I enjoy big time college more than the NFL. I love the atmospheres of most of the games and even though defense isn't always prevalent in the games, at least they give defenses a fighting chance within their rule book. I don't see defensive holding, illegal contact, illegal hands to the face, or pass interference nearly as much which makes the game, in my opinion, much more enjoyable to watch. I understand how the targeting penalty can be disliked, but more often than not I believe the college officials do a better job of officiating it than the NFL.

[bman]

Been off a couple days and missed so much!

First and foremost, belated thanks to Lyco80 for your service, always a voice of reason on this board!  And also Knightstalker, whom I havent seen on in awhile, who also served...

Topic 1:
It's a shame Lyco doesn't participate in the ECACs.  While not overly prestigious, it's crazy to suggest that one more game would not be welcome to any student athlete...and it cracks me up to see the comment that it would be welcome to trade that for watching a "real college game" on TV...Not sure of other's opinions, but Big Time college football has become almost like the NFL, and basically unwatchable...Once someone invents NCAA redzone, it will great for those of us without a rooting interest in any particular major team....

Topic 2:
While I don't really have a feel for what's going to occur on Saturday, the thought occurred to me that I have been selling WU short all year.  They have been better than my expectations all year, and I have struggled to give them credit.  I will keep this in mind, while making my picks tomorrow...

Topic 3:
I have targeted this game (to attend), since week 3.  Between fall sports and family commitments, I generally make 1-2 games in Chester.  A change in family comittments has made it unlikely that I will be able to attend, but if I can, it will most likely be only for the 1st half.   If I can go, I'll post, and you can always spot me by the big "N" on my Nebraska cap...and trust me, it's usually the only one there...   

Topic 4:
Years ago, I made a less than mature comment regarding the futility of the Husson football program, and was rightly called out by an ex member of the team.  I was wise enough to admit the mistake.  The comments the individual made, caused me to rethink my take on what sucess in D3 really means.   I am happy to see that Husson has made the top 10 in the regional rankings.  I know there has been alot of debate on the worthiness of teams from the NEFC, and MASCAC in making the NCAA playoff field, but my take is that it's a good thing, that these leagues have (will have) auto bids...It exposes them to teams regularly making the playoffs, and allows for clarity on where the playoff bar is set.  That then makes for more competitive games.  No one likes to drive 5 hours plus to see a game tahts over in the first quarter...

Topic 5:

Bill, The FDU recruiting conundrum will be a good offseason topic.  I hope we can explore it more...

Couldn't disagree more. I enjoy big time college more than the NFL. I love the atmospheres of most of the games and even though defense isn't always prevalent in the games, at least they give defenses a fighting chance within their rule book. I don't see defensive holding, illegal contact, illegal hands to the face, or pass interference nearly as much which makes the game, in my opinion, much more enjoyable to watch. I understand how the targeting penalty can be disliked, but more often than not I believe the college officials do a better job of officiating it than the NFL.

Boxer
I don't disagree.  I was really talking about the incessant commercial breaks, inane sideline reporting etc. 

[jmcozenlaw]

Been off a couple days and missed so much!

First and foremost, belated thanks to Lyco80 for your service, always a voice of reason on this board!  And also Knightstalker, whom I havent seen on in awhile, who also served...

Topic 1:
It's a shame Lyco doesn't participate in the ECACs.  While not overly prestigious, it's crazy to suggest that one more game would not be welcome to any student athlete...and it cracks me up to see the comment that it would be welcome to trade that for watching a "real college game" on TV...Not sure of other's opinions, but Big Time college football has become almost like the NFL, and basically unwatchable...Once someone invents NCAA redzone, it will great for those of us without a rooting interest in any particular major team....

Topic 2:
While I don't really have a feel for what's going to occur on Saturday, the thought occurred to me that I have been selling WU short all year.  They have been better than my expectations all year, and I have struggled to give them credit.  I will keep this in mind, while making my picks tomorrow...

Topic 3:
I have targeted this game (to attend), since week 3.  Between fall sports and family commitments, I generally make 1-2 games in Chester.  A change in family comittments has made it unlikely that I will be able to attend, but if I can, it will most likely be only for the 1st half.   If I can go, I'll post, and you can always spot me by the big "N" on my Nebraska cap...and trust me, it's usually the only one there...   

Topic 4:
Years ago, I made a less than mature comment regarding the futility of the Husson football program, and was rightly called out by an ex member of the team.  I was wise enough to admit the mistake.  The comments the individual made, caused me to rethink my take on what sucess in D3 really means.   I am happy to see that Husson has made the top 10 in the regional rankings.  I know there has been alot of debate on the worthiness of teams from the NEFC, and MASCAC in making the NCAA playoff field, but my take is that it's a good thing, that these leagues have (will have) auto bids...It exposes them to teams regularly making the playoffs, and allows for clarity on where the playoff bar is set.  That then makes for more competitive games.  No one likes to drive 5 hours plus to see a game tahts over in the first quarter...

Topic 5:

Bill, The FDU recruiting conundrum will be a good offseason topic.  I hope we can explore it more...

Couldn't disagree more. I enjoy big time college more than the NFL. I love the atmospheres of most of the games and even though defense isn't always prevalent in the games, at least they give defenses a fighting chance within their rule book. I don't see defensive holding, illegal contact, illegal hands to the face, or pass interference nearly as much which makes the game, in my opinion, much more enjoyable to watch. I understand how the targeting penalty can be disliked, but more often than not I believe the college officials do a better job of officiating it than the NFL.

Boxer
I don't disagree.  I was really talking about the incessant commercial breaks, inane sideline reporting etc.

bman - I agree with you completely. It's like watching a four hour series of commercials........interrupted by some occasional football activity!! GREED.....GREED.....GREED!!

..............and the NCAA allocates 3.18% of its budget to Division III. They probably wish that it would just go away!!

[jmcozenlaw]

Last one of the year..............the football season goes WAY TOO QUICK!!!:

King's - 28     Wilkes - 27    (I pray that this game gets a good crowd vs. a typical empty stadium for both teams this year)
LVC - 34        Albright - 31  (Both teams will play hard for pride........still stunned that LVC almost won at Lycosimba last week)
Stevenson - 41     Misericordia - 17    (Les Miserabicordia needs a QB who can throw the ball........make the current QB a RB or WR)
Lycosimba - 48     FDU - 14    (Lycosimba does not want to make this long drive on a cold day........won't matter)

Final Prediction given updated weather forecast and having seen DelVal a bunch of times and Widener three times:

Widener - 52
DelVal - 34

DelVal has 5 starting defensive players out for the year and another two did not come back to school this year. They are incredibly young and have been bailed out by the offense. Widener has too much firepower. The DelVal offense would score 50+ points against the DelVal defense.

Widener gets a #2/#3 seed and wins their two home playoff games and gets pole axed by Wesley or Mount Union. DelVal gets a #4 seed, wins a home game and loses the Widener rematch in a cold, empty, Thanksgiving Saturday in Chester (leave before it gets dark)................and takes a couple of weeks before starting to prepare for 2015.

Coach Greco and staff need to coach up this young team for next year, live in the weight room, get the injured players healthy, work with this year's monster freshman class and have a great recruiting class, including some impact transfers. I'm hearing "rumors" about the next stud QB transferring in, maybe in January. That would be HUGE for next year as they have some young receivers and a stable of fast backs. The defense will have just about everybody back as well as a couple of injured starters. Waiting to see if the stud LB returns in January or August.

The #4 nationally ranked wrestling program and a men's basketball team predicted to win the conference should take the sting out of the end of the football season in a week or two!!

[bill]

Lycosimba - 48     FDU - 14    (Lycosimba does not want to make this long drive on a cold day........won't matter)

If Lycosimba wants to make this game...he needs to leave Williamsport soon. The game is at 7:00 tonight!