FB: Middle Atlantic Conference

[jmcozenlaw]

It's amazing that the regular season ends today as it feels like we just got started (easy to say from a keyboard without my body getting banged up since mid-August )

I've always been a "the MAC Championship is what counts the most............the playoffs are just gravy", especially in a conference like the MAC where any of four teams (DelVal, Albright, Stevenson and Widener) could have won it...............and nobody is beating UMHB or Mount Union in all likelihood, other than UMHB or Mount Union. With that being said and with wrestling underway in Doylestown and basketball starting on Wednesday, here are the................

Week 11 Predictions:

FDU (Home) - 34     Les Miserables - 20     Yick!! The FDU Women's Hoops team and the Miserables Men's Hoops team are favored to win the MAC. I've got nothing else.
King's (Home) - 30     Wilkes - 26     King's inaugural hockey season just got underway.......Wilkes was delayed until 2018-2019. I've really got nothing else about this one. Blech!!
Stevenson (Home) - 45     Lycosimba - 16     My preseason #2 wraps up a disappointing season by whacking Lycosimba, and putting him deeper into hiding.
Albright (Home) - 37     LebVal - 23     My preseason #1 wraps up an equally disappointing and disjointed season by beating LebVal........and hopes to not lose any recruits to neighbor, Alvernia, given the recent, ummmmm, press shall we say. I hope that Alvernia has success with some of the Albright targets.

THE HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE: THE IMMOVABLE OBJECT VS. THE IMMOVABLE FORCE
DelVal (Home) - 13     Widenerbman - 10     Two excellent defenses, in cold weather for the first time all year, with one playing for an undefeated season and the other playing for pride and for revenge for last year's drubbing in front of the home fans. I don't think either team has success running the ball on the other and the weather impacts the pass game given the open stadium and wacky winds that whip through. Many of these kids know each other on both sides of the ball................and unlike the players from King's, Lycosimba, Albright and LebVal before their game against DelVal, there has been zero social media "smack talk" whatsoever (coaches of the four teams mentioned in the sentence above, lay down the law next year, talk about the consequences AND monitor the accounts. NEVER poke the bear........because he might just eat you!!)

Eagles - 48     Bye Week - 0     Eagles defense shuts down another opponent...............but Skip Bayless (Cowboys lap dog) will still call them "average"!! Hey Skip, the Cowboys have already lost three games WITH Zeke. The Eagles have lost just one WITHOUT their best punt returner/kick returner/flex back/blocking RB (Sproles), best CB (Darby), special teams stud (Maragos), borderline All-Pro MLB (Hicks) and Hall or Fame LT (Peters). Child, please!!!

China - Infinity     Big Baller Brand - Really?

Lycosimba - Wherever you are, we still love you. Just don't "appear" out of nowhere next year when Lyco gets out to a 4-0 start and talk about how you were travelling the world without access to the internet the past two years. We still love 'ya!!

Kate - Check in. Are you travelling the world with Lycosimba?

[kate]

Hi JM - nope, i'm home about to start lunch so I can follow today's game on here!   GO AGGIES!!!   Really looking forward to the first home game for the lady Aggies on Nov. 21 against Rosemont.   How great would it be for our Aggies to win today and start beating teams in the NCAA's?!?   Hoping for good things for the Men's and Women's basketball teams, too of course!!!

[tweisman5]

Below are my week 12 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 12 Predictions

Susquehanna (-0.5) @ Albright: Albright wins by 1 

Widener @ Franklin & Marshall (-11.5): Franklin & Marshall wins by 7 

Western New England @ #5 Del Val (-22.5): Del Val wins by 24

Alfred (-5.5) vs. Stevenson: Alfred wins by 3 

Week 12 Rankings
1. Del Val (10-0, 9-0)
2. Albright (8-2, 7-2)
3. Widener (7-3, 7-2)
4. Stevenson (6-4, 6-3)
5. Leb Val (5-5, 5-4)
6. Lycoming (4-6, 4-5)
7. King's (5-5, 4-5)
8. FDU (3-7, 2-7)
9. Misericordia (1-9, 1-8)
10. Wilkes (0-10, 0-9)

Prediction Record
Last Week: 5-0 (1.000)
Season: 41-14 (.745)

[jmcozenlaw]

From Kate's pre-DelVal vs. Widener titanic battle until an hour ago with tweisman's weekly predictions........squatta!! This board really does go from just-about-dead to comatose really quickly.

A few quick observations from me until I jump out myself until mid-August, as to me, it's all about winning your conference, not the NCAA Playoffs:

- Lycosimba - My guess is that you've been silently lurking all year, waiting for an opportune time to jump in (a good Lyco winning streak) but never had the chance. We still love you anyway!

- Widenerbman - After falling behind 13-6 and losing, by far and away, their best and only non-QB running threat, had you told me that the Aggies would shut out the Pride for the final three quarters AND score 41 unanswered points.............I would not have believed you in 1,000,000 years. I was stunned that such an average offensive line had their way with such a physical and excellent defense. Widener knew the Aggies weren't throwing the ball........and couldn't stop it. I'm still mind blown a week later.

- wesleydad - I told you a couple of days after the DelVal vs. Wesley game that the injury to Falkenberg was the absolute best thing that ever happened to Wesley (I think you saw it the opposite way) and that Wesley would get to the National Semifinals. It is all set up for Wesley as Brockport's QB is banged up and no team not named Mount Union and UMHB could beat Wesley three times in less than 15 months. That would be the insurmountable task for DelVal. Wesley's path to the semifinals was laid out when the first two D3 Football bracket predictions were incorrect and the second round matchup with Mount Union evaporated. That bracket was literally the difference between Wesley winning one game and being out..............and now winning three games before likely (but not definitely given that lineup) being out. The collective sigh down in Dover was heard all throughout the land.

I hope that everybody (I guess at this point, I'm talking to you tweisman) has a wonderful and blessed holiday season and a great and healthy 2018. I'll see you guys and gals in August!!

JM.........out

[AUPepBand]

Just back from Newark, Delaware where the Saxons capped off another good season (8-3) with a 29-16 win over Stevenson from the MAC. Was good to see AU QB Bryce Morrison back in good form. Was also great to see senior RB Maleke Fuentes go out on a high note as MVP of the James Lynah Bowl,  rushing for 119 yards and a score. With the performance, Fuentes stands with 2,446 yards rushing in his career - ranking ninth in career rushing yards in AU history.

Also finishing an outstanding career with a W was senior linebacker/captain 2016 Gagliardi Trophy finalist A.J. LiCata, who closed his career as the all-time lead tackler in AU history with 412 total tackles over his four seasons.

Congrats to Mustangs on another winning season. Stevenson has a solid program and great fans. Pep, listening in to the interview of Coach Ed Hottle, overheard a young man next to Pep yell out, "Hey, Dad!" Pep addressed the young man, "So that's your dad? He seems like a good man!" The lad replied, "He's above average."

Pep is glad to have made the trip....spent a couple days with Pep Jr. in Falls Church, VA and Pep's 8-month-old grandson, #ATrain. Pep's grandson is also above average. 

On Saxon Warriors!

[kate]

Super good luck to our Aggies this Saturday at noon in the second round of the NCAA's!   Really don't know too much about Husson, but they did beat ranked Springfield in the first round, so they're tough i'm sure!   Proud of you Aggies!!!

[dlippiel]

Super good luck to our Aggies this Saturday at noon in the second round of the NCAA's!   Really don't know too much about Husson, but they did beat ranked Springfield in the first round, so they're tough i'm sure!   Proud of you Aggies!!!

Husson has an RB that simply won't ****ing quit. Guy just makes things happen, at times, when it looks like nothing is even remotely possible. QB is also poised and the offense can certainly generate some points (at least they did against the competition they faced this season. The D was HUGE against the Pride's prolific run offense however looking at this game dlip is thinking that Springfield may have been a bit overrated this season. To dlip Husson is certainly a very quality team but not really one that would defeat the 19th ranked team on the road in the first round of the NCAA's.

With that being said dlip feels Husson has not been exposed to anyone on the level of Del Val. If Del Val plays their game they should win this one by at least 10 points. Husson has a lot to be proud of and dlip is certainly proud of them. He just feels this will be the end of their excellent season.

Best of luck to both teams and let's hope for an injury free game!

[fisheralum91]

dlip
I couldnt have said it better.
Husson has played admirably and deserves the kudos and accolades but me thinks this is the end of the road as they will face a caliber of team they just havent faced yet.

[jmcozenlaw]

From Kate's pre-DelVal vs. Widener titanic battle until an hour ago with tweisman's weekly predictions........squatta!! This board really does go from just-about-dead to comatose really quickly.

A few quick observations from me until I jump out myself until mid-August, as to me, it's all about winning your conference, not the NCAA Playoffs:

- Lycosimba - My guess is that you've been silently lurking all year, waiting for an opportune time to jump in (a good Lyco winning streak) but never had the chance. We still love you anyway!

- Widenerbman - After falling behind 13-6 and losing, by far and away, their best and only non-QB running threat, had you told me that the Aggies would shut out the Pride for the final three quarters AND score 41 unanswered points.............I would not have believed you in 1,000,000 years. I was stunned that such an average offensive line had their way with such a physical and excellent defense. Widener knew the Aggies weren't throwing the ball........and couldn't stop it. I'm still mind blown a week later.

- wesleydad - I told you a couple of days after the DelVal vs. Wesley game that the injury to Falkenberg was the absolute best thing that ever happened to Wesley (I think you saw it the opposite way) and that Wesley would get to the National Semifinals. It is all set up for Wesley as Brockport's QB is banged up and no team not named Mount Union and UMHB could beat Wesley three times in less than 15 months. That would be the insurmountable task for DelVal. Wesley's path to the semifinals was laid out when the first two D3 Football bracket predictions were incorrect and the second round matchup with Mount Union evaporated. That bracket was literally the difference between Wesley winning one game and being out..............and now winning three games before likely (but not definitely given that lineup) being out. The collective sigh down in Dover was heard all throughout the land.

I hope that everybody (I guess at this point, I'm talking to you tweisman) has a wonderful and blessed holiday season and a great and healthy 2018. I'll see you guys and gals in August!!

JM.........out

Thank you AUPepband, dlip and fisheralum91 (and of course Kate)....................you non-MAC posters saved the board during the middle of 'Taps'........as even stalwarts like bmanwidener and tweisman closed up shop extra early this year. Thanks again!

[fisheralum91]

From Kate's pre-DelVal vs. Widener titanic battle until an hour ago with tweisman's weekly predictions........squatta!! This board really does go from just-about-dead to comatose really quickly.

A few quick observations from me until I jump out myself until mid-August, as to me, it's all about winning your conference, not the NCAA Playoffs:

- Lycosimba - My guess is that you've been silently lurking all year, waiting for an opportune time to jump in (a good Lyco winning streak) but never had the chance. We still love you anyway!

- Widenerbman - After falling behind 13-6 and losing, by far and away, their best and only non-QB running threat, had you told me that the Aggies would shut out the Pride for the final three quarters AND score 41 unanswered points.............I would not have believed you in 1,000,000 years. I was stunned that such an average offensive line had their way with such a physical and excellent defense. Widener knew the Aggies weren't throwing the ball........and couldn't stop it. I'm still mind blown a week later.

- wesleydad - I told you a couple of days after the DelVal vs. Wesley game that the injury to Falkenberg was the absolute best thing that ever happened to Wesley (I think you saw it the opposite way) and that Wesley would get to the National Semifinals. It is all set up for Wesley as Brockport's QB is banged up and no team not named Mount Union and UMHB could beat Wesley three times in less than 15 months. That would be the insurmountable task for DelVal. Wesley's path to the semifinals was laid out when the first two D3 Football bracket predictions were incorrect and the second round matchup with Mount Union evaporated. That bracket was literally the difference between Wesley winning one game and being out..............and now winning three games before likely (but not definitely given that lineup) being out. The collective sigh down in Dover was heard all throughout the land.

I hope that everybody (I guess at this point, I'm talking to you tweisman) has a wonderful and blessed holiday season and a great and healthy 2018. I'll see you guys and gals in August!!

JM.........out

Thank you AUPepband, dlip and fisheralum91 (and of course Kate)....................you non-MAC posters saved the board during the middle of 'Taps'........as even stalwarts like bmanwidener and tweisman closed up shop extra early this year. Thanks again!

Gotta stop the crickets somehow!

[Boxer7806]

I would love nothing more to see than Husson pull this game out. I just have to agree with the others that Husson hasn't seen anything close to this caliber of team they are going to see Saturday. I think the John Smith kid is an absolute stud, and I'm going to watch at least a couple Husson drives just to see him play against elite competition, because as DLIP says, the kid doesn't quit and makes something out of nothing more often than not.

[Teamski]

I just have to agree with the others that Husson hasn't seen anything close to this caliber of team they are going to see Saturday.

At least since Wesley in 2011.

-Ski

[AUPepBand]

I would love nothing more to see than Husson pull this game out. I just have to agree with the others that Husson hasn't seen anything close to this caliber of team they are going to see Saturday. I think the John Smith kid is an absolute stud, and I'm going to watch at least a couple Husson drives just to see him play against elite competition, because as DLIP says, the kid doesn't quit and makes something out of nothing more often than not.

Alfred's all-time leading tackler A.J. LiCata, who played against Husson three consecutive years, told Pep that the Eagles' John Smith is the toughest running back he had faced. And LiCata has tackled some good ones....

Pep has always had respect for Husson because of Head Coach Gabby Price. He's an outstanding coach and a class act. While the Eagles are in an extremely weak conference at present, Pep believes they may surprise some DelVal fans....they are a tough out. AU beat the Eagles 35-28 at home the day Julio Fuentes walked off the field, which elevated the Saxons to their best season ever (12-1) in their long football history, which began in 1895.

Husson won't go away without making some noise. Pep won't go as far as to predict a Husson win, but the Eagles are not to be taken lightly.

On Saxon Warriors!

[gordonmann]

We'll also have to see how much Devauntay and Marquis Ellis play (no relation). The top running back and receiver are both banged up, which changes what Del Val can do on offense.

[tweisman5]

Below are my week 13 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 13 Predictions

Husson @ #4 Del Val (-21.5): Del Val wins by 17 

Week 13 Rankings
1. Del Val (11-0, 9-0)
2. Albright (8-3, 7-2)
3. Widener (7-4, 7-2)
4. Stevenson (6-5, 6-3)
5. Leb Val (5-5, 5-4)
6. Lycoming (4-6, 4-5)
7. King's (5-5, 4-5)
8. FDU (3-7, 2-7)
9. Misericordia (1-9, 1-8)
10. Wilkes (0-10, 0-9)

Prediction Record
Last Week: 1-3 (.250)
Season: 42-17 (.712)