FB: Conference of New England

[63Center]

Well, maybe WNEC isn't as good as they initially looked after losing to Westfield last night.  I don't know much about Westfield this year, but I didn't think they would beat WNEC even at home.

Where are the rest of the picks? Has everyone given up on the NEFC?

[D3 Fan]

so much for WNEC, EC, Worcester and UMD....  WNEC has the best chance taking it to the next level? Wow what a reach... 8)

[Jonny Utah]

so much for WNEC, EC, Worcester and UMD....  WNEC has the best chance taking it to the next level? Wow what a reach... 8)

I think WNEC needs to get Springfield on the schedule and start trying to reach that level.  I heard SC kind of thinks they are the big dog in Springfield though and kind of looks down on WNEC (athletically anyway)

[fscparent]

Maybe Westfield State has a very good team.  The next few weeks should tell if WNEC had an off day or if WSC is good.

[D3 Fan]

I agree JU but historically, UMD, Curry and EC are the only NEFC teams that have tried to play quality opponents outside the NEFC  on a consistant basis. BSC had in the past as well...

It just seems that the only people who care how well the NEFC does outside the league are the people who post here, the players and a few coaches.  What's more important, going to an ECAC game or the NCAA's?  I would say that most NEFC schools are happy for a chance at the ECAcCs then doing what it takes to compete on the national level...

[Pat Coleman]

The NEFC doesn't play that many games outside the league to begin with ...

[Jonny Utah]

I agree JU but historically, UMD, Curry and EC are the only NEFC teams that have tried to play quality opponents outside the NEFC  on a consistant basis. BSC had in the past as well...

It just seems that the only people who care how well the NEFC does outside the league are the people who post here, the players and a few coaches.  What's more important, going to an ECAC game or the NCAA's?  I would say that most NEFC schools are happy for a chance at the ECAcCs then doing what it takes to compete on the national level...

I think you are starting to see some head coaches in the NEFC that want to take it to the next level though.  You see some guys that have played at some good d3 schools, and might want to take a NEFC school to the next level.  Then again, some of them probably look at a nefc job as experience for something else too.....

[Pat Coleman]

Definitely. The problem is that this is a 16-team league with a bunch of schools that have not supported football.

I still think at least one of the MASCAC campuses should be closed and the schools consolidated. Not that that would happen.

[Gr8Day2BaBear]

The fact of the 16-team league is huge because that already locks up seven division games out of your schedule. Then you have a few traditional crossover conference games and your already at nine.  Then the coaches have to worry about playing too many games and losing eligibility for ECAC bids in case they don't win the championship, like Endicott a few years ago.  Also I can't speak for the private schools but for the state colleges those trips might not be in their athletic budget.

[Pat Coleman]

Pimpin: Not everyone needs to worry about losing ECAC eligibility. Some schools are a long way from that.

And frankly, I would suggest playing for the NEFC title is far more prestigious than playing an ECAC game. You can still play 10 plus NEFC title game, or 10 plus ECAC game, just not both.

News of interest to NEFC fans:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2007/09/12/NAC+to+sponsor+football+in+%2709

['gro]

Pimpin: Not everyone needs to worry about losing ECAC eligibility. Some schools are a long way from that.

And frankly, I would suggest playing for the NEFC title is far more prestigious than playing an ECAC game. You can still play 10 plus NEFC title game, or 10 plus ECAC game, just not both.

News of interest to NEFC fans:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2007/09/12/NAC+to+sponsor+football+in+%2709

Gallaudet? wow. They must like to travel.

[Gr8Day2BaBear]

Pat:  But by playing nine you leave yourself eligible for ECAC even if you lose the NEFC championship, cue FSC and Coast Guard the last couple of years.  I know you don't hope for that to happen but it's still a post season championship for the school.

Seriously too the best teams in the NEFC have enough trouble competing out of conference and you want the teams that could not even make an ECAC game to play out of conference.  I don't think getting beat up by an out of conference would help their programs very much.  Trust me I understand what your saying but if you look at it from the other aingle it's not really in their best interest.

I'm confused how that news affects  the NEFC because it says Maine Maritime is staying.  Did I miss something?

[Pat Coleman]

Pat:  But by playing nine you leave yourself eligible for ECAC even if you lose the NEFC championship, cue FSC and Coast Guard the last couple of years.  I know you don't hope for that to happen but it's still a post season championship for the school.

I'm aware. I believe I laid out the parameters correctly.

Maine Maritime is staying for now but you have to think there's concern for NEFC fans that they won't for long.

[InTheMix]

Interesting stuff about the NAC adding football. It should be interesting to see if any of the better teams in the NEFC try to jump ship within the next few years. This could be the solution to the 16-team NEFC breaking up and playing some more difficult non-conference opponents. It would be great if teams like EC, FSC, UMD, and Curry would break out and possible gain some recognition and possibly win an NCAA game. Any thoughts??

[Pat Coleman]

For what it's worth, I put my thoughts here:

http://www.d3football.com/dailydose/2007/09/12/new-england-football-shuffle/