FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[cruiser]

dont underestimate the mules. while some predicted the 7-1 record last year, as many or more didnt think the mules had it in them. not many know what these mules are made of. i think they will surprise this year

[Nescacfan05]

Trinity 24-0
Colby 18-6
Williams 18-6
Amherst 15-9
All the other NESCAC's have losing reocrds over that time period

I think Colby has estabilished themselves as Legit contenders compared to all bu Trinity, considering know one has beaten Trinity in 3 years, and Colby has done well enough to finish second the last 2 years.....It is what it is.....

[chessdoc]

whats the outlook for wesleyan, bates and hamilton to turn around their fortunes? When  will schedules be published???

[mariner75]

2006 Outlook:

Top:  Trinity, Williams
Middle: Colby, Amherst, Tufts, Middlebury, Bowdoin
Bottom: Bates, Hamilton, Wesleyan

[Bullfrog]

Hamilton new staff will probably make some turn around.  HC had to get some commitment, otherwise, dum move leaving UNH.

Bates good group coming back getting some kids. 

Last and will continue to be last is Wes, unless Mangini and Belicheck make some rumblings to admisison.   

[Trin9-0]

chessdoc: I though we've covered this, but the schedules are the same every year with the exception of the 1st game, which rotates between two teams every two years. Also the site of the game rotates every year.

Therefore the scheule is identical to last year except the visiting team becomes the home team and the week one match ups will be as follows:

Bates at Amherst
Colby at Trinity
Hamilton at Tufts
Bowdoin at Williams
Wesleyan at Middlebury


Mariner, I think a more appropriate break down of how the league is balanced would be

Top: Trinity
Contenders: Williams, Amherst, Colby
Also ran: Middlebury, Tufts, Bowdoin
Basement: Bates, Hamilton,Wesleyan

[mariner75]

Trin...which of the contenders do you think has the best shot at upending your Bants?  I picked Williams as they impressed me the most last year the way they finished & have the most back. I know Cruiser likes the Mules but I think they lost the most talent (Stepka & the O'line, esp. Oliphant).  Nothin' like debating NESCAC football in March!

[cruiser]

the mules only lose 2 starting o linemen although oliphant will be missed, but stepka has his successor in bashaw. he split time with stepka last year, and upon examining the games from last year he averaged 6 yards per carry, was 8th in rushing in the nescac and is only a sophomore, finishing the year with 2 100 yard games in the final 2 games. plus, he was nescac rookie of the week 3 times as a freshman and would have won if not for bates qb. bright future for the mules running game

[mariner75]

Bashaw's a banger.  Not the same speed or pure talent that Stepka was......

[cruiser]

whats a "banger"?

[mariner75]

straight ahead type...runs over people, not around them.

[Nescacfan05]

He is a banger, but he is much faster than Stepka, he had 3 runs of 40 plus yards on the year, Stepka did not...Why won't the NESCAC let everyone play each other, it is one game more!!!!

[Trin9-0]

Mariner, I agree that Williams has the best shot at beating the Bants. Not only do they have the most depth retuning, but because the game is in Williamstown. Colby will be solid, and Amherst may have the most talent of the 3 contenders... but Trin doesn't lose at home.

Of Colby's 7 All-Conference selections only 2 are returning and they were both 2nd team.

Amherst had 7 All-Conference selections as well but return 4, while Williams had 11 All-Conference selections and return 8.

Trinity had 13 All-Conference selections and return 7.


The Bants should be able to take care of Colby at home week one, and if they can step up and take down the Ephs week two they will roll until the Homecoming game against Amherst game in week 7. If they can pull that off than the Bants will start the Devanney era with a 4th straight undefeated season.

(side note; Devanney, in an attempt to reconnect with the football alumni is going back to the gold helmets with the bird. Though I never wore the Bant on the side, I think it's a great move and puts his stamp on the program.)

[cruiser]

actually from what i have heard, colby returns 3 all conference. a reliable source was telling me that their all conference safety has another year of eligibility and will be returning next season

[Nescacfan05]

Have you seen some of th A-C selections....it is a popularity contest, and not indicative of talent, Amount of AC selections has not bering on a 'Team's' ability to play as a team, Lets just say the top 4 teams will all be battling it out, and the NESCAC should allow everyone to play each other...it would make for a great race.......