FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[gridiron]

Based upon comments on this board, it appears as if Williams may have changed its policy this season and is no longer making it difficult for fans to tailgate.  Progress.

Now that Tufts has moved the home tailgaters to another location, hoping there is more room for visitors now.  Parking is always a problem regardless, but if there is at least a larger place to tailgate, it will be a welcome change.

When talking about the QB position, many forget it is truly a team game, and there are many other factors that come into play (O-line, running backs, play calling, receivers who can get open and catch the ball, etc.).  That said, with respect to Colby going with their third string QB, it was time for a change.  Harrington had the reigns for two straight years and was ineffective throughout. Sparcio is not a true QB.

Also agree with the poster there is MUCH more required to get a program going than simply changing the play calling (while I do think it should be done at Colby).  RECRUITMENT and assistance from ADMISSIONS has 5X the impact better play calling has.

[hamgrand]

I'll take Middlebury over Trinity!  The Panthers are improved over last year and much tougher than you think.

While the Amherst/Middlebury game was a close hard fought game and ended with a one point score diff, I think there were a couple of factors that actually made it closer than it needed to be.  Amherst had one good scoring drive at the beginning of the game and Midd had one blown coverage resulting in a long passing TD.  But Middlebury also essentially handed Amherst their second TD when they fumbled on their own 3 yard line.  Also, lets give the Amherst kicker credit for a long outstanding 52 yard field goal.  Otherwise the game could have easily ended with an 11 point spread.  Midd shut down the Amherst running game.  Most of Amherst's offensive production consisted of bubble screens where they had some success picking up some yards against Middelbury's bend but don't break defense.   Lots of things happen over the course of a game, so you never know how things would have ended up.  Amherst is still a quality team and I am sure Trinity will not be overlooking them when they play in week 7.

Against Bates, the 9 point start was the result of a few plays.  First, a great punt going out of bounds at the one yard line led to the safety.  Have to credit Bates Defense on that.  On the touchdown, the Midd defense had the Bates QB on the run.  He made a nice play, reversed direction and scrambled free and found a receiver wide open after the Midd CB fell down.  Nice play by the Bates O but they were completely shut down after that.  Also, Midd had some key injuries - WR Rizzo did not play as he is injured and out for the season and they also lost their starting left tackle on the first play from scrimmage.  Younger replacements got some good game experience and I am sure they will be even better and ready for Trinity.

Hoping for a good game without injuries.  But I will take Middlebury for the win!

[Nescacman]

2016 Week #6 NESCAC Preview

Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm and views that some (particularly Williams fans) may find offensive, rude and off-putting. If you are someone that is easily offended, please move on to other posts. This will be your only warning! Continue at your own risk.

Welcome to Week 6 in the NESCAC..."the league where they pay to play". We were 4-1 again in week 5, only losing the game that very few of us cared about it. Several important match-ups this week including the battle of the unbeatens in Hartford.

Bowdoin College at Wesleyan University: Another tough one for the Polar Bears. Worst offense against the best defense does not sound like a lot of points for the visitors. Warm-up for Wes' bid for a second Little 3 Title in 4 years in week 7 when they head to Willytown. All-time beatdown for a Wes squad over Bowdoin is 39-0. That record could be in jeopardy. Why Wesleyan will win: They are on a roll and are just plain better than the Bears.
Wesleyan 38 Bowdoin 7
Weather: Not a factor.

Colby College at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus): Outside of Lewiston, Waterville, and Brunswick, who cares about this one? Chapter one in this year's rendition of annual C-B-B tourney. Why UBates will win: Someone has to, right? We like UBates at home and think the superior UBates D will shut down the Colby O. Remember, Bates has only played one "have not" and they won convincingly over the Ephs.
UBates 24 Colby 14
Weather: Showers, high 48.

Tufts University at Amherst College: Quote from last week's picks, "We expect RB Brady to have a big week...". Well he did and was selected NESCAC offensive POTW. We think he is going to have a tough time against the Amherst front 7 forcing the Jumbo's to try to throw the ball (which they have not done well in 2017). We think Tufts is overrated and the "worst" of the Top 5 "have" programs". Why Amherst will win: FKA LJ's don't like losing and they have lost 2 of their last 3 games after not having lost a game in 3 years. We think Amherst shuts down Tufts running game and does enough on offense to get it done. Who knows, we may even see QB Berlutti in this one.
Amherst 17 Tufts 13
Weather: Not a factor.

Williams College at Hamilton College: Another ho-hummer. The only thing interesting in this one is seeing if the Ephs get their one and only win in 2017. When was the last time Hamilton came into this game with a better record than the Ephs? Why Williams will win: Hamilton appears to be going in reverse. It kills us to say this but Williams is just a better football team, even in 2016.
Williams 24 Hamilton 14
Weather: Not a factor.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Middlebury College at Hartford State College: Best GOTW thus far in 2017. One of these teams gets their first loss of the year. The Bants are one of the more balanced teams in the league, have a great O and a very good D. Middlebury's O is good but one-dimensional. Why Hartford State will win: The Bants are very tough to beat in the coop. We also think Middlebury's one-dimensional offense will catch up with them. Although HS has scored at least 36 points every week so far, we're not sure they get there this week.
Hartford State 31 Middlebury 24
Weather: Not a factor.

NESCACMAN's Picks
2016 Season: 21-4
2015 Season: 30-10
2014 Season: 30-10
2013 Season: 32-8
Career: 113-32 (.779 winning percentage)

[gridiron]

NEASCACman--nice summary, as always.

Agreed with most of what you say about the matchups, but picking other teams in several of the contests.  Suggests there might actually be some close games this week.  Let's hope so.

[PBD]

Nobody asked, but here's the perspective of first year Bowdoin player's parent after five games. (The students were told that they are not freshmen, as that is a male dominant term )

My son is very lucky to attend Bowdoin, and I believe that he would be equally fortunate to have matriculated at any of the other NESCAC schools. The academic experience is superb, as are his fellow students, the faculty and staff, and his teammates and all of his coaches. And most important to his parents with respect to football, he is having the most fun in sports that he has had since Little League.

It appears that the NESCAC gets it right in terms of balancing athletics with everything else in life. When we visited schools that played in higher divisions, it was clear that at some football took priority over summer internships, semesters abroad, etc., and that he would sacrifice a lot of the college experience (and ride the bench for a couple of years) if he pursued football at a slightly higher level. I don't see that happening in the NESCAC, where the seasons don't last forever, and where student athletes can pursue other activities offseason. My son was perhaps a better player at baseball than football, yet he plans on running track for the first time this spring. Good for the NESCAC that he can play multiple sports, and good for him for playing the sports he wants to play.

And selfishly, the games have been a blast for us. The other parents have been incredibly welcoming, and while our children may be winless to date, we have some champion tailgaters! I can see how the senior parents will miss the games and camaraderie next year as much as their sons.

Finally, despite this year's 0-5 start, I'd wager a brand new Harriet Tubman $20 bill that when the Bowdoin class of 2020 graduates its football team will have won more games than they lost over four years. There are quite a few Frosh (I hope that term is still ok) and sophomores gaining valuable experience. The head coach has a proven track record at building a program, and the staff appears to be very good at recruiting. So, any takers on the wager?

[JoeBag]

I will take that bet in a heartbeat!
It is going to be hard for you to cover it after this years 0-8 performance.

With this said, it is likely that the PB's will have a winning season in 2020.

[JEFFFAN]

Nobody asked, but here's the perspective of first year Bowdoin player's parent after five games. (The students were told that they are not freshmen, as that is a male dominant term )

My son is very lucky to attend Bowdoin, and I believe that he would be equally fortunate to have matriculated at any of the other NESCAC schools. The academic experience is superb, as are his fellow students, the faculty and staff, and his teammates and all of his coaches. And most important to his parents with respect to football, he is having the most fun in sports that he has had since Little League.

It appears that the NESCAC gets it right in terms of balancing athletics with everything else in life. When we visited schools that played in higher divisions, it was clear that at some football took priority over summer internships, semesters abroad, etc., and that he would sacrifice a lot of the college experience (and ride the bench for a couple of years) if he pursued football at a slightly higher level. I don't see that happening in the NESCAC, where the seasons don't last forever, and where student athletes can pursue other activities offseason. My son was perhaps a better player at baseball than football, yet he plans on running track for the first time this spring. Good for the NESCAC that he can play multiple sports, and good for him for playing the sports he wants to play.

And selfishly, the games have been a blast for us. The other parents have been incredibly welcoming, and while our children may be winless to date, we have some champion tailgaters! I can see how the senior parents will miss the games and camaraderie next year as much as their sons.

Finally, despite this year's 0-5 start, I'd wager a brand new Harriet Tubman $20 bill that when the Bowdoin class of 2020 graduates its football team will have won more games than they lost over four years. There are quite a few Frosh (I hope that term is still ok) and sophomores gaining valuable experience. The head coach has a proven track record at building a program, and the staff appears to be very good at recruiting. So, any takers on the wager?

As much as I respect and like Bowdoin, I would probably take a piece of that action as well ...

What say our erstwhile Polar Bear fan, polbear73, on this matter?

[polbear73]

PBD's comments gladden this old Bear's heart and I sincerely hope he's correct.  I think he's right about the young talent seeing valuable playing time and the hope is that they will stick around and pay off.  I'd like to see another strong couple of recruiting classes, the renovation of Whittier Field, and a more outward expression of support from the Administration, but I am thrilled to hear of the attitude of the team and the parents and I hope that their Bowdoin experience is as great as mine.  Good luck and enjoy an incredible 4 years, regardless of the won-loss record. 

[Nescacman]

Nobody asked, but here's the perspective of first year Bowdoin player's parent after five games. (The students were told that they are not freshmen, as that is a male dominant term )

My son is very lucky to attend Bowdoin, and I believe that he would be equally fortunate to have matriculated at any of the other NESCAC schools. The academic experience is superb, as are his fellow students, the faculty and staff, and his teammates and all of his coaches. And most important to his parents with respect to football, he is having the most fun in sports that he has had since Little League.

It appears that the NESCAC gets it right in terms of balancing athletics with everything else in life. When we visited schools that played in higher divisions, it was clear that at some football took priority over summer internships, semesters abroad, etc., and that he would sacrifice a lot of the college experience (and ride the bench for a couple of years) if he pursued football at a slightly higher level. I don't see that happening in the NESCAC, where the seasons don't last forever, and where student athletes can pursue other activities offseason. My son was perhaps a better player at baseball than football, yet he plans on running track for the first time this spring. Good for the NESCAC that he can play multiple sports, and good for him for playing the sports he wants to play.

And selfishly, the games have been a blast for us. The other parents have been incredibly welcoming, and while our children may be winless to date, we have some champion tailgaters! I can see how the senior parents will miss the games and camaraderie next year as much as their sons.

Finally, despite this year's 0-5 start, I'd wager a brand new Harriet Tubman $20 bill that when the Bowdoin class of 2020 graduates its football team will have won more games than they lost over four years. There are quite a few Frosh (I hope that term is still ok) and sophomores gaining valuable experience. The head coach has a proven track record at building a program, and the staff appears to be very good at recruiting. So, any takers on the wager?

We want in on that bet. We went back and did some research. History tells us that it is very rare for a  Bowdoin squad to have a winning record over any 4 year period. We'll take the under on 16 wins by the time the class of  2020 graduates.

[frank uible]

amh63 - Have googled the mascot issue. My SWAG is that no matter what Amherst College does (including a complete lack of a mascot) at least 20% of the aggregate of alumni, students, staff and faculty will disapprove. Such are the times in which we live.

[westcoastDad]

Praying for a running game for the Lords of Amherst 

[frank uible]

Probably "Lords of Amherst" will not be quite egalitarian enough for the Amherst Mascot Committee.

[gridiron]

Frank--although some in the Amherst community might believe there is nothing more appropriate.

[amh63]

Been out of the loop......taking some old, old friends around D.C. Playing  tourists and fighting traffic.  Back again and reading the posts, etc.  Some comments on the Amherst vs Tufts game.
There is the Amherst website preview of the game with the probable starters listed.  Same as last week with QB Morales listed.
Remember that Tufts' RB was almost shut-out last season in the game at Tufts.
It is family weekend at Amherst.  Expect the players to be up for the game.  If the running game does not improve, who knows, there maybe a QB change.....since the QB that started the season has ties to the Tufts coaching staff, I believe. 
Expect the score differential to be grater than predicted.....since Tufts defense is not as strong as Wesleyan.  Check last season's  score. 

[BantamMom]

I'll take Middlebury over Trinity!  The Panthers are improved over last year and much tougher than you think.

While the Amherst/Middlebury game was a close hard fought game and ended with a one point score diff, I think there were a couple of factors that actually made it closer than it needed to be.  Amherst had one good scoring drive at the beginning of the game and Midd had one blown coverage resulting in a long passing TD.  But Middlebury also essentially handed Amherst their second TD when they fumbled on their own 3 yard line.  Also, lets give the Amherst kicker credit for a long outstanding 52 yard field goal.  Otherwise the game could have easily ended with an 11 point spread.  Midd shut down the Amherst running game.  Most of Amherst's offensive production consisted of bubble screens where they had some success picking up some yards against Middelbury's bend but don't break defense.   Lots of things happen over the course of a game, so you never know how things would have ended up.  Amherst is still a quality team and I am sure Trinity will not be overlooking them when they play in week 7.

Against Bates, the 9 point start was the result of a few plays.  First, a great punt going out of bounds at the one yard line led to the safety.  Have to credit Bates Defense on that.  On the touchdown, the Midd defense had the Bates QB on the run.  He made a nice play, reversed direction and scrambled free and found a receiver wide open after the Midd CB fell down.  Nice play by the Bates O but they were completely shut down after that.  Also, Midd had some key injuries - WR Rizzo did not play as he is injured and out for the season and they also lost their starting left tackle on the first play from scrimmage.  Younger replacements got some good game experience and I am sure they will be even better and ready for Trinity.

Hoping for a good game without injuries.  But I will take Middlebury for the win!

28 - 0 at the half - The Panthers look awful - maybe nerves?  They didn't get a first down until the second quarter - Lets hope they shake it off during the break and make this the game it was touted to be!  I love a good battle!

For the record, I am an ex Bantam mom but I still follow...I forgot my old login so I had to start all over