FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[lumbercat]

Quote by ColbyFootball:
Lumbercat -I was with you on your Colby pick until last night. My source tells me Sparacio has not been named the starter. The freshman was actually given equal reps in practice. And I double checked on the injury question and Sparacio has not been injured. So with so much uncertainty, and why I can't figure out, I don't know if Colby will cover. Maybe ReiredMule has some inside information. I am sure my source will be calling tonight or tomorrow, and may have more info.



ColbyFootball-
I only saw Sparacio for a half but it was as good a half by any of the QBs I have seen on the Bates schedule this year.
Don't understand any hesitation in that coaching decision -they are crazy not to go with him. Thought it would be a forgone conclusion but I guess there must be other factors.
No one thinks the Pats should have traded LB Collins either but again you have to attribute it to factors other than pure ability- maybe it's a similar type of coaching decision.


Ok, I get it on my lines. I guess they are on the light side.
Hamilton and Williams are both at home. While they are playing  against vastly better teams I think there's a chance Middlebury and Wesleyan may look past their weaker opponents a bit with big games the following week.


And if Sparacio doesn't go I would move the Tufts- Colby spread from 14 to at least 21.

[Nescacman]

Come on NESCACMAN, I know we have fallen but we only lost by 1 point to Middlebury with our 3rd string QB (who played like a starter that day). 
To be a distant 5th......they gotta beat us by more than 1pt on their home turf.

We think Middlebury is just a better version of the FKA LJ's...One dimensional with a better QB and a better O line. Amherst's defense may be better than MID's, however, the amount of time they spend on the field diminishes their effectiveness against the better teams.

We think HC Devanney and the Staters will expose all of the FKA LJ's weaknesses and win by at least 3 TD's. Reality is the Purple Moose are staring down an unMills-like 4-4 year. We know it pains the Amherst faithful, but welcome to reality/mediocrity.

[westcoastDad]

I don't have to be sober to agree with that assessment!

Back to the Cubbies

[Nescacman]

I don't have to be sober to agree with that assessment!

Back to the Cubbies

Better save some for Saturday at the Coup...you'll need it.

[Nescacman]

I don't have to be sober to agree with that assessment!

Back to the Cubbies

Oh...and btw, Cubs NESCAC connection...GM Jed Hoyer was a star baseball player for Wes in the '90's.

[Nescacman]

Week 7 NESCAC Weekly Power Rankings

1. Hartford State (6-0, LW: 1): The Bants/Wes game for the NESCAC title in two weeks is looking highly likely. HS leads the 'CAC in nearly every offensive category. Their defense is t the #3 team in team defense. Last week they rolled an overmatched Middlebury squad leading 28-0 at the half and ultimately prevailing 49-14. How did this game end up being so one sided? HS pretty much stopped the MID passing attack (12-42 with 5 ints, 5 sacks and a large number of "hurries") which as we all know forces them to do what they do not like to do...run. 
2. Wesleyan (5-1, LW: 2): Wes crushed Bowdoin with a big second half after a shaky first half (they led 17-10 at the half) leading to a big 39-10 win. Wes continues to be near the top in the nation in total defense, scoring defense, red zone defense, and 3rd down percentage defense. They are #1 in the NESCAC in total defense, scoring defense and #2 in turnover differential. No fear of them looking ahead to the week 8 game against 'State. This week is a Little 3 week for Wes and they haven't won a Little 3 in Williamstown since 1970. 46 years of frustration ends this weekend. They will be focused and be ready for HS in week 8.
3. Tufts (5-1, LW: 4): Ok, we admit that we thought the Jumbo's were overrated. Turns out, we had the wrong team overrated (that would be the FKA LJ's). Tufts contained the Amhurst running game (81 yards on 36 carries) and held Berlutti to 193 yards passing on 43 attempts (along with 4 sacks and 2 INTs). Chance Brady (our pick for NESCAC offensive POTW with 2 games left) was held to ONLY 136 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Tufts will try to not look ahead to their week 8 battle with MID and a possible share of the coveted 'CAC title.
4. Middlebury (5-1, LW: 3): Tough day for the MID passing attack as they get drubbed by Hartford State. MID couldn't stop the HS running game giving up over 200 yards rushing. They get a week to bounce back against Colby before facing off against Tufts for a possible share of the 'CAC title in week 8.
5. Amhurst (3-3, LW: 4): Another disappointing dismantling at the hands of Tufts last week. The score could have been much worse. We think a lot of the issues this year with the Amhurst offense are a result of a very mediocre and not very Amhurst like offensive line. FKA LJs are headed for a 4-4 season.
6. University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(2-4, LW: 6): UBates wins round 1 of the C-B-B last week and goes for the title this Saturday against Bowdoin.
7. Colby (2-4, LW: 7): Frankly, doesn't matter who is at QB....this is just not a good football team. Looks like a 3-5 season for the Mules.
8. Hamilton (2-4, LW: 9): Conts on their way to a second straight 2-6 season. Haven't had a winning season season since 1996. Murray will be 3-20 in his first 3 years. Bet he longs for Alfred.
9. Williams (0-6, LW:8): Former HCOF Kelton 0-9 at Shorter (they have lost the last 3 weeks by a combined score of 125-0). Current and former Eph HCOF's are 0-15. How bad did Kelton set back this once proud program? They are on their way to their first EVER 0-8 season after two straight 2-6 seasons. Good luck to Coach Raymond cleaning up this mess. We're looking at 2019/2020 at the earliest.
10. Bowdoin (0-6, LW: 10): They are last in the NESCAC in Total D and Total O. Too bad they don't play the Ephs.

[gridiron]

If the rumors are true about a nine game season beginning in 2018, this board will have even more fun from that point on.  An extra week to debate and a guaranty all teams play each other, eliminating any speculation whatsoever about what might have been.

Cannot come soon enough in my opinion.

[Nescacman]

If the rumors are true about a nine game season beginning in 2018, this board will have even more fun from that point on.  An extra week to debate and a guaranty all teams play each other, eliminating any speculation whatsoever about what might have been.

Cannot come soon enough in my opinion.

AMEN to that grid, amen to that. I am sure the Ephs fans wish there was a 9th game this year...

[frank uible]

Nothing wrong with a 10th game. I nominate Pomona, Chicago, WashU , Carnegie Mellon, Washington & Lee and Case., among others - for national exposure.

[Nescacman]

Nothing wrong with a 10th game. I nominate Pomona, Chicago, WashU , Carnegie Mellon, Washington & Lee and Case., among others - for national exposure.

HAHA, that's funny Frank! I think MIT would work just fine especially since there were rumors they wanted into the NESCAC anyway. While we're at it, let's get rid of the Camels. With the addition of MIT and the subtraction of Conn College, you would have 11 real, football playing schools in the NESCAC (if you count Williams and Bowdoin as football playing schools).

Frank, you going to be there Saturday to witness Williams Alum Coach D thrash his/your alma matter wearing the red and black?

[BantamMom]

Let's hope the Birds are as over confident as you are....

I am just telling you what is driving the Amherst players in a season that can still be one to remember.

I am confident, not over-confident.  I just don't think they will beat them in the Coop - other people on this board are saying Amherst +10 is too low and they are predicting a 3 TD win.  I am sure Amherst is driven and will leave nothing on the field so it could be closer than some imagine.  Just remember that the Bantams are driven by retribution which is a powerful motivator.  I hope for a good game with no injuries - may the best team win!

[amh63]

BantamMom.....welcome to the board!  Or just a recent poster but a longer reader.?  There is a Trinity player that has an older brother that recently graduated from Amherst.  The player sat out his FY with an injury and plays WR?  His older brother was a star CB for Amherst.  Anyway, it seems that within the last 5-6 years there has been three pairs of brothers playing against each other....all on fine teams challenging for the title.  The Ragone brothers from FL..Sarasota were WRs.  The oldest pair were record breaking RBs from MA.  Recall the parents even switched sides at halftime in the Amherst vs Trinity game.  Was in Clinton, NY when I first met the Mom of the Ragone boys.  She was on the phone at halftime checking on her older son's game....first game of the season for Trinity.  Always wondered how parents feel in a game that has two brothers compete against each other.  For the most part none were on the field at the same time.
In short...Nescac games are intense, hard fought on the field and on this board...but finish with a handshake after the game. 
Me, want a competitive game  with no injuries!   

[JEFFFAN]

BantamMom.....welcome to the board!  Or just a recent poster but a longer reader.?  There is a Trinity player that has an older brother that recently graduated from Amherst.  The player sat out his FY with an injury and plays WR?  His older brother was a star CB for Amherst.  Anyway, it seems that within the last 5-6 years there has been three pairs of brothers playing against each other....all on fine teams challenging for the title.  The Ragone brothers from FL..Sarasota were WRs.  The oldest pair were record breaking RBs from MA.  Recall the parents even switched sides at halftime in the Amherst vs Trinity game.  Was in Clinton, NY when I first met the Mom of the Ragone boys.  She was on the phone at halftime checking on her older son's game....first game of the season for Trinity.  Always wondered how parents feel in a game that has two brothers compete against each other.  For the most part none were on the field at the same time.
In short...Nescac games are intense, hard fought on the field and on this board...but finish with a handshake after the game. 
Me, want a competitive game  with no injuries!

Trinity 35 - Amherst 10

[IslandTime]

Amherst 20 - Trinity 17

[Nescacman]

2016 Week #7 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 7 in the NESCAC..."the league where they pay to play". We were 3-2 in week 6, as the two weak sisters of the Little 3 let us down. Important match-ups this week include....well none.

UBates (Lewiston Campus) at Bowdoin College: Bates goes for the C-B-B title on the road in Brunswick. Why UBates will win: Both offenses are not good. However, UBates defense is superior to the Polar Bears defense and that will be the difference here.
UBates 17 Bowdoin 10
Weather: Not a factor.

Colby College at Tufts University: Warm-up for Tufts week 8 game against MID. Won't matter who is at QB for the Mules. The reality is, neither is particularly good right now. Look for Chance Brady to run early and often as he fights Chipouras from HS for the league rushing crown. Why Tufts will win: Colby playing out the string and Tufts playing for a league title in Week 8 does not sound like good formula for the Mule faithful.
Tufts 28 Colby 14
Weather: Showers, high 48.

Wesleyan University at Williams College: One of the best in the 'CAC versus one of the worst. Wes goes for their 2nd Little 3 title in 4 years. Word out of Williamstown is that there are still rooms available at the Williams Inn 2 days before Homecoming. There might be more Wes fans at the game than Eph fans. Why Wesleyan will win: One of the best defenses in the country and one of the best running offenses against one of the worst rushing D's. Fear not Wes looking ahead. HC DiCenzo, a holder of a Williams diploma himself, will not allow a let down as he tries to win his first Little 3 title as a HC.
Wesleyan 41 Williams 7
Weather: Not a factor.

Middlebury College at Hamilton College: Another bad game. Expect Lebowitz to have field day against the Hamilton secondary and contend for NESCAC POTW. Why Middlebury will win: Like Tufts, they have their sights set on a NESCAC title and their showdown in Week 8.
Middlebury 42 Hamilton 14
Weather: Not a factor

NESCAC Game of the Week

Amhurst College at Hartford State College: HS will have a more balanced game plan than they have shown recently against the FKA LJ's as a result of Amhurst being good against the run. Fortunately for the Bants, Puzzo can throw when he has to and they have one of the better receivers in the league in Myers. Meanwhile, Amhurst will have a tough time getting an offense going without a viable running. The FJ LJ's lose their third in a row for the first time in a long time. Why Hartford State will win: Bants are tough to beat at home and the LJ's offense won't be able to keep up. Meanwhile, HS forces a lot of turnovers which could be a problem for either Amhurst signal caller.
Hartford State 31 Amhurst 10
Weather: Not a factor.


NESCACMAN's Picks
2016 Season: 24-6
2015 Season: 30-10
2014 Season: 30-10
2013 Season: 32-8
Career: 116-34 (.773 winning percentage)