FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[frank uible]

Stop whining and play the games with a smile.

[polbear73]

And get better.  As a former player, alumnus, and fan of a perennial losing program, I have no sympathy for the poor programs who open against the stronger ones.  NESCAC was founded by and for peer colleges with the intention of playing on the same level field by the imposition of comparatively restrictive rules.  If the so-called "bottom feeders" can't compete, that is entirely on them.  Good football and strong academics should be compatable at every one of these schools and those that don't strive to compete under NESCAC guidelines should face the consequnces. 

[AO]

Instead of letting the top dogs tune up on the little dogs?

In my experience, the best chance for an upset is early in the year.  Teams may be using a limited playbook or have inexperience at key positions.  It's also more difficult to gain a scouting advantage.

[PolarCat]

Unfortunately for the rest of the league, I don't think Amherst, Midd, Trinity or Wes have inexperience at key positions (unless you count the K as a key position; the Cards' Ike Fuchs was a great one).  So I think Hamilton and Bowdoin will almost certainly open 0-3.

But if their fans don't care, I guess it's silly for me to.  I don't have a dog in that hunt, as my Bobcats have a balanced, fair opening to their season.  We start with Trinity, so may your comment about early season upsets go from your lips to God's ear!

[amh63]

PolarCat....I wish!  Bates always give Amherst a tough, tough game.  Believe the Bobcats open at Pratt Field. 

[ColbyFootball]

Instead of letting the top dogs tune up on the little dogs?

In my experience, the best chance for an upset is early in the year.  Teams may be using a limited playbook or have inexperience at key positions.  It's also more difficult to gain a scouting advantage.

I agree completely. And, a smart team will put new stuff in on offense and defense that their opponent hasn't game planned for.

[ColbyFootball]

Unfortunately for the rest of the league, I don't think Amherst, Midd, Trinity or Wes have inexperience at key positions (unless you count the K as a key position; the Cards' Ike Fuchs was a great one).  So I think Hamilton and Bowdoin will almost certainly open 0-3.

But if their fans don't care, I guess it's silly for me to.  I don't have a dog in that hunt, as my Bobcats have a balanced, fair opening to their season.  We start with Trinity, so may your comment about early season upsets go from your lips to God's ear!

Because of the 9th game being added you start with Amherst. Colby gets to open away at Trinity.

[PBPOP20]

So I think Hamilton and Bowdoin will almost certainly open 0-3.

PolarCat, Bowdoin opens with Williams... no chance for the polar bears to pull out an opening day win?

Lots of excitement in Brunswick about the incoming FY and the next class as it shapes up...   we're going to start finding out just how good JB and Co.  are at recruiting.

[lumbercat]

Colby is making a very profound commitment to winning Football games.

While other NESCAC programs are hiring inexperienced coaches and graduate assistants Colby has made another significant coaching hire.

Their new Defensive Line coach is Jason Brooks a former NFL coach with the Baltimore Ravens for 4 years. Also had stints with the Miami Dolphins and most recently D1 Florida International.

Earlier this summer the Mules hired Dave Dunn a former 10 year Head Coach at Catholic.

I don't think either of these guys relocated to Waterville  Maine for short money.

If Coach Micheales recruits student athletes like he recruits coaches the Mules will be a force to reckon with.

[ColbyFootball]

Colby is making a very profound commitment to winning Football games.

While other NESCAC programs are hiring inexperienced coaches and graduate assistants Colby has made another significant coaching hire.

Their new Defensive Line coach is Jason Brooks a former NFL coach with the Baltimore Ravens for 4 years. Also had stints with the Miami Dolphins and most recently D1 Florida International.

Earlier this summer the Mules hired Dave Dunn a former 10 year Head Coach at Catholic.

I don't think either of these guys relocated to Waterville  Maine for short money.

If Coach Micheales recruits student athletes like he recruits coaches the Mules will be a force to reckon with.

How do you get this Colby info so quickly. Keep it coming.

[lumbercat]

Colby Football-
Communications surrounding Colby athletics has been awful for many years- no idea why Colby players and parents are not in the loop. Coach Micheales seems to operate in a vacuum- not sure why, managing expectations? On a short leash??? 2 guys on his staff with better credentials, more experience.
At the end of the day I think JM is a grinder who is doing all he can to win.

[PolarCat]

Plus it's posted on the new Colby Football website.   

[Trin9-0]

2017 Trinity  season preview:
http://www.bantamsports.com/sports/fball/2017-18/releases/Football_11718

[Pat Coleman]

2017 Trinity  season preview:
http://www.bantamsports.com/sports/fball/2017-18/releases/Football_11718

Are you going to change your posting handle?

[amh63]

Trin8-0...thanks for the alert.  Yes, the Fall season is approaching fast.  You can see it in the increase of posters/readers on the boards.  For posters on other football boards, the players are on campus, like the Liberty League and Empire 8. 
Interesting and informative Trinity football write-up at this time given that this season's roster is Not available yet.  Featured player in the photo accomplying the write-up has a name that reminded me of a great Amherst RB in my era...a long time ago.   Would not surprise me that the Trinity Sr player is related to the one I remembered....a grandson maybe?
The article noted the Trinity win over Amherst locked up the CAC title last season.  That 24-14 win was in Hartford and accomplished by TWO great Bantam defensive efforts in the 4th quarter.  The last one was an interception for a long run back TD.  Amherst had led at halftime.  The big win by Trinity over Wes was also a comeback led by the Bantam defense. 
It should be an interesting season for Trinity with a rebuilt defensive side.