FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[ColbyFootball]

I can only address Colby. But the failures there are obvious to me. If any of you are close the situation I'd love to know what you're hearing from the players. What I heard and saw at Middlebury after the game was depressing for the players. Several young guys feel so beaten down by the coaching they're ready to pack it in. They are the future and they're being lost. Three games into the season and its that bad.

If coaching is a concern, allow me to rephrase the question ... would any of the four teams currently at the top of the NESCAC trade rosters - just the players - with any of the four teams currently residing at the bottom of the NESCAC?  In theory, if coaching was the issue, the implication is that the talent levels are comparable from top to bottom.

Rephrase it all you want, you still don't get it. Good coaches recruit well, don't lose an unually high number of players for no good reason, know how to manage personnel before, during and after games, and put their players in the best position to be successful. Colby just lost to Middlebury 34-6, and Middlebury's roster us no stronger than Colby's. Ritter has a great system and using his players to maximum benefit in his system.

[Mr. Ypsi]

I can only address Colby. But the failures there are obvious to me. If any of you are close the situation I'd love to know what you're hearing from the players. What I heard and saw at Middlebury after the game was depressing for the players. Several young guys feel so beaten down by the coaching they're ready to pack it in. They are the future and they're being lost. Three games into the season and its that bad.

If coaching is a concern, allow me to rephrase the question ... would any of the four teams currently at the top of the NESCAC trade rosters - just the players - with any of the four teams currently residing at the bottom of the NESCAC?  In theory, if coaching was the issue, the implication is that the talent levels are comparable from top to bottom.

You are ignoring the single most important factor in good coaching: RECRUITING the best players!

Game-planning, play-calling, etc., has only marginal effect if you don't have superior talent to begin with.

[ColbyFootball]

I can only address Colby. But the failures there are obvious to me. If any of you are close the situation I'd love to know what you're hearing from the players. What I heard and saw at Middlebury after the game was depressing for the players. Several young guys feel so beaten down by the coaching they're ready to pack it in. They are the future and they're being lost. Three games into the season and its that bad.

If coaching is a concern, allow me to rephrase the question ... would any of the four teams currently at the top of the NESCAC trade rosters - just the players - with any of the four teams currently residing at the bottom of the NESCAC?  In theory, if coaching was the issue, the implication is that the talent levels are comparable from top to bottom.

You are ignoring the single most important factor in good coaching: RECRUITING the best players!

Game-planning, play-calling, etc., has only marginal effect if you don't have superior talent to begin with.

You are right. And not only is Michaeles failing at recruiting for Colby, he lost 10-12 players last year, including the best WR. And he's poised to duplicate that this year from all I've heard. And he stinks as a game day coach.

[Jonny Utah]

ColbyFootball,

What do you think of the coaching situation at Colby?  What is going on up there?

[PolarCat]

I'm not one for kneeling and crap during the anthem.  But, I'm also not stupid enough to continue associating their discontent with the military or first responders etc.  The protesters are clearly stating they are objecting to social injustices. 

Yes, but what the protesters are STATING isn't what a large portion of America is perceiving.  Look, you've been married, right?  Or at least in a relationship?  You must have had those moments when you said X thinking it was all innocent, and your significant other heard Y and went ballistic on you.  If you're like me, you've had dozens of instances when you wished you could walk back those words and make your point a little differently.  "Honey, I didn't really mean those pants make your butt look big, it just came out that way."

I agree with the message, I really do.  But it's become painfully clear that a whole sh*t ton of people won't listen to the message because they are hung up on the way it's delivered, and they are the people who most need to hear it.  The kneeling isn't helping the cause, it's hurting it.  Way too many folks only see disrespect to the flag, the military and the first responders, and not the reason for the protest.  It's widening the racial divide in this country.

And I am sorry to anyone who says we shouldn't discuss this here.  It's a dialogue we need to be having - respectfully - all over the country.  Besides, I think it's more worthwhile than continued Michaeles-bashing.

[ColbyFootball]

ColbyFootball,

What do you think of the coaching situation at Colby?  What is going on up there?

The short answer is that Michaeles is destroying the program from within. A small man in charge of young men. But what do I know. You're better off asking Polarcat. He's an authority on everything. And what's discussed has to pass his approval.

[Jonny Utah]

ColbyFootball,

What do you think of the coaching situation at Colby?  What is going on up there?

The short answer is that Michaeles is destroying the program from within. A small man in charge of young men. But what do I know. You're better off asking Polarcat. He's an authority on everything. And what's discussed has to pass his approval.

[JEFFFAN]

I can only address Colby. But the failures there are obvious to me. If any of you are close the situation I'd love to know what you're hearing from the players. What I heard and saw at Middlebury after the game was depressing for the players. Several young guys feel so beaten down by the coaching they're ready to pack it in. They are the future and they're being lost. Three games into the season and its that bad.

If coaching is a concern, allow me to rephrase the question ... would any of the four teams currently at the top of the NESCAC trade rosters - just the players - with any of the four teams currently residing at the bottom of the NESCAC?  In theory, if coaching was the issue, the implication is that the talent levels are comparable from top to bottom.

You are ignoring the single most important factor in good coaching: RECRUITING the best players!

Game-planning, play-calling, etc., has only marginal effect if you don't have superior talent to begin with.

Bingo

[middpantherpride]

Now the real season begins for Midd... Gonna be a tough ride. Who's ready to fire it up for my school playing the school formerly known as the Lord Jeffs on Saturday. If the past few years are any indication, this will most likely come down to who makes the next to last mistake. Hopefully Foy is all healthy so that both schools can battle to see who is a true contender for the crown. Even the loser may still be able to make a run given the extended season and the fact that Williams and Trinity appear to be still figuring out their identity.

Looks like the rosters are pretty even and the coaches have had some epic battles the past couple years. 7-0 win for Amherst in a monsoon in Midd in 2014 and a late INT to seal the win last year for MIDD. This game is circled on the schedule for both teams. Great battle between a strong MIDD offense and a strong AMH defense. Don't sleep on the Midd defense though. Great senior leaders in Becton, Jackson, and Hopsicker. That said, the Amherst offense is always a tough test for Midd. Amherst RBs are always tough to tackle and even on good days they seem to get to the second level every game. Will Amherst be able to establish a run game? Will QB1 for Midd be able to air it out? Or will this game be won by Special Teams?

"Can't Wait!" - Bart Scott Voice

My prediction: MIDD 27 - Amherst 24

Even though the game is in Amherst, Midd's senior leaders will step up. They were humbled last year after a hot start and they should be dialed in to bring their A game. Could see it very easily going the other way, but I gotta stand by my squad.

Thoughts??

[IslandTime]

Make no mistake, Amherst has focused all off season on Midd. The first 3 games were an after thought. A 1 point loss last year snapped a 21 game win streak for the LJ's. There has been a laser focus for months on the Panthers and the Amherst players are jacked for this game.

As much as I like and respect Midd, I think Amherst wins convincingly.

[amh63]

Some "long range" early week thoughts.
Went to the Colby website...influenced a bit by posters here.  Saw the articles wrt new playing fields and the terrific new complex that will include a two story workout/training area.  Amherst's weight room and trading center and the top in the league one at Tufts both have helped the recruiting of and the conditionaling of football players,imho.  In short....better days are ahead for the Colby football program.
Middpantherpride....welcome aboard!  A panther parent?  Anyway, enjoyed your knowledgeable post.
Checked the weather forecast at Amherst for the "late" Game...2pm start time.  The Game of the Week?  Possibility of wet conditions on Friday and Saturdays.  Does wet conditions help the defense or the offense?  Help the running game?....Hinder the passing game?  Turf vs Grass fields in wet weather.
Posters' thoughts?
I'm thinking it will be a low score game with the running game featured for Amherst.  Much like the 7-0 Amherst win in Vermont, I believe it will be a Hickey led win on Pratt Field.  The Amherst's offensive line will be the difference.  I also believe  Amherst's  defensive backfield is better and will make big contributions.  I concede the special team factor to Midd.  Amherst missed 3 field goals last week!  Expect a new kicker for Amherst.

[middpantherpride]

Some "long range" early week thoughts.
Went to the Colby website...influenced a bit by posters here.  Saw the articles wrt new playing fields and the terrific new complex that will include a two story workout/training area.  Amherst's weight room and trading center and the top in the league one at Tufts both have helped the recruiting of and the conditionaling of football players,imho.  In short....better days are ahead for the Colby football program.
Middpantherpride....welcome aboard!  A panther parent?  Anyway, enjoyed your knowledgeable post.
Checked the weather forecast at Amherst for the "late" Game...2pm start time.  The Game of the Week?  Possibility of wet conditions on Friday and Saturdays.  Does wet conditions help the defense or the offense?  Help the running game?....Hinder the passing game?  Turf vs Grass fields in wet weather.
I am tending to think that it will be a lower score game with the running game featured for Amherst.  Much like the 7-0 Amherst win in Vermont, I trend towards a Hickey led win on Pratt Field.  The Amherst's offensive line will be the difference.  I also believe  Amherst's  defensive backfield is better and will make big contributions.  I concede the special team factor to Midd.  Amherst missed 3 field goals last week!  Expect a new kicker for Amherst.

Amh63... recent grad from Midd who played football and I bleed blue and white. Games against Amherst were some of the best because it was normally the first true test of what we had. I look forward to Saturday. But, in regards to Amherst focusing on Midd, trust me, Midd has been gearing up for Amherst for months too. I guarantee the Amherst game film has been the focus of Midd the past few weeks. Midd's seniors are legit. I truly believe this game will come down to experience and mental toughness. I expect a heck of a game from both sides. I played in the 7-0 game (unfortunately) and was in the stands at the Midd win last year. Both were true physical battles with plays being made by both teams. Best on Best. But, still riding by my Midd boys. Cheer Boys Cheer. They have earned this match up.

[Nester]

Nester....welcome!  My suggestion is to connect with the primary broadcastor...NSN.  Then ask to purchase the video of the game you wish.  You can do it via the Nescac school of your choice.  Sometimes there is a waiting period after the game before the video becomes available.  My limited experience is in MBB...none in football.
forgot....NSN stands for NorthEast Sports Network...has the contract with the Nescac schools.

Thanks Amh 63 and for the other responses.  Planning to pursue it today. 

[PolarCat]

One minor clarification.  While it's true that MOST NESCAC games are webcast by NESN, Tufts' home contests are carried by www.jumbocast.com.  Not only do they tend to do a better job than NSN (Multiple cameras!  Replays!  Announcers who understand the game!) but their replays are available free of charge on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TuftsJumboCast

[amh63]

PolarCat....your knowledge is truely broad! Plus K
In the case of the present broadcaster of Amherst Football home games, he is more at home at the Hockey Rink and maybe at the soccer games.  He was the primary broadcaster for UMass-Amherst.  Did the Amherst hockey games pro bono...local area resident.  Guess he works for NSN now.  In any case, NSN do not provide much assistant "color" announcers...like the Whale at Wes games.  Still they are better than some student announcers at basketball games, imho.  When there are three or more Nescac games being covered.....soccer, field hockey...and the games overlapping wrt time...NSN can be taxed at particular locations.