FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[OldCardinal]

I'm typically the last one to agree with Nescacman, but I'm in full agreement that this is much ado about nothing. I'm sure many of us recall a few years ago when the Wesleyan-Bates game was moved to Trinity because the weather conditions made Andrus Field unplayable. Certainly this is a better solution than that.

I'm also shocked to hear Lumbercat calling Andrus Field overrated. It was always my favorite place to play on the road as the surrounding buildings gave it an intimate stadium feel (I was also a big fan of Whittier Field in Bowdoin). It's funny that playing on a grass field has become a novelty. In 2002 Trinity became the first NESCAC football program to make the move to field-turf; now Andrus is the only grass field left. However, given the weather situation for tomorrow we can see that it does have its drawbacks.

Tufts field is still grass as well.

[nescac1]

Trust me, moving the game is the right call.  I was at the infamous Williams-Amherst mud bowl in 1995, a game that Amherst "won" 0-0.  That was one of the nastiest NESCAC teams ever, riding a massive winning streak led by future-NFL'er Ethan Brooks and future NFL coordinator Mike Bajakian.  Because there was a ton (for NESCAC) of media attention on the game, including a week-long NYTimes story about it, for aesthetic reasons Williams didn't want to move the game from Weston field after torrents of rain.  Big mistake.  The field was basically unplayable as there was no footing whatsoever, leading to an awful game and an unfortuanate (from Williams' perspective) result. 

[GoBlue61]

The message to the Bowdoin players is that Wesleyan does not want to waste their real field on a game vs Bowdoin; playing the disrespect card.  Not sure I would call this lying (coaches like Bill Belichick, for example, tell half truths all the time to motivate their teams).  BTW...the forecast is for an 1" or so of rain.  If your field cannot handle that I am not sure it should be your primary field for football.

[gridiron]

While I get the potential value to Bowdoin of playing the disrespect card, in reality I suspect players today would prefer to play on artificial turf in heavy rain. Very certain those responsible for cleaning uniforms definitely prefer the field change.

[Trin9-0]

Tufts field is still grass as well.

Ah, yes... forgot about Zimman Field at Ellis Oval.

BTW...the forecast is for an 1" or so of rain.  If your field cannot handle that I am not sure it should be your primary field for football.

I can't imagine a scenario where Andrus Field would not be the primary site for Wes football games. Given that it doubles as the outfield for baseball games makes it an unlikely candidate for an artificial surface. With tomorrow's game being playing on turf the wind will be a far bigger factor than the rain with gusts over 40 mph expected in Middletown. However, given the lack of healthy Polar Bears I don't think it matters much where the game will be played.

The forecast will be similar in Hartford and the conditions should favor the home team. I would expect a heavy dose of Chippouras as the Bantams look to add to their league best 16 rushing touchdowns. A stout Trinity rushing defense (allowing under 70 yards per game) should force the Panthers to throw that ball in the unfavorable elements leading to a few interceptions. Only Bowdoin has thrown more picks than Midd.

Hopefully the weather will be better when Amherst visits The Coop next Saturday for the game of the year.

[Nescacman]

Tufts field is still grass as well.

Ah, yes... forgot about Zimman Field at Ellis Oval.

BTW...the forecast is for an 1" or so of rain.  If your field cannot handle that I am not sure it should be your primary field for football.

I can't imagine a scenario where Andrus Field would not be the primary site for Wes football games. Given that it doubles as the outfield for baseball games makes it an unlikely candidate for an artificial surface. With tomorrow's game being playing on turf the wind will be a far bigger factor than the rain with gusts over 40 mph expected in Middletown. However, given the lack of healthy Polar Bears I don't think it matters much where the game will be played.

The forecast will be similar in Hartford and the conditions should favor the home team. I would expect a heavy dose of Chippouras as the Bantams look to add to their league best 16 rushing touchdowns. A stout Trinity rushing defense (allowing under 70 yards per game) should force the Panthers to throw that ball in the unfavorable elements leading to a few interceptions. Only Bowdoin has thrown more picks than Midd.

Hopefully the weather will be better when Amherst visits The Coop next Saturday for the game of the year.

Wow, Hs8-0 and NESCACMAN in agreement on something....miracles do happen. 

We were going to call you out on Tufts, but someone beat us to the punch...haha.

[Nescacman]

The message to the Bowdoin players is that Wesleyan does not want to waste their real field on a game vs Bowdoin; playing the disrespect card.  Not sure I would call this lying (coaches like Bill Belichick, for example, tell half truths all the time to motivate their teams).  BTW...the forecast is for an 1" or so of rain.  If your field cannot handle that I am not sure it should be your primary field for football.

One would think Bowdoin students would be smarter than that and see right through the BS from the Bowdoin coaching staff...

Fortunately, tons of players read this board and will get the true story rather than the lies coming from the failing Bowdoin coaching staff looking to grasp onto whatever they can to break their 23 game losing steak...

[lumbercat]

A lot of (erroneous) chatter this AM on the move of the Wesleyan/Bowdoin game from historic, iconic Andrus Field to Citrin Field...

In true NESCACMAN fashion, one of our correspondents went to the source and spoke to one of the key principals in the decision....here are the facts:

1. If any of you have actually looked at the weather forecast you will see that what will be coming through Middletown tomorrow before, during and after the game is more than just a little rain shower. It's a full blown nor'easter with 2+ inches of wind blown rain. Not the most ideal forecast for a game that would be played on a grass field.

2. The last time there was a game played in similar conditions on Andrus, there was literally a lake covering about a quarter of the field. The field is historic and is a great venue, but it drains horribly. Not only does that affect strategy but also puts player safety in question. NESCAC football is bad enough at times on a dry field in perfect playing conditions, but in conditions that we are likely to see tomorrow, we'll take a pass.

3. Which leads us to the number reason the game was moved...player safety. The Wes AD reminded us of a time when he was coaching a game being played in similar conditions. One of his players foot was literally stuck in the mud, the player got tackled while he was stuck and the player suffered a severe ankle injury that changed the kids career. He does not want to put the players (on both Teams) at risk for similar injuries.

4. The move had to be approved by BOTH Teams. Wesleyan could not do this move unilaterally. The Bowdoin AD (we are sure he consulted with HCOF Wells) had to approve the move of the game. Moving the game to Sunday was also discussed but that didn't work due to logistical reasons (length of the drive home, hotels, buses, etc.).

5. Citrin Field is way more than a practice field. When NESCAC Teams used to have scrimmages, this is where Wes held their game scrimmages. In addition, Wes hosts other varsity sporting events on this field and it is also the home of the Wes Track and Field Team. As has been noted, there are stands and the field also has a scoreboard, permanent play clocks, etc. Wes and Bowdoin are both lucky this field exists.

6. Moving the game to another field is not an easy endeavor and is not ideal. They had to find places for the coaches in the sky to sit, places for the timekeeper to sit, deal with headsets, set up the field for the game, inform the league, officials, parents, alums, etc. In sum, not an easy task 48 hours before a game and something to be avoided if at all possible.

Calling this a "dis" to Bowdoin in any way is just not right and is misinformed. Bowdoin was 100% in on the decision and signed off on it. Who wants to see a game played in those conditions on a grass field with the high potential of players getting injured.

NESCACMAN-

Good points, I can't disagree in light of the facts you raise. I didn't realize the scope of the forecast beyond the fact that it was going to be a rainy day. Thanks for the clarification.
I still stay Andrus is overrated.

[Nescacman]

A lot of (erroneous) chatter this AM on the move of the Wesleyan/Bowdoin game from historic, iconic Andrus Field to Citrin Field...

In true NESCACMAN fashion, one of our correspondents went to the source and spoke to one of the key principals in the decision....here are the facts:

1. If any of you have actually looked at the weather forecast you will see that what will be coming through Middletown tomorrow before, during and after the game is more than just a little rain shower. It's a full blown nor'easter with 2+ inches of wind blown rain. Not the most ideal forecast for a game that would be played on a grass field.

2. The last time there was a game played in similar conditions on Andrus, there was literally a lake covering about a quarter of the field. The field is historic and is a great venue, but it drains horribly. Not only does that affect strategy but also puts player safety in question. NESCAC football is bad enough at times on a dry field in perfect playing conditions, but in conditions that we are likely to see tomorrow, we'll take a pass.

3. Which leads us to the number reason the game was moved...player safety. The Wes AD reminded us of a time when he was coaching a game being played in similar conditions. One of his players foot was literally stuck in the mud, the player got tackled while he was stuck and the player suffered a severe ankle injury that changed the kids career. He does not want to put the players (on both Teams) at risk for similar injuries.

4. The move had to be approved by BOTH Teams. Wesleyan could not do this move unilaterally. The Bowdoin AD (we are sure he consulted with HCOF Wells) had to approve the move of the game. Moving the game to Sunday was also discussed but that didn't work due to logistical reasons (length of the drive home, hotels, buses, etc.).

5. Citrin Field is way more than a practice field. When NESCAC Teams used to have scrimmages, this is where Wes held their game scrimmages. In addition, Wes hosts other varsity sporting events on this field and it is also the home of the Wes Track and Field Team. As has been noted, there are stands and the field also has a scoreboard, permanent play clocks, etc. Wes and Bowdoin are both lucky this field exists.

6. Moving the game to another field is not an easy endeavor and is not ideal. They had to find places for the coaches in the sky to sit, places for the timekeeper to sit, deal with headsets, set up the field for the game, inform the league, officials, parents, alums, etc. In sum, not an easy task 48 hours before a game and something to be avoided if at all possible.

Calling this a "dis" to Bowdoin in any way is just not right and is misinformed. Bowdoin was 100% in on the decision and signed off on it. Who wants to see a game played in those conditions on a grass field with the high potential of players getting injured.

NESCACMAN-

Good points, I can't disagree in light of the facts you raise. I didn't realize the scope of the forecast beyond the fact that it was going to be a rainy day. Thanks for the clarification.
I still stay Andrus is overrated.

Thank you Lumber...+K's always accepted...hint, hint.

Curious to your overrated comment....overrated compared to what? The Big House? Happy Valley? Certainly in the NESCAC it is one of the better venues, and IOO, the best tailgating spot hands down (great parking, liberal rules, great atmosphere, etc)....and factually, it is the longest/oldest continuously used college football stadium/field in the Country....plus it is grass which we think deserves extra credit. All in, a great place to watch and play a game. certainly, one of our fave places to play when we strapped it on...

[lumbercat]

NESCACMAN-

Its a nice field with a long tradition but I'll take Whittier Field at Bowdoin and the new Williams facility with Garcelon Field at Bates up there too.

Andrus has some great features but it's still a converted Baseball Field. Good thing they don't have the gridiron running across the dirt infield.

From a viewing perspective Garcelon Field at Bates is the best in the league. Fans are right on top of the action. It's also in the middle of campus and if age matters I think it's also among the 10 oldest in college Football.

I think the real character of Andrus is as a Baseball field where it is the best in NESCAC.

There always will always be some bias based on one's allegiance.

[Trin9-0]

Wow, Hs8-0 and NESCACMAN in agreement on something....miracles do happen. 

Let's agree to you doubling your gift to the Wesleyan Fund this year if Trin beats Wes. That would make it four in a row and 16 of the last 17 for the Bantams over the Cardinals.

Name your price if Wesleyan wins. As you said "miracles do happen."

[Nescacman]

Wow, Hs8-0 and NESCACMAN in agreement on something....miracles do happen. 

Let's agree to you doubling your gift to the Wesleyan Fund this year if Trin beats Wes. That would make it four in a row and 16 of the last 17 for the Bantams over the Cardinals.

Name your price if Wesleyan wins. As you said "miracles do happen."

It's a lil early and lots of football to be played, but how many point ya given' us???

[Nescacman]

2018 Week #7 NESCACMAN Preview

Welcome to Week #7 in the NESCAC...in "the league where they pay to play". We were 3-2 in week 6, are 23-7 on the season, and are 182-53 in our career (.775 winning pct.). Last week we lost the Colby upset over Hamilton and the big Amhurst win over Wesleyan. This week, the highlight is undefeated Amhurst hosting Tufts in the annual Battle of the Elephants...

Bowdoin College at Wesleyan University: Bowdoin comes to town riding a 23 game losing streak and haven't won a game since 2015...they are giving up a NESCAC worst 502 YPG which ranks them 241st out of 247 D3 defenses...Wes comes in licking their wounds after a beatdown at the hands of Amhurst last week 33-3...game wasn't even that close...weather conditions will not be good and will be a factor in this one...game is being played on turfed Citrin Field instead of grass Andrus Field..."How Bowdoin Wins": On offense, if Richam plays, try to get him going, run the ball effectively regardless and avoid 3rd and long which has lead to many BOW INTs and sacks in 2018...Defense needs to show up and try to contain Piccirillo..."How Wes Wins": On defense, shut down the run, force the pass, and get turnovers....On offense, run the ball effectively in the rain to set up the pass...Wes has played well historically against the C-B-B and Bowdoin....we don't expect tomorrow to be any different as Richam watches from the sidelines.

Wesleyan 34 Bowdoin 14
Point Spread: Wesleyan giving 17 points.
Weather: Heavy rain and wind. High of 50.

Colby College at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus): Round 1 in the C-B-B...Bates nearly came away with the win last week in Middlebury and Colby won their first game of the year with a mild upset over Hamilton..."How Colby Wins": Continue to ride the arm of Hersch and the legs of Schwern...the young QB has looked very good and is on track to win NESCAC ROTY...the defense needs to control Costa..."How UBates Wins": The offense needs to do whatever they did against Middlebury...the defense needs to play a complete game (they have given up 31 points or more in every game this year except for one) and force young QB Hersch to make some mistakes in his first C-B-B game...Colby has won a game and been in others...Bates has only been in a few games all year...we think Colby has more talent, is better coached and comes away with the win...Hopefully HCOF Malik doesn't face any complicated 2 point conversion calls...

Colby 24 UBates 21
Point Spread: Colby giving 1 point.
Weather: Rain and wind. High of 37.

Middlebury College at Hartford State: Middlebury barely escaped with a win last week against Bates....meanwhile, Hartford State cruised against Bowdoin...Both teams have made successful QB changes this year...key for HS is not looking ahead to next week's big game against Amhurst conceivably for all of the marbles in the NESCAC...weather will be a factor in this one too..."How Middlebury Wins": Get the running game with Scibilia and Jernigan...defense contains the dynamic HS offense..."How Hartford State Wins": Run Chipouras to set up the pass...stop the Middlebury running game and force Jernigan to win through the air....HS has too much talent and they almost never lose at home...won't happen this year to a Middlebury squad having an off-year.

Hartford State 38 Middlebury 17
Point Spread: Hartford State giving 17 points. 
Weather: Heavy rain and wind. High of 47.

TTUN at Hamilton College: HAM laid an egg against Colby last week...injury plagued TTUN riding a two game losing streak badly in need of a win in advance of 2 big games against their Little 3 rivals..."How Hamilton Wins": Kenny Gray needs to have a better day than he had last week... defense needs to contain Eph QB Maimaron... "How TTUN Wins": Force Hamilton to run the ball...Maimaron has big day as the Ephs rest Dozier in preparation for Wes and Amhurst...We think TTUN even with the injuries has more talent this year than HAM....TTUN breaks the losing streak with the win...

TTUN 28 Hamilton 17
Point Spread: TTUN giving 10 points.
Weather: Rain. High of 39.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Tufts University at Amhurst College: Really interesting game as the Lord Mammoths put their undefeated record on the line against the Jumbo's in Blanketville...both defenses are really good (1st and 3rd in the NESCAC) and their offenses are 2nd and 3rd in the NESCAC....we think Amhurst's superior rushing offense (1st in the NESCAC) will carry the day in the slop..."How Tufts Wins": Run the ball effectively against the tough LM D...control the clock...stop the LM rushing attack and force Eberth to pass..."How Amhurst Wins":  Contain McDonald...run the ball well as they have all year...defense stops the run and forces Tufts to try and pass in the rain. Should be a tough, hard fought game played in some difficult conditions...we like the home team in a close game....sets up a big game next week for Amhurst against HS.

Amhurst 24 Tufts 20
Point Spread: Amhurst giving 4 points.
Weather: Rain. High of 44.

NESCACMAN's Picks
2018 Season: 23-7
2017 Season: 35-10
2016 Season: 32-8
2015 Season: 30-10
2014 Season: 30-10
2013 Season: 32-8
Career: 182-53 (.775 winning percentage)

[Trin9-0]

It's a lil early and lots football to be played, but how many point ya given' us???

Aww, c'mon... the man who has literally never picked Trinity to beat Wesleyan and who weekly boasts about his prowess picking games without a spread now wants us to give him points?

Wesleyan 17 Trinity 14

Wesleyan 24 Trinity 14 

Wesleyan 24 Hartford State 21

Wesleyan 24 Hartford State 21

Wesleyan 28 Hartford State 24

Fine, but if Trinity covers the spread then you'll need to triple your Wesleyan Fund gift. As you said, it's a little early so let's wait until game week and we can negotiate a fair number.

[amh63]

Several comments on fields.
Yes, the grass field at Wesleyan does not DRAIN well!.  Been there when it was not raining...but had rained sometime earlier.  The area in front of the visitors stand was sloppy and muddy.  The draining problem , IMO, was enhanced by the addition of the fine dining facility built on the former Cage end.  There is a courtyard and a retaining wall on that end too.  Note the Cage was like the one at Amherst and UMass-Amherst...all former Basketball facilities.
Yes the "mudball" Amherst-Williams game was also played on a field that did not drain well.  To correct that problem for William's new field was expensive.  Was AD Whalen the Williams' HFC coach in '95?  Too lazy to look up.