FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[lumbercat]

Most NESCAC programs will over recruit the QB position as they are looking for good athletes. As we know QBs are typically top level athletes who make excellent DBs, WRs and possibly RBs.

WR Fahey at Bowdoin is a good current example of this practice. He was a good HS QB who was moved to WR as a FY with great results.

Occasionally this can backfire in cases where the kid is recruited as a QB then moved to another position. Bates lost a young QB to Kenyon presumably because they moved him from QB to DB last year resulting in his transfer.

I totally get that I know a great deal of QB who go to programs and are taken as athletes. However you must be able to replenish specifically at that position. Wesleyan for example has three solid QB find it odd that some programs really miss at this position specifically Williams and Amherst. Most NESCAC schools over recruit at this position making sure they have capable back ups. Having said that I watched the film of the Williams and Trinity game and i know the score does not reflect this I thoiught the Williams QB converted RB/WR did a great job with his legs in that game and kept it close. He really did the best he couild and applaud him for his efforts.

Charlie-

Appreciate your response. I said most NESCAC programs are eager and very willing to recruit HS QB's to bring talented athletes into their programs. I didn't say they are inclined to do so at the risk of leaving their program thin on QB depth.

This isn't D1 recruiting, you can only bring in 20 or 25 guys. Sometimes a few last minute changes of sentiment can compromise many a NESCAC recruiting year at a specific position.

I enjoy you posts and your feedback but you do read what you have typed before you hit POST?

[BigKat]

DB play has been declining over the ten years plus I've been watching Nescac ball. More passing and spread offenses certainly a part of it but poor coaching and converted positional players probably play a role as well.

A couple decent games on the docket this weekend. Look forward to more disruption in the standings.

[LochNescac]

DB play has been declining over the ten years plus I've been watching Nescac ball. More passing and spread offenses certainly a part of it but poor coaching and converted positional players probably play a role as well.

A couple decent games on the docket this weekend. Look forward to more disruption in the standings.

What BigKat said!!....on both counts!

[Charlie]

Football Field Rankings

I have listed in my opinion the best venues to watch NESCAC football games curious what opinions are out there.


1. Williams

I loved the fact that there is no track around field so you are right on top of action. The balcony in the end zone for the alumni was awesome. Not a great deal of College spirit at games mostly alumni or parents of players but the tailgate was nice right next to field. You could go to your car at half time for refreshment.

2. Trinity           

I love the renovations to the stands and press box. The viewing of the Church Cathedral in back ground gives it a Notre Dame type of feeling. Tailgaiting was too far from the stands should be right next to field. I love the college spirit and frat house in end zone. Charging for tickets was questionable only NESCAC team to do so.

3. Middlebury
 
Love the old style seating with the mountain views in the back ground. Again lack of school spirit at the games but being right on top of action with Northeast mountain views was awesome. Tailgating in close proximity to field very subdued group of people though.

4. Wesleyan     

Only reason placing them at this position is because of fan base & tailgate. I dont like the field conditions and the viewing of the game from stands is not the best by any means. You are not on top of the action and viewing opposite side of field is terrible. No question though best tailgate in NESCAC. They should just put up permanent field at location and move baseball. Love fact field in middle of campus.

5. Hamilton

I hate the road trip but a great setting to watch game. The seating is great and you are right on sidelines. I think the Jumbotron could have been more active in the game but that requires more action from teams. The tailgate is ok nothing outrageous. It is close to field which was nice not a great student fan base at games sometimes wondered if they knew there was a football game.


5. Tufts

I think the renovations went well and relocating locker room to field makes sense. I love the Jumbotron installed and think with a new regime this program and venue will be great. One of the worst tailgate set ups in league. Awful the way they have everything set up for parents and alumni. I would have ranked them lower because of lack of fan base but only NESCAC team to have a sudo band to play during games kept them at this notch.

6. Bates

New staff new regime and soon to be field renovations. The field is great for watching games right on top of action and in center of campus always seems to be windy though. The student fan base is soldi and if they can get on winning track more students would go. The tailgate is next to field and Bates has fantastic hospitality for its guests. I see this school moving up the rankings in the future.

8. Bowdoin

Despite new locker room and nostalgic seating hate the location of field. You would literally drive by several times I liked the walk to get into the field and the old seating. However way too far from the field to view a game. Hard to tell who was in on what play. Tailgate was non existent with only a few people and parents attending and this also matches student body. No energy on the field. The fact that they have the Polar Bear emblem on field facing the wrong way exemplifies the disorder in their football program.

9. Amherst

Terrible location I am surprised student body even knows they have team the stadium is so far away. Everything about this field is terrible. The viewing from stands we had to get up and stand on field we were so far away. The tailgate consisted of two tents and lack luster which explains why no one goes to games we counted less than 20 fans. I understand when your record is poor people won't come but an institution with many years of success come on. I think the school really needs to take a hard look at this facility .

[BeTheMan]

I believe you left one out: Colby. I was up there for their homecoming against Amherst, and we could only be so lucky to have their student body spirit at home. Their tailgate area was packed and well attended by a number of groups. Their stands were jumping the entire game, and very loud. Definitely the loudest in the Nescac that we have played so far.
The facilities are definitely lacking and old, but this didn't seem to bother them.

[Charlie]

I believe you left one out: Colby. I was up there for their homecoming against Amherst, and we could only be so lucky to have their student body spirit at home. Their tailgate area was packed and well attended by a number of groups. Their stands were jumping the entire game, and very loud. Definitely the loudest in the Nescac that we have played so far.
The facilities are definitely lacking and old, but this didn't seem to bother them.

I have not been to Colby as of Yet. Strange I thought they built a huge complex there and spent Millions on it. This is definitely a school whose football program is improving

[BeTheMan]

I should have defined that better, sorry. Their football stadium facilities are old, field is in really nice condition. The new indoor athletic facility is definitely the nicest and largest in the Nescac, better than a lot of Div 1 facilities that I have seen. All of the other outdoor sports fields (baseball, softball, field hockey, soccer) are all new and just amazing.

[muleshoe]

I believe you left one out: Colby. I was up there for their homecoming against Amherst, and we could only be so lucky to have their student body spirit at home. Their tailgate area was packed and well attended by a number of groups. Their stands were jumping the entire game, and very loud. Definitely the loudest in the Nescac that we have played so far.
The facilities are definitely lacking and old, but this didn't seem to bother them.

I have not been to Colby as of Yet. Strange I thought they built a huge complex there and spent Millions on it. This is definitely a school whose football program is improving

The Mule Dome is so bad you couldn't even rank it?!?!?!?! Colby has the best tailgating spot in the NESCAC in the grove right next to the field! But I would say the viewing experience in that stadium could be much improved with the track + hedges + walkway separating the stands from the field. With the completion of the new AC far away from the field, I think the College should build locker rooms next to the field. Generally had strong school, alumni and community support for games there too. Especially surrounding Homecoming and CBB matchups.

In terms of other stadiums, I always loved how Wes and Bates are right in the center of campus. Tufts always draws a great crowd, with so many alumni in the Boston area, and it feels like an actual stadium with the locker rooms right at the field.

[Nescacman]

Serious question for the Wes group: I have always been a huge fan of DiCenzo and what he has done with Wesleyan football but I have to say I am a little underwhelmed with how he and the staff has managed their offensive talent over the last two years. Ashton Scott was, in my opinion, the best throwing QB in the league in 2019 and it goes without saying how transcendent of a weapon David Estevez has been throughout his career as well. Therefore it is hard to wrap my head around how they have ended up at this point where both are super seniors and they have not managed to get the most out of either---although Estevez has still been a good player this year.

Is there a back story to that? I believe Scott has fought through some injuries and if I had to guess Estevez's usage is probably not wholly sustainable and needed to be cut back, but is it fair to place any blame on the coaches for not getting as much out of them as they have? I apologize if this is totally off the mark as I am not overly familiar with the inner workings of the program but from the outside it is a bit of a head scratcher as to how they have ended up at this point.

Spring old friend, how are you? Hopefully, we will see you in a few weeks at Andrus when the Cards host your beloved Purple Cows...hopefully, it's not a repeat of '16 or '17 for the Ephraims...of course, you are always welcome at the best tailgate in the NESCAC for an adult beverage and one of Cuba's finest..

As far as addressing your issues/questions on Dice, Ashton, David and the Wes offense:

-With a career HC record of 40-18, Dice is the #1 coach by winning percentage (.690) in Wes history (minimum of 20 games coached). He's won three Little 3 Titles, two outright. He's done a stellar job since he took over from Whales in 2015, not only with X's and O's but continuing to enhance the overall culture of the Program (which in our very educated opinion, is the best it has ever been since we've been involved with Wes football-40+ years...and is among the best in the NESCAC) and mentoring one of the finest groups of young men we have ever been around. Coming from the defensive side of the ball as a player and coach, he has surrounded himself with excellent offensive coaches, in our view (more on that later). Dice has outperformed all of the other NESCAC HCs that joined their programs in his era (Hammer, Wells, Hall, Cosgrove, Murray, Raymond, et al).
-No back story on Ashton #7. He had a bunch of injuries last year ('21) and is injured this year. He is obviously, currently out, which is why you are seeing Niko Candido (who as an aside, has played very well).
-David #8 is among the league leaders in both passing and rushing. As a result of the injury to Ashton, the coaching staff is understandably being cautious with David's usage and has limited his other duties (slot, TB, WR) including returning of kicks, although he has been back on punts numerous times and the opposing team has kicked it away from him. David takes as many big hits as anyone in this league and due to the injury to Ashton, the coaches are just being careful. We would expect them to step up his usage down the stretch in the final 3 games of what has been an all-time great career. In our view, similar in a lot of ways to to your own great QB and leader, Bobby Maimaron.
-Tough to be critical of the Wes offense this year. They lead the league in scoring, in total offense, have scored the most TDs, are #3 in rushing, #2 in passing, #2 in TOP, and #1 in first downs/game. In sum, the offense is one of the best Wes offenses in recent memory and we have no issues at all with the offense or the coaching. Frankly, new QB Coach and Passing Game Coordinator Dave Benoit has complimented Williamstown defector OC Eric Ludwig very well and they have both done a fine job working together. Thank you Coaches!
-Part of the reason that Wes has not had to rely as much on #8 as they have in the past is because of the balance and level of talent on on offense. Besides the aforementioned David and Niko, Wesleyan has three receivers in the NESCAC Top 20 (Tomlinson, Simco, Elkoury and one just outside the Top 20-Wilson) and 4 rushers in the Top 20 (Brickley, Mcdonald, Walker #8...not including Charlie McPhee who had 100 yards on Saturday and is just back from injury). 

Losses have been due to other reasons, the offense not being one of them, in our view. More on that in a future post. On to Blanketville...

#rollcards

[lumbercat]

Football Field Rankings

I have listed in my opinion the best venues to watch NESCAC football games curious what opinions are out there.


1. Williams

I loved the fact that there is no track around field so you are right on top of action. The balcony in the end zone for the alumni was awesome. Not a great deal of College spirit at games mostly alumni or parents of players but the tailgate was nice right next to field. You could go to your car at half time for refreshment.

2. Trinity           

I love the renovations to the stands and press box. The viewing of the Church Cathedral in back ground gives it a Notre Dame type of feeling. Tailgaiting was too far from the stands should be right next to field. I love the college spirit and frat house in end zone. Charging for tickets was questionable only NESCAC team to do so.

3. Middlebury
 
Love the old style seating with the mountain views in the back ground. Again lack of school spirit at the games but being right on top of action with Northeast mountain views was awesome. Tailgating in close proximity to field very subdued group of people though.

4. Wesleyan     

Only reason placing them at this position is because of fan base & tailgate. I dont like the field conditions and the viewing of the game from stands is not the best by any means. You are not on top of the action and viewing opposite side of field is terrible. No question though best tailgate in NESCAC. They should just put up permanent field at location and move baseball. Love fact field in middle of campus.

5. Hamilton

I hate the road trip but a great setting to watch game. The seating is great and you are right on sidelines. I think the Jumbotron could have been more active in the game but that requires more action from teams. The tailgate is ok nothing outrageous. It is close to field which was nice not a great student fan base at games sometimes wondered if they knew there was a football game.


5. Tufts

I think the renovations went well and relocating locker room to field makes sense. I love the Jumbotron installed and think with a new regime this program and venue will be great. One of the worst tailgate set ups in league. Awful the way they have everything set up for parents and alumni. I would have ranked them lower because of lack of fan base but only NESCAC team to have a sudo band to play during games kept them at this notch.

6. Bates

New staff new regime and soon to be field renovations. The field is great for watching games right on top of action and in center of campus always seems to be windy though. The student fan base is soldi and if they can get on winning track more students would go. The tailgate is next to field and Bates has fantastic hospitality for its guests. I see this school moving up the rankings in the future.

8. Bowdoin

Despite new locker room and nostalgic seating hate the location of field. You would literally drive by several times I liked the walk to get into the field and the old seating. However way too far from the field to view a game. Hard to tell who was in on what play. Tailgate was non existent with only a few people and parents attending and this also matches student body. No energy on the field. The fact that they have the Polar Bear emblem on field facing the wrong way exemplifies the disorder in their football program.

9. Amherst

Terrible location I am surprised student body even knows they have team the stadium is so far away. Everything about this field is terrible. The viewing from stands we had to get up and stand on field we were so far away. The tailgate consisted of two tents and lack luster which explains why no one goes to games we counted less than 20 fans. I understand when your record is poor people won't come but an institution with many years of success come on. I think the school really needs to take a hard look at this facility .

Charlie-

Great review/analysis. Some great points.

The best venues conference wide are those without tracks.

The Colby field itself is nice but nowhere in college football are the fans further away from the field. Bring your binoculars.

At Middlebury I don't care how beautiful the mountain View is when I'm at a Football game. Fans can do their sight seeing or leaf peeping after the game. I'm not a fan of any Football facility with all stands on one side. They could put a small set of bleachers of the visiting side. This would not obstruct the mountain view.

The Bowdoin facility to me is iconic, one of a kind. It remains a classic despite the botched renovations a few years ago.
Don't know who formulated/approved that terrible renovation plan. They removed the open bleachers that used to be connected to the iconic grandstand on the home side. The plan was to move the home side across the field in front of the new stands. Alums went absolutely ballistic over this (I don't blame them) so they moved the home side back where it had been 90 years or so. Thats why the Polar Bear logo faces the wrong way. That mistake will be corrected when it comes time to replace the current turf. They should have left the existing design of the field and stands alone.

Haven't seen the new Trinity facility but the renderings looked impressive.

Amherst built their nice new facility including the track before Williams renovations. The following year the Ephs renovated their field. Not to be outdone the Ephs trumped the Jeffs with a superior facility with no track. A win for the Ephs. That rivalry is classic !

[Charlie]

Serious question for the Wes group: I have always been a huge fan of DiCenzo and what he has done with Wesleyan football but I have to say I am a little underwhelmed with how he and the staff has managed their offensive talent over the last two years. Ashton Scott was, in my opinion, the best throwing QB in the league in 2019 and it goes without saying how transcendent of a weapon David Estevez has been throughout his career as well. Therefore it is hard to wrap my head around how they have ended up at this point where both are super seniors and they have not managed to get the most out of either---although Estevez has still been a good player this year.

Is there a back story to that? I believe Scott has fought through some injuries and if I had to guess Estevez's usage is probably not wholly sustainable and needed to be cut back, but is it fair to place any blame on the coaches for not getting as much out of them as they have? I apologize if this is totally off the mark as I am not overly familiar with the inner workings of the program but from the outside it is a bit of a head scratcher as to how they have ended up at this point.

Spring old friend, how are you? Hopefully, we will see you in a few weeks at Andrus when the Cards host your beloved Purple Cows...hopefully, it's not a repeat of '16 or '17 for the Ephraims...of course, you are always welcome at the best tailgate in the NESCAC for an adult beverage and one of Cuba's finest..

As far as addressing your issues/questions on Dice, Ashton, David and the Wes offense:

-With a career HC record of 40-18, Dice is the #1 coach by winning percentage (.690) in Wes history (minimum of 20 games coached). He's won three Little 3 Titles, two outright. He's done a stellar job since he took over from Whales in 2015, not only with X's and O's but continuing to enhance the overall culture of the Program (which in our very educated opinion, is the best it has ever been since we've been involved with Wes football-40+ years...and is among the best in the NESCAC) and mentoring one of the finest groups of young men we have ever been around. Coming from the defensive side of the ball as a player and coach, he has surrounded himself with excellent offensive coaches, in our view (more on that later). Dice has outperformed all of the other NESCAC HCs that joined their programs in his era (Hammer, Wells, Hall, Cosgrove, Murray, Raymond, et al).
-No back story on Ashton #7. He had a bunch of injuries last year ('21) and is injured this year. He is obviously, currently out, which is why you are seeing Niko Candido (who as an aside, has played very well).
-David #8 is among the league leaders in both passing and rushing. As a result of the injury to Ashton, the coaching staff is understandably being cautious with David's usage and has limited his other duties (slot, TB, WR) including returning of kicks, although he has been back on punts numerous times and the opposing team has kicked it away from him. David takes as many big hits as anyone in this league and due to the injury to Ashton, the coaches are just being careful. We would expect them to step up his usage down the stretch in the final 3 games of what has been an all-time great career. In our view, similar in a lot of ways to to your own great QB and leader, Bobby Maimaron.
-Tough to be critical of the Wes offense this year. They lead the league in scoring, in total offense, have scored the most TDs, are #3 in rushing, #2 in passing, #2 in TOP, and #1 in first downs/game. In sum, the offense is one of the best Wes offenses in recent memory and we have no issues at all with the offense or the coaching. Frankly, new QB Coach and Passing Game Coordinator Dave Benoit has complimented Williamstown defector OC Eric Ludwig very well and they have both done a fine job working together. Thank you Coaches!
-Part of the reason that Wes has not had to rely as much on #8 as they have in the past is because of the balance and level of talent on on offense. Besides the aforementioned David and Niko, Wesleyan has three receivers in the NESCAC Top 20 (Tomlinson, Simco, Elkoury and one just outside the Top 20-Wilson) and 4 rushers in the Top 20 (Brickley, Mcdonald, Walker #8...not including Charlie McPhee who had 100 yards on Saturday and is just back from injury). 

Losses have been due to other reasons, the offense not being one of them, in our view. More on that in a future post. On to Blanketville...

#rollcards

I agree with you that HC is good Dice has done well. I also think loosing Defensive staff Coyne & Stanley was Huge ! I realize they have dropped one position point in the rankings from last year and that may not be significant but still shows up. I also think they would have had an impact in the Bowdoin loss as well.

I think the major problem with the team is discipline. For the last three years Wesleyan has not been playing well on the road and in fact pulled out some buzzer beaters last year one up at Bates. Curious to see their away record.

I noted on prior post the large number of penalties from holding to illegal procedure calls at home. It just seems like this is a would have  , could have team and always finds a way not to win the chip. So one has to then wonder if the HC in charge  is preparing these kids for road games , big games and taking team to next level. I mean everyone keeps flaunting their talent pool year after year and they cant seem to make that step into the Championship ring. So while I like Coach Dice many questions remain as to why they cant close out a championship. Lastly now that these great rosters are moving on we shall see what kind of recruiting goes on with new staff.

[JEFFFAN]

Amherst over-reacted to its "bad track on the outside of the football stadium" structure by building one of the coldest, most distant stadiums one could ever imagine.   Watching a football game there is like watching a game in the old Astrodome - cold and distant.   With all of that great property there they ended up something that doesn't fit the landscape or the goals of a warm, fun atmosphere.  Yet another nice legacy of the former president.

[Nescacman]

2022 Week #7 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome back NESCAC...It's Week #7 in the league where they "pay to play"...with two thirds of the season over, we head into the stretch run...it is pretty much a two team race for the title...

University of Bates (Lewiston Campus) College Bobkitties (2-4) at Williams College Purple Cows (1-5): HCOF Coyne played a few years at Williams before transferring to Wes... like his mentors, Mike Whalen and Dan Dicenzo, Matt Coyne has had a lot of success against the Purple Cows...Williams has not passed the ball well this year (last in the NESCAC in passing offense)...unfortunately, they will not be able to take advantage of UBates porous pass defense...LB Tony Hooks has been solid for UBates leading the NESCAC in tackles per game...Williams leads the all-time series between the teams 27-6...KTV for UBates: Story of the year, don't turn the ball over...stop the run and force the Ephs anemic passing attack to execute...KTV for Williams: Show some semblance of a passing game...put the UBates QB on the ground (UBates has allowed the most sacks in the league thus far)...we just have a feeling that UBates shocks the world (well, at least Western Mass and Central Maine)...UBates has been in every game the last 4 weeks while the Purple Cows have lost 4 in a row and have given up more than 30 points in 3 of those loses...

UBates 24 Williams 21
Point Spread: Williams -3
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel): Sunny. High of 63.

Wesleyan University Cardinals (4-2) at Amwurst College Lord Mammoths (1-5): First Little 3 game of the year...Wes needs to win out and root for whomever plays Hartford State and Middlebury...Lord Mammoths coming off their first win of the year...Top offense in the NESCAC faces one of the worst... Only bright spot on offense for the Lord Mammoths has been QB Piazza...KTV for Wesleyan: Wes needs to put last week's loss behind them...can still have a great year by winning the Little 3 and beating Hartford State in the Coop...Special teams have to be better for Wes; pretty much the reason they lost against Bowdoin....other than that, they just need to execute...Wes has far more talent than the Lord Mammoths, especially at the skill positions...KTV for Amwurst: Keep the game close and make this a low scoring game...let their defense set the tempo...avoid mistakes on offense...Probably not a blow-out, but Wes is too good to lose this important game...

Wesleyan 27 Amwurst 13
Point Spread: Wesleyan -7 
Weather: Sunny. High of 61.

Hamilton College Continentals (2-4) at Tufts University Jumbo's (3-3): Tufts coming off a disappointing loss to Amwurst...Hamilton needs to win out for their first winning season since '96 (which is probably not going to happen)...same old Tufts; one of the top offenses in the league (#2 in total offense) complimented by one of the worst defenses (last in total defense)...Hamilton comes in ranked last in total offense and are equally inept at both running the ball as well as passing it...Tufts top ranked passing attack faces the Continentals top ranked pass defense (although their run defense is ranked last in the NESCAC)...Hamilton is a woeful 29% on third down...Tufts has won 5 of the last 6 games between these teams although Hamilton won the last time they played at Ellis Oval...KTV for Hamilton: Stop the Tufts passing game...for a change, get to the QB (only 2 sacks all year for the Continentals)...control the clock to keep the ball away from Tufts...KTV for Tufts: Establish some semblance of a running game to set-up the pass...defense needs to play better against the weak Hamilton offense...we think Tufts bounces back at home as they battle to have a winning season...the

Tufts 31 Hamilton 14
Point Spread: Tufts -13
Weather: Some clouds in the AM will give way to mainly sunny skies in the afternoon. High around 60.

Bowdoin College Polar Bears (2-4) at Hartford State Bantams (6-0): Bantams ranked #2 in New England...On paper, this sort of looks like an easy Hartford State win, but let's take a closer look...Bowdoin offense has not been horrible and they are actually throwing the ball better than they have been running it, surprisingly...we think the Bowdoin offense gives them a punchers chance...Bantam defense has been carrying them for most of the year only allowing 11 scores in 6 games and a league leading  230 yards/game on average...Hartford State leads the league in rushing and that is perhaps why their passing game has not been as prolific as it has been in past years...game could come down to 3rd down conversions with the Bantams averaging almost 50% on the year while Bowdoin has only converted a third of their 3rd down conversions...Bowdoin needs to do better in the red zone only scoring 54% of the times they get there...the Polars have yet to win on the road this year and haven't scored more than 14 points in a game outside of Brunswick...Bowdoin hasn't beaten Hartford State since 1998 and leads the all-time series 39-6-2...KTV for Bowdoin: Bowdoin needs RB Eden to have a big day and they need their WRs Hoggard and Fahey to make some big plays to have a shot...KTV for Hartford State: Can't look ahead...2 of last 3 games are in Hartford where they have historically played very well...win those games and they clinch at least a share of the NESCAC title...

Hartford State 28 Bowdoin 10
Point Spread: Hartford State -13
Weather: Partly cloudy. High of 62.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Colby College White Mules (4-2) at Middlebury College Panthers (5-1): Interesting game...Middlebury needs this one to keep their hopes alive of a NESCAC championship...even if they win out, they will need some help...Middlebury's "bend but don't break defense" (#2 in scoring defense but #5 in total defense; #1 in red zone defense at 47%) has been the key to their success this year ...Colby defense has also been very good ranking #3 in NESCAC...that's fortunate because the offense has not been great ranking #9 (and last in first downs per game)...QB Cole Kennon has been great since coming back from injury (12 TDs/1 Int, 174 passer rating...all at or near the top of the conference)...Middlebury's offensive-line needs to do a better job of protecting the passer giving up the second most sacks in the league (although they are second in passing attempts)...KTV for Colby: Stop the Middlebury passing attack...mount some long sustained drives...KTV for Middlebury: Throw early and often...protect their franchise QB...long bus trip for Colby and Middlebury is a tough place to play...we like Middlebury in a low scoring affair...

Middlebury 17 Colby 13
Point Spread: Middlebury -6
Weather: Mainly sunny. High near 60.

NESCACMAN's Picks (winners):
2022 Season: 20-10 (3-2 last week)
2021 Season: 33-12
2020 Season: 0-0
2019 Season: 33-12
2018 Season: 36-9
2017 Season: 35-10
2016 Season: 32-8
2015 Season: 30-10
2014 Season: 30-10
2013 Season: 32-8
Career: 281-89 (.760 winning percentage)

Follow us on Twitter @realnescacman

[lumbercat]

Tough loss for Colby today at Middlebury-

Cosgrove has done a great job in his rebuild of the Mules program. However, he has become less involved in game management.
He has rebuilt the Mule culture but at this point he's largely a delegator. His job is done on Mayflower Hill. The Blue and Grey need a young energetic guy to come in and take the baton from Coach Cos and get them to the next level.

.....Colby AD will do the national search thing........ Dugan is close by over at Bridgton.......A major NESCAC HCOF prospect is former Colby OC  Dave Dunn who would listen closely on a call from Mules from his home down in Miami and would be a good pick for the Mules.

Always thought Cosgrove would groom and nurture his replacement from within but most of his staff has moved on. Cos has taken it as far as he can.

[Pat Coleman]

Dave Dunn has been a D-III head coach before.