FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[AlDavis]

Great information Amhurt63....I will be taste testing from all your Amhurt Tented and Non-Tented areas , lately I have been just drinking wine as those beers slow down my world class speed....what are the best Tents and or specific areas for Wine.

[amh63]

Busy morning on the board!  My responses to some.
Theherst2&4... Thanks for the info wrt to the Concession cook.  Was wondering what was going on there.
NCF....do not know what to say!  Midhoops and Vandy74 are their own men...is that a term? Me, it best to talk to the Dads while in the stands by my self and wife at the tailgate area  . In truth, have chatted up with many MoMs at soccer and BB matches...with partners watching the action
For ALL Cardinal fans, at Homecoming, the college is providing hamburgers...my experience is it is late starting and there are lines.  After the game, it is normal practices to have Coolidge Cage open to all.  There fans can gather and food and drinks provided free.  Hard drinks are to be purchased...wine?
During the Reunion/ campaign period, my tent had food & drinks and wine and beer available..provided by the school.  At the younger class tents, the particular classes provided their own fare. 
Since my big money Reunion year is over, do not know what the fare will be.  As I had to remind my son-in-law, no liquor allowed in the stands.

[AlDavis]

apologize for my Verlander pick , what more does that guy have to do though.....Tigers in Six.

Colby           - 10 1/2
Hamilton          44 

Bowdoin           48
Trinity             - 21

Wesleyan         - 5 1/2
Amherst             52

Middlebury        - 8 1/2
Bates                  50

Tufts                48
Williams          - 15

Just checked StubHub and plenty of tickets available at Williams......Prop bet of the week who will have more fans at the Tufts - Williams game...strait pick em on that one.

[middhoops]

Amh63 and NCF:  Not to worry.  I keep my distance.  If for no other reason than I am well supervised. 

[Nescacman]

Johns Hopkins Debuts at #2 in First ECAC Lambert Poll of the 2013 Season
More news about: Johns Hopkins
Oct. 14, 2013

CENTERVILLE, MA –The Johns Hopkins football team, currently 5-0 overall and 4-0 in the Centennial Conference, is ranked second in the inaugural ECAC Lambert Meadowlands Division III Poll of the 2013 season it was announced today. The poll ranks teams in the East in each of the four divisions of the NCAA (FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III). The Lambert Trophy is presented to the top team in each division at the annual Eastern College Football Awards Banquet, which is held at the Meadowlands Sports Complex.

Hobart (5-0) tops the poll, while Johns Hopkins, St. John Fisher (5-0), Lebanon Valley (5-1) and Ursinus (5-0) round out the top five. The number two ranking in this week's Lambert Poll is tied for the best in school history. Johns Hopkins closed the 2009 season ranked second in the Lambert Poll after advancing to the NCAA Quarterfinals.

After a bye last week, Johns Hopkins will return to action on Friday, October 18 when the Blue Jays welcome Dickinson (2-3, 2-2 Centennial Conference) to Homewood Field (7 pm). The Blue Jays will carry several impressive streaks into the game against the Red Devils, including a 15-game regular season home winning streak and a 10-game winning streak in games played in October.

ECAC Lambert Meadowlands Division III Poll
October 14, 2013

1. Hobart (NY)
2. Johns Hopkins
3. St. John Fisher (NY)
4. Lebanon Valley (PA)
5. Ursinus (PA)
6. Trinity (CT)
7. Hartwick (NY)
8. Thomas More (KY)
9. Wesleyan (CT)
10. Amherst (MA)

Others Receiving Votes: Salisbury, Framingham, Widener, Delaware Valley, Lycoming, Salve Regina, Ithaca

- 30 -

[Nescacman]

Week 5 NESCAC Preview and Power Rankings

Welcome to Week 5 in the NESCAC. This week we give our regular preview of the upcoming games and our weekly power rankings for the league. Last week we returned to form with our weekly picks going 5-0 despite a near upset by the Mules of Colby. By the way, we pretty much nailed the score differential in three of the five games.

Very exciting week coming up in Week 5 with the NESCAC game of the year on tap as undefeated Wesleyan travels to face undefeated Amherst for the first Little Three contest on newly renovated Pratt Field. Other interesting games include Middlebury at Bates and Tufts at Williams (for all of the masochists out there in "Internetland" outside of Williamstown).

Week 5 NESCAC Power Rankings

1. Amherst (last week #1), Wesleyan (LW #1)(Tie): It was very tempting to rank Wesleyan all alone in the #1 slot after destroying #5 ranked Bates, especially after Amherst's less than impressive victory last week against Colby. In fact, statistically, Colby beat Amherst. However, it is the scoreboard that matters at the end of the day. I will chalk that near loss up to the Lord Jeffs looking ahead to this week's match-up. Amherst has one impressive win this year against a good but one-dimensional Middlebury squad. Wesleyan is #1 in points scored and #1 in points against and has been whooping up on everyone. We will see this week who the real #1 team is. By the way, congrats to Wesleyan on (another) C-B-B title. Fun fact: Wesleyan scored more points in their game 1 win against Tufts (52) than four NESCAC teams have each scored all year (Colby, Hamilton, Tufts, Williams) through 4 games.

3. Trinity (LW #3): Trinity did what they had to do last week in destroying Tufts. They have 1 more warm-up game before they get into the serious part of their schedule against Middlebury, Amherst and Wesleyan. They will be 5-0 heading into those games barring a major misstep. The date we all have circled on the calendar is November 9th when they face Wesleyan at home in what could be an epic battle to decide the league title and put "the Streak" on the line.

4. Middlebury (LW #4): The good news is they lead the NESCAC in passing offense. The bad news...they are last in rushing offense. Plus they turn the ball over way too much. They have two more tough games left. They need to run the table to have any shot at a league title this year. I am not sure they have it this year. This team just does not have the mojo that last year's team had.

5. Bates (LW #5): We saw them play last weekend. A couple of observations. No doubt they have big kids...several 300 pounders. But there is a reason that 300 pounders end up in Lewiston. They play very soft and were not very athletic. Despite being outsized on both sides of the ball, Wesleyan's superior athletisism, strength and conditioning allowed them to control both sides of the line of scrimmage. Second observation, who is running the triple option EVERY down in 2013? I remember Tommy Lott running that for the Sooners in the '70's, but come on, that was a long time ago. Third observation, Bates second QB is much better then their starter. Last observation, if you are going to run the no-huddle, please try to make sure that your team is in better shape than the opposition. Monitoring closely their game this week for a possible downgrade. 

6. Colby (LW#6): The cherry on top of the junk pile after a near win against Amherst. I think Amherst was looking ahead to this week's battle against Wesleyan but they still played their best game since the opener against Williams. This week they play the first of 3 games that are very winnable for them.

7. Williams (LW#7): I know there will be some angry Polar Bears, but out of historical respect for the Purple Cows' program they are ranked here. One of the reasons they are 0-4 is they are last in the NESCAC in turnover differential at -10. Not a winning formula. A loss to Tufts at home could move them below the Camels (that's Connecticut College for NESCAC neophytes).

8. Bowdoin (LW #8): Another team that is looking to get to 4-4. One of those 4 wins is not coming this week as they travel to Hartford to play Trinity.

9. Hamilton (LW #9): Last week was their last chance for a win in 2013 as they head towards an 0-8 season. The good news is that they can promise incoming recruits lot's of playing time next year as the Conts continue to rebuild (when are they not rebuilding?).

10. Connecticut College (LW #11): Have lost "0" straight.

11. Tufts (LW #10): 27 in a row and counting. They will have lots of fans this week....

1st Half Offensive MVP: Jesse Warren, Wesleyan
1st Half Defensive MVP: Joey Cleary, Bowdoin
1st Half Rookie of the Year: Joey Zelkowitz, Middlebury
1st Half Team of the Year: Wesleyan University

Week 5 NESCAC Preview

Colby College at Hamilton College: A ho hum game. The difference here is that Colby plays better overall defense and turns the ball over a lot less than Hamilton. Would not be surprised if neither team scores and this is a 0-0 tie (we do know they play OT). Best news here is the game starts early so the misery should be over early in Clinton.

Colby 17 Hamilton 7
Weather: Chance of showers. High in the low 60's.

Middlebury College at Bates College: An interesting game. They both have decent offenses, they just go about it 180 degrees differently. Will be close but I like Middlebury's defense more than I like Bates'. It will all come down to how many INT's Mr. Foote throws. The over/under Mr. Al Davis is 2. By the way, to all of you Panther fans, Mr. Foote is not playing on Sunday's anytime soon. He is the best pure passer in the NESCAC, however. Boy, does he miss last year's receivers.

Middlebury 17 Bates 14
Weather: Not a factor.

Bowdoin College at Trinity College: Bowdoin will have to run the ball effectively to control the ball and clock. They will also have to play the run well so Trinity will have to throw to win. However, the Bantams will pass the ball well against Bowdoin's weak pass defense and win going away. Next week the fun begins for Trinity. This week's Trinity fun fact:

ban·tam  (b n t m)
n.
1. Any of various breeds of very small domestic fowl that are often miniatures of members of larger breeds.

Trinity 35 Bowdoin 14
Weather: Not a factor.

Tufts University at Williams College: When did the Ephs last go 0-5 to start a season? Anyone? Buehler? To repeat my prediction from last week, if the Ephs were to somehow lose to Tufts at home this week, "Head Coach of Football" Kelton, won't make it to the locker room before being fired. Tufts seems to be getting better each week. They are also adopting a more balanced attack (47 runs last week vs. 20 passes), which has helped them offensively. They actually outrushed Trinity last week. Was Offensive Coordinator Hauser at the game?  This may be there last best chance to break their long losing streak this year. I know many of you are rooting for the Jumbo's. Us too, but unfortunately, we think they will lose a close one. Williams fun fact: Take away the Coach Whalen "gimme" set-up 2010 8-0 Team and HCOF Kelton is 9-11 in 2 ½ seasons since then. 

Williams 17 Tufts 14
Weather: Not a factor.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Wesleyan University at Amherst College:  Game of the year thus far in the NESCAC. This match-up pits our two #1 teams against each other. Winner is set up nicely to challenge for the league title. This is the best Wesleyan squad, since '97 when they went 7-1 and '69 when they last went 8-0. Wesleyan is a good football team. They lead the NESCAC in points scored, points against, total offense and total defense. They are second in the country in points against per game (5.5) and they are number 8 nationally in total defense. QB Jesse Warren is tied for third in the country in passing efficiency and he leads the league with 11 TD passes with no INTs. He is our NESCAC 1st half offensive MVP. The Cards also have the top two rushers in the conference in Kyle Gibson and LaDarius Drew. Amherst is no slouch leading the NESCAC in rushing defense and is 2nd in net turnovers. While the stats favor Wes, Amherst has history on their side (Wes has not won at Amherst since 1993 and has not beaten Amherst since 2002). There will also be a large, raucous homecoming crowd. Something tells us their will be a large Cardinal contingent as well as Wes tries to do something they have not done since 1970, capture the elusive Little Three crown. How does Amherst win? Control the clock, force turnovers, put pressure on Warren, and keep the game low scoring so that they can take advantage if their advantage in the kicking game. How does Wesleyan win? Play their game, throw enough passes to keep Amherst honest, avoid turnovers, and stop the dumb penalties. We are going to go out on a limb, but Wesleyan gets it done and sets up a history defying game in two weeks on Andrus Field against the rival Purple Cows.

Wesleyan 28 Amherst 17
Weather: Not a factor.


NESCAC Man's Picks
Last week: 5-0
Season (through four weeks): 16-4

Go Team!

PS, nice to meet Mr. Al Davis last weekend. Enjoyed the stogie and adult beverage with you. 

[frank uible]

Win, lose or draw, Kelton will be Williams' HFC so long as he wants the job, his health is good, (most importantly) the kids like to play for him, he acts consistently with the College's academic precepts, and his personal life is free of scandal.

[lumbercat]

NESCACMAN -
Another great report. Really enjoy reading your posts. You have a great handle on the conferences as a whole. Wish we could get this kind of quality coverage in some of our local papers.

I also saw the Wesleyan Bates game and agree with most of your points but take issue with a couple of things that I will throw out to you.

Bates has just 2 300 pounders- RT O'Neil and RG Bernstein- O'Neil was all NESCAC last year. Both are big and athletic and are the reason Bates has been able to run the ball very well when everybody knows what's coming given their non existent passing attack. I take friendly issue with the "soft" remark.

You would be surprised that a lot of good athletes are choosing Bates these days. Lewiston certainly is no garden spot but the college is in a decent and has a lot to offer like all NESCAC schools. In terms of these 2 Off linemen I know that both had strong Ivy interest and offers from multiple NESCAC and Patriot league programs. They chose Bates presumably because they were attracted to the school and the Football program. Believe these guys would start on any NESCAC line.

Wesleyan is athletic and deep on both sides of the line of scrimmage- I couldn't agree more. They are a better team than I imagined- cant see them losing a game but who knows.

The game story was the talent and depth of Wesleyan with their great balanced attack that just wore Bates down early in the second half. Bates D line very small having lost 2 of their front 3 to injuries. Wesleyan really dominated the young kids Bates had to use on Saturday.

Bates faces a challenge for the remainder of the season with an inordinate number of key injuries.
No excuses here because they have played well until last week but have lost 2 more starters. Injuries are to be expected but these guys have really lost a number of key people at a point when they had won 5 or their last 6 and were really building some momentum as a program.

These are lost STARTERs this year-
QB
Slot Back
OT
DE
DT
ILB
ILB
OLB

They face a stiff challenge this week with Middlebury. They will need to regroup and figure out a way to replace these people and remain competitive for the remainder of the year.

My take only NESCACMAN- keep your fine reports and previews coming, much appreciated!

[Nescacman]

NESCACMAN -
Another great report. Really enjoy reading your posts. You have a great handle on the conferences as a whole. Wish we could get this kind of quality coverage in some of our local papers.

I also saw the Wesleyan Bates game and agree with most of your points but take issue with a couple of things that I will throw out to you.

Bates has just 2 300 pounders- RT O'Neil and RG Bernstein- O'Neil was all NESCAC last year. Both are big and athletic and are the reason Bates has been able to run the ball very well when everybody knows what's coming given their non existent passing attack. I take friendly issue with the "soft" remark.

You would be surprised that a lot of good athletes are choosing Bates these days. Lewiston certainly is no garden spot but the college is in a decent and has a lot to offer like all NESCAC schools. In terms of these 2 Off linemen I know that both had strong Ivy interest and offers from multiple NESCAC and Patriot league programs. They chose Bates presumably because they were attracted to the school and the Football program. Believe these guys would start on any NESCAC line.

Wesleyan is athletic and deep on both sides of the line of scrimmage- I couldn't agree more. They are a better team than I imagined- cant see them losing a game but who knows.

The game story was the talent and depth of Wesleyan with their great balanced attack that just wore Bates down early in the second half. Bates D line very small having lost 2 of their front 3 to injuries. Wesleyan really dominated the young kids Bates had to use on Saturday.

Bates faces a challenge for the remainder of the season with an inordinate number of key injuries.
No excuses here because they have played well until last week but have lost 2 more starters. Injuries are to be expected but these guys have really lost a number of key people at a point when they had won 5 or their last 6 and were really building some momentum as a program.

These are lost STARTERs this year-
QB
Slot Back
OT
DE
DT
ILB
ILB
OLB

They face a stiff challenge this week with Middlebury. They will need to regroup and figure out a way to replace these people and remain competitive for the remainder of the year.

My take only NESCACMAN- keep your fine reports and previews coming, much appreciated!

Thank you for your kind words Lumbercat. I just write it as I see it.

I think Bates is a decent football team (and Colby too). They are on the cusp of something special, I believe, if they get rid of that wacky offense and played the second QB a bit more and let him throw the ball (he does throw a nice pass). I think Colby is also improving and may be onto something as well. I am sure you will recall a few years ago they were on the cusp of breaking into the leagues top tier when the team ran into some issues off the field. They certainly proved that you can recruit good players to play in Maine.

People are not giving Wesleyan's squad enough credit and respect which perhaps if they are able to beat Amherst, they will finally get. Being a D III aficionado for many years and understanding the relationship of the NESCAC to other D III football conferences around the country, I am actually of the opinion in most years that the top 1 or 2 teams in the NESCAC could compete with and should be a part of the national D III rankings. Look how the top NESCAC teams do in other sports where they compete in the national playoffs against those other conferences and teams. The top NESCAC teams not only hold their own, they do quite well.

One last point that I forgot to mention last night about the Wes-Amherst game. Amherst's longest run from scrimmage this year is only 20 yards. Given Wesleyan's tremendous team speed on defense, Amherst will have a tough time breaking any long running plays against the Cards.

Lumbercat, sorry Mr. Davis and I missed you for a cocktail and cigar. Perhaps next year in Lewiston.

[frank uible]

Despite lack of team speed last year, Amherst finished 6-2.

[FinethyOne]

NESCACMAN -
Another great report. Really enjoy reading your posts. You have a great handle on the conferences as a whole. Wish we could get this kind of quality coverage in some of our local papers.

I also saw the Wesleyan Bates game and agree with most of your points but take issue with a couple of things that I will throw out to you.

Bates has just 2 300 pounders- RT O'Neil and RG Bernstein- O'Neil was all NESCAC last year. Both are big and athletic and are the reason Bates has been able to run the ball very well when everybody knows what's coming given their non existent passing attack. I take friendly issue with the "soft" remark.

You would be surprised that a lot of good athletes are choosing Bates these days. Lewiston certainly is no garden spot but the college is in a decent and has a lot to offer like all NESCAC schools. In terms of these 2 Off linemen I know that both had strong Ivy interest and offers from multiple NESCAC and Patriot league programs. They chose Bates presumably because they were attracted to the school and the Football program. Believe these guys would start on any NESCAC line.

Wesleyan is athletic and deep on both sides of the line of scrimmage- I couldn't agree more. They are a better team than I imagined- cant see them losing a game but who knows.

The game story was the talent and depth of Wesleyan with their great balanced attack that just wore Bates down early in the second half. Bates D line very small having lost 2 of their front 3 to injuries. Wesleyan really dominated the young kids Bates had to use on Saturday.

Bates faces a challenge for the remainder of the season with an inordinate number of key injuries.
No excuses here because they have played well until last week but have lost 2 more starters. Injuries are to be expected but these guys have really lost a number of key people at a point when they had won 5 or their last 6 and were really building some momentum as a program.

These are lost STARTERs this year-
QB
Slot Back
OT
DE
DT
ILB
ILB
OLB

They face a stiff challenge this week with Middlebury. They will need to regroup and figure out a way to replace these people and remain competitive for the remainder of the year.

My take only NESCACMAN- keep your fine reports and previews coming, much appreciated!

Thank you for your kind words Lumbercat. I just write it as I see it.

I think Bates is a decent football team (and Colby too). They are on the cusp of something special, I believe, if they get rid of that wacky offense and played the second QB a bit more and let him throw the ball (he does throw a nice pass). I think Colby is also improving and may be onto something as well. I am sure you will recall a few years ago they were on the cusp of breaking into the leagues top tier when the team ran into some issues off the field. They certainly proved that you can recruit good players to play in Maine.

People are not giving Wesleyan's squad enough credit and respect which perhaps if they are able to beat Amherst, they will finally get. Being a D III aficionado for many years and understanding the relationship of the NESCAC to other D III football conferences around the country, I am actually of the opinion in most years that the top 1 or 2 teams in the NESCAC could compete with and should be a part of the national D III rankings. Look how the top NESCAC teams do in other sports where they compete in the national playoffs against those other conferences and teams. The top NESCAC teams not only hold their own, they do quite well.

One last point that I forgot to mention last night about the Wes-Amherst game. Amherst's longest run from scrimmage this year is only 20 yards. Given Wesleyan's tremendous team speed on defense, Amherst will have a tough time breaking any long running plays against the Cards.

Lumbercat, sorry Mr. Davis and I missed you for a cocktail and cigar. Perhaps next year in Lewiston.

I agree completely on the second Bates QB being their best QB.  LaSpada is a very athletic, highly touted freshman who will get expanancially better with each game rep he gets.  I also agree that Harriman has to start throwing the football more and the freshman LaSpada is the best option for that.  This dinarsour offense he runs out there with that Watch Paint Dry offense has to be revamped to utilize more passing plays to keep defenses honest.

[amh63]

Been on the road...a little late with info here.  However, FYI
Amherst preview of Wes game is posted on school site.  Also Coach's thoughts of games podcast.
Nice football stories of Amherst players present and past.  Enjoy!

[AlDavis]

For Sure , For Sure Nescacman as its Strait Swagg with you and your boys........doing an all niter in Gotham City and will be rolling into Amhurt around High Noon as there are no Hotel Rooms around there , but will commence taste testing at the Amhurt Tents immediately on my way to my pacing post......then around Ten Past 3 , that will be that and too bad about ya.

[Vandy74]

I think Bates is a decent football team (and Colby too). They are on the cusp of something special,

People are not giving Wesleyan's squad enough credit and respect which perhaps if they are able to beat Amherst, they will finally get. Being a D III aficionado for many years and understanding the relationship of the NESCAC to other D III football conferences around the country, I am actually of the opinion in most years that the top 1 or 2 teams in the NESCAC could compete with and should be a part of the national D III rankings. Look how the top NESCAC teams do in other sports where they compete in the national playoffs against those other conferences and teams. The top NESCAC teams not only hold their own, they do quite well.


[/quote]

A few comments.  Bates is not as bad as they looked last week and Middlebury's passing attack is not as potent as it has been the last two years.  They did show anyone paying attention last week that they are developing an efficient running game that features two players with very different styles.  Middlebury at Bates should be one of the more interesting and revealing NESCAC games this weekend.

Wesleyan's numbers are nothing short of awesome.  But the only opponent to date worth mentioning is Bates.  Williams, after a very disappointing opener has played very close games against three quality adversaries.  They have not embarrassed themselves by any means.  They have two very winnable games coming up and assuming Marske has won his job back I'd say there is no clear cut favorite in any Little Three contest this season.

NESCAC football is a very entertaining product and every squad has some extremely talented players but with a 75 player roster limit the best teams are not post season competitive  beyond the first round and since that is most likely a regional game with Hobart, not even then.  Virtually every other D3 team has a roster of 95-130 players.  These rosters include freshmen and the actual size difference between NESCAC and the others in soph-seniors is a rather consistent margin of 15-20.  I'll simply give an anecdotal explanation.  I went to Vanderbilt (Vandy74, get it?) a school with a student body 1/5 of many of the other SEC schools.  In the late 70's Vandy went a typical 2-9.  If all games had ended after the 3rd Q, however, Vandy would have gone 9-2.  Their first string caliber player was the equal of almost everyone else's.  It was a matter of depth that resulted in their inability to finish.  Last year's Trinity team would have given their opponent a good fight.  But they would not have beaten anybody.  NESCAC football teams have the talent but they are short on bodies.   No other sport is limited in roster size.  That is why NESCAC teams prevail.  Give football teams the same equality and they can too.  Without it they never will.

[amh63]

Vandy...interesting thought !
Expecting cooler temp for the game.  Enjoyed visit to the field house and seeing the wall of old pictures...looked at plays of old in black and white...memories.  Walked the playing field with an old lineman and friend  as well as a new friend, a QB.  Ready to enjoy a Nescac battle with family, friends and my Grandkid.  In her eyes Amherst is unbeatable .