FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[TheHerst2and4]

Why has Midd had such relative success vs. Amherst - yet hasn't defeated Williams since 2000?

Because Williams is the superior program and academic institution. Surprised I had to remind you.

[oldhamfan]

Trin 41, Ham 0 (ZERO) at half, could be even worse if not for Trin penalties. T 370 yds total offense first half...SR Eck put back in at QB when the former Trin QB now at Hamilton proved so hapless. I only hope it's not T 90 something H 0 at end. 

[oldhamfan]

Trin 41, Ham 0 (ZERO) at half, could be even worse if not for Trin penalties. T 370 yds total offense first half...SR Eck put back in at QB when the former Trin QB now at Hamilton proved so hapless. I only hope it's not T 90 something H 0 at end.

Ham outscored Trin 14--12 in 2nd half.  Well,that's something to build on.

[amh63]

Amherst took a beating in VT.  Midd. 24, Amherst 3.  It was not even close except for time of possession.  It was 21-0 for Midd. at the half with all the points in the 2nd quarter.  Amherst missed its best chance to score in the first half when QB Lippe fumbled the ball on a end run when Amherst was on the Midd.'s 20.  Foote scored three TD's....2 by air and 1 by land.  Amherst scored on a FG in the 3rd quarter and Midd. added a FG in the 4th.  Foote had an interception in the 3rd quarter.  Midd won the turnover battle when backup Amherst QB threw an INT on Amherst's last drive to gain some respect and maybe outscore Midd. in the second half 6-3.
As expected, Midd. had less than 50 yds on the ground and Amherst had around 150 on the ground.  Midd had around 400 yards in the air to only 100 or less by Amherst.  QB Lippe was "schooled", imo, by Midd.'s defense that practice against Foote.  Amherst's defense put no real pressure against Foote.  Midd had 2 receivers over 100 yards. 
Amherst needs to spice up its passing game with young receivers....Jeff's has only one reliable receiver to date and this is not good going forward.
Other than the expected win by Trinity over Hamilton...I thought that all home teams would win today.....but Wes. pulled it out in the 4th quarter....coming back from 28-21 deficit to Colby in the 4th quarter and winning 31-28.

[Panthernation]

(sorry, some repetitions, wrote this as amh63 wrote)

Middlebury just finished off a dominating 24-3 victory over Amherst at home, giving Amherst its first loss since the 2010 season. Quick reflections:

-Middlebury's defense is legitimately good. The line held Ryan Silva to 77 rushes on 21 carries, or about half his season average. Amherst totaled 146 yards on the ground and 103 yards through the air. In the first half, Amherst punted the ball on 7 of its 8 drives, and fumbled on the other. They only crossed the 50 yard line once all half. Doug Rogers, Keegan Ashley, Jimmy Tilson, Nick Burdeau, and Bryant Adams got the better of the highly touted Amherst O-line all game long. Tim Patricia, the first year linebacker, made 12 tackles and an interception. The defense seemed to step up to the biggest moments, getting penetration and making plays on the ball on 3rd and 4th downs throughout the game.

-The passing offense once again took a while to get going, but found its rhythm on the fourth drive and kept it going for most of the game. Mac Foote looked very good, finishing 39-60 for 379 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception (on a tip). Chapman had his biggest game of the season: 12 catches, 110 yards, 2 touchdowns. Driscoll added 11 for 126, and Rankowtiz had 5 for 59. Driscoll made one incredible over-the-shoulder catch down the sideline with Landrus Lewis on his shoulder that started to open things up for the offense. Freshman wideout Harrison Goodkind also made a very athletic catch downfield. Credit to the offensive line for consistently keeping the pocket clean for Foote.

-Max Lippe was taken out of the game at the end by Amherst. Not sure if that was situational, injury-related, or performance-related.

-Middlebury's three victories have all been blowouts. If they keep playing at this level, they will make a run for the NESCAC championship. 

[FourMoreYears]

Tufts' woes continue with a 17-10 loss in Brunswick to Bowdoin. 
If my math is correct, that's 18 losses in a row for the Jumbos.

Tufts could not get any offense going today, managing just 197 total yards.
Their only TD was set up by a questionable pass interference call, though they would have come away with 3 pts instead.

Polar Bear Zach Donnarumma returned for the first time in 2012 to rush for 137 yards.

Bowdoin travels to Hamilton next week looking to get to 2-2.
Tufts travels to Trinity looking to avoid an 0-4 start.

[frank uible]

TheHerst: Was hoping for a rational, football related answer.

[banfan]

Had a great time in Clinton.  The hosts were great.  The tailgate set up was great other than the steady 15 mph wind and that pre-game music that kids get "up" to.  (I am working on my own play list to swap out at every game.)  Another stadium where they put the fans in the shade.  Maybe that is for the Lacrosse team?  Nah, it never gets warm in Clinton during the school year.

Trinity played a good first half.  I hope when we go back in two years the coach has made some headway.  My wife (Midd'77) and her brother (Midd'79) are looking forward to Midd coming to Hartford.  Can't blame them for looking forward.  Trin is looking forward to Tufts next Saturday.  Defense.

Big wonderful emotional win at Bates!!!  Two years in a row.  Coach on hot seat?

[amh63]

Spent the day watching college football on the tube....ok with wife as she went about doing her "charity" work.  Conclusions reached:
It is going to be an interesting and maybe puzzling college football season!  Favorites loosing and high scoring games going down to the end.  Defense will prevail.   Even Duke, Army wins at home as does the majority of hosting schools.  Does the home field really matter, other than in cases of matched teams?
It seems that this season, the "CAC" is starting to even out a bit.  Midd is legit even though its offense is one sided.  It's defense is GOOD.  Trinity seems to be the dominant team this season. 
The Midd broadcast did not work for me in the second half.....had to follow on the stats.  Was surprised to see Bates' BIG lead after the half.  Was rooting for Colby and Tufts. 
Banfan...Clinton is a nice LITTLE hamlet.  The visitor side is not only in the shad, but it is small....a sort of afterthought....as if fans for the visiting team would not support their team.  Oh yes, the Wash. Post sports section never does a good job reporting Div3 scores.  Only "CAC" score was the Trinity/Hamilton game...must be the 50 plus score caught the eye of someone.....Maybe George Will, the writer for the editorial page and sports fan made as request.  He is a Trinity grad.

[quicksilver]

A good and very touching article on the death of Troy Pappas.

[TheHerst2and4]

TheHerst: Was hoping for a rational, football related answer.

My apologies Mr. Uible, I wasn't aware non sequitur and sarcasm wasn't your bag...could have fooled me.
All in good fun.

More importantly my thoughts and prayers go out to the Pappas family.

[lumbercat]

I attended the Bates game yesterday. To say it was a very emotional day would be a big understatement whether you had any direct connection to Bates or not.

There was a very touching ceremony before the game that  Bates handled exceedingly well. The incoming Bates president was most gracious. Bates coach Harriman who has been with the family throughout the tragic week was the epitome of passion and total commitment and support for one of his student athletes and the boy's family. The crowd was very emotional--- on both sides of the field.

The game was totally dominated by Bates. I've been watching this league since the mid 70's and I can't remember a Williams team being pounded like that. They have certainly not been dominated like that in their past trips anywhere in Maine in my memory.

Bates QB Smith is as tough as they come. He took several big licks in executing the triple option as option quuarterbacks need to to absorb. He managed his reads and pitches to perfection, took the big hits, got up and ran the no huddle again. He played extremely well and the Bates offense executed flawlessly. They didn't have to throw it much with their dominating ground game but when called upon to throw Smith was almost perfect....something like 12 for 14 with a drop.

This Bates team is better than people think. Ball hawking defense is undersized but athletic. Their offense has been almost mistake free and their O line is dominant.

Following the game their was a wonderful display at mid field with both teams coming together for a prayer and reflection on the tragedy. Most of a the large crowd remained. Let me compliment the character of the Williams team who paid their repects with sincerity after a tough loss.

The most impressive component of the postgame "ceremony" was the the class exhibited by Williams' Coach Kelton. He addressed both teams together and while his entire talk was not not audible from the sidelines he could be heard complementing the Bates team and coaching staff for a great effort amidst a week unthinkable hardship and sorrow. He also made some very heartfelt comments to Troy Pappas' family who were in attendence at the game and on the field with the Bates coaching staff for Coach Kelton's comments following the game. No doubt Kelton knows a lot about winning but today the Bates community saw something about the character of this man. It sounds cliche but can only be described as exhibiting total class. He is a great credit to Williams as Harriman is to Bates.

Coach Harriman's actions and the way he conducted himself in this terrible tragedy this week are testament to the quality of the individual to whom Bates has entrusted their Football program. Like wise at Williams. These are two guys that "get it". Lets leave W's and L's aside for a moment and give these 2 guys credit for the way they handled this terrible loss.

[Trin9-0]

Very well put and thank you for sharing. Certainly a very emotional day that will long be remembered by those involved in the game. It's truly a horrible tragedy. Thankfully the leaders of the respective programs were able to find a teachable moment amid the sadness.

[iamhuge]

Tufts' woes continue with a 17-10 loss in Brunswick to Bowdoin. 
If my math is correct, that's 18 losses in a row for the Jumbos.

Tufts could not get any offense going today, managing just 197 total yards.
Their only TD was set up by a questionable pass interference call, though they would have come away with 3 pts instead.

Polar Bear Zach Donnarumma returned for the first time in 2012 to rush for 137 yards.

Bowdoin travels to Hamilton next week looking to get to 2-2.
Tufts travels to Trinity looking to avoid an 0-4 start.

From my eye, I think Bowdoin executed fairly well and their QB looked good completing some long passes over the middle to sustain some drives.  Tufts had a hard time converting on 3rd downs which was a problem they hadn't experienced in the previous week against Bates. 

Bowdoin's pass coverage was pretty good all day and their game winning drive showed a great deal of determination and poise. 

Tufts had some injuries and was playing a number of freshmen, but clearly this experience will pay dividends for the Jumbos in the future.    The Tufts coaches and players continue to work really hard to get that "W".

[iamhuge]

I attended the Bates game yesterday. To say it was a very emotional day would be a big understatement whether you had any direct connection to Bates or not.

There was a very touching ceremony before the game that  Bates handled exceedingly well. The incoming Bates president was most gracious. Bates coach Harriman who has been with the family throughout the tragic week was the epitome of passion and total commitment and support for one of his student athletes and the boy's family. The crowd was very emotional--- on both sides of the field.

The game was totally dominated by Bates. I've been watching this league since the mid 70's and I can't remember a Williams team being pounded like that. They have certainly not been dominated like that in their past trips anywhere in Maine in my memory.

Bates QB Smith is as tough as they come. He took several big licks in executing the triple option as option quuarterbacks need to to absorb. He managed his reads and pitches to perfection, took the big hits, got up and ran the no huddle again. He played extremely well and the Bates offense executed flawlessly. They didn't have to throw it much with their dominating ground game but when called upon to throw Smith was almost perfect....something like 12 for 14 with a drop.

This Bates team is better than people think. Ball hawking defense is undersized but athletic. Their offense has been almost mistake free and their O line is dominant.

Following the game their was a wonderful display at mid field with both teams coming together for a prayer and reflection on the tragedy. Most of a the large crowd remained. Let me compliment the character of the Williams team who paid their repects with sincerity after a tough loss.

The most impressive component of the postgame "ceremony" was the the class exhibited by Williams' Coach Kelton. He addressed both teams together and while his entire talk was not not audible from the sidelines he could be heard complementing the Bates team and coaching staff for a great effort amidst a week unthinkable hardship and sorrow. He also made some very heartfelt comments to Troy Pappas' family who were in attendence at the game and on the field with the Bates coaching staff for Coach Kelton's comments following the game. No doubt Kelton knows a lot about winning but today the Bates community saw something about the character of this man. It sounds cliche but can only be described as exhibiting total class. He is a great credit to Williams as Harriman is to Bates.

Coach Harriman's actions and the way he conducted himself in this terrible tragedy this week are testament to the quality of the individual to whom Bates has entrusted their Football program. Like wise at Williams. These are two guys that "get it". Lets leave W's and L's aside for a moment and give these 2 guys credit for the way they handled this terrible loss.

Great post lumbercat...that is indeed why we want our kids to play this game in this league.