FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Nescacman]

Sorry to you Wesleyan front running apologists but the Whales comments made direct condescending reference to Tufts....he made no reference to home or away games or a tough schedule - stop the excuses- he openly implied that it would be tougher this year for Wesleyan minus the "privilege" of opening with Tufts.....total BS.
I'm not a Tufts guy but I will state here that Civetti will succeed at Tufts- he's got some skill in the passing game and while he puts the rest of his scheme together he will win some games.
Tufts is going to throw the ball 60 times a game this year--Forgotten Jack Doll will be a leading NESCAC QB .......if he wins the starting job......that's how deep the Jumbos are at QB.......Civetti has at least 2 other QBs within a whisker of being the starter but I say Doll starts and if they give him some time to throw he surprises many in the CAC.

Although I don't have "a dog in this fight", let's be objective for a second before we kill Coach W for "dissing a team that has not won a game since 2010. He was being honest and frankly truthful. Wesleyan's schedule starts with defending co-league champ Middlebury coming off of 2 back to back 7 win seasons who is replacing a team that has lost 31 straight games. in addition, Wesleyan beat Tufts handily last year in Medford with essentially the same team that they are putting on the field tomorrow against Middlebury. Just based on those facts alone, how can you not honestly say that Wesleyan's schedule is harder in 2014 than it was in 2013. Throw in the back to back trips to Maine against 2 decent opponents (Bates and Colby) versus playing Hamilton and Bowdoin on the road last year (and not back to back) and it just adds to Coach W's comment about the schedule being tougher this year. Before we kill someone for "dissing" someone, let's look at the facts. Coach W deserves better than that. And the people on this Board are smarter than that.

[amh63]

Nescacman....enjoyed your post....and predictions/preview!  Forgot about the dry humor et al.  Suggest that you change your handle to men...unless there is a women among the "we".
Anyway, FYI, Amherst has put up a preview of the Bates game.  Nothing new...added a podcast to earlier video/photos.  Oh yes...probable lineups on both sides given.  Surprise is the Amherst OB.  My guess is the new OC wants to give the sophomore Berluti more experience, etc.   Presently, roster is not posted yet...must be the pics

[ContinentalsMan]

Who cares what the AD said ... I know the feeling at Hamilton is it is time for them to step up and play competitive football ... I am sure they feel the same way at Tufts ... that is why the changes where made and continue to be made at Hamilton ... will be reporting from the Hamilton-Tufts game on Saturday ... make sure to check out the new fan site at hamiltoncontinentalsfootball.com ... you guys do a great job here ... and if a team doesn't want to be criticized there is one easy way around that ... WIN! 

[NothingButNESCAC]

writing up our preview for this weekend right now, but will drop some lines in here quickly as well. (line corresponds to home team)

Bates at Amherst (-5 1/2)- Wouldn't expect this one to be very high scoring, but Bates will have trouble moving the ball against a veteran front seven.

Bowdoin at Williams (-8)- Maybe too much respect given to a Williams team that has only proven they can play people close, but this is just to keep people from just betting Williams

Colby at Trinity (-9)- This game is about the Trinity offensive line against the Colby front 7. I feel I put this a little too high in favor of Trinity

Wesleyan at Middlebury (+10)- Wesleyan could be that good. Question is how much can the Panther D slow the Cardinals.

Hamilton at Tufts (-2)- Tufts get the slight edge because of the home advantage, but this is pretty much a pick'em.

not going to reveal my personal picks until later this afternoon

[AUPepBand]

Who cares what the AD said ... I know the feeling at Hamilton is it is time for them to step up and play competitive football ... I am sure they feel the same way at Tufts ... that is why the changes where made and continue to be made at Hamilton ... will be reporting from the Hamilton-Tufts game on Saturday ... make sure to check out the new fan site at hamiltoncontinentalsfootball.com ... you guys do a great job here ... and if a team doesn't want to be criticized there is one easy way around that ... WIN!

Nice job on the new Hamilton football website. Coach Murray is a class act and Pep guarantees, after seeing 16 years of Murray-coached Saxon squads, that Hamilton football will be exciting to watch. He'll use the weapons at hand to their fullest extent on both sides of the ball.

Let's go Continentals!! Pep will be interested in seeing the results tomorrow night after returning from Buffalo State.

(On Saxon Warriors!)

[amh63]

Last post until after the game on Sat...in HD yet.  Amherst has posted its roster...76 players...though one does not have a number...a freshman...interesting.  Some big FY linemen ...both sides.  even the first 300 lb Offensive lineman. Watch out Trinity!  Amherst is starting to catch up. . Wonder if he has good quick feet.  I digress.....
Listened to the podcast of Coach Mills views.  Found out that QB Lippe is recovering from an injury.  HFC likes his rebuilt offensive line...a concern of mine.  Likes the freshmen he has available.
Did learn that a recent hire is the new QB coach and recruiting coordinator.  Coach Fucillo returns to Amherst after spending last year as the the OB coach at WPI.  Did such a job there that he was promoted to OC. Interest in seeing how the offense develops this year with talented young QBs on hand.
Coach Mills states that he is glad to have an extra week to prepare for a tough Bates squad.  Barely mentions the scrimmage with Williams...smart man...fine coach

[frank uible]

Gentlemen, start your engines!

[Trin9-0]

I don't know why but I just see Wesleyan slipping up somewhere along the way. Yes they bring back pretty much EVERYBODY but they also played in some very close games last year and didn't have to contend with Middlebury.  Conversely, Trinity lost their close games and was a mere 4 points from a perfect season.

I see one of the two heading into the finale with a loss and that team will come out on top but have to share the crown. Williams will have a bounce-back season and the always dangerous Amherst very well wind up with a share of the title as well.

Looking forward to the season getting underway and will be in The Coop bright and early tomorrow for some tailgating and hopefully to enjoy the beginning the 14 consecutive season of undefeated football in Hartford!

Predictions for final standings:
Trinity 7-1
Wesleyan 7-1
Amherst 6-2
Williams 5-3
Middlebury 5-3
Colby 4-4
Bates 3-5
Bowdoin 2-6
Tufts 1-7
Hamilton 0-8

[FourMoreYears]

writing up our preview for this weekend right now, but will drop some lines in here quickly as well. (line corresponds to home team)

Bates at Amherst (-5 1/2)- Wouldn't expect this one to be very high scoring, but Bates will have trouble moving the ball against a veteran front seven.

Bowdoin at Williams (-8)- Maybe too much respect given to a Williams team that has only proven they can play people close, but this is just to keep people from just betting Williams

Colby at Trinity (-9)- This game is about the Trinity offensive line against the Colby front 7. I feel I put this a little too high in favor of Trinity

Wesleyan at Middlebury (+10)- Wesleyan could be that good. Question is how much can the Panther D slow the Cardinals.

Hamilton at Tufts (-2)- Tufts get the slight edge because of the home advantage, but this is pretty much a pick'em.

not going to reveal my personal picks until later this afternoon

Although I had hoped for some Al Davis lines (no disrespect NothingButNescac we know some of the same people and you are well-respected), I'll place a few wagers on these games.

$100 ... Amherst -5 1/2
$100 ... Bowdoin +8
$25 ... Trinity -9
$75 ... Wesleyan -10
$50 ... Tufts -2

Let the games begin ...

[Nescacman]

writing up our preview for this weekend right now, but will drop some lines in here quickly as well. (line corresponds to home team)

Bates at Amherst (-5 1/2)- Wouldn't expect this one to be very high scoring, but Bates will have trouble moving the ball against a veteran front seven.

Bowdoin at Williams (-8)- Maybe too much respect given to a Williams team that has only proven they can play people close, but this is just to keep people from just betting Williams

Colby at Trinity (-9)- This game is about the Trinity offensive line against the Colby front 7. I feel I put this a little too high in favor of Trinity

Wesleyan at Middlebury (+10)- Wesleyan could be that good. Question is how much can the Panther D slow the Cardinals.

Hamilton at Tufts (-2)- Tufts get the slight edge because of the home advantage, but this is pretty much a pick'em.

not going to reveal my personal picks until later this afternoon

Although I had hoped for some Al Davis lines (no disrespect NothingButNescac we know some of the same people and you are well-respected), I'll place a few wagers on these games.

$100 ... Amherst -5 1/2
$100 ... Bowdoin +8
$25 ... Trinity -9
$75 ... Wesleyan -10
$50 ... Tufts -2

Let the games begin ...

Four more years...as much as I would like to go against HCOF Kelton, can I get some action from you laying 8 with Williams?

[Nescacman]

Nescacman....enjoyed your post....and predictions/preview!  Forgot about the dry humor et al.  Suggest that you change your handle to men...unless there is a women among the "we".
Anyway, FYI, Amherst has put up a preview of the Bates game.  Nothing new...added a podcast to earlier video/photos.  Oh yes...probable lineups on both sides given.  Surprise is the Amherst OB.  My guess is the new OC wants to give the sophomore Berluti more experience, etc.   Presently, roster is not posted yet...must be the pics

Amh63...thanks for the kudos. We are in Vt for the GOTW. Looking foward to a great opening dat tomorrow.

[ContinentalsMan]

ContinentalsMan headed to the airport early to head up to Boston to watch Hamilton open against Tufts ... full report coming later ...   

[frank uible]

There is afoot scuttlebutt to the effect that Wesleyan's Drew has a disabling foot injury. As you all know, Drew is arguably Wes' potentially most valuable offensive player.

[Nescacman]

Drew is hurt but will try to go. As most of you know, Wes is 6 deep at RB including having Kyle Gibson as back-up who may be the second best RB in the league. Although Wes would miss Drew's game breaking ability, they probably still have enough weapons to get it done given the fact that their D is so strong.

And for those of you headed to Middlebury this week or in the future...FYI:

"Subject: Changes in the Tailgate Policy

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

We are writing to explain that Middlebury College is making a significant change to its policy governing tailgate gatherings at home football games to bring these policies into alignment with other athletic events.

Effective today, Tuesday, September 16, 2014, no alcoholic beverages of any kind will be permitted in the designated tailgate area.   We are taking this step to ensure that we are able to provide a safe, healthy and welcoming environment for all fans and athletes. We also believe this new policy is consistent with NESCAC's sportsmanship statement, which states "It is incumbent upon NESCAC host institutions to provide a hospitable environment for contests to be played with an emphasis on fair play and an absolute ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages by spectators."  It has become increasingly clear that the consumption of alcohol in the tailgate area is inconsistent with this philosophy.

The new tailgate policy<http://www.middlebury.edu/studentlife/residentiallife/reslife/party> is located on line under the College's Residential Life Party Policies.

Venues, Parking Lots and Tailgate Area


1.       The Department of Public Safety will designate the tailgate area for use during any athletic event.

2.       The Tailgate area will open for parking 4 hours before the start of the game (weather permitting).

3.       Alcohol is prohibited at all athletic venues, parking lots and the tailgate area.

4.       Amplified music is not allowed at or near athletic venues, parking lots and the tailgate area.

5.       Restroom facilities are located in the stadium. People at the tailgate area must use the restroom facilities in the stadium and are not permitted to cross the highway into the woods.

We look forward to a successful athletic season and to your support of these important changes.
Sincerely,
Katy Smith Abbott, Dean of Students
Lisa Burchard, Director of Public Safety Erin Quinn, Director of Athletics"

Guess that ends the fun in Vermont.

[amh63]

Frank U......surprising post.  Was not aware that you are a betting man.
I know....broke my promise...again...cannot keep my mouth shut.
Long day ahead on line for me.  Williams invade Amherst in other "football" matches, etc.
NEscacman...thanks for the heads up info???.   Wow....no drinking anywhere?  Never was a Woods person myself.  Any restrictions on the size of the drinking containers?