FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[banfan]

Just a quick check of MIT football indicated that the three wins were against teams that have a grand total of ONE win this year. I do envy the fact that Pamona-Pitzer travelled from California to play MIT in, well, wherever they play, Cambridge, Boston, Somerville?
Polls are good for creating chatter and learning about Pamona-Pitzer..... 

[gridiron]

Not sure why the lack of chatter this week with games coming up tomorrow.  The silence is deafening...

[lumbercat]

Vandy-
Thanks for that post- good to update the board on your personal standing. Hope you have a good reunion.

[Nescacparent]

Trinity's twitter feed featured this video of the Bantam's (head?) coach breaking down the Williams game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g77y7M03vwQ

[lumbercat]

I agree Grid.-I guess I am way late with odds but I'll post them anyway

Wes -17 Colby
Bates -3 Williams
Tufts -4 Bowdoin
Trinity -21 Hamilton
Middlebury -6 Amherst

[hamgrand]

What's going on with the nescac fantasy league.  Did I miss the recap of last week's action.  I did not see it anywhere. Is there anywhere to view people's starting lineup for this week?

I think the fantasy league is kind of fun to follow.

[gridiron]

Lumber--Thanks for the odds.  Kinda matches my thinking as well.  Bates/Williams is intriguing as it should flush out where they both stand and what they may or may not be capable of for the balance of the season.

Good luck to all in the league today--may the weather cooperate and everyone stay healthy. 

[Nescacman]

2014 Week #3 NESCAC Preview and Power Rankings

Welcome to Week 3 in the NESCAC..."the league where they pay to play". Week #2 produced a few surprises with upstart Tufts continuing their winning ways (congrats to Coach Civetti on improving his career record to 2-24) and Trinity swamping the Head Coach of Football ("HCOF") Kelton's squad in Billville (not surprisingly). A couple of story lines we are watching: Trinity and Wesleyan on a collision course for an "all the marbles game" November 8th in Middletown, how many games will a resurgent Tufts Jumbo squad end up winning (the over/under is 3), will Bowdoin win a game this year (we say no), when does the Kelton watch begin in 2014 (we think it has), does Amherst have enough offense to challenge Wes or Trinity for 'CAC league supremacy (the Magic 8-ball says "check back later").

Week 2 was another good week for us going 4-1. If not for a complete breakdown in Bates' usually solid special teams, we would be sitting at 10-0 for the season. We were all over the Amherst/Bowdoin and Middlebury/Colby scores and were close on several others. Our rankings remain pretty much unchanged in the upper tier with some continued movement around the fringes.

2014 Week #3 NESCAC Power Rankings

1. Wesleyan (Last Week: #1): Not the expected dominant performance by The Cardinals. Despite playing OK versus a solid Middlebury team, they did not well against a well coached but undermanned Hamilton squad, Wes is still sitting at 2-0. Last year, they played their best all around game against a Ciero led Colby team. This would be the perfect week for them get their act together with Amherst coming to town in just 2 weeks. Jesse Warren was efficient (isn't he always) going 12-14, throwing 2 TDs and no interceptions. All NESCAC RB Drew once again did not play, but super back-up Kyle Gibson showed why he is also an All-NESCAC performer rambling for 132 yards. We continue to believe that the Cards would be well served by throwing the ball down the field a bit more to one of their stellar receivers. Surprisingly, the question mark right now is the defense. We think the defense is good, however, they have not played a complete game yet. We think this is the week they get it all together. This week, Wesleyan travels to Colby for their first of two back-to-back trips to Maine.

2. Trinity (LW #2): The Bantams smashed their second straight opponent beating the hapless Ephs of Williams. We won't get a true read on this team until week five when they play Middlebury at home. Trinity has perhaps the easiest schedule in the league playing their next 3 weeks against Hamilton, Tufts, and Bowdoin. All the Bantams can do is to keep doing what they are doing and stay focus. The offense was impressive garnering over 450 yards of total offense for the second straight week including 321 yards on the ground. 11 different Bantams carried the ball (again). Trinity got out quick in this one leading 24-0 at the half. Meanwhile, the defense completely shutdown Williams only allowing 175 total yards and 9 first downs. This week, Trinity is on the road at Hamilton.

3. Amherst (LW #3): Amherst had a bounce back week against a poor Bowdoin squad after looking less than sharp against Bates in week 1. Despite only leading 9-0 at the half, the Lord Jeffs came out strong in the third quarter with 21 unanswered points as they cruised to a win. Soph Alex Berlutti had another solid game at QB with Senior Max Lippe again not seeing any action. We have been less than impressed with the Lord Jeffs thus far this year barely beating a Bates team that is 0-2 (that lost to Tufts) and beating the worst team in the league in Bowdoin. This week is a test for Amherst as they travel to Vermont to play Amherst.

4. Middlebury (LW #4): Matt Milano had an excellent game 2 winning NESCAC offensive POTW honors. Middlebury looked good in week #2 completely dominating Colby. The defense again looked good against the run and they lead the NESCAC in rushing defense. This week, they host Amherst in the NESCAC GOTW.

5. Tufts (LW #8): I know we are going to be sorry we did this, but Tufts jumps up 3 spots in our weekly poll by upsetting Bates. Although Tufts is not about to challenge for the league title or even have a winning record this year, we still think Tufts has a chance to get to .500. The roadmap for that to happen is for them to beat Bowdoin this week (which they will do) and then win against either Colby or Williams, which could happen. Will that be enough to save their coaches job. According to our sources close to the Tufts situation, the answer is no. This week they face the hapless Bowdoin Polar bears in Maine.

6. Williams (LW #5): The 2014 Aaron Kelton watch has begun. As we had said, look who they played in week #1 beating up on Bowdoin. Last week, reality set in as they were completely demolished by the Bantams of Trinity in Williamstown allowing 468 yards of total offense and 26 fist downs. The only bright spot for the Ephman on Saturday was their punting (which is never a good sign). Highly touted transfer Austin Lommen came back to earth only throwing for 85 yards and a pick. This is a big week for Williams as they go on the road for the first time this year facing the Bates Bobcats.

7. Bates (LW #6): Disappointing week #2 for the Bobcats as Tufts upset them. We're really not sure about this team yet. Are they the team that played really well against Amherst or the team whose special teams completely broke down against Tufts? The thing that surprises the most is the Bobcat offense. Historically, Bates triple option attack has made them a run first team. IMO, due to a lack of talent at the RB position and their offensive line not playing all that well, Bates has suddenly switched places with Tufts and has become a pass first attack (Bates is third to last in the 'CAC in rushing offense). We think that they are going to have to start running the ball more effectively to be able to have offensive success starting this week in their home opener against Williams as they attempt to go for their 4th straight win against the Ephs.

8. Colby (LW#7): Another tough loss for the Mules as they got crushed by Middlebury in their home opener. Another poor performance by the Colby D (giving up 458 yards of total offense to Middlebury). We are perplexed since we thought Colby's experienced D was going to be solid. They aren't going to be helped by the loss of standout All-NESCAC performer Zach Padula who is gone for the year with a broken collarbone. They currently rank last in the 'CAC in total defense. Their offense has not been much better ranking last in total offense. The schedule continues to be tough for them as they host Wesleyan this week.

9. Hamilton (LW #10): The Conts continue to play hard for new HCOF Murray. The problem here is they just do not have the talent yet to be able to compete with the better teams of the 'CAC. Cont fans, be patient. It will take a couple of years, but by 2016, this program will be respectable. This will be another tough week as the Conts face Trinity in Clinton.

10. Bowdoin (LW #9): Let's sum up the Polar Bears season thus far: ugly. We will go on record right now and say that this team will not win a single game this year. Yes, we are talking about 0-8 for Bowdoin. The problem: Caputi (take your pick: QB or HCOF). This week hey will hit a new low when they lose to former 'CAC doormat, Tufts, at home.

Special Feature: NESCAC Coaching Carousel
What is the status of every HCOF in the NESCAC? Whose job is safe? Who's on the hot seat? Who's a goner? We checked with our sources around the league and this is what we came up with:

Safe: Mills (AMH), Whalen (Wes), Devanney (Trin), Murray (HAM), Ritter (MID), Harriman (BAT), Michaeles (COL)
Safe (But shouldn't be): Caputi (BOW)
Probably a goner (But shouldn't be): Civetti (Tufts)
The Watch is on (And should be): Kelton (WIL)

Week #3 NESCAC Preview

As we head into the third week of the 2014 season, there are a few interesting games that we are keeping our eyes on this week. We are looking forward to Tufts winning their third game in a row, Wesleyan paying their bust game of 2014 and Bates putting the pressure on the HCOF Kelton. Our GOTW pits Amherst against Middlebury. Should be a typical fall day in New England: cloudy, cool and a chance of showers.

Tufts College at Bowdoin College: Tufts is 2-0 for the first time since 2008. Not sure the last time they went 3-0 but we better look that up (1950?). Bowdoin does nothing well and they turn the ball over way too much. Tufts QB Doll will have a big day. Keys to victory for Bowdoin: Avoid turnovers and don't put QB Caputi in a position where they have to pass (maybe they should just run the wildcat with Grant lined up at QB). Keys to victory for Tufts: Keep doing what they are doing with their newly balanced offense and don't keep Bowdoin in the game to allow them to get any confidence. Reality will set in next week for Tufts when they play Trinity in Hartford.

Tufts 28 Bowdoin 14
Weather: Not a factor.

Williams College at Bates College: We think Bates turns it around in this one it in what should be a very competitive contest. Williams has not fared well against the Bobcats in recent years and we think Bates' will figure out their special teams problems. We like Bates' offense to finally run the ball effectively against a porous Williams run D. If Bates runs the ball more (never thought I would say that), I think they will win. The Kelton watch heats up. Keys to victory for Williams: Get Alex Scyocurka going on the ground to open things up for first year QB Lommen.  Keys to victory for Bates: Run the ball effectively to control the clock.

Bates 21 Williams 17
Weather: Chance of showers. High of about 60.

Wesleyan University at Colby College: The last time Wes travelled to Waterville, they were lucky to come away with a win scoring twice in the last 2:30 to pull out a win. Last year, with the same team that they have today, they played probably their most complete game of a stellar 2014 season. Colby is off to a really tough start, albeit against very tough competition. They are last in the 'CAC in offense and last in defense. They have lost key players to transfer and injury. We think Wes starts to put it together this week as they start to gear up for the tougher part of their schedule. Keys to victory for Colby: Run Lipani endlessly and control the clock. Keys to victory for Wesleyan: Throw the ball down the field. Defensively they need to play better against the run.

Wesleyan 35 Colby 7
Weather: Chance of showers, high of about 60.

Trinity College at Hamilton College: Complete mismatch. We think Murray will try some tricks to try and surprise the Bantams, but they just do not have the athletes to be competitive in this one. Keys to victory for Trin: Show up and stay healthy. Keys to victory for Hamilton: Run the ball and control the clock.

Trinity 49 Hamilton 7
Weather: Not a factor.


NESCAC Game of the Week

Amherst College at Middlebury College: Very interesting game as #3 Amherst travels to #4 Middlebury. Amherst has not been as impressive as we thought they would be (similar to Wesleyan) barely beating Bates and pulling away in the second half against a woeful Bowdoin squad. These team's match-up very well against each other. We are going to give the edge to the home team in this one and we think the difference will be QB Milano and Middlebury's tough rushing D. Keys to victory for Amherst: Minimize the mistakes and avoid the big play by Middlebury. Keys to victory for Middlebury: Run the ball effectively to set up the pass.

Middlebury 17 Amherst 14
Weather: Rain. High in the high 50's.

NESCAC Man's Picks
Last week: 4-1
2014 Season: 9-1
2013 Season: 32-8

[banfan]

Tufts is going to be 3-0 and you think Civetti is a goner?

Amherst and Wesleyan have been disappointments according to you folks. What about Trinity? Played the "game of the week" at Williams and this week Williams is "hapless"? They beat an admittedly stinky Bowdoin team 36-0 in week one. Is Williams hapless or is Trinity surprisingly good. When Trin plays Tufts, each will probably be 3-0. Is that going to be the "battle of the undefeated"?

Trinity has played 2 and 3 deep by position in its first two games. They have had 11 players carry the ball. Doesn't anyone see a pretty scary team in Hartford? I bet Whalen does. If he doesn't, he should.

By the way, Tufts will be at home against Williams and Colby. They could win both and finish 5-3. Then they are going to fire the coach?

Williams is going to have a battle at Bates and then play Midd. When they travel to Medford they could be in serious disarray! I like Tufts in that game.

Since I am not going to Hamilton and Lewiston is just up the road, I think I will take in the Williams Bates game. GO CATS!

[Trin9-0]

Trinity has perhaps the easiest schedule in the league

Is this a serious statement? Every team plays the same schedule with the exception of week 1. If anything, Bates who doesn't play Trinity, or Tufts who doesn't play Wesleyan can claim to have the "easiest" schedule.

[amh63]

Nescacman....see you woke up the Bantams with your post...and dashed my hopes a bit. . Oh well, in spite of your use of HCOF to all the coaches...and reducing the attendance of Amherst fans up in VT, plus K to you for your boldness.
The forecast of rain is a key factor in the game, imo.  May hinder the new found long ball factor in the Amherst offense..and slow the reaction time of the Amherst defense.  Sad.  Wet field and " dry" surroundings.

[banfan]

amh63, I don't think they will keep you from your malted medicine.

[Nescacman]

Trinity has perhaps the easiest schedule in the league

Is this a serious statement? Every team plays the same schedule with the exception of week 1. If anything, Bates who doesn't play Trinity, or Tufts who doesn't play Wesleyan can claim to have the "easiest" schedule.

Good catch...should have said "easiest start to the schedule" of any NESCAC team. I think it would be tough to challenge that statement. And mark my words, Coach W respects the heck out the 'Bants.

[Nescacman]

Nescacman....see you woke up the Bantams with your post...and dashed my hopes a bit. . Oh well, in spite of your use of HCOF to all the coaches...and reducing the attendance of Amherst fans up in VT, plus K to you for your boldness.
The forecast of rain is a key factor in the game, imo.  May hinder the new found long ball factor in the Amherst offense..and slow the reaction time of the Amherst defense.  Sad.  Wet field and " dry" surroundings.

Thanks amh63...someone has to get this Board going in the absence of our friend Al Davis. More to follow, but I have been disappointed this year by the "softness" of the posters talking about teams "dissing" each other by not singing fight songs and the such. Put some pants on guys. And btw, what happened to Nothingbutnescac???...enjoy their perspective, but the lack of consistency week to week in their posts is a killer.

[Nescacman]

Tufts is going to be 3-0 and you think Civetti is a goner?

Amherst and Wesleyan have been disappointments according to you folks. What about Trinity? Played the "game of the week" at Williams and this week Williams is "hapless"? They beat an admittedly stinky Bowdoin team 36-0 in week one. Is Williams hapless or is Trinity surprisingly good. When Trin plays Tufts, each will probably be 3-0. Is that going to be the "battle of the undefeated"?

Trinity has played 2 and 3 deep by position in its first two games. They have had 11 players carry the ball. Doesn't anyone see a pretty scary team in Hartford? I bet Whalen does. If he doesn't, he should.

By the way, Tufts will be at home against Williams and Colby. They could win both and finish 5-3. Then they are going to fire the coach?

Williams is going to have a battle at Bates and then play Midd. When they travel to Medford they could be in serious disarray! I like Tufts in that game.

Since I am not going to Hamilton and Lewiston is just up the road, I think I will take in the Williams Bates game. GO CATS!

And just a further word on the Tufts coaching situation. Our understanding is that Civetti's 4 year contract is up this year. His 4 year record will be 4-28 with three winless seasons. Not stellar (I know, look at this year but Tufts is looking at the body of work). Frankly, as the lowest paid HCOF in the 'CAC (fact), I am not sure Civetti would stay anyway without a substantial raise (nor should he...you would feel the same way if you knew his comp).Tufts has been reaching out to some of the better coordinators in the league (hint...look at TRIN, AMH, MID and WES). Others in the mix include head Jumbo lax Coach Mike Daly, a Tufts alum who has had tons of success on the lax field (and since he would head two sports, it would be a cost save for the frugal Jumbo admin) and current Tufts OC and former Wes headman Frank Hauser, who certainly knows the league as well as anyone. I am sure they will have plenty of good candidates if they make the move. We may be 100% wrong, but this is what we are hearing (from very good sources around the league).