FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[lumbercat]

And by the way the senior Foye could really play.
Believe the Trinity O line will enable the Bantams to secure the W tomorrow with their ground game. Jeff's miss Perdoni on the DL.
Some problems in the Trin secondary and a couple of key guys hurt elsewhere will be an issue but not sure the Jeffs can prevail.
Mills will look to exploit vulnerable Trin secondary and could have a shot if successful but Trin is the favorite tomorrow.

[amh63]

Lumbercat....believe in Freedom of  Speech and prior opinions. 
Have only one question  wrt to your post....have you been out of the country in isolation for the past month?

[lumbercat]

Amh 63
I've been here in Boston since Labor Day and have seen Trinity and Amherst each play in person and have also seen film of their other games. I give the edge to Trinity if Iregublum is healthy.

You are the one that is a bit removed, you gotta fly the coop, escape the mid Atlantic and get up here more often than your annual trek to the Purple clash. Why not see some games in person instead of relying on rumor and chat room posts to determine how your Jeff's are doing-- we'd love to have you.

I Wouldn't be upset at all if Amherst won in Hartford tomorrow but think a matchup between 7-1 Wes and Trin shapes up as "THE GAME" in the NESCAC this year, believe it is in the cards---and if it does rumor has NESN dropping the Amherst-Williams telecast for the Trinity-Wesleyan game.

If there are 3 teams with a 7-1 record in the end and one team has beaten the other 2 head up that team is the champ in my mind though the NESACAC and the Ivy League do not take that position- everything becomes a tie.

No animosity here Amh 63- love your participation and posts on the board but just have a different take on this one.

[Nescacman]

2014 Week #7 NESCAC Preview and Power Rankings

Welcome to Week 7 in the NESCAC..."the league where they pay to play".

The big story last week was Middlebury's upset of Hartford State to end "the streak". Congrats are in order to the Panthers and Coach Ritter. Amherst moves into our top spot all alone in the rankings after crushing Tufts 30-3 and remaining undefeated. In a game that we thought would be a close one, Bates bounces back behind a courageous Matt Cannone for an OT against Colby. In other action, Wesleyan destroyed Bowdoin to remain in the hunt for the 'CAC championship and the Ephs squeaked by a game Hamilton squad.

In week 6 we went 3-2 with our picks. We knew Bates/Colby and Trinity/Middlebury were going to be close but we ended up on the wrong side of both of those games. We need to finish the year 10-0 to equal last year's mark of 32-8.

2014 Week #7 NESCAC Power Rankings

1. Amherst (LW #1 tie):  The only undefeated team left in the 'CAC. Senior QB Max Lippe continues to excel and make the Amherst offense relevant again. The Lord Jeffs are second in scoring offense and first in scoring defense. This week Amherst faces their last major hurdle in their quest for an undefeated season and the NESCAC title. Can they start a new streak v. Hartford State? Can they make it two loses in a row for the Bantams at home? We will see.

2. Wesleyan (Last Week: #3): Wesleyan moves up a spot in the rankings. Wesleyan continues to generate substantial offense despite being plagued by key injuries. Last week, they scored 35 points without their starting center (Bishop), starting RB (Drew) and wildcat QB/TB (Carillo). The key to their offense this year has been the play of 'CAC offensive player of the year candidate QB Jesse Warren who is tied for the league lead in passing TDs (14) and leads the 'CAC in passing efficiency. Wesleyan has also played very good defense leading the league in total defense. They have been especially stingy in the air allowing only 5 passing TDs thus far in 2014. Wesleyan still has a shot at their second straight NESCAC title but they are going to need some help. This week may be the first time ever that Cardinal fans have ever rooted for Hartford State.

3. Middlebury (LW #4): Great win for the Panthers last week at Hartford State. Middlebury has a great chance to end their season 6-2 as they finish up against Tufts and Hamilton. Middlebury has done it with a combination of good defense and a good passing offense. QB Matt Milano seems to be settling into his role as the starting QB for the Panthers.

4. Trinity (LW #1 Tie): Trinity ended their exhibition season by getting beat handedly by Middlebury. The recipe to beat this Trinity team is simple. Stop the running game and make their QB try to win the game. We think that is a game plan you will see repeated over the next two weeks when they face Amherst as they attempt to end their home losing streak at 1 and then travel to Middletown to face the Cardinals.

5. Tufts (LW #5): A huge drop from #4 to #5. Tufts is 3-0 at home and 0-3 on the road. This week Tufts is at home for the last time this year against a 1-5 Colby squad.

6. Bates (LW #7): Big win for the Bobcats. This team is a completely different team with Matt Cannone at QB. We will go out on a limb and say that no one person is more important to a team than Cannone is to Bates. Bates attempts to win the C-B-B title on the road at Bowdoin. We like their chances.

7. Bowdoin (LW #6): Bowdoin comes back to reality at the hands of Wesleyan. QB play continues to be their undoing. Who ever the next coach is, trade 5 slotted players for a stud QB. Stop Grant and you beat Bowdoin, plain and simple. Bowdoin finishes their season with the traditional rivalry C-B-B games against Bates and Bowdoin.

8. Colby (LW#8): Tough loss to Bates in OT. Tough game at Tufts this week, against a team that has played exceptionally well at home.

9. Williams (LW #9): There are those on this board who believe the Ephs alums are sheep and are going to be accepting of back-to-back 2-6 seasons in Ephtown. To them, we say nonsense. Through our sources, we were able to get a hold of one of many letters disgruntled Williams' alums have written to AD Melendy and HCOF Kelton (others on this Board can vouch for its authenticity). This was written prior to the Hamilton game and was titled "Unhappy Williams Alum". A few themes and quotes:

-In response to starting 1-4: "4-4 is a pathetic.   2-6 is putrid.  Losing 38-0 to Trinity when the College christens its beautiful new facility is atrocious. After that game, Coach (aka HCOF) Kelton was quoted in The Hartford Courant,  "I am glad they called the dogs off."  Are you kidding me? Williams does not expect or want mercy."

-The athletic program and the Sears Cup: "The Sears Cup did not exist when most of us were at Williams.  We could care less...but we do care when our beloved football program is the butt of jokes...deservedly so. 1-4.  Please. Williams has lost to Bates for 4 straight years. Seriously...Bates. Trips to Maine were a glorified scrimmage 20 years ago."

-On the Williams HCOF position being a "stepping stone" to bigger and better things: "Every summer, the College touts the fact that Coach (aka HCOF) Kelton interns for some nothingburger NFL team.  Great.  If Coach (aka HCOF) Kelton is infatuated with the NFL, go.  Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

-  On what's next for Williams football: "Where do we go from here?  Well, Williams plays a bad high school team known as Hamilton College next week.  If we can't beat them...Then, there is the Little 3.  Maybe we win the Little 3.  If we don't run the table, it is time to polish some resumes."

We couldn't have said it better.

10. Hamilton (LW #10): Last chance for a win in 2014 is at Bates next week.

Week #7 NESCAC Preview

Can Wesleyan get their first win in Williamstown since 1984? Can Trinity keep their title hopes alive by starting a new home winning streak against the Lord Jeffs? Can Tufts guarantee their first .500 season since 2008? Weather-wise...looks generally crummy throughout the NESCAC universe.

Colby College at Tufts University: Tufts does not lose at home and Colby doesn't win on the road. We think Tufts balanced offense with Brady and Triose running the ball and Doll (or Snyder) passing will be too much for the Mules D.

Tufts 35 Colby 21
Weather: Windy and rainy, temp in the high 40's (weather courtesy of the Weather Channel).

Bates College at Bowdoin College: Bates has a chance to close out the C-B-B with a win, their second title in the last 3 years. Very simple, if Bates QB Matt Cannone plays, Bates wins. Bowdoin gives up the most yards per game of any team in the 'CAC.

Bates 21 Bowdoin 10
Weather: Showers then rain late in the game. High in the mid-40's.

Wesleyan University at Williams College: Wesleyan delivers one of the two final nails in HCOF Kelton's Koffin. The final nail will be delivered next week in Amherst. Finally, retribution for the Cards as they win for the first time in Williamstown since 1984. Look for Wesleyan to pound the ball with RBs Lou Stephens and Kyle Gibson against a Williams rushing D that is last in the NESCAC (Williams is the only team in the league to give up more than 1,000 yards on the ground). Meanwhile, Williams will have to throw the ball to have a chance, which plays right into Wesleyan's strength. We think Wes wins going away, even throwing in a defensive TD for good measure.

Wesleyan 38 Williams 14
Weather: Chance of showers late in the game, high in the mid 40's.

Middlebury College at Hamilton College: Hamilton doesn't score, they don't defend and they turn the ball over too much. Beyond that, they are a very good team. Look for Middlebury QB Matt Milano to have a big day.

Middlebury 35 Hamilton 7
Weather: Not a factor.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Amherst College at Trinity College: Amherst tries to hand Hartford State their second loss in a row at home. There is a lot at stake in this game. For Amherst, a chance at an undefeated season and a league title. For Hartford State, a chance at the league title and starting a new home winning streak. For Amherst to win, they are going to have to force turnovers, control the clock, stop Trinity's running game and force them to throw. Trin needs to avoid turnovers and run the ball effectively with RB Chudi Iregbulem leading the way. We give Trinity the edge because of home field (hey, they've won 53 of their last 54 games at home!).

Trinity 17 Middlebury 14 
Weather: Rain. High in the mid 40's.

NESCAC Man's Picks
Last week: 3-2
2014 Season: 22-8
2013 Season: 32-8

[DC 53]

A NESCAC battle between two brothers, Jeff Hopsicker, Hamilton '15 and Kevin Hopsicker Middlebury '18 was to be a subtext of today's game in Clinton. Unfortunately, Jeff suffered a devastating break to his collarbone during the opening drive of the Williams game. He has been used to good effect as a QB in a "Wildcat" package all year. A drive ending fumble killed the Hamilton scoring chance two plays after Jeff's untimely exit. 3 red zone turnovers doomed the Conts again as they let another win over a lesser team slip away. Hamilton(a bad hs team according to NESCACman) ran 20 more plays than the Willies, and held their rushing "attack" to 45 yards. The Ephs also benefitted from a bogus roughing the passer call on their final TD drive.

But today we honor the seniors (survivors) at Steuben Field. We thank Brendan Cunningham, Rook De Marais, Mike De Percin,Vince DiCindio, Pat Donodio, John Fisher,Nick Gavin,Jeff Hopsicker,Zack Klein Ian Milne, Nick Noonan,and Nick Ufkes. You've endured and you've earned the respect of the entire league, despite the pompous naysayers on this board. Better days are ahead for Hamilton, and you guys, despite the horror of the 2012 & 2013 seasons,  moved it all forward!

[P'bearfan]

Good luck to Bowdoin players and coaches as they host Bates today.  Hopefully we can end the season on a high note with two victories and a CBB title.

[#cruncher]

The untold story from Mayflower Hill continues to be injuries. Going into today's game at Tufts I believe there are 8 starters from game 1 out. Around 15 guys are done for the season and an additional 14 guys have missed games over the course of the season. (I at be off by one either way on these #'s but you get the gist). Injuries are a part of the game but Colby seems to have been hit unusually hard this year.  Not an excuse but it has hurt.  Couple that with stubborn, odd play calling and it makes it tough on the guys.  I agree with a post from last week that the o coordinator needs to do some things differently.  Bates was successful in the 2nd half by bringing 7 & 8 all the time. In Hamilton game they played more blocking backs but didn't employ that once Bates changed strategy at halftime.  From the stands, it seems like opponents adjust at halftime and nothing to counter that from Mules sideline.

[ContinentalsMan]

I agree with NESCAC man ...
The world sucks
The country is coming to an end
Williams is a horrible place
Hamilton is for losers
Woe is me
It must be great to live in your house!

And by the way, if you are going to use letters like you did in the Williams post, have the balls to post the name of the alumnus ... if not, don't bother us with your dribble ... 

[ContinentalsMan]

Hats off to the Hamilton seniors today ... way to hang in there and you will be better for it ... go Continentals ...

[Nescacparent]

Just saw the replay of Trinity's Spencer Donohue doing a head to head hit against Amherst's Gene Garay.  Donohue should be ejected and suspended for the remainder of the season.  The officials should be reprimanded for not immediately suspending the player who committed the illegal hit.

[P'bearfan]

Haltime in Brunswick and the P'bears and Bobcats tied 0-0

Bowdoin has out gained Bates in total offense 216 - 93 yards but one untimely turnover kept them from scoring.  Tyler Grant has already gained 132 yards.  Mac Caputi was 4-13 (30.7%) through the air for 60 yards.

Given the weather conditions which ever team can score first may lock it up.

Let's go Bowdoin!

[middhoops]

With the benefit of some great receivers, Matt Milano is slowly becoming something close to what Middlebury teams have been accustomed to in recent years.
The Panther defense has stepped up, noticeably, this year as well.

[mariner75]

Congrats Jumbos!
Tufts 28 Colby 7

[amh63]

On a windy rainy day in the Coop, Amherst beats Trinity 7-6!  I missed most of the as the feed via Trinity was off.  I did  see the first score in a defensive battle by two fine defenses.  Amherst fumbles on the 11 yard line.  Three tries later, Trinity is on  the 1, first and goal.  On 4th down, still on the one or two.  QB sweeps left for the TD.  Extra point missed.  6-0, Trinity.  The next 3 and half quarters was  back and forth.  Amherst misses a 30 something field goal in the 3rd quarter, I believe. Both teams trading TOs to stop drives.  Amherst with less than 6 minutes to go, scores a TD...20 plus pass by Lippe.
Did not see the TD except on replay...kick good....score 7-6.
With 37 seconds to go, Trinity misses a 25 yd FG....game over as Amherst takes two knee down on the 18 yard line.
Bantam..you were correct....missed extra point was the difference.
Nescacparent....you are also correct about the hit to the head.  Several replays showed it clearly..after the CATCH.  Announcers expected a call and the player ejection.  Refs made two mistakes, imo,.  Called the catch a non catch wrt to walking off the penalty...the other, calling for the ejection..rules are rules.  Hit knocked the helmet off the Amherst player.  Amherst player had to leave the game to get his helmet fixed.

[P'bearfan]

Bowdoin falls to Bates 10-7.

The second half saw a reversal in offensive production.  After a slow start in the first half, Bates finished with a total of 243 yards (150 yards in the 2nd half) while Bowdoin's offense stalled as the P'bears finished with 294 yards (just 78 yards in the second half).

Tyler Grant finished with 151 yards rushing and Mac Caputi was 8-26 (31%) through the air for 94 yards.

Hopefully the P'bears can finish out the season next weekend with a win as they travel to Colby.