FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[gridiron]

Regarding Ciero, quite the change in scenery.  From Waterville to the Bronx, from 1800 undergraduates to 8000, from NESCAC to Patriot League, from D3 to D1AA (or whatever it is now called), from playing every offensive down as the starter to sitting out one year, from All League to ?.  Will certainly be interesting to watch.  Best of luck to him.

[lumbercat]

Colby dressed 6 QBs this year and all are Freshmen or Sophs. A real bottleneck at the QB position for the Mules.

[amh63]

Just got back today.  The Amherst website has a video and pics of the game.  There will be an ESPNU coverage of Amherst, some team members and tailgate parties along with various coaches interviews on Wed.
Was checking out the video..thought I spotted some Amherst MBB players working the chains .  Did meet a number of the FY WBB players hawking game programs for 3 bucks....not clear if the money goes into their travel funds or just their work hours.  Went looking for a classmate at the WBB tent....he was reported to be grilling food.  He was the QB of the team and his grand daughter is a member of the WBB team.  Time does go by quickly!

[gridiron]

Lumbercat--although with six Colby QBs on the roster it would appear to be a logjam, I would be shocked if Harrington is not the guy the next two seasons.  I would expect some of the other QBs to find other positions if possible.

[lumbercat]

Grid-
I agree, they will find other positions or other schools. Ecke my push Gabe a bit.

[muleshoe]

Grid-
I agree, they will find other positions or other schools. Ecke my push Gabe a bit.

First, congrats to the Mules for pulling out the must needed W against Bowdoin. The seniors all played extremely well, including Conner Emmert (who had played QB as a sophomore) catching a key 3rd and long pass to set up Duncklee's game winning TD and Zach Padula who led the team in tackles after recovering from a broken collar bone in just 5 weeks! It was a great day up on Mayflower Hill.

With regards to the QB situation. It seems like Harrington is the man. Ecke was in as a kick returner on Saturday. He seems like a decent athlete, so I am sure he will find playing time in some capacity over the next few years.

Go Mules!

[gridiron]

Agree on the Colby assessment.  Hoping that the avalanche of injuries this season benefits the team next season as many players saw real-time game experience that might not have otherwise.

[jmcozenlaw]

Last Updated - November 12, 2014

Regional Rankings

EAST         
1 Delaware Valley 9-0 9-0     
2 Hobart 9-0 9-0     
3 Widener 9-0 9-0     
4 Framingham State 8-1 8-1     
5 Ithaca 7-2 7-2     
6 St. John Fisher 6-2 7-2     
7 MIT 8-0 8-0     
8 St. Lawrence 7-2 7-2     
9 Rowan 6-3 6-3     
10 Husson 6-1 7-1

[Dave19]

Get ready for a new-look league next year.  Good amount of coaching turnover.....

[nescac1]

As of now, Dave19, there is only one coaching position officially changing hands, right?  Of course that may change ...

[PolarCat]

Well, we know Bowdoin for sure - unless they eliminate the program altogether as some in Brunswick advocate.  But dropping football seems like too big of a change, with a new College President coming in next year.  (I'd actually expected Dave Caputi to stay around, at least till the new Prez could weigh in with his or her thoughts).

Is the Kelton watch finally over? 

There were rumors swirling early in the season that Civetti was grossly underpaid and might move on.  But with the remarkable turnaround the Jumbos had, I hope that's not the case.  One would certainly hope Tufts would reward him with a nice new contract.

Any other surprise changes coming?

If Caputi and Kelton leave, which coach will assume the roll of internet whipping-boy in 2015?  This could get interesting.

[Dave19]

Bowdoin of course, and Kelton is a goner....and expect one more.....

[Nescacman]

Bowdoin of course, and Kelton is a goner....and expect one more.....

Correct Dave...there will be at least 3 coaching changes...Bowdoin, Williams and at least one more (and maybe 2) one of which will take a highly coveted NESCAC assistant off the market.

Coming soon...final rankings and league MVP's.

[nescac1]

Just curious, how are folks appraised of potential coaching changes that have not occurred, or at least been announced ... it's not like this is D1 with a public rumor mill out there in the press!  Obviously, as an Eph fan I'm curious as to what will ultimately transpire there.  In addition to whatever coaching change might occur, Williams needs an infusion of talent at key positions -- a star RB or too, a play-making LB and a few big-time guys on both the OL and DL would really help, for starters.  The right 4 or 5 guys could make all the difference in the world as Williams has some talent returning at QB, WR, and the secondary, plus hopefully James Howe will return to his sophomore form at DE.  Hopefully admissions will help the way they used to help in the past, and the way they have notoriously helped at some of the Ephs' rivals ...

[Nescacman]

2014 NESCAC Awards

Congratulations to all of our 2014 NESCAC Award winners.

Offensive Player of the Year: Jesse Warren, Wesleyan

Jesse led the league in passing efficiency for the second straight year and threw 15 TD passes while only throwing 2 picks. He helped lead Wesleyan to their second straight 7-1 campaign (their best two back-to-back seasons since 1947 and 1948). He did all of this while missing his number one weapon, backfield mate and 2013 NESCAC 1st Team RB (and pre-season OPOTY) LaDarius Drew. His ability to avoid the turnover helped Wesleyan lead the NESCAC in turnover differential, which was crucial to their success in 2014.

Defensive Player of the Year: Jake Bussani, Wesleyan

Jake was the prototypical shut down corner for the Cardinals this year (and the last 4 years for that matter). Jake was a 4 year All-NESCAC 1st teamer. We are not sure if anyone has done that before, but it is extremely rare and something to be commended for. Jake led the NESCAC with 7 interceptions (and is second in the country) 2 of which were returned for TDs. He also had 5 pass break-ups. That number would have been higher had teams thrown at him more. Jake anchored the best secondary in the league (first in pass defense and pass efficiency). He is the current active NCAA leader in both interceptions (18, a Wesleyan career record) and pass break-ups (38). Jake hopes to continue his career on Sundays as a long-snapper, which he also did at Wesleyan for 4 years.

Rookie of the Year: Matt Milano, Middlebury

Matt Milano did a great job replacing All-NESCAC QB Mac Foote. Matt led the 'CAC with 24 TD touchdown passes against only 3 interceptions. He was second in passing efficiency. Unfortunately for the rest of the NESCAC, he is only a junior.

Coach of the Year: Jay Civetti, Tufts

Coach Civetti led Tufts to a 4-4 campaign after 3 straight 0-8 seasons. Tufts was 2nd in the NESCAC in passing offense and 4th in total offense. More importantly, he brought some respect back to the once proud Jumbos program. Hopefully, Coach Civetti will be rewarded with a raise and a long-term contract.

Team of the Year: Amherst Lord Jeffs

An undefeated season and a Little 3 title cinched this award for the Lord Jeffs. Amherst led the 'CAC in scoring defense and third in scoring offense. A great year all around for Amherst and Coach Mills.