FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Nescacman]

I don't think this has been mentioned but it's worth noting as I know many of us stream the games. If you have Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, or Roku devices you can now easily watch the games on your television via the "NESCAC Network" which streams all games covered by NSN Sports.

Just search 'NESCAC Network' on your device to find the channel. It works really well and is more enjoyable than watching on a computer, phone, or tablet.


Regarding the discussion on turnovers, they certainly made the Amherst-Bates game appear closer than it was. I was only able to watch the first half of the Wesleyan game but I'm curious if the three second half turnovers by Midd made the score appear worse than reality.

So I can use Roku to watch these games, rather than my computer? Does that mean I can DVR them, as well? That would be ideal.

Correct and that is how we watched the games that are correspondents were not personally at...

[Nescacman]

NESCAC stats were correct on Sunday when they posted the players of the week and game summaries, however, something went wrong on Monday. The Trinity rushing and total offense stats were corrected late yesterday with other teams corrected today.

However, Team box scores and NESCAC site box scores I believe were still correct, right NBFAN?

[Nescacman]

Yamin has to be up there in contention for best Nescac defender of this century so far, right?  Walter Fallas probably has the honor right now.   Scott Farley, Kevin Ferber, and Steven Cella also come to mind ....

Plenty of others come to mind including current WES LB and DPOTY candidate (and last years NECSCAC tackles leader) Brandon Morris, Upton, Forrey and Bussani. I could probably give you 5 or 6 more worthy candidates...Keep in mind that Yamin's stats were padded last year because Wes decided that he was not worthy of being blocked during their tilt at Amhurst (that's a joke btw since everyone seems to be really sensitive these days)...

[amh63]

For what it's worth....Amherst has a Amherst vs Hamilton game preview on it's athletic website.  Pretty bland.  Does have the replacement for the injured DL B. Fox injured early in the Bates game.  Also Yamin is now a DE...vs DL in last week's preview.  Seems to me that Amherst's new SID is still adjusting to his tasks.  Mistakes, etc.  I.e.   story on a FY player  and the FY is not on the roster.

[Nescacman]

For what it's worth....Amherst has a Amherst vs Hamilton game preview on it's athletic website.  Pretty bland.  Does have the replacement for the injured DL B. Fox injured early in the Bates game.  Also Yamin is now a DE...vs DL in last week's preview.  Seems to me that Amherst's new SID is still adjusting to his tasks.  Mistakes, etc.  I.e.   story on a FY player  and the FY is not on the roster.

In the spirit of clarity (not meanness) Yamin plays "buck" LB in the LM defensive scheme...As it has been explained to us by the Amhurst coaching staff it is a hybrid position...at times he plays as a DE and at times an OLB, typically rushing the passer on passing downs, although he does at times drop back into coverage....in our mind, think of a NESCAC version of #56 himself for the G-Men, LT (IOO the greatest defender in NFL history) but we digress...

[NESCACFBFAN]

NESCAC stats were correct on Sunday when they posted the players of the week and game summaries, however, something went wrong on Monday. The Trinity rushing and total offense stats were corrected late yesterday with other teams corrected today.

However, Team box scores and NESCAC site box scores I believe were still correct, right NBFAN?

No, the box scores were not correct, they have since been corrected. 

[PolarCat]

I don't think this has been mentioned but it's worth noting as I know many of us stream the games. If you have Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, or Roku devices you can now easily watch the games on your television via the "NESCAC Network" which streams all games covered by NSN Sports.

This is huge.  Thank you.  Not sure why NESCAC hired a vendor (NSN) that still relies on Flash.  The latest versions of Chrome and IE don't support Flash due to its significant security vulnerabilities.  I spent most of the first half listening to the game on my phone, while Googling furiously to figure out how to get the webcast.  Crazy in this day and age.

[Trin9-0]

So I can use Roku to watch these games, rather than my computer? Does that mean I can DVR them, as well? That would be ideal.

Correct. And I'm pretty sure you won't even need your DVR (if it's anything like the website) since the games are available on Demand after they've been completed.

Yamin has to be up there in contention for best Nescac defender of this century so far, right?  Walter Fallas probably has the honor right now.   Scott Farley, Kevin Ferber, and Steven Cella also come to mind ....

A great discussion topic. I'd put Mike Blair on that list as well.

[NBC93]

Amh63,
I saw the preview but where did you see the story on the FY?

[nescac1]

Oh yeah, Blair was nasty.

I think to be in the conversion you have to at least have a DPOY and/or two first-team selections on your resume (ideally both).  I think Fallas was the only recent two-time DPOY ... at least so far.

[Trin9-0]

Oh yeah, Blair was nasty.

I think to be in the conversion you have to at least have a DPOY and/or two first-team selections on your resume (ideally both).  I think Fallas was the only recent two-time DPOY ... at least so far.

Fallas was a beast. I seem to recall Devanney actually saying he's the best player he'd ever coached. High praise.

[Nescacman]

2018 Week #2 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome to Week 2 in the NESCAC...in "the league where they pay to play". Picks early this week to give the board plenty of time to take pot shots at us...haha. Off to a good start in 2018, we were 5-0 in week 1 (with most of our scores directionally correct) and are 164-46 in our 5-year career picking NESCAC games (.781 winning pct.). Another ho-hum slate of games with at least 4 blow-outs this week. Sorry, we don't make the schedule...

University of Bates (Lewiston Campus) at Hartford State: Seems like it has been a long time since UBates beat HS so we did a little bit of research. Guess what, HS hasn't lost to UBates since 1979 (22 wins in a row) and at home since 1964. Despite UBates coming in with an improved D and a new coaching staff led by HCOF Hall, the streak is not getting broken this year. "How HS Wins": Show up....the rest will take care of itself. Expect to see a heavy dose of Chipouras as he goes over 100 yards for the second straight week. We think UBates will be hard pressed to score against the tough HS defense. "How Bates Wins": UBates D plays out of their mind, stops the run, forces HS into a catch-up, pass first O and then has a bunch of sacks and turnovers v first year QB Vazzano. Offense goes back to basics and controls the ball with a balanced version of the air raid. QB Costa plays out of his mind. Unfortunately, the game this Saturday is not a science fiction movie... 

Hartford State 28 Bates 0
Weather: Not a factor.

Colby College at TTUN: TTUN 2018 home opener. Should be a big, excited crowded for the reenergized Eph faithful. After being demoralized for the past several years, the program is once again moving in the right direction under the leadership of HCOF Raymond, the reigning 'CAC Coach of the Year. Amazing that TTUN only has 9 seniors and 14 juniors on the roster...nice recruiting job by Raymond the past several years restocking/restoring the roster. "How TTUN Wins": Expect a similar game plan that they used last at Bowdoin. Run first led by Dozier and Maimaron off of the RPO and mix in some timely passes to WR Stola. Control the clock. "How Colby Wins": Stop Maimaron and Dozier, force them to pass and try to get a bunch of turnovers. Get Schwern 35-40 touches on O and control the clock. Keep O'Brien out of obvious passing situations. Last time these two teams played in Willytown, Colby won 9-7. Not going to happen this year.

TTUN 28 Colby 7
Weather: Not a factor.

Bowdoin College at Middlebury College: Middlebury will try to rebound after a demoralizing loss last week at Wesleyan. A dose of Bowdoin is just what the doctor ordered for Middlebury. The last 6 times these Teams have played each other, MID has scored over 40 points in 5 of those games and won all 6. They'll need to do a better job of protecting their QB and giving him time to find his stellar group of receivers to repeat that this year. Although Lebo was not the most mobile of QBs, he looks like Cam Newton compared to 2018 signal caller Meservy. Some interesting tidbits on HCOF Ritter...he is now the second most successful HCOF in MID program history (in terms of winning %....642) and in 17 years he has only had 1 losing season (3-5 in 2005). "How MID Wins": Give Meservy a lot more time than they gave him last Saturday against Wes so that he can get the ball down the field. Establish at least the semblance of a running game to keep Bowdoin honest. Defensively, the front seven needs to play a lot better this week. A pass rush would help. "How Bowdoin Wins": Their QBs and O line will have to play a lot better to enable them to generate some offense to keep the defense off the field. Tall order for the Polars playing against an angry Panther squad. We think Middlebury gets the O going and takes out some of their frustrations from Week 1 on the visiting Polar Bears (and they top the 40-point mark again).

Middlebury 41 Bowdoin 10
Weather: Not a factor.

Hamilton College at Amhurst College: Amhurst will try to continue their great start on D and play a mistake free game on O. With their defense, they do not need to score a ton of points to win games. Amhurst basically doesn't lose to the CONTS. They have only played 15 times historically but the LMs have won 14 of those games. Not to ruin the suspense but they won't lose this year either. "How Hamilton Wins": QB Gray and WRs Schmidt and Buddington connect early and often. They run the ball just well enough to keep the LMs defense honest. On defense, they stop Hickey and force Eberth to try and win the game through the air. Hamilton wins by making the game a shoot-out and somehow outscores the LMs. Unfortunately, not likely. "How Amhurst Wins": Defense plays their typical game, Yamin pressures Gray, they force 3 or 4 turnovers and get a bunch of sacks. The offense runs early and often with Hickey having a huge day. We pick Amhurst to get their offense going and win their home opener on a beautiful early fall day.

Amhurst 31 Hamilton 7 
Weather: Not a factor.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Wesleyan University at Tufts University (6 PM start): In what is becoming a tradition, the Jumbo's host the Cards under the lights in Medford. Last two games between these two teams have been close with last year's game won by Wes after a furious comeback by Piccirillo and the Cards. Trailing by 14 points with 8 minutes to play, they tied the score with 6 seconds left in the game. Wes then went on to win in OT. Wes looked very strong in all phases of the game last week against MID. They had it clicking on offense, defense and special teams. Meanwhile, the Jumbo's are coming off a very strong defensive game and their running attack looked very good last week led by QB McDonald (who tied the Tufts all-time record of 4 rushing TDs in a game) and RBs Pedrini and Borelli. Interesting Tufts tidbit: HCOF Civetti is 22-11 over the last 4 years since his 0-24 start at Tufts...maybe there is some hope for HCOFs Wells and Murray..."How Wesleyan Wins": Basically, repeat what you did in week one. Attempt to mimic last week's balanced attack on offense. On defense, the front 7 leads the way and forces McDonald into a pass first attack, which is not their game. Wes won the battle upfront last week not allowing a single sack and will try to do the same against a Tufts team that had six sacks last week. "How Tufts Wins": Control the clock on offense and pound the rock. McDonald and the RBs have a big day on the ground. On defense, stop the Wes running attack, pressure Piccirillo and force him to turn the ball over. We think Wes solidifies its place as one of the premier Teams in the NESCAC in 2018. Tufts keeps it close for a while but the Wes D wears down Tufts and makes some big plays in the second half.

Wesleyan 35 Tufts 14
Weather: Not a factor.

NESCACMAN's Picks
2018 Season: 5-0
2017 Season: 35-10
2016 Season: 32-8
2015 Season: 30-10
2014 Season: 30-10
2013 Season: 32-8
Career: 164-46 (.781 winning percentage)
***All games 1 PM start unless noted.

[amh63]

NBC93....sorry about my last post.  The SID comment dealt with a women Tennis story.  A FY tennis player scores big and the  roster does not list her or the other FY player.
Sorry about interrupting Nescacman's fine post.
My latest IPad was acting up and had to go to a local Apple store for assistance....and the latest OS update afterwards caused me more confusion with new features.  Oh well...it has not been a good day. 
Maybe Nescacman's post will perk me up .

[lumbercat]

Schedule change- Bates-Bowdoin under the lights in Bruswick Nov 3rd.
A great matchup at iconic Whittier Field.

Its been awhile since we rated the NESCAC stadiums.

1. Williams- great new design and no track so fans are right on top of the action. They trumped the Jeffs big time with their stadium.

2. Bowdoin- wish they eliminated the track but you can't beat that covered Grandstand even though the Black and White inconceivably vacated it.

3. Wesleyan- classic old NFL type design with the gridiron running across the baseball outfield but the best feature is the location of the field on campus.

4. Bates- nowhere in the NESCAC are the fans closer to the action sitting in the stands or choosing a place to stand- no track so you are up close- located in the center of campus.

5. Amherst- Nice new facility but why didn't the wealthy Jeffs move the damn Track.

6. Trinity- the biggest with a great scoreboard but fans too far away- also don't get the old press box on the visitors side. Bants insiders envious of RPI stadium- best D3 venue in the country. They should have that setup in Hartford.

7. Tufts- another cookie cutter setup--the track and fencing keep spectators too far back.

8. Middlebury- I don't care about mountain views when watching a Football game. Put some stands for the visitors on the away side.

9. Colby- Nowhere in the NCAA are the spectators further from the field. The game is a rumor from those seats especially if it's overcast. Bring binoculars.

*** Can't comment on Hamilton- the only venue I have not visited in 25+ years.....way out there in western Siberia....I will get back there one of these years.

[Nescacman]

Schedule change- Bates-Bowdoin under the lights in Bruswick Nov 3rd.
A great matchup at iconic Whittier Field.

Its been awhile since we rated the NESCAC stadiums.

1. Williams- great new design and no track so fans are right on top of the action. They trumped the Jeffs big time with their stadium.

2. Bowdoin- wish they eliminated the track but you can't beat that covered Grandstand even though the Black and White inconceivably vacated it.

3. Wesleyan- classic old NFL type design with the gridiron running across the baseball outfield but the best feature is the location of the field on campus.

4. Bates- nowhere in the NESCAC are the fans closer to the action sitting in the stands or choosing a place to stand- no track so you are up close- located in the center of campus.

5. Amherst- Nice new facility but why didn't the wealthy Jeffs move the damn Track.

6. Trinity- the biggest with a great scoreboard but fans too far away- also don't get the old press box on the visitors side. Bants insiders envious of RPI stadium- best D3 venue in the country. They should have that setup in Hartford.

7. Tufts- another cookie cutter setup--the track and fencing keep spectators too far back.

8. Middlebury- I don't care about mountain views when watching a Football game. Put some stands for the visitors on the away side.

9. Colby- Nowhere in the NCAA are the spectators further from the field. The game is a rumor from those seats especially if it's overcast. Bring binoculars.

*** Can't comment on Hamilton- the only venue I have not visited in 25+ years.....way out there in western Siberia....I will get back there one of these years.

Lumber, can we help you with Steuben Field at HAM? If it isn't the worst place to watch a game in the NESCAC then it is certainly right at the bottom with Colby and MID. First off, the tailgate experience is not good. Hard enough to find, the tailagate area is muddy and bleak, especially for visiting fans. Want to watch the game? Guess what, you get to watch the game as a visiting fan commingled with the home fans. It's actually worse than MID since the stands are less than half the size which means you are crammed in with the HAM faithful. The only bright spot is if it is later in the season, since HAM is generally not doing well by then, there is generally of room for the visiting fans. To make matters worse, the visiting team's bench is on the same side of the field as the home stands which does make for some unpleasant moments at times if the HAM undergrads happen to be over served that particular day. HAM could easily improve the experience with some better signage to find the tailgate area, building some visiting stands on the other side of the field and moving the visiting team to the other sideline. A few positives....the turf field is a great playing surface and you are close enough to the Turning Stone Casino to make a nice weekend out watching a game there. Our two cents...