FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Vandy74]

NESCACMAN 2018 NESCAC Weekly Power Rankings-Week #2

6. Middlebury (1-1; LW:4): We have no idea what is going on with the MID defense....this team had 7 starters back on D and Doug Mandigo still the D coordinator, yet they gave up 50 to Wes and 24 to a challenged Bowdoin squad...gave up 495 yards of offense including 289 on the ground to Bowdoin...actually was untypically balanced on O (540 yds of total O; 196 passing and 344 rushing)...QB Meservy threw 2 TDs but also had 3 more INTs that kept Bowdoin in the game...BOW actually led 24-23 with a minute left in the 3rd...All-NESCAC performers Banky and Cosolito were again held in check...TE Cosolito playing injured after significant knee injury during last hockey season (that's another thing we love about the 'CAC...two sport athletes, in this case football/hockey)...he is definitely not the same player that was 1st team all NESCAC last year...Big days for Bowdoin RB and Co-NESCAC O POTW Nate Richam (288 yards rushing, 2 TDs) and MID RB Peter Scibella (184 and 1 TD)...may be time for the Pants to give back-up QB Jernigan a shot...Meservy has thrown 6 INTs in two games...if D gives up anything next week against Colby, you know there is a major problem...next up: at Colby. 


Nescacmen, 

A few comments.  Those four Middlebury defensive starters that didn't return accounted for 220 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 11 passes broken up, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick last season, but you're right, they shouldn't be missed.  Also in street clothes on Saturday was DB Bobby Ritter who had 37 tackles, 4 pass breakups, a forced fumble, an interception he ran back for 31 yards and he costarred on a sack.  I don't make a big deal out of opening game results.  It seems that you do.  We respectfully agree to disagree, and you may well be right that this is a down year for the Panther defense but if so, it's understandable, not a huge surprise, and hopefully Ritter's absence won't be an extended one.  He's a senior.

Bowdoin isn't going to win many games this year but they've turned an important corner.  They believe they can win.  All of them, not just Nate Richam.  It was obvious from the opening kickoff and they maintained that enthusiasm throughout the game.  Richam needs at least a decoy in the backfield with him and Bowdoin needs to decide who their QB will be but Polar Bear fans have a team that should improve as the season wears on and be fun to watch.  Btw, if Meservy's three interceptions were what kept Bowdoin in the game why weren't McCrum's three interceptions what kept Middlebury in it as well?   Don't forget that each team also coughed it up once. 

If Wesleyan and Bowdoin had been Meservy's first games as the starting QB I'd be concerned but I'm not.  In the three and a half games he started last season after Lebowitz went down he had only three interceptions on over 160 pass attempts.  Whatever is wrong can be fixed.  He doesn't have to prove he can win in the NESCAC.  He's already done that.  If Jernigan is expected to step right in and replace him the Panther coaching staff has a funny way of preparing him to do it.  He was never used against Bowdoin when passing was the number one option.  He threw the ball five times with only one completion but he also had runs from scrimmage of nine, eleven and sixteen yards as well as a thirteen yarder nullified by penalty.  He's a valuable team member but if he's being prepared to lead a pass oriented offense this season there are practice sessions going on somewhere that conference rules prohibit.

That's what I believe nescacmen.  Either one of us is right or some of us are.  I've been wrong before.  I don't have CF's and your unimpeachable sources backing me up.  Bring on those Mules.

[Nescacman]

NESCACMAN 2018 NESCAC Weekly Power Rankings-Week #2

6. Middlebury (1-1; LW:4): We have no idea what is going on with the MID defense....this team had 7 starters back on D and Doug Mandigo still the D coordinator, yet they gave up 50 to Wes and 24 to a challenged Bowdoin squad...gave up 495 yards of offense including 289 on the ground to Bowdoin...actually was untypically balanced on O (540 yds of total O; 196 passing and 344 rushing)...QB Meservy threw 2 TDs but also had 3 more INTs that kept Bowdoin in the game...BOW actually led 24-23 with a minute left in the 3rd...All-NESCAC performers Banky and Cosolito were again held in check...TE Cosolito playing injured after significant knee injury during last hockey season (that's another thing we love about the 'CAC...two sport athletes, in this case football/hockey)...he is definitely not the same player that was 1st team all NESCAC last year...Big days for Bowdoin RB and Co-NESCAC O POTW Nate Richam (288 yards rushing, 2 TDs) and MID RB Peter Scibella (184 and 1 TD)...may be time for the Pants to give back-up QB Jernigan a shot...Meservy has thrown 6 INTs in two games...if D gives up anything next week against Colby, you know there is a major problem...next up: at Colby. 


Nescacmen, 

A few comments.  Those four Middlebury defensive starters that didn't return accounted for 220 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 11 passes broken up, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick last season, but you're right, they shouldn't be missed.  Also in street clothes on Saturday was DB Bobby Ritter who had 37 tackles, 4 pass breakups, a forced fumble, an interception he ran back for 31 yards and he costarred on a sack.  I don't make a big deal out of opening game results.  It seems that you do.  We respectfully agree to disagree, and you may well be right that this is a down year for the Panther defense but if so, it's understandable, not a huge surprise, and hopefully Ritter's absence won't be an extended one.  He's a senior.

Bowdoin isn't going to win many games this year but they've turned an important corner.  They believe they can win.  All of them, not just Nate Richam.  It was obvious from the opening kickoff and they maintained that enthusiasm throughout the game.  Richam needs at least a decoy in the backfield with him and Bowdoin needs to decide who their QB will be but Polar Bear fans have a team that should improve as the season wears on and be fun to watch.  Btw, if Meservy's three interceptions were what kept Bowdoin in the game why weren't McCrum's three interceptions what kept Middlebury in it as well?   Don't forget that each team also coughed it up once. 

If Wesleyan and Bowdoin had been Meservy's first games as the starting QB I'd be concerned but I'm not.  In the three and a half games he started last season after Lebowitz went down he had only three interceptions on over 160 pass attempts.  Whatever is wrong can be fixed.  He doesn't have to prove he can win in the NESCAC.  He's already done that.  If Jernigan is expected to step right in and replace him the Panther coaching staff has a funny way of preparing him to do it.  He was never used against Bowdoin when passing was the number one option.  He threw the ball five times with only one completion but he also had runs from scrimmage of nine, eleven and sixteen yards as well as a thirteen yarder nullified by penalty.  He's a valuable team member but if he's being prepared to lead a pass oriented offense this season there are practice sessions going on somewhere that conference rules prohibit.

That's what I believe nescacmen.  Either one of us is right or some of us are.  I've been wrong before.  I don't have CF's and your unimpeachable sources backing me up.  Bring on those Mules.

The facts speak for themselves re:MID...at this time last year, MID was sitting 2-0, had beaten a good Wesleyan team at home (holding them to under 20 yards rushing we might add), crushed Bowdoin on the road taking a 41 point lead before giving up 2 garbage TDs in the 4th quarter (and more or less held Richam in check)...that team would go on to a 4 in row before losing a tough one to the Ephs as Stola scored as time expired (I am sure Nescac1 or Frank can speak more on that game...haha) and would only lose one other time in 2017 to Hartford State....

As far as injuries and graduations are concerned....all Teams have injuries and graduate players, for example HAM lost their best defensive player (not even arguably, Jacobs is/was by far their best defensive player) and HS graduated their leader and QB Puzzo....signs of good teams/programs are how they deal with that...for HAM, losing Jacobs spelled disaster...for HS, they filled the spot (and maybe even upgraded) with new starter Vazzano...IOO, using injuries and graduations as a reason for losing games are an excuse...look at the Pats in the BB era....#nextmanup!!!   

[nescac1]

I'm on team Nate Richam is legit.  He is enormously productive despite an offensive line that was young even before it lost a key guy unexpectedly, and he is the focus of every single defense.  Ranking NESCAC tbs right now I would say Chipouras, Richam, Hickey, Dozier, Schwern.  Those are the all-league caliber backs.  I'm not sure who is next (maybe the Trinity back-up) but it seems like there is a significant drop-off after that group. 

[NBC93]

I'm on team Nate Richam is legit.  He is enormously productive despite an offensive line that was young even before it lost a key guy unexpectedly, and he is the focus of every single defense.  Ranking NESCAC tbs right now I would say Chipouras, Richam, Hickey, Dozier, Schwern.  Those are the all-league caliber backs.  I'm not sure who is next (maybe the Trinity back-up) but it seems like there is a significant drop-off after that group.

ok. let me preface by saying that I think Richam is a quality back. BUT, after watching the game where he racked up 288 against MID, his O-Line did a tremendous job of opening holes and keeping him clean for 5 to 7 yards before he even encountered a defender. like i said earlier, MID's LBs were either caught up in the wash many times, or simply took bad angles thru traffic. They simply were not available to make a stop. Credit there goes to O line for not allowing the D Line the ability to fill gaps or create space for LBs.

Richam has top end speed as seen on his 75 yard trot. but on that particular run he was untouched through a gaping hole and was allowed to gain speed.

From my observation, I'm not sure that Richam accelerates quickly from 0-10 yards. He looked average trying to get the edge and when there were defenders in his face at or near the LOS he didn't make many miss due to his quickness. BUT, he is a strong runner that can push through an arm tackle behind the line.

Time will tell if Richam is an elite back especially if he can do it with little help from the O-Line. Last Saturday Nate racked up numbers, but I was impressed with his line play, whether they are young or not, they did a fantastic job against MID. Let's see what they can do against one of the top Defenses in the CAC and against a guy like Yamin.

Also, let me restate this: I'm not taking anything away from Richam, I just need more data before I crown him as an elite TB.
Looking forward to this part of the chess match against Amherst tomorrow.

[Nescacman]

I'm on team Nate Richam is legit.  He is enormously productive despite an offensive line that was young even before it lost a key guy unexpectedly, and he is the focus of every single defense.  Ranking NESCAC tbs right now I would say Chipouras, Richam, Hickey, Dozier, Schwern.  Those are the all-league caliber backs.  I'm not sure who is next (maybe the Trinity back-up) but it seems like there is a significant drop-off after that group.

ok. let me preface by saying that I think Richam is a quality back. BUT, after watching the game where he racked up 288 against MID, his O-Line did a tremendous job of opening holes and keeping him clean for 5 to 7 yards before he even encountered a defender. like i said earlier, MID's LBs were either caught up in the wash many times, or simply took bad angles thru traffic. They simply were not available to make a stop. Credit there goes to O line for not allowing the D Line the ability to fill gaps or create space for LBs.

Richam has top end speed as seen on his 75 yard trot. but on that particular run he was untouched through a gaping hole and was allowed to gain speed.

From my observation, I'm not sure that Richam accelerates quickly from 0-10 yards. He looked average trying to get the edge and when there were defenders in his face at or near the LOS he didn't make many miss due to his quickness. BUT, he is a strong runner that can push through an arm tackle behind the line.

Time will tell if Richam is an elite back especially if he can do it with little help from the O-Line. Last Saturday Nate racked up numbers, but I was impressed with his line play, whether they are young or not, they did a fantastic job against MID. Let's see what they can do against one of the top Defenses in the CAC and against a guy like Yamin.

Also, let me restate this: I'm not taking anything away from Richam, I just need more data before I crown him as an elite TB.
Looking forward to this part of the chess match against Amherst tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the test for Richam...as a point of reference, last year he was mediocre (56 yards on 9 carries) and in 2016 he performed poorly (16 for 19) vs. the LMs...we are from Missouri...Hs8-0 would rack up 100 yards on MID this year...

[Nescacman]

I'm on team Nate Richam is legit.  He is enormously productive despite an offensive line that was young even before it lost a key guy unexpectedly, and he is the focus of every single defense.  Ranking NESCAC tbs right now I would say Chipouras, Richam, Hickey, Dozier, Schwern.  Those are the all-league caliber backs.  I'm not sure who is next (maybe the Trinity back-up) but it seems like there is a significant drop-off after that group.

We agree with you....not sure we agree with the order but those are the names right now...also, if you threw in the PRIMARY runner on each team (for example, McDonald @ Tufts and Pic @ Wes) does that change the rankings??? For the record, Chipouras is far and away our consensus #1 since he has a). Been very productive over a long period of time (6 years plus  ) and b). Has produced vs. good and bad opponnents in big games and pushover games...

[lumbercat]

Last thing on Richam- for the record was injured most of last year.

[nescac1]

Yeah, Nescacman, only speaking of TBs.  NESCAC is certainly blessed this year with an abundence of elite runner at the QB spot as well.  WR seems however to be a position of relative weakness.  Other than Trinity and maybe Midd no team seems to feature an especially intimidating group of receivers. 

[Nescacman]

Yeah, Nescacman, only speaking of TBs.  NESCAC is certainly blessed this year with an abundence of elite runner at the QB spot as well.  WR seems however to be a position of relative weakness.  Other than Trinity and maybe Midd no team seems to feature an especially intimidating group of receivers.

Generally, we agree with you...we think there are a few others (and we know you said groups) here and there such as Stola, Schmidt, Highsmith et al...however, at the risk of a few "-k's", we don't think it is just a receiver issue but also a QB issue...there are only a handful of decent QB's in the league right now that can actually throw a catchable ball down the field with any consistency...not to pick on anyone, but Colby might have a decent receiver but how would you know that with (former) starter O'Brien at QB?

[Nescacman]

2018 Week #3 NESCACMAN Preview

Welcome to Week #3 in the NESCAC...in "the league where they pay to play". Off to a good start, we were 4-1 in week 2 (with several of our scores right on), we are 9-1 on the season, and are 168-47 in our 5-year career picking NESCAC games (.781 winning pct.). Another ho-hum slate of games with at least 4 blow-outs ;last week...this week, the highlight is TTUN hosting Hartford Stater in the NESCAC game of the week...

University of Bates (Lewiston Campus) at Tufts: Tufts is riding a 4 game win streak against UBates coming into this game...Should be a defensive battle...Despite what happened last week against HS, we still think UBates defense is the strength of this team and is decent....the problem is they are spending way too much time on the field (9th in the 'CAC in time of possession)...the UBates O is dead last in the NESCAC averaging 126 yards/game, last in passing (maybe it should be the "Airless" Raid offense), last in 1st downs, and 8th in points scored...with that being said, their first 2 games were against tough defenses in HS and Amhurst ...UBates O puts way too much pressure on the D...Tufts O has not exactly been lighting it up (7th in the NESCAC in total O, 7th in first downs and 6th in scoring) but the D is playing very well (1st in points allowed per game and 3rd in YPG)...Tufts has been particularly good against the run allowing only 67 YPG..."How UBates Wins": The 'Cats need to get Costa and the offense going to keep the defense off the field...a better rested defense limits McDonald and the Tufts O and keeps the game low scoring and close..."How Tufts Wins": Tufts defense shuts down the UBates O by limiting Costa...the Tufts offense gets the ground game rolling stringing together some long drives and continuing to convert in the red zone. We think Tufts sill lose a few games but is just too much for still learning UB offense.

Tufts 24 UBates 7
Weather: Not a factor.

Middlebury College at Colby College: Middlebury is very fortunate to come into this game 1-1 eking out a win against Bowdoin in week #2 with 2 fourth quarter TDs...MID offense is 3rd in the NESCAC but defense is 7th...the one positive is the MID offense has been a lot more balanced in 2018...problem for MID has been way too many turnovers (6 INTs, 2 fumbles) and not getting to the opposing QB (1 sack in 2 games)...Colby comes in 0-2....they are last in the NESCAC in points scored, 8th in yards, 9th in passing, and are yet to score a TD through the air...Jake Schwern has been their lone bright spot on O, is 5th in the NESCAC in rushing and has scored both of Colby's TDs on the season... looks like Colby has turned the page on O'Brien at QB and FY Matt Hersch will be under center going forward..."How MID Wins": Avoid turnovers, regardless of whether Meservy or Jernigan is under center....continue to mix the run in with the pass with Scibella and Jacobs leading the way...Defensively, shut down Schwern and force the Mules to pass...get a pass rush going..."How Colby Wins": Schwern right, Schwern up the middle, Schwern all day....control the clock...defense gets a turnover or 2 (they have none thus far in 2018)...stop the run and force whomever is at QB for MID to pass first. We think Middlebury limits the turnovers, controls the clock, limits Schwern and forces Colby to pass, which they do not want to do.

Middlebury 31 Colby 14
Weather: Not a factor.

Amhurst College at Bowdoin College: The LMs have beaten Bowdoin 60 times in 70 meetings and have won the last 12... LM has scored 30 or more points the last 4 times they have played...Amhurst is 4th in scoring and total O...defensively, they are 2nd in the 'CAC in total D and 4th in scoring D...O has definitely been skewed to the run with Jack Hickey (4th in the NESCAC) leading the way...Amhurst will try to continue their ways on D and pound the rock on O...With their defense, they do not need to score a ton of points to win games....another opponent that Amhurst doesn't lose to...Bowdoin has run the ball well led by Nate Richam who last week broke the all-time Bowdoin single game rushing record...Bowdoin is 5th in the 'CAC in total O but last in Total D and points allowed...BOW QB play needs to improve... "How Bowdoin Wins": They need another big day from Richam...QB McCrum stretches the Amhurst D and the Bowdoin defense shows up... "How Amhurst Wins": Defense plays their typical game, shuts down the PB running attack and forces McCrum to win the game using his arm....Yamin & Co. force a few INTs...The offense runs early and often with Hickey again having a huge day. We don't think the Bowdoin D can stop the LM offense and Amhurst controls the clock to keep Richam on the sidelines.

Amhurst 35 Bowdoin 14
Weather: Not a factor.

Hamilton College at Wesleyan University: Wes will look to bounce back at home against winless Hamilton....On paper, this does not look to be a good match-up for the Conts...Wes is 2nd in the 'CAC in rushing D (and in the Top 10 nationally) and Hamilton has rushed for 7 yds total for the season, is last in the 'CAC and last nationally in that category. The fact that they are ONLY 9th in Total O is a testament to QB Gray. Despite his best efforts (and those of his two very good receivers, Schmidt and Buddington), HAM's O has been stymied not only by the lack of a running game but by 4 INTs, 1 fumble, and 6 sacks...The HAM D has struggled without their best player, Jacobs....they are near the bottom of the league in rushing D and we believe their high ranking near the top of the league in Passing D is due more to teams not having to pass against them...Meanwhile, Wes is in the middle of the pack in Team O, but is 1st in time of possession and has done a good job protecting the ball, protecting the QB and reducing their penalties. "How Wesleyan Wins": On offense, continue to play ball control and keep their defense fresh...HAM will not be able to run the ball so they will need to pressure Gray to prevent him from having time to find his talented duo of receivers...Schmidt and Buddington..."How HAM Wins": It will be tough for this Team to run on Wes but they need to have some semblance of a running game to prevent the Wes front 7 from just teeing off on Gray....if they can protect Gray and if Gray can find his WRs, they can score...On defense, HAM needs to stop the Wes running attack, and force short drives so they can get the Wes defense back on the field. We think Wes has way too much talent and gets back themselves back into the discussion with a solid W at home.

Wesleyan 42 Hamilton 14
Weather: Not a factor.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Hartford State at TTUN: First meaningful game in Willytown since 2010 (ok, calm down all of you Little 3 guys and gals)....TTUN hasn't beaten HS since the undefeated 2010 season...HS is the only NESCAC school with a winning record against the Ephs...both teams play good defense and good offense...HS is #1 and TTUN is #2 in Total O and HS is #1 and TTUN #4 in Total D...HS generates O almost evenly through the air and on the ground....TTUN is the leading running team in the 'CAC...Williams is 12 for 12 in the red zone...HS is the most penalized team in the league...game features the number one QB in the league (HS Vazzano) against the #2 rusher (Dozier)...TTUN QB Maimaron leads the 'CAC in scoring with 6 TDs through 2 weeks. "How TTUN Wins": Run first attack led by Dozier and Maimaron off of the RPO and mix in some timely passes to WR Stola. Control the clock. Keep this a low scoring game. Keep the HS offense off the field. "How HS Wins": Exploit the young TTUN starters, especially the secondary.... Watch out for Vazzano to the #1 WR in the 'CAC, Girard.... mix in a lot of Chipouras off tackle...defense stops Maimaron and Dozier running the ball and forces them to try and win through the air. We think this game will be hard fought and close for a while with TTUN still a year away from really having a chance at a win...HS just has too much firepower for the young Ephs to handle...

Hartford State 24 TTUN 14
Weather: Not a factor.

NESCACMAN's Picks
2018 Season: 9-1
2017 Season: 35-10
2016 Season: 32-8
2015 Season: 30-10
2014 Season: 30-10
2013 Season: 32-8
Career: 168-47 (.781 winning percentage)

[Vandy74]

NESCACMAN 2018 NESCAC Weekly Power Rankings-Week #2

6. Middlebury (1-1; LW:4): We have no idea what is going on with the MID defense....this team had 7 starters back on D and Doug Mandigo still the D coordinator, yet they gave up 50 to Wes and 24 to a challenged Bowdoin squad...gave up 495 yards of offense including 289 on the ground to Bowdoin...actually was untypically balanced on O (540 yds of total O; 196 passing and 344 rushing)...QB Meservy threw 2 TDs but also had 3 more INTs that kept Bowdoin in the game...BOW actually led 24-23 with a minute left in the 3rd...All-NESCAC performers Banky and Cosolito were again held in check...TE Cosolito playing injured after significant knee injury during last hockey season (that's another thing we love about the 'CAC...two sport athletes, in this case football/hockey)...he is definitely not the same player that was 1st team all NESCAC last year...Big days for Bowdoin RB and Co-NESCAC O POTW Nate Richam (288 yards rushing, 2 TDs) and MID RB Peter Scibella (184 and 1 TD)...may be time for the Pants to give back-up QB Jernigan a shot...Meservy has thrown 6 INTs in two games...if D gives up anything next week against Colby, you know there is a major problem...next up: at Colby. 


Nescacmen, 

A few comments.  Those four Middlebury defensive starters that didn't return accounted for 220 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 11 passes broken up, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick last season, but you're right, they shouldn't be missed.  Also in street clothes on Saturday was DB Bobby Ritter who had 37 tackles, 4 pass breakups, a forced fumble, an interception he ran back for 31 yards and he costarred on a sack.  I don't make a big deal out of opening game results.  It seems that you do.  We respectfully agree to disagree, and you may well be right that this is a down year for the Panther defense but if so, it's understandable, not a huge surprise, and hopefully Ritter's absence won't be an extended one.  He's a senior.

Bowdoin isn't going to win many games this year but they've turned an important corner.  They believe they can win.  All of them, not just Nate Richam.  It was obvious from the opening kickoff and they maintained that enthusiasm throughout the game.  Richam needs at least a decoy in the backfield with him and Bowdoin needs to decide who their QB will be but Polar Bear fans have a team that should improve as the season wears on and be fun to watch.  Btw, if Meservy's three interceptions were what kept Bowdoin in the game why weren't McCrum's three interceptions what kept Middlebury in it as well?   Don't forget that each team also coughed it up once. 

If Wesleyan and Bowdoin had been Meservy's first games as the starting QB I'd be concerned but I'm not.  In the three and a half games he started last season after Lebowitz went down he had only three interceptions on over 160 pass attempts.  Whatever is wrong can be fixed.  He doesn't have to prove he can win in the NESCAC.  He's already done that.  If Jernigan is expected to step right in and replace him the Panther coaching staff has a funny way of preparing him to do it.  He was never used against Bowdoin when passing was the number one option.  He threw the ball five times with only one completion but he also had runs from scrimmage of nine, eleven and sixteen yards as well as a thirteen yarder nullified by penalty.  He's a valuable team member but if he's being prepared to lead a pass oriented offense this season there are practice sessions going on somewhere that conference rules prohibit.

That's what I believe nescacmen.  Either one of us is right or some of us are.  I've been wrong before.  I don't have CF's and your unimpeachable sources backing me up.  Bring on those Mules.

The facts speak for themselves re:MID...at this time last year, MID was sitting 2-0, had beaten a good Wesleyan team at home (holding them to under 20 yards rushing we might add), crushed Bowdoin on the road taking a 41 point lead before giving up 2 garbage TDs in the 4th quarter (and more or less held Richam in check)...that team would go on to a 4 in row before losing a tough one to the Ephs as Stola scored as time expired (I am sure Nescac1 or Frank can speak more on that game...haha) and would only lose one other time in 2017 to Hartford State....

As far as injuries and graduations are concerned....all Teams have injuries and graduate players, for example HAM lost their best defensive player (not even arguably, Jacobs is/was by far their best defensive player) and HS graduated their leader and QB Puzzo....signs of good teams/programs are how they deal with that...for HAM, losing Jacobs spelled disaster...for HS, they filled the spot (and maybe even upgraded) with new starter Vazzano...IOO, using injuries and graduations as a reason for losing games are an excuse...look at the Pats in the BB era....#nextmanup!!!

I offered reasons why the Panther defense isn't playing as well as it did last season.  I didn't make excuses.  Excuses imply that what happened was undeserved.  Excuses attempt to excuse.  Reasons explain non judgmentally why something occurred and suggest that someone who had done more research than simply subtracting 4 from 11 shouldn't be scratching his head trying to understand why.   As for next man up, that works well in Hollywood scripts and locker room pep talks but it often oversimplifies realities.  In your defense you offer two cases of a team losing one key performer.  The Middlebury defense lost it's top four producers from last season to graduation, a reason, not an excuse.  In your analysis you seemed perplexed as to why they'd performed so poorly.   The diminished level of play is a reasonable expectation, as I tried to explain, not an excuse.  You use the loss of a single player by Hamilton and Trinity in defense of your next man up argument.  Middlebury's defense graduated it's best three linebackers and it's best d-back.  Next man up is hardly a realistic remedy.  Pop culture psychology seldom is.

I'd love to chat some more but I have a football game to attend in about fifteen minutes.  Big high school rivalry.  I hope the Tigers win.  I'd hate to have to make excuses for them.



Whether or not Richam was playing hurt last season it is reasonable to assume he's improved since then.  The observation that Middlebury was able to contain the sophomore version of him is marginally relevant, at best.  Next season, barring excuses, he should be even better. 

[amh63]

Vandy74.....glad to read your posts!  Keep it up.
No Ryder cup viewing during my " viewing" period.  Seems there is a Ivy game on Friday night.  Sad to see college games on high school football day...Friday...imho. 
Seems Princeton is playing Columbia on Kraft field in NY city.  Seems BOTH teams are 2-0 coming in...wow!  Also that Columbia Beat the Tigers last season...double wow!  Yes, I do not know Columbia's mascot .  Princeton is presently ahead 45-10 at the half.  Nothing much of interest on tv now.  Have a novel to finish...maybe?

[gridiron]

Columbia Lions

[jburrell21]

In my experience as a coach I can say that d3 SIDs will most often guess the attendance.  There are no turnstiles.  In the 'CAC there is rarely an entry fee.  It is a guestimate.  Even at the school where I served as head coach and we charged admission for non-students and those without season passes, I can state unequivocally that we just threw up a number for attendance.

[jburrell21]

Several comments here before building a "sandbag" wall in the back yard.  Monsoon weather in the DC/Md area and ground saturated...floodgates shut along the Watergate shores...Potomac to crest. 
Seems lots of other posters have memory loses, video view mistakes and stats confusion.  Do not feel so lonely anymore . Anyway, thanks all for info and updates and clarifications.
Nescacman...your comment wrt to particular games as the schedule rotates is sound.  The conference "board" would be in Deep trouble to mess with some season ending BIG games.  Yes, the Nescac "Chief" is an Amherst person....last time I looked.
Do schools share videos of games?   Would think Amherst would like a video of the last Bowdoin game when the Polar Bears scored 24 points and a big bear runner broke a school record.  Do not know if Amherst send scouts to the next game.

Schools haven't sent scouts to games in years.  Every school has access to video of every game through DVSport.  Don't worry, Amherst coaches had the Bowdoin game broken down by noon on Sunday, probably earlier.