FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Nescacman]

NESCACMAN 2018 NESCAC Weekly Power Rankings-Week #7

Welcome to the 2018 NESCAC Weekly Power Rankings for Week #7 in "the league where they pay to play"!!! 7 weeks into the 2018 and looks like we are down to a 2 Team race for the league title...Amhurst and Hartford State play for the league championship this Saturday in the Coop...

1. Amhurst (7-0; LW:1): Coming off a tough hard-fought win last week, it doesn't get any easier as they travel to Hartford State this weekend for the league title... ...next up: at Hartford State.

2. Hartford State (6-1; last week's rank:2): We hear they are going with the more athletic and accurate FY QB Seamus Lambert against the Lord Mammoths...looked very strong against Middlebury Saturday...next up: Amhurst in Hartford.   

3. Tufts (5-2; LW:3): Lost a tough one to Amhurst...hopefully QB McDonald gets healthy in a hurry...next up: Colby at Medford.

4. That Team Up North (aka Williams)(5-2; LW:4): Ended their 2-game losing streak...got back some of their injured players last week...first Little 3 game of 2018 this week...next up: Wesleyan at Williamstown.

5. Wesleyan (4-3; LW:6): Rebounded nicely against Bowdoin...face Little 3 rival TTUN this week as they try to get a split and guarantee a winning season...next up: at TTUN.

6. Middlebury (4-3; LW:5): Team looked horrible last week against HS...will try to right the ship against a reeling Hamilton squad...next up: at Hamilton. 

7. Colby (1-5; LW:8):  Colby is riding a 2-game winning streak...next up: at Tufts. 

8. Hamilton (2-5; LW:7): Loss to TTUN guaranteed another losing season for the Conts...will try to finish strong...next up: Middlebury in Clinton.

9. (tie) Bowdoin (0-7; LW:9): Crushed by Wes squad in the slop last week...dress warm Polar Bear faithful for the 5:30 tilt against Bates...next up: Bates in Brunswick. 

9. (tie) University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(0-7; LW:10): Someone has to get their first win this week, right?...next up: at Bowdoin.

[ColbyFootball]

LOL! This is great commentary. Appears I am not missing anything. There is a FY player at Wesleyan from my son's high school. Last year, we had a player at Trinity. I promise to not pick sides

I'll give you my opinion on Trinity for the little it's worth. I disagree with most complaints about Trinity. For instance, I've never personally seen them run up a score, just the opposite. It appears more that people are jealous. In a nutshell, I think they're a bunch of whining sore losers. And, I have zero affiliation with Trinity.

[JoeBag]

I just find it amazing that Nescacman or someone else pays money annually to a hosting company for the "wesleyanrejects" url.

You have to admit, it's pretty funny and whomever is paying for it, IOO, money well spent...what makes it funnier is it is actually true..

http://wesleyanrejects.com

I can say with certainty that there has never been a Bantam contributor that has any regret that they were rejected by Wesleyan. However, I am sure that there has been a kid or two who never saw the field of play who whished they had been accepted knowing they probably could have started in Middletown..........

[GoBlue61]

As a Bowdoin football parent who has seen both teams, I am interested to see who wins the Amherst/Trinity game.  Since the Bowdoin/Bates game is at 5:30 pm, I am hoping I can watch online.  I give Trinity the edge.  Bowdoin (when they had all their players) actually gave Amherst a game losing 24 to 14 (outgained 463 to 340 yards), but was never in the game vs Trinity losing 48 to 6 (outgained 505 to 161 yards, but minus their top RB, TE and WR).  With a good coach and a QB who could make a play, Bowdoin could have upset Amherst.  Even with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, Bowdoin loses by 30 to Trinity.

I like Amherst's QB and I know Mills is a good coach, plus I think Amherst had the best Oline I saw this season.  Trinity had the best looking athletes on offense, and the strongest defense I saw this year.  Although I am not sold on Trinity's QB, I would take Trinity at home by 7+ points.

[Nescacman]

As a Bowdoin football parent who has seen both teams, I am interested to see who wins the Amherst/Trinity game.  Since the Bowdoin/Bates game is at 5:30 pm, I am hoping I can watch online.  I give Trinity the edge.  Bowdoin (when they had all their players) actually gave Amherst a game losing 24 to 14 (outgained 463 to 340 yards), but was never in the game vs Trinity losing 48 to 6 (outgained 505 to 161 yards, but minus their top RB, TE and WR).  With a good coach and a QB who could make a play, Bowdoin could have upset Amherst.  Even with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, Bowdoin loses by 30 to Trinity.

I like Amherst's QB and I know Mills is a good coach, plus I think Amherst had the best Oline I saw this season.  Trinity had the best looking athletes on offense, and the strongest defense I saw this year.  Although I am not sold on Trinity's QB, I would take Trinity at home by 7+ points.

Which HS QB are you not sold on....the has been (Vazzano) or the fy star (Seamus)?

[Nescacman]

As a Bowdoin football parent who has seen both teams, I am interested to see who wins the Amherst/Trinity game.  Since the Bowdoin/Bates game is at 5:30 pm, I am hoping I can watch online.  I give Trinity the edge.  Bowdoin (when they had all their players) actually gave Amherst a game losing 24 to 14 (outgained 463 to 340 yards), but was never in the game vs Trinity losing 48 to 6 (outgained 505 to 161 yards, but minus their top RB, TE and WR).  With a good coach and a QB who could make a play, Bowdoin could have upset Amherst.  Even with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, Bowdoin loses by 30 to Trinity.

I like Amherst's QB and I know Mills is a good coach, plus I think Amherst had the best Oline I saw this season.  Trinity had the best looking athletes on offense, and the strongest defense I saw this year.  Although I am not sold on Trinity's QB, I would take Trinity at home by 7+ points.

Hartford State will be the fave in then Coop....spread TBD...

[GoBlue61]

Nescacman -- I did not see the D1 transfer play; the FY played. Obviously, he had a great day vs Bowdoin, but he got away with some poor passes that he won't vs Amherst.  He threw one interception and could have had a few more against a better secondary.  He had one big run for 22 yards, otherwise was ok running the ball against a team that really struggles vs running QBs. Of course, compared to Bowdoin's QB (who threw 4 picks), he looked like Baker Mayfield.

[JEFFFAN]

I would make Trinity a 3 point favorite because they are playing at home.  Neutral field it is a pick em.  Playing at Amherst, Jeffs would be 3-point favorites.

I see Amherst trying to hold onto the ball as much as possible to slow Trinity down with a run game featuring both backs.   They are both healthy for the first time all year so that is a huge plus for Amherst.  I do like the Amherst defense to hold Trinity far below its scoring average due to the seniority of the defensive players.  This is a veteran crew.   As always, if either team is minus two in turnovers that team will lose.

[Trin9-0]

Nescacman -- I did not see the D1 transfer play; the FY played. Obviously, he had a great day vs Bowdoin, but he got away with some poor passes that he won't vs Amherst.  He threw one interception and could have had a few more against a better secondary.  He had one big run for 22 yards, otherwise was ok running the ball against a team that really struggles vs running QBs. Of course, compared to Bowdoin's QB (who threw 4 picks), he looked like Baker Mayfield.

Jeez, tough crowd considering Trinity might have the league's two best QBs on their roster. Vazanno, whom Nescacman calls a "has-been", leads the league in yards per game and, despite missing the last two contests, is just one touchdown pass behind the league leader. Lambert was especially impressive against Middlebury when you consider the elements. He completed 9 of 11 passes and four touchdowns in a monsoon. For some reason his stats aren't showing up on nescac.com but Lambert has completed 78% of his passes with 7 TDs and a pick in two games.

I have no inside knowledge on who will start at QB for Trin on Saturday, but at this point I would go with the hot-hand. Granted Seamus has racked-up his impressive stats against two defenses that have combined to allow an average of 430 yards and 33 points per game, but I think his play has earned him a shot to start against the Mammoths.

The bigger factor will be which team can run the ball effectively against two stout run defenses. As with most Trinity-Amherst games, it will largely be decided in the trenches. Looking ahead to the future; Trinity freshman RB Spencer Lockwood (the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year last season) has been very impressive averaging 6.4 yards per carry in relief duty. He's presumably the heir-apparent to Chipouras. With three more years of Lockwood and Lambert in the backfield the future remains bright for the Bantams.

I would make Trinity a 3 point favorite because they are playing at home.  Neutral field it is a pick em.  Playing at Amherst, Jeffs would be 3-point favorites.

I see Amherst trying to hold onto the ball as much as possible to slow Trinity down with a run game featuring both backs.   They are both healthy for the first time all year so that is a huge plus for Amherst.  I do like the Amherst defense to hold Trinity far below its scoring average due to the seniority of the defensive players.  This is a veteran crew.   As always, if either team is minus two in turnovers that team will lose.

I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment, JEFFFAN.


Finally, since it's Trinity-Amherst week (and because I know lumbercat hates this):


Remember to always play to the whistle.

[amh63]

To repeat one of my comments awhile back....since it is the game of the week ..."Trinity vs Amherst" this Sat...
A former Amherst Star RB was asked by his teammates if it was ok with him if they hit his younger/bigger Trinity top RB in the upcoming Trinity game.  The Amherst senior RB flatly stated...go ahead, I always hit him growing up. There have been been several other brother matchups in the last decade during Amherst vs Trinity games.  Recall the parents in one changed seating arrangements during halftime.
JEFFFAN...Good point spread.  Agree that the team with the fewest TOs will win.  Appears that it may be wet weather on Sat. 

[lumbercat]

Nescacman -- I did not see the D1 transfer play; the FY played. Obviously, he had a great day vs Bowdoin, but he got away with some poor passes that he won't vs Amherst.  He threw one interception and could have had a few more against a better secondary.  He had one big run for 22 yards, otherwise was ok running the ball against a team that really struggles vs running QBs. Of course, compared to Bowdoin's QB (who threw 4 picks), he looked like Baker Mayfield.

Jeez, tough crowd considering Trinity might have the league's two best QBs on their roster. Vazanno, whom Nescacman calls a "has-been", leads the league in yards per game and, despite missing the last two contests, is just one touchdown pass behind the league leader. Lambert was especially impressive against Middlebury when you consider the elements. He completed 9 of 11 passes and four touchdowns in a monsoon. For some reason his stats aren't showing up on nescac.com but Lambert has completed 78% of his passes with 7 TDs and a pick in two games.

I have no inside knowledge on who will start at QB for Trin on Saturday, but at this point I would go with the hot-hand. Granted Seamus has racked-up his impressive stats against two defenses that have combined to allow an average of 430 yards and 33 points per game, but I think his play has earned him a shot to start against the Mammoths.

The bigger factor will be which team can run the ball effectively against two stout run defenses. As with most Trinity-Amherst games, it will largely be decided in the trenches. Looking ahead to the future; Trinity freshman RB Spencer Lockwood (the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year last season) has been very impressive averaging 6.4 yards per carry in relief duty. He's presumably the heir-apparent to Chipouras. With three more years of Lockwood and Lambert in the backfield the future remains bright for the Bantams.

I would make Trinity a 3 point favorite because they are playing at home.  Neutral field it is a pick em.  Playing at Amherst, Jeffs would be 3-point favorites.

I see Amherst trying to hold onto the ball as much as possible to slow Trinity down with a run game featuring both backs.   They are both healthy for the first time all year so that is a huge plus for Amherst.  I do like the Amherst defense to hold Trinity far below its scoring average due to the seniority of the defensive players.  This is a veteran crew.   As always, if either team is minus two in turnovers that team will lose.

I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment, JEFFFAN.


Finally, since it's Trinity-Amherst week (and because I know lumbercat hates this):


Remember to always play to the whistle.

Trin 8-1

No problem with a little self promotion, in moderation.
Lets see it again- no question it was great play you made back in the day. However, the best move came when you took it off 24/7 basis on the board, it was a bit over done--but no question it is great clip.
I got a kick out of you posting it for such a long while without divulging it was you.
Any other game films or personal hilites from the past---or any videos from your favorite family vacations?
Just kidding- good luck against the Mammoths, should be a good one.

[nescac1]

Trinity the two best QBs in the league?  Hmmm.  I'd love to see the stats that McDonald, Piccirrllo, and a few others would put up with Trinity's flat-out-nasty receiver group (and I'm sure elite OL talent, too). 

[amh63]

In my previous post, the Trin vs Amh game was in 2011 at Amherst...an Amherst 8-0 season.  Eric Bunker was the Amherst RB and Evan Bunker was the Trinity RB. The  brothers both  had 100 plus yd  games.  Amherst had one fewer turnover.
It is also Noted that there were two other pairs of brothers playing against each other in Trin vs. Amh games.....the Ragone brothers from The west Coast of Florida....WRs.   Also a pair of DB starters from Ma., I recall....the Spears brothers.
Back to my chores.....wife's family visiting this weekend from UCal-Davis.  Hope to catch the game online somewhere on Sat .    Northern Cal. Has been dry...brother in law and wife wants to see Fall Colors!

[Nescacman]

I would make Trinity a 3 point favorite because they are playing at home.  Neutral field it is a pick em.  Playing at Amherst, Jeffs would be 3-point favorites.

I see Amherst trying to hold onto the ball as much as possible to slow Trinity down with a run game featuring both backs.   They are both healthy for the first time all year so that is a huge plus for Amherst.  I do like the Amherst defense to hold Trinity far below its scoring average due to the seniority of the defensive players.  This is a veteran crew.   As always, if either team is minus two in turnovers that team will lose.

Spread is way too low...we will post ours tomorrow but we have Trin giving more than 3. Jeff, if you want to take the Lord Mammoths +3, you got it.

[Nescacman]

Trinity the two best QBs in the league?  Hmmm.  I'd love to see the stats that McDonald, Piccirrllo, and a few others would put up with Trinity's flat-out-nasty receiver group (and I'm sure elite OL talent, too).

Just a few facts...Vazzano has completed 44% of his passes compared to 79% for young Seamus. Add in the fact that Seamus has an off the charts passer rating of 223.6, has thrown 7 TDs vs only 1 pick in 2 games and Seamus' yards per attempt is 11.3 v 9.1 for Vazzano (both really good btw) and you have your answer.