FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[NBC93]

I looked through the last 20 years of ROY and cant find any non-FY players to have been given the award. Not sure where to find a longer list than what is on the NESCAC website.

I did find it interesting that there used to be both an offensive and defensive ROY awarded. I'm guessing it became difficult to find two FYs every season so it was reduced to one. Also couldn't locate a ROY given for the 2005 season.

Also surprised to see that a player from near us here in Michigan, Scott Secor, won the award back in the early 2000s as a DB for Middlebury. Nice to see another Mid-Michigan alum that performed well in the CAC. Does anyone remember him? That was before I started paying attention to NESCAC football but it looks like he played high school ball against some players I would've known.

[SpringSt7]

At first glance, this week's slate of games doesn't appear to be too exciting--missing a true marquee matchup like we've had the last 2 weeks. But upon further inspection, I think there are a few games that could be worth tuning in for:

Tufts @ Wesleyan, 6:30 PM--The night game in Middletown is always a great atmosphere, and all eyes this week should be on Wesleyan as they should face their first real competition. Of the remaining 5 teams on their schedule, Tufts appear to be clearly 5th, but much closer in talent and ability to Trinity than to Hamilton. Both these teams have a history of winning ugly, especially against each other---16-13 Tufts last season, and a thrilling 24-17 come from behind OT win for Wesleyan in 2017. I think this game will be in the 40-45 total point range, and will be another slugfest, unless Scott is for real and tears apart this Tufts secondary.

Colby @ Middlebury--Feels too easy to call this a trap game for Middlebury after two big wins against Trinity and Amherst, and Wesleyan looming in Week 6, but it could be. I don't think they have the offense to blow Colby out of the water, and despite a lethargic start to the season for Colby's offense, Hersch has a couple of weapons that could maybe put a scare in Midd. I think Midd wins by double digits, but definitely not a team to play around with and let hang around.

Hamilton @ Williams--Never been a Kenny Gray fan but certainly better than the QBs the Ephs have seen the last two weeks. Think we will learn a lot about this Williams offense as they should not have nearly as easy of a time running the ball against Hamilton as they did against Colby and Bowdoin. Think we should see 20+ attempts from Maimaron and more of a run/pass balance. Conversely, should be the most balanced offense Williams has seen at least from a playcalling perspective--Gray is not better than Jernigan but they've never been shy about letting him sling it. If Kastenhuber is out again, the Ephs will be tested down the field.

Overall, not a week that shouldn't shake up the championship picture, but a week that should still garner some excitement.

[Nescacman]

NESCACMAN quote:

9. University of Bates --word out of Lewiston is that HCOF Hall has inquired about getting out of Dodge early and going back to the Ivies as a position coach...UBates admin said no way unless you want to buy out your contract before the 3 years are up...we'll see HCOF Hall through the end of the 2920 season...Next game: Tufts in Lewiston.



NESCACMAN-
This is fake news- you've got to stop making stuff up- Coach Hall can walk away any time he chooses with 30 day notice and first hand, has no
intentions of moving on. I would suggest you check your sources but you have no sources on that, you just made it up.

Lumber...1). We stand by our sources 2). Why would we make that up? ...question....will HCOF Hall ever win a game?

We think you're just crabby because UBates is on track for their 2nd straight 0-9 season...

[nescac1]

On this one, I'd say Lumbercat's "sources" are better than NESCACMAN's, who may well have gotten his Hall scoop from the same "source" that told him a sophomore playing his second season of NESCAC football was the leading ROY candidate ...

[Nescacman]

On this one, I'd say Lumbercat's "sources" are better than NESCACMAN's, who may well have gotten his Hall scoop from the same "source" that told him a sophomore playing his second season of NESCAC football was the leading ROY candidate ...

Our sources were pretty good on the HCOF Kelton fiasco, weren't they Mr. Eph? 

[nescac1]

Ummm, not sure exactly what you mean but it didn't exactly take sources, just "eyes," to be able to see what was going on and predict the future regarding Kelton ... you've been right on plenty of stuff, and wrong on plenty of stuff, that you have predicted would definitely happen throughout the league, including awards, coaching stuff, etc.  So either your are making educated guesses, or your sources are not always perfectly-informed.  Lumbercat seems to be getting his info firsthand, and is actually tied into the Bates program, so it seems like he is a pretty good "source" of info on this, no?

[ColbyFootball]

On this one, I'd say Lumbercat's "sources" are better than NESCACMAN's, who may well have gotten his Hall scoop from the same "source" that told him a sophomore playing his second season of NESCAC football was the leading ROY candidate ...

Throughout the years I have not found any reported "sources" to be reliable. Correct from time to time yes, reliable no. Unless someone provides a specific source, e.g. years ago I heard from the Hamilton AD that they'd likely be going to 9 games, I consider it suspect. Too much misinformation floating around to rely on it otherwise.

[lumbercat]

NESCACMAN quote:

9. University of Bates --word out of Lewiston is that HCOF Hall has inquired about getting out of Dodge early and going back to the Ivies as a position coach...UBates admin said no way unless you want to buy out your contract before the 3 years are up...we'll see HCOF Hall through the end of the 2920 season...Next game: Tufts in Lewiston.



NESCACMAN-
This is fake news- you've got to stop making stuff up- Coach Hall can walk away any time he chooses with 30 day notice and first hand, has no
intentions of moving on. I would suggest you check your sources but you have no sources on that, you just made it up.

Lumber...1). We stand by our sources 2). Why would we make that up? ...question....will HCOF Hall ever win a game?

We think you're just crabby because UBates is on track for their 2nd straight 0-9 season...

NESCACMAN:
"Why would we make that up"?

You make that up to make yourself look like you have inside knowledge and connections. Pure fabrication.

[FourMoreYears]

10. Bowdoin (2019 record: 0-4; LW Rank: 10):  One more loss in 2019 and they clinch their 14th straight losing season (6-2 in 2005)...Next game: @Amhurst.

Correction: Bowdoin hasn't had a winning season since 2005.
Bowdoin went 4-4 in both 2008 and 2011.
While it may be splitting hairs, your statement is poorly worded at best.
Perhaps not unexpected from one who appears to value style over substance.
Oh ... and bring on the negative-K for me!  Probably deserve it for this one.  :-)

[Trin9-0]

I've been travelling and finally caught up on the Boards. Pretty much the dialog I expected. Here's how I see the rest of the season shaking out:

Middlebury 8-1
Williams 7-2
Amherst 7-2
Tufts 6-3
Trinity 6-3
Wesleyan 5-4
Hamilton 3-6
Colby 2-7
Bates 1-8
Bowdoin 0-9

What a season Midd has put together! They've surprised us all and have a very real shot at becoming the first NESCAC program to finish 9-0. I just have a feeling that they'll stumble somewhere along the way. I also think Wesleyan really struggles down the stretch with a murderer's row of opponents coming up. The Cards have looked good and have done what they're supposed to do but the combined record of the teams they've beaten is 2-14. Tomorrow night's game against Tufts is big if they want to finish above .500. Maybe I'm being overly optimistic about Trinity winning four more games, but two of those (Bates and Colby) are all but a lock, and two others (Williams and Wes) are in The Coop. I predict Williams wins the Little 3 and Colby takes the CBB.

[amh63]

Like Trin8-0, been busy elsewhere.  Some comments/thoughts for games this weekend.
See online that Fall is coming to Amherst...leaves are turning in the hills/mountains nearby.  Students will be on midterm break.  Several interesting football/futbol games at Amherst
Highly ranked Tufts soccer team meets highly ranked Amherst on a grass field...see chatter on soccer board on the matter.
Nice preview on Polar Bear site of the football game at Pratt Field on turf. 
Expect a rather close game as LJs reduce its TOs' and improves it's running game.  Amherst's defense with young starters gains experience and continues to improve.
Still wondering where/when Midd will loose....really. 
Nice thoughts Trin8-0.

[Nescacman]

2019 Week #5 NESCACMAN Picks

Back to our regular programming...Welcome to Week #5 iin the league where they "pay to play"....4-1 in week 4....not a great slate of games other than our GOTW which should answer a lot of questions in terms of what direction the teams involved are going...here are this week's picks and spreads:

Colby College at Middlebury College: MID gears it up for the big Week 6 match-up with Wes...will they be looking ahead? Possibly, but even if they do, it probably won't matter much...

MID  31 Colby 13
Point Spread: MID -17.
Weather: Partly cloudy. High of 63.

Bowdoin College At Amhurst College: Amhurst gets back on the winning track....A bit concerning for the LMs is that they are only 37% in redzone TDs which is 2nd to worst in the league...AMH comes in first in the league in time of possession...

Amhurst 24 Bowdoin 10
Point Spread: Amhurst -14.
Weather: Cloudy. High of 62.

Hartford State at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus): HCOF Hall 0-14 and counting....HS 1st in total O and 1st in total D....why are they 2-2?  They are -5 in turnovers and last in penalties...need to turn those around to keep the wins coming...

Hartford State 38 UBates 14
Point Spread: Hartford State -21.
Weather: AM showers. High of 53.

Hamilton College at TTUN: We think the Conts are actually a decent team, way better than anything that Maine has to offer and on par with the middle of tha pack in the NESCAC....they played Hartford State tight in the Coop...key for HAM will be stopping the Maimaron/Stola combo and running the ball effectively to set up the pass...we are big Kenny Gray fans...something tells us the Conts are poised for a signature game...we'll take HAM in the upset special of the week...

Hamilton College 24 TTUN 21
Point Spread: TTUN -6. 
Weather: Partly cloudy. High of 66.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Tufts University at Wesleyan University:  Wes is coming off of their worst game of the year...we think they bounce back and play well...should be a big crowd to watch a night game on the oldest continuously used college football field in America..Tufts offense has had some problems running the ball and the Wesleyan pass defense has been very good leading the 'CAC in passing D, interceptions, and sacks...Tufts has also not been great on third down and is last in red zone %...we think the difference for Wes will be special teams and forcing turnovers...Wes wins another close one against Tufts...Wes goes 5-0 for the first time since they last won the league title in 2013 and sets up a great week 6 match-up in Vermont...

Wesleyan 24 Tufts 20
Point Spread: Weselyan -3. 
Weather: Partly cloudy. High of 68.

NESCACMAN's Picks (winners)
2019 Season: 15-5
2018 Season: 36-9
2017 Season: 35-10
2016 Season: 32-8
2015 Season: 30-10
2014 Season: 30-10
2013 Season: 32-8
Career: 210-60 (.778 winning percentage)

[SpringSt7]

Still early in the year but Nescacman's record of 15-5 would have him tied for 4th out of 5 with the NARPs over at Nothing but NESCAC... http://nothingbutnescac.com/?p=7772 ...

[hamgrand]

The 2019 Middlebury team is a great example of how an good football program with an experienced and great coaching staff develops kids over their careers.  My son's last season was 2017 when the current Midd Seniors and Juniors were sophomores and freshman.  You could tell that many of those kids were talented, but needed to develop - and they have!  2018 was probably considered a down year for Midd by many (injuries to some key players on defense did not help), and the pundits expectations for 2019 followed suit. But that talented group continued to improve - as should be the case as their college careers progress. They have developed into a very good, solid team.

Will Jernigan contributed mostly at kick returning and RB his freshman year.  He did get a few snaps at QB and you could tell he had potential.  He got thrown into action his sophomore year after a career ending injury to the senior starter and he has continued to develop and improve each game.  He could always run, but his passing has improved greatly with more experience too.  I look forward to more great things in the future.  Cosolito is a rare talent and has been outstanding since his freshman year.  Midd always has some talented receivers on their roster and this year is no different.  Midd's running game has greatly improved with contributions from Maldjian, but as importantly - great play from the offensive line.  I thought Midd had a pretty good O-line in 2017, but this group is also impressing me.

Midd's air attack offense has always gotten the attention in the past, but the defense has always been an underrated part of Midd's game.  Martin Williams has been outstanding in the middle since his freshman year, And the D-line in general seems very solid.  The LB's have also really stepped up their game and have gotten some well deserved attention from this board.   But the secondary is also pretty talented and really deserves some recognition.

All-in-all, it has been fun to watch this 2019 Middlebury team and I hope they continue the push to a NESCAC Championship.  They need to focus on being 1-0 each week, but I think they do have the talent to make it happen this year!  Best of luck with Colby today!

As for me, I am going to Williamstown to watch Hamilton (where my older son played) take on the Ephs.  It is a shorter drive and easier on my recent hip surgery.  Plus I would like to see Hamilton pull off an upset.  Should be a nice day for watching football in the NESCAC!

[SpringSt7]

Hamilton @ Williams will start at 3:30 on account of Hamilton's bus breaking down. If you know anyone attending, let them know.