FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[LochNescac]

Agreed -let's get to the important stuff-uniform grades. Some interesting "are they for real" games going on this weekend in Hartford and Purple Cowville. I think we will get a better feel for who the 3-4 contenders might be post Sat.

Best Uniforms Top Three

1. Tufts Love the blue White color
2. Trinity nothing beats the name on Jersey albeit very small but like the combos
3. Wesleyan just great football colors

Can't argue with those selections...

Some great games yesterday!   Looked a tad windy in a few locations....

[nescac1]

It seems like other than games involving Bates and Trinity (and maybe Tufts, who seems just behind Trinity, but let's see if they can handle Williams before anointing them), for the first time in a long time it's going to very hard to predict outcomes in Nescac games.  Not a bad thing for the league!  Largely to blame for inconsistent performances seems to be QB play.  Three great QBs (including the last two POYs) graduated last year and so far no young QB has really stepped up as a new elite player like Berluti did last year.  Outside of Berluti and Fetter is there yet a QB who can be trusted to get it done every week?  There has been a lot of ugly offensive football played so far ...

[RollConts18]

Would love to hear some thoughts about the Continentals. Do we think it's a case of Amherst being a bad football team or the Conts taking a step forward? From what I saw looked like the Conts dominated the game and should have won by a whole lot more.

[Bucket]

I am assuming David Estevez got hurt unless Dicenzo forgot how to coach. Any updates?

No, he was not hurt. Returned punts all game. Played alongside Scott sometimes. Ran a series or two instead of Scott late. But Cards went largely with Ashton Scott after the first several series w/ Estevez.

[quicksilver]

Would love to hear some thoughts about the Continentals. Do we think it's a case of Amherst being a bad football team or the Conts taking a step forward? From what I saw looked like the Conts dominated the game and should have won by a whole lot more.

I saw the Bowdoin-Hamilton blow-out in the first week of the season and did not think that the Continentals were as bad as the score suggested. They fell behind early on but then played solidly and held their own in the second half -- Hamilton's QB and RB both seemed solid to me. I thought that the critics were overreading the lopsided score.

[Charlie]

It seems like other than games involving Bates and Trinity (and maybe Tufts, who seems just behind Trinity, but let's see if they can handle Williams before anointing them), for the first time in a long time it's going to very hard to predict outcomes in Nescac games.  Not a bad thing for the league!  Largely to blame for inconsistent performances seems to be QB play.  Three great QBs (including the last two POYs) graduated last year and so far no young QB has really stepped up as a new elite player like Berluti did last year.  Outside of Berluti and Fetter is there yet a QB who can be trusted to get it done every week?  There has been a lot of ugly offensive football played so far ...

I will say Colby has a good QB manages the team well and does not make mistakes. The game plan against Trinity was outstanding. Kudos to Cosgrove. They wanted to run throw short high percentage passes and stayed right in the game. Colby utilized some great trick plays and their Punter was excellent all day. There formula is to let teams run on them in a bend but dont break defense and not give up anything over the top. They are depending on their RB to carry the team and if not for a special team blunder and a few msicues were in the Trinity game the entire day. I beleive with no injuries this team is going to finish top of the league. The QB really plays well within this system. Colby has a two really good tackles on the OL that play well.

Trinity still looks rusty on offense. Although on positive note they have found their future RB in Denapoli. Very patient runner , good speed who seems to have surpassed Kirby at the RB position. OL looked solid. Would not be surprised though if the lack of pass rush on Defense if Trinity does not adjust their schemes or give some look at new recruits with better speed off the edge to add to pass rush.

[Scoops]

Perhaps it's time to unleash the all-time Massachusetts sack leader? But on a serious note, after watching Trinity for the last two weeks, there's blood in the water. Their offensive line has not looked nearly as dominant as they have in previous years, and Fetter looks very uncomfortable standing back there. I think Kirby is a good, but limited back. Without a dominant OL, he will struggle to get going. DiNapoli showed that he has the ability to compensate for the lack of dominance upfront. But the real concern for Trin has to be their passing game. It's only been two games, but Devante Reid doesn't seem like he's capable of being THE guy. Now that the focus is on him and not Girard, it seems as though he's struggling to meet expectations.

Overall, the parity in the league this season has been exciting to see. There's no clear favorite to win it all, and that should make for a lot of fun discussion going forward. Week 3 should tell us a lot. If Trinity struggles with Amherst (unlikely), or Wesleyan/Midd struggle with Hamilton/Bowdoin respectively, then I think we'll really be able to figure out who the pretenders are this year. Colby should beat Bates, so I doubt that game will tell us much. But Tufts and Williams is the obvious game of the week. Great opportunity to find out which team's week 1 loss was a fluke. Exciting times indeed in the 'Cac!

It seems like other than games involving Bates and Trinity (and maybe Tufts, who seems just behind Trinity, but let's see if they can handle Williams before anointing them), for the first time in a long time it's going to very hard to predict outcomes in Nescac games.  Not a bad thing for the league!  Largely to blame for inconsistent performances seems to be QB play.  Three great QBs (including the last two POYs) graduated last year and so far no young QB has really stepped up as a new elite player like Berluti did last year.  Outside of Berluti and Fetter is there yet a QB who can be trusted to get it done every week?  There has been a lot of ugly offensive football played so far ...

I will say Colby has a good QB manages the team well and does not make mistakes. The game plan against Trinity was outstanding. Kudos to Cosgrove. They wanted to run throw short high percentage passes and stayed right in the game. Colby utilized some great trick plays and their Punter was excellent all day. There formula is to let teams run on them in a bend but dont break defense and not give up anything over the top. They are depending on their RB to carry the team and if not for a special team blunder and a few msicues were in the Trinity game the entire day. I beleive with no injuries this team is going to finish top of the league. The QB really plays well within this system. Colby has a two really good tackles on the OL that play well.

Trinity still looks rusty on offense. Although on positive note they have found their future RB in Denapoli. Very patient runner , good speed who seems to have surpassed Kirby at the RB position. OL looked solid. Would not be surprised though if the lack of pass rush on Defense if Trinity does not adjust their schemes or give some look at new recruits with better speed off the edge to add to pass rush.

[Charlie]

Perhaps it's time to unleash the all-time Massachusetts sack leader? But on a serious note, after watching Trinity for the last two weeks, there's blood in the water. Their offensive line has not looked nearly as dominant as they have in previous years, and Fetter looks very uncomfortable standing back there. I think Kirby is a good, but limited back. Without a dominant OL, he will struggle to get going. DiNapoli showed that he has the ability to compensate for the lack of dominance upfront. But the real concern for Trin has to be their passing game. It's only been two games, but Devante Reid doesn't seem like he's capable of being THE guy. Now that the focus is on him and not Girard, it seems as though he's struggling to meet expectations.

Overall, the parity in the league this season has been exciting to see. There's no clear favorite to win it all, and that should make for a lot of fun discussion going forward. Week 3 should tell us a lot. If Trinity struggles with Amherst (unlikely), or Wesleyan/Midd struggle with Hamilton/Bowdoin respectively, then I think we'll really be able to figure out who the pretenders are this year. Colby should beat Bates, so I doubt that game will tell us much. But Tufts and Williams is the obvious game of the week. Great opportunity to find out which team's week 1 loss was a fluke. Exciting times indeed in the 'Cac!

It seems like other than games involving Bates and Trinity (and maybe Tufts, who seems just behind Trinity, but let's see if they can handle Williams before anointing them), for the first time in a long time it's going to very hard to predict outcomes in Nescac games.  Not a bad thing for the league!  Largely to blame for inconsistent performances seems to be QB play.  Three great QBs (including the last two POYs) graduated last year and so far no young QB has really stepped up as a new elite player like Berluti did last year.  Outside of Berluti and Fetter is there yet a QB who can be trusted to get it done every week?  There has been a lot of ugly offensive football played so far ...

I will say Colby has a good QB manages the team well and does not make mistakes. The game plan against Trinity was outstanding. Kudos to Cosgrove. They wanted to run throw short high percentage passes and stayed right in the game. Colby utilized some great trick plays and their Punter was excellent all day. There formula is to let teams run on them in a bend but dont break defense and not give up anything over the top. They are depending on their RB to carry the team and if not for a special team blunder and a few msicues were in the Trinity game the entire day. I beleive with no injuries this team is going to finish top of the league. The QB really plays well within this system. Colby has a two really good tackles on the OL that play well.

Trinity still looks rusty on offense. Although on positive note they have found their future RB in Denapoli. Very patient runner , good speed who seems to have surpassed Kirby at the RB position. OL looked solid. Would not be surprised though if the lack of pass rush on Defense if Trinity does not adjust their schemes or give some look at new recruits with better speed off the edge to add to pass rush.

I have to candid I really liked Colby's approach and for them to travel to CT and play like they did  is huge. This style of play will work at this level as long as the RB stays healthy.I am a believer that the Home teams in NESCAC have a decided advantage with the travel distance of these teams. Colby performed like a seasoned team and except for a few miscues could have easily won this game.

I have to disagree Trinity OL looks solid. I believe this year the OL is being maligned because of the passing woes. Colby had a great game plan. Take away the deep routes and keep everything in front of you. Trinity needs to take page out of Colby's book and work their way down the field with balanced short passing and running. They are trying to dictate how the defense should play. They dont have a tall WR like Girard who will snatch the ball out of the air with his height. I know people will say I thought they recruited two stud WR like Girard but they are not ready just like the other freshman may not be ready , have injuries but maybe in time. However Trinity could run a great deal and did so with Denapoli but there passing plays were all deep balls instead of short high percentage passes. I find this surprising especially with fetter at QB. There longest play from scrimmage was a screen pass.

I think if Trinity adopted more of Colby's attack until they work through their rotation and what works they will be better off. Granted they won't be as high octane offense as last year but in the end a win is a win.

You are exactly correct this weekend if Tufts can beat Williams will be very interesting in the make up of the league. I think Colby , Tufts are surprises and lets not sleep on Middlebury I have not seen them yet

[RollConts18]

I think Colby are a better football team than a lot of people give them credit for. They've done a very good job recruiting in the last couple classes and are a couple difference makers on the OL and DL away from being a top tier football team. They're clearly well coached and disciplined just need some size up front to be able to consistently compete

[Charlie]

I think Colby are a better football team than a lot of people give them credit for. They've done a very good job recruiting in the last couple classes and are a couple difference makers on the OL and DL away from being a top tier football team. They're clearly well coached and disciplined just need some size up front to be able to consistently compete

I really like the Colby OL I think they have two solid tackles and get a good push. In observing them there DL was not really small. Their LB were definitely undersized. Their scheme again was smart and as you said well coached. They played a great deal of cover two without stacking the box. Trinity was able to run really well but like so many OC Trinity started throwing. For example down in the red zone they were able to bring up the safeties using the end zone as extra defender and Trinity tried throwing to short side of field instead of going straight ahead.

I find it amazing at the Collegiate level and at the Pro level when something is working why get away from it. Are the OC ego that big.

On a side not Trinity special team Kicker is big question mark very inaccurate and dont be surprised if this comes back to haunt them down the road. I thought they recruited one from Xavarian ? Meanwhile Colby Punter Was huge asset to the team.

[The Mole]

Lots of competitive balance in the league this year. Couple of "knock out" games with one loss teams facing each other (Wesleyan @ Hamilton and Tufts @ Williams). Although it would not be a shock to see 2 loss teams sharing the crown when it is all said and done. Intriguing game with Bowdoin @ Middlebury. The Hammer and Colby appear to be making real progress. Makes the league much better

[Bucket]

Lots of competitive balance in the league this year. Couple of "knock out" games with one loss teams facing each other (Wesleyan @ Hamilton and Tufts @ Williams). Although it would not be a shock to see 2 loss teams sharing the crown when it is all said and done. Intriguing game with Bowdoin @ Middlebury. The Hammer and Colby appear to be making real progress. Makes the league much better

Middlebury plays at Bowdoin next Saturday.

[RollConts18]

Lots of competitive balance in the league this year. Couple of "knock out" games with one loss teams facing each other (Wesleyan @ Hamilton and Tufts @ Williams). Although it would not be a shock to see 2 loss teams sharing the crown when it is all said and done. Intriguing game with Bowdoin @ Middlebury. The Hammer and Colby appear to be making real progress. Makes the league much better

I think Bowdoin @ Midd will be a very good football game. Haven't seen any Midd games yet but was impressed with Bowdoin against my Conts and Williams. I think Bowdoin will be dangerous in the coming years with that young QB RB duo

[Scoops]

Bowdoin is an interesting team. They don't have the line on either side of the ball to be impactful. They have some above average skill guys on offense. On defense they don't have a good scheme. I have always thought they had pieces, just never enough. They won't be the bottom of the barrel, but they'll certainly be near it.

Lots of competitive balance in the league this year. Couple of "knock out" games with one loss teams facing each other (Wesleyan @ Hamilton and Tufts @ Williams). Although it would not be a shock to see 2 loss teams sharing the crown when it is all said and done. Intriguing game with Bowdoin @ Middlebury. The Hammer and Colby appear to be making real progress. Makes the league much better

I think Bowdoin @ Midd will be a very good football game. Haven't seen any Midd games yet but was impressed with Bowdoin against my Conts and Williams. I think Bowdoin will be dangerous in the coming years with that young QB RB duo

[bantamweight]

But on a serious note, after watching Trinity for the last two weeks, there's blood in the water. Their offensive line has not looked nearly as dominant as they have in previous years... Without a dominant OL...

Lol. Do you even football?