FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[lumbercat]

Kirby only played in 7 games last year and was fifth in the league in rushing. He's a stud by NESCAC standards. Not a guy you typically inject in a game with 5 minutes left winning by 30 for 8 consecutive carries unless your'e looking to punish somebody.

Kirby had just one carry in the first three quarters and yet you honestly believe that Trinity put him in the game to "punish" Tufts? Sure, the Bantams have talent and depth at the position, but I disagree with your notion that their third-string running back is too good to play. If a senior role-player can't get a few carries to help his team close-out a game late in the fourth quarter, then when exactly should he be allowed on the field?

As for accusations of Devanney running up the score; in the 4th quarter Trinity had 18 offensive snaps. They ran the ball EVERY SINGLE PLAY. 

A few carries? how about 8 in a row.
We know Kirby is one of the best backs in the league.  I said with a big lead and 5 minutes left they had one of their top backs in the game to punish Tufts because they didn't like Tufts continuing to throw the ball. Another team wouldn't risk a top guy in the game with 5 minutes to go and they wouldn't run him 8 plays in a row. Very unusual by anyone's standards. Clearly another agenda with a big lead and time running out. Other programs would have true reserves in the game.
I'm sure both teams and coaches have moved on but too many times over the years Trinity creates these agendas when they are blowing another team out.

[Trin9-0]

Kirby only played in 7 games last year and was fifth in the league in rushing. He's a stud by NESCAC standards. Not a guy you typically inject in a game with 5 minutes left winning by 30 for 8 consecutive carries unless your'e looking to punish somebody.

Kirby had just one carry in the first three quarters and yet you honestly believe that Trinity put him in the game to "punish" Tufts? Sure, the Bantams have talent and depth at the position, but I disagree with your notion that their third-string running back is too good to play. If a senior role-player can't get a few carries to help his team close-out a game late in the fourth quarter, then when exactly should he be allowed on the field?

As for accusations of Devanney running up the score; in the 4th quarter Trinity had 18 offensive snaps. They ran the ball EVERY SINGLE PLAY. 

A few carries? how about 8 in a row.
We know Kirby is one of the best backs in the league.  I said with a big lead and 5 minutes left they had one of their top backs in the game to punish Tufts because they didn't like Tufts continuing to throw the ball. Another team wouldn't risk a top guy in the game with 5 minutes to go and they wouldn't run him 8 plays in a row. Very unusual by anyone's standards. Clearly another agenda with a big lead and time running out. Other programs would have true reserves in the game.
I'm sure both teams and coaches have moved on but too many times over the years Trinity creates these agendas when they are blowing another team out.

I'm sure Will is thrilled that you're such a fan; but based on his usage the Trinity coaching staff clearly views him as their THIRD STRING running back. You keep insisting he's a "top guy". Then why did he only get one carry in the first half against a team that was supposed to contend for the league title? Kirby is not some secret weapon that they were saving until the fourth quarter to try and humiliate Tufts. It really is this simple; Kirby is a good back who has been surpassed on the depth chart by other good backs. He may not get the bulk of the touches, but he deserves to have a chance to carry the ball, especially as a senior! I'm amazed that you're doubling-down on such an absurd stance that he's too good to play.

The game was already a blow out out. There is no "agenda", and if Jeff wanted to "punish" Tufts he would have continued to throw the ball, rather than calling 18 consecutive run plays in the fourth quarter to end the game.

[Trin9-0]

Trinity/ Tufts game

Did anyone hear about a verbal jousting match after the game between DC of Trinity and Tufts HC. I heard it was along the theme that Tufts was trying to pad stats for Berluti against Trinity 3 and 4 depth chart defensive players of Trinity.

The game was out of reach with no chance of Tufts coming back. Trinity pulled their starters and Tufts should have been back up players to finish game. I heard the exchange was true and there were pushing and shoving between players and possibly Coaches but can't confirm this.

Our observation was that the dispute was between the two HCOFs and it nearly got very, very ugly at the end of the game...our understanding is that there is no love lost between the two so not really surprised...

Your eyes must have deceived you, Nescacman. The incident as Charlie described it is much closer to what actually took place and it involved Trinity's Defensive Coordinator and Tufts assistant, Coby Tippett. I played with Jay and for Jeff and know for a fact that Civetti and Devanney have a good relationship, so that assertion is patently false.

For the record, I don't see any issue with the Jumbos playing their starters as late into the game as they'd like. I'm sure Jay knew the game was out of reach, but you've got to get quality reps while you can. I also know that there was a phone call the following day where apologies were issued so this seems very much like a non-story to me.

[nescac1]

Maybe Amherst's offense really is just that bad, but definitely worth keeping an eye on Midd's defense which may just be really loaded this season  Certainly one of the most veteran NESCAC units I can recall and lead by a lot of high-end talent to boot, starting with DPOTY favorite and two-time all-NESCAC DL Kenary, but also: fifth-year all-NESCAC LB John McCool, fifth-year all-NESCAC DB (and four year starter) Finn Muldoon, returning DL starter Dave Filias (whose incredible 3.5 sacks last week were overshadowed by Kenary), retuning all-NESCAC DB Rocco Stola, fifth-year, three-year starting LB Kwesi Adu-Diawuo, two other starting senior DBs, and two other starting senior LBs ... just a crazy experienced defensive unit (and the offense is also very senior-heavy).  Of course, Wesleyan will provide, I assume, a stiffer test of that unit than Amherst's far less explosive offense. 

[lumbercat]

Kirby only played in 7 games last year and was fifth in the league in rushing. He's a stud by NESCAC standards. Not a guy you typically inject in a game with 5 minutes left winning by 30 for 8 consecutive carries unless your'e looking to punish somebody.

Kirby had just one carry in the first three quarters and yet you honestly believe that Trinity put him in the game to "punish" Tufts? Sure, the Bantams have talent and depth at the position, but I disagree with your notion that their third-string running back is too good to play. If a senior role-player can't get a few carries to help his team close-out a game late in the fourth quarter, then when exactly should he be allowed on the field?

As for accusations of Devanney running up the score; in the 4th quarter Trinity had 18 offensive snaps. They ran the ball EVERY SINGLE PLAY. 

A few carries? how about 8 in a row.
We know Kirby is one of the best backs in the league.  I said with a big lead and 5 minutes left they had one of their top backs in the game to punish Tufts because they didn't like Tufts continuing to throw the ball. Another team wouldn't risk a top guy in the game with 5 minutes to go and they wouldn't run him 8 plays in a row. Very unusual by anyone's standards. Clearly another agenda with a big lead and time running out. Other programs would have true reserves in the game.
I'm sure both teams and coaches have moved on but too many times over the years Trinity creates these agendas when they are blowing another team out.

I'm sure Will is thrilled that you're such a fan; but based on his usage the Trinity coaching staff clearly views him as their THIRD STRING running back. You keep insisting he's a "top guy". Then why did he only get one carry in the first half against a team that was supposed to contend for the league title? Kirby is not some secret weapon that they were saving until the fourth quarter to try and humiliate Tufts. It really is this simple; Kirby is a good back who has been surpassed on the depth chart by other good backs. He may not get the bulk of the touches, but he deserves to have a chance to carry the ball, especially as a senior! I'm amazed that you're doubling-down on such an absurd stance that he's too good to play.

The game was already a blow out out. There is no "agenda", and if Jeff wanted to "punish" Tufts he would have continued to throw the ball, rather than calling 18 consecutive run plays in the fourth quarter to end the game.

I don't buy the third string stuff. For the last time I say he's not a guy you run 8 times in row in the waning moments of a 30 point blowout. Glad to hear everyone has moved on but surely emotions will run high in Medford next year. Should be a good one.

[Hawk196]

Much to do about nothing......it was another coach, not Coby from what I was told

[Charlie]

Kirby only played in 7 games last year and was fifth in the league in rushing. He's a stud by NESCAC standards. Not a guy you typically inject in a game with 5 minutes left winning by 30 for 8 consecutive carries unless your'e looking to punish somebody.

Kirby had just one carry in the first three quarters and yet you honestly believe that Trinity put him in the game to "punish" Tufts? Sure, the Bantams have talent and depth at the position, but I disagree with your notion that their third-string running back is too good to play. If a senior role-player can't get a few carries to help his team close-out a game late in the fourth quarter, then when exactly should he be allowed on the field?

As for accusations of Devanney running up the score; in the 4th quarter Trinity had 18 offensive snaps. They ran the ball EVERY SINGLE PLAY. 

A few carries? how about 8 in a row.
We know Kirby is one of the best backs in the league.  I said with a big lead and 5 minutes left they had one of their top backs in the game to punish Tufts because they didn't like Tufts continuing to throw the ball. Another team wouldn't risk a top guy in the game with 5 minutes to go and they wouldn't run him 8 plays in a row. Very unusual by anyone's standards. Clearly another agenda with a big lead and time running out. Other programs would have true reserves in the game.
I'm sure both teams and coaches have moved on but too many times over the years Trinity creates these agendas when they are blowing another team out.

I'm sure Will is thrilled that you're such a fan; but based on his usage the Trinity coaching staff clearly views him as their THIRD STRING running back. You keep insisting he's a "top guy". Then why did he only get one carry in the first half against a team that was supposed to contend for the league title? Kirby is not some secret weapon that they were saving until the fourth quarter to try and humiliate Tufts. It really is this simple; Kirby is a good back who has been surpassed on the depth chart by other good backs. He may not get the bulk of the touches, but he deserves to have a chance to carry the ball, especially as a senior! I'm amazed that you're doubling-down on such an absurd stance that he's too good to play.

The game was already a blow out out. There is no "agenda", and if Jeff wanted to "punish" Tufts he would have continued to throw the ball, rather than calling 18 consecutive run plays in the fourth quarter to end the game.

How about how Tufts special teams has been terrible for many years. The fact that the long snapper constantly kept snapping the ball too high and eventually cost Tufts seven points should a bone of contention. The fact that Special teams has never been a priority of HC is astonishing year after year it has cost the team. Here is an interesting concept try scouting some players for special teams instead of this sophisticated recruitment scheme. I will say this it is not working.

More importantly if you really watch the game Berluti was terrible throwing the ball the defensive game plan was sound. More importantly watch the DL rush they were all over Berluti all game long he was uncomfortable and rarely had time to throw. If your biggest complaint from the game was Trinity was playing to hard or using top level players...... This should be on the C'mon Man !! segments.

[The Mole]

I will ask this again, when Kirby was in the game getting 8 carries in a row, was the starting OL unit in the game or was it the 2s and 3s? If he was in there with the backups, no issue. If the starters were in, that is the conundrum--you want to get your starters some game reps/conditioning, but why risk injury up 30 points?

[Nescacman]

Kirby only played in 7 games last year and was fifth in the league in rushing. He's a stud by NESCAC standards. Not a guy you typically inject in a game with 5 minutes left winning by 30 for 8 consecutive carries unless your'e looking to punish somebody.

Kirby had just one carry in the first three quarters and yet you honestly believe that Trinity put him in the game to "punish" Tufts? Sure, the Bantams have talent and depth at the position, but I disagree with your notion that their third-string running back is too good to play. If a senior role-player can't get a few carries to help his team close-out a game late in the fourth quarter, then when exactly should he be allowed on the field?

As for accusations of Devanney running up the score; in the 4th quarter Trinity had 18 offensive snaps. They ran the ball EVERY SINGLE PLAY. 

A few carries? how about 8 in a row.
We know Kirby is one of the best backs in the league.  I said with a big lead and 5 minutes left they had one of their top backs in the game to punish Tufts because they didn't like Tufts continuing to throw the ball. Another team wouldn't risk a top guy in the game with 5 minutes to go and they wouldn't run him 8 plays in a row. Very unusual by anyone's standards. Clearly another agenda with a big lead and time running out. Other programs would have true reserves in the game.
I'm sure both teams and coaches have moved on but too many times over the years Trinity creates these agendas when they are blowing another team out.

I'm sure Will is thrilled that you're such a fan; but based on his usage the Trinity coaching staff clearly views him as their THIRD STRING running back. You keep insisting he's a "top guy". Then why did he only get one carry in the first half against a team that was supposed to contend for the league title? Kirby is not some secret weapon that they were saving until the fourth quarter to try and humiliate Tufts. It really is this simple; Kirby is a good back who has been surpassed on the depth chart by other good backs. He may not get the bulk of the touches, but he deserves to have a chance to carry the ball, especially as a senior! I'm amazed that you're doubling-down on such an absurd stance that he's too good to play.

The game was already a blow out out. There is no "agenda", and if Jeff wanted to "punish" Tufts he would have continued to throw the ball, rather than calling 18 consecutive run plays in the fourth quarter to end the game.

How about how Tufts special teams has been terrible for many years. The fact that the long snapper constantly kept snapping the ball too high and eventually cost Tufts seven points should a bone of contention. The fact that Special teams has never been a priority of HC is astonishing year after year it has cost the team. Here is an interesting concept try scouting some players for special teams instead of this sophisticated recruitment scheme. I will say this it is not working.

More importantly if you really watch the game Berluti was terrible throwing the ball the defensive game plan was sound. More importantly watch the DL rush they were all over Berluti all game long he was uncomfortable and rarely had time to throw. If your biggest complaint from the game was Trinity was playing to hard or using top level players...... This should be on the C'mon Man !! segments.

Charlie, is there an echo in the room?!?

[lumbercat]

NM-

No sense pressing him for a response he will only fabricate something with about a 50/50 chance, at best, of being true.

I watched the late stages of the game online and thought it it was the ones or close to respond to the Mole but don't hold me to it because I watching on a cellphone at Goochs Beach.

[lumbercat]

Very sad to hear today of the passing of Dartmouth HCOF Buddy Teevans.
A legend in New England football starting in the 70's when he was all scholastic QB at Silver Lake on Bostons South Shore.
Went to Deerfield and then to Dartmouth where he played QB..... also played 4 yrs varsity Hockey!

Started as an assistant at BU, then got HC job at Maine. Returned to Dartmouth as HC with great success. Then hired by Tulane HCOF.
OC at Illinois and Florida to HCOF at Stanford.
Afher his stint in the big time he returned to Dartmouth in 2005 and was running a fine program in Hanover.

Spent some social time with Buddy over many years stating in the late 70'S. Football aside, a great person with a ton of charisma.
Can't begin to say enough about his character.
A much bigger figure in NE College Football than most realize.
Very sad day.

[Nescacman]

Very sad to hear today of the passing of Dartmouth HCOF Buddy Teevans.
A legend in New England football starting in the 70's when he was all scholastic QB at Silver Lake on Bostons South Shore.
Went to Deerfield and then to Dartmouth where he played QB..... also played 4 yrs varsity Hockey!

Started as an assistant at BU, then got HC job at Maine. Returned to Dartmouth as HC with great success. Then hired by Tulane HCOF.
OC at Illinois and Florida to HCOF at Stanford.
Afher his stint in the big time he returned to Dartmouth in 2005 and was running a fine program in Hanover.

Spent some social time with Buddy over many years stating in the late 70'S. Football aside, a great person with a ton of charisma.
Can't begin to say enough about his character.
A much bigger figure in NE College Football than most realize.
Very sad day.

We'll second that Lumber...very sad indeed. A true innovator. Gone way too soon.

[GroundandPound]

My more than meaningless picks...

Amherst over Hamilton
Williams over Bowdoin
Trinity over Colby
Tufts over Bates
Middlebury over Wesleyan

[LochNescac]

Very sad to hear today of the passing of Dartmouth HCOF Buddy Teevans.
A legend in New England football starting in the 70's when he was all scholastic QB at Silver Lake on Bostons South Shore.
Went to Deerfield and then to Dartmouth where he played QB..... also played 4 yrs varsity Hockey!

Started as an assistant at BU, then got HC job at Maine. Returned to Dartmouth as HC with great success. Then hired by Tulane HCOF.
OC at Illinois and Florida to HCOF at Stanford.
Afher his stint in the big time he returned to Dartmouth in 2005 and was running a fine program in Hanover.

Spent some social time with Buddy over many years stating in the late 70'S. Football aside, a great person with a ton of charisma.
Can't begin to say enough about his character.
A much bigger figure in NE College Football than most realize.
Very sad day.

Had the opportunity to meet him at Dartmouth.  A guy you wanted to spend time listening to and learning from. 

Most importantly; someone you wanted your football playing son in the care of.

[The Mole]

Not meaningless G n P! I would be curious if you had to give them a confidence ranking, 5 being highest, 1 lowest how would you rank them?

For example:

Amherst over Hamilton 3
Williams over Bowdoin 2
Trinity over Colby 5
Tufts over Bates 4
Wesleyan over Middlebury 1

My more than meaningless picks...

Amherst over Hamilton
Williams over Bowdoin
Trinity over Colby
Tufts over Bates
Middlebury over Wesleyan