FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[lumbercat]

Reporting from the non-CT division ...

I was reasonably happy with how Amherst played against Bates.   QB was decent, offense was not awful which is good progress.   Having watched the Jeffs play for a long, long time, the difference between these teams and those who could periodically compete with Trinity are the lines.  Especially the offensive line.  The teams over the past 4-5 years get zero push for the running game and provide less than stellar protection for the passing game.  This factors more than anything else in this program's demise.

Now ... why?  No clue other than what I have posited in the past - a new admissions director from a school that doesn't care about athletics - a relatively weak athletic director - both working under a president who in the latter years of her too-long tenure took a hard left turn.  EJ did not forget how to coach.   EJ did not forget how to recruit.   There are other factors impacting this program beyond his reach.   Lord Jeff grads can only hope that the new president, an Amherst grad, moves things back to where they were.

NESCAC1 - I have missed your views on the Eph program this year or at least this past week.

Couldn't agree more Jeffan. Mills didn't forget how to coach or how to win on game day. You seem to validate the word around the conference that the past level of support at Amherst is gone or has diminished sharply.

I'd only suggest that the deterioration of the quality of the roster at Amherst does not seem to be limited to the O/D lines. I've always seen talent at the skill positions and thought Mills was really good at recruiting those kids but that seems to have gone away too.

Maybe if Williams kicks their butt again this year somebody will wake up.....that seems to be the only game they really care about at Amherst.

[SpringSt7]

I was not at Williams - Middlebury this past Saturday and say that to say that I can't comment on how bad the weather was, I know it was a factor but how big a factor I can't say. But keeping that in mind, Cole Kennon played quite poorly and will have to play much much better against Trinity if they want to have any chance of winning. Candidly, they should've lost to Williams - how much of a a concern that would be is anyone's guess as the Ephs continue to fail to get the most out of their talent due to a large number of factors both in and out of their control, included but not limited to penalties, poor special teams play, injuries to their one big play offensive weapon, a freshman QB, and the coaching decision to play the less capable running QB in non passing downs to throw to a receiving corps that has struggled to create separation against opposing secondaries.

[BigKat]

Some really humorous player of the week nods again this week. Must be everyone gets a trophy regime at Nescac HQ #2023. Some way more impressive ST games registered in Ephtown and in Noah's Arc @Brunswick Sat night.

[Scoops]

Couldn't agree more. Not sure who votes on the awards, but they did a poor job outside of the Colby receiver. Defensively, Luke Harmon of Amherst had 7 tackles, an INT and 2 defended passes. Suleman Abuaqe of Tufts had 3 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. Declan Welsh of Wesleyan had 7 tackles and 2 sacks. Hamilton had two players with double digit tackles (more than the kid who won it). Bates had 3 players with 9 (tying the kid who won). And I could go on...

Some really humorous player of the week nods again this week. Must be everyone gets a trophy regime at Nescac HQ #2023. Some way more impressive ST games registered in Ephtown and in Noah's Arc @Brunswick Sat night.

[muleshoe]

Greetings Boardsters....we are back after suffering a "minor" injury during the (very) wet Saturday Maine festivities. No thin skin here, we just literally couldn't type. The only good thing about the day is we were able to see two live, in-person NESCAC games. We are just drying out, btw.

Our two cents having watched the ugly affair in Waterville in person:

1. Hats off to Colby. They played about as well as they could have and it was just enough to beat a Wes team that frankly, did not play their best.
2. Wes is really banged up on the d-line, a position where they could least afford injuries. They already had to replace All-Everything, two-time NESCAC DPOTY Nick Helbig (5th year scholarship player at Power 5 Wake...where he's playing for former Eph Dave Clawson) and All NESCAC DT Keith Henderson. They are playing a lot of youngsters, they are playing great, and Wes will benefit over the next 2-3 years as a result of the experience they are getting. Contrary to what has been written here, we would say that it is because of their seller, national recruiting effort that they have the depth to stay competitive playing the youngsters. Also, kudo's to d-line Coach Q who does an amazing job with his student-athletes. Thank you for all you do Coach!
3. Special teams killed Wes...missed XP, couldn't handle the snap on a game winning 36 yard FG with no time left and a fumble on a return (that ended with no points).
4.Tons of dropped passes by Wes. We'll attribute that to the wet weather. Play on a dry day and many of those are caught. Wes had guys running around open much of the day.
5. Colby QB, who was not good on film, played (unexpectedly) well against us.
6. Game was very similar in a lot of ways (other than the weather) to Bowdoin last year. We believe that Wes was better Team on both days but at the end, didn't get it done and lost. Once again, hats off to former Cardinal and Mule OC Shea Dwyer for devising a solid offensive game plan.
7. Officiating was, as always in Maine, bad. Blew the call on an apperant safety by Wes on a fumbled punt recovered by Colby in the end zone. White hat said the ball was outside the end zone and his body was inside the end zone but it was exact opposite. We know because we were standing right there.
8. Wes needs to run the ball better, especially in bad weather games. And it may rain again this weekend in Medford.
9. If Wes doesn't play better next week against the Jumbo's, they'll get smoked. Only solace is Wes/Tufts night games are usually close, epic games.

In sum, we sucked, and Colby did not and they broke the 10 game losing streak they had to Wes. Congrats to them. BTW, we know the weather was bad, but really poor showing by Colby students and parents. Proud of the Cardinal Nation who made the trip and outnumbered the Mule fans on the road.

More on our experience in Brunswick later. Congratulations to the Jumbo's, on demolishing the Polars. Game was definitely not as close as the score.

Feel the need to defend Colby on a few points here... Questionable calls on both sides (as is the norm at all levels of football). On the punt in question, returners momentum clearly carried him into the endzone. Looked like the correct call to me. Refs also should have called Pass Interference in the endzone on the double pass after Wes fumbled the kickoff in the 1st quarter. Would have been 1st down at the 1, instead our FG hits the upright.

Also on the lack of attendance, unfortunately this weekend was Fall Break, so the only students on campus were likely other student-athletes playing their own games at the same time. Less than ideal scheduling...

Overall, could not be happier about the Mules performance on Saturday! Controlled the game upfront on both sides (don't want to hear about backup d-lineman), running the ball consistently with Smart and getting after the Cards "vaunted" passing attack. Really impressed with Keeling for stepping up as a backup, pushing the ball downfield through the rain and coming through in the clutch. Cards also had no answer for Sawyer throughout the day, who was somehow able to hang onto the ball when thrown his way. I guess it stopped raining when the Mules were on offense 

On to Amherst! 

[Nescacman]

2023 NESCACMAN Week 4 Power Rankings

Week #4 leaves us with a clear cut first place team in Hartford State with three one loss teams chasing them and still in the hunt (Wesleyan, Tufts, and Middlebury)...Hartford State goes to 4-0 with the win at Hamilton...Wesleyan is upset by Colby...Middlebury wins a squeaker over the Ephs...Tufts wins impressively at Bowdoin...UBates loses to the Lord Mammoths at home...NESCACMAN goes 3-2 with our weekly picks...we are now 17-3 on the year.

Here are our NESCAC rankings for Week 4 based on our poll of league wide correspondents:

1). Hartford State Roosters (10 first place votes)(4-0; Last Week Rank: 1): Hartford State had a tougher time of it than most thought against the Alexander Hamilton's...allowed 21 points including a punt block for a TD...QB Fetter had his first interception of the year...WR Sean Clapp starred on offense for the Roosters with 13 catches...Roosters back home this week to face the Pants.

2). Tufts Jumbo's (3-1; Last Week Rank: 4): Defense stepped up against the Polars in very poor playing conditions in Brunswick...Impressive win for the Jumbo's...held Bowdoin to 38 yards rushing on 41 attempts...5 sacks and 12 tackles for a loss for the Jumbo's...only 13 first downs for each team... ...defense held Bowdoin to 155 yards of total offense, only 117 yards passing on 7 for 25 with an interception...Bowdoin was 4 of 17 on third downs....Tufts O-line allowed their first sack...Tufts hosts Wesleyan in their annual night game in what is essentially a play-off game in the NESCAC.

3). Wesleyan Cardinals (3-1; Last week Rank: 2): Disappointing week 4 loss for the Cards...we've already detailed our thoughts on the game...weather was the story...Chase Wilson had 2 more TD receptions...6 sacks for Wes...also allowed 6 sacks ...big game for Wes DL Declan Welch (7 tackles, 2 TFL and 2 sacks)...Wes travels to Medford to face the Jumbo's this week in an important Week #5 match-up.

4). Middlebury Panthers (3-1; Last Week Rank: 3): MID wins in a completely unimpressive fashion against a weak Eph squad...MID lowlights: 55 yards rushing on 27 attempts, 6 turnovers (4 interceptions and 2 fumbles), and 18 minutes of possession...MID scores with 1 minute left to win...as bad as MID's offense was, Eph passing attack (can we call it that???) actually had one of the worst days in NESCAC history...1 (one) yard of total passing offense (you read that right), no first downs via the air), 2 completions in 11 attempts, and the longest passing play was 2 yards ....congrats to MID DL Dave Filias who won NESCAC DPOTW based on 9 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass break up...Middlebury plays Hartford State this week in the Coop.

5). Colby Mules (2-2; Last Week Rank: 6): Mules win their second game in a row with an impressive win at home in the rain against Wesleyan...great individual efforts by Colby QB Thomas Keeling and NESCAC OPOTW WR Jack Sawyer (7 catches for 129 yards and 2 TDs)...Colby proved our point that they are better than their record had shown...Colby defense held Wesleyan to 237 yards of total offense...Mules travel to Amwurst this week.

6). Bowdoin Polar Bears (2-2; Last Week Rank: 5): Bowdoin loses in the rain to Tufts...loss was much worse than 24-10 result...Bowdoin's offense was not good (13 first downs, 10 points, 38 yards rushing on 41 carries and 155 yards of total offense)...QB Andrew Boel had one of his worst days as starting QB (7 for 24 for 117 yard, no TDs, 1 interception, sacked 5 times)...Bowdoin played back-up QB quite a bit primarily as a wildcat QB (he only threw 1 pass)...reminded us of the QB play at Bowdoin prior to Boel's arrival in Brunswick...not sure what is going on with Polars RB Andre Eden (9 carries for 26 yards and a 6 yard longest run); does not look like the same player...Polars host UBates in a C-B-B game this week.

7). Amwurst Lord Mammoths (2-2; Last Week Rank: 9): Lord Mammoths beat UBates...Amwurst makes the change at QB and junior plays well...defense holds UBates to 37 yards rushing and intercepted UBates twice....this week they host Colby.

8). Williams Purple Cows (1-3; Last Week Rank: 7): Another loss for the Ephs...pass offense hits a new low with only 2 completions on the day....travel to Clinton to face Hamilton.

9). University of Bates Bobcats (Lewiston Campus)(0-4; Last Week Rank: 8): UBates loses to the Lord Mammoths...only generate 221 yards of total offense....3 turnovers...37 yards rushing on 23 attempts......travel to Bowdoin to face the Polars this week.

10). Hamilton Alexander Hamilton's (0-4; Last Week Rank: 10): Moral victory for HAM as they ONLY lose to Hartford state by two TDs...HAM played their 3rd string QB, and he threw 3 interceptions...only 211 yards of total offense on the day including 74 yards rushing...Alexander Hamilton's host Williams this week in Clinton.

[Charlie]

Tufts Special teams

I give props to Tufts in there win against Bowdoin. Very sloppy night in the rain. I do find it comical that HC Civetti constantly tries ways to cost his team points. In fourth quarter in an obvious 4th and long Punt situation he takes out the punter who was having a great night punting in the weather. He puts QB Berluti in shotgun. Bowdoin knew that he was not going for the first down instead Tufts tried to have him punt and Berluti succesfully executed a 1 yard Punt. It seems like every year HC Civetti finds some type of head scratching special teams blunder. Although did not cost Tufts points one has to wonder.

[Nescacman]

Greetings Boardsters....we are back after suffering a "minor" injury during the (very) wet Saturday Maine festivities. No thin skin here, we just literally couldn't type. The only good thing about the day is we were able to see two live, in-person NESCAC games. We are just drying out, btw.

Our two cents having watched the ugly affair in Waterville in person:

1. Hats off to Colby. They played about as well as they could have and it was just enough to beat a Wes team that frankly, did not play their best.
2. Wes is really banged up on the d-line, a position where they could least afford injuries. They already had to replace All-Everything, two-time NESCAC DPOTY Nick Helbig (5th year scholarship player at Power 5 Wake...where he's playing for former Eph Dave Clawson) and All NESCAC DT Keith Henderson. They are playing a lot of youngsters, they are playing great, and Wes will benefit over the next 2-3 years as a result of the experience they are getting. Contrary to what has been written here, we would say that it is because of their seller, national recruiting effort that they have the depth to stay competitive playing the youngsters. Also, kudo's to d-line Coach Q who does an amazing job with his student-athletes. Thank you for all you do Coach!
3. Special teams killed Wes...missed XP, couldn't handle the snap on a game winning 36 yard FG with no time left and a fumble on a return (that ended with no points).
4.Tons of dropped passes by Wes. We'll attribute that to the wet weather. Play on a dry day and many of those are caught. Wes had guys running around open much of the day.
5. Colby QB, who was not good on film, played (unexpectedly) well against us.
6. Game was very similar in a lot of ways (other than the weather) to Bowdoin last year. We believe that Wes was better Team on both days but at the end, didn't get it done and lost. Once again, hats off to former Cardinal and Mule OC Shea Dwyer for devising a solid offensive game plan.
7. Officiating was, as always in Maine, bad. Blew the call on an apperant safety by Wes on a fumbled punt recovered by Colby in the end zone. White hat said the ball was outside the end zone and his body was inside the end zone but it was exact opposite. We know because we were standing right there.
8. Wes needs to run the ball better, especially in bad weather games. And it may rain again this weekend in Medford.
9. If Wes doesn't play better next week against the Jumbo's, they'll get smoked. Only solace is Wes/Tufts night games are usually close, epic games.

In sum, we sucked, and Colby did not and they broke the 10 game losing streak they had to Wes. Congrats to them. BTW, we know the weather was bad, but really poor showing by Colby students and parents. Proud of the Cardinal Nation who made the trip and outnumbered the Mule fans on the road.

More on our experience in Brunswick later. Congratulations to the Jumbo's, on demolishing the Polars. Game was definitely not as close as the score.

Feel the need to defend Colby on a few points here... Questionable calls on both sides (as is the norm at all levels of football). On the punt in question, returners momentum clearly carried him into the endzone. Looked like the correct call to me. Refs also should have called Pass Interference in the endzone on the double pass after Wes fumbled the kickoff in the 1st quarter. Would have been 1st down at the 1, instead our FG hits the upright.

Also on the lack of attendance, unfortunately this weekend was Fall Break, so the only students on campus were likely other student-athletes playing their own games at the same time. Less than ideal scheduling...

Overall, could not be happier about the Mules performance on Saturday! Controlled the game upfront on both sides (don't want to hear about backup d-lineman), running the ball consistently with Smart and getting after the Cards "vaunted" passing attack. Really impressed with Keeling for stepping up as a backup, pushing the ball downfield through the rain and coming through in the clutch. Cards also had no answer for Sawyer throughout the day, who was somehow able to hang onto the ball when thrown his way. I guess it stopped raining when the Mules were on offense 

On to Amherst!

Although it is not our style to get into back and forth with other posters, we have to respond:

1. We understand that it was Fall break and students were not on campus, but what's the excuse for the lack of parents and alums and why did Wes have more parents and alums than the Mules had for a home game?
2. Not sure we agree with the comment that Colby dominated the line of scrimmage. Wes had six sacks and held Colby to 82 yards rushing on 43 attempts (1.9 ypc). Colby RB Smart had 85 yards rushing on 20 carries and no TDs....hardly dominant. We think Smart is an OK runner but not even close to the talent of the upper echelon of NESCAC RBs (DiNapaoli, Fischetti, Reece).
3. Not sure you understand how the pass interference rule works in college. It is different than the NFL. Even if that double pass was pass interference in the end zone (which it was not) it would not have put the ball on the 1 yard line. This is not the NFL. In college, it's either a 15 yard penalty (if the play is longer than 15 yards...if less than 15 yards, the penalty goes to the spot of the foul) or half the distance to the goal line, which is what it would have been in this case. In all cases, it is an automatic first down.

As we said, congratulations to the Mules. They played well, came away with the win, and broke the 10-game Wes winning streak against them.

[Nescacman]

Tufts Special teams

I give props to Tufts in there win against Bowdoin. Very sloppy night in the rain. I do find it comical that HC Civetti constantly tries ways to cost his team points. In fourth quarter in an obvious 4th and long Punt situation he takes out the punter who was having a great night punting in the weather. He puts QB Berluti in shotgun. Bowdoin knew that he was not going for the first down instead Tufts tried to have him punt and Berluti succesfully executed a 1 yard Punt. It seems like every year HC Civetti finds some type of head scratching special teams blunder. Although did not cost Tufts points one has to wonder.

We have to agree with Chuck on this one. Head scratching call for sure. HCOF Jay proved one thing, QB Berlutti is a much better passer and runner than he is a punter!

[AmherstStudent05]

Although it is not our style to get into back and forth with other posters, we have to respond:


3. Not sure you understand how the pass interference rule works in college. It is different than the NFL. Even if that double pass was pass interference in the end zone (which it was not) it would not have put the ball on the 1 yard line. This is not the NFL. In college, it's either a 15 yard penalty (if the play is longer than 15 yards...if less than 15 yards, the penalty goes to the spot of the foul) or half the distance to the goal line, which is what it would have been in this case. In all cases, it is an automatic first down.

As we said, congratulations to the Mules. They played well, came away with the win, and broke the 10-game Wes winning streak against them.
[/quote]

I'm not sure anyone understands the pass interference rules! I don't think your explication is quite right either.  My understanding is that Defensive PI is exempt from the traditional "half the distance" enforcement except in the corner case where the ball is snapped at the PLUS 2 (eg, a team in the redzone snaps the ball at the opponent's two-yard line, defensive PI is committed in the endzone, the team on offense now gets first and goal at the 1). But if the team snaps the ball at the opponent's 15-yard line and defensive PI is committed in the end zone, the team on offense gets a first down at the 2, not half the distance.

[Charlie]

Although it is not our style to get into back and forth with other posters, we have to respond:


3. Not sure you understand how the pass interference rule works in college. It is different than the NFL. Even if that double pass was pass interference in the end zone (which it was not) it would not have put the ball on the 1 yard line. This is not the NFL. In college, it's either a 15 yard penalty (if the play is longer than 15 yards...if less than 15 yards, the penalty goes to the spot of the foul) or half the distance to the goal line, which is what it would have been in this case. In all cases, it is an automatic first down.

As we said, congratulations to the Mules. They played well, came away with the win, and broke the 10-game Wes winning streak against them.

I'm not sure anyone understands the pass interference rules! I don't think your explication is quite right either.  My understanding is that Defensive PI is exempt from the traditional "half the distance" enforcement except in the corner case where the ball is snapped at the PLUS 2 (eg, a team in the redzone snaps the ball at the opponent's two-yard line, defensive PI is committed in the endzone, the team on offense now gets first and goal at the 1). But if the team snaps the ball at the opponent's 15-yard line and defensive PI is committed in the end zone, the team on offense gets a first down at the 2, not half the distance.
[/quote]


On a penalty note. I know this did not happen in NESCAC but first time ever seen this. I was watching the USC football game and did anyone see the special teams play where the opposition tried grabbing the punt returner three of them and pushing him into the punt returner in to the ball while it was rolling on the ground. A very unique play.

[Nescacman]

Although it is not our style to get into back and forth with other posters, we have to respond:


3. Not sure you understand how the pass interference rule works in college. It is different than the NFL. Even if that double pass was pass interference in the end zone (which it was not) it would not have put the ball on the 1 yard line. This is not the NFL. In college, it's either a 15 yard penalty (if the play is longer than 15 yards...if less than 15 yards, the penalty goes to the spot of the foul) or half the distance to the goal line, which is what it would have been in this case. In all cases, it is an automatic first down.

As we said, congratulations to the Mules. They played well, came away with the win, and broke the 10-game Wes winning streak against them.

I'm not sure anyone understands the pass interference rules! I don't think your explication is quite right either.  My understanding is that Defensive PI is exempt from the traditional "half the distance" enforcement except in the corner case where the ball is snapped at the PLUS 2 (eg, a team in the redzone snaps the ball at the opponent's two-yard line, defensive PI is committed in the endzone, the team on offense now gets first and goal at the 1). But if the team snaps the ball at the opponent's 15-yard line and defensive PI is committed in the end zone, the team on offense gets a first down at the 2, not half the distance.
[/quote]


LM Student....sort of correct....from the NCAA Football Rulebook...

"PENALTY—Team A's ball at the spot of the foul, first down, if the foul
occurs fewer than 15 yards beyond the previous spot. If the
foul occurs 15 or more yards beyond the previous spot, Team
A's ball, first down, 15 yards from the previous spot [S33].
When the ball is snapped on or inside the Team B 17-yard
line and outside the Team B two-yard line, and the spot of the
foul is on or inside the two-yard line, the penalty from the
previous spot shall place the ball at the two-yard line, first down
(A.R. 7-3-8-XIV).
No penalty enforced from outside the two-yard line may
place the ball inside the two-yard line (Exception: On the Try
when the snap is on or inside the three-yard line, Rule 10-2-
5-b).
If the previous spot was on or inside the two-yard line, first
down halfway between the previous spot and the goal line (Rule
10-2-6 Exception).
Pass Interference: Summary
ARTICLE 9. a. Either Team A or Team B legally may interfere with opponents
behind the neutral zone.
b.    Players of either team legally may interfere beyond the neutral zone after
the pass has been touched (A.R. 7-3-9-I).
c.    Defensive players legally may contact opponents who have crossed the
neutral zone if the opponents are not in a position to receive a catchable
forward pass.
1.    Those infractions that occur during a down in which a forward pass
crosses the neutral zone are pass interference infractions only if the
receiver had the opportunity to receive a catchable forward pass.
2.    Those infractions that occur during a down in which a forward pass
does not cross the neutral zone are Rule 9-3-4 infractions and the
penalty is enforced from the previous spot.
d.    Pass interference rules apply only during a down in which a legal forward
pass crosses the neutral zone (Rules 2-19-3 and 7-3-8-a, b and c).
e.    Contact by Team B with an eligible receiver involving a personal foul that
interferes with the reception of a catchable pass may be ruled either as
pass interference or as a personal foul with the 15-yard penalty enforced
from the previous spot. Rule 7-3-8 is specific about contact during a pass.
However, if the interference involves an act that ordinarily would result
in disqualification or ejection, the fouling player is disqualified or ejected
from the game.
f.    Physical contact is required to establish interference.
g.    Each player has territorial rights, and incidental contact is ruled under
"attempt to reach...the pass'' in Rule 7-3-8. If opponents who are beyond
the line collide while moving toward the pass, a foul by one or both
players occurs only if intent to impede the opponent is obvious. It is pass
interference only if a catchable forward pass is involved.
h.    Pass interference rules do not apply after the pass has been touched
anywhere inbounds by an inbounds player or has touched an official. If
an opponent is fouled, the penalty is for the foul and not pass interference
(A.R. 7-3-9-I).
i.    After the pass has been touched, any player may execute a legal block
during the remaining flight of the pass.
j.    Tackling or grasping a receiver or any other intentional contact before the
receiver touches the pass is evidence that the tackler is disregarding the ball
and is therefore illegal.
k.    Tackling or running into a receiver when a forward pass obviously is
underthrown or overthrown is disregarding the ball and is illegal. This
is not pass interference but a violation of Rule 9-1-12-a, which carries
a penalty of 15 yards from the previous spot plus a first down. Flagrant
offenders shall be disqualified or ejected."

Our assessment of the play in the Wes/Colby game:
1. It was not pass interference as a result of contact
2. The pass was not catchable which by rule nullifies pass interference.
3. This was a double pass. Our read of "h" above is that pass interference is not relevant on a double pass play. No pass interference.

[AmherstStudent05]

Like I said, the pass interference rules are complex. But based on what you have posted here, I was entirely correct in correcting you about the (very limited) application of the "half the distance" enforcement of defensive pass interference.

You are also wrong about your read of (h). (H) seems to embody the well known rule that pass interference cannot occur once the forward pass has been touched in the field of play. This is why football officials have a mechanic for signifying a tipped pass — once the pass is tipped there can no longer be pass interference.

"Double passes" have nothing to do with this. I am no rules expert (but I do know a lot about football) but there can be at most only one forward pass on any play from scrimmage. So a "double pass" is itself an illegal play there is no need or opportunity to enforce DPI in such an instance.

I don't see why DPI couldn't be called on a flea flicker type play, but if there is a rule against it I am pretty sure it isn't (h).

To be clear, I didn't see any of the Wes game so I know nothing about this particular play. Surely, if the Wes defender didn't make contact with the Colby receiver or if the pass was deemed uncatchable then the refs were absolutely correct not to throw a flag. But, if PI had been called it wouldn't be enforced as a half the distance infraction (unless this razzle dazzle play started at the Wes 2!) and if there was a "double pass" then only Colby committed an infraction.

[lumbercat]

We might need a qualified referee to weigh in on this....but you might have a tough time finding one on the slow, disorganized, confused crews I've seen working NESCAC games this year.

[NescacNewbie]

Double-pass is the play, which are not 2 forward passes....which is the critical point here. The first pass is not considered a forward pass which would typically be to a WR backing up behind the lateral line of the QB. His pass then would be downfield and considered THE forward pass. And yes, PI does come into play on this pass.