FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[jmcozenlaw]

Rowan is one week into camp. The team looks solid, should be an exciting season. For now, they are using all brown helmets in practice, curious to see what their game day uniforms will be.

Any news or updates from the other NJAC squads?

As always down Route 1/Route 13, same ole, same ole. Rinse, wash, and repeat  !

I'm sure the Purple Raiders will love the Rinse, wash, repeat 

E tu CNU85???

Hahaha!! We have along way to go before getting crushed in the playoffs again. The NJAC just isn't what it used to be.

Farrrrrrrrrrrr from what the NJAC used to be in fact. Even the "NJAC" is a bit whacked as the "NJ" includes MD and VA (and used to include DE). If Rowan has there way and moves up in 3-5 years to become a Towson, Delaware, Villanova, FCS program.............that might be the death of what we currently know as the NJAC, especially if Salisbury (and another unnamed school......shhhhhhh) have success in talks behind the scenes to jump into the MAC.

Conference roulette will be alive and well for years to come........for several different reasons!

[BallGuy145]

Rowan is one week into camp. The team looks solid, should be an exciting season. For now, they are using all brown helmets in practice, curious to see what their game day uniforms will be.

Any news or updates from the other NJAC squads?

As always down Route 1/Route 13, same ole, same ole. Rinse, wash, and repeat  !

I'm sure the Purple Raiders will love the Rinse, wash, repeat 

E tu CNU85???

Hahaha!! We have along way to go before getting crushed in the playoffs again. The NJAC just isn't what it used to be.

Farrrrrrrrrrrr from what the NJAC used to be in fact. Even the "NJAC" is a bit whacked as the "NJ" includes MD and VA (and used to include DE). If Rowan has there way and moves up in 3-5 years to become a Towson, Delaware, Villanova, FCS program.............that might be the death of what we currently know as the NJAC, especially if Salisbury (and another unnamed school......shhhhhhh) have success in talks behind the scenes to jump into the MAC.

Conference roulette will be alive and well for years to come........for several different reasons!

What team do you think has the opportunity to move to the MAC. With recent years of Rowan not being as successful would it really make sense for them to make an FCS jump?

[MRMIKESMITH]

Rowan is one week into camp. The team looks solid, should be an exciting season. For now, they are using all brown helmets in practice, curious to see what their game day uniforms will be.

Any news or updates from the other NJAC squads?

As always down Route 1/Route 13, same ole, same ole. Rinse, wash, and repeat  !

I'm sure the Purple Raiders will love the Rinse, wash, repeat 

E tu CNU85???

Hahaha!! We have along way to go before getting crushed in the playoffs again. The NJAC just isn't what it used to be.

Farrrrrrrrrrrr from what the NJAC used to be in fact. Even the "NJAC" is a bit whacked as the "NJ" includes MD and VA (and used to include DE). If Rowan has there way and moves up in 3-5 years to become a Towson, Delaware, Villanova, FCS program.............that might be the death of what we currently know as the NJAC, especially if Salisbury (and another unnamed school......shhhhhhh) have success in talks behind the scenes to jump into the MAC.

Conference roulette will be alive and well for years to come........for several different reasons!

What team do you think has the opportunity to move to the MAC. With recent years of Rowan not being as successful would it really make sense for them to make an FCS jump?

Rowan has to do something. The cost of tuition is very high and I believe it's cheaper to go to out of state schools in some cases. The NJAC needs Rowan, Kean, and Montclair State to get at least get back to what they were in the 2000s. It starts with keeping those in-state guys and mixture of PA guys. I know Muhlenberg, Del Val, and other teams have been taking advantage of that Recruiting area.

[jmcozenlaw]

Rowan is one week into camp. The team looks solid, should be an exciting season. For now, they are using all brown helmets in practice, curious to see what their game day uniforms will be.

Any news or updates from the other NJAC squads?

As always down Route 1/Route 13, same ole, same ole. Rinse, wash, and repeat  !

I'm sure the Purple Raiders will love the Rinse, wash, repeat 

E tu CNU85???

Hahaha!! We have along way to go before getting crushed in the playoffs again. The NJAC just isn't what it used to be.

Farrrrrrrrrrrr from what the NJAC used to be in fact. Even the "NJAC" is a bit whacked as the "NJ" includes MD and VA (and used to include DE). If Rowan has there way and moves up in 3-5 years to become a Towson, Delaware, Villanova, FCS program.............that might be the death of what we currently know as the NJAC, especially if Salisbury (and another unnamed school......shhhhhhh) have success in talks behind the scenes to jump into the MAC.

Conference roulette will be alive and well for years to come........for several different reasons!

What team do you think has the opportunity to move to the MAC. With recent years of Rowan not being as successful would it really make sense for them to make an FCS jump?

Rowan has "grand plans" and at least 3 options on the table. The "grandest plan" is to become sort of like a University of Delaware. Now, one can argue that NJ already has the "State School of NJ" in Rutgers........but that's the FBS school, whereas Rowan would be the FCS version of "New Jersey's school". I've seen the plans myself.

Rowan has grown significantly in medical/healthcare and has some other academic plans. They want to follow suit with sports. Now, the big, real big determinant will be the funding/fundraising. I'm not sure that they need to find another Henry Rowan necessarily..........but they do have much bigger dreams and aspirations than let's say an even larger school, Montclair State, does.

Bottom line.......it comes down to money, as everything else does. Can they pull it off? I'd give it about a 35%-40% shot. Within the Rowan family, they think the shot is higher, but far from a reality.

As far as other schools, especially for anybody who saw the MAC as a more stable conference vs. the NJAC, I'm not going to spill my guts here BUT I will say that Salisbury is a bit too far for those midweek games for many MAC schools, especially those in Northeastern PA.........and the one MD school in the MAC is not exactly across the street. The MAC would love to bring in 2 more schools, regardless of what might be said on the record. In the NJAC, the VA schools are out. Salisbury, in my opinion, is too far. Rowan has bigger plans. Montclair is too large. Look to NJ though my friend.........look to NJ. FDU would love a more proximate MAC playmate or two.

As I said, conference roulette will be alive and well for many years to come and some schools might look to make a preemptive move before they actually see blood in the water.

[HansenRatings]

Playoff projections for the season using my model's preseason ratings:



You can look at other conferences on my website: https://hansenratings.github.io/.

[MRMIKESMITH]

Rowan is one week into camp. The team looks solid, should be an exciting season. For now, they are using all brown helmets in practice, curious to see what their game day uniforms will be.

Any news or updates from the other NJAC squads?

As always down Route 1/Route 13, same ole, same ole. Rinse, wash, and repeat  !

I'm sure the Purple Raiders will love the Rinse, wash, repeat 

E tu CNU85???

Hahaha!! We have along way to go before getting crushed in the playoffs again. The NJAC just isn't what it used to be.

Farrrrrrrrrrrr from what the NJAC used to be in fact. Even the "NJAC" is a bit whacked as the "NJ" includes MD and VA (and used to include DE). If Rowan has there way and moves up in 3-5 years to become a Towson, Delaware, Villanova, FCS program.............that might be the death of what we currently know as the NJAC, especially if Salisbury (and another unnamed school......shhhhhhh) have success in talks behind the scenes to jump into the MAC.

Conference roulette will be alive and well for years to come........for several different reasons!

What team do you think has the opportunity to move to the MAC. With recent years of Rowan not being as successful would it really make sense for them to make an FCS jump?

Rowan has "grand plans" and at least 3 options on the table. The "grandest plan" is to become sort of like a University of Delaware. Now, one can argue that NJ already has the "State School of NJ" in Rutgers........but that's the FBS school, whereas Rowan would be the FCS version of "New Jersey's school". I've seen the plans myself.

Rowan has grown significantly in medical/healthcare and has some other academic plans. They want to follow suit with sports. Now, the big, real big determinant will be the funding/fundraising. I'm not sure that they need to find another Henry Rowan necessarily..........but they do have much bigger dreams and aspirations than let's say an even larger school, Montclair State, does.

Bottom line.......it comes down to money, as everything else does. Can they pull it off? I'd give it about a 35%-40% shot. Within the Rowan family, they think the shot is higher, but far from a reality.

As far as other schools, especially for anybody who saw the MAC as a more stable conference vs. the NJAC, I'm not going to spill my guts here BUT I will say that Salisbury is a bit too far for those midweek games for many MAC schools, especially those in Northeastern PA.........and the one MD school in the MAC is not exactly across the street. The MAC would love to bring in 2 more schools, regardless of what might be said on the record. In the NJAC, the VA schools are out. Salisbury, in my opinion, is too far. Rowan has bigger plans. Montclair is too large. Look to NJ though my friend.........look to NJ. FDU would love a more proximate MAC playmate or two.

As I said, conference roulette will be alive and well for many years to come and some schools might look to make a preemptive move before they actually see blood in the water.

Interesting points regarding Rowan. My thoughts is that the ECFC teams may merge with the rest of the those NJAC schools sans TCNJ, Salisbury and CNU. I would hope that maybe the Landmark would take a hard look at Salisbury and CNU, while the CC picks up a TCNJ. Otherwise, I would think that both Salisbury and CNU try their hand in the Landmark or football only in CC. Otherwise, it would probably behoove them to look at FCS/DIV II level. I think the issue with Salisbury was that the Lacrosse (M&W) didn't want to compete in DII, but I think you can now have one or two sports in DI and the rest in DII.

[jmcozenlaw]

Not very impressed by Rowan. Gacked up a 10 point lead, which should have been 17, at home, to a first time starter at QB. Stevenson ran the ball down Rowan's throat. I think Salisbury is the clear favorite in the NJAC.

[MRMIKESMITH]

Expecting a great game tomorrow from Salisbury. What I'm looking for tomorrow and for the season is who is the field general, can the offense take the necessary steps to raise it's ceiling, and can the defense adjust in game. Salisbury was down to its scout team QB by last year's 1st round game against Mount. With at least 4 QBs that have in-game experience, who will come out and take over, who will be the new Lanham, Griffin, Curley, and Johnson. Offensively, Salisbury success will be predicated on how the QB steers the ship and ball protection. With the triple option scheme, capitalizing on the defense mistakes will be key, but can they do it against the good to elite teams. Salisbury has struggled mightily against Top 15 teams over the last 10 years, so Salisbury playing W&L, Muhlenberg, and Johns Hopkins early in the season will be a great indicator on not the talent, but how the coaching staff has grown or can grow (in season). With Wesley and Frostburg State no longer in the NJAC, Salisbury staff will have to realize that the triple scheme has a ceiling and adjusting when it doesn't work will take them to the next level. Defensively, Salisbury was very stingy last year and really stout for most of the season. I'm looking forward to see how Salisbury defensively can adjust to the athletic and pass happy teams that killed them the in the ladder part of the season. Can the odd front with the occasional lb blitz get pressure that will allow the secondary to sit in the heavy cloud/cover 4 scheme. Again, I think the Muhlenberg and Johns Hopkins games will not be based upon talent, but how well the coaches prepare the players to succeed and how they adjust in-game when something is not on the prep sheet. Will the defense rely on the read and react style or will they take chances and be multiple to control the pace of offenses. Looking at the past 10/15 years, Salisbury has been a zone based team coming out of the odd front, only blitzing on 3rd down, which became routine and the opposing offensive coordinators exploited.

Regarding the W&L game, I expect Salisbury to be conservative both offensively and defensively, which has been the standard, staying true to its formula. It may/should be enough, but W&L helming from the ODAC  and having played very similar teams that I would consider over the past few years on Salisbury's talent level or higher. I don't expect W&L to lay down, I expect them to come into the game thinking they truly have a chance to win and for it not to be an upset. If Salisbury is to take the next step in terms of regional dominance, they have to get out on them and demoralize W&L both offensively and defensively. Both teams run triple option schemes from different formations, but discipline and tackling in space will be huge. Limiting the big play and not being lulled to sleep my the motions. I expect Salisbury to win the game, but how we win the game will be huge on the trajectory of this current team and program.

[MRMIKESMITH]

Salisbury goes into Lexington, VA and gets a good win against a respectable program in W&L. Hats off to W&L, they played very well and probably feel they left a lot a points off the scoreboard. As with previous seasons, I'll give my Good, Bad, and Ugly.

Good: Salisbury was able to capitalize off of each of W&L's 4 turnovers, turning each into touchdowns. Salisbury showed good promise in its passing game out of the shotgun, if they can continue to become more intentional in that formation, it will help them get to the next level. Defensively, the secondary coming up and making good secure tackles and limiting explosive plays was very good to see. Special teams outside of the fake punt that W&L executed was solid. All in all, Salisbury continuing its winning ways in the State of Virginia, It's always good to a get a win regardless of circumstances.

Bad: Defensive front seven - Salisbury really did not do a great job getting off the field outside of W&L's turnovers. W&L didn't really have too many explosive plays, but average almost 5 yards a carry. Salisbury needs to find a short yardage package, this is the same issue going back to prior year. Salisbury read & react defense appeared to be more of a catch type defense, W&L was able to move the ball at will early and throughout the 2nd half. Middle linebackers appeared to be very slow on lateral plays not getting off blocks and struggled to get into pass lanes on W&L's play action plays. Offensively, Salisbury looked a little sluggish (this could be do to W&L controlling the TOP for majority of 1st half) and not intentional in the run game. Playaction out of the traditional flexbone was either poorly executed or called at wrong time.

Ugly: QB carousel in the 1st half. I understand we have 3 to 4 QBs that played last year, but QB1 is QB1, he showed the ability to run the offense much more efficiently and his throwing is much more accurate than QB2/QB3.

[RowanPhan]

Not very impressed by Rowan. Gacked up a 10 point lead, which should have been 17, at home, to a first time starter at QB. Stevenson ran the ball down Rowan's throat. I think Salisbury is the clear favorite in the NJAC.

Tough loss for the Profs. They were also breaking in several new QB's. On one hand, they weren't at full strength, several key players were injured and/or injured in the game. Overall, the defense played well, and showed it's depth. On the other hand, much room for improvement, I think the Profs will improve as the season proceeds.

[RowanPhan]

https://njacsports.com/news/2023/9/5/first-njac-football-weekly-honors-of-2023-announced.aspx


First NJAC Football Weekly Honors of 2023 Announced

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
TREVOR BOPP • The College of New Jersey
Senior • Quarterback • Paramus, NJ/Paramus

Bopp made history in Saturday's season opener against Eastern, throwing for a school-record 405 yards and four touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter to help the Lions turn a slim 27-21 lead into a 41-21 runaway. The senior signal-caller, who also added a rushing score to his sparkling stat line, completed 32 of 55 passes, which included 10 completions to Ryan Gill and a pair of scoring strikes to Jayson Schmidt. Bopp's passing yardage surpassed the previous mark of 383 by Bob Lockhart in 1980.


DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
JIMMY CELENTANO • Salisbury University
Junior • Linebacker • Jackson, NJ/Jackson Liberty

Celentano posted 15 stops to lead all tacklers and was part of a defensive unit that forced four W&L turnovers. The 15 stops were a career high for the junior all-conference linebacker.


SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
TYREEK ROLLINS • William Paterson University
Sophomore • Wide Receiver/Returner• Ewing, NJ/Ewing

Rollins returned three kicks for 123 yards against FDU-Florham in his sophomore season debut, including one for an 85-yard touchdown.


OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
RAJAN BOOKER-FELDER • Christopher Newport University
Freshman • Running Back • Lynchburg, VA/Heritage

[CNU85]

and if there was a defensive rookie of the week, I'd mention Taizuan Brown of CNU.

4 tackles and a pick 6. return of 32 yards for the score.

[thewaterboy]

Man, these boards are dead on gamedays nowadays.... I tuned in for some of the Salisbury game, and it looks like they are in a period of flux offensively. Trying to combine the option with a more conventional look... they threw the ball 24 times.

Maybe it's time to pick one or the other?

[MRMIKESMITH]

Good to see people commenting when team is down, wishing their team was still around. With that said here is my Good, Bad, and Ugly:

Good: A nice fg by the kicker. Early on the Front Seven did a great job stopping the run.

Bad: Terrible play selection by offensive coordinator. The offense couldn't get anything going after scoring early. Poor Execution by QB, missed too many WRs early in the game (not counting the passes late in game). QB1 has to make those easy throws. Defensively, the secondary continues to struggle against the pass (although Salisbury was missing All-American Safety), Salisbury has to find ways on 3rd down to get OFF THE FIELD, its like beating a dead horse, I feel over the last 15 years, except 1 good year, teams just throw the ball all around against defensive scheme.  KOR team was poor, returns running like they have sand in their pants.

Ugly: Penalties. Muhlenberg first td was aided by 5 costly penalties, which change the tide of the game. I honestly believe the B Ref and S Ref had something against Salisbury. Flags were flying from the other side of field for penalties 25/30 yards away. Referees single handedly destroyed all momentum at times.

Overall, Salisbury continues to be "Meh" against teams with any pulse.  This wasn't even Muhlenbergs best teams I've seen over the years.  It's becoming uneasy to continue to be diehard, I'm probably becoming more of just a DIII fan. Salisbury had the talent to compete and win the game if coordinators would really commit to being multiple on both sides of the ball. I would love to hear from the HC on how he believes Salisbury can win these "50/50" games. Salisbury does not have a winning record against these "50/50" teams. I know the OC/DC are going to go into film and say the players got to execute better, but year after year in these big games, you can't continue to say execution, that's on coaching staff preparing players and putting them in positions to succeed. If a formation/scheme hasn't worked against teams with a pulse, that's on you as a HC/OC/DC.

With this loss and most likely a loss next week to JH, Salisbury may win the NJAC, but they'll get ship to the Machine again and lose by a lot.

[RowanPhan]

Man, these boards are dead on gamedays nowadays.... I tuned in for some of the Salisbury game, and it looks like they are in a period of flux offensively. Trying to combine the option with a more conventional look... they threw the ball 24 times.

Maybe it's time to pick one or the other?

Nice win by the Profs @ McDaniel.  QB Goldsborough had an impressive 1st half - he showed pin point accuracy on the long passes.  The Profs sat their star RB, Fara, and a few young running backs emerged.  The defense had 4 interceptions and a few sacks.  Everyone on the bus played today.  Plenty of great experience gained.
Still plenty of room for improvement, but overall a solid road trip for the Brown & Gold!