FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[phil]

Between Montclair's lackluster performance today, Rowan's performance over their first two games, Kean's victory at Cortland (despite being outgained by almost 200 yards) – I don't know what to make out of the NJAC this year. Only sure thing is a last place finish for WestConn.

I find it funny... if Montclair, Cortland or Rowan defeated the #3 team in the country and then the #11 team on the road in back to back weeks would you be saying the NJAC is wide open. Obviously Kean does not have the historic resume that those others have but I think you are selling the Cougars accomplishments short. Montclair State to their credit have lived by playing close games and having the defense and special temas coming up with the big play in critical times. So far this season Kean has made the big plays when they needed it despite being out gained overall on the stat sheet.

I agree it's going to be a fun season with Buffalo State much improved along with Morrisville I think every game in this conference outside West Conn could have upsets.


However, until either Montclair, Rowan or Kean lose those three control there destiny.

Where in my above post did I state that the NJAC was "wide open"? But now that you put words in my mouth – yes, it is wide open. The season began with Rowan, Montclair and Cortland as favorites, and now you have Kean in the mix. One NJAC victory does not a season make – even if you had a good out of region win last week.

BTW ... until either Montclair, Rowan, Kean or TCNJ  lose those four control there destiny. Lets at least be accurate about who controls what.

Nice to see Buffalo State, Brockport and Morrisville playing teams tough. They could very well have a say in how the NJAC is decided this year.

[JT]

will be making the trip to rowan next week, first time, what should i expect?  heard about the new stands so that will be nice.  give me some insights, tailgating any good?

The stadium is much improved. Lately, it has become by force a "no alcohol" tailgate, totally ruining the vibe for an adult or an alum that would like to have a beer with that burger. Campus police walk the lot looking for violators.  If you want a little booze with your football, just be a little clever. Mine usually look like a coke or a sprite.  The bathrooms are on the visitors side, arrive  at least an hour or and hour and a half ahead, and you should be good.  I am usually two hours ahead. Tune into 89.7 FM for pregame show an hour before the game.  If you have portable radio, you'll get play-by-play while watching the game on 89.7.

[clandfan]

Tough loss today.  Congrats to Kean.  The kick return for TD was the back breaker.  I thought both teams played well.  You look at the stats and wonder how could Cortland lose with something like 82 plays to 56 or something like that.  Almost double time of possession and outgaining Kean by 200 yds.  but a Kean win it is because the scoreboard is what counts.  Two good wins in a row for Kean but they cant continue to win by those numbers.  D'Ambrisi is dangerous but I thought Pitcher was every bit as good today and was victim to a couple of dropped balls.  He made some third down plays with His feet and some clutch throws.  The drive at the end of the half was outstanding as was the one at the end of the game except for not getting it the endzone.  Miles looked good.  Babin is outstanding.  The loss of Autera is a shame...I hope it's not as bad as it looks.   Not sure what to make of the NJAC at the moment. certainly surprised by the Monclair and Rowan scores today. 

[D O.C.]

Impressive, Kean.

One game at a time.
Win that conference.
Be healthy for the playoffs.
Have a whole new off / def look for UWW or UMU
A little luck....

[wesleydad]

jt, thanks for the insight.  i will talk to you later this week and try to find you in the lot.  really thanks for the arrival time suggestion, makes my leave time easier to figure out.  will be interesting to see both teams so i can compare them to kean, who beat cortland in the same manner they beat wesley.  winning on the scoreboard where it counts.

[rams1102]

Pick-Ems  For  Week  #4  Are  Posted  On  The Pick-Em Board.

[rams1102]

The NJAC now appears to be wide open. At least (6) teams have a shot to take it with Kean on top IMHO ast the present time. I have it as Kean, Cortland, Montclair, Rowan, TCNJ and Willy P.

The Red Hawks really disappoint me. Ok, we are 2-0 but what does that mean. Last game we edged Morrisville in total points and time of possession went to M-Ville by (8) minutes. The only running game was D'Andrea again. The kid is awsome, but better teams will keep him to 75-125 per game and basically shut us down. I firmly believe the talent is there. "D" is great but how long can they stay on the field? The wepons are there on "O" and Fisher appears to be a team player this year. I think that the lack of scoring and intensity  falls on the Coach. Time to kick ass and take numbers. This is not a #10 ranked team at this point. Buff St. will be a test to see what we are all about. Time to take care of business.

LET  GO  MIGHTY  RED  HAWKS  110-60 &  "KEEP POUNGING"  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JT]

jt, thanks for the insight.  i will talk to you later this week and try to find you in the lot.  really thanks for the arrival time suggestion, makes my leave time easier to figure out.  will be interesting to see both teams so i can compare them to kean, who beat cortland in the same manner they beat wesley.  winning on the scoreboard where it counts.

The lot wraps around from the endzone opposite the scoreboard and behind the visitors bleachers and up to the field house.  I like to be closer to the field house where the bathrooms are.  Cortland fans travel well.  It should be a good crowd.  There are those people that don't really tailgate who show up just before game time... but if you are the type of person that likes a good parking spot, and grilling or cooking, 1.5hrs to 2hrs before game time is recommended.

After years of looking the other way at adult beverage consumption, about three years ago they strictly enforced a dry tailgate.  There were never a lot of problems, but it is what it is. I think they are trying to stop students from getting pre-lubed at the game before "party Saturday night".  I usually spike my cokes or sprites ahead of time.

Unfortunately, it is my sis in law's 40th Bday on Saturday.  Its going to be a major shindig, with about 36 people, and my wife is planning it. A surprise party.  She should be surprised because she's already bitching about the lack of attention and the restaurant choice.

[Bengalsrule]

Welcome Bengalsrule,

Hasn't been a Buff St. fan on the D3 boards in quite a while.  Especially talking NJAC football.

Thank you  very much JT. I'm usually just a basketball guy at heart (especially after my BENGALS went Sweet 16 last season) but couldnt help but notice a few weeks ago that the NJAC football boards had some pretty decent football chatter. Some boards (in Basketball) just rag on each other but I could tell that you guys are a pretty decent crew.

I'm look forward to future dialogue!

[clandfan]

Sigh...unlike the team who has to move on and prepare for Rowan, I am languishing in my depression.  Hats off to Kean but we should have won da*n it.  Really was an entertaining and well played game. 

Rams...what the heck happened up at Morrisville?  I have to think that is the surprise of the weekend.  A win is a win but not sure if there is a message there.

[pg04]

Sigh...unlike the team who has to move on and prepare for Rowan, I am languishing in my depression.  Hats off to Kean but we should have won da*n it.  Really was an entertaining and well played game. 

Rams...what the heck happened up at Morrisville?  I have to think that is the surprise of the weekend.  A win is a win but not sure if there is a message there.

This has been happening Montclair to the last year and a half it seems!  They somehow almost lose to almost every team.  It does show some resilience on their part and the ability to win close games.  We know (well at least I think they can from last year) that they can beat good teams.  Maybe it's a coaching thing?  The team isn't coached up very well.  I won't insinuate that because I don't know them enough, just a theory.  Or, Perhaps Morrisville has improved again. 

In short, I'd also like to read Rams response to your question. 

[XREDDRAGON77]

After knocking off the #3 HS team in NYS Class A, I was crushed after seeing the Cortland score.  I had a bad feeling as Cortland has had anemic offensive performances in past big games!

I was somewhat soothed when I found out they moved the ball and outgained Kean by 200+ yards, but also numb when I read that they missed a 1st and goal from the 5 to close the game.  A loss stings, but at least we fought the good fight.  Congrats to Kean on a great win!

The season is young!  Kean still has Montclair, Rowan, TCNJ, and a pesky Buff State.  Montclair, Rowan, and Cortland still need to hook up.  If we run the table maybe there is a chance!

[7express]

Nice to see Buffalo State, Brockport and Morrisville playing teams tough. They could very well have a say in how the NJAC is decided this year.

How much stock can you put in Buffalo state??  They just beat a team that would have trouble beating good high school teams.   Buffalo state has outscored us 153-20 in the last 120 minutes after winning last seasons meeting 71-3.  In our last 32 games (dating back to the start of the 2008 season to these first 2 games), we have been outscored 1247-542 with some lopsided defeats: 72-14 & 48-7 in 2009, 57-0, 71-3, 35-0 & 45-0 in 2010 and so far 48-0 and 82-17 this year.  Lets have Buffalo state play someone decent before we say they can compete in the NJAC.  I go to school here but still we can make ANY team look good.

[phil]

Morrisville lost a nail biter to Montclair. Same with Brockport against Rowan. Buffalo State lost to Fisher 12-7. These teams all played what are to be considered upper echelon teams very tough. All of these teams could have won against nationally ranked teams. Will any of these teams win the NJAC? I didn't say that. Could one of these teams take down Rowan, Cortland, Montclair or TCNJ during the course of the year and decide the outcome of the NJAC in the second half of the season? Absolutely.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't ask you what the heck is up with WestConn? Ouch!

[gordonmann]

Buffalo State played Cortland well in the first game of the season. Seems like they are on the upswing.