FB: Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference

[The_MASCACman]

I think what sets Framingham aside this year from Framingham teams of the past is they are so balanced this year in ALL 3 phases of the game. They have no real weaknesses on offense or defense and their special teams are really good, best that I can remember seeing. Their Kicker/Punter is a game changer and can swing the field and help them with field position. He also has the ability to knock down 40+ yard field goals which is helpful at this level especially once you get into the playoffs. They have a tough matchup @ Plymouth state in a few weeks and then Home vs. West Conn the second to last game of the season. Does anyone think this Framingham team will be the one that finally wins a 1st round matchup in the NCAA's? Or is it too early to grant them the crown in the MASCAC for this year?

[TeddyWestside1642]

I agree with MASCACMAN those 2 players can take over any game at any time like last years game vs framingham to win the MASCAC these guys need to be let loose to try and turn their season around. And I think you are right too about Special teams play for Framingham their kicker has an absolute boot and that can have huge impacts on games in the MASCAC. However I think it's too early to start talking about a playoff win just yet especially with their starting QB hurt at this moment.

[MASCACAlum]

Not that it's a big surprise it's the RAMS conference to win. Friday is a big game for them but with West Conn losing to UMD it doesn't seem like anyone can contend with them. Fitchburg had a tough time scoring against mass maritime who historically have had an okay defense I expect this game will be close for a half

[Boxer7806]

I think what sets Framingham aside this year from Framingham teams of the past is they are so balanced this year in ALL 3 phases of the game. They have no real weaknesses on offense or defense and their special teams are really good, best that I can remember seeing. Their Kicker/Punter is a game changer and can swing the field and help them with field position. He also has the ability to knock down 40+ yard field goals which is helpful at this level especially once you get into the playoffs. They have a tough matchup @ Plymouth state in a few weeks and then Home vs. West Conn the second to last game of the season. Does anyone think this Framingham team will be the one that finally wins a 1st round matchup in the NCAA's? Or is it too early to grant them the crown in the MASCAC for this year?

If there is a weakness in this Framingham team, I think it is their passing game. I've seen the twice this year, once in person at Bridgewater, and they just haven't seem to push the ball down vertically with great success. I'm not saying they can't do it, I just haven't seen any consistency with it. I know they have a back up QB in their with Walker, but even the in the prior with Woj at the helm, they were still a run first oriented team. Looking back at old stats and remembering some games, Bean, Calicchio, and Miller have had some big games, just not at the consistent level of some past Framingham players. They seem to love the RPO game, with a lot of their pass attempts like last week from quick screens off their inside zone run game which has been really clicking this year.

Personally I think their run defense can play with anyone, pass D has been vulnerable at times, but I also think they switch to a bend don't break style depending on the score and situation. Overall, I think this Fram. team, with the East IMO being a little down this year, can make it a round or two in the playoffs depending on the matchups. They can run the ball and control opponents run games. If they can find the intermediate to deep pass consistently in the next few weeks, I think this team will be real dangerous come playoff time.

[D3MAFAN]

I think what sets Framingham aside this year from Framingham teams of the past is they are so balanced this year in ALL 3 phases of the game. They have no real weaknesses on offense or defense and their special teams are really good, best that I can remember seeing. Their Kicker/Punter is a game changer and can swing the field and help them with field position. He also has the ability to knock down 40+ yard field goals which is helpful at this level especially once you get into the playoffs. They have a tough matchup @ Plymouth state in a few weeks and then Home vs. West Conn the second to last game of the season. Does anyone think this Framingham team will be the one that finally wins a 1st round matchup in the NCAA's? Or is it too early to grant them the crown in the MASCAC for this year?

If there is a weakness in this Framingham team, I think it is their passing game. I've seen the twice this year, once in person at Bridgewater, and they just haven't seem to push the ball down vertically with great success. I'm not saying they can't do it, I just haven't seen any consistency with it. I know they have a back up QB in their with Walker, but even the in the prior with Woj at the helm, they were still a run first oriented team. Looking back at old stats and remembering some games, Bean, Calicchio, and Miller have had some big games, just not at the consistent level of some past Framingham players. They seem to love the RPO game, with a lot of their pass attempts like last week from quick screens off their inside zone run game which has been really clicking this year.

Personally I think their run defense can play with anyone, pass D has been vulnerable at times, but I also think they switch to a bend don't break style depending on the score and situation. Overall, I think this Fram. team, with the East IMO being a little down this year, can make it a round or two in the playoffs depending on the matchups. They can run the ball and control opponents run games. If they can find the intermediate to deep pass consistently in the next few weeks, I think this team will be real dangerous come playoff time.

Agree with you on this Boxer, I think we have a solid defense. I think this year we are working with what we have, I think as the season goes along, we will get better as players confidence improve. After a bye-week, you will continue to see what has work and see some new things. The coaching does a great job using the talent that we have. We are in a position that we have not been in year's. What was last time we been undefeated at week 6? If we can get a decent home game (not sure if we qualify), it would be great.

[Boxer7806]

I think what sets Framingham aside this year from Framingham teams of the past is they are so balanced this year in ALL 3 phases of the game. They have no real weaknesses on offense or defense and their special teams are really good, best that I can remember seeing. Their Kicker/Punter is a game changer and can swing the field and help them with field position. He also has the ability to knock down 40+ yard field goals which is helpful at this level especially once you get into the playoffs. They have a tough matchup @ Plymouth state in a few weeks and then Home vs. West Conn the second to last game of the season. Does anyone think this Framingham team will be the one that finally wins a 1st round matchup in the NCAA's? Or is it too early to grant them the crown in the MASCAC for this year?

If there is a weakness in this Framingham team, I think it is their passing game. I've seen the twice this year, once in person at Bridgewater, and they just haven't seem to push the ball down vertically with great success. I'm not saying they can't do it, I just haven't seen any consistency with it. I know they have a back up QB in their with Walker, but even the in the prior with Woj at the helm, they were still a run first oriented team. Looking back at old stats and remembering some games, Bean, Calicchio, and Miller have had some big games, just not at the consistent level of some past Framingham players. They seem to love the RPO game, with a lot of their pass attempts like last week from quick screens off their inside zone run game which has been really clicking this year.

Personally I think their run defense can play with anyone, pass D has been vulnerable at times, but I also think they switch to a bend don't break style depending on the score and situation. Overall, I think this Fram. team, with the East IMO being a little down this year, can make it a round or two in the playoffs depending on the matchups. They can run the ball and control opponents run games. If they can find the intermediate to deep pass consistently in the next few weeks, I think this team will be real dangerous come playoff time.

Agree with you on this Boxer, I think we have a solid defense. I think this year we are working with what we have, I think as the season goes along, we will get better as players confidence improve. After a bye-week, you will continue to see what has work and see some new things. The coaching does a great job using the talent that we have. We are in a position that we have not been in year's. What was last time we been undefeated at week 6? If we can get a decent home game (not sure if we qualify), it would be great.

No doubt about the coaching. I remember when Fram. was the easiest game on the schedule and might of been literally the worst team in Division 3. But your point about being undefeated thru 6 weeks doesn't matter all that much. The real question is when have the Rams not been in position, literally the lead position, to win the league thru the first 6 weeks of the season? Even with some early OOC losses, they have usually taken care of business in the MASCAC portion of their schedule every year but last year. Even then, with 2 losses, it took the Bears everything they had to take them out.

If I remember correctly, and I think it was brought up on these boards, Framingham was actually the higher seed to host a playoff game v Ithaca but didn't for some reason. I don't think it was because of stadium requirements because the Framingham town field meets specs. Think there was a missed deadline to apply for the game or something like that. Doesn't matter anyways, If Fram. wins out, and they should, they will host a first round game. As long as Mount keeps being put in the East, and I don't see why it won't happen again this year, it puts all the NE teams to far to travel to them in the first round. This means in all likelihood you would see Fram. host another NE team in the first round.

[D3MAFAN]

Big game tomorrow, another night game against a formidable  opponent playing in front of their home crowd. I expect the RAMS not to be shocked as they have had two weeks to prepare and having experience playing at night. Fitchburg did a good job with interceptions last week getting good field position, but I don't expect the RAMS to pass as much, only when needed and to keep the defense on their toes. I expect for the RAMS to have 300+ rushing and a solid 140 passing. Hoping for a great game tomorrow and no injuries.

[TeddyWestside1642]

TeddyWestside's week 6 predictions

17-4 overall hope to keep this up as the season starts to heat up...

Framingham State vs. Fitchburg State- Fitchburg has really been playing well as of late but I say this every week I dont think anyone is going to knock off Framingham. My pick for this game is FRAMINGHAM STATE.

Umass Dartmouth vs. Curry- I think this will be a very good non conference game between UMD who is coming off a great win vs West Conn and a curry college team who are 3-1 overall. Both physical teams but... My pick for this game is UMASS DARTMOUTH.

Bridgewater State vs Plymouth State- I'm very interested to see how this one plays out. Plymouth has a chance to gain ground in the MASCAC after West conn lost last week and BSU has nothing to lose. I think Plymouth will look to avenge their 2OT loss to BSU last year. My pick for this game is PLYMOUTH STATE.

Mass Maritime vs. Westfield State- MMA is a team that can score a bunch of points when they show up and Westfield is having a tough time stopping teams. My pick for this game is MASS MARITIME.

Worcester State vs. Western Connecticut- In years past when West Conn would drop a conference game you could always count on another one or two more coming. After a tough loss to UMD having to play a high scoring team like Worcester makes this a tricky game. how will West Conn respond to last week and can Worcester handle this type of game? My pick for this week is WESTERN CONNECTICUT.

A lot of toss ups this week in my prediction interested to see what everyone else thinks...

Good luck to all the teams playing this week!

[The_MASCACman]

MASCACmans Week 6 Predictions

Framingham St. vs. Fitchburg State: (Framingham 38-21)  I think Framingham's defense will be too much for Valero and Co. of Fitchburg. Look for Framingham to create some turnovers and pound the ball to a victory. I think this year more then ever they are a lock to win the MASCAC, pencil them in for a home playoff game.

Umass Dartmouth vs. Curry: (Curry 31-21) I think UMD's defense is strong, but still not sure if they have enough offense to consistently win games. I think it will be close but I am going with Curry, currently ranked #7 in New England.

Bridgewater St. vs. Plymouth State: (BSU 28-24) BSU is 5 games in and may be starting to find some type of identity on offense, expect to see a lot of Mclaughlin and Garrett in the backfield (at QB and RB) as the bears will try and grind out a win on the ground vs. a physical Plymouth team. All signs point to Plymouth winning this game at home, but I think the bears see this as a season defining game, and will squeak by Plymouth to build up some momentum to try and save their season. This is my MASCAC game of the week.

Mass Maritime vs. Westfield: (Mass Maritime 28-13) Westfield has struggled heavily on offense, and their pass game is almost non exsistent. I think MMA has a little bit more firepower on O and that will be enough to cruise to a victory. This game is my lock of the week.

West Conn vs. Worcester: (West Conn 35-28) This is another intriguing match up, look for both offenses to bounce back after low scoring games in poor weather last weekend. I think this game will be close, but i think Quinn Fleeting will be the X factor and improve on last weeks performance. I agree with Teddywestside that WCSU doesn't always respond well to loses, but I think this year may be different than the last few, seeing as they still will be crowned MASCAC champs if they win out.

Lets hear some other predictions!  Shout out to Teddy, D3MAFAN, MASCACALUM, and Boxer for keeping this board alive!

[Boxer7806]

Fram vs Fitch - Fitch has struggled to stop the a few times this year. Looking at their depth chart on defense it is littered with Freshmen and Sophs in the front 7. On top of that, two of those linebackers are a bit undersized. I think Fram. runs wild. Most interesting will be if Fitchburg plays press man or not, to take away the quick screen/rpo game of Framingham. If they do expect Framingham to go over the top since they will have the height advantage over the DBs. This Fitchburg D will be lights outs the next 2 years, just not this year. Fitch has struggled to run the ball, it won't be any different in this game. Bracket Acosta and keep Summiel in check in the seams and this one could get ugly. Valerio is a chucker, he will throw into coverage, if Fram. gets any turnovers this is one up hill climb for Fitch. Framingham wins.

Went into more insight into this game because I'll be watching it online tonight. Some really good games this week.

[Boxer7806]

The other games

Umass D V Curry - I have no idea who wins this game. I think West Conn. just played well below average last week, and Umass D isn't as good as the game made them look. I think Curry is the better team based on the analysis of the games so far. They win.

Bridgewater v Plymouth State - I like the Bears in this one. Funny how when these teams were playing back in the day in ECAC's and early season matchups that Bridgewater had more of the passing attack and Plymouth was exclusively run. This has flipped, as I think Garrett and McLaughlin touch the ball as much as possible. Plymouth has been going to Szculic at will in the red zone, if Bridgewater brackets him and just takes him away, it will put pressure on Plymouth to run the ball which they have only been adequate with. They have 2 backs, but none has separated itself as the man. I think this plays in the strength of Bridgewater and they squeak it out.

Mass Maritime v Westfield - Mass wins. I don't have much to say about this game. Especially after watching some of the fram. v Mass game last weekend. Westfield is worst.

West Conn v Worcester - Expect lots of pass yards by both teams. I think Worcester's D is suspect and won't be able to get the stops needed to get Fleeting off the field. This team goes as well as Brum does, and even though he has a good completion percentage he is careless with the ball and throws way too many picks for my liking. I think West Conn wins this game and wins it handily because of turnovers.

[D3MAFAN]

Very impressed with the RAMS thus far, except for a few penalties that led to Fitchburg State TD. We still have work to do.

[D3MAFAN]

This game is not pretty, but  I will say that JaQuan Harris will be 1st team All-American and will be on DIII team of the week.  He has 5 int heading into 4th, 8 total thus far this season. Real ball hawk (no pun intended).

[Boxer7806]

This game is not pretty, but  I will say that JaQuan Harris will be 1st team All-American and will be on DIII team of the week.  He has 5 int heading into 4th, 8 total thus far this season. Real ball hawk (no pun intended).

what a game by Harris. Game went pretty much as expected to be honest.

First big game or the year here. Plymouth v. Framingham. Should be fun.

[TeddyWestside1642]

TeddyWestside's week 7 predictions

20-6 overall

UMASS Dartmouth vs Bridgewater State- Both teams having been playing their opponents tough BSU has been the less lucky of the 2. I think this is going to be a good match-up teams will be evenly matched. Will BSU be able to handle the atmosphere of a friday night game at Cressy Field?? My pick for this game is UMASS DARTMOUTH.

Framingham State vs Plymouth State- MASCAC Game of the week IMO. Both teams are playing great football with FSU taking the edge being undefeated. FSU's defense had a monster game last week behind JaQuan Harris' 5 INT's. I think the only way Plymouth can knock off the MASCAC leaders is if Plymouth themselves can create some turnovers. Not only creating turnovers but Mitch Banuskevich NEEDS to have another game like he did vs BSU with 168 yards rushing and another 40 receiving. I think Plymouth can make this game interesting but.. My pick for this game is FRAMINGHAM STATE.

Fitchburg State vs Westfield State- Congrats to Westfield for picking up a big win vs MMA. Westfield played a great game all around but I dont think they have enough in the tank to take down a very strong Fitchburg team. My pick for this game is FITCHBURG STATE.

Mass Maritime vs Western Connecticut- Tough loss last week to Westfield for MMA this game vs West Conn isnt coming at a good time for the bucs. West Conn bounced back big last week with their win vs Worcester. I predict a huge game for Quinn Fleeting and the Colonials. My pick for this game is WESTERN CONNECTICUT.

Good luck too all the teams playing this week

Mid season power rankings coming soon...