FB: Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference

[ECoastFootball]

I go away for one week and all hell breaks loose. UMD Stuns Bridgewater on Friday night, Maritime outscores West Conn (no one thought they would, although shout out to Pat Coleman, who pointed out they could), and Fitchburg SMACKS Worcester. The only thing that happened that I saw coming was Framingham eked out a win over Westfield. Based on who has beaten who, teams could kind of go anywhere right now, so theses may look a little funky. For example Worcester beat Maritime, who beat West Conn, who beat Bridgewater, who spanked Fitchburg, who spanked Worcester. I refuse to put everyone as a tie, so here it goes in the most dysfunctional league in the land.
Post-Week 6 - MASCAC POWER RANKINGS

1.     (LW # 1) Framingham State (5-1, 4-0)
Framingham is still the top dog, but they are beginning to look vulnerable. QB Matt Silva went down on the first play vs Westfield, and the game turned into a slugfest. They have a bye week before heading to Plymouth, so he has 2 weeks to get back, but Framingham could drop a game @ MMA, vs BWater or @ Worcester if they have to finish the year without Silva.

2.     (LW # 3) Westfield State (3-2, 2-1)
Mercadante was rolling vs Framingham as he racked up 153 yards on 32 carries. Rich added in a 19-40, 245 yard day to keep host Westfield close against Framingham for all four quarters. Outside of the puzzling loss to Nichols, Westfield has been solid all year. A battle with West Conn on Nov 16th could end up being for an ECAC Bowl spot.

3.     (LW # 2) West Conn (3-2, 2-2)
West Conn's offense happily learned what the rest of New England already knows, Mass Maritime does not play defense. Unfortunately for West Conn, MMA does play offense, better than pretty much anyone else in New England. Even after a loss I have West Conn ranked as the highest 2-2 team because they are 1-0 against the other 2-2 teams and because I think they will beat Fitchburg this weekend down in Danbury.

4.     (LW # 6) Fitchburg State (3-3, 2-2)
Regardless of what I may have just typed one paragraph up, Fitchburg can beat West Conn. They played the MASCACs top two offenses the last 2 weeks (MMA and WoSU), and outscored them 77-24. The Falcons are at West Conn then at Westfield. If they can split these 2 games, they have a realistic shot at finishing the year, 6-4, 5-3; light years of where anyone thought they would be.

5.     (LW # 7) UMass Dartmouth (2-3, 2-2)
How about this UMD team? Down 22-0 at the half, they somehow put together a 2nd half that leads them to 33-29 win over a suddenly slumping Bridgewater team. The Corsairs have already played Westfield and Framingham, and with MMA exposing West Conn's defense this past weekend, I think anything from 6-3 to 3-6 is a possibility for UMD.

6.     (LW # 4) Bridgewater State (3-3, 2-2)
BSU needed to pound UMD this week to get their season back on track and they did. The problem for the Bears was that NCAA games are 60 minutes not 30. To be honest, I think if Fitchburg plays Bridgewater again right now I'm taking Fitch. With games against Westfield and Framingham looming, BSU could finish with 5 losses for only the second time in the last 10 years.

7.     (LW # 8) Mass Maritime (3-2, 1-2)
MMA told me exactly what they thought of my "if you don't play defense" rant by giving up 53 points to West Conn on their way to a 54-53 WIN. I would have them higher than 7th on this list if they were better than 1-2, because I honestly think they have the best offense in New England (Although Fitchburg was not impressed). Similar to UMD and Worcester, I think MMA has the ability to win or lose all of its remaining games. They may be ranked 7th based on what has happened so far, but I would favor them in each individual match-up left outside of @ Framingham.

8.     (LW # 5) Worcester State (3-2, 1-2)
Worcester State got something no one thought they would, an a$$-kicking at the hands of Fitchburg. Bumpus finished only 14-35 for 145 yards, and no touchdowns. Like I said last week about MMA, if you are not going to play defense, ya better score some points. Worcester State travels to a surging UMD program this week, in a coin-flip game that will set the tone for the rest of each teams season.

9.     (LW # 9) Plymouth State (1-4, 0-3)
After a timely off week Plymouth returns to action with a trip to Bridgewater. IF there was ever a time to catch the Bears for Plymouth, this would be it. Plymouth is coming off of a bye-week and BSU is reeling from 2 straight losses. Plymouth likes to run the ball, and both West Conn and UMD had success doing so. If PSU can run the ball, they will shorten the game and put pressure on the BSU Offense.

Picks coming Thursday or Friday

[D3MAFAN]

I go away for one week and all hell breaks loose. UMD Stuns Bridgewater on Friday night, Maritime outscores West Conn (no one thought they would, although shout out to Pat Coleman, who pointed out they could), and Fitchburg SMACKS Worcester. The only thing that happened that I saw coming was Framingham eked out a win over Westfield. Based on who has beaten who, teams could kind of go anywhere right now, so theses may look a little funky. For example Worcester beat Maritime, who beat West Conn, who beat Bridgewater, who spanked Fitchburg, who spanked Worcester. I refuse to put everyone as a tie, so here it goes in the most dysfunctional league in the land.
Post-Week 6 - MASCAC POWER RANKINGS

1.     (LW # 1) Framingham State (5-1, 4-0)
Framingham is still the top dog, but they are beginning to look vulnerable. QB Matt Silva went down on the first play vs Westfield, and the game turned into a slugfest. They have a bye week before heading to Plymouth, so he has 2 weeks to get back, but Framingham could drop a game @ MMA, vs BWater or @ Worcester if they have to finish the year without Silva.

2.     (LW # 3) Westfield State (3-2, 2-1)
Mercadante was rolling vs Framingham as he racked up 153 yards on 32 carries. Rich added in a 19-40, 245 yard day to keep host Westfield close against Framingham for all four quarters. Outside of the puzzling loss to Nichols, Westfield has been solid all year. A battle with West Conn on Nov 16th could end up being for an ECAC Bowl spot.

3.     (LW # 2) West Conn (3-2, 2-2)
West Conn's offense happily learned what the rest of New England already knows, Mass Maritime does not play defense. Unfortunately for West Conn, MMA does play offense, better than pretty much anyone else in New England. Even after a loss I have West Conn ranked as the highest 2-2 team because they are 1-0 against the other 2-2 teams and because I think they will beat Fitchburg this weekend down in Danbury.

4.     (LW # 6) Fitchburg State (3-3, 2-2)
Regardless of what I may have just typed one paragraph up, Fitchburg can beat West Conn. They played the MASCACs top two offenses the last 2 weeks (MMA and WoSU), and outscored them 77-24. The Falcons are at West Conn then at Westfield. If they can split these 2 games, they have a realistic shot at finishing the year, 6-4, 5-3; light years of where anyone thought they would be.

5.     (LW # 7) UMass Dartmouth (2-3, 2-2)
How about this UMD team? Down 22-0 at the half, they somehow put together a 2nd half that leads them to 33-29 win over a suddenly slumping Bridgewater team. The Corsairs have already played Westfield and Framingham, and with MMA exposing West Conn's defense this past weekend, I think anything from 6-3 to 3-6 is a possibility for UMD.

6.     (LW # 4) Bridgewater State (3-3, 2-2)
BSU needed to pound UMD this week to get their season back on track and they did. The problem for the Bears was that NCAA games are 60 minutes not 30. To be honest, I think if Fitchburg plays Bridgewater again right now I'm taking Fitch. With games against Westfield and Framingham looming, BSU could finish with 5 losses for only the second time in the last 10 years.

7.     (LW # 8) Mass Maritime (3-2, 1-2)
MMA told me exactly what they thought of my "if you don't play defense" rant by giving up 53 points to West Conn on their way to a 54-53 WIN. I would have them higher than 7th on this list if they were better than 1-2, because I honestly think they have the best offense in New England (Although Fitchburg was not impressed). Similar to UMD and Worcester, I think MMA has the ability to win or lose all of its remaining games. They may be ranked 7th based on what has happened so far, but I would favor them in each individual match-up left outside of @ Framingham.

8.     (LW # 5) Worcester State (3-2, 1-2)
Worcester State got something no one thought they would, an a$$-kicking at the hands of Fitchburg. Bumpus finished only 14-35 for 145 yards, and no touchdowns. Like I said last week about MMA, if you are not going to play defense, ya better score some points. Worcester State travels to a surging UMD program this week, in a coin-flip game that will set the tone for the rest of each teams season.

9.     (LW # 9) Plymouth State (1-4, 0-3)
After a timely off week Plymouth returns to action with a trip to Bridgewater. IF there was ever a time to catch the Bears for Plymouth, this would be it. Plymouth is coming off of a bye-week and BSU is reeling from 2 straight losses. Plymouth likes to run the ball, and both West Conn and UMD had success doing so. If PSU can run the ball, they will shorten the game and put pressure on the BSU Offense.

Picks coming Thursday or Friday

I am kind of disappointed in Bridgewater St. so far. I was expecting them to win these last couple weeks. With both West Conn., BSU, and Rowan losing, it is kind of hurting Framingham St.  chance at Pool B.

[ECoastFootball]

I am kind of disappointed in Bridgewater St. so far. I was expecting them to win these last couple weeks. With both West Conn., BSU, and Rowan losing, it is kind of hurting Framingham St.  chance at Pool B.

I agree, but even more than what other teams are doing, Framingham needs to take care of their own business in a more dominating way. Their last 3 are a 2-pt win @ W. Conn, a 7-pt home win over UMD and a 2-pt win @ Westfield. They need to start blowing some people out, our they can start eyeing an ECAC Bowl with a rematch of Week 1, Framingham-Endicott.

[ECoastFootball]

Week 7 Predictions

WORCESTER STATE (3-2, 1-2) – 34
@ UMass Dartmouth (2-3, 2-2) – 21
I think WooState overlooked a young Fitchburg team and got surprised. They will not overlook the Corsairs, especially after UMD's dramatic win over BSU last weekend. UMD has the talent to win this game, but young talented teams generally have big let downs after big wins.

BRIDGEWATER STATE (3-3, 2-2) – 41
@ Plymouth State (1-4, 0-3) – 7
After West Conn and UMD, BSU gets exactly what it needs in a trip to Plymouth. I look for a frustrated BSU team to unleash on Plymouth. Fresh off a bye week this game may be close early, but I don't see the Plymouth front 7 having an answer for McCarthy, and I think their secondary will have just as much of an issue with Green.

MASS MARITIME (3-2, 1-2) – 44
@ Westfield State (3-2, 2-1) – 37
I think Westfield will put up points, as everyone has on MMA, but if West Conn gives up 50+, I have a hard time believing Westfield will shut down the Bucs. I cannot see the Owls putting up enough points here, especially giving that the Bucs held the Owls to only 13 points last year.

Fitchburg State (3-3, 2-2) – 21
@ WEST CONN (3-2, 2-2) – 34
I think West Conn will run the ball on Fitchburg in a similar way that Framingham did (280yds) earlier this year. To be honest a Fitchburg win here would shock me less than a Fitchburg win did last week, but I think West Conn is a much better team than Worcester is.

[AUKaz00]

I look forward to Yanks' reaction when Framingham gets a Pool C bid over Wesley...

[D3MAFAN]

I look forward to Yanks' reaction when Framingham gets a Pool C bid over Wesley...

With Rowan winning today, it doesn't make the lost to Rowan look to bad. It actually benefits Framingham St. since Wesley is going to be considered within Pool B, then secondary for Pool C.

[AUKaz00]

I look forward to Yanks' reaction when Framingham gets a Pool C bid over Wesley...

With Rowan winning today, it doesn't make the lost to Rowan look to bad. It actually benefits Framingham St. since Wesley is going to be considered within Pool B, then secondary for Pool C.

Yes, I meant to type B but fat-fingered a C instead.  My bad.

[ECoastFootball]

Post-Week 7 - MASCAC POWER RANKINGS

1.     (LW # 1) Framingham State (5-1, 4-0)
Framingham was off last week, and everyone else in the league was just fine with that. They return to action this week as poor Plymouth State comes to town. Look for Aaron Owens or Jalen Green to break 100 yards as Van Alstyne sits the second half. The only thing the rest of the MASCAC is checking for in this game is whether Matt Silva comes back and plays, or if Fram has been forced to move on for the year at the QB position.

2.     (LW # 2) Westfield State (4-2, 3-1)
Westfield gutted out a close game v MMA this week, again turning to their defense. Sr. Gregg Jackson grabbed a 20 yd Pick-6 late in the third to break the tie and Westfield never looked back. Westfield heads to Bridgewater for the game of the week, as they continue their march toward an ECAC game.

3.     (LW # 3) West Conn (4-2, 3-2)
I hope everyone is healthy in Fitchburg, because they were brutalized this past week. A week removed from a 1 point loss to MMA, Octavias McKoy and company dropped a 70 piece on a Fitchburg program that I thought had a chance in this one. The "Welcome Back to New England Tour" continues this week with a trip up to Worcester.

4.     (LW # 5) UMass Dartmouth (3-3, 3-2)
They did it again. This time the Corsairs trailed 14-7 at the half, and 33-27 with 4 minutes left in the game. Yawn. 12 plays and 86 yards later, Charles Ruffin (1 of the 37 freshmen starters) scored from 4 out to put UMD right back up. A missed FG a few minutes later brought UMass their second straight come from behind victory over a more talented opponent. Maritime awaits.

5.     (LW # 7) Mass Maritime (3-3, 1-3)
The last 2 weeks MMA beat #3 West Conn and lost a close one at #2 Westfield, which is a stronger resume then anyone below can boast. If they weren't 1-3 in league, I would have them 4th. They may be there next week anyways as Stanton, Bennett and Gustafson eagerly await the Corsairs. Should be a great game.

6.     (LW # 6) Bridgewater State (4-3, 3-2)
You would think I would have them higher than MMA, but they don't hand-out WBC Heavyweight Title belts for beating the crap out of your little brother. A blowout over Plymouth is nice, but not really impressive. The last 3 tests for BSU have yielded ugly losses to Salve and WestConn and a collapse at UMD. A home date with Westfield gives the Bears a real opportunity to turn this season around.

7.     (LW # 4) Fitchburg State (3-4, 2-3)
Ouch. 70-14? Ouch. Perfect time for a bye week.

8.     (LW # 8) Worcester State (3-3, 1-3)
I don't know what to make of this Worcester team, I think they are extremely talented offensively, but they have not been able to outscore teams the way MMA has. With this defense and Mr. McKoy coming to town, WooState will be begging for MMA and only 63 points.

9.     (LW # 9) Plymouth State (1-4, 0-4)
Plymouth rushed 29 times for 70 yards. The opponent doesn't matter if the Panthers can't run the ball.

Picks coming Thursday or Friday

[7express]

Here is all I am saying, West Conn would not be the worst team in the NJAC this year. Bridgewater throttled Willy P to prove that. Also, They have played a good Framingham team and beaten a decent Bridgewater team, but their other 2 wins are against the worst team in the NEFC and the worst team in the MASCAC. The Bridgewater win was a huge win for them sure, but I still don't think (hope maybe?) West Conn runs the table. Although that being said, their RB is nasty.

it definitely did help us (West Conn) getting moved out of the NJAC into a much easier, and MUCH more travel friendly schedule.  This team wouldn't have been that bad in the NJAC if we stuck around, but I doubt that, even in a down year for the NJAC that Western would've competed for a conference championship like we're doing in the MASCAC.

[D3MAFAN]

Here is all I am saying, West Conn would not be the worst team in the NJAC this year. Bridgewater throttled Willy P to prove that. Also, They have played a good Framingham team and beaten a decent Bridgewater team, but their other 2 wins are against the worst team in the NEFC and the worst team in the MASCAC. The Bridgewater win was a huge win for them sure, but I still don't think (hope maybe?) West Conn runs the table. Although that being said, their RB is nasty.

it definitely did help us (West Conn) getting moved out of the NJAC into a much easier, and MUCH more travel friendly schedule.  This team wouldn't have been that bad in the NJAC if we stuck around, but I doubt that, even in a down year for the NJAC that Western would've competed for a conference championship like we're doing in the MASCAC.

I agree with your comment, but the way the NJAC looks now as of today, there would be a slight chance.

[Knightstalker]

I look forward to Yanks' reaction when Framingham gets a Pool C bid over Wesley...

With Rowan winning today, it doesn't make the lost to Rowan look to bad. It actually benefits Framingham St. since Wesley is going to be considered within Pool B, then secondary for Pool C.

Yes, I meant to type B but fat-fingered a C instead.  My bad.

Man that is one fat finger, it skipped the V to type the C.   

[Knightstalker]

Here is all I am saying, West Conn would not be the worst team in the NJAC this year. Bridgewater throttled Willy P to prove that. Also, They have played a good Framingham team and beaten a decent Bridgewater team, but their other 2 wins are against the worst team in the NEFC and the worst team in the MASCAC. The Bridgewater win was a huge win for them sure, but I still don't think (hope maybe?) West Conn runs the table. Although that being said, their RB is nasty.

it definitely did help us (West Conn) getting moved out of the NJAC into a much easier, and MUCH more travel friendly schedule.  This team wouldn't have been that bad in the NJAC if we stuck around, but I doubt that, even in a down year for the NJAC that Western would've competed for a conference championship like we're doing in the MASCAC.

I agree with your comment, but the way the NJAC looks now as of today, there would be a slight chance.

I don't think so, I think they would still be the last place team or next to last in the NJAC.

[AUPepBand]

I look forward to Yanks' reaction when Framingham gets a Pool C bid over Wesley...

With Rowan winning today, it doesn't make the lost to Rowan look to bad. It actually benefits Framingham St. since Wesley is going to be considered within Pool B, then secondary for Pool C.

Yes, I meant to type B but fat-fingered a C instead.  My bad.

Man that is one fat finger, it skipped the V to type the C.   

Yeah, that big fat finger may be the reason Kaz doesn't play trumpet. Thank God for the invention of the kazoo!!   

[ECoastFootball]

Week 8 MASCAC Picks

UMass Dartmouth (3-3, 3-2) – 31
@ MASS MARITIME (3-3, 1-3) – 45
UMD travels to an MMA team that has not been bottled up 2 weeks in a row all season. After 27 points and a loss last week, I think Stanton and Co have a big day while the Maritime D slows the Corsair O down enough to hold on.

Plymouth State (1-5, 0-4) – 3
@ FRAMINGHAM STATE (5-1, 4-0) – 28
Battle of polar opposites here. 21-3 by the half in a game in which everyone plays. I'm interested to see who quarterbacks the Rams.

Westfield State (4-2, 3-1) – 21
@ BRIDGEWATER STATE (4-3, 3-2) – 24
McCarthy paces the Bears as Westfield takes a step back in their ECAC chase. Very close contest throughout but  think the Bears will be able to run the ball on the Owl D.

WEST CONN  (4-2, 3-2) – 50
@ Worcester State (3-3, 1-3) – 35
West Conn tripped up against MMA, and recovered with a shellacking of Fitch. Fich's win over WooState aside, I think the Lancers match up ok with West Conn and will put up some points. That being said, I think West Conn's offense will be able to pick the # they want to stop at.

[D3MAFAN]

Worcester State and Western Connecticut tied at half...looks like a barn burner.