Just a question without somewhere else to ask, but is there any way to get an ECFC thread started?
Quote from: ccd494 on August 24, 2009, 09:37:04 PM
Just a question without somewhere else to ask, but is there any way to get an ECFC thread started?
I was going to ask the same question a couple of weeks ago....I'm sure Pat will set it up since you have requested it....
Appreciate the heads-up. Consider it created.
Pep wants to be one of the first to welcome all the ECFC fans to their very own Post Patterns!
this should be good
Quote from: AUPepBand on August 27, 2009, 03:49:21 PM
Pep wants to be one of the first to welcome all the ECFC fans to their very own Post Patterns!
Seconded! Welcome aboard!
Congratulations on the leadership that your presidents have provided to bring this conference into being.
I know this has been hashed out on other boards, but does this conference have what is needed to have an AQ in a few years?
Husson is a team on the rise and the conference does have some wins against mediocre E8 teams and top NEFC teams... In my mind they will be on par with the NEFC when the conference recieves their AQ.
In fact I believe the conference has the distinct advantage over the NEFC in the fact that they do not have as many teams in conference and geographically they will be able to reach out and play a tougher non conference schedule.
One huge problem does come up in recruiting because many of these teams are going to be competing with NEFC teams with recruits which could water down the east region more then it already is.
Teams like Plymouth are going to run into trouble now competing for recruits against the likes of Husson and Norwich and Castelton which can use the same pitch Plymouth used to become relevant again: Early Playing Time and Easier Road to the Playoffs.
Quote from: Boxer7806 on August 29, 2009, 06:26:00 PM
Husson is a team on the rise and the conference does have some wins against mediocre E8 teams and top NEFC teams... In my mind they will be on par with the NEFC when the conference recieves their AQ.
In fact I believe the conference has the distinct advantage over the NEFC in the fact that they do not have as many teams in conference and geographically they will be able to reach out and play a tougher non conference schedule.
One huge problem does come up in recruiting because many of these teams are going to be competing with NEFC teams with recruits which could water down the east region more then it already is.
Teams like Plymouth are going to run into trouble now competing for recruits against the likes of Husson and Norwich and Castelton which can use the same pitch Plymouth used to become relevant again: Early Playing Time and Easier Road to the Playoffs.
Husson should have a pretty solid team this year right? At least in comparison to the NEFC and some lower epchilan E8, LL, and NJAC teams. They played SJF well and beat Springfield last year dlippiel thinks.
that is correct ... I like Husson this year and think they have a chance to run the table in the conference... if that does happen do they have a chance at an at large Pool C Bid?
It would be Pool B, but I would think yes, if they run the table they would have a shot. But they would need to win all of their games, not just the conference games. There's just not much there.
Thanks for the info Pat.
Quote from: 'gro on August 29, 2009, 10:52:47 AM
I know this has been hashed out on other boards, but does this conference have what is needed to have an AQ in a few years?
Yes, 'gro.
The ECFC is on track to take a bid from Pool B and move into the group of Pool A conferences in 2011.
Thank you for creating the thread.
Hopefully some ECFC fans find their way here.
Great Around the Region (http://www.d3football.com/columns/around-the-region/northeast/2009/Castleton+starts+with+a+bang) article by Tom Haley.
Thanks, Tom
The name of the conference is the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference.
Quote from: billhart1949 on September 09, 2009, 10:48:56 AM
The name of the conference is the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference.
To quote a great American:
"I tell 'ya, I get no respect....no respect at all...."
Good luck to all the ECFC teams this weekend! Who's gonna go out and take the conference??
ECFC on the front page (Gallaudet).
This could be the slowest message board of all time. Even slower then the NEFC board.
Can Someone please explain the pool b, pool c games? Does this conference have a chance at this? Please explain it to me like I am a 3 year old.
Thank you!
This page has some of the FAQ about the playoffs. Hopefully it will be some help to you.
http://www.d3football.com/faq.php?question&category=Playoffs
Big game this week as Norwich travels to Husson...these two programs do not like each other!!
Norwich takes control of the conference...it's in their hands. Big game this coming weekend Ida vs Suny Maritime...loser is out of the playoffs...the big question is "can Ida control the option and can they score enough points to win"
Quote from: ccrosby on October 19, 2009, 11:22:28 AM
Norwich takes control of the conference...it's in their hands. Big game this coming weekend Ida vs Suny Maritime...loser is out of the playoffs...the big question is "can Ida control the option and can they score enough points to win"
I don't think we'll be seeing the ECFC in the playoffs until you have your Automatic Qualifier...
I think that is a safe bet. :)
Quote from: ccrosby on October 19, 2009, 11:38:38 AM
I think that is a safe bet. :)
So...
I think everyone realizes it...Look how long it took the NEFC before anyone even thought about an at-large bid....
Doesn't mean that the Husson-Norwich game wasn't a good ballgame..
Quote from: Daddio on October 19, 2009, 11:46:29 AM
Quote from: ccrosby on October 19, 2009, 11:38:38 AM
I think that is a safe bet. :)
So...
I think everyone realizes it...Look how long it took the NEFC before anyone even thought about an at-large bid....
Doesn't mean that the Husson-Norwich game wasn't a good ballgame..
Looked like an exciting game with the combined 107 yards passing...
Just because we run the ball, doesn't mean it's not exciting.
Quote from: ccrosby on October 19, 2009, 12:07:28 PM
Just because we run the ball, doesn't mean it's not exciting.
We used to play Norwich, trust me the only exciting thing to happen to Norwich was Garcon...
Quote from: Upstate on October 19, 2009, 12:09:22 PM
Quote from: ccrosby on October 19, 2009, 12:07:28 PM
Just because we run the ball, doesn't mean it's not exciting.
We used to play Norwich, trust me the only exciting thing to happen to Norwich was Garcon...
Why the attitude????
It's an Empire8 thing.
Good luck to you guys....takes a bit of time, but like Curry and other members of the NEFC, you'll get there.
Quote from: Daddio on October 19, 2009, 12:25:39 PM
Quote from: Upstate on October 19, 2009, 12:09:22 PM
Quote from: ccrosby on October 19, 2009, 12:07:28 PM
Just because we run the ball, doesn't mean it's not exciting.
We used to play Norwich, trust me the only exciting thing to happen to Norwich was Garcon...
Why the attitude????
Just hang in Daddio this is a great place to be. It takes a while to get into the respect area here, especially being a new conference made up of traditionally weak teams. Nothing wrong with that though ya got to start somewhere. dlip is sure there is some very exciting football being played here in the ECFC and really wished this conference a ton of luck. It will be interesting to watch this conference grow and develop over time. Trust dlip, just hang in, take the shots, and the ECFC will get there, as the man U89 said. **** the NEFC got ****in hammered non-stop until Curry came along and produced 2 NCAA wins.
The league certainly is not strong at this point, but the games are for the most par close and exciting to watch. Given time we will be there with rest. Plans are afoot to replace Sabine field with turf, a new stadium and lights. Currently we are under construction building an addition to our athletic complex
Just felt like throwing some karma to you new ECFC guys. Keep this board alive and interesting with whatever direction you take it. As an observer who will be dropping in from time to time, a little more than score predictions and random semi-football related haiku (cough...centennial....cough....NEFC....cough) would be appreciated by the rest of us.
Word to the wise, if you are a player. Get the hell out of here until you graduate or leave the team. It won't be appreciated, for good reason, by anyone in your institution even if you have the best of intentions.
Quote from: pumkinattack on October 20, 2009, 07:56:37 PM
Just felt like throwing some karma to you new ECFC guys. Keep this board alive and interesting with whatever direction you take it. As an observer who will be dropping in from time to time, a little more than score predictions and random semi-football related haiku (cough...centennial....cough....NEFC....cough) would be appreciated by the rest of us.
Word to the wise, if you are a player. Get the hell out of here until you graduate or leave the team. It won't be appreciated, for good reason, by anyone in your institution even if you have the best of intentions.
We have ways of finding you!!!
Quote from: Upstate on October 20, 2009, 08:05:37 PM
Quote from: pumkinattack on October 20, 2009, 07:56:37 PM
Just felt like throwing some karma to you new ECFC guys. Keep this board alive and interesting with whatever direction you take it. As an observer who will be dropping in from time to time, a little more than score predictions and random semi-football related haiku (cough...centennial....cough....NEFC....cough) would be appreciated by the rest of us.
Word to the wise, if you are a player. Get the hell out of here until you graduate or leave the team. It won't be appreciated, for good reason, by anyone in your institution even if you have the best of intentions.
We have ways of finding you!!!
It's an ASID, he means no harm.
Who is? There's a couple of posters in here. If one of them is in that type of position let's hear some more about the team, specific players, institutional info (like the new field renovations).
Quote from: pumkinattack on October 20, 2009, 10:55:18 PM
Who is? There's a couple of posters in here. If one of them is in that type of position let's hear some more about the team, specific players, institutional info (like the new field renovations).
The Norwich supporter - ccrosby. I won't name him but just look at the email on his profile, search Norwich, his last name and football and there you have it. The email is also on the sports information web site.
Quote from: John McGraw on October 20, 2009, 10:58:17 PM
Quote from: pumkinattack on October 20, 2009, 10:55:18 PM
Who is? There's a couple of posters in here. If one of them is in that type of position let's hear some more about the team, specific players, institutional info (like the new field renovations).
The Norwich supporter - ccrosby. I won't name him but just look at the email on his profile, search Norwich, his last name and football and there you have it. The email is also on the sports information web site.
I wasn't referring to him, it was just a general warning...
Not that I have any reason to talk, I've been posting on here since my Junior year but no one knew...
Upstate is definitely the winner in that category... managed to emerge without a picture being posted or even a day of the week spelled differently!
Quote from: maxpower on October 20, 2009, 11:05:18 PM
Upstate is definitely the winner in that category... managed to emerge without a picture being posted or even a day of the week spelled differently!
There were some close calls at first but people quickly forgot about me...
Quote from: Upstate on October 20, 2009, 11:10:45 PM
Quote from: maxpower on October 20, 2009, 11:05:18 PM
Upstate is definitely the winner in that category... managed to emerge without a picture being posted or even a day of the week spelled differently!
There were some close calls at first but people quickly forgot about me...
I had my eye on you! ;)
Quote from: pg04 on October 20, 2009, 11:23:55 PM
Quote from: Upstate on October 20, 2009, 11:10:45 PM
Quote from: maxpower on October 20, 2009, 11:05:18 PM
Upstate is definitely the winner in that category... managed to emerge without a picture being posted or even a day of the week spelled differently!
There were some close calls at first but people quickly forgot about me...
I had my eye on you! ;)
wrong on so many levels...
Since I graduated in 63 I don't think I am a player. No need to hide. The Cadets are getting better and with just two senior starters on the offense things are looking up. Someone mentioned Garcon, great player as he was here and is now, he has forgotten who gave him the chance.
Quote from: John McGraw on October 20, 2009, 10:58:17 PM
Quote from: pumkinattack on October 20, 2009, 10:55:18 PM
Who is? There's a couple of posters in here. If one of them is in that type of position let's hear some more about the team, specific players, institutional info (like the new field renovations).
The Norwich supporter - ccrosby. I won't name him but just look at the email on his profile, search Norwich, his last name and football and there you have it. The email is also on the sports information web site.
Does Norwich have the same issues as Merchant Marine in terms of weight and height standards?
Those standards only apply at Norwich if you choose to go into the military.
So you can go to Norwich and no do the military? What's the selling point to a kid who doesn't want to go into the military? Do they not participate in those mechanations during the school year and there are other draws to the school? All I know about Norwich is that Bart gave them a beat down in an ECAC game back in 2003 and that they were decent for a few years back in the day. In other words, what am I interested in about Norwich or other ECFC schools that I don't know now.
Quote from: pumkinattack on October 21, 2009, 05:40:17 PM
So you can go to Norwich and no do the military? What's the selling point to a kid who doesn't want to go into the military? Do they not participate in those mechanations during the school year and there are other draws to the school? All I know about Norwich is that Bart gave them a beat down in an ECAC game back in 2003 and that they were decent for a few years back in the day. In other words, what am I interested in about Norwich or other ECFC schools that I don't know now.
dlip would think this is the case, especially with that ****in nasty Hockey team they field year in and year out. Being a former hockey player dlip feels many of his compadres back in the day from juniors would most likely choose another D3 school before one where military service was a must. Although dlip sees absolutely nothing wrong with service being a must if that is the case.
Yeah, but a kid would seemingly either want to go to a military based school or not. I didn't know Norwich had a good Hockey program. Is it D3 or D1? We had a guy a couple of years younger than myself who played football and hockey by the name of Matt Daley who was an excellent athlete (also from Vermont, I think). Does Norwich have any Hockey/football guys?
Quote from: dlippiel on October 21, 2009, 05:44:55 PM
Quote from: pumkinattack on October 21, 2009, 05:40:17 PM
So you can go to Norwich and no do the military? What's the selling point to a kid who doesn't want to go into the military? Do they not participate in those mechanations during the school year and there are other draws to the school? All I know about Norwich is that Bart gave them a beat down in an ECAC game back in 2003 and that they were decent for a few years back in the day. In other words, what am I interested in about Norwich or other ECFC schools that I don't know now.
dlip would think this is the case, especially with that ****in nasty Hockey team they field year in and year out. Being a former hockey player dlip feels many of his compadres back in the day from juniors would most likely choose another D3 school before one where military service was a must. Although dlip sees absolutely nothing wrong with service being a must if that is the case.
Keith Aucoin, who was one of the key ingredients is last year's Hershey Bears AHL Calder Cup championship team, played hockey at Norwich. There's a nice write-up on him in the current issue of the Hockey News.
We have approx 2000 students, 1200 are in the corps of Cadets. The hockey team won the national championship in 2000 and 2003. We have a great 1400 seat hockey arena. In football we struggled in the Empire 8. Oh and the reason many of our non military students come to Norwich for an education. ;)
Nice game today against Anna Maria....The Amcats had a very difficult time playing on the muddy field, and it was muddy. Just about everyone that dressed played for the Cadets. For the Amcats they never quit under very difficult conditions. Next week just might be for the ECFC regular season championship as high scoring Suny Maritime comes to Northfield.
What ever happened to Husson. I thought they would be the team to beat in the conference easily this year. Being an NEFC poster, I still think this conference is behind the NEFC, but since the champion of the league will most likely recieve an ECAC bid, would you rather play a Plymouth St or the loser of Curry/Maine or a middle of the road E8 team say SJF or Ithaca?
Congrats to Curry on their victory this weekend. dlip thinks it is great for the NEFC to have two teams like Curry and Plymouth ST, who are gaining in reputation, battle it out each year.
It is nice to see Plymouth return to become a power in their conference. Husson seems to have taken a step back this year. Perhaps the new coach will just take a little time to get his team and style of play in place. The ECEF will take some time to become strong, after all there are two first year programs in the league. Castleton will come on fast, they have poured lots of money into the program and should show some results in just a couple of years. Anna Maria has solid coaching and given a couple of good recruiting years will do just fine. Suny Maritime is fast inproving and will challange for the championship this year. Norwich is putting money into the field and stands which will help with the recruiting, the team is young and should be even better next year.
Couple of big games this coming weekend
Suny Maritime vs Norwich
Husson vs Mount IDA
Any quesses as to scores?
Quote from: Boxer7806 on October 25, 2009, 04:59:14 PM
since the champion of the league will most likely recieve an ECAC bid, would you rather play a Plymouth St or the loser of Curry/Maine or a middle of the road E8 team say SJF or Ithaca?
I guess it depends on what you're trying to prove.
Pat,
I think the conference is trying to establish themselves little by little, so it would be in their best interest to play an NEFC team. I think Ithaca or SJF or Springfield would be way to much for them. I was just wondering what the posters of the conference felt since most have struggled mightly outside of the conference.
The Empire 8 teams would be too much for the conference at this point. The loser of the Curry/Maine game would be great. We still have four teams in the race for our championship game, Norwich, Suny Maritime, Husson, and Ida. The games this Saturday very well could determine the regular season champ.
I do agree Crosby. The conference does need 2-3 years to catch up and that is even to NEFC standards. I believe that if Norwich or Suny Maritime wins the championship they will be underdogs to whichever NEFC they play whether Curry, Maine, or Plymouth.
I would say 14 point to Curry, 6 to Plymouth and even money on Maine.
I would say 14 for Maine or Curry. Maine is the real deal this year and have been smashing everyone in thier way except for Bridgewater who somehow they lost to. I think Maine will actually take down Curry in the NEFC championship game. Lets say its going to be my upset special. I do agree with the Plymouth line at 6 though.
I don't think Norwich can play in the ECAC's..they will play 10 regular season games and most likely in the championship game...That will give them 11 and I thought that was too may for an ECAC bid...is that still the rule??
you are correct, the Cadets can not play in the ECAC even if they qualify. Once we get the audo bid, then the league will be able to take part in the ECAC. playoffs.
that is a shame, I would of like to see how the best team from the ECFC (IMO is Norwich), would fare against one of the top teams from the NEFC. Hopefully this conference will become a natural rival to the NEFC if it continues to build in strength.
I believe that the championship game is only for this year. If so then perhaps next year the winner of the conference could meet up with one of the NEFC.
That would probaly be in the best interest of each conference. The landscape of both the NEFC and ECFC could change because of the arrival of Frostburg St and Salisbury to the E8 in a couple of years. In the best interest of the conferences, if Springfield were ever to leave the E8, I would hope they would replace Maine Maritime, and Maine could move to the ECFC where travel and natural rivals are more apparent. Having Springfield in the Bogan division would make alot more sense for geographically as well.
Quote from: Boxer7806 on October 30, 2009, 12:30:38 PM
That would probaly be in the best interest of each conference. The landscape of both the NEFC and ECFC could change because of the arrival of Frostburg St and Salisbury to the E8 in a couple of years. In the best interest of the conferences, if Springfield were ever to leave the E8, I would hope they would replace Maine Maritime, and Maine could move to the ECFC where travel and natural rivals are more apparent. Having Springfield in the Bogan division would make alot more sense for geographically as well.
The E8 could take on the other Capital AC football-playing teams, Stevenson and Wesley, to make a 9-team conference in the event that affiliate Springfield left the E8.
Mr. Turner that was a very good point and idea if that ever was the case.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on October 30, 2009, 12:44:52 PM
Quote from: Boxer7806 on October 30, 2009, 12:30:38 PM
That would probaly be in the best interest of each conference. The landscape of both the NEFC and ECFC could change because of the arrival of Frostburg St and Salisbury to the E8 in a couple of years. In the best interest of the conferences, if Springfield were ever to leave the E8, I would hope they would replace Maine Maritime, and Maine could move to the ECFC where travel and natural rivals are more apparent. Having Springfield in the Bogan division would make alot more sense for geographically as well.
The E8 could take on the other Capital AC football-playing teams, Stevenson and Wesley, to make a 9-team conference in the event that affiliate Springfield left the E8.
Or Brockport, Cortland or Buff St since the E8 made the decision to allow SUNY schools in. No one has taken them up on it yet...
Geographically I think the team that would make the most sense is Buffalo ST. If Cortland was brought into the conference that would make an intriguing league game of Cortland vs Ithaca every year, but also Cortland vs SJF which would be neat.
Great game on Saturday, Cadets will host championship game on the 14th. Gallaudet travels to SUNY Maritime on Friday night. Maritime wins, they come to Northfield, Gallaudet wins then Mount IDA makes the trip. Either way should be a fun time.
ECAC Bowl (North Subregion) Update (As of 11/3/09 @ 10:15am)
The following teams have applied for consideration for ECAC Championship games on 11/21/09 from the North Subregion of the ECAC:
Maine Maritime (7-1, 5-1) *
Springfield (7-1, 3-1) *
Plymouth State (7-2, 5-1)
SUNY-Cortland (6-2, 6-2)
Hartwick (5-3, 1-3) +
St. John Fisher (4-3, 3-2) +
RPI (4-3, 2-3)
Gallaudet (5-4, 3-2) =
Framingham State (5-4, 3-3)
Utica (3-5, 0-4) X
Records are overall followed by respective league records.
* - Team could still win an NCAA berth.
+ - Team plays against another team in the list in future game.
= - Team may play an 11th game prior to the ECACs, disallowing team from playing 12th game unless that game were an NCAA Playoff game.
X - Team currently does not have record that would allow it to be considered (>=.500 overall or in league).
Six teams will be picked from the list of teams that file for consideration. The deadline for consideration without late fee is THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH at 5pm EST.
Teams will be selected by the ECAC Football Championships Committee on or about 11/15/09 (following selection of the NCAA Playoffs field). Teams historically have been selected by win-loss record except when ties exist. The #1 team hosts the #6 team, the #2 team hosts the #5 team and the #3 team hosts the #4 team, unless the higher-seeded team does not file to host the game. All games begin at 12pm local time on 11/21/09.
Quote from: Frank Rossi on November 03, 2009, 12:39:44 PM
ECAC Bowl (North Subregion) Update (As of 11/3/09 @ 10:15am)
The following teams have applied for consideration for ECAC Championship games on 11/21/09 from the North Subregion of the ECAC:
Maine Maritime (7-1, 5-1) *
Springfield (7-1, 3-1) *
Plymouth State (7-2, 5-1)
SUNY-Cortland (6-2, 6-2)
Hartwick (5-3, 1-3) +
St. John Fisher (4-3, 3-2) +
RPI (4-3, 2-3)
Gallaudet (5-4, 3-2) =
Framingham State (5-4, 3-3)
Utica (3-5, 0-4) X
Records are overall followed by respective league records.
* - Team could still win an NCAA berth.
+ - Team plays against another team in the list in future game.
= - Team may play an 11th game prior to the ECACs, disallowing team from playing 12th game unless that game were an NCAA Playoff game.
X - Team currently does not have record that would allow it to be considered (>=.500 overall or in league).
Six teams will be picked from the list of teams that file for consideration. The deadline for consideration without late fee is THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH at 5pm EST.
Teams will be selected by the ECAC Football Championships Committee on or about 11/15/09 (following selection of the NCAA Playoffs field). Teams historically have been selected by win-loss record except when ties exist. The #1 team hosts the #6 team, the #2 team hosts the #5 team and the #3 team hosts the #4 team, unless the higher-seeded team does not file to host the game. All games begin at 12pm local time on 11/21/09.
Looks like Suny could be playing an E8 team this year. I hope they play RPI though.
ECAC Bowl (North Subregion) Update (Final List Pending Late Declarations)
The following teams have applied for consideration for ECAC Championship games on 11/21/09 from the North Subregion of the ECAC:
Alfred (7-0, 3-0) * /
Maine Maritime (7-1, 5-1) *
Springfield (7-1, 3-1) *
Plymouth State (7-2, 5-1)
Union (6-2, 5-0) *
SUNY-Cortland (6-2, 6-2)
Hartwick (5-3, 1-3) +
St. John Fisher (4-3, 3-2) +
RPI (4-3, 2-3)
Gallaudet (5-4, 3-2) =
Framingham State (5-4, 3-3)
Brockport State (3-5, 2-5) X
Utica (3-5, 0-4) X /
Records are overall followed by respective league records.
* - Team could still win an NCAA berth.
+, / - Team plays against another team in the list in future game.
= - Team may play an 11th game prior to the ECACs, disallowing team from playing 12th game unless that game were an NCAA Playoff game.
X - Team currently does not have record that would allow it to be considered (>=.500 overall or in league).
Six teams will be picked from the list of teams that file for consideration. The deadline for consideration without late fee is THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH at 5pm EST.
Teams will be selected by the ECAC Football Championships Committee on or about 11/15/09 (following selection of the NCAA Playoffs field). Teams historically have been selected by win-loss record except when ties exist. The #1 team hosts the #6 team, the #2 team hosts the #5 team and the #3 team hosts the #4 team, unless the higher-seeded team does not file to host the game. All games begin at 12pm local time on 11/21/09.
ECAC Bowl (North Subregion) Update (Final List with Updated Records)
The following teams have applied for consideration for ECAC Championship games on 11/21/09 from the North Subregion of the ECAC:
Maine Maritime (8-1, 6-1) *
Alfred (7-1, 3-1) * /
Plymouth State (8-2, 6-1)
Union (7-2, 6-0) *
SUNY-Cortland (7-2, 7-2)
Springfield (7-2, 3-2) *
St. John Fisher (5-3, 3-1) +
Hartwick (5-3, 1-3) +
Gallaudet (6-4, 4-2)
---------------------------
RPI (4-4, 2-4)
Framingham State (5-5, 3-4)
Utica (4-5, 0-4) X /
Brockport State (3-6, 2-6) X
Records are overall followed by respective league records. Line represents projected cut based on current NCAA Playoff berths, although line could be one or two levels too high (thus allowing one or two four-loss teams into the ECAC Bowls if two teams above line enter NCAA Playoffs).
* - Team could still win an NCAA berth.
+, / - Team plays against another team in the list in future game.
X - Team currently does not have record that would allow it to be considered (>=.500 overall or in league).
Six teams will be picked from the list of teams that file for consideration. The deadline for consideration without late fee was THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH at 5pm EST.
Teams will be selected by the ECAC Football Championships Committee on or about 11/15/09 (following selection of the NCAA Playoffs field). Teams historically have been selected by win-loss record except when ties exist. The #1 team hosts the #6 team, the #2 team hosts the #5 team and the #3 team hosts the #4 team, unless the higher-seeded team does not file to host the game. All games begin at 12pm local time on 11/21/09.
Cadets win conference championship game 49-14 over Mount Ida. Freshmen Orwin Etkins runs for 269 yards and five touchdowns. First league championship ever. Norwich has been playing football since 1893.
Congrats to Norwich! You have to wonder if their experience playing in the E8 gave them the advantage in this first season.
Playing in the E8 without a doubt helped them in their inaugural season in the ECFC. Hopefully this will help them in years to come. Congrats to Norwich, job well done.
Norwich is a good football team. It would have been a better match up if the championship game was Norwich vs. Gallaudet. Gallaudet lost to Norwich by only 7pts back during regular season. Gallaudet will be the creeper next season.
Former Norwich WR Pierre Garcon (http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100126/SPORTS/1260332/1007/SPORTS) is featured in the Tom Haley article.
Kinda nice to have a former player in the Super Bowl. I hope that Pierre remembers his time at Norwich.
9/4 Plymouth St. 1:00
9/11 Utica 1:00
9/25 @ Gallaudet 12:00 ECFC
10/2 Mount Ida 1:00 ECFC
10/9 Maritime (N.Y.) 12:00 ECFC
10/16 @ Anna Maria 1:00 ECFC
10/23 @ Husson 1:00 ECFC
10/30 Becker 12:00 ECFC
11/6 @ Norwich 1:00 ECFC
Castleton announce 2010 schedule!
I can't wait Sep,4
Do any of you guys here on the ECFC board want to participate in the East Region fan poll as a voter? It would be great to have a ECFC rep.
Ping AUKaz00 (see the related thread) if you want to sign up!
Didn't know where else to post this, but since this is SUNY-Maritime's conference I will add it here
Saw the Around the Region Article on the NY-Maritime coach getting mobilized to go to Afghanistan. I am an Army National Guard member and a vet of Afghanistan. I am also a regular on the OAC board, a proud former football player and ROTC Cadet from Capital. I did 10 years on Active Duty and the last two in the Guard. I understand fully what Coach Kendrick-Holmes is going through. Just wanted to say to him Good Luck, God Bless, and Stay Safe. It takes a special person to put on the uniform and serve the country. Since he is a Naval Academy grad, I know he knew what he was getting into, yet he still swore an oath to defend this nation. As he progressed in his coaching career, he knew this day could come. When it did, it appears he has handled it in a first class manner. I hope the results of his season are befitting a man of such outstanding moral turptiude.
There are a lot of Veterans on these pages (at least on our OAC page there are). We take care of our own. I know the Coach doesn't know me from Adam, but if anyone is a follower of SUNY-Maritime, please pass on to him my best wishes for a safe deployment as well as a great season and if there is ever anything that I could possibly do, I will (and that is the God's honest truth- even from 1,000 miles away for a guy I have never met- that's just what we do. If you've never been in the service, you wouldn't understand). SUNY-Maritime just became my second favorite D3 team because of Coach Kendrick-Holmes.
I am a veteran of the peacetime post-Viet Nam era, 4 years Ready Reserves, 8 years active duty.
Thanks for your service, coach.
Looks like the players are giving him a good season as a send off. Good luck Coach.
Quote from: JK on September 08, 2010, 11:12:34 PM
Didn't know where else to post this, but since this is SUNY-Maritime's conference I will add it here
Saw the Around the Region Article on the NY-Maritime coach getting mobilized to go to Afghanistan. I am an Army National Guard member and a vet of Afghanistan. I am also a regular on the OAC board, a proud former football player and ROTC Cadet from Capital. I did 10 years on Active Duty and the last two in the Guard. I understand fully what Coach Kendrick-Holmes is going through. Just wanted to say to him Good Luck, God Bless, and Stay Safe. It takes a special person to put on the uniform and serve the country. Since he is a Naval Academy grad, I know he knew what he was getting into, yet he still swore an oath to defend this nation. As he progressed in his coaching career, he knew this day could come. When it did, it appears he has handled it in a first class manner. I hope the results of his season are befitting a man of such outstanding moral turptiude.
There are a lot of Veterans on these pages (at least on our OAC page there are). We take care of our own. I know the Coach doesn't know me from Adam, but if anyone is a follower of SUNY-Maritime, please pass on to him my best wishes for a safe deployment as well as a great season and if there is ever anything that I could possibly do, I will (and that is the God's honest truth- even from 1,000 miles away for a guy I have never met- that's just what we do. If you've never been in the service, you wouldn't understand). SUNY-Maritime just became my second favorite D3 team because of Coach Kendrick-Holmes.
Thank you for your service JK and to all the other veterans on these boards!!! +k
Looks like Privateers off to a great start. A testament to the coaching staff.
Kind of surprised SUNY M only posted 23 pts on hopeless Becker. Any insights into this game?
HELP WANTED:
Looking for Pollsters for a "soon to be unveiled" D3 TOP 25 FAN POLL.
Publishing site: www.uwwfootball.blogspot.com
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Commit to submit a ballot ranking the D3 Teams 1-25 by stated deadline. I'm thinking that will be midnight on Mondays.
2. Research the teams and try to be as unbiased as possible in ranking them.
3. Think through your own philosophy as to how much to weigh previous ranking, won/loss record, your sense as to who would win head to head, national performances in recent years, quality wins, and whatever reasonable criteria you care to choose.
4. Submit a ballot EVERY WEEK by the deadline. Missing a deadline will be cause to forfeit your spot. Create and submit your ballot BEFORE viewing the D3football.com poll. You can look at previous weeks polls to get you started if you are having a hard time filling out the last few slots.
PURPOSE OF POLL
This poll is to promote meaningful and fun discussion on d3boards.com. It is simply something that will be fun to contrast with D3football.com's poll. D3football.com's poll is the one legitimate poll we have in D3 football in my opinion. This poll is not even intended to become #2. I just think it would be an interesting point of comparison and discussion.
HOW TO APPLY
Send me a private message. In your message indicate:
1. you are applying to be a pollster.
2. What team/conference you follow.
3. Whether you can submit a poll as early as this Thursday. (That is not mandatory, if everyone can we may do one this week).
WHO WILL BE CHOSEN?
The first 25 respondents will be our initial group of pollsters. This group will remain the D3 FOOTBALL FAN POLL TOP 25 pollsters unless they resign their position or miss a deadline. Pollsters, I will never post your names on the boards. If you choose to, that is fine. If you are beyond the first 25 responses, your name will be placed on a "waiting list". If there are fewer than 25 respondents by midnight on Wednesday, we will go with what we have and continue to have "open" slots to be filled.
Remember FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED! ;)
Nice piece on NBC's Today Show this AM re SUNY M's head coach....
Norwich rolled over Western New England earlier in the season 35-7 but gets little respect in the New England Poll. Hopefully the Cadets will get a chance in the post season to meet one of the teams. like Maine Maritime or Plymouth.
Another good story on SUNY-Maritime on CBS Sports Inside College Football last night.
I think Norwich takes down SUNY M today...
Maxpower,
I think you are wrong. SUNY-Maritime 20-2 over Norwich. Congrations Maritime on winning the ECFC. One more to complete the perfect regular season.
If suny maritime wins next week how high of a seed do you.think they could get with.all other east powers having one loss? Maybe a home game even?
Quote from: skratch29 on October 30, 2010, 06:13:30 PM
If suny maritime wins next week how high of a seed do you.think they could get with.all other east powers having one loss? Maybe a home game even?
I am guessing maybe a 4 seed and a home game would be the best SUNY M could do but very well deserved given how they've played all season.
That would be great. I may have to make the trip from Florida.
Quote from: tdmflaw on October 30, 2010, 05:16:37 PM
Maxpower,
I think you are wrong. SUNY-Maritime 20-2 over Norwich. Congrations Maritime on winning the ECFC. One more to complete the perfect regular season.
Figures the one time I post on here.
It's ok max, I have eaten predictions before.
The castleton vs. Norwich game should be a big game for second place in the conference and could.show.how.far castleton has come or maybe just how.far.they.still have to go. Any big injuries on either team that could change the.game?
had lots of rain here the past two days, field will be muddy and slow. Temperatures forecasted to be in the 30's. I will be the Castleton air attack against the Cadets ground game. Both are very good.
Here are the ECAC Bowl-eligible teams (declared, will not play 11 games prior to the ECAC game and can finish at or above .500 in either overall or conference record):
Cortland State 8-1 (8-1)
Maine Maritime 8-1 (6-1)
Western New England 8-2 (6-1)
Framingham State 8-2 (6-1)
Norwich 8-2 (5-2)
St. John Fisher 8-2 (3-2)
Springfield 7-2 (3-2)
Mount Ida 6-3 (5-2) *
RPI 5-3 (3-2)
Hobart 5-3 (3-2)
Curry 6-4 (4-3)
Plymouth State 6-4 (4-3)
Salve Regina 6-4 (5-2)
Utica 5-4 (0-4)
Castleton State 5-4 (5-2)
* - Cannot Host
This is by far the most eligible ECAC Bowl teams we've seen declared and still alive this late in many years.
I saw the piece ESPN did on the SUNY Maritime coach last night. It was great to see the piece, and I wish the SUNY Maritime team and coach good luck, and God speed.
MTU may see them up close if SUNY-Maritime can get past the first round!
Quote from: pg04 on November 11, 2010, 10:00:17 AM
MTU may see them up close if SUNY-Maritime can get past the first round!
SUNY-M could play the NEFC rep or St. Lawrence, and as ridiculous as it might be, they could win a game if that happens...and vice versa...
I am not sure what you are implying by "rediculous" to win a game? SUNY-Maritime has had a great season.
Quote from: tdmflaw on November 11, 2010, 10:44:40 AM
I am not sure what you are implying by "rediculous" to win a game? SUNY-Maritime has had a great season.
Yeah but who did they beat, and what have they ever done? It's the same as the NEFC for many many years. Until they beat a team, it's tough to give any credibility whatsoever.
Quote from: No Longer Negative LD11 on November 11, 2010, 10:36:53 AM
Quote from: pg04 on November 11, 2010, 10:00:17 AM
MTU may see them up close if SUNY-Maritime can get past the first round!
SUNY-M could play the NEFC rep or St. Lawrence, and as ridiculous as it might be, they could win a game if that happens...and vice versa...
I am thinking it's very possible that SUNY-M gets a favorable first round matchup as a 4 or 5 seed.
Quote from: tdmflaw on November 11, 2010, 10:44:40 AM
I am not sure what you are implying by "rediculous" to win a game? SUNY-Maritime has had a great season.
Much like LD said, it's hard to tell if SUNY-M can compete in the playoffs or not. This is uncharted territory. I'm actually kinda hoping SUNY-Maritime does win so that we don't have to have this conversation every year like we did with the NEFC until Curry won.
Pep is saying the SOS should be thrown out and let's hail SUNY-Maritime as the #1 seed for the East Region! The road to the Stagg Bowl goes through Throggs Neck, NY!
;)
On Saxon Warriors!
Quote from: pg04 on November 11, 2010, 11:26:31 AM
Quote from: tdmflaw on November 11, 2010, 10:44:40 AM
I am not sure what you are implying by "rediculous" to win a game? SUNY-Maritime has had a great season.
Much like LD said, it's hard to tell if SUNY-M can compete in the playoffs or not. This is uncharted territory. I'm actually kinda hoping SUNY-Maritime does win so that we don't have to have this conversation every year like we did with the NEFC until Curry won.
Yeah, but will anyone be really impressed with a win over Maine Maritime, Endicott, or St. Lawrence? I won't be. Just like I wasn't impressed with Curry's win over Hartwick.
Curry did end up beating "more impressive" teams eventually.
Quote from: pg04 on November 11, 2010, 12:02:03 PM
Curry did end up beating "more impressive" teams eventually.
And they got their due respect...but unfortunately, the NEFC still really didn't.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5789296 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5789296)
This is the article on the SUNY M coach. Interesting stuff. I guess he only schedules puffballs on the football field ;).
An inspiring story on Veteran's Day!
Quote from: maxpower on November 11, 2010, 12:53:26 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5789296 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5789296)
This is the article on the SUNY M coach. Interesting stuff. I guess he only schedules puffballs on the football field ;).
An inspiring story on Veteran's Day!
How many other playoff-bound teams get a bye week this week? Any idea? That's pretty sweet me thinks.
IF Fisher hadn't pooped the bed against SC or AU, they would have this week off before the playoffs. Well, they still have this week off, and all the rest of them...
OUCH
damn man
Quote from: maxpower on November 11, 2010, 01:01:51 PM
IF Fisher hadn't pooped the bed against SC or AU, they would have this week off before the playoffs. Well, they still have this week off, and all the rest of them...
Not so. They are a lock for the ECACs.
(Sarcasm, Max. Sarcasm.)
Quote from: fisheralum91 on November 11, 2010, 01:12:11 PM
OUCH
damn man
Man, I can't even hide from you guys on the ECFC board??
FA91 is all over
Quote from: fisheralum91 on November 11, 2010, 01:25:03 PM
FA91 is all over
Just like Fisher's Season! Oh God that was too easy.
leave it to pg
sheesh
I made it way too easy...
i should think sometimes before i type
Just having fun. No ill-will intended.
None taken!
Any thoughts on the ECAC match ups? Glad Norwich has the game at home.
Quote from: CadetFan on November 14, 2010, 09:54:04 PM
Any thoughts on the ECAC match ups? Glad Norwich has the game at home.
For the Norwich game I did get to see Framingham State play once. Good offense. Quarterback has a nice touch to his passes and they do mix it up by passing to multiple receivers. For TD passes has a tendency to go to one receiver. But they just aren't a passing team, they do mix in the run. Game I saw was against Maine Maritime. Since Maine rarely passes hard to say how good their pass defense is. Statistically they didn't do well against Maine's rushing attack, but many don't. But at times they made some good stops.
They didn't share any common opponents, though Norwich beat up on WNEC, Endicott beat WNEC (close game), and Endicott beat Framingham (in OT). But 2 of 3 of these games were early season and all these team improved as the season went on.
Almost looks like it could be another game like the Norwich-Castleton game. Rushing team vs a passing team. Should be a good game.
Lots of interesting games this.weekend for the conference. Should help to show where the ecfc really. Stands in the bigger picture. Any picks for this weekend? And what do people think of castleton possibly picking up a game against rpi. Sounds like a good call to me even tho I don't know much about the program.
Any Privateer fans making the trip to Merrill tomorrow, be sure to bundle up. The visitor bleachers are in the shade and the high will be in the low 40s. And make sure to stop by the band to say hi to Pep and myself.
Safe travels!
Quote from: skratch29 on November 18, 2010, 09:06:16 PM
Lots of interesting games this.weekend for the conference. Should help to show where the ecfc really. Stands in the bigger picture.
Unfortunately I think we found out exactly where it stands.
Yeah, it's going to be a slow go for this conference, it seems. Hopefully some of the OOC opponents will be more difficult in the future, and the teams will get better. It doesn't seem like they can get better just by facing each other...
Quote from: DanPadavona on November 20, 2010, 04:47:44 PM
Quote from: skratch29 on November 18, 2010, 09:06:16 PM
Lots of interesting games this.weekend for the conference. Should help to show where the ecfc really. Stands in the bigger picture.
Unfortunately I think we found out exactly where it stands.
Not really any different than it did in the preseason.
I know its.alittle early but.what do you predict.the ranking for.next.year will be. I think castleton and.mount Ida will be battling for.first. with.martime close and norwhich behind them to.finish out.the top four. What.do you guys think.for next season?
Maritime repeats. A lot of returning players.
Idk I think mt ida might have a pretty good team next year. They came close to.beating martime this year and didn't even have there star running back. Plus they are a pretty young club by looking at the.all league.team. . And last but not least they played right.with.a.very.good.springfield.team that.is.way.out.of.most teams league.
get a new keyboard dude. they're like $15.
Its a smart phone that im writing in on and there alot more then 15 bucks.
Quote from: skratch29 on November 30, 2010, 08:29:42 PM
Its a smart phone that im writing in on and there alot more then 15 bucks.
More like a dumb phone.
For anyone that is interested. i just was looking at the ECFC website and i noticed that they have the in conference schedule for 2011 already posted for all the teams under the schedule section. you will have to change it to 2011 because it is still showing last years schedule/results. All the games have been changed, no one is playing anyone on the same date they played them last year, really weird so i thought i would bring it up to see what other fans thought.
Norwich has a press conference today at 1 o'clock. The rumors I'm hearing are that they have found funding for them to build the new Sabine stadium.
Though i would put a post up in case this is indeed what the announcement is about
This is what they are planning to do...
http://www.alumni.norwich.edu/s/758/index.aspx?sid=758&gid=1&pgid=252&cid=3256&ecid=3256&crid=0&calpgid=61&calcid=1709
This is just a rumor, nothing positive.
I had heard otherwise, but I wouldn't say my source is reliable, don't know who they are. Just an email.
The guys i talked to said that Norwich was keeping it very tight lipped so they didn't know for sure. They just thought the only thing they thought it could be was about Sabine stadium.
just figured i would send it out in case that was what it ended up being.
Wow was i and alot of the rumors i heard wrong. Head coach MaCintyre, of Norwich stepped down.
Any possible candidates for the Norwich job? NESCAC assistants? Castleton assistants?
If that field project can go through that would make the job a lot more appealing!
any one hear anything on any Norwich or Castleton recruits?
and the new Norwich head coach is http://www.norwichathletics.com/sports/fball/2010-11/releases/Murn_head_coach_02-07-2011 (http://www.norwichathletics.com/sports/fball/2010-11/releases/Murn_head_coach_02-07-2011)
Castleton head coach Rich Alercio has resigned today.
Heres the story http://www.castleton.edu/athletics/news/03012011b.htm (http://www.castleton.edu/athletics/news/03012011b.htm)
What happened to SUNY-Maritime??? Lost 50-3 today??? Since finishing undefeated in the "regular" season, they have lost their last two games by a combined total of 110-3...wow...
It's a different game when you play a team in the Top 150. Or in this case, a D-II team.
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 04, 2011, 12:59:08 PM
It's a different game when you play a team in the Top 150. Or in this case, a D-II team.
So them losing 50-3 doesnt really matter to the committee if they win the rest od their games since the opponent was D-2, right?
Didn't husson lose by 70 this weekend too? Pitiful conference.
Quote from: pg04 on September 04, 2011, 03:41:10 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 04, 2011, 12:59:08 PM
It's a different game when you play a team in the Top 150. Or in this case, a D-II team.
So them losing 50-3 doesnt really matter to the committee if they win the rest od their games since the opponent was D-2, right?
Didn't husson lose by 70 this weekend too? Pitiful conference.
I actually think PC was taking a shot at the ECFC...and rightfully so.
And pitiful barely describes the league...seriously, the fact that they get a auto bid is awful. One less 2nd place team from the E8, NJAC, MAC, or LL makes the tourney now because we get an "undefeated" ECFC champion (consisting of former members of other conferences bottom feeders running to form their own conference/league).
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 04, 2011, 04:48:29 PM
One less 2nd place team from the E8, NJAC, MAC, or LL makes the tourney now because we get an "undefeated" ECFC champion (consisting of former members of other conferences bottom feeders running to form their own conference/league).
This isn't true for two reasons:
1) There are the same number of Pool C bids as last year.
2) Bids are not given out by region, so even if there were any changes, it would not be confined to East Region runners-up.
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 04, 2011, 07:10:53 PM
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 04, 2011, 04:48:29 PM
One less 2nd place team from the E8, NJAC, MAC, or LL makes the tourney now because we get an "undefeated" ECFC champion (consisting of former members of other conferences bottom feeders running to form their own conference/league).
This isn't true for two reasons:
1) There are the same number of Pool C bids as last year.
2) Bids are not given out by region, so even if there were any changes, it would not be confined to East Region runners-up.
We are comparing apples with apples here...
The ECFC, now that they get a Pool A auto bid, "officially" took away a Pool C from everyone trying to make the tourney nation wide...but in reality, it impacts mostly the East. Look at the "East Region Brackets" over the past few years...excuse me, the Mount Union bracket (as they get shipped over to the East every single year), but now especially that the ECFC gets an auto. I can almost predict with certainty the un-official "MUC Bracket" this year will consist of:
1) MUC
2) E8 Champ
3) LL Champ
4) MAC Champ
5) NJAC Champ
6) NEFC Champ
7) ECFC Champ
8) One lucky one loss 2nd place team from the E8, NJAC, MAC, or LL...or else the committe sends another team from another region, like Randolph-Macon. Afterall, the "East" is generally perceived as the weakest bracket for some unknown reason (and completely eroniously in my opinion).
And of course there are as many Pool C bids as last year...since last year was the first year the ECFC got the Pool A bid...so unless there is some new conference out there that is getting a "new" Pool A this year...I was already assuming that there were the same number of Pool C bids overall as last year...
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 04, 2011, 08:22:29 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 04, 2011, 07:10:53 PM
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 04, 2011, 04:48:29 PM
One less 2nd place team from the E8, NJAC, MAC, or LL makes the tourney now because we get an "undefeated" ECFC champion (consisting of former members of other conferences bottom feeders running to form their own conference/league).
This isn't true for two reasons:
1) There are the same number of Pool C bids as last year.
2) Bids are not given out by region, so even if there were any changes, it would not be confined to East Region runners-up.
We are comparing apples with apples here...
The ECFC, now that they get a Pool A auto bid, "officially" took away a Pool C from everyone trying to make the tourney nation wide...but in reality, it impacts mostly the East. Look at the "East Region Brackets" over the past few years...excuse me, the Mount Union bracket (as they get shipped over to the East every single year), but now especially that the ECFC gets an auto. I can almost predict with certainty the un-official "MUC Bracket" this year will consist of:
1) MUC
2) E8 Champ
3) LL Champ
4) MAC Champ
5) NJAC Champ
6) NEFC Champ
7) ECFC Champ
8) One lucky 2nd place team from the E8, NJAC, MAC, or LL...or else the committe sends another team from another region, like Randolph-Macon. Afterall, the "East" is generally perceived as the weakest bracket for some unknown reason (and completely eroniously in my opinion).
And of course there are as many Pool C bids as last year...since last year was the first year the ECFC got the Pool A bid...so unless there is some new conference out there that is getting a "new" Pool A this year...I was already assuming that there were the same number of Pool C bids overall as last year...
No officially, they took away a bid from Pool B.
If the ECFC teams were independents, they would be considered in Pool B.
In fact, my pick in the E8 is Salisbury. If the SeaGulls get the Pool A bid, then I think that they probably host a first round game in the "south" bracket. :) That leaves room for Mount Union to be moved to the northeast.
We are bucking up against the 32-team bracket limitations. All these schools adding football to offer participation in D3 football is tightening up the at-large situation.
The UMAC is getting a bid this year.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 04, 2011, 08:33:27 PM
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 04, 2011, 08:22:29 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 04, 2011, 07:10:53 PM
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 04, 2011, 04:48:29 PM
One less 2nd place team from the E8, NJAC, MAC, or LL makes the tourney now because we get an "undefeated" ECFC champion (consisting of former members of other conferences bottom feeders running to form their own conference/league).
This isn't true for two reasons:
1) There are the same number of Pool C bids as last year.
2) Bids are not given out by region, so even if there were any changes, it would not be confined to East Region runners-up.
We are comparing apples with apples here...
The ECFC, now that they get a Pool A auto bid, "officially" took away a Pool C from everyone trying to make the tourney nation wide...but in reality, it impacts mostly the East. Look at the "East Region Brackets" over the past few years...excuse me, the Mount Union bracket (as they get shipped over to the East every single year), but now especially that the ECFC gets an auto. I can almost predict with certainty the un-official "MUC Bracket" this year will consist of:
1) MUC
2) E8 Champ
3) LL Champ
4) MAC Champ
5) NJAC Champ
6) NEFC Champ
7) ECFC Champ
8) One lucky 2nd place team from the E8, NJAC, MAC, or LL...or else the committe sends another team from another region, like Randolph-Macon. Afterall, the "East" is generally perceived as the weakest bracket for some unknown reason (and completely eroniously in my opinion).
And of course there are as many Pool C bids as last year...since last year was the first year the ECFC got the Pool A bid...so unless there is some new conference out there that is getting a "new" Pool A this year...I was already assuming that there were the same number of Pool C bids overall as last year...
No officially, they took away a bid from Pool B.
If the ECFC teams were independents, they would be considered in Pool B.
In fact, my pick in the E8 is Salisbury. If the SeaGulls get the Pool A bid, then I think that they probably host a first round game in the "south" bracket. :)
I didn't think Pool B bids were guaranteed...example...the ECFC before they were Pool A eligible was considered a Pool B league...as such, one of them pretty much had to run the table to get the Pool B bid, otherwise the committee knew it was a crap league and another Pool C bid became available for "everyone".
I give up...you guys are always right...MUC is the best...nothing to see here...move along...
Yanks99 -- listen to Ralph, he knows what he's talking about.
Two new automatic bids were added this year.
Pool B went from three teams to one.
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 04, 2011, 08:39:25 PM
Yanks99 -- listen to Ralph, he knows what he's talking about.
Two new automatic bids were added this year.
Pool B went from three teams to one.
I am listening Pat...and I actually get it...
Not sure why that was worth some -k...but ok...
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 04, 2011, 08:38:55 PM
I give up...you guys are always right...MUC is the best...nothing to see here...move along...
This was what prompted the -1, since you asked for clarification.
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 04, 2011, 08:43:15 PM
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 04, 2011, 08:38:55 PM
I give up...you guys are always right...MUC is the best...nothing to see here...move along...
This was what prompted the -1, since you asked for clarification.
Wow...really??? It was a little bit of sarcasm Pat...that's all...
I was dropping some Star Wars lingo...the only thing I didn't add was "these aren't the droids you are looking for..."
So...if the one Pool B league/team has a terrible record, that does in fact open up another Pool C bid...correct???
There is one guaranteed Pool B selection this year. The only way that doesn't happen, I guess, is if nobody has a .500 record in all of Pool B. Wesley is likely to make sure that doesn't happen.
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 04, 2011, 08:45:25 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 04, 2011, 08:43:15 PM
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 04, 2011, 08:38:55 PM
I give up...you guys are always right...MUC is the best...nothing to see here...move along...
This was what prompted the -1, since you asked for clarification.
Wow...really??? It was a little bit of sarcasm Pat...that's all...
I was dropping some Star Wars lingo...the only thing I didn't add was "these aren't the droids you are looking for..."
So...if the one Pool B league/team has a terrible record, that does in fact open up another Pool C bid...correct???
Having watched portions during the Spike TV Star Wars Marathon this weekend, I will give you a "k". :D
I like the way that the committee has moved teams across region lines where it makes sense.
I think that the top 8 seeds ought to be among the 12 best teams in the country. Geographical proximity and constraints are a fact of D-III life. :)
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 04, 2011, 08:36:32 PM
We are bucking up against the 32-team bracket limitations. All these schools adding football to offer participation in D3 football is tightening up the at-large situation.
Ralph, my feelings are that we will see the membership of D3 vote to raise the minimum for Pool A conferences to 8 members within the next decade. Around that time, we'll challenge a Pool C level of 4 bids, which is the minimum I believe most of the membership will be willing to accept. Any thoughts?
Quote from: Frank Rossi on September 04, 2011, 10:02:12 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 04, 2011, 08:36:32 PM
We are bucking up against the 32-team bracket limitations. All these schools adding football to offer participation in D3 football is tightening up the at-large situation.
Ralph, my feelings are that we will see the membership of D3 vote to raise the minimum for Pool A conferences to 8 members within the next decade. Around that time, we'll challenge a Pool C level of 4 bids, which is the minimum I believe most of the membership will be willing to accept. Any thoughts?
Frank, in football or all sports? If so, then the conferences will adapt and schools will add the sport for the sake of their peers. (Who does the NEWMAC invite to make 8 men's teams in other sports?)
Thanks.
Maybe that is why Chapman suddenly became more attractive to the SCIAC. (Just wondering...)
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 04, 2011, 10:34:43 PM
Quote from: Frank Rossi on September 04, 2011, 10:02:12 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 04, 2011, 08:36:32 PM
We are bucking up against the 32-team bracket limitations. All these schools adding football to offer participation in D3 football is tightening up the at-large situation.
Ralph, my feelings are that we will see the membership of D3 vote to raise the minimum for Pool A conferences to 8 members within the next decade. Around that time, we'll challenge a Pool C level of 4 bids, which is the minimum I believe most of the membership will be willing to accept. Any thoughts?
Frank, in football or all sports? If so, then the conferences will adapt and schools will add the sport for the sake of their peers. (Who does the NEWMAC invite to make 8 men's teams in other sports?)
Thanks.
Maybe that is why Chapman suddenly became more attractive to the SCIAC. (Just wondering...)
I think it's only necessary in football based on the idea that only football must be played in rounds that must occur once per week based on the nature of the sport. Thus, there can't be a sixth week of playoffs -- no athletic director would sign off on that. So, football is the only sport I can think of in which we'd be locked in at 32 teams. As such, a special football-only threshold of 8 teams would be permissible.
We have lots of shuffling going on in the South, but I think that the 8-member rule would only affect the MIAA, the Southern Athletic Association (SAA or the SCAC-east teams who are separating), and the Liberty League.
I think that the SAA might add members.
What would the MIAA do?
What is your perspective on the Liberty League?
The effect would be to push those bids back to Pool B, if they did not find affiliates.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 05, 2011, 12:03:19 AM
We have lots of shuffling going on in the South, but I think that the 8-member rule would only affect the MIAA, the Southern Athletic Association (SAA or the SCAC-east teams who are separating), and the Liberty League.
I think that the SAA might add members.
What would the MIAA do?
What is your perspective on the Liberty League?
The effect would be to push those bids back to Pool B, if they did not find affiliates.
The Liberty League has 8 members, and that's the number they're aiming to stay at (see the McLaughlin interview in the middle of tonight's "In the HuddLLe" for that). I think the Empire 8 is the conference in trouble, since Frostburg and Salisbury are only there for 2 more years. Also, mathematically, the system can't support 7-team conferences (that would require 34+ Pool A bids if every conference contained 7. At the same time, a conference like the NJAC is proving that bigger does not mean better/better access.
You're right that a push to a minimum of 8 teams per conference for Pool A access would push some conferences back to Pool B -- but the access ratio would technically support that move.
I don't think we're likely to see any change in the AQ structure solely for football. It's just not how the NCAA does things, agreed?
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 05, 2011, 01:38:06 AM
I don't think we're likely to see any change in the AQ structure solely for football. It's just not how the NCAA does things, agreed?
I agree. That is why I asked the question about "football or all sports".
In fact, there is no real change in the number of Pool C bids that one gains from raising the threshold for earning the Pool A bid from 7 to 8 in football. I only identified 2 conferences that had 7 football playing members. Those two conferences would move their "numbers" back into the "Pool B numerator".
If the MIAA wants to maintain its Pool A bid, then I bet Finlandia would love to affiliate to become the 8th. I also think that the new Southern Athletic Association would find an affiliate or grow as necessary.
Thanks for the discussion, gentlemen.
That's not quite true, Ralph. If the football access ratio were to change to 8 for Pool A, it would also change for Pool B. Thus, the number of Pool C bids would increase.
Quote from: Frank Rossi on September 05, 2011, 08:28:28 AM
That's not quite true, Ralph. If the football access ratio were to change to 8 for Pool A, it would also change for Pool B. Thus, the number of Pool C bids would increase.
Let's look at the impact of dropping the 7-team conferences (SCAC/SAA; Liberty League, MIAA) from the tabulation of the access ratio.
As we should have it this year, there will be 25 Pool A conferences. I expect 1 Pool B bid. That leaves 6 Pool C bids.
There is some other movement that will occur, and some teams that will help the conference get to the threshold (like George Fox in the Northwest Conference adding football).
For the 22 conferences, there are 201 schools. That gives an access ratio of 1:9.136.
For the current 25 conferences, there would be 222 schools. That would give an access ratio of 1:8.88.
Let's apply the "8-team" access ratio (1:9.136) to the larger Pool B.
UAA-4 + SAA-7 when Hendrix adds football + SCAC-2 leftovers + Wesley + Huntingdon + Macalester + Finlandia + MIAA-7 + LL-7 = 31. 31 divided by 9.136 = 3.39 bids truncated to 3 bids.
You are right. That would leave 7 Pool C bids.
If the new SAA wants to add Huntingdon as a football affiliate, that drops the calculation to 23 Pool B school divided by access ratio (209 schools / 23 Pool A conferences or 9.08) = 2.533 Pool B bids, truncated to 2 Pool B bids. That leaves 7 Pool C bids.
Then, if the MIAA adds Finlandia as a football affiliate, that drops the number of Pool B schools to 15 schools divided the access ratio (217 schools / 24 Pool A conferences or 9.04) = 1.659 Pool B bids, truncated to 1 Pool B bid. That leaves 7 Pool C bids.
Then, if the Liberty League can find an 8th team, that drops the number of Pool B schools to 7 or 8, and the Pool B bid goes away.
When the most recent bits of dust settle, I think that Pool B will include the UAA-4, Wesley, and Macalester. Trinity and Austin College may also be left hanging after the SCAC split. Likely to be added as an affiliate are Huntingdon and Finlandia.
Thanks for the discussion.
One other thought...
Every serious D3 fan should thank the NEFC (Bogan and Boyd Divisions) for leaving a Pool A bid on the table to be a Pool C bid for the taking.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 05, 2011, 09:59:40 AM
One other thought...
Every serious D3 fan should thank the NEFC (Bogan and Boyd Divisions) for leaving a Pool A bid on the table to be a Pool C bid for the taking.
Sorry, Ralph -- I should have said the LL will have 8 next year, as Springfield leaves the E8 for the LL. The E8 will be back to 6 teams in 2013 (add Buff State, lose Salisbury, Frostburg, Springfield).
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 05, 2011, 09:59:40 AM
One other thought...
Every serious D3 fan should thank the NEFC (Bogan and Boyd Divisions) for leaving a Pool A bid on the table to be a Pool C bid for the taking.
I don't see the NEFC as a viable conference for longer than a decade -- I think the ECFC's formation will create some thoughts of a split since schools of equal athletics caliber have a better playoff access ratio than the NEFC currently does. That can't sit well with the athletics departments inside the NEFC.
Quote from: Frank Rossi on September 04, 2011, 11:19:08 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 04, 2011, 10:34:43 PM
Quote from: Frank Rossi on September 04, 2011, 10:02:12 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 04, 2011, 08:36:32 PM
We are bucking up against the 32-team bracket limitations. All these schools adding football to offer participation in D3 football is tightening up the at-large situation.
Ralph, my feelings are that we will see the membership of D3 vote to raise the minimum for Pool A conferences to 8 members within the next decade. Around that time, we'll challenge a Pool C level of 4 bids, which is the minimum I believe most of the membership will be willing to accept. Any thoughts?
Frank, in football or all sports? If so, then the conferences will adapt and schools will add the sport for the sake of their peers. (Who does the NEWMAC invite to make 8 men's teams in other sports?)
Thanks.
Maybe that is why Chapman suddenly became more attractive to the SCIAC. (Just wondering...)
I think it's only necessary in football based on the idea that only football must be played in rounds that must occur once per week based on the nature of the sport. Thus, there can't be a sixth week of playoffs -- no athletic director would sign off on that. So, football is the only sport I can think of in which we'd be locked in at 32 teams. As such, a special football-only threshold of 8 teams would be permissible.
I say you do something radical and have the NCAA make up the conferences on their own based on location. You could have teams schedule a few non league games themselves, but the NCAA would have the power to leave the last date open for conference or region championship games.
Quote from: Frank Rossi on September 05, 2011, 12:09:03 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 05, 2011, 09:59:40 AM
One other thought...
Every serious D3 fan should thank the NEFC (Bogan and Boyd Divisions) for leaving a Pool A bid on the table to be a Pool C bid for the taking.
I don't see the NEFC as a viable conference for longer than a decade -- I think the ECFC's formation will create some thoughts of a split since schools of equal athletics caliber have a better playoff access ratio than the NEFC currently does. That can't sit well with the athletics departments inside the NEFC.
The Boyd and Bogan add another layer to the playoffs, just like the post-season tourney of the 15-team ASC in M/W Hoops, Baseball, etc.
What are the prospects that the MASCAC will pick up the slack and sponsor football for its 6 football-playing members and pick up a few affiliates?
No offense, Ralph, but which would you rather say? "We got into the playoffs after winning our 7-team conference!" or "We didn't make the playoffs, but we were runners-up in our 14-team conference!"?
Quote from: Frank Rossi on September 05, 2011, 04:12:58 PM
No offense, Ralph, but which would you rather say? "We got into the playoffs after winning our 7-team conference!" or "We didn't make the playoffs, but we were runners-up in our 14-team conference!"?
:) No offense taken. It is what we have lived with in the ASC for a decade.
I stated the comment that way, because the other 20-odd conferences have gotten a Pool C bid at the expense of the NEFC.
And the consequence in the Directors' Cup is that you cut the number of points that your conference members can earn in half.
Tie breaker for the ECFC.
Norwich, Maritime and Gallaudet settle this in the next 3 weeks. A three-way tie could develop.
QuoteTwo Teams
Head to Head Results
Three or More Teams
Best Record Among Tied Team (in this step, only contests among the tied schools will be used).
Comparison of results against conference opponents one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team and continuing in downward rank order until the tie is broken.
Results against non-conference common opponents (in this step, only opponents who competed against all tied schools will be considered).
Opponents Winning Percentage (OWP) for all Division III opponents as determined by the NCAA system (both in and out of region are used in this calculation).
Overall Winning Percentage for all games against NCAA Division III opponents.
Coin Toss.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on October 24, 2011, 07:00:14 PM
Tie breaker for the ECFC.
Norwich, Maritime and Gallaudet settle this in the next 3 weeks. A three-way tie could develop.
QuoteTwo Teams
Head to Head Results
Three or More Teams
Best Record Among Tied Team (in this step, only contests among the tied schools will be used).
Comparison of results against conference opponents one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team and continuing in downward rank order until the tie is broken.
Results against non-conference common opponents (in this step, only opponents who competed against all tied schools will be considered).
Opponents Winning Percentage (OWP) for all Division III opponents as determined by the NCAA system (both in and out of region are used in this calculation).
Overall Winning Percentage for all games against NCAA Division III opponents.
Coin Toss.
Get your popcorn ready! Whoever comes out on top has the privilege of losing by 10 Touchdowns in the postseason...
Quote from: LewDogg11 on October 24, 2011, 07:57:09 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on October 24, 2011, 07:00:14 PM
Tie breaker for the ECFC.
Norwich, Maritime and Gallaudet settle this in the next 3 weeks. A three-way tie could develop.
QuoteTwo Teams
Head to Head Results
Three or More Teams
Best Record Among Tied Team (in this step, only contests among the tied schools will be used).
Comparison of results against conference opponents one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team and continuing in downward rank order until the tie is broken.
Results against non-conference common opponents (in this step, only opponents who competed against all tied schools will be considered).
Opponents Winning Percentage (OWP) for all Division III opponents as determined by the NCAA system (both in and out of region are used in this calculation).
Overall Winning Percentage for all games against NCAA Division III opponents.
Coin Toss.
Get your popcorn ready! Whoever comes out on top has the privilege of losing by 10 Touchdowns in the postseason...
To quote Bart Scott..."CAN'T WAIT!!!"...
Considering that Norwich runs the table in the League, but loses all their non-conference games, this won't necessarily be a good outcome with the first Pool A bid for the ECFC.
Quote from: Steve Wiitala on November 06, 2011, 08:26:03 AM
Considering that Norwich runs the table in the League, but loses all their non-conference games, this won't necessarily be a good outcome with the first Pool A bid for the ECFC.
Co-sign. When you lose to St. Lawrence and Hartwick (4-13 combined) convincingly, you're just not that good. But it's a lot easier to make the playoffs when you can beat up on the Hussons/Anna Marias/Beckers of the world I guess
Quote from: Steve Wiitala on November 06, 2011, 08:26:03 AM
Considering that Norwich runs the table in the League, but loses all their non-conference games, this won't necessarily be a good outcome with the first Pool A bid for the ECFC.
It's a flat out embarrassment. And I believe it sets a bad precedent. If the only qualification for a Pool A bid is 7 teams joining together, then what is to stop any 7 horrible teams from forming a conference in any region to guarantee themselves a playoff birth? Because that is exactly what has happened here.
I would like to see some type of criteria to guarantee a Pool A bid. Like at least two conference members must have made the NCAA playoffs in the last decade, or at least one member has actually won an NCAA playoff game in the last decade.
You could even have a probationary period, whereby if a new conference fails to win an NCAA game after 5 consecutive Pool A bids, the automatic bid goes away until somebody wins a playoff game as an at-large selection.
It just seems to me that anything would be more logical than allowing 7 bottom tier teams to form a conference and swallow a playoff spot. At the very least, can't we vote them out of the region and force them to be Northern? :P
Quote from: Bombers798891 on November 06, 2011, 09:22:13 AM
Quote from: Steve Wiitala on November 06, 2011, 08:26:03 AM
Considering that Norwich runs the table in the League, but loses all their non-conference games, this won't necessarily be a good outcome with the first Pool A bid for the ECFC.
Co-sign. When you lose to St. Lawrence and Hartwick (4-13 combined) convincingly, you're just not that good. But it's a lot easier to make the playoffs when you can beat up on the Hussons/Anna Marias/Beckers of the world I guess
Norwich making the NCAA's is awful. You know me...and I have made it no secret that I am a Hartwick fan. But when the team that finishes dead last in the Empire 8 monkey stomps the ECFC conference champion...you know, the same team that left the E8 three years ago because they were sick and tired of being a whipping post to the rest of the league...it is simply awful.
There is also the aspect that they (Norwich) were leading WNEC (who will almost certainly win the NEFC) with less then 2 minutes to go in the game. For a long time I have been arguing that the East Region isn't the weakest region, and that they should stop sending MUC over. As long as these two conference keep getting Pool A bids (and they will) and because of their location (pinned up against the Northeast coast...ensuring that they have to be in the East Region), the East will remain what is considered the weakest region until these guys step up their game in a big, big way.
I couldn't agree more Yanks. I just think at some point the NCAA has to look at how they award automatic bids, and decide if the policy of being inclusive is being taken advantage of.
I am a retired Norwich faculty member, and much more an expert in hockey matters, but I was surprised that the ECFC was given a Pool A slot. From hockey discussions, I thought that there were restrictions on single sport conferences being given Pool A status. The MCHA had to fight tooth and nail to be given Pool A for hockey, but because of its status as a single sport conference the NCAA was very reluctant to grant it. Meanwhile, the MASCAC goes out and picks up two affiliate members and because it is a multi-sport conference got the green light all the way through the process.
Given what the MCHA went through, I would have expected NCAA resistance to the ECFC. I was surprised to hear they had been granted that status. The problem in any sport is that weak conferences given Pool A status eat up Pool B and C slots. Hockey now has no Pool B slots, but one league with 5 very strong members fighting for Pool C bids. Meanwhile the MASCAC gets a free pass. My point is that the problem is the NCAA's one size fits all formula for all sports. A better plan would be to award half of the size of the field Pool A bids based on out of conference and post season success of the league over the last x years. Reserve some Pool B slots for independents and teams in conferences that didn't make the Pool A list, and the rest goes to Pool C. To me, that's logical, but, logical and NCAA never belong in the same sentence.
Quote from: Steve Wiitala on November 06, 2011, 06:18:47 PM
I am a retired Norwich faculty member, and much more an expert in hockey matters, but I was surprised that the ECFC was given a Pool A slot. From hockey discussions, I thought that there were restrictions on single sport conferences being given Pool A status. The MCHA had to fight tooth and nail to be given Pool A for hockey, but because of its status as a single sport conference the NCAA was very reluctant to grant it. Meanwhile, the MASCAC goes out and picks up two affiliate members and because it is a multi-sport conference got the green light all the way through the process.
Given what the MCHA went through, I would have expected NCAA resistance to the ECFC. I was surprised to hear they had been granted that status. The problem in any sport is that weak conferences given Pool A status eat up Pool B and C slots. Hockey now has no Pool B slots, but one league with 5 very strong members fighting for Pool C bids. Meanwhile the MASCAC gets a free pass. My point is that the problem is the NCAA's one size fits all formula for all sports. A better plan would be to award half of the size of the field Pool A bids based on out of conference and post season success of the league over the last x years. Reserve some Pool B slots for independents and teams in conferences that didn't make the Pool A list, and the rest goes to Pool C. To me, that's logical, but, logical and NCAA never belong in the same sentence.
The NCAA doesn't care if the best teams make the playoffs. They want all subjectivity taken out of playoff picks. 32 leagues with 32 pool A bids would be the NCAAs dream.
Quote from: DanPadavona on November 06, 2011, 09:49:49 AM
Quote from: Steve Wiitala on November 06, 2011, 08:26:03 AM
Considering that Norwich runs the table in the League, but loses all their non-conference games, this won't necessarily be a good outcome with the first Pool A bid for the ECFC.
It's a flat out embarrassment. And I believe it sets a bad precedent. If the only qualification for a Pool A bid is 7 teams joining together, then what is to stop any 7 horrible teams from forming a conference in any region to guarantee themselves a playoff birth? Because that is exactly what has happened here.
I would like to see some type of criteria to guarantee a Pool A bid. Like at least two conference members must have made the NCAA playoffs in the last decade, or at least one member has actually won an NCAA playoff game in the last decade.
You could even have a probationary period, whereby if a new conference fails to win an NCAA game after 5 consecutive Pool A bids, the automatic bid goes away until somebody wins a playoff game as an at-large selection.
It just seems to me that anything would be more logical than allowing 7 bottom tier teams to form a conference and swallow a playoff spot. At the very least, can't we vote them out of the region and force them to be Northern? :P
What Mount or Whitewater would do to them would be sad.
I had proposed something similar on the ERFP board, about how there needed to be some sort of criteria for a Pool A bid. The Norwich thing is just so blatantly obvious. Of course, now that we've pointed out their flaws, they'll probably pull a Curry and beat Salisbury or Del Valley or whoever they play
Quote from: Steve Wiitala on November 06, 2011, 06:18:47 PM
I thought that there were restrictions on single sport conferences being given Pool A status.
I'm pretty sure there is a requirement that more than half of the teams in a single sport conference need to be members in one conference for all sports. So, it's slightly harder to accomplish than the seven worst football teams banding together to form a conference unless four of them are willing to be part of a conference for all sports, which is likely an untenable proposition.
Quote from: DanPadavona on November 06, 2011, 09:49:49 AM
It's a flat out embarrassment. And I believe it sets a bad precedent. If the only qualification for a Pool A bid is 7 teams joining together, then what is to stop any 7 horrible teams from forming a conference in any region to guarantee themselves a playoff birth? Because that is exactly what has happened here.
I think that you're really overrating the "gravity" that a Division III football playoff berth has on an institution's decision to join a conference.
Suppose you're the athletic director in the Northeast with a startup football program and you're looking for a conference affiliation. Further, suppose that you KNOW that your school has relatively limited resources to support the football program and that it's going to be relatively difficult to compete with a traditionally strong Division III football conference.
Yes, I know, there are plenty of you guns-a-blazing types that would go in full force against the toughest competition out there because to be the best, you have to beat the best. Do you really think that was the motivation for starting a football program at some of these places (Gallaudet, for instance)? Winning national championships?
More likely, the program was established to increase male applications (not a trivial goal, especially in an era when it's much easier for colleges to come by qualified female applicants than male applications) & build some campus spirit. You know, silly ideals like that. In that case, wouldn't you look for a conference with schools in a relatively similar position?
I don't think that the ECFC schools banded together because they were trying to game the system and get a playoff berth; I think they formed a football conference because they provided a logical competitive fit for one another (the same reason that the NEFC schools continue to play one another). The playoff berth is merely an added bonus.
Perhaps you'd prefer to see conferences like this act more like the NESCAC (which really isn't a bad suggestion) and shun the playoffs. However, I think these teams really benefit from the knowledge that AQ access is there at the end of the season, giving them a rallying point throughout the conference season, and I think that's the only way that these conferences will EVER improve - continuing to compete for a playoff berth.
One suggestion that I think WOULD have some merit would be requiring a longer probationary period before granting a Pool A berth to startup conferences (perhaps 4 years), with the hope that the programs would be on more solid footing after a full four-year cycle, and that the overall competition would be stronger by then.
Norwich ended up in the ECFC not so much because the were looking for a league that made more sense for them than the Empire "8" (leagues with numbers in their name should have that many schools as far as I'm concerned), because they weren't really a very good geographic fit with all those Western NY schools. The only reason NU went to the E8 in the first place was because the FFC folded, and they needed somewhere to go. Then there was kind of a confluence of events. Castleton decided to add football, and the NAC announced that they would start a football league by taking on Associate members for football, and NU signed on, because of the better geographic fit. The the NAC backed out, but the schools that announced an interest formed a single sport conference. As I said, considering the struggle that the MCHA had getting approved as a single sport conference with Pool A status for hockey, I was shocked that the ECFC got Pool A status. It wasn't a case of a bunch of "loser" schools getting together to steal an AQ from anybody - it was a case of schools trying to form a league that made geographic and competitive sense. The AQ thing shocked me when I heard it was approved.
I think it's a matter of timing. They loosened up the regulations on single-sport conferences a couple years ago, after more than a decade of not allowing new single-sport conferences to qualify for automatic bids.
Quote from: Steve Wiitala on November 07, 2011, 10:30:25 PM
leagues with numbers in their name should have that many schools as far as I'm concerned.
The Empire 8 is not just a football conference, so the name made sense for the eight New York schools that formed an all-sports conference. Elmira, Nazareth and RIT don't field football teams, so there was a need for associate members in football and since the minimum for the AQ is 7 that's certainly why the conference landed on that number in football. Now, with Stevens added and RIT leaving, it's still 8 schools just not all in the Empire State...
Just because the ECFC schools weren't actively looking for a way to game the system and earn a Pool A bid doesn't mean that the end result is any less of an embarrassment to the playoff system. Every one of those teams would be at (or near) the bottom of any other conference in the East (well, maybe not the LL. I could see middle of the pack there)
Quote from: AUKaz00 on November 08, 2011, 09:15:10 AM
Quote from: Steve Wiitala on November 07, 2011, 10:30:25 PM
leagues with numbers in their name should have that many schools as far as I'm concerned.
The Empire 8 is not just a football conference, so the name made sense for the eight New York schools that formed an all-sports conference. Elmira, Nazareth and RIT don't field football teams, so there was a need for associate members in football and since the minimum for the AQ is 7 that's certainly why the conference landed on that number in football. Now, with Stevens added and RIT leaving, it's still 8 schools just not all in the Empire State...
Well, the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) changed to the Liberty League when it added teams for Pool A purposes. Maybe it's time for the Empire 8 to change its name... I vote for the Eastern Time Zone Conference (ETZC)
Quote from: Frank Rossi on November 08, 2011, 10:53:23 AM
Quote from: AUKaz00 on November 08, 2011, 09:15:10 AM
Quote from: Steve Wiitala on November 07, 2011, 10:30:25 PM
leagues with numbers in their name should have that many schools as far as I'm concerned.
The Empire 8 is not just a football conference, so the name made sense for the eight New York schools that formed an all-sports conference. Elmira, Nazareth and RIT don't field football teams, so there was a need for associate members in football and since the minimum for the AQ is 7 that's certainly why the conference landed on that number in football. Now, with Stevens added and RIT leaving, it's still 8 schools just not all in the Empire State...
Well, the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) changed to the Liberty League when it added teams for Pool A purposes. Maybe it's time for the Empire 8 to change its name... I vote for the Eastern Time Zone Conference (ETZC)
Rossi, that's a good one.
Quote from: Bombers798891 on November 08, 2011, 10:33:26 AM
Just because the ECFC schools weren't actively looking for a way to game the system and earn a Pool A bid doesn't mean that the end result is any less of an embarrassment to the playoff system. Every one of those teams would be at (or near) the bottom of any other conference in the East (well, maybe not the LL. I could see middle of the pack there)
Same thing goes on in hockey, there are a couple of leagues that are much weaker than the others, including one that just got Pool A status this year, eating the last Pool B slot in the process. The ECAC NE was a pretty weak league in the first place, and then the MASCAC started sponsoring hockey, which meant that the public schools in the ECAC NE left the ECAC NE, and where there was one Pool A slot for a 12 team league, there were now two Pool A slots two seven team leagues. (Salem State had been in a different league, and they added a start up program.) While they were transitioning, there was a pool C slot that went away. I'm seeing the same kind of thing going on in football the hockey fans have seen. Everybody wants to get a Pool A bid, and leagues all sit with 7 teams, so there's little excess to pad out Pool C spots.
Congratulations, Norwich!
Are there any ECFC schools in or around the Boston area?
I'm trying to collect something from each DIII football program. My wife might be headed out that way next weekend, and I might have her stop and pick something up for me?
Much appreicated!!
i know this is late but the closest school in the ECFC to Boston is Mt. Ida which is in Newton.
Quote from: skratch29 on December 13, 2011, 04:13:04 PM
i know this is late but the closest school in the ECFC to Boston is Mt. Ida which is in Newton.
Yes, just don't walk on their field...
It's littered with goose crap, nothing like playing a football game on a bed of geese droppings...
Any one hear of any good recruits coming into the conference, especially for Castleton or Norwich?
Dlip wanted to mention that he was very impressed with a freshman QB on Castleton from the scrimmage yesterday. dlip does not know his name but he was the second QB to play. Kid seemed very poised and relaxed in the pocket. He threw a very nice ball and he really seemed to let the game come to him. He should develop into a very good player. Congrats to him and good luck to Castleton St on their 2012 football season! By the way, does anyone from CS know his name?
Quote from: dlip on August 26, 2012, 07:30:53 AM
Dlip wanted to mention that he was very impressed with a freshman QB on Castleton from the scrimmage yesterday. dlip does not know his name but he was the second QB to play. Kid seemed very poised and relaxed in the pocket. He threw a very nice ball and he really seemed to let the game come to him. He should develop into a very good player. Congrats to him and good luck to Castleton St on their 2012 football season! By the way, does anyone from CS know his name?
From what i have been hearing it should be a kid named George Busharis. Hes from Mansfield, Mass and is suppose to be the Heir- Apparent to their Star Qb Shane Brozowski (Sr.) I Would Love to hear more on how you thought Castleton held up against a usually very good Union team. I went to the Scrimmage last year and Union out played them pretty easily.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF THE 2012 TOP 25 FAN POLL (http://www.d3boards.com/index.php?topic=7065.msg1434525#msg1434525):
Please send me a PM with your ballot. I'd like to get a preseason poll up by Thursday night.
During the season ballots shall be due by Tuesdays so I can get them up Tuesday night.
Remember, this is just fun and we aren't part of the BCS Formula... yet ;D
Quote from: skratch29 on August 26, 2012, 10:23:35 AM
Quote from: dlip on August 26, 2012, 07:30:53 AM
Dlip wanted to mention that he was very impressed with a freshman QB on Castleton from the scrimmage yesterday. dlip does not know his name but he was the second QB to play. Kid seemed very poised and relaxed in the pocket. He threw a very nice ball and he really seemed to let the game come to him. He should develop into a very good player. Congrats to him and good luck to Castleton St on their 2012 football season! By the way, does anyone from CS know his name?
From what i have been hearing it should be a kid named George Busharis. Hes from Mansfield, Mass and is suppose to be the Heir- Apparent to their Star Qb Shane Brozowski (Sr.) I Would Love to hear more on how you thought Castleton held up against a usually very good Union team. I went to the Scrimmage last year and Union out playEd them pretty easily.
Thanks for posting his name skratch, like dlip said earlier, he was quite impressed with George and feels he has a bright future.
As far as the scrimmage went, at least to dlip, it was much of the same as last year. Union really dominated Castleton in every area of the scrimmage. Union just can't score the way they could last year. With that being said the CS D seemed to hold up better than last year and kept Unions's first team to roughly 21 or 28pts (?). Union has two young QB's and even though dlip thought they looked pretty decent, he thought CS played quite hard and had some good moments in coverage. The CS punter had one very nice punt that was simply beautiful. Also they did a decent job against Union's running game (which is Union's strength) although the Dutchmen's first team did not rush nearly as much as dlip anticipates they will during the season. Honestly for Union, last night was a Sophmore QB audition. CS defenders had a few very solid hits, they played quite hard. Dlip hopes this offered some insight.
Dlip will be rooting for CS in the ECFC this season and will be keeping an eye on Mr. Basharis the next couple years.
Congratulations to Mount Ida on their come back win on opening night for their new stadium
To fans of D-3 football everywhere. I am honored to have been asked to spread the word regarding a new cancer fund that has been established to help Tom Pattison, UW-W sports broadcaster and founder of www.warhawkfootball.com I and my family know, all to well, how a cancer diagnosis can be devastating to a families daily lives and finances. Please, consider making even the smallest donation to Tom.
The following is an open letter by Retired UW-W Coach Bob Berezowitz:
Team Tom Cancer Fund Drive established
Once a Warhawk, always a Warhawk are the often spoken words by Tom Pattison, longtime "voice" of the Warhawks. Over the many years of broadcasting UW-Whitewater football, basketball and baseball games on KOOL 106.5 (and prior to that (940 WFAW), Tom has "bled purple" during each one of his broadcasts.
Unfortunately, on May 28, 2012 Tom was diagnosed with advanced stage 2 colon cancer. He underwent colorectal cancer surgery in Fort Atkinson and in the process has developed astronomical hospital and medical bills.
Tom has already gone through the first phase of radiation treatment at the UW Cancer Clinic along with chemotherapy with phase two starting later this month.
Tom has given his heart and soul to Warhawk athletics over his 25 years of living here in southern Wisconsin. He served six years as the president of the UW-Whitewater Quarterback Club and still serves on the club's board of directors.
In 2003 Tom founded Warhawkfootball.com where Warhawk fans, players, former players and parents have been able to view up-to-date Warhawk football news and information 365 days a year. Nearly 1.5 million visitors have clicked onto the Website over the years.
The Website that has been funded entirely by Tom has been a popular "voice" for Warhawk football fans not only locally but around the world.
Well now Tom needs your assistance in his battle with cancer.
With the help and leadership of UW-Whitewater Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Paul Plinke and former Warhawk football coach Bob Berezowitz and KOOL 106.5 Radio a team has been set up to lead a campaign to raise funds for Tom.
The "Team Tom Cancer Fund" has been established through Commercial Bank in Whitewater and is now accepting donations.
Donations may be sent to: Team Tom Cancer Fund, c/o Commercial Bank, 200 South Freemont St. Whitewater, WI 53190
The fund raising drive will also include Tom Pattison Day at Perkins Stadium on Oct. 6, 2012. More details will be announced shortly.
"I have known Tom for many years while coaching and now in retirement," Berezowitz said. "There is not another person who has given more of himself to help promote UW-Whitewater football. He is always writing articles for both past and present players that are published on his Website.
It is now our turn to say "thank you" for his efforts by considering making a donation to the to assist Tom in his time of need.
Go Warhawks,
Bob Berezowitz
UW-Whitewater Football Coach/Retired
Quote from: ccrosby on August 31, 2012, 10:02:15 PM
Congratulations to Mount Ida on their come back win on opening night for their new stadium
Is that field littered with goose crap like the old one was?
Good win on the road for Norwich at St Lawrence, Homecoming next week vs WPI and then on to the ECFC schedule.
Quote from: Papaduke on September 08, 2012, 11:57:07 PM
Good win on the road for Norwich at St Lawrence, Homecoming next week vs WPI and then on to the ECFC schedule.
You know things are tough when you have a 'good win on the road' against St. Lawrence.
Quote from: LewDogg11 on September 09, 2012, 10:24:16 AM
Quote from: Papaduke on September 08, 2012, 11:57:07 PM
Good win on the road for Norwich at St Lawrence, Homecoming next week vs WPI and then on to the ECFC schedule.
You know things are tough when you have a 'good win on the road' against St. Lawrence.
I'd settle for that sentence next week...
Quote from: AUKaz00 on September 10, 2012, 09:54:14 AM
Quote from: LewDogg11 on September 09, 2012, 10:24:16 AM
Quote from: Papaduke on September 08, 2012, 11:57:07 PM
Good win on the road for Norwich at St Lawrence, Homecoming next week vs WPI and then on to the ECFC schedule.
You know things are tough when you have a 'good win on the road' against St. Lawrence.
I'd settle for that sentence next week...
Me too.
This is going to sound ultra douchey, but I don't mean it to be.... Is it that hard to review a post after posting it? I would think one would at least look at it rather than just closing everything down immediately. It just seems to happen so often.
*end insignificant rant*
Quote from: LewDogg11 on September 09, 2012, 10:24:16 AM
Quote from: Papaduke on September 08, 2012, 11:57:07 PM
Good win on the road for Norwich at St Lawrence, Homecoming next week vs WPI and then on to the ECFC schedule.
You know things are tough when you have a 'good win on the road' against St. Lawrence.
With that said, last year Norwich lost to St. Lawrence and then ran the table in the ECFC. Perhaps this is a sign of improvement?
Also worth noting: while St. Lawrence is certainly no power, they did win two LL games last year. Not much to write home about, but it's better than beating a team that went 0-fer in-conference.
Quote from: ExTartanPlayer on September 10, 2012, 12:19:14 PM
Quote from: LewDogg11 on September 09, 2012, 10:24:16 AM
Quote from: Papaduke on September 08, 2012, 11:57:07 PM
Good win on the road for Norwich at St Lawrence, Homecoming next week vs WPI and then on to the ECFC schedule.
You know things are tough when you have a 'good win on the road' against St. Lawrence.
With that said, last year Norwich lost to St. Lawrence and then ran the table in the ECFC. Perhaps this is a sign of improvement?
Also worth noting: while St. Lawrence is certainly no power, they did win two LL games last year. Not much to write home about, but it's better than beating a team that went 0-fer in-conference.
I don't take it as a sign of improvement. Norwich also got buried by Hartwick too, who finished last in the Empire 8. Running from a tough conference to a terrible conference and then running the table isn't an improvement on anything.
Quote from: Yanks 99 on September 10, 2012, 03:48:42 PM
Quote from: ExTartanPlayer on September 10, 2012, 12:19:14 PM
Quote from: LewDogg11 on September 09, 2012, 10:24:16 AM
Quote from: Papaduke on September 08, 2012, 11:57:07 PM
Good win on the road for Norwich at St Lawrence, Homecoming next week vs WPI and then on to the ECFC schedule.
You know things are tough when you have a 'good win on the road' against St. Lawrence.
With that said, last year Norwich lost to St. Lawrence and then ran the table in the ECFC. Perhaps this is a sign of improvement?
Also worth noting: while St. Lawrence is certainly no power, they did win two LL games last year. Not much to write home about, but it's better than beating a team that went 0-fer in-conference.
I don't take it as a sign of improvement. Norwich also got buried by Hartwick too, who finished last in the Empire 8. Running from a tough conference to a terrible conference and then running the table isn't an improvement on anything.
Clarification: I mean the fact that they beat St. L this year (after losing to them last year) is a sign of improvement, not that they won the ECFC. My bad for the unclear wording.
Listen Norwich is improving and deserves credit for doing so. Obviously they are not world beaters and would not do all that well playing in the E8, NJAC, LL, or MAC. However their gradual improvement and success in their conference is worth recognizing a bit. The ECFC is a very weak conference and not really deserving (outside the rules) of an automatic bid. Yet the truth is, it seems as if some of these teams from traditionally awful conferences are making some progress and getting a tad closer to some of the big boys. dip for one can say he will not be the one to downplay or ignore the success of any team in our region. Obviously if Charles is ridiculous or some make claims for example that because of a 2-0 record Norwich should be in the same conversation with the top teams in the east, dlip will let them know. Congrats to these teams that are showing some imporvement and growth. Let your playing, over time, do the talking for you and you'll be O.K. dlip knows as a Union fan he would surely take a win over SLU at this point.
Give Norwich some credit. They are improving. They are 3 - 0 . Have beaten Western New England from the NEFC BOYD and Saint Lawrence and WPI (two teams from the LL). Its still a long way to go, but this team might suprise you this year.
Quote from: deerstalker on September 21, 2012, 09:05:09 PM
Give Norwich some credit. They are improving. They are 3 - 0 . Have beaten Western New England from the NEFC BOYD and Saint Lawrence and WPI (two teams from the LL). Its still a long way to go, but this team might suprise you this year.
I'll be surprised if they don't get double monkey stomped in the playoffs...
I agree with you Deer Stalker. I think they are on the right track. But the season is young and ECFC teams haven't done too well in the playoffs. Which is why you will hear from the naysayers (like you did).
Hope they keep marching.
Quote from: deerstalker on September 21, 2012, 09:05:09 PM
Give Norwich some credit. They are improving. They are 3 - 0 . Have beaten Western New England from the NEFC BOYD and Saint Lawrence and WPI (two teams from the LL). Its still a long way to go, but this team might suprise you this year.
Dlip feels the Cadets do deserve some credit, they are improving. Yet it is important to be realistic though regarding where they sit in relation to the rest of the Region. To dlip, upstate was not being a naysayer but just being realistic. If you want respect in this region and the nation as a whole you need to start scheduling and competing with top level teams on a consistent basis. You won't and really shouldn't ask for anything after beating the likes of a listless WPI team and a very poor SLU team (if they beat Union today dlip will go into hiding). WNEC was a nice win and dlip was happy for the Cadets there. :)
Also dlip was happy for the Cadets on their auto bid to the NCAA's last season BUT it must be kept in perspective. After watching Norwich last week dlip was not at ALL impressed with their offense. They have a lot of work to do and a lot more talent to bring to Vermont before they make any more real strides. The defense was aggresive and capable.
Yet until the Cadets schedule, compete with, and defeat some top notch teams the calls for credit here will go mostly unheard IDHO. Good luck to the Cadets for the remainder of the season. Dlip is pulling for them to get back to the NCAA's.
Quote from: dlip on September 22, 2012, 07:49:44 AM
Quote from: deerstalker on September 21, 2012, 09:05:09 PM
Give Norwich some credit. They are improving. They are 3 - 0 . Have beaten Western New England from the NEFC BOYD and Saint Lawrence and WPI (two teams from the LL). Its still a long way to go, but this team might suprise you this year.
Dlip feels the Cadets do deserve some credit, they are improving. Yet it is important to be realistic though regarding where they sit in relation to the rest of the Region. To dlip, upstate was not being a naysayer but just being realistic. If you want respect in this region and the nation as a whole you need to start scheduling and competing with top level teams on a consistent basis. You won't and really shouldn't ask for anything after beating the likes of a listless WPI team and a very poor SLU team (if they beat Union today dlip will go into hiding). WNEC was a nice win and dlip was happy for the Cadets there. :)
Also dlip was happy for the Cadets on their auto bid to the NCAA's last season BUT it must be kept in perspective. After watching Norwich last week dlip was not at ALL impressed with their offense. They have a lot of work to do and a lot more talent to bring to Vermont before they make any more real strides. The defense was aggresive and capable.
Yet until the Cadets schedule, compete with, and defeat some top notch teams the calls for credit here will go mostly unheard IDHO. Good luck to the Cadets for the remainder of the season. Dlip is pulling for them to get back to the NCAA's.
It's a step forward. It's small but noticeable.
No ECFC talk in over a month? Isn't ANYONE from Mount Ida excited about getting their doors blown off in the first round of the NCAA tournament?
What a well thought out post...
Come on now fbd...You're not gonna start riding am ECFC Powerhouse now are you?
nope, but get a laugh when I see the board hero's.
In all seriousness Drosendahl is actually a pretty decent QB stats wise (63% completion rate, about 2000 pass yards, 24 TDs and only 6 INTs) and could give the 'Stangs a fighting chance depending on who they draw (assuming they don't get shipped to UMU).
Quote from: fulbakdad on November 01, 2012, 05:20:53 PM
nope, but get a laugh when I see the board hero's.
The board hero's what? What does the board hero have that makes you laugh so much?
Quote from: ITH radio on November 01, 2012, 05:43:29 PM
In all seriousness Drosendahl is actually a pretty decent QB stats wise (63% completion rate, about 2000 pass yards, 24 TDs and only 6 INTs) and could give the 'Stangs a fighting chance depending on who they draw (assuming they don't get shipped to UMU).
I can't believe i'm saying this but I went to the Endicott/Mt. Ida ECAC game with Jonny Utah last year and I was somewhat impressed with Mt. Ida. Maybe it was because my expectations were pretty low, but they had good size, decent speed and some pretty good athletes. As always your opponent sometimes helps in making you look better than you are, but let's just say I was more impressed with Mt. Ida than I was of Endicott while expecting/hoping to be more impressed with Endicott.
Quote from: pg04 on November 01, 2012, 05:49:02 PM
Quote from: fulbakdad on November 01, 2012, 05:20:53 PM
nope, but get a laugh when I see the board hero's.
The board hero's what? What does the board hero have that makes you laugh so much?
Dude, the board hero's board. duh....
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft3.gstatic.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3AANd9GcRVXCbGvbj5p08qS_JbEz9b9XQPeQmdgCcQML7U1GKQka385O2ouRcW9_rjvA&hash=6061838450adf0f47a990f2fa5bca64acf78f1e6)
Juke Box Hero? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5_qhnWByA4)
Quote from: fulbakdad on November 01, 2012, 05:20:53 PM
nope, but get a laugh when I see the board hero's.
Sorry...I haven't had time to respond to this...I have been too busy arguing why the Northwestern Eagles from the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) has been getting screwed out of Top 25 votes on their conference forum page, and that they deserved better.
I wouldn't expect you to put too much effort into it Yanks.
But I was thinking the other day after reading your last post here. And I remembered a couple years back that I watched two of the teams you talked about.
When my son was looking at schools, Springfield was in the mix. We went and watched Springfield play Hartwick because his prep team had a game close that Saturday. Springfield wacked them pretty good, 39-20.
That same year, we went to the ECAC bowl 3 weeks later in Springfied and saw a much closer game. Mount Ida lost 26-17 to Springfield that day.
Did that make Mount Ida better than your school? It was only 2 years ago.....
Quote from: fulbakdad on November 02, 2012, 09:49:35 AM
I wouldn't expect you to put too much effort into it Yanks.
But I was thinking the other day after reading your last post here. And I remembered a couple years back that I watched two of the teams you talked about.
When my son was looking at schools, Springfield was in the mix. We went and watched Springfield play Hartwick because his prep team had a game close that Saturday. Springfield wacked them pretty good, 39-20.
That same year, we went to the ECAC bowl 3 weeks later in Springfied and saw a much closer game. Mount Ida lost 26-17 to Springfield that day.
Did that make Mount Ida better than your school? It was only 2 years ago.....
That's about as relevant as saying UWW would beat Mount Union this year.
Nevertheless, Mount Ida probably would beat Hartwick this year (just so my last point isn't presumed to state otherwise)
That was to Yanks, he's got Hartwick listed on his profile.....
I'm pretty sure Hartwick's history is enough of a roller coaster ride that their results don't hold a ton of water with anyone on these boards, including Yanks. When they are good, they are really good. When they are bad, they are really bad. But typically, which is what this discussion is about, the playoff representative from the E8 and LL are not playoff doormats.(excluding St. Lawrence 2010 which should have never happened and likely will never again) The same can not be said for the ECFC and other than a few Curry teams, the NEFC.
Quote from: fulbakdad on November 02, 2012, 10:02:50 AM
That was to Yanks, he's got Hartwick listed on his profile.....
OK, but you posted that on a board that everyone can see and thus everyone can respond.
I've seen Mt. Ida play this year, and will throw in my two cents.
The quarterback is a solid player, tough with good size and he makes smart decisions. He is a senior from the Buffalo area actually and I've been pretty impressed with him.
The running back from last year is gone, but they run an offense similar to Ithaca with a little more shotgun (motion a fullback/blocking H back and run off tackle a lot). They like to run the ball to two different backs, and throw a lot of playaction off those runs.
The Wrs are good athletes, and they get open if the line gives the QB time.
The lines on both sides of the ball are stocky kids, and look like they could wear down if pushed with a no huddle offense or a bigger team. They aren't small I don't think, but don't look like the most athletic bunch, especially the offensive line. They do a solid job all around though.
The linebackers and dbacks are tough, and are pretty well coached. Decent speed, but I doubt they have the depth to contend with a Hobart or Cortland in the first round if they are paired up with those teams.
The most impressive player on Mt. Ida (and my favorite) is the kicker, and I have a great story about him. Mt. Ida plays in a small campus stadium, and fans can watch right behind the enzone, literally 5 yards from the backline where there is a see-thru net for fieldgoals and a small fence. In the Anna Maria game, a bunch of Anna Maria kids were there drinking and heckling the Mt. Ida kids and refs. Right after Halftime, the Mt. Ida kicker is practicing his deep kickoffs and misses a deep FG and runs up to pick up the ball. One of the Anna Maria fans yells out "nice miss there #2, good thing you practice missing FGs you punk". So the kicker (who was pretty jacked) runs right up to the kid and says "I'll jump right over that fence and beat your ****ing head into a pulp you little piece of ****". The anna maria kid just stares at him and says nothing and the Mt. Ida kicker keeps giving it to him and challanges him to any sort of physical contest of the Anna Maria kids choosing, but the Anna Maria kid simply embarrasses himself infront of this friends and girlfriend. It was fantastic and made me choose Mt. Ida as my 2nd favorite d3 team behind Ithaca.
I think you're missing my point.
He came on here just to say, "you suck".
Not sure why, but I don't get it. If you want to say how good your team is, or how good your league is, no problem. But just to come on and say you suck is riduculous. And then to defend him??????
There are a lot of different leagues in D3. And everyone knows some are more dominant than others. I can see the discussions about arguing how dominant or non dominant go on. But to just come on to say, "you suck" doesn't make sense to me.
I've even posted against some posters that have posted how good thier teams are. Notably in the NESCAC arena. But I don't see what is to gain to go on and say "You suck".
I've been watching a team in the MWC for the past 3 years because that's where my son ended up. They were the doormat for quite a while. Now they are 8-0 in conference. But again, I wouldn't go on and say that to the lower teams this year, cuz it's pointless.
The hero post is cuz it's just too easy to post stuff like that when you are hiding behind an profile name. I saw the same crap on high school boards before I got here. It's probably why the number of posters are going down and the boards are getting quieter, my personal observation nothing scientific. Because who wants to come on and post for their team only to get board bashed by somebody that claims to be all knowing?
Just my thoughts.
Jonny,
they just became my 3rd favorite D3 team, behind Lake Forest and Salve.
:)
Quote from: fulbakdad on November 02, 2012, 10:29:01 AM
I think you're missing my point.
He came on here just to say, "you suck".
Not sure why, but I don't get it. If you want to say how good your team is, or how good your league is, no problem. But just to come on and say you suck is riduculous. And then to defend him??????
There are a lot of different leagues in D3. And everyone knows some are more dominant than others. I can see the discussions about arguing how dominant or non dominant go on. But to just come on to say, "you suck" doesn't make sense to me.
I've even posted against some posters that have posted how good thier teams are. Notably in the NESCAC arena. But I don't see what is to gain to go on and say "You suck".
I've been watching a team in the MWC for the past 3 years because that's where my son ended up. They were the doormat for quite a while. Now they are 8-0 in conference. But again, I wouldn't go on and say that to the lower teams this year, cuz it's pointless.
The hero post is cuz it's just too easy to post stuff like that when you are hiding behind an profile name. I saw the same crap on high school boards before I got here. It's probably why the number of posters are going down and the boards are getting quieter, my personal observation nothing scientific. Because who wants to come on and post for their team only to get board bashed by somebody that claims to be all knowing?
Just my thoughts.
Personally, I think the issue here is that there is animosity that the ECFC was formed and are now taking a spot in the playoffs. No one cared about Anna Maria, Mt. Ida, Husson, etc before this league was formed and they got an AQ. The NEFC has been pretty easy to bash for years, but they are improving and people are recognizing that even if just a little, and when the ECFC was formed, it made the NEFC look like the AFC East. Now even worse, there will be another spot or 2 taken away in the next few years by teams who just don't deserve to be in the NCAA playoffs. The AQs were a great idea until they began getting taken advantage of. Now each year there are at least 7-8 teams that stay home but would absolutely demolish one of these AQs.
And dude, relax. No one is taking personal shots at specific players here. We're just saying their teams would likely lose to Lawrence Academy.
Quote from: fulbakdad on November 02, 2012, 10:29:01 AM
There are a lot of different leagues in D3. And everyone knows some are more dominant than others. I can see the discussions about arguing how dominant or non dominant go on..
But this is exactly the crux of where the issues that everyone seems to have with you begin. You apparently
didn't know this at the midpoint of the season when you were so vigorous of your defense of Salve, despite the fact that NEFC has mostly been a doormat in the playoffs (outside of one year).
Quote from: fulbakdad on November 02, 2012, 10:29:01 AMThe hero post is cuz it's just too easy to post stuff like that when you are hiding behind an profile name.
You keep saying this to pg04 but his email address is on his profile and it's pretty clear from that who he is.
This is not a high school board. Not sure you've ever quite figured that out. We require a valid email address to register to post and we require that it be posted on your profile. We differentiated ourselves from the high school boards of the world right off the bat and that is why it's not all rah-rah crap.
Quote from: Pat Coleman on November 02, 2012, 10:56:22 AM
Quote from: fulbakdad on November 02, 2012, 10:29:01 AMThe hero post is cuz it's just too easy to post stuff like that when you are hiding behind an profile name.
You keep saying this to pg04 but his email address is on his profile and it's pretty clear from that who he is.
This is not a high school board. Not sure you've ever quite figured that out. We require a valid email address to register to post and we require that it be posted on your profile. We differentiated ourselves from the high school boards of the world right off the bat and that is why it's not all rah-rah crap.
*golf clap*
And if anyone wants to skim through my absurdly large number of posts I'm sure they could find out all they need to know about me in regards to my connection to D3 :P.
Finally (although I feel as if I've posted too much already about this), this board isn't always "nice" in the sense that we'll give out trophies to every team that has a good record just because they have a good record. Earlier in the year, Fisher was undefeated and I was pretty down on them on here and they are undeniably the best overall team from the East over the last 7 years. No team is immune from being analyzed "negatively." I'm not sure if I ever said Salve or Mount Ida out and out "sucks" but pardon me for not believing they are a legitimate threat to good teams in the East and definitely not nationally.
My last post on this...
It wasn't Pg that I first posted about. It was Yanks. When he came on and asked why there weren't any Ida fans on here talking about how they're going to get the doors blown off. That was the post I was talking about, and the poster I guess....
Anyways, Bash on!
lol
Fulbakdad,
I think you are seriously missing the whole point of the original post...
First...it wasn't simply a "you suck" post. I took a look at the discussion board...saw that there hasn't been a post since the 22nd of September. I write a tongue and cheek post...and within 48 hours there are 25 new posts to the board. Cool...now at least there is SOME discussion regarding the ECFC...and there should be...they are getting an AQ to the tournament.
Second...I am confused...you go on a rant about what an atrocity it is that there are NESCAC schools getting votes in an essentially meaningless Top 25 poll, yet I take a slight dig at the ECFC and it is the end of the world? Weak...
Third...how am I hiding behind a profile name? Because my full name isn't my official screen name? Several people on here know me personally...others know my name just based on conversations I have had with them. My info has never changed...not my screen name, and not my email address (which you can clearly find on my profile). I assume your parents must have really disliked you at birth to give you a name like "fulbakdad". How could they have even known you were going to be the dad of a fullback! I would have gone with "McLovin"...especially if you were born in Hawaii.
Final point...again, you are missing the whole point of the original post. I not pointing to a specific player, or even a team (in this case Mount Ida)...and saying "you guys suck". What I have said in the past though, and I still stand behind today, is that I really dislike how the ECFC in particular was formed, and how they get a AQ bid for their conference "champion", while I watch teams in other tough leagues get left out of the tournament with only one loss on the year. While you may not pay as much attention to it..."regular" East Region fans watch a team like Norwich leave the E8...after a stellar five year record of 4-26 against E8 competition...and go to the ECFC where they immediately have a 3 year conference record of 18-2...and will probably finish this year at 5-2...which would give them a four year conference record of 23-4. I mean really? Do you really think they just all of a sudden just got "good"?
I said this to Endicott posters last year when they were pissed about being left out on Selections Sunday...everyone wants these conferences (the NEFC, the ECFC, and the MASCAC when they come on board) to get better...a LOT better...and get better quickly. Having the bottom feeders of established conferences run off to form their own conferences and then subsequently "steal" another tournament slot from a more deserving team is crazy...and now it has happened twice in the past five years in the "East" region (the ECFC and the MASCAC).
Quote from: ITH radio on November 01, 2012, 05:43:29 PM
In all seriousness Drosendahl is actually a pretty decent QB stats wise (63% completion rate, about 2000 pass yards, 24 TDs and only 6 INTs) and could give the 'Stangs a fighting chance depending on who they draw (assuming they don't get shipped to UMU).
He is a decent QB, but Mt. Ida hasn't clinched the title yet. It could be a Casleton St./Mt. Ida championship game next week if both teams take care of business tomorrow.
I'll be honest, I'm one of those people who hates the ECFC and want them to lose every year, badly, in the playoffs, until they prove they're legitimate by beating someone from a quality conference. I make no bones about this.
This isn't personal toward any team, or player, or coach, all of whom I know work hard.
The ECFC is a collection of teams, none of whom had ANY history of being good (some of them didn't have histories, period) that now they has a Pool A bid. Of the 38 seasons ECFC teams played from 1999 to 2008, there were eight winning seasons, and 30 losing seasons. Their combined record was 109-229.
I know D3 is going toward conference play, and school location matters in things like this, but it irritates me that a handful of bad programs can form a conference and be given a Pool A bid. It just weakens the overall playoff field.
All you need to know about the quality of teams in the ECFC is in Norwich's record. The four years before joining the ECFC they were 1-23 in conference play. In the four years since they've gone 21-4. They were the undefeated ECFC champion last season and got taken to the woodshed by the last place team in the Empire 8. Both of the conference's NCAA trips were disasters. The Maritime-Alfred game was so out of hand in the first half, I felt bad for Maritime.
I don't have a high opinion of the conference, and I doubt I'm alone in that. Now, this won't be the case forever. Eventually, these teams will improve, and they will become more competitive nationally. And then they'll be treated differently. But until we've been given any evidence that the conference has improved, I wouldn't expect anyone to say anything different about them than what Yanks said.
Quote from: fulbakdad on November 02, 2012, 11:50:08 AM
My last post on this...
It wasn't Pg that I first posted about. It was Yanks. When he came on and asked why there weren't any Ida fans on here talking about how they're going to get the doors blown off. That was the post I was talking about, and the poster I guess....
Anyways, Bash on!
lol
If someone can tell me a nicer way to describe SUNY-Maritime's 60-0 loss to Alfred and Norwich's 62-10 loss to Delaware Valley in the playoff's the last two years...while teams like a 9-1 Rowan, 9-2 Springfield, and 9-2 Fisher teams in 2010 and 9-2 Cortland and 9-2 Widener teams in 2011 all stay home...please let me know.
Quote from: Jonny "Utes" Utah on November 02, 2012, 01:12:16 PM
Quote from: ITH radio on November 01, 2012, 05:43:29 PM
In all seriousness Drosendahl is actually a pretty decent QB stats wise (63% completion rate, about 2000 pass yards, 24 TDs and only 6 INTs) and could give the 'Stangs a fighting chance depending on who they draw (assuming they don't get shipped to UMU).
He is a decent QB, but Mt. Ida hasn't clinched the title yet. It could be a Casleton St./Mt. Ida championship game next week if both teams take care of business tomorrow.
Actually, it will be anyway. Regardless of what happens on Saturday, the Week 11 game will be for the title because if they finish tied, one of them will win the head-to-head.
Quote from: Pat Coleman on November 02, 2012, 01:41:13 PM
Quote from: Jonny "Utes" Utah on November 02, 2012, 01:12:16 PM
Quote from: ITH radio on November 01, 2012, 05:43:29 PM
In all seriousness Drosendahl is actually a pretty decent QB stats wise (63% completion rate, about 2000 pass yards, 24 TDs and only 6 INTs) and could give the 'Stangs a fighting chance depending on who they draw (assuming they don't get shipped to UMU).
He is a decent QB, but Mt. Ida hasn't clinched the title yet. It could be a Casleton St./Mt. Ida championship game next week if both teams take care of business tomorrow.
Actually, it will be anyway. Regardless of what happens on Saturday, the Week 11 game will be for the title because if they finish tied, one of them will win the head-to-head.
Is that the same Castleton St. that lost to Endicott 66-14 and to RPI 56-35?.... Playing for a playoff spot?.... Interesting...
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.syracuse.com%2Fflags%2Fuser_070917_pop-warner.jpg&hash=06c7b722bd8cf605c83a41de4a9f65d8f1a000f8)
Quote from: Pat Coleman on November 02, 2012, 01:41:13 PM
Quote from: Jonny "Utes" Utah on November 02, 2012, 01:12:16 PM
Quote from: ITH radio on November 01, 2012, 05:43:29 PM
In all seriousness Drosendahl is actually a pretty decent QB stats wise (63% completion rate, about 2000 pass yards, 24 TDs and only 6 INTs) and could give the 'Stangs a fighting chance depending on who they draw (assuming they don't get shipped to UMU).
He is a decent QB, but Mt. Ida hasn't clinched the title yet. It could be a Casleton St./Mt. Ida championship game next week if both teams take care of business tomorrow.
Actually, it will be anyway. Regardless of what happens on Saturday, the Week 11 game will be for the title because if they finish tied, one of them will win the head-to-head.
Ah yes, I thought Galludet was still in it but even if they win their last two (including beating Mt. Ida), Casleton has the head to head to head and Mt. Ida would only have the one loss.
Quote from: LewDogg11 on November 02, 2012, 01:50:52 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on November 02, 2012, 01:41:13 PM
Quote from: Jonny "Utes" Utah on November 02, 2012, 01:12:16 PM
Quote from: ITH radio on November 01, 2012, 05:43:29 PM
In all seriousness Drosendahl is actually a pretty decent QB stats wise (63% completion rate, about 2000 pass yards, 24 TDs and only 6 INTs) and could give the 'Stangs a fighting chance depending on who they draw (assuming they don't get shipped to UMU).
He is a decent QB, but Mt. Ida hasn't clinched the title yet. It could be a Casleton St./Mt. Ida championship game next week if both teams take care of business tomorrow.
Actually, it will be anyway. Regardless of what happens on Saturday, the Week 11 game will be for the title because if they finish tied, one of them will win the head-to-head.
Is that the same Castleton St. that lost to Endicott 66-14 and to RPI 56-35?.... Playing for a playoff spot?.... Interesting...
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.syracuse.com%2Fflags%2Fuser_070917_pop-warner.jpg&hash=06c7b722bd8cf605c83a41de4a9f65d8f1a000f8)
ESPN 8 "The Ocho" is going to have that game live.
Honestly to dlip one can't really argue with the Norwich example Bombers gave.
Bad news from the Spartans, their QB is out for the season. Too bad he was a very good QB and ran an offense that really was good.
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.getglue.com%2Ftopics%2Fp%2Fthe_spartan_cheerleaders%2Fmedium.jpg&hash=cb376b0d57f4ff690e4f37654f20b5051d8c65de)
Quote from: ccrosby on November 05, 2012, 12:42:11 PM
Bad news from the Spartans, their QB is out for the season. Too bad he was a very good QB and ran an offense that really was good.
That's too bad. I also heard he was a stud. From the Albany area as well.
Quote from: LewDogg11 on November 05, 2012, 12:59:02 PM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.getglue.com%2Ftopics%2Fp%2Fthe_spartan_cheerleaders%2Fmedium.jpg&hash=cb376b0d57f4ff690e4f37654f20b5051d8c65de)
'Tis moments like these that call for "The Perfect Cheer!"
+K
Mount Ida (8-2) at Wesley (8-1) in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament.
Quote from: magicman on November 11, 2012, 06:30:08 PM
Mount Ida (8-2) at Wesley (8-1) in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament.
Wesley 55
Mount Ida 10
Quite a long trip for Mt. Ida.
Quote from: Upstate on November 11, 2012, 06:31:54 PM
Quote from: magicman on November 11, 2012, 06:30:08 PM
Mount Ida (8-2) at Wesley (8-1) in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament.
Wesley 55
Mount Ida 10
Congrats to Mount Ida BUT this one is going to be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shDtJ99lT-U
UGLY
Quote from: dlip on November 11, 2012, 06:42:37 PM
Quote from: Upstate on November 11, 2012, 06:31:54 PM
Quote from: magicman on November 11, 2012, 06:30:08 PM
Mount Ida (8-2) at Wesley (8-1) in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament.
Wesley 55
Mount Ida 10
Congrats to Mount Ida BUT this one is going to be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shDtJ99lT-U
UGLY
I think mt Ida's qb being an experienced senior might give them a chane to at least be in the game. I've seen a lot worse from Massachusetts teams over the last 15 years.
Quote from: dlip on November 11, 2012, 06:42:37 PM
Quote from: Upstate on November 11, 2012, 06:31:54 PM
Quote from: magicman on November 11, 2012, 06:30:08 PM
Mount Ida (8-2) at Wesley (8-1) in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament.
Wesley 55
Mount Ida 10
Congrats to Mount Ida BUT this one is going to be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shDtJ99lT-U
UGLY
Hahahahahahahahahahahah...OMGoodness!!!
Quote from: Jonny "Utes" Utah on November 11, 2012, 07:20:03 PM
Quote from: dlip on November 11, 2012, 06:42:37 PM
Quote from: Upstate on November 11, 2012, 06:31:54 PM
Quote from: magicman on November 11, 2012, 06:30:08 PM
Mount Ida (8-2) at Wesley (8-1) in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament.
Wesley 55
Mount Ida 10
Congrats to Mount Ida BUT this one is going to be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shDtJ99lT-U
UGLY
I think mt Ida's qb being an experienced senior might give them a chane to at least be in the game. I've seen a lot worse from Massachusetts teams over the last 15 years.
If they were against a lower seeded team, maybe, but I think the fact that they have to go to Wesley will probably result in the game being over very quickly.
Quote from: dlip on November 11, 2012, 06:42:37 PM
Quote from: Upstate on November 11, 2012, 06:31:54 PM
Quote from: magicman on November 11, 2012, 06:30:08 PM
Mount Ida (8-2) at Wesley (8-1) in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament.
Wesley 55
Mount Ida 10
Congrats to Mount Ida BUT this one is going to be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shDtJ99lT-U
UGLY
Damn that was priceless...Holy Crap! Thanks for the laugh!
+k
Quote from: dlip on November 11, 2012, 06:42:37 PM
Quote from: Upstate on November 11, 2012, 06:31:54 PM
Quote from: magicman on November 11, 2012, 06:30:08 PM
Mount Ida (8-2) at Wesley (8-1) in the 1st round of the NCAA tournament.
Wesley 55
Mount Ida 10
Congrats to Mount Ida BUT this one is going to be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shDtJ99lT-U
UGLY
Pep couldn't help but notice the similarity of these Wildcat Cheerleaders and the AU Pep Band....they got a lot of pep in their step!
+k
Well, congratulations to the ECFC, which will now have three of it's members continuing into the postseason, with Castleton State and Norwich being selected to ECAC bowl games.
As for Gallaudet...so close, and yet so far. Consider, they BEAT Mt Ida in the regular season. Lost to Castleton State by eight points, and Norwich by ten, after late fades in both games by the Bison. If they'd managed to hold on against Castleton, they'd have tied with Mt Ida for first place in the conference. And with their season win over Mt Ida....yep, Bison go to the NCAA tournament...probably for the first time ever. Instead, the season is over for them. But, on the bright side, a 7-3 record, certainly their best NCAA record, well, ever.
Quote from: jmccloskey on November 13, 2012, 07:47:51 AM
Well, congratulations to the ECFC, which will now have three of it's members continuing into the postseason, with Castleton State and Norwich being selected to ECAC bowl games.
As for Gallaudet...so close, and yet so far. Consider, they BEAT Mt Ida in the regular season. Lost to Castleton State by eight points, and Norwich by ten, after late fades in both games by the Bison. If they'd managed to hold on against Castleton, they'd have tied with Mt Ida for first place in the conference. And with their season win over Mt Ida....yep, Bison go to the NCAA tournament...probably for the first time ever. Instead, the season is over for them. But, on the bright side, a 7-3 record, certainly their best NCAA record, well, ever.
Congrats to Gallaudet on their excellent season! +k!
Castleton 2nd string qb is out for disciplinary reasons for the fisher game this game could get very ugly very fast.
Quote from: skratch29 on November 16, 2012, 08:24:20 PM
Castleton 2nd string qb is out for disciplinary reasons for the fisher game this game could get very ugly very fast.
Their current starter that started out the season as the back up or their current back up?
1st string out with broken leg
2nd string out for disciplinary reasons
3rd string senior who has been there for 4 years and has not played much.
Quote from: skratch29 on November 16, 2012, 10:02:25 PM
1st string out with broken leg
2nd string out for disciplinary reasons
3rd string senior who has been there for 4 years and has not played much.
Yikes...
Quote from: Upstate on November 16, 2012, 11:05:30 PM
Quote from: skratch29 on November 16, 2012, 10:02:25 PM
1st string out with broken leg
2nd string out for disciplinary reasons
3rd string senior who has been there for 4 years and has not played much.
Yikes...
Good thing that the Fisher defense is usually pretty friendly to opposing QB's. Oh wait...
the game went as i expected it would. mt ida had a little excitement with the int for a td quickly quieted with the wesley kickoff return for the td. i stood on the mt ida side of the field and was totally impressed with the coaching staff of mt ida. the head coach/d coord stayed positive the entire game and tried to keep his players in the game. in the 3rd quarter a player threw his helmet as he came off the field and the coach sent him to the locker room. kudos to him for his hard work and making his team play the right way no matter what the score was. good luck in the future.
I have to echo your sentiments. Though they had little chance, the Mustangs came to play and shot all their bullets. There were only 17 players on their roster four years ago when he took the job.
Husson rehires Gabby Price, who started the program: http://bangordailynews.com/2012/11/19/sports/gabby-price-will-return-to-coach-husson-university-football-team/
Price had success, going 25-28 in Husson's first six seasons, including 7-3 his final year with a trip to the Northeast Bowl before the ECFC had an automatic berth. He then left because of a dispute with a new AD. From there the program withered, from 114 rostered players (many from out of state) to a much smaller roster of mostly in-state kids.
This hire should make Husson respectable again.
Husson names captains: http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/17/sports/college/husson-eagles-name-four-football-captains/?ref=regionstate (http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/17/sports/college/husson-eagles-name-four-football-captains/?ref=regionstate)
How do you think the ECFC will shape out this year?
Congrats to Brandon Boyle, Sr., Castleton State on making the D3football All-American team.
I think it should be an interesting year. A lot of key people have graduated this past year but I still think it will be between Norwich, castleton and mt. Ida for the championship. Might come down to who can replace there very talented qb's from last year.
Quote from: skratch29 on July 28, 2013, 11:34:42 AM
I think it should be an interesting year. A lot of key people have graduated this past year but I still think it will be between Norwich, castleton and mt. Ida for the championship. Might come down to who can replace there very talented qb's from last year.
I agree, those teams you aforementioned are the front runners. I think if Mt. Ida can stay focus against teams other than the teams mentioned above, they can be good a represenative. However, they do have Norwich at home and Castleton St. away this year, which leads me to say, the winner of the conference will be heading to a #1 or #2 see, be it the East or South.
Here are some early pre camp predicitons for the ECFC Teams:
Anna Maria- Stll Growing/Lose there star QB/WR but have the 2nd leading rusher back in the ECFC...Defense needs to get alot better.
Becker-Have some skill guys back including QB...Need to do better job protecting upfront. They also have there MLB back if I am not mistaken and he was among league leaders in tackles.
Castleton-Lose There stud QB but the Freshmen who played against Mount Ida in last game of the year could be a star in the making. Have Great WR's..Boyle needs to have another big year. Defense is the big question mark.
Galludet- Watch out this is the team that could win the conference next year. They beat Mount Ida last year. They return most of there defense and all there offensive weapons. If they can wins games late watch out.
Husson- I think this team will get back to respectabilty this year under Coach Price. Wiggins is one of best DL in New England. If they can score some points and fix up secondary they could make jump in standings.
Mount Ida- Like Castleton has to replace QB who was a 4 year starter. They have all there weapons coming back 1st team WR, RB and 2nd Team TE. Lose their DE but everyone else is back on defense. They have Galludet and Norwich at home must travel to castleton.
Norwich- Losses QB...ALways strong o and d lines. and they are very tough. Have a good rb in pitts returning and always have talented players. Has not finished worse then third in the league untill last year and have two league championships. Look for top 3 finish again
Suny Maritime-Losses Barnes and some other key pieces. Struggled to score last year. They need to find a qb and fb who can run the option otherwise they will be in for a long season. Again though always play tough never are out of games.
Pre Camp Standings
1)Mount Ida
2)Galludet
3)Norwich
4)Castleton
5)Husson
6)Becker
7)SUNY Martime
8)Anna Maria
Thoughts? Looking forward to great season
Dlip thinks the Soph QB at Castle ton is going to be very very good. Slip wishes him well this season. Slip feels the QB at Norwich was overrated and stymied the Cadet's offensive potential. A new face taking snaps might be exactly what the Cadets need in the long run. Just some thoughts.
Yes I think he will be also....Castleton will never have a problem scoring points ...If there defense holds up and can prevent shootout then watch out for them to take title. In regards to Norwich QB its hard to knock him...he lead them too two Conference Championships in his four years there.
Cant wait for the ECFC to start and all the East Region Football. Should be a great year
Ya I heard castleton has like 7 qb's in to compete for the starting job this year. When do teams report to preseason camps?
I believe its Aug 16th..I heard rumors that Norwich's leading reciever last year has transferred to Mount Ida. Looking back at the stats from last year. They have three of top seven WR who are returning in the conference.
Zach Allen or Derrick Pitts?
from what I heard it was Allen. I think this year ecfc will not dissapoint in non conference games as well
Quote from: D3MAFAN on June 26, 2013, 11:29:36 AM
EECFC OOC opponents: Fitchburg State, Mass-Dartmouth, RPI, Hartwick, Worcester State, Plymouth State, Shenandoah, Massachusetts Maritime, MIT, Maine Maritime, Springfield, Endicott, Apprentice School, Plymouth State, St. Lawrence, Alfred State, RPI, Rochester, Merchant Marine, WPI, Hartwick, Catholic, and William Patterson
With a few games that really standout, I believe that they would have either beat Springfield, Hartwick, Catholic, RPI, and dominate against other traditional match-ups.
Quote from: d3fan142511 on August 01, 2013, 03:36:10 PM
from what I heard it was Allen. I think this year ecfc will not dissapoint in non conference games as well
That's relative though...I mean, the conference non-conference winning percentage over the past four years is .324 (34-71 record). All but a half dozen or so of those wins were against NEFC or now MASCAC schools.
Who is the league looking to beat to not disappoint?
I think he is saying beat who they are suppose to beat and surprise some of the better occ teams. Anyone know of any of the ecfc teams have any pre season scrimmages and who they are against?
Dlip saw Allen play last year. He is a good player and will help Mt. Ida for sure.
Any one know if there is a max amount of players a team can have on there roster in the ecfc?
Quote from: skratch29 on August 06, 2013, 11:15:41 AM
Any one know if there is a max amount of players a team can have on there roster in the ecfc?
Not sure, here are the bylaws - http://www.easterncollegiatefootball.com/about/ECFC_Bylaws_-_20120731.pdf
Question wrt the size of squads caught my interest. It had been a topic discussion over the years in the NESCAC...a conference that only has a 8 game season. The size limit in the ""CAC" is set by the school presidents at 75. It is an attempt to even the playing field so to speak....with some schools having squads of 90 plus vice squads of less than 60 at other schools. Even today, the squad sizes vary.
Any one know if there team scrimmages castleton next weekend? Would love to catch some preseason action haven't heard anything yet.
2013 PreSeason Coaches Poll
Rank Team/Votes/2012 Record
1 Mount Ida (2) 55 6-1
2 Norwich (3) 54 4-2
3 Gallaudet (3) 52 5-2
4 Castleton 45 6-1
5 SUNY Maritime 32 2-4
6 Becker 22 2-5
7 Husson 18 1-6
8 Anna Maria 7 1-6
Any Thoughts??
http://www.easterncollegiatefootball.com/sports/fball/2013-14/preview/index
I personally think that Norwich is 1 to 2 spots to high. I think Gallaudet is better and castleton will give them a run for there money.
I think that since the votes were spread around only shows that the ECFC most likely is going to be a toss-up. You may be right, Norwich could possibly be 1 or 2 spots to high, and the same can be said for the other teams. After reading Kickoff (which if you haven't' brought, you should) a little more thoroughly, I don't agree with Mount Ida, Castleton, and Norwich's prediction in Kickoff, but Gallaudet does look posed with the number of returners on offense and the option can be troublesome to some teams, they may even go undefeated. However, I think I am going to go with Mount Ida now, depending on how the first couple weeks, that may change.
Ya I think that mt. Ida and castleton definitely have a chance to have better records than they said in kick off. Mt. Ida on paper with who they have returning should at least be the second best team in the division in my opinion. But that why they play the games. Can't wait for the season to start!
Any one know if Gallaudet, Norwich or Ida have had or have any scrimmages coming up?
Any picks for this up and coming week of ecfc football?
ECFC starts off 2-0 with two wins coming over the new Mascac.
Mount Ida beats UMD 21-20...Mount Ida has a very good defense only gave up 12 points blocked three kicks. The Safety Wilkins had two picks/blocked punt and forced fumble. Their Dline is very good against the run. The offense struggled in the first half and lost a fumble for a td and a safety with snap over QB head.but put together some scoring drives . The last three years this game has been decided by 4 points or less in each game. Mount Ida is breaking in a new offensive line and QB and will get better as weeks progress. UMD played two QBS The first one had a great scoring first drive led them right down the field but after that did not record a first down I think. Benched him and bought in another kid who also lead one scoring drive and after that did nothing vs the Ida defense. Mount Ida also blocked all their extra points. The kid Texiera on UMD is a beast and a very good LB.
Becker beats Fitchburg State 35-33 with a last second Touchdown. This is a big win for the Becker Program. The Qb Baker had 4 td to 1 pick. Becker went down early in this game and fought back to tie it. It was a seasaw game all day. This is a huge win for Becker to start the season off on a right foot against a state school. Becker really has recruited well and they think they could be the surprise team in the ECFC with the veteran QB and Veteran Defense with Booker leading the way.
Becker play MIT next week and Mount IDa will play Plymouth State.
I will post game summaries from games today.
My predictions
Hartwick over Husson
Castleton st over Plymouth State
Worcester St over Anna Maria
Gall over Shenandoh
Renn over Norwich---I could see Norwich winning this game however.
If Anna Maria and Castleton win their games then ECFC will be 4-0 vs the new MASCAC
castletons offense looked really good, new sophomore qb looked terrific, defense just could not stop anything. hopefully they improve in the future because there offense could be something special. a win is a win i guess. norwich played RPI very strong the whole game witch was nice to see.
New sophomore quarterback and old senior All-American in a little trouble:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2013/09/castleton-all-american-helps-teammate-rob-sporting-goods-store
Wow that's crazy
They might have just thrown away at any chance of the conference title.
Power Rankings after Week 1
1) Galludet 1-0- They are going to be very hard to beat this year with their whole offense returning plus the rookie of the year qb from two years ago. should be 2-0 after this week with win vs Apprentice school
2) Mount Ida 1-0- Fought back from being down 12-0....There defense played great. If they can put it all together the Mount Ida Galludet game Oct 5th will be decide the early front runner in conference. Plays Plymouth on saturday both teams have been playing each other for last 8 years. Always close games.
3) Norwich 0-1- played a under rated RPI team very tough. They were winning at half. Defense will also keep teams in game. Let see how they do at home vs St. Lawerence who is one of the bottom teams in the LL
4) Becker 1-0- Impressive win against Fitchburg State. THe offense has the fire power and to score the game winning TD with 8 seconds left on the road is no easy thing to do. Becker gave MIT a game last year after fighting abck down 21-0 to tie game. This MIT teams seem they are on a mission however.
5) Suny Martime 0-0- Opens tomorrow vs Mass Maritime (Have never lost Chowder Bowl)
6) Castleton 1-0- THis is all because of what came out today. With the two playmakers I believe they are top 3 in conference without them they could really struggle. Even if both the kids play they will be 1-1 after saturdays game vs Endicott
7) Husson- PLayed tough vs an Empire 8 School had many times to score to get in game. There defense will battle. Need to find ways to put up points. Face another tough test on Saturday vs Springfield
8) Anna Maria 0-1- They got beat pretty handly by Worcester. Lets see if they can beat Maine Maritime two years in a row. Will be tough on the road
to the 2 football players stealing many times from Dick's. the QB and the All-american wide receiver. I hope it was worth it If some one came up to you and asked you to pay $25.00 for a stick of gum, would you do it. Why, oh it would not be worth if. Well that is what you guys did. no football, reputation down the tubes, shame on family, time in court, etc, etc,. Let's say today you come to realize it was not worth it. It's too late. SO NOW YOU HAVE TOLD EVERYBODY WHO YOU REALLY ARE. I'll close with this. WHAT YOU DO SPEAKS SO LOUDLY, I CAN NOT HEAR WHAT YOU SAY.!!!!!!
Quote from: Pat Coleman on September 11, 2013, 11:26:00 AM
New sophomore quarterback and old senior All-American in a little trouble:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2013/09/castleton-all-american-helps-teammate-rob-sporting-goods-store
Now, that sucks! That definitely drops their grade as a team, if we were ever grading them. This situation happens a lot around the nation, but I would think that it would be more on younger guys (i.e. High School), not a seasoned veteran, whom was trying to get his team to the playoffs.
Game Predictions
MOunt Ida 21
PLymouth 13
Suny 24
Mass 21
Anna Maria 17
Maine Maritime 28
Becker 24
MIT 31
Galludet 42
Apprentice 14
Springfield 48
Husson 10
Norwich 24
St. Lawerence 14
Endicott 55
Castleton 10 (Without Boyle and Busheris
Castleton 24 (with them)
Will Suny Maritime stay undefeated in the Chowder Bowl? Mount Ida/Plymouth always a nail bitter who will come out on top? Can Becker take the next step to top half of conference? How will Castleton respond with all the chaos?
Thoughts?!?!
I tend to agree with D3MAFAN. It happened to Whitewater's reason-they-won-the-Stagg running back, it happens at LINFIELD, it happened at University of Mount Union.
It's embarrassing for fans but you cannot take it personally. Heroes step in.
May the very unclever lads take their lashes and learn.
I feel sorry for the coaching staff because their hard job has brand new dimensions.
The Castleton players were suspended. They say in the report that there were more invloved. Terrible news for the program that was starting to compete for ECFC championships
Quote from: D O.C. on September 11, 2013, 03:25:47 PM
It happened to Whitewater's reason-they-won-the-Stagg running back, it happens at LINFIELD, it happened at University of Mount Union.
Whitewater's was after the kid's playing career was over, of course. Doesn't belong in the same category with an active Linfield player getting arrested for DUI or what happened at Mount Union.
Castleton game was a good and disappointing one today. They def didn't get there doors blown off like last year. Defense played quite well and made some big plays. The offense suffered big time from what I could tell most of the kids suspended where A couple of there top receivers and there qb obviously. Very well could have been one of those what if games! One last note is the kicker from endicott is one of the best d3 kickers I have seen. Great game for him.
4-4 Last week
Week 3 Games
Mount Ida-21
Springfield-42
Alfred St-14
Husson-17
Castleton-14
RPI-42
Rochester-17
Galludet-24
Norwich-20
WPI-17
Merchant Marine-27
Maritime-17
Hartwick-42
Becker-21
Can Ida bounce back after tough loss to plymouth? Can Galludet start the year 3-0 with big win over Rochester? Can Norwich get their offense moving vs WPI? Rivalry game Merchant Marine vs Suny? Is Husson vs Alfred St a conference preview in the future?
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 19, 2013, 09:06:11 AM
4-4 Last week
Week 3 Games
Mount Ida-21
Springfield-42
Alfred St-14
Husson-17
Castleton-14
RPI-42
Rochester-17
Galludet-24
Norwich-20
WPI-17
Merchant Marine-27
Maritime-17
Hartwick-42
Becker-21
Can Ida bounce back after tough loss to plymouth? Can Galludet start the year 3-0 with big win over Rochester? Can Norwich get their offense moving vs WPI? Rivalry game Merchant Marine vs Suny? Is Husson vs Alfred St a conference preview in the future?
I really want Mount Ida, but can the defense stop the high powered option this year, it was a close game last year, great 4th quarter by Springfield.
I hope Mount Ida can stop the option also. Last year Mount Ida had a 14 point lead going into 4th and could not stop Springfield in 4th or put together any more scoring drives. I am big on Mount Ida i believe they are one of the teams this league needs to be good in order to keep the league growing. With that said Mount Ida had a big letdown performance vs Plymouth. There defense could not get the big stop and the offense is still coming together and stalled to many drives. Looked up starters from last year and its tough to lose 3 OL and their Stud QB. Hopefully this will be a breakout game and have them feeling good heading into their big showdown vs Galludet on Oct 5th. I was high on the ECFC the start of the year but so far they have not had a great out of conference showing.
Not sure what to make of Springfield just yet. Their defense looked weak vs. WNEC in Week 1, especially considering how Westfield blew out the Owls in Week 2. Don't put a lot of stock in the 36-0 win over Husson. Could see this one being a high scoring affair.
Saw bits of the Gallaudet game and I think Gallaudet has some big guys and really good team. I think that looking at the ECFC today, they are the clear favorite going forward. I think the defense played really well from what I saw and the running game was working the whole game. Gallaudet may be undefeated at the end of season. Looking way ahead and due to their location, they may have to play a good Virginia Team or Delaware team (If they win out) in the playoffs.
It was another what could have been game and maybe season for castleton. If you told me there defense would hold a team to less than 25 point last year I would say they would win 9-10. But with all the players suspended the offense is going threw the growing pains.
Quote from: skratch29 on September 22, 2013, 03:16:02 PM
It was another what could have been game and maybe season for castleton. If you told me there defense would hold a team to less than 25 point last year I would say they would win 9-10. But with all the players suspended the offense is going threw the growing pains.
More like trying to walk with both right arm and right leg gone.
7-0 last week with picks...only two games on the schedule this week.
Catholic 35
Anna Maria 14
Willy P 24
Suny Maritime 7
Conference play starts next week
Gallaudet in a doozy with Becker...two weeks in a row for Gallaudet.
Play of the week...Gallaudet blocks a go ahead FG attempt by Becker and returns it all the way for a score, appears the streak is going to continue...
Quote from: D3MAFAN on November 02, 2013, 02:57:34 PM
Play of the week...Gallaudet blocks a go ahead FG attempt by Becker and returns it all the way for a score, appears the streak is going to continue...
Congratulations to Gallaudet. Number 5 play on Sportscenter's Top 10.
Two weeks in a row DIII has gotten some love on ESPN. Let's keep this going!
Where's all the Galludet fans? It's Thursday and there's no smack talk.
In all seriousness, congrats on a fine season. I hope my boys in Geneva lay the lumber on you, but that is true of all their opponents. Look forward to seeing the game and hope you enjoy a visit to the Finger Lakes.
I can't say I've ever heard any of their fans here. I am pulling for them though. I'm a sap for the underdog.
Go Gallaudet!
Seen any of their postings...
whoops!
Husson and Castleton State looking forward to the de facto championship in a couple weeks, both teams were really impressive in their wins against SUNY-Maritime and Anna Maria. I like how Husson schedule a good E8 team and played admirably and Castleton against a good RPI team.
Agreed. Castleton program has done a nice job with itself... im looking forward to the game as well but I think husson
Is a different beast for them. I think husson is the best team the ecfc has had to be honest with you, but I dontnknow what that actually means come playoff time
Should be a great game that's for sure. The nice thing about castleton is they have a very talent heavy junior and sophomore class. They only have 2 senior starters this year(1 o and 1 d). But I'm really liking what this new coach has brought to the table.
Hey Norwich fans!.....
http://wildcatville.blogspot.com/2014/10/gerry-painters-spreadsheet-shows.html (http://wildcatville.blogspot.com/2014/10/gerry-painters-spreadsheet-shows.html)
What happens if Husson, Norwich and Mount Ida all finish with a 5-1 conference record? Does anyone know how they determine the 3 way tie?
Quote from: d3fan142511 on November 03, 2014, 02:10:20 PM
What happens if Husson, Norwich and Mount Ida all finish with a 5-1 conference record? Does anyone know how they determine the 3 way tie?
1) Conference Champion
For the inaugural season (2009) two teams will be selected to participate in the Championship Game. Thereafter, members will vote annually to hold a conference championship. The team with the highest winning percentage in conference play will be awarded the opportunity to host. In the event of a tie, predetermined conference seeding procedures will be used for selection.
Eastern Collegiate Football Conference seeding will be based on winning percentage within the conference. Ties will be broken using the following criteria which will be applied, in order, until a team is (or teams are) separated. At that point, the process begins anew, (returning to the first criteria) with the remaining teams.
Two Teams
1.Head to Head Results
Three or More Teams
1.Best Record Among Tied Team (in this step, only contests among the tied schools will be used).
2.Comparison of results against conference opponents one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team and continuing in downward rank order until the tie is broken.
3.Results against non-conference common opponents (in this step, only opponents who competed against all tied schools will be considered).
4.Opponents Winning Percentage (OWP) for all Division III opponents as determined by the NCAA system (both in and out of region are used in this calculation).
5.Overall Winning Percentage for all games against NCAA Division III opponents.
6.Coin Toss.
If this happens I would be shocked.
Quote from: d3fan142511 on November 03, 2014, 02:10:20 PM
What happens if Husson, Norwich and Mount Ida all finish with a 5-1 conference record? Does anyone know how they determine the 3 way tie?
Husson should win out. I mean Ida did lose to Plymouth State. Anything can happen, look at Norwich and St. Lawrence, but I would be shocked if Husson didn't get the AQ
Not trolling here, serious question: Is the ECFC going to do anything come playoff time? I thought that Gallaudet was legitimately a pretty solid team last season, and was hoping the conference was finally making some strides.
But it kind of seems like the conference has backslid a little bit, at least in looking at the schedule/results of Husson. What's the story with the conference this year?
Quote from: Bombers798891 on November 06, 2014, 12:53:04 PM
Not trolling here, serious question: Is the ECFC going to do anything come playoff time? I thought that Gallaudet was legitimately a pretty solid team last season, and was hoping the conference was finally making some strides.
But it kind of seems like the conference has backslid a little bit, at least in looking at the schedule/results of Husson. What's the story with the conference this year?
I think it depends on the first-round draw. The ECFC (much like the NEFC a couple of years ago) has a few just-short-of-good teams that could compete with the right playoff opponent. For whatever it's worth, Norwich went 2-1 against the Liberty League (20-point loss to 4-4 RPI and a pair of 10-7 wins over 7-1 SLU and 3-5 WPI). That probably doesn't have the East's top teams quaking in their boots but it shows they can compete with somebody outside of their league. By extension, Husson beat Norwich, so I'd think they could also similarly compete with middling LL teams and others of that ilk.
If Husson/Norwich draws a Fisher or Hobart, they'll get the doors blown off. But Husson and Norwich are probably capable of competing with an MIT, or Framingham State, or maybe even a Montclair State (despite their NJAC-front-runner status, they seem to be a bit Jekyll-and-Hyde). I think back to Framingham State drawing Cortland State a few years ago...Melikke Van Alstyne went all Beast Mode and FSU came very close to beating Cortland, but if they'd drawn a better first-round opponent they would have lost by 60 and we'd all grumble about (then NEFC) teams getting an AQ.
(FWIW, Bridgewater State got a Pool C bid from the NEFC that year, and that was completely ridiculous)
Quote from: ExTartanPlayer on November 06, 2014, 01:22:47 PM
I think it depends on the first-round draw. The ECFC (much like the NEFC a couple of years ago) has a few just-short-of-good teams that could compete with the right playoff opponent. For whatever it's worth, Norwich went 2-1 against the Liberty League (20-point loss to 4-4 RPI and a pair of 10-7 wins over 7-1 SLU and 3-5 WPI). That probably doesn't have the East's top teams quaking in their boots but it shows they can compete with somebody outside of their league. By extension, Husson beat Norwich, so I'd think they could also similarly compete with middling LL teams and others of that ilk.
If Husson/Norwich draws a Fisher or Hobart, they'll get the doors blown off. But Husson and Norwich are probably capable of competing with an MIT, or Framingham State, or maybe even a Montclair State (despite their NJAC-front-runner status, they seem to be a bit Jekyll-and-Hyde). I think back to Framingham State drawing Cortland State a few years ago...Melikke Van Alstyne went all Beast Mode and FSU came very close to beating Cortland, but if they'd drawn a better first-round opponent they would have lost by 60 and we'd all grumble about (then NEFC) teams getting an AQ.
(FWIW, Bridgewater State got a Pool C bid from the NEFC that year, and that was completely ridiculous)
Framingham also held Cortland to 300 yards that game, the defense was outstanding. I agree that Bridgewater absolutely should not have been in, but they drew a "much better" opponent and were down only 21-7 in the fourth before eventually getting blown out by 30. Seeing as how Framingham was up 14-0 at the half in their 16-0 win over Bridgewater (and held Bridgewater under 150 yards), I doubt Framingham would have been blown out by Widener, a team who made it to Mount before getting mount unioned. Again, I agree 100% that BWater had no business getting in as an at large, just disagree that Framingham would have been blown out with a tougher draw (unless of course they had played Mount in the first round).
Quote from: ECoastFootball on November 06, 2014, 01:41:22 PM
Quote from: ExTartanPlayer on November 06, 2014, 01:22:47 PM
I think it depends on the first-round draw. The ECFC (much like the NEFC a couple of years ago) has a few just-short-of-good teams that could compete with the right playoff opponent. For whatever it's worth, Norwich went 2-1 against the Liberty League (20-point loss to 4-4 RPI and a pair of 10-7 wins over 7-1 SLU and 3-5 WPI). That probably doesn't have the East's top teams quaking in their boots but it shows they can compete with somebody outside of their league. By extension, Husson beat Norwich, so I'd think they could also similarly compete with middling LL teams and others of that ilk.
If Husson/Norwich draws a Fisher or Hobart, they'll get the doors blown off. But Husson and Norwich are probably capable of competing with an MIT, or Framingham State, or maybe even a Montclair State (despite their NJAC-front-runner status, they seem to be a bit Jekyll-and-Hyde). I think back to Framingham State drawing Cortland State a few years ago...Melikke Van Alstyne went all Beast Mode and FSU came very close to beating Cortland, but if they'd drawn a better first-round opponent they would have lost by 60 and we'd all grumble about (then NEFC) teams getting an AQ.
(FWIW, Bridgewater State got a Pool C bid from the NEFC that year, and that was completely ridiculous)
Framingham also held Cortland to 300 yards that game, the defense was outstanding. I agree that Bridgewater absolutely should not have been in, but they drew a "much better" opponent and were down only 21-7 in the fourth before eventually getting blown out by 30. Seeing as how Framingham was up 14-0 at the half in their 16-0 win over Bridgewater (and held Bridgewater under 150 yards), I doubt Framingham would have been blown out by Widener, a team who made it to Mount before getting mount unioned. Again, I agree 100% that BWater had no business getting in as an at large, just disagree that Framingham would have been blown out with a tougher draw (unless of course they had played Mount in the first round).
Oh, we're in agreement on this. Framingham could have competed with several teams in the field, not just Cortland. I was referring to the Mount/Wesley strata (like Mount Ida getting curbstomped by Wesley in 2012).
If Mount Ida gets by (they should) Anna Maria this weekend. I think they are going to pull off the upset in the final week and beat Husson. The game would be at Mount Ida (Senior Day) and Mount has never lost to Husson since ECFC play started. That game could come down to special teams. I believe if the three teams all finish 5-1 Husson, Ida and Norwich ..Husson would still win the conference. I could be mistaken though.
All 4 favorites won this weekend.....Ida had to hang on vs Anna Maria....two big games next week that will determine championship...
Hudson at Ida
Castleton at Norwich
Husson will win conference with win
Ida needs to win and have Castleton beat Norwich
Norwich needs to win and have Ida beat husson...I believe they win tiebreaker then
Quote from: d3fan142511 on November 09, 2014, 12:10:46 PM
All 4 favorites won this weekend.....Ida had to hang on vs Anna Maria....two big games next week that will determine championship...
Hudson at Ida
Castleton at Norwich
Husson will win conference with win
Ida needs to win and have Castleton beat Norwich
Norwich needs to win and have Ida beat husson...I believe they win tiebreaker then
Big games indeed D3fan, I think Husson will prevail in a close one against Ida. As far as the Castleton vs. Norwich, I think this comes down to capitalizing on turnovers, whichever team takes advantage will win.
Quote from: D3MAFAN-MG on November 09, 2014, 12:48:54 PM
Quote from: d3fan142511 on November 09, 2014, 12:10:46 PM
All 4 favorites won this weekend.....Ida had to hang on vs Anna Maria....two big games next week that will determine championship...
Hudson at Ida
Castleton at Norwich
Husson will win conference with win
Ida needs to win and have Castleton beat Norwich
Norwich needs to win and have Ida beat husson...I believe they win tiebreaker then
Big games indeed D3fan, I think Husson will prevail in a close one against Ida. As far as the Castleton vs. Norwich, I think this comes down to capitalizing on turnovers, whichever team takes advantage will win.
Never thought that the Husson game would have such big ramifications on a national level. I don't think the brackets really change if you have Husson or Norwich make it to the playoffs, because their will be travel restrictions either way. But if Ida gets in, you get more traditional seeding and most likely another trip to Wesley. The ECFC, MIT, and Framingham are probably hoping Husson wins because the chances are decent they draw them for a first round game.
I was just reading around the region for northeast and the writer said the winner of Husson Ida gets the playoff berth is that true? Can someone confirm that or does Ida need to win and have Norwich lose as I thought that is what was needed?
Quote from: d3fan142511 on November 12, 2014, 07:44:29 AM
I was just reading around the region for northeast and the writer said the winner of Husson Ida gets the playoff berth is that true? Can someone confirm that or does Ida need to win and have Norwich lose as I thought that is what was needed?
It appears to me that you are correct. These things do get confusing. Norwich beat Mt Ida, so they should have to lose a second game for Mt Ida to win the bid with only one loss.
Quote from: Saxon73 on November 12, 2014, 08:41:32 AM
Quote from: d3fan142511 on November 12, 2014, 07:44:29 AM
I was just reading around the region for northeast and the writer said the winner of Husson Ida gets the playoff berth is that true? Can someone confirm that or does Ida need to win and have Norwich lose as I thought that is what was needed?
It appears to me that you are correct. These things do get confusing. Norwich beat Mt Ida, so they should have to lose a second game for Mt Ida to win the bid with only one loss.
The head to head would essentially be wiped out because 3 teams would be 5-1, with Norwich beating Ida, who beat Husson, who beat Norwich. So NU's head to head win wouldn't be the deciding factor, just like Husson's head to head win over Norwich would not be. They would all be 1-1 against each other.
The Around the Region writer was somewhat incorrect in saying that Mount Ida will win the tie breakers for the ECFC auto bid. Ida would hold the tie breaker over Husson if they are the only teams at 1 loss in league, by virtue of head to head. However, if Norwich beats Castleton (who will certainly give them a battle) things get more complicated...
Three or More Teams
1) Best Record Among Tied Team (in this step, only contests among the tied schools will be used).
2) Comparison of results against conference opponents one team at a time starting with the highest ranked team and continuing in downward rank order until the tie is broken.
3) Results against non-conference common opponents (in this step, only opponents who competed against all tied schools will be considered).
4) Opponents Winning Percentage (OWP) for all Division III opponents as determined by the NCAA system (both in and out of region are used in this calculation).
5) Overall Winning Percentage for all games against NCAA Division III opponents.
6) Coin Toss.
Looking at that, it appears that Norwich would win the three team tie breakers by virtue of the #4. (1-3 will be equal of non-applicable).
I haven't crushed the numbers for non-conference opponents yet, but both Ida and Husson have one or two win teams on their out of league schedule (Plymouth / Alfred State). Norwich had three solid LL teams, including 7-2 St. Lawrence.
With all that being said, I think Husson beats Ida in a close one and wins ECFC outright.
Thanks for the Clarification. You are right Norwich would come in first then Mount Ida then Husson according to that tiebreaker.
Last Updated - November 12, 2014
Regional Rankings
EAST
1 Delaware Valley 9-0 9-0
2 Hobart 9-0 9-0
3 Widener 9-0 9-0
4 Framingham State 8-1 8-1
5 Ithaca 7-2 7-2
6 St. John Fisher 6-2 7-2
7 MIT 8-0 8-0
8 St. Lawrence 7-2 7-2
9 Rowan 6-3 6-3
10 Husson 6-1 7-1
I am thrilled to see Husson in the playoffs. After traveling to Maine with Wesley several years ago and watching the Wolverines play a hapless Husson team that maintained an amazing attitude throughout the stomping they got really endeared me to the team. Good luck Husson!
-Ski
Husson makes the 5th different team to reach the NCAA tournament from the ECFC in five years.
2010 -SUNY (as an undefeated pool B I think)
2011 -Norwich(AQ)
2012 -Mount Ida (AQ)
2013 -Gallaudet (AQ)
2014 -Husson (AQ)
Norwich remains the only two time champ in league history (won inaugural season in 2009 when ECFC had a championship game).
Say what you will about the quality of the league vs out of conference opponents, but to have a league that as enough parity at the top to send 5 different teams to the NCAA's in 5 years; certainly makes for some fun football being played in the ECFC.
Quote from: ExTartanPlayer on November 06, 2014, 01:22:47 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on November 06, 2014, 12:53:04 PM
Not trolling here, serious question: Is the ECFC going to do anything come playoff time? I thought that Gallaudet was legitimately a pretty solid team last season, and was hoping the conference was finally making some strides.
But it kind of seems like the conference has backslid a little bit, at least in looking at the schedule/results of Husson. What's the story with the conference this year?
I think it depends on the first-round draw. The ECFC (much like the NEFC a couple of years ago) has a few just-short-of-good teams that could compete with the right playoff opponent. For whatever it's worth, Norwich went 2-1 against the Liberty League (20-point loss to 4-4 RPI and a pair of 10-7 wins over 7-1 SLU and 3-5 WPI). That probably doesn't have the East's top teams quaking in their boots but it shows they can compete with somebody outside of their league. By extension, Husson beat Norwich, so I'd think they could also similarly compete with middling LL teams and others of that ilk.
If Husson/Norwich draws a Fisher or Hobart, they'll get the doors blown off. But Husson and Norwich are probably capable of competing with an MIT, or Framingham State, or maybe even a Montclair State (despite their NJAC-front-runner status, they seem to be a bit Jekyll-and-Hyde). I think back to Framingham State drawing Cortland State a few years ago...Melikke Van Alstyne went all Beast Mode and FSU came very close to beating Cortland, but if they'd drawn a better first-round opponent they would have lost by 60 and we'd all grumble about (then NEFC) teams getting an AQ.
(FWIW, Bridgewater State got a Pool C bid from the NEFC that year, and that was completely ridiculous)
If Husson does not compete with MIT, then this conference is in some huge trouble.
Quote from: Boxer7806 on November 18, 2014, 07:22:45 PM
Quote from: ExTartanPlayer on November 06, 2014, 01:22:47 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on November 06, 2014, 12:53:04 PM
Not trolling here, serious question: Is the ECFC going to do anything come playoff time? I thought that Gallaudet was legitimately a pretty solid team last season, and was hoping the conference was finally making some strides.
But it kind of seems like the conference has backslid a little bit, at least in looking at the schedule/results of Husson. What's the story with the conference this year?
I think it depends on the first-round draw. The ECFC (much like the NEFC a couple of years ago) has a few just-short-of-good teams that could compete with the right playoff opponent. For whatever it's worth, Norwich went 2-1 against the Liberty League (20-point loss to 4-4 RPI and a pair of 10-7 wins over 7-1 SLU and 3-5 WPI). That probably doesn't have the East's top teams quaking in their boots but it shows they can compete with somebody outside of their league. By extension, Husson beat Norwich, so I'd think they could also similarly compete with middling LL teams and others of that ilk.
If Husson/Norwich draws a Fisher or Hobart, they'll get the doors blown off. But Husson and Norwich are probably capable of competing with an MIT, or Framingham State, or maybe even a Montclair State (despite their NJAC-front-runner status, they seem to be a bit Jekyll-and-Hyde). I think back to Framingham State drawing Cortland State a few years ago...Melikke Van Alstyne went all Beast Mode and FSU came very close to beating Cortland, but if they'd drawn a better first-round opponent they would have lost by 60 and we'd all grumble about (then NEFC) teams getting an AQ.
(FWIW, Bridgewater State got a Pool C bid from the NEFC that year, and that was completely ridiculous)
If Husson does not compete with MIT, then this conference is in some huge trouble.
Not sure what 'trouble' they might be in. But my guess is MIT will win this handily.
What is the best conference in New England? (NESCAC not eligible because who knows?)
NEFC - MASCAC or ECFC
You left one out. Liberty League has a couple New England teams in it (Springfield and WPI). And they would be the top. MASCAC and NEFC are pretty comparable IMHO. But they were the same league just a couple years ago.....ECFC is below.
Norwich is headed to the NEWMAC. The ECFC is down to seven teams. It will be interesting to see how stable the ECFC membership is, if anyone gets poached the league is in trouble.
http://bangordailynews.com/2015/04/08/sports/maine-maritime-academy-to-join-new-football-league-in-2017/?ref=SportsBox
I don't have much faith in the ECFC staying together. NEFC is all teams that are in the same conference for everything else. It'll be much easier for the Liberty League to add a team from the ECFC whose only ties are football then it will be from the MASCAC or NEFC.
Really excited for the season to get under way. I think that some of the top tier teams should have some really good early season tests and can maybe pull of an upset or two. I think the conference will come down to Husson or castleton.
Quote from: skratch29 on September 01, 2015, 09:24:54 PM
Really excited for the season to get under way. I think that some of the top tier teams should have some really good early season tests and can maybe pull of an upset or two. I think the conference will come down to Husson or castleton.
Are you a Husson fan? Will you be going to the Alfred game this Saterday? Pep is hoping the Saxons get off the bus before halftime and can make a game of it. It's a long trip and the Eagles would like nothing better than to make the ride home even longer for the Saxons. AU was Husson's lone regular season loss last season and from the looks of it, the Eagles are loaded this year and eager to get off on the right foot. AU struggled after a good start last season, losing 5 of their last 7.
By the way, the Eagles will practically chase the Saxons home as they will be in Alfred on Sept. 12 to take on the Alfred State Pioneers up on the hill while down in the valley, AU is battling RPI.
On Saxon Warriors!
Quote from: AUPepBand on September 01, 2015, 11:11:08 PM
Quote from: skratch29 on September 01, 2015, 09:24:54 PM
Really excited for the season to get under way. I think that some of the top tier teams should have some really good early season tests and can maybe pull of an upset or two. I think the conference will come down to Husson or castleton.
Are you a Husson fan? Will you be going to the Alfred game this Saterday? Pep is hoping the Saxons get off the bus before halftime and can make a game of it. It's a long trip and the Eagles would like nothing better than to make the ride home even longer for the Saxons. AU was Husson's lone regular season loss last season and from the looks of it, the Eagles are loaded this year and eager to get off on the right foot. AU struggled after a good start last season, losing 5 of their last 7.
By the way, the Eagles will practically chase the Saxons home as they will be in Alfred on Sept. 12 to take on the Alfred State Pioneers up on the hill while down in the valley, AU is battling RPI.
On Saxon Warriors!
The Husson vs. Alfred game will be a good indicator for both teams to see how each has improved. I am more curious to see if Alfred can get back to its winning ways.
Husson will be loaded this year. They didn't loose much from last year. Because of some lopsided wins, they were able to get game experience to a lot of guys, and will easily fill in any holes they have.
If you take away Castleton's season of suspensions when they went 1-9, they are a program that has been on a steady upward trend. Many in the senior class were freshmen starters on the 6-4 team (*actually went 7-4 but had to vacate a week 1 win due to an ineligible player playing in the game) that played in an ECAC bowl three seasons ago. They return almost their entire defense, entire OL, and all all conference QB and according to the ATR article this week; they have some good young running backs in camp.Lost a lot at WR (including ECFC Player of the Year), but they should be an exciting team to watch.
Never can sleep on Norwich or Ida. Both are well coached teams who have enough athletes year in and year out to be in every game they play.
This league has sent a different champion to the NCAA tournament in each of its 5 AQ years (SUNY, Norwich, Ida, Gall., Husson). Will Castleton make it 6?
Final week of the season with Ida v Husson and Norwich v Castleton will be HUGE. A lot of ball to play between now and then, but I think anybody who follows this league would have to admit that those end of season games will decide it all.
No I'm actually a castleton university fan. I just think Husson will have a good team this year and it will be a tough test to possibly beat them at home. Also hope that Norwich and Husson who have the hardest out of conference games can make some noise for the conference this year.
Can't wait for the season to start!!
As a ECFC fan...I know not alot of them out there :D I have to agree with NED3guy with his overview. I think Husson and Castleton are the top two teams in the conference this year on paper. I believe the Castleton QB is going to have a year like there QB in 2012 had were he led them to the win and in championship game vs Ida. They will score alot of points. There problem is always the defense, but that has been improving the last couple of years.
Husson with Coach Price is loaded again and i will be interested if they can pull off a big upset vs Alfred in week 1. They should have never lost that game vs MIT in the playoffs. Awful Penalty on the coach to set up MIT game tying FG.
Ida who has never finished below third in the conference or had a losing record will always be tough with their defense and Coach Landers always has them prepared and ready to play. I expect them to start really clicking come conference time and can be 2-1 heading into ECFC play.
Norwich like Ida always will be up there and very competitive.
Galludet/SUNY both go on how well they can run the triple. Always will ahve solid defense but both these teams will struggle if they cannot move the ball.
Becker and Anna Maria will be the bottom 2 again.
Looking forward to a great year in the East Region. I will be at West Conn vs Union next week. My buddy plays for Union.
Week 1 Predictions:
Anna Maria at Coast Guard- Coast Guard 27-10
Becker at Fitchburg St- Fitchburg 45-7
MOunt Ida at UMASS-Dart- Mount Ida 17-14
Norwich at RPI- RPI 24-17
Maine Maritime at SUNY- SUNY 27-24
Alfred at Husson - Alfred 24-21..I really want to Pick Husson here.
Gallaudet at Shenandoah- Shen 35-14
Castelton at Plymouth- Castleton 35-14
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 03, 2015, 11:14:11 AM
Week 1 Predictions:
Anna Maria at Coast Guard- Coast Guard 27-10
Becker at Fitchburg St- Fitchburg 45-7
MOunt Ida at UMASS-Dart- Mount Ida 17-14
Norwich at RPI- RPI 24-17
Maine Maritime at SUNY- SUNY 27-24
Alfred at Husson - Alfred 24-21..I really want to Pick Husson here.
Gallaudet at Shenandoah- Shen 35-14
Castelton at Plymouth- Castleton 35-14
What's stopping you? Alfred was 3-0 to start the 2014 season and ended up 5-5, losing at least TWO games it should have won, while pulling out a rare 23-21 win at Salisbury on a last second field goal, or the Saxons would have finished 4-6.
Pep certainly hopes the Saxons, who were actually pretty young last year, can return to the form that last year had them on a nice 3-0 start. AU will need to take care of the ball on offense and not let anyone get behind them on defense. But if the Saxons turn it over like they did later last season, look for the Eagles to open with a home win. AU has plenty of arsenal in the offense and Pep is hoping the Saxons click.
Go A-U!!
No idea what to expect in a lot of the games this weekend. But here are some thoughts:
I think Husson / Alfred and Ida / UMD both come down to the last possession.... With both ECFC teams holding on to win.
Norwich hangs with RPI for three quarters, then the heat will make it a game about depth and RPI pulls away.
Castleton should be able to get their starters resting by halftime.
SUNY and Maine Maritime will combine for less than 5 pass attempts... Who knows what the outcome will be....?
Not sure about the other games, so I won't even bother to speculate.
Happy opening weekend to all!
My picks,
Sep. 4
Becker Fitchburg St. 42-6 Fitchburg
Mount Ida Mass.-Dartmouth. 21-14 Mass-Dartmouth
Sep. 5
Norwich Rensselaer 28-14 rip
Maine Maritime Maritime (N.Y.). 21-14 suny maritime
Alfred Husson 35-24 Alfred
Castleton Plymouth St. 42-14 castleton
Gallaudet Shenandoah. 35-14 Shenandoah
Hopefully the ecfc can pull out a couple more then I'm guessing but we will have to wait and see. Can't wait for all these game.
Quote from: skratch29 on September 04, 2015, 05:09:14 PM
My picks,
Sep. 4
Becker Fitchburg St. 42-6 Fitchburg
Mount Ida Mass.-Dartmouth. 21-14 Mass-Dartmouth
Sep. 5
Norwich Rensselaer 28-14 rip
Maine Maritime Maritime (N.Y.). 21-14 suny maritime
Alfred Husson 35-24 Alfred
Castleton Plymouth St. 42-14 castleton
Gallaudet Shenandoah. 35-14 Shenandoah
Hopefully the ecfc can pull out a couple more then I'm guessing but we will have to wait and see. Can't wait for all these game.
Solid formatting.
Quote from: LewDogg11 on September 05, 2015, 10:57:48 AM
Quote from: skratch29 on September 04, 2015, 05:09:14 PM
My picks,
Sep. 4
Becker Fitchburg St. 42-6 Fitchburg
Mount Ida Mass.-Dartmouth. 21-14 Mass-Dartmouth
Sep. 5
Norwich Rensselaer 28-14 rip
Maine Maritime Maritime (N.Y.). 21-14 suny maritime
Alfred Husson 35-24 Alfred
Castleton Plymouth St. 42-14 castleton
Gallaudet Shenandoah. 35-14 Shenandoah
Hopefully the ecfc can pull out a couple more then I'm guessing but we will have to wait and see. Can't wait for all these game.
Solid formatting.
After all these years I still really enjoy your posts. :D
Wow.
I was way off on all my guesses about this weeks action.
I don't know what's the bigger surprise: the Ida UMD score or SUNY attempting over 20 passes?
Hopefully the teams in this league find themselves in the upcoming weeks and we have a bit more of an understanding of who reach team will be come league play.
7-1 with my picks this week however totally off with a couple of them.
Anna Maria vs Coast Guard- Game was over at Half time. Anna Maria Struggled to move the ball and stopping coast guard in the 1st half.
What happened to Mt. Ida and Norwich - Wow. 41-6? Ida's offense could not move the ball at all. Norwich did not even show up vs RPI.
Becker was up at Fitchburg at half then Fitchburg poured it on in the 2h.
SUNY destroyed Maine.
Shen destroyed Gall
Surpirsed by the Score of the Castleton game. I would have expected more points from there offense against usually a weak Plymouth secondary
Husson gave Alfred everything it could handle and I think right now are the clear favorites to win the league.
Week 1 Power Rankings: Teams 5-7 are all interchangeable. Moving Becker up because they had the first half lead against Fitchburg.
1. Husson- Clear Favorites
2. Castleton- Took Care of Business against Plymouth
3. SUNY- Beat up on Maine..Now going for the Maritime Sweep
4. Norwich - No Show vs a solid but not great RPI team
5. Becker- Great First half for Becker - Moving up because of no shows of bottom three
6. Ida- No Show for UMD- Need to bounce back vs Plymouth.
7. Galludet- Could not get the Offense rolling
8. Anna Maria- Different Year - Same old Anna Maria
SUNY Maritime at Mass Maritime- SUNY Sweeps and starts the season off 2-0- SUNY 24-21
Husson at Alfred State- Husson 31-14
Nichols at Anna Maria- Nichols 24-6
Plymouth at Mount Ida- Plymouth 14-10
St. Lawrence at Norwich- St. Lawrence 35-10
MIT at Becker- MIT 35-10
Can't disagree with your rankings or outlook for this weekend....though I think Mt. Ida get the W vs Plymouth.
We may not have any idea what type of team Norwich is after they finish up their non-league slate. RPI, SLU, WPI is by far the hardest non-league schedule of any ECFC team.
If memory serves me (and I pulled up their archive to make sure it serves me correctly) Norwich started 0-3 in both years they went on to win the ECFC.
Quote from: pg04 on September 05, 2015, 02:02:25 PM
Quote from: LewDogg11 on September 05, 2015, 10:57:48 AM
Quote from: skratch29 on September 04, 2015, 05:09:14 PM
My picks,
Sep. 4
Becker Fitchburg St. 42-6 Fitchburg
Mount Ida Mass.-Dartmouth. 21-14 Mass-Dartmouth
Sep. 5
Norwich Rensselaer 28-14 rip
Maine Maritime Maritime (N.Y.). 21-14 suny maritime
Alfred Husson 35-24 Alfred
Castleton Plymouth St. 42-14 castleton
Gallaudet Shenandoah. 35-14 Shenandoah
Hopefully the ecfc can pull out a couple more then I'm guessing but we will have to wait and see. Can't wait for all these game.
Solid formatting.
After all these years I still really enjoy your posts. :D
If it ain't hanging out dripping with sarcasm, LewDogg's tongue is planted ever so firmly in his cheek. +K for long-time posters with pizazz.
SUNY Maritime at Mass Maritime- Suny 30-21
Husson at Alfred State- Husson 34-10
Nichols at Anna Maria- Nichols 24-17
Plymouth at Mount Ida- Ida 17-10
St. Lawrence at Norwich- St. Lawrence 41-17
MIT at Becker- MIT 41-21
Plymouth vs mt. Ida and the maritime game are the most interesting to me. Should be able to get a good read on where each teams season is going from there.
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 09, 2015, 03:49:34 PM
If memory serves me (and I pulled up their archive to make sure it serves me correctly) Norwich started 0-3 in both years they went on to win the ECFC.
Hope springs eternal.
As a Norwich fan, there is plenty to criticize after being outscored 65-0 in the first 6 quarters of the season. So, I will choose to focus on the positive(s): We seem to have a strong kick return squad. Lord knows they've had plenty of practice.
I wasn't able to watch much of last week's game at RPI due to a wedding, but the Cadets were dominated in the little bit I saw, and the final stats back that up. Currently, they trail St. Lawrence 28-0 at half. With the exception of one drive, we haven't been able to get anything going offensively. And while the defense has at times been able to penetrate the backfield, and has done an admirable job against the SLU running game, the secondary has continued to get shredded against the passing game (a weakness that was exploited last season by Castleton in the Sap Bucket game and Salve Regina in the bowl game).
So, overall, plenty of room for improvement all around. I'd like to remain optimistic for the ECFC schedule, and I will be, but Husson looks to be the clear cut favorite, and Castleton has been on a rapid rise since their 2013 controversy-filled season. And hell, currently Becker leads MIT 30-23 in the 3rd quarter. That indicates that nothing will come easy in league play.
I'm rather new to the D3 football world (I attended all the home games when I attended NU, but never paid attention to much outside of NU and the ECFC until recently), so I look forward to contributing to the board and learning from the many here who are much more wise in the sport than I am. So as I tune into the second half of the NU game and guzzle Magic Hat, cheers!
Finished 4-2 this week...Record for year is 11-3.
The two games i missed i was totally wrong with the scores. MIT is going to really struggle this year and wow SUNY did not show up at all vs Mass Maritime. Those games have always been competitive.
Week 2 Power Rankings
1. Husson- Handled the little brother Alfred State
2. Castleton- Bye Week
3. SUNY Maritime- could put Becker here after the win but still ranking SUNY ahead based on recent history vs Becker
4. Becker- Very nice win against MIT. Lets see if they can keep it going or is MIT not who we thought.
5. Norwich- Very tough OCC will help this team come league play. i still think they are better then both Becker and Maritime.
6. Mount Ida- scoring 12 points in two games. Two fumbles inside ten going into score missed PT and 29 yard FG..Only so much the defense can do.
7. Galludet- Bye Week
8. Anna Maria- Another blow out loss
SUNY at Merchant Marine- Merchant Marine 21-17
Becker at Nichols- Becker 31-17
Castleton at Salve- Salve 31-21
Springfield at Mount Ida- Springfield 42-10
Greensboro at Galludet- Gall 17-14
Norwich at WPI- WPI 24-14
Curry at Anna Maria- Curry 35-14
Once again I can't really argue with that ranking of the ECFC teams. Though I think it should look like this:
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 15, 2015, 02:25:10 PM
Finished 4-2 this week...Record for year is 11-3.
Week 2 Power Rankings
1. Husson- Handled the little brother Alfred State
2. Castleton- Bye Week
3. SUNY Maritime- could put Becker here after the win but still ranking SUNY ahead based on recent history vs Becker
4. Becker- Very nice win against MIT. Lets see if they can keep it going or is MIT not who we thought.
5. Norwich- Very tough OCC will help this team come league play. i still think they are better then both Becker and Maritime.
6. Mount Ida- scoring 12 points in two games. Two fumbles inside ten going into score missed PT and 29 yard FG..Only so much the defense can do.
7. Galludet- Bye Week
8. Anna Maria- Another blow out loss
Couple of nice non league wins tonight for ECFC teams. Becker over Nichols and SUNY over Merchant Marine.. Both games were 24-14.
Nice start to the weekend. Not sure I like any of the ECFC teams to win tomorrow, but time will tell.
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 18, 2015, 10:38:12 PM
Couple of nice non league wins tonight for ECFC teams. Becker over Nichols and SUNY over Merchant Marine.. Both games were 24-14.
Nice start to the weekend. Not sure I like any of the ECFC teams to win tomorrow, but time will tell.
Pretty spot on. ECFC goes 0-5 yesterday, with none being particularly close.
With this conference it's hard to predict how the conference schedule is going to go, other than the fact that Husson is the clear favorite. The power rankings shouldn't change too much. Perhaps Maritime moves up to number 2, but I don't think anyone expected Castleton to beat Salve Regina. With the momentum that program has I expect them to contend during the conference schedule and to be better than Maritime. And perhaps it's just my bias optimism, but I also expect Norwich to have improved from their OOC schedule and contend. Yesterday they still struggled in areas but showed marked improvement and seem to have adapted their offense as they showed more willingness to pass the ball (40 attempts) with mixed results. Much of that has to do with the O line. Allowing 6 sacks and gaining just 1.9 yards per rush are signs of problems that could plague them in the conference schedule. Becker seems like an improved team, so that's not an automatic W for NU on homecoming weekend in two weeks. Overall, the league is showing more depth with the likes of Becker and Anna Maria showing modest but real improvement.
Only one league team in action this weekend, when Castleton hosts Alfred State for Homecoming in Vermont.
I suspect the Spartans will have their way with them, and probably put up some crazy numbers. Alfred State hasn't scored an offensive point since the first quarter in week 1. (Shut out this week, held to a safety against Husson) The big question is if the Spartans will give Alfred State the 2014 Anna Maria treatment and throw a long TD pass from their all-conference QB for their last TD in a 65-9 route?.
Castleton v Alfred State will round out the non-league games for the ECFC teams. We saw a few good wins for the leauge this year...what has been the best out of conference win for the ECFC this year?
I'm torn between Becker over MIT or SUNY vs Kings Point. Always nice to beat an NCAA Tourney team, but wins for the ECFC vs Liberty League have been few and far between (Norwich over SLU last year, maybe Norwich over WPI in the past as well???)
Best Non Conference win i think is Becker beating MIT. For a program like Becker that is a huge win considering there History. It s great to beat a Liberty League Team but SUNY has always played well against Kings Point. 4-3 in last 7 games. They did just break there 3 game losing streak to them but two of the three games were won by a total of 6 points.
This weeks game i went 5-2. Missing on Gall and SUNY Maritime.
Power Rankings ( NO Changes)
1. Husson
2. Castleton- Even with loss to Salve this team is still 2nd best team in Conference
3. SUNY
4. Becker
5. Norwich
6. Mount Ida
7. Gall
8. Anna Maria
Going into conference play two sleepers are Norwich and Mount Ida. Both these teams always finish in the top 3 in the conference. Mount Ida also started out 0-3 last year and came back to set up Title game shot vs Husson last week of the year.
I am very interested to see what Becker can do this year in conference play. It would be a nice change and great for the program that has been in the cellar of the ECFC since it began.
Husson is still the favorites and should carry the ECFC banner for the 2nd year in a row.
With relatively little on field action this weekend to speculate about, I'm curious to see what others think about the future of the ECFC.
While the conference in fine now from an AQ standpoint (and will remain fine when Norwich leaves in a few years), it is easy to speculate that other conferences in the region will be looking for teams and will look towards the ECFC to find them.
Does a desperate Liberty League see Castleton's proximity to New York and reach out to them? Does SUNY-Maritime become an appealing team for the LL?
Any of the Mass schools would seem to be prime targets for the NEFC to poach on...assuming they make an effort to remain a conference.....
Obviously 100% speculation, but fun to discuss nonetheless.
I think it all depends on NEFC. Teams like Mount Ida, Becker and Anna Maria would fit the standards of that league (Non State Schools) It would make the travel for these schools alot easier to. Most Likely Zero overnight trips.
The main question is will the NEFC take teams like that.
What about New England College? Did they join a league already? If not i can see the ECFC taking them as a replacement for Norwich.
If the ECFC does crumble in regards to the other leagues taking teams for the AQ the below makes the most sense geographically.
NEFC
1. Curry
2. Salve
3. Endicott
4. Nichols
5. WNEC
6. Mount Ida (ECFC)
7. Anna Maria (ECFC)
8. Husson (ECFC)
9. Becker (ECFC0
10. New England College
Liberty League
1. Hobart
2. Rochester
3. RPI
4. Union
5. St. Lawerence
6. Castleton (ECFC)
7. SUNY (ECFC)
Galludet gets the rare boot and goes Independent or joins the NJAC
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 23, 2015, 03:34:16 PM
With relatively little on field action this weekend to speculate about, I'm curious to see what others think about the future of the ECFC.
While the conference in fine now from an AQ standpoint (and will remain fine when Norwich leaves in a few years), it is easy to speculate that other conferences in the region will be looking for teams and will look towards the ECFC to find them.
Does a desperate Liberty League see Castleton's proximity to New York and reach out to them? Does SUNY-Maritime become an appealing team for the LL?
Any of the Mass schools would seem to be prime targets for the NEFC to poach on...assuming they make an effort to remain a conference.....
Obviously 100% speculation, but fun to discuss nonetheless.
I'll say this: Given how little improvement we've seen from ECFC teams against quality/decent teams from good conferences, I'd much rather see them scattered across conferences than sucking up a playoff bid a much better team could take. It looked like Gallaudet was making some strides in that department in 2013, but last year was a step back, IMO. I hope they can at least reverse it in 2015...and judging solely on the scores of Husson's games from last year, they seem to be, at least a bit
Picks for week
Only one game
Castleton beats up on Alfred State big
I like it. ECFC takes a back seat this week so the NESCAC can get some love with their first week of play starting up. Seems like a solid strategy here.
Yes...the ECFC and NESCAC have an agreement so D3football.com East Region writer Tom Haley can show the NESCAC some love in around the region.
Castleton can only play this week because Middlebury is on the road, otherwise they'd be off this week too!
Castleton 35-20 over Alfred State.
Castleton QB was 18-20 with 4 TD's and 1 INT. Box score makes it looks like starters played entire game. Surprised they could only score 7 in second half....Allowing 20 to Alfred State does not bode well for the Spartans.
HUGE prep week leading into what many would call the ECFC game of the year. Husson coming off of 2 open weeks will either be well rested, or well rusted.
Time will tell.
1-0 in the one game last week.
Power Rankings : No Change
1. Husson
2. Castleton- Beat Alfred State
3. SUNY
4. Becker
5. Norwich
6. Mount Ida
7. Gall
8. Anna Maria
Game Predictions:
Mount Ida vs Gall- Ida wins there first conference game of the year in where both teams have struggled to score. Even tho the game is in DC, i think Mount Ida will prevail in low scoring game 14-13
Anna Maria vs SUNY- Suny wins big and easily 35-14
Two biggest games in ECFC for the week:
Becker vs Norwich: Is Becker for Real? That is the question ECFC fans will find out this week when they travel to Norwich. Norwich is very tough at home and i think that and with the harder out of conference schedule will lead them to victory. Norwich in a close game 28-24. ( I hope Becker wins this game be nice to see a change at the top)
Husson vs Castleton- Is this the championship in Week 1? It very well could be. I think this will be a slugfest and both teams are going to come out with there best. I am going to go with the defending champs at home 31-28
^Good picks, though I will take the Bison in the GU/Ida toss-up (and of course I'm pulling for NU on Homecoming weekend :)). A lot of uncertainty heading into this week, which makes for a fun weekend of football! Even in the Castleton-Husson game, I've mentioned before Castleton's momentum, which is evident by them hosting their largest crowd ever last week. It'll be interesting to see how they carry that on the road.
Castleton v. Husson - Husson 38 - 31
Becker v. Norwich - Norwich 17 - 10
Gallaudet v. Ida - Gallaudet 26 - 24
Anna Maria v. Maritime - Maritime 42-14
This Castleton momentum you speak of its nothing new...... It's the same momentum they've had since their program came into exhistance with over 4,000 fans for their 1st game. They receive the most administrative support of any team in the league by far. This is a program that was in an ECAC bowl two years ago, just their 4th year as a program, and baring the one year drop due to the theft scandal (where they lost an all American wr, an all conference qb and many other players) they've been on a steady climb record wise and talent wise.
That said, they have never won a game they weren't expected to win...EVER.
That trend continues tomorrow: Husson 48, Spartans 24.
True, but having your new football program make news for the theft scandal and then having your coach resign is a good way to stop all the momentum that the program's birth was building. A 1-9 record after competing for the league championship was a thud. The fact that they were able to recover so quickly and again compete at the top of the conference is a testament to the coaching staff, their kids, and the school backing the program (and that pains me to give that much credit to Castleton). But I was surprised by their 5-2 run in conference last year, and the beating they put on my Cadets in the Sap Bucket game felt like an exclamation point on their return. For what it's worth (which is absolutely nothing), I didn't expect them to win that game, and I certainly didn't expect them to blow NU out.
Genuinely curious as I try to get more educated in the broader world of DIII football, what amounts to the "most administrative support of any team in the league by far"?
I guess I don't know enough about the support Castleton gets (or any other team for that matter) to have made that statement....insert foot into mouth.
Look at it this way: Castleton and Anna Maria started football on the same day and have been on extremely opposite paths. For Castleton: a winning record in year 2, bowl game in year 4, 7-3 record in year six....with three different coaches!!!!
Yes the 1-9 season with the Coach leaving probably halted momentum for a few months, but keep in mind he was their second head coach (and went 6-1 in the league the previous year). Coach #1 had it rolling (5-2 in ECFC in second year as a team) but was forced to resign amid ncaa sanctions for financial aid violations.
For a team to go thru all of that, in just their first six years of exhistance and withstand it all to go 7-3 in the first year with coach #3 speaks volumes to the support they must get.
Saying that takes nothing away from the efforts of the past and current players and staff. They get it done, but they have great support around them that has allowed the program to flourish in a short period of time.
All good points. Your comparison of Castleton to Anna Maria is really telling. I have no doubt that Castleton's investment in their program has had a ripple effect across the ECFC. For example, I don't think Norwich's multi-million dollar upgrade of Sabine Field a few years after Castleton completed their beautiful field is a coincidence.
Husson leads Castleton 40-7 late in the 4th.
So did we oversell the Spartans or is Husson just that far ahead of the rest of the league?
Gallaudet 12 Mt. Ida 43
Castleton 7 Husson 40
Becker 14 Norwich 31
Anna Maria 7 Maritime 44
Home teams sweep and I go 3-1 on the week. Going into the week, I thought Ida and Gall was a toss-up, so I'm a little surprised by the blowout. I also expected Castleton to be more competitive.
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on October 03, 2015, 03:44:17 PM
Husson leads Castleton 40-7 late in the 4th.
So did we oversell the Spartans or is Husson just that far ahead of the rest of the league?
Great question.....Time will tell I suppose.
Can't get much of a read on Ida or SUNY either, though next weekend we should learn a lot more with Ida at Castleton and SUNY at Becker. Husson and Norwich should safely move to 2-0, but we could end up with four 1-1 teams by this time next weekend.
1) Husson
2) Norwich
3-6) SUNY / IDA / Castleton / Becker
7) Gall
8) AMC
4-0 last week. Recaps- SUNY blows out Anna Maria- NO Shocker. Mount Ida blows out Galludet- Shocked by the score but there defense really came to play put the offense in great positions and their young qb is growing each game. Norwich over Becker..Becker is bought back down to reality and Norwich looks positioned to be the next challenger to Husson. Speaking of Husson WOW did they make a statement to the league by beating Castleton by that margin of a score. Watch out for the Eagles.
Power Rankings. Teams 3-6 will sort them self out next two three weeks.
1. Husson
2. Norwich
3. SUNY
4. Mount Ida
5. Castleton
6. Becker
7. Galludet
8. Anna Maria
Game Predictions:
Norwich at Gall- Norwich 34-10
Mount Ida at Castleton- Mount Ida 24-21
Husson at Anna Maria - Husson 49-3
Maritme at Becker- Maritime 24-21
By now I should know not to doubt d3fan's picks, but I think Castleton at home puts up more than 21 and beats Ida 35-28.
No real reason to think that, but my gut says Ida is down and Spartans rebound from their let down in Bangor.
Should be two very good games this week in Castleton and Leister.
I have to agree with NED3, I think Castleton rebounds.
Norwich @ Gall - 31 - 7
Ida @ Castleton - 45 - 35
Husson @ Anna Maria - 56 - 10
Maritime @ Becker - 28 - 17
Has anyone seen Husson live???? They seemed to play Alfred pretty tight earlier this year which in the grand scheme of things is a massive upgrade over any team's performance against the E8. Just curious to see if they can compete and give a game against any of the other top programs come playoff time.
Husson could very well go 8-1 and nobody will have any idea if they're "for real" until they play their NCAA game....Castleton was thought to be their best true measuring stick in league, and that didn't really give anybody much of a chance to see if they're good or not. Norwich or SUNY may be the next best test and neither has a great resume to hold up for credibility sake.
FAST FORWARDING TO NOVEMBER:
With three New England based AQ's (MASCAC, NEFC and ECFC) and the NCAA 500 mile rule, we could see a great Husson v WNE or Husson v Framingham match up in the NCAA tourney. Those teams both seem to be getting some love in the East Region Fan Poll, but that's all based on past history as none have anything on their resume that really turns heads.
Could be a great chance for the ECFC to break through in the post season.
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 09, 2015, 12:59:08 PM
Husson could very well go 8-1 and nobody will have any idea if they're "for real" until they play their NCAA game....Castleton was thought to be their best true measuring stick in league, and that didn't really give anybody much of a chance to see if they're good or not. Norwich or SUNY may be the next best test and neither has a great resume to hold up for credibility sake.
FAST FORWARDING TO NOVEMBER:
With three New England based AQ's (MASCAC, NEFC and ECFC) and the NCAA 500 mile rule, we could see a great Husson v WNE or Husson v Framingham match up in the NCAA tourney. Those teams both seem to be getting some love in the East Region Fan Poll, but that's all based on past history as none have anything on their resume that really turns heads.
Could be a great chance for the ECFC to break through in the post season.
You got to start somewhere.
I hope Husson becomes a legit team in that conference and hopefully establishes some sort of credibility to it, as little as it will be until more teams get better, with a respectable playoff appearance against someone with a better pedigree than Framingham/WNEC. Its really the only way for teams to get better.
I like what Husson is doing by actually going out and scheduling a good OOC opponent in Alfred. They seemed to play them tough, and it at least points to SOME progress being made in the league. Maybe more progress was made than we all originally thought last year, but no one would really know because MIT had to play Wesley in the next round.
Husson had MIT beat last year game was over but one of the assistant coaches got a 15 yard penalty for screaming at the ref and put MIT in FG range to hit the game tying FG. Granted they would have lost just as bad as MIT did to Wesley but the ECFC and NEFC arent that far apart and might even be on same playing level. I think WNE and Husson would be a hell of a game for New England fans.
Quote from: d3fan142511 on October 09, 2015, 02:39:13 PM
Husson had MIT beat last year game was over but one of the assistant coaches got a 15 yard penalty for screaming at the ref and put MIT in FG range to hit the game tying FG. Granted they would have lost just as bad as MIT did to Wesley but the ECFC and NEFC arent that far apart and might even be on same playing level. I think WNE and Husson would be a hell of a game for New England fans.
I wouldn't say the ECFC and NEFC are equal by any stretch. Now I know that is arguing between being crappy and crappiest but I think the NEFC is still better. Now are the top two teams in each league on an equal playing field? Yea I think it is fair to say that.
But just looking at head to head results you had Becker with one respectable win against MIT, but other than that their other win was against Nichols who is hapless. Coast Guard beat Anna Maria 34-7. Nichols, the worst team in the NEFC, beat probably your worst team 51-29. Then Salve the 3/4 best team in the NEFC goes out and beats supposedly the 2nd best team in the conference in Castleton 32-14.
Now not a large sample size, but the rest of the ECFC has some catching up to do before I say they are equal with the NEFC. If you want to throw in the old half of the NEFC in the MASCAC schools, it doesn't really help the ECFC's case more either.
But I'm glad to see a school like Becker, a perennial 1-2 win team, starting to gain some traction and win a couple games. It looks like they could actually get to 5 wins this year which would show a drastic improvement that hopefully they can sustain.
NEFC is still better i agree wrong choice of words there but its not by as much as people think.
Becker might not finish in the top half of the conference this year and MIT or Coast Guard has a chance to finish 2nd or even 3rd in the NEFC. I think if you replace curry and Nichols and MIT this year with anna maria and they are all finishing last in the ECFC. I mean Coast Guard? I think Norwich would beat up on them. I watched them vs Anna Maria and they did not look so impressive granted it was Week 1 but Anna Maria moved the ball but turned it over way to many times.
Good convo on a slow Friday. I need football back!!!
Norwich @ Gall - 27 - 6
Ida @ Castleton - 34 - 14
Husson @ Anna Maria - 46 - 7
Maritime @ Becker - 14 -13
Becker beating Maritime is surprising, though perhaps not as surprising as before since it is obvious that they are improving. After this week not a whole lot changes at the top. Husson is the team to beat, and NU appears to be the only team standing in their way.
Norwich seems to be getting better every game. Slow start down in DC is not uncommon. Anybody who has ever seen a game at Galladette would attest that it's a much different pre game atmosphere than you are used to. I hope the cadets keep building and set up a great battle vs Husson.
Castleton seemed to have their way with Ida today. Very dominating showing. Great rebound win for the Spartans. Can't help but wonder if a) Ida is just bad, b) Castleton had a very very bad day vs Husson and this was the real Castleton today or c) Husson is just that much better than the rest of they league.
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 10, 2015, 09:54:22 PM
Norwich seems to be getting better every game. Slow start down in DC is not uncommon. Anybody who has ever seen a game at Galladette would attest that it's a much different pre game atmosphere than you are used to. I hope the cadets keep building and set up a great battle vs Husson.
Castleton seemed to have their way with Ida today. Very dominating showing. Great rebound win for the Spartans. Can't help but wonder if a) Ida is just bad, b) Castleton had a very very bad day vs Husson and this was the real Castleton today or c) Husson is just that much better than the rest of they league.
Husson is the real deal and Ida is just that bad.
Interesting decision by the ECAC to host all of their regional games in one spot -- Central Connecticut State.
http://www.ecacsports.com/ECACD3FBFEST/ECAC_D3_FB_FEST_release_1
Oops, sorry, this is the ECFC thread. Not the ECAC thread. Carry on. :)
2-2 on my picks. Have to give it to Ned3guy on that Castleton pick. I wasnt ready to throw the towel in on Mount Ida just yet. Becker with a big win for the program. They should have a shot to finish 3rd or at least top half of conference. Norwich and Husson both roll.
Power Rankings
1. Husson
2. Norwich
3. Castleton
4. Becker
5. SUNY
6. Mount Ida
7. Gall
8. Anna Maria
Game Predictions:
Gall at Castleon- Mount Ida beat up on this team and castleton handled ida with ease. This could get ugly. Castleton 45-7
Becker at Husson- Husson's toughest test untill Norwich. If this game was in Becker i would give them a small chance but game is in Maine- Husson wins 35-14
Anna Maria at Ida- Bounce back week for Ida. If they lose this game they are in for a very long rest of the year- Ida wins 24-10
Maritime at Norwich- Long bus ride hurts Maritime and Family weekend up at Norwich. That stadium will be rocking- Norwich wins 35-10
Agree with both your power rankings and your picks. Home teams go 4-0 this week.
I see the NU v SUNY game being closer, but think Norwich wins 30-24. Lots of FGs being made as I think the two best kickers in they league will go toe to toe (no pun intended).
Yeah, I don't really have anything to add as I agree with everything said. Though I expect Norwich to win big as the Cadets are starting to hit their stride.
Gallaudet 0 @ Castleton 40
Becker 30 @ Husson 49
Anna Maria 6 @ Mount Ida 41
Maritime 22 @ Norwich 30
Home teams sweep, as expected. Becker with a good showing by putting up 30 in Bangor. Norwich hangs on to beat Maritime in a game that was closer than it should've been. The stats aren't updated yet, but Norwich committed something like 17 penalties for around 160 yards. I'll get the exact numbers as soon as they are updated, but the Cadets were very undisciplined today. I'm sure the coaches will get that straightened out, so I'm not too concerned. I'm more concerned about the secondary play, which continues to be suspect. In the fourth quarter Maritime's strategy became to roll the quarterback out of the pocket and attack the sidelines, and it was quite effective.
NU committed 16 penalties for 205 yards.
Norwich will get their penalty situation fixed. There is zero doubt about that.
Not to get too far ahead, but....
If things play out like they should between now and November 7, Norwich v Husson should be the game of the year.
Castleton needs help to fit into the championship picture, but a Norwich win over Husson followed by a Castleton win over Norwich could make for a very messy tie breaker.
If things keep up, Norwich will definitely be the underdog to Husson and Castleton will be a slight underdog to Norwich, but both capable of pulling off that upset. What is the tiebreaker in that scenario?
From ECFC bylaws, on website:
1) Head to head (irrelevant in 3 way scenario we're discussing)
2) Results against common league opponents starting at highest seed (irrelevant, as all 3 teams will have beaten rest of the league)
3) Result against common out of league opponent (no common denominator)
4) Overall win percentage against D3 opponents (Castleton wins on this due to its 2-1 record out of conference. Husson went 1-1, and NU 0-3.
Spartans fans need to root for Norwich to win every game between now and Sap Bucket game.
I think Becker and Husson is closer than all you think. I think Becker is able to keep it within a 1 score game. Becker is going to go all out in that one.
49-30 was the final of Husson-Becker.
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on October 20, 2015, 10:42:21 AM
49-30 was the final of Husson-Becker.
Holy moly ... completely read the board wrong.
Kind of an uneventful week in the ECFC, as Norwich and Husson should cruise to wins against the bottom two teams.
Becker v Ida may be interesting. On paper Becker has played better football in the past month but, Ida has enough players to make it a game if they get a few good bounces. I still like Becker by double digits- 28-14
Castleton at Maritime has got to be the game of the week in the league. Castleton has been on a roll since they got of the bus home from Bangor. Beating Ida and GU by a combined score of 74-14. They seem to have found the running back to compliment their talented QB.
It's hard to get an on paper read on Maritime based on stats (Pass v Rush yards allowed) because they play a few triple option teams out of league. SUNY may have found a bit of a groove at the end of the Norwich game, opening up their offense a bit when they were behind. That coupled with the fact that they're playing at home (A lot of former players say that the SUNY trip is the worst in the league because teams usually have to stay about an hour from campus the night before...) makes me think SUNY makes this one a lot closer than any game Castleton has played this year.
Spartans have not had a meaningful 4th quarter yet this year, Saturday they'll be tested, but they will respond.- Spartans 28 - Privateers - 24
My picks for the week:
Anna Maria @ Norwich - Norwich 38-10
Husson @ Gallaudet - Husson 42-7
Castleton @ Maritime - Castleton 28-17
Mount Ida @ Becker - Becker 24-17
Yeah, I'm predicting a rather uneventful week in the ECFC. Guess I picked a good Saturday to play softball.
4-0 on picks last week.
Power Rankings:
1. Husson
2. Norwich
3. Castleton
4. Becker
5. Ida
6. Maritime
7. Gall
8. Anna Maria
Week Predictions:
Anna Maria at Norwich - Norwich 50-0
Husson at Gall- Husson 42-0
Castleton at Maritime- Castleton 24-20
Ida at Becker- Ida 24-20
Weekend goes pretty much as expected.
Maritime put more points up on Castleton than expected, and went over 500 yards of offense. Turnovers proved costly and the Spartans O continued to roll.
Becker seems to be playing some really good football as of late. Their matchup with Castleton in two weeks could be a good one.
Norwich and Husson remain on a collision course for the conference AQ, with Castleton looking on hoping they can win out and get a little help in the form of a Husson loss.
A status quo week ahead with some lopsided matchups on paper.
November 7th will be a big Saturday for the ECFC.
Indeed. One more week of expected lopsided wins for the top of the conference and then the fun begins with the defacto round-robin of Castleton-Becker/Norwich-Husson and then the Norwich-Castleton Sap Bucket Game the following week. Even if Norwich was to upset Husson on the 7th, they'd still have to make it past a Castleton team that smoked them on Sabine last season, and this time with a conference championship on the line. Sounds like good TV.
Early attempt at guessing ECFC league awards:
Player of the Year- Smith from Husson (172 Yards per game and 62 points scored so far....if they win the league he should be a lock for this award)
Rookie of the Year- Harris from Castleton (122 yards per game, with Anna Maria coming up next...other coaches shouldn't even nominate anybody for this award. Harris should join Smith as ECFC first teamer at RB this year also)
Specialist of the Year- Lineberger from Castleton (Maritime and Norwich kickers are great players who have received some well deserved accolades over the years, but Lineberger has been a HUGE factor for the Spartans this year. He currently leads the ECFC kickers in points with 28. In addition his punting has been exceptional; putting 5 inside the 20 and getting 8 fair catches to go with his 37 yard average.....this award should be the closest of them all with a number of good kickers in the conference)
Coach of the Year- Becker Coach- Would have to be blind to not see what Becker is doing this year and give this award to the Coaching staff. Husson, Norwich and Castleton are all doing what they're expected to do and those coaches deserve a lot of credit for that; but this year Becker is turning heads. Their coaches deserve this award.
Defensive player of the year- Hard to pick this one. I'd think somebody from Husson would stand out, but looking at the stats its hard to tell who they'd put up for the award...
Thoughts?
I'd agree with all of your picks, NED3Guy, though I'm admittedly biased and would give the Specialist of the year to Medeiros. He's got 35 pts, 17 for 18 on PATs, and while he is "just" 6-9 on field goals (66%), he has 3 of 40+ yards to include a 47-yarder. It's hard to gage all the teams when they play at the same time and I watch Norwich, but Medeiros has a huge effect on the Norwich offense. Having the confidence that your kicker can make a 45 yard field goal influences how Norwich runs their offense, as perhaps on a 3rd at 3 at the 30, for example, you can run a play action and take a shot at the end zone as opposed to handing it off and trying to grind out those three yards. If the shot fails, then you know you can trot out Medeiros and still pick up 3 points. Or on the opposite end of the coaching spectrum, perhaps you do feel fine just handing it off up the gut and playing conservative instead of trying a dangerous pass to try and pick up the first down. There are multiple ways to look at it, and it's certainly situation dependent, but having a leg like that allows you more freedom on offense.
As for defense, Norwich and Husson are on paper the two best defenses, allowing 48 and 52 points against, respectively, in conference. Castleton is 3rd at a distant 88 points allowed. So you'd think that the best defensive player award would probably go to a player on one of the best defenses, but it's tough to tell before they play each other. Take away the 40 they allowed against Husson and Castleton is equal to Norwich. If Husson has a similar result against the Cadets then I'd agree that it'll probably go to someone on Husson. Though I guess that's stating the obvious.
Now, that leads to a whole different debate as to whether the best player on the best defense is truly the best defensive player in the conference. An overall weak defense could very well have the best defensive player. But, as awards go, they usually award the best player on the best (or one of the best) squads.
Not much intrigue with the four games this week.
Becker, Norwich, Castleton and Husson get it done and get out healthy to lead into the big match ups next weekend.
Becker over Gallagher 42-14
Husson over SUNY 56-20
Castleton over Arcata 49-21
Norwich over Ida 28-7
3-1 on picks...went with Ida based on history vs Team. Becker seems to have turned corner while Ida looks to have first losing record in ECFC play in history
Power Rankings:
1. Husson
2. Norwich
3. Castleton
4. Becker
5. Maritime
6. Ida
7. Gall
8. Anna Maria
4 Blowouts this weekend.
Becker, Husson. Castleton and Norwich win big
Nothing really to add. Top 4 v. Bottom 4 this week. Maybe someone will get caught looking forward to next week.
Everything goes as planned from a win - loss perspective, but Castleton barely sweaking it out versus Anna Maria is quite a surprise.
Still can't decide if the Spartans are a good team who has lapses, or if they're an average team and their opponents are just bad....We've seen a few teams play down to Anna Maria in past weeks, but the outcomes of those games were never in question. Today if not for a running into the punter call and some miracle catches by #14, the Spartans would have lost to the AMCATS.
That said, they got it done and we get a huge weekend next week with Becker v Castleton and Husson v Norwich.
There ECFC trophy might be getting handed to somebody this weekend. Here's a look at a few of the scenarios.
Husson wins against Norwich, and they lock it up.
Norwich wins AND Becker beats Castleton, and Norwich is the conference champ... Regardless of their final game.
Norwich win, and Castleton win = ECFC championship game next weekend in Vermont, as the tie breakers would bump Husson out of the 3 way mix.... Stupid tie breakers in this conference punish teams for playing hard non league teams and reward Castleton for getting two cupcake wins.... More on that next week if it comes to that.
I think that's just about it. Husson and Norwich both control their own destiny. Husson only needs the Norwich win to have head to head tie breakers over both other potential 1 loss teams. Norwich can win out and be in, but can also get help from Becker and be crowned this weekend. Castleton needs to win out, get help from Norwich this weekend and then hope the tie breakers play out the way it looks on the ECFC website.
Should be a great weekend!
As a Norwich fan, I would love to see NU take the crown this weekend. But, I have to admit, having the Sap Bucket Game be the de facto conference championship game would be pretty epic.
4-0 on game predictions
1. Husson
2. Norwich
3. Castleton
4. Becker
5. Maritime
6. Ida
7. Gall
8. Anna Maria
Ida vs Maritime- Maritime 21-10
Gall vs Anna Maria- Gall 7-3
Becker Vs Castleton - Think this is Beckers breakout year. QB only a soph but is probably best QB in league Becker wins 35-31
Norwich vs Husson- Having said that Husson has the best team offense defense- Best player in the RB Smith and the QB is a game manager not to mention the best coach in the league also. Husson wins the ECFC 35-24
Ida - Maritime - Maritime 31 - 14 - Just because.
Gall - Anna Maria - Anna Maria 13 - 6 - Gallaudet is horrible and has absolutely no offense. Anna Maria is showing fight and improvement.
Becker - Castleton - Castleton 38 - 27 - Becker is much improved, but I think Castleton will be up after a near stumble against AM.
Husson - Norwich - Norwich 34-31 - Head says Husson, heart says Norwich. I think this will be a memorable one.
Going out on a limb here and gonna suggest that the Eagles of Husson will fly over Norwich, 42-24.
Not quite ready to make all my picks yet.
Trying to find a way to say Norwich will beat Husson, but I'm not sure I can.
Only difference between Becker and Castleton right now is that Becker played the two best teams in the league and Castleton has only played one of them. Castleton's wins come against teams that are a combined 7-40. Becker's wins are against combined 7-32 (they play Anna Maria next weekend).
Becker has gotten better every week, and their QB is a stud. Becker goes into VT and takes it 42-25.
SUNY beats Ida big. Gall beats an Anna Maria team who may have left it all on the field vs Castleton last weekend.
Husson vs Norwich pick need some more thought.
The ECFC board has finally made it!
Pep found his way here and made a prediction!
Quote from: NED3Guy on November 02, 2015, 07:28:52 PM
The ECFC board has finally made it!
Pep found his way here and made a prediction!
Haha! What's this? You think Pep is da Pope or something?
Husson over Norwich: 28-12
Becker over Castleton: 33-26
The commissioner better bring the trophy to Northfield tomorrow, because I think it's going to be staying there.
After much thought:
Becker over Castleton 45-28.
Norwich over Husson 31-24
Halftime in Northfield:
Husson 10
Norwich 17
Late in the 3rd in Castleton:
Becker 21
Castleton 7
FINAL in Castleton:
Becker 35
Castleton 21
FINAL in Northfield:
Husson 17
Norwich 20
And the Cadets clinch the program's third ECFC championship!
Congratulations to all of the players and coaches who have done a phenomenal job improving over the course of the season. The hard non-conference schedule pays off and I am absolutely ecstatic.
Congrats to Norwich on a great win, and the AQ that came with it. Cool that things worked out so the NU players knew the Castleton outcome and were able to fully enjoy the moment when their game ended.
0-3 start against a very difficult non conference schedule (2 of the 3 non conf games were against teams who were regionally ranked last week). They got better each week and it all paid off. They learned and improved more from going 0-3 against good teams than the other ecfc teams do playing cupcakes trying to boost win totals. Glad to see it pay off in the end.
Side note: it's sad that the conference bylaws deter from teams playing hard opponents. There fact that a three way tie would have been decided by overall win loss percentage is embarrassing for the league, and actually rewards you for scheduling weak teams.....
Glad it didn't come to that.
Very good points, NED3Guy. I can appreciate the Norwich coaches' mindset of "We're going to test ourselves out of conference, get better, and then we're going to try to win the whole damn thing."
A few observations. One, I advocated early that I think Wes Medeiros should be the special player of the year. I think that was clear yesterday. He hit a big 40-yard field goal in the first half, and then in the second half his reliability proved important in the last few minutes of the game. With time ticking down, Norwich had the ball at the Eagles' 20 yard line or so, and the Cadets were able to play it conservative, run the ball, and take more time off the clock (about 3 minutes I think) because they knew they had money coming off the bench and able to kick the field goal that made it a 20-10 game at the time. Contrast this with Husson, who because they lacked faith in their kicking game, went for it on a fourth-and-long inside the red zone in the first half and left 3 points on the table that ended up being the difference in the end.
Second, I've expressed concern all year long about the Norwich defense, particularly in the passing game. This has perhaps been exaggerated by me after Castleton gave me football-PTSD after the long-range bombing they displayed in Northfield last year, but the Norwich defense controlled the game yesterday. John Smith was able to break off a couple long runs, but they kept him bottled up yesterday for the most part, and Husson never got much going at all in the passing game. The NU defense is what won the game in the 1st Quarter when they consistently had their back against the wall when the Cadet offense couldn't get anything going early.
Third, perhaps the biggest development has been the Norwich passing game. They've been a one-dimensional, spread running game for the most part in years past. That meant that when teams were able to shut down the running game then the Cadets were in trouble. Their passing game, especially down field, has developed impressively, especially with playmaking threats like Pierre Noel and Wes Allen. This opens up the running game and makes the offense that much more effective.
So I'll enjoy the conference championship for the remainder of the weekend and toast the team, but I am excited that once again I have a big game to look forward to next weekend. The Sap Bucket Game will have no implications for the conference title, but it's still the Sap Bucket Game and I know everyone at NU is excited for the chance to get that trophy back to Northfield.
Lost in the fact that Norwich won the championship this weekend is the fact that Becker may be playing the best of anybody in the conference right now.
Finally looked at the Becker v Castleton box score...WOW. A 35-7 game until Castleton scored two TD's in the last 6 minutes.
Becker 50% on third downs (10/20) to Castleton's 6/18 (33%)
Becker 562 total O to Castleton's 469 (Castleton had a nice 99 yard drive to end the game)
Becker forced 11 punts and only punted 6 times
Becker QB accounted for 389 total yards.
Congrats to the entire Becker program. They are now guaranteed a record over .500 for the first time ever. And could very well finish 7-3 with hopes of an ECAC game.
Certainly have to think they now have a better chance for an ECAC game than Castleton given the head to head win....Time will tell I suppose.
Excited to see Becker doing well. Get them to schedule up now in the OOC and play some tougher competition and then we can hopefully see some real progress.
Same could be said for the entire conference, with the exception of Norwich.
Looking at the SOS found on d3football.com, we've got some ground to cover as a conference.
When you know your league will feature a 0, 1 and 3 win team on a yearly basis, scheduling teams like Alfred State, Nichols, and Plymouth won't do much to improve the reputation of the ECFC or do much to prepare teams.
Coincidentally, at quick glance it looks like the ECFC standings are a direct reflection of their SOS rank.
2-2 on predictions last week. Won Maritime and Becker, Lost Husson and Gall.
Congrats to Norwich for winning the Conference Championship. Great way to come back after a tough OCC start. Also congrats to Becker who with a win this week should have a chance to play for the ECAC bid and go 7-3. This team is young and could be the favorite with Norwich heading into next year.
Power Rankings
1. Norwich -ECFC Champ
2. Husson
3. Becker
4. Castleton
5. Maritime
6. Ida
7. Anna Maria
8. Gall
Game Predictions:
Norwich over Castleton 27-24
Husson over Ida 35-7
Becker over Anna Maria 42-14
Maritime over Gall 24-0
Looking forward towards the playoffs and ECAC games.
Quote from: d3fan142511 on November 11, 2015, 10:16:23 AM
Game Predictions:
Norwich over Castleton 27-24
Husson over Ida 35-7
Becker over Anna Maria 42-14
Maritime over Gall 24-0
Looking forward towards the playoffs and ECAC games.
I agree with the picks. It could be argued that Norwich will come out flat in the Sap Bucket game, having already clinched the conference and all. However, I think they will come out flying, high off the conference title, and ready to take back the Sap Bucket. I predict Norwich big. 42-17.
Norwich will come out flying. There is little doubt about that.
Mosely seems closer to the pulse of the NU campus, so he'd know better, but the vibe I get is that players have heard all year about losing the bucket, and they will not be happy about this season if they don't bring it back to Northfield.
Castleton on the other hand has thrown in the towel on the year, having pulled themselves out of ecac bowl consideration. (See ECAC thread)
Norwich comes out firing and never looks back. Scoreboard will say 28-17, anybody who sees it will say it was never that close.
Well, Norwich is getting their teeth kicked in by Castleton for the second straight year. Embarrassing.
Unreal.
Cannot believe the way that game just unfolded.
Castleton looked like a machine today. Just goes to show you that on any day, anything can happen when you're talking about 18-22 year old kids.
I hope the Norwich team has fun on the road trip to either Johns Hopkins or Wesley because the trip back is not going to be fun.
Quote from: NED3Guy on November 13, 2015, 06:50:58 PM
Norwich will come out flying. There is little doubt about that.
Mosely seems closer to the pulse of the NU campus, so he'd know better, but the vibe I get is that players have heard all year about losing the bucket, and they will not be happy about this season if they don't bring it back to Northfield.
Castleton on the other hand has thrown in the towel on the year, having pulled themselves out of ecac bowl consideration. (See ECAC thread)
Norwich comes out firing and never looks back. Scoreboard will say 28-17, anybody who sees it will say it was never that close.
So what can be expected of the Cadets at Albright Saturday?
I was way off about the Cadets' mindset leading up to this weekend....wow, I was WAY off.
Their OLine looked pretty bad, incapable of picking up 1st down yards, allowing the Castleton D to pin their ears back on long yardage situations. (6.5 Sacks, 3 INT's and a bunch of hurries and hits on QB).
If Norwich can find a way to pick up yards on 1st down (+4) they have shown to have a great play action attack, and give their QB some run / pass options when moving the pocket. If they're stuck with predictable passing downs, and need routes to cover ground, it doesn't appear that they can keep their QB on his feet long enough to make the plays.
That was some high level John Madden, Captain Obvious level analysis right there....
Yeah...
I'm embarrassed to make any further prediction after last week. But, it's expected to be a blowout, so whatever. Go out there and raise hell. Nothing to lose.
Nice knowing you, ECFC....
http://www.beckerhawks.com/sports/fball/2015-16/releases/20151119fw8cq8
Let the scramble begin....
Quote from: NED3Guy on November 20, 2015, 09:08:01 AM
Nice knowing you, ECFC....
http://www.beckerhawks.com/sports/fball/2015-16/releases/20151119fw8cq8
Let the scramble begin....
Wow...it's going to be interesting to see where the chips all fall. Thanks for the link NED!
Its going to be very interesting to see where the chips fall from this mess. Many of these teams just don't fit into profiles of any of the other leagues around it. My biggest fear from this is ending up with too many independent New England football schools. Instead of of some of our better teams from the NEWMAC, MASCAC, and CCC scheduling tough OOC to start the year, I can see schedules being filled primarily by these independent schools from this defunct league who offer no challenge.
The doomsday scenario nationally speaking is if they try to poach teams from any other league and retain their AQ status. I just don't see how that happens, but I didn't see any of this happening in the first place either.
As crazy as it may sound, Alfred State becomes a highly valued chip in this game.
They fit in competitively with the ECFC, and already play a few teams.....is joining a conference important enough to justify travel to New England 5 weeks a year?
Will their be trickle down movement in the E8 after the Liberty League steals Ithaca and ______ (?), that makes Alfred State a needed asset?
Will the SUNYs form a league with Cortland, Buff, Brockport, Morrisville, and maybe Maritime and Alfred State? (Unlikely as it leaves them short of AQ)
A lot of scenarios that make Alfred State important to the bigger picture.
Wild times ahead....
This certainly comes sooner than expected. But the future of the ECFC has been discussed since Norwich announced it was leaving for the NEWMAC.
I don't know if the ECFC was around long enough to develop any true rivalries outside of the Sap Bucket Game. But that's my only concern with so many football-only or conferences where half the membership is associate members. I think it hurts rivalries. Football is the main sport at most schools (though hockey is the main sport at many New England schools), but at smaller DIII schools where so much of the student body is in athletics, strong rivalries really develop through the other sports.
For example, Norwich-Middlebury is probably the most storied hockey rivalry in DIII. It used to be a huge overall rivalry, but since the two schools now only play each other on a regular basis in hockey, the rivalry has declined and Norwich-Castleton is now the primary rivalry for the schools because they play each other in every sport on an annual basis.
I honestly don't know enough about the other ECFC schools and their rivalries to comment too extensively on it, but this is more a general comment/concern I suppose. Of all rivalry games, football is always the most important and the most hyped. If done correctly, schools can put themselves in a position (or conference) where the rivalry game is really amplified and it adds a lot to school spirit and school atmosphere.
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on November 21, 2015, 06:51:05 AM
This certainly comes sooner than expected. But the future of the ECFC has been discussed since Norwich announced it was leaving for the NEWMAC.
I don't know if the ECFC was around long enough to develop any true rivalries outside of the Sap Bucket Game. But that's my only concern with so many football-only or conferences where half the membership is associate members. I think it hurts rivalries. Football is the main sport at most schools (though hockey is the main sport at many New England schools), but at smaller DIII schools where so much of the student body is in athletics, strong rivalries really develop through the other sports.
For example, Norwich-Middlebury is probably the most storied hockey rivalry in DIII. It used to be a huge overall rivalry, but since the two schools now only play each other on a regular basis in hockey, the rivalry has declined and Norwich-Castleton is now the primary rivalry for the schools because they play each other in every sport on an annual basis.
I honestly don't know enough about the other ECFC schools and their rivalries to comment too extensively on it, but this is more a general comment/concern I suppose. Of all rivalry games, football is always the most important and the most hyped. If done correctly, schools can put themselves in a position (or conference) where the rivalry game is really amplified and it adds a lot to school spirit and school atmosphere.
Agreed, but most of these schools didn't even have a strong or hell even a football tradition before the league began. I don't think many people will be sad to see the league go since many believed, and rightfully so, that league was created just to steal an AQ.
On another point, I think another school than Alfred State that needs to be mention that I brought up on the MASCAC board is West Conn, in terms of relocating conference wise. They are a football only member part of the league, but I just can't help thinking that the NEWMAC or CCC could also grab them in all sports, allowing one of those teams from those leagues to bounce to the Liberty League. I know its sounds crazy, but most of this conference realignment is.
Quote from: Boxer7806 on November 23, 2015, 12:29:49 PM
Agreed, but most of these schools didn't even have a strong or hell even a football tradition before the league began. I don't think many people will be sad to see the league go since many believed, and rightfully so, that league was created just to steal an AQ.
100% this. Good riddance to a league that did absolutely nothing for D-III as a whole except perpetuate its biggest problem of lack of parity by virtue of making one additional playoff game a year meaningless. The only time they weren't blown out in the playoffs was when the 500-mile rule and hosting requirements gifted them a home game against MIT last year. A joke of a conference that hurt D-III football more than it helped
I keep trying to find the recent article from this site about the conference shifts in the Northeast but have been unsuccessful. Anyone have this link? I know I saw it!
I think Pat posted it on a previous page on this board. I also think NEDguy has a link above too.
Thanks!
I did see the NEDguy link, but Pat's link had a layout of all the conferences, and for some reason I'm having so little success finding it, even going backward in time on this board. I will keep looking.
Best way to find old stories is go to the Notables page and scroll.
http://www.d3football.com/notables/headlines-featured
Or if you know a team involved, you can go to the team page and scroll through the stories there.
Here's the story. http://www.d3football.com/notables/2015/11/ccc-finds-its-seventh I need to create a category like Coaching Carousel to house these stories now that there are more than a couple of them.
Thanks, Pat! +K
I was scrolling through past news stories but my eyes sometimes get lazy ;D. Thanks for the tip on the team, I hadn't thought of that.
It does seem like more and more a conference carousel page is needed!
Quote from: pg04 on November 23, 2015, 04:07:02 PM
It does seem like more and more a conference carousel page is needed!
And maybe a doomsday clock for the incredible, shrinking, at-large pool? ;D
Quote from: jknezek on November 23, 2015, 04:15:10 PM
Quote from: pg04 on November 23, 2015, 04:07:02 PM
It does seem like more and more a conference carousel page is needed!
And maybe a doomsday clock for the incredible, shrinking, at-large pool? ;D
LOL, Pool B armageddon!
Quote from: Bombers798891 on November 23, 2015, 02:10:07 PM
Quote from: Boxer7806 on November 23, 2015, 12:29:49 PM
Agreed, but most of these schools didn't even have a strong or hell even a football tradition before the league began. I don't think many people will be sad to see the league go since many believed, and rightfully so, that league was created just to steal an AQ.
100% this. Good riddance to a league that did absolutely nothing for D-III as a whole except perpetuate its biggest problem of lack of parity by virtue of making one additional playoff game a year meaningless. The only time they weren't blown out in the playoffs was when the 500-mile rule and hosting requirements gifted them a home game against MIT last year. A joke of a conference that hurt D-III football more than it helped
I don't shed any tears for the loss of the ECFC. It's a conference that really highlights my point. Outside of Castleton, Norwich has very little, if any, contact with any of the other schools in any of the other sports. I understand a lot of schools don't sponsor football, which makes a perfect alignment difficult. But, I think Norwich should strive to be associated with schools like Coast Guard, Kings Point, Maine Maritime, Mass Maritime - like-minded schools (and of course it never hurts to be associated with a school like MIT). It's a big part of Becker's reasoning for joining the CCC - they just fit better.
But, in my perfect world, Norwich, Kings Point, and the Maritimes would be full NEWMAC members so that there could be some continuity between sports and across the seasons so rivalries and a sense of community could develop. I'm rambling.
We're all talking about the ECFC like it's going away, but the fact is; all they have to do is find another crappy team who wants an easy path to an AQ to join them and they'll stay intact.
Bigger issue is the ease at which conferences can get started and be granted an AQ.
Any talk of altering the AQ / tournament format?
Side note: ECFC all conference came out today. Thoughts?
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Safe travels. :-*
Quote from: Bombers798891 on November 23, 2015, 02:10:07 PM
Quote from: Boxer7806 on November 23, 2015, 12:29:49 PM
Agreed, but most of these schools didn't even have a strong or hell even a football tradition before the league began. I don't think many people will be sad to see the league go since many believed, and rightfully so, that league was created just to steal an AQ.
100% this. Good riddance to a league that did absolutely nothing for D-III as a whole except perpetuate its biggest problem of lack of parity by virtue of making one additional playoff game a year meaningless. The only time they weren't blown out in the playoffs was when the 500-mile rule and hosting requirements gifted them a home game against MIT last year. A joke of a conference that hurt D-III football more than it helped
So should, say, Husson just drop football? What else were they supposed to do other than found their own league? Maine Maritime will NEVER let Husson join a league that MMA plays in.
The attitude of fans of established D3 teams is really a turn off to those of us who follow newer programs. We aren't deemed worthy of joining your established conferences, we aren't supposed to form our own conferences, it seems like you all just want us to stay independent, play whatever games you deign to allow us to play (probably resulting in 5 game seasons), and you want to belittle our efforts as you do it. Nice group of people, D3 football fans are.
Quote from: ccd494 on December 16, 2015, 03:22:04 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on November 23, 2015, 02:10:07 PM
Quote from: Boxer7806 on November 23, 2015, 12:29:49 PM
Agreed, but most of these schools didn't even have a strong or hell even a football tradition before the league began. I don't think many people will be sad to see the league go since many believed, and rightfully so, that league was created just to steal an AQ.
100% this. Good riddance to a league that did absolutely nothing for D-III as a whole except perpetuate its biggest problem of lack of parity by virtue of making one additional playoff game a year meaningless. The only time they weren't blown out in the playoffs was when the 500-mile rule and hosting requirements gifted them a home game against MIT last year. A joke of a conference that hurt D-III football more than it helped
So should, say, Husson just drop football? What else were they supposed to do other than found their own league? Maine Maritime will NEVER let Husson join a league that MMA plays in.
The attitude of fans of established D3 teams is really a turn off to those of us who follow newer programs. We aren't deemed worthy of joining your established conferences, we aren't supposed to form our own conferences, it seems like you all just want us to stay independent, play whatever games you deign to allow us to play (probably resulting in 5 game seasons), and you want to belittle our efforts as you do it. Nice group of people, D3 football fans are.
I am trying to figure a way to respond to this without adding more fire to your last line.
First, no one is telling any of the teams to throw away their programs. They should be proud of their programs. The major beef as stated is that the creation of the conference gave teams that would not have a chance in most (every?) other conference a chance to make the playoffs. In the end, this spot takes one that could be used as a Pool B or C for a team that may perform better in the playoffs. Now, of course, the goal of the D3 playoffs isn't to get ALL the best teams in, but this particular set up seemed like a bid grab by otherwise incapable teams.
Let's look at the Playoff performances:
Norwich 2015 (lucky to not have been sent to Mount): 37-0 loss to Albright
Husson 2014: 27-20 loss at home to MIT (to a conference also not known for prowess in the playoffs)
Gallaudet 2013: 34-7 loss to Hobert
Mount Ida 2012: 73-14 loss to Wesley
Norwich 2011: 62-10 loss to Delaware Valley
SUNY-Maritime: 60-0 loss to Alfred
Record: 0-6
Total Score: 293 - 51
This is why those interested in the east region feel iffy about the conference.
The conference was set up as sort of an island of misfit toys. Off in New England, unable to really become part of the conferences in NY Or NJ (although Norwich was part of one and opted for the easier route). I'm not part of the administration so I don't know how they could have avoided this or if they wanted to.
Quote from: pg04 on December 16, 2015, 04:08:17 PM
The conference was set up as sort of an island of misfit toys. Off in New England, unable to really become part of the conferences in NY Or NJ (although Norwich was part of one and opted for the easier route). I'm not part of the administration so I don't know how they could have avoided this or if they wanted to.
I don't dispute that the conference didn't do well in the playoffs. But (and I can only speak for Husson), they asked every single conference in New England if they could join. They all said no. The established conferences can't say "You can't play with us!" then get mad when they create their own opportunity to play.
The easiest way to not lose a playoff spot to the ECFC was to take the ECFC teams into their own conferences. Look at what is happening now, the ECFC teams that are being offered spots in better conferences are taking them. Clearly they didn't join the ECFC thinking "let's find the easiest way to make the playoffs!" They founded the ECFC thinking "let's be able to play a full schedule" and then the opportunity to make the playoffs came as a result, because there were enough schools out there that were being ostracized to do so.
Quote from: ccd494 on December 16, 2015, 04:46:41 PM
Look at what is happening now, the ECFC teams that are being offered spots in better conferences are taking them. Clearly they didn't join the ECFC thinking "let's find the easiest way to make the playoffs!" They founded the ECFC thinking "let's be able to play a full schedule" and then the opportunity to make the playoffs came as a result, because there were enough schools out there that were being ostracized to do so.
Fair point. Although in fairness, Norwich
was part of a better conference, which they were a doormat in.
Quote from: ccd494 on December 16, 2015, 04:46:41 PM
Quote from: pg04 on December 16, 2015, 04:08:17 PM
The conference was set up as sort of an island of misfit toys. Off in New England, unable to really become part of the conferences in NY Or NJ (although Norwich was part of one and opted for the easier route). I'm not part of the administration so I don't know how they could have avoided this or if they wanted to.
I don't dispute that the conference didn't do well in the playoffs. But (and I can only speak for Husson), they asked every single conference in New England if they could join. They all said no. The established conferences can't say "You can't play with us!" then get mad when they create their own opportunity to play.
The easiest way to not lose a playoff spot to the ECFC was to take the ECFC teams into their own conferences. Look at what is happening now, the ECFC teams that are being offered spots in better conferences are taking them. Clearly they didn't join the ECFC thinking "let's find the easiest way to make the playoffs!" They founded the ECFC thinking "let's be able to play a full schedule" and then the opportunity to make the playoffs came as a result, because there were enough schools out there that were being ostracized to do so.
+K
I always felt the idea that the ECFC was created to steal a playoff spot was a little silly (sorry, Bombers). I thought a more realistic depiction of that was "Let's find a place to play a full schedule against teams that we can actually compete with." I some Empire 8 fans felt a little sore because Norwich left their tougher league, where they got their asses kicked, and started going to the playoffs in the easier league, but I don't think "stealing a playoff berth" was on their mind so much as "we clearly aren't going to devote the resources necessary to compete with the good teams in our current league, so let's find a place where we can get a game on our own level." The fact that they started going to the playoffs was a happy side benefit of joining a league that they'd actually be competitive in.
ccd, thanks for sharing Husson's experience. I don't know if that's true of all ECFC schools, but it wouldn't surprise me if several ended up in the ECFC more out of convenience than anything else.
Bombers, I love you man, but I do think there's an important point to cover here. We've talked a lot about the imbalances between certain institutions and leagues around D3 and what that means for the playoff structure (should we keep AQ's or not? how should they be earned? etc). One of the things we've discussed is that UWW, Mount, and a few others clearly put more eggs into the basket than most of D3, and furthermore, that a school like Ithaca (while working to remain competitive) just realistically is never going to devote that same level of resources.
So...Ithaca looks to play in the pool that has teams like them (just having left the Empire 8 for the Liberty League, this is especially apt, although Ithaca was obviously competing just fine in football in the Empire 8). Can't blame anyone for seeking out their peer institutions to play ball, right? Playing in a league with similar institutions where you can be competitive is what most D3 schools should be doing; the national championship is irrelevant to >90% of Division III, so the focus ought to be finding schools like your own to compete with for a conference title.
So, cool. Ithaca decided that they didn't want to be in a league with a bunch of dissimilar schools any more, and found a pond with more similar schools. Isn't that what (most) of the ECFC did? The misfit toys, new programs, and cellar-dwellers got together so they could actually play some competitive games.
You're right, other than Norwich, I don't know the circumstances behind which the other schools joined the ECFC. I don't know if they tried to find a home in other conferences and got turned down, or if the institutional profiles of all the schools happen to fit just right with each other. There's probably more of that than I gave it credit for.
I suppose my ultimate problem with the ECFC was 95% really just the *concept* of the ECFC as it related to the larger realities of D-III football. The idea that, in an era where Pool C bids were slowly going away, that a bunch of mediocre/bad football programs formed a conference and yet another Pool C bid disappeared.
Ultimately, I do think a lack of parity is a huge problem in Division III football, and conferences like the ECFC, regardless of whether they are formed under the guise of "stealing a bid" (a regrettable phrase I should not have used) or a larger institutional purpose, clearly make that problem worse by ensuring that the overall playoff field is watered down. While I have tended to try and keep my thoughts about D-III football moves more institutionally focused, every so often, I do just care about the football side of it for the sake of the on-the-field product.
So, let me just say, from an institution-based standpoint of schools finding the best fit for them based on any number of factors, I have seen my hypocrisy on my ECFC stance.
But from a pure football fan standpoint, I still just roll my eyes as that conference winner gets obliterated in the playoffs. Which is why my stance on them from a pure football perspective, would be different than my stance on say, Ithaca leaving the E8, since Ithaca joining the LL doesn't make the worst aspect of D-III football even worse.
I mean, it's an understandable frustration. I just never really saw it the way you did that this was a league formed solely for those teams to sneak into the playoffs.
You can certainly point out that if they're just trying to find a place they can play competitive games without worrying about having nationally competitive programs, they could just be like the NESCAC and play each other and get competitive games without swiping a playoff bid. But, that brings us back around to ccd's post, which is that these teams didn't necessarily want to be an intramural group, but were forced together due to lack of other options, and ultimately some of them are hoping to become competitive with the rest of the East programs, at least.
And also, for a guy from Eastern PA, I have a terrible lack of knowledge of New England's geography, but I drove from Pittsburgh to Connecticut a few weeks ago and man that was a longggg drive. I can only imagine that for teams up in Maine and New Hampshire and Vermont what it'd be like trying to play games against teams in New York, New Jersey, PA on a regular basis. On a lark, I just checked how far it is from Husson to Rochester (a random mid-pack LL team)...622 miles. That's going to be pretty similar for them to take a trip to almost any other Liberty League or Empire 8 school. Some of those teams really don't have any other choice without a lot of very long bus rides and overnight trips.
Quote from: ExTartanPlayer on December 18, 2015, 12:13:10 PM
And also, for a guy from Eastern PA, I have a terrible lack of knowledge of New England's geography, but I drove from Pittsburgh to Connecticut a few weeks ago and man that was a longggg drive. I can only imagine that for teams up in Maine and New Hampshire and Vermont what it'd be like trying to play games against teams in New York, New Jersey, PA on a regular basis. On a lark, I just checked how far it is from Husson to Rochester (a random mid-pack LL team)...622 miles. That's going to be pretty similar for them to take a trip to almost any other Liberty League or Empire 8 school. Some of those teams really don't have any other choice without a lot of very long bus rides and overnight trips.
Yep. Lots of people forget how far North and East this country goes from Boston. Having grown up in NJ and taken a bunch of camping trips up that way they were long, long drives. Felt every bit as long as some of those rides down to South Carolina or TN. Of course, now that I live in Alabama it's hard to believe how far West we are for being one state away from the Atlantic. Birmingham is on a North/South line almost directly beneath Chicago. It actually was closer for me to get to Thomas More than up to W&L because of how far West Birmingham is, not that I went which turned out to be a blessing in diguise. It's a big freaking country and it's easy to forget that. Especially for people who live on the I95 Boston to D.C. corridor and fly everywhere else.
I understand the feeling of better teams watching the ECFC teams get mauled in the postseason. It has to be frustrating. I just take issue with fans blaming the ECFC and its teams for what isn't really their fault.
I, as a Husson fan, wouldn't complain if the NCAA created some sort of play-in procedure where maybe the ECFC and NEFC combine for one bid, or have a play-in game of some sort. I have no idea how the mechanics would work, but it wouldn't be outrageous.
Regardless, without the ECFC I don't think Husson football would survive. Already they struggle enough to get non-conference games that they played one short on the schedule this season. MMA's continued outright refusal to entertain the notion of playing Husson, and Colby-Bates-Bowdoin's insular NESCAC schedule, means that Husson is automatically travelling (or being traveled to) over four hours just to get a game. Hopefully the University of New England will be willing to play Husson, but other than that there is no help coming on the horizon.
Quote from: ccd494 on December 18, 2015, 12:55:23 PM
I, as a Husson fan, wouldn't complain if the NCAA created some sort of play-in procedure where maybe the ECFC and NEFC combine for one bid, or have a play-in game of some sort. I have no idea how the mechanics would work, but it wouldn't be outrageous.
This has been discussed occasionally before - if the tournament ever grows beyond 32 teams, this sort of thing would seem like a logical solution. Play-in games between teams with low seeds in close geographic proximity.
Quote from: ccd494 on December 18, 2015, 12:55:23 PM
Regardless, without the ECFC I don't think Husson football would survive. Already they struggle enough to get non-conference games that they played one short on the schedule this season. MMA's continued outright refusal to entertain the notion of playing Husson, and Colby-Bates-Bowdoin's insular NESCAC schedule, means that Husson is automatically travelling (or being traveled to) over four hours just to get a game. Hopefully the University of New England will be willing to play Husson, but other than that there is no help coming on the horizon.
Good insight, this is one of the benefits of these boards. We can occasionally get caught up in our own desires/wishers, always good to have reminders from fans of other schools what their experience is like.
One thing I can credit Husson with is scheduling out of the ECFC. They do a good job generally scheduling up in conference. Some of the teams in the ECFC are not as bold. Again, that could be a function of many things, but it's something that has helped Husson, I think.
Quote from: ccd494 on December 18, 2015, 12:55:23 PM
I understand the feeling of better teams watching the ECFC teams get mauled in the postseason. It has to be frustrating. I just take issue with fans blaming the ECFC and its teams for what isn't really their fault.
I, as a Husson fan, wouldn't complain if the NCAA created some sort of play-in procedure where maybe the ECFC and NEFC combine for one bid, or have a play-in game of some sort. I have no idea how the mechanics would work, but it wouldn't be outrageous.
Regardless, without the ECFC I don't think Husson football would survive. Already they struggle enough to get non-conference games that they played one short on the schedule this season. MMA's continued outright refusal to entertain the notion of playing Husson, and Colby-Bates-Bowdoin's insular NESCAC schedule, means that Husson is automatically travelling (or being traveled to) over four hours just to get a game. Hopefully the University of New England will be willing to play Husson, but other than that there is no help coming on the horizon.
It should also be noted that not all travel distances are effectively equal. 300 miles in the northeast may take as long as 4-500 miles in the ASC or NWC.
Speaking for Norwich, there was a number of reasons that Norwich switched conferences, and it has nothing to do with stealing a playoff bid. Norwich football survived over 100 years without worrying about playoff bids. It didn't automatically become a priority.
1. Travel distance. In the Empire 8, every road game except for Springfield was 5-7 hours away. In the ECFC, SUNY and Gaulladet are long hauls (with Husson being about 5 hours), but Castleton, Becker, Mt. Ida, and Anna Maria are in the normal footprint of what Norwich athletics normally play. So travel wise, it made sense.
2. School identity. Norwich is a small New England school. It makes sense to join a conference that is primarily made up of small New England schools.
3. Norwich was asked to. Sure, Norwich didn't have great success in the Empire 8, but as has been mentioned, it was an established program that had been playing football for over a century. It's commitment to the conference gave the conference that had a number of upstart programs (Castleton, Anna Maria, Gallaudet) a sense of legitimacy and permanency.
Of these reasons, #2 highlights why Norwich is leaving the ECFC for the NEWMAC. I imagine that the NEWMAC is going to be tougher for Norwich, but being associated with like-minded schools like Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and Maine Maritime just makes a lot of sense. Add that to being associated with strong academic schools like MIT and Catholic, and then long-standing rivals WPI and Springfield and it's just a perfect fit. Is it going to be harder to win conference championships and make the playoffs? Yes, probably. But that's not the entire point. The point is that the new conference better serves Norwich's needs in terms of underlining the school's identity and values while allowing its student-athletes to compete in this environment. That's what DIII is all about! And that's why Norwich moved to the ECFC in the first place.
Somewhere in here I can go on my rant about why I hate the very concept of wild cards in any sport, but I'll save that for another day.
The notion that the ECFC schools were having a hard time filling their schedules without a conference is somewhat lost on me....the ECFC was formed to steal an AQ plain and simple.
In the years prior to the ECFC's formation in 2009; Becker, Mount Ida, Husson, SUNY and Galladet were all playing 9 or 10 game schedules as independents (see D3football.com team pages)...and had been doing so for years. (Mount Ida started football in 1999, Husson in 2003, Becker and SUNY in 2005, and Galaudet "returning to varsity" in 2007). With the exception of the first year for a few of those teams, it seems like they found games without issue, often times playing each other.
Castleton and Anna Maria started football in conjunction with the ECFC's formation in 2009, and my guess is that Castleton's leadership was the driving force to get the AQ. (see below)
(Norwich, as mentioned by others, had a long football history and was in the E8 prior to 2009)
Despite what has been said on this board, it is clear in the first ever press release about the ECFC, that the goal was in fact to get an AQ:
See Castleton President's quote:
"Our college conference Presidents voted unanimously to support the new ECFC because we believe that it will enhance the overall student-athlete educational experience at our institutions, expand Division III non-scholarship football opportunities, create an automatic qualifier for the NCAA national tournament, and focus on sportsmanship, fair play, moral integrity and competitive excellence," said Castleton State College President and Chair of the ECFC Presidents Council, Dave Wolk.
http://www.easterncollegiatefootball.com/sports/fball/2009-10/news/09announcement
Quote from: NED3Guy on December 18, 2015, 03:05:40 PM
The notion that the ECFC schools were having a hard time filling their schedules without a conference is somewhat lost on me....the ECFC was formed to steal an AQ plain and simple.
In the years prior to the ECFC's formation in 2009; Becker, Mount Ida, Husson, SUNY and Galladet were all playing 9 or 10 game schedules as independents (see D3football.com team pages)...and had been doing so for years. (Mount Ida started football in 1999, Husson in 2003, Becker and SUNY in 2005, and Galaudet "returning to varsity" in 2007). With the exception of the first year for a few of those teams, it seems like they found games without issue, often times playing each other.
Castleton and Anna Maria started football in conjunction with the ECFC's formation in 2009, and my guess is that Castleton's leadership was the driving force to get the AQ. (see below)
(Norwich, as mentioned by others, had a long football history and was in the E8 prior to 2009)
Despite what has been said on this board, it is clear in the first ever press release about the ECFC, that the goal was in fact to get an AQ:
See Castleton President's quote:
"Our college conference Presidents voted unanimously to support the new ECFC because we believe that it will enhance the overall student-athlete educational experience at our institutions, expand Division III non-scholarship football opportunities, create an automatic qualifier for the NCAA national tournament, and focus on sportsmanship, fair play, moral integrity and competitive excellence," said Castleton State College President and Chair of the ECFC Presidents Council, Dave Wolk.
http://www.easterncollegiatefootball.com/sports/fball/2009-10/news/09announcement
That's good information...but it's still a little mystifying to me why this is
stealing an AQ and not just a normal thing to do. Why wouldn't a bunch of teams that are
already playing against each other as independents (in your own words) decide to form a conference, especially once two more programs in their footprint started up? Doesn't that just seem like a natural thing to do?
Valid.
I guess "stealing" is a bit harsh.
So I will back track, put foot in mouth and change my statement...
The ECFC, how it was formed, why it was formed, and how it gained an AQ; was not stealing. They looked at the NCAA rules, saw a way to get an AQ and did what they needed to do to get it. The rules are what they are, and the process can be debated forever....
Sidenote: the first ECFC team to make the NCAA tournament did so as a pool B, when SUNY won the conference in 2010...learning a lot killing time on the ECFC website today.
I think regardless of whether an NCAA bid, per NCAA rules, was a viable option, something resembling the ECFC would have formed.
Like you said, the schools were playing schedules that were basically against themselves. Whether it was forming a conference that could get an NCAA bid, or a conference that could just crown a champion, hope for an ECAC Bowl appearance and then go home, it was going to get formed. Maybe the league was proactive in finding the requisite members for an autobid (like asking Norwich to move over), but once you are already going to form the conference, why not take that extra step?
If all the schools had, like Norwich, left Pool A conferences for the virtue of forming a new conference amongst teams that had never been there then yes, that is stealing a bid. But seven of the schools involved didn't have another conference to join. The conferences that didn't let those schools in don't get to say they can't form a new conference.
I would love it if Husson got an invite to a conference other than the ECFC. I think the administration is willing to support the program as much as they need to for the Eagles to be successful against whoever they play. The issue is finding a conference full of teams willing to drive to Maine, then drive another two-plus hours as soon as they hit the border.
Alfred State and Dean Joining the ECFC in 2017.
Becker coach steps down after the best year in program history and being named ECFC coach of the year....
How soon until his name pops up someplace else in the region?
Wow that is shocking news...They are going to be Returning a majority of their Skill Players too.
Quote from: NED3Guy on February 02, 2016, 09:13:18 AM
Becker coach steps down after the best year in program history and being named ECFC coach of the year....
How soon until his name pops up someplace else in the region?
Not long. All depends on when University of New England is ready to announce its coaching hire for the 2017 team.
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 02, 2016, 12:54:46 PM
Quote from: NED3Guy on February 02, 2016, 09:13:18 AM
Becker coach steps down after the best year in program history and being named ECFC coach of the year....
How soon until his name pops up someplace else in the region?
Not long. All depends on when University of New England is ready to announce its coaching hire for the 2017 team.
Now. http://bangordailynews.com/2016/02/04/sports/first-university-of-new-england-head-football-coach-cannot-wait-to-get-started/?ref=SportsBox
Included in the Portland Press Herald story about UNE hiring Lichten is news that Husson and UNE have a four year scheduling agreement starting in 2018. Great news for the Eagles.
A bit of old news, but the Maple Sap Bucket Game will live on when Norwich moves to the NEWMAC in 2017. Good news for both schools and the state of Vermont.
http://norwichathletics.com/sports/fball/2015-16/releases/20160215ffxuyt
https://noontimesports.com/
Matt Noonan previews the NEFC and other NE D3FB conferences, including the NESCAC, in this blog post.
New logo in rebranding effort: http://easterncollegiatefootball.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/ECFC_New_Logo
The new commissioner sounds very impressive.
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on August 16, 2016, 03:11:51 PM
New logo in rebranding effort: http://easterncollegiatefootball.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/ECFC_New_Logo
I really like the logo...a good change.
Article on Husson RB John Smith: http://bangordailynews.com/2016/08/22/sports/husson-running-back-on-record-setting-pace-as-team-aims-for-ncaa-tourney/?ref=SportsBox
QuoteHe rushed for 1,408 yards in 10 games in his first season en route to being named the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference's Rookie of the Year and followed that up by gaining 1,733 yards in 10 games last fall to earn the league's Offensive Player of the Year distinction.
He is averaging 6.02 yards per carry, has rushed for 100 or more yards in 16 of his 20 games and is just 451 yards away from breaking Julius Williams' career rushing mark of 3,591 yards.
It's scary to think he's only a junior. He's certainly a foundational player that Husson can continue to build upon as they build their program.
With that said, any predictions for the conference this year? Last year we saw Husson and Norwich battling it out for the championship in a memorable second-to-last weekend matchup in Northfield. With some light research, I'm expecting a similar matchup this year up in Maine as both teams return most of their offensive threats. Norwich loses some experience on defense, but still returns 5 of their top 7 leading tacklers from last season.
Becker showed huge improvement last year while Castleton maintained the improvement they made the previous season, but I expect a little regression from the Spartans as they graduated their senior QB who was the cornerstone of their passing offense. Will Becker be able to maintain and build upon their success from last year? Are any of the other teams legitimate threats for turn-around seasons?
WCAX preview for both Castleton and Norwich: http://www.wcax.com/story/32802423/castleton-norwich-football-first-look
I think it will come down to Husson and Norwich again.
Becker still has some skill talent, but they are starting over with a new coaching staff. I agree Castleton may slide back a bit. SUNY-M should be good enough to beat Anna Maria, Mt. Ida and Gallaudet again (plus cowardly Maine Maritime). The bottom 3 will remain the bottom 3.
quick Conference Predictions :
1. Husson- Smith Makes this team the Favorite in every game
2. Becker- Stud QB best QB in league and has the skill players around him
3. Norwich- Always a threat, tough defensive minded team- Will they be able to score
4.Castleton - Next QB up in there system...will take lumps easry but watch out at the end of the year
5/6 Mount Ida- Last year was first season in ECFC play they did not finish above .500. Expect them to get back in middle of the pack
5/6. SUNY- been on downward spiral last couple of years
7. Galludet-hope they can get back to consistently competing
8. Anna Maria- Until proven otherwise still bottom of league
Coaches seem to agree with us, more or less. I'm a biased Norwich fan, so I expect them to win, but I certainly can't complain about anyone picking Husson, especially since the game between the Cadets and Eagles is in Bangor this year. I think Becker receiving a first place vote is a bit ambitious, but I do expect them to top Castleton.
http://easterncollegiatefootball.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/2016preseasonpoll
Complete 2016 ECFC Coaches Preseason Poll
1. Husson (5) 59
2. Norwich (2) 55
3. Castleton 45
4. Becker College (1) 37
5. SUNY Maritime 36
6. Mount Ida 30
7. Gallaudet University 16
8. Anna Maria College 10
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on August 24, 2016, 02:11:23 PM
Coaches seem to agree with us, more or less. I'm a biased Norwich fan, so I expect them to win, but I certainly can't complain about anyone picking Husson, especially since the game between the Cadets and Eagles is in Bangor this year. I think Becker receiving a first place vote is a bit ambitious, but I do expect them to top Castleton.
http://easterncollegiatefootball.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/2016preseasonpoll
Complete 2016 ECFC Coaches Preseason Poll
1. Husson (5) 59
2. Norwich (2) 55
3. Castleton 45
4. Becker College (1) 37
5. SUNY Maritime 36
6. Mount Ida 30
7. Gallaudet University 16
8. Anna Maria College 10
Flip SUNY-Maritime and Castleton and it aligns with my projections. You can read more here:
http://loganahansen21.wixsite.com/hansen-ratings/single-post/2016/08/24/Kickoff-16-Predictions (http://loganahansen21.wixsite.com/hansen-ratings/single-post/2016/08/24/Kickoff-16-Predictions)
Scroll to the bottom to see the ECFC projections. I don't know much about the ECFC, so my personal analysis is...
lacking to put it lightly.
Story on Husson/Coaches poll: http://bangordailynews.com/2016/08/24/sports/husson-picked-to-win-ecfc-football-championship/?ref=SportsBox
Norwich preview: http://www.norwichathletics.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/20160829j997o1
A lot of experience returning and a lot of new faces and fresh talent to look forward to.
QuoteNORTHFIELD, Vt. - Boasting one of the largest rosters in recent memory, the Norwich University football program will look to blend its seasoned returning corps with many fresh faces in the quest for an eighth-straight postseason appearance in 2016. The defending Eastern Collegiate Football Conference champions, all eyes are on Norwich in the quest for its fourth league title since 2009.
This season also marks the final year of competition for Norwich in the ECFC. Beginning in 2017, the Cadets will join the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) - Norwich will be reuniting with long-time opponents Coast Guard, Springfield, WPI and Merchant Marine. In short, the Cadets and large senior class will look to depart the ECFC on top of the standings.
...
Season officially kicks off tonight with Coast Guard @ Anna Maria. Let's get this rolling! Team previews below with last season's record in parenthesis.
Anna Maria (1-9, 1-6):
http://easterncollegiatefootball.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/annamaria_preview
Becker (7-3, 5-2):
http://www.beckerhawks.com/sports/fball/2016-17/videos/20160819-2efbme7a
Castleton (7-3, 5-2):
http://castletonsports.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/20160824ogk78m
Gallaudet (0-9, 0-7):
http://www.gallaudetathletics.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/seasonpreview
Husson (7-3, 6-1):
No official preview, but website: http://hussoneagles.com/sports/fball/index
Mount Ida (2-8, 2-5):
http://www.mountidamustangs.com/landing/index
Maritime (SUNY) (5-5, 3-4):
http://www.maritimeathletics.com/news/2016/8/29/season-preview-maritime-football-team-gearing-up-for-2016-season.aspx
Norwich (6-5, 6-1):
http://norwichathletics.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/20160829j997o1
It was an impressive night for CGA's SR QB Derek Victory, but I can see the AMCATs D isn't really up to the task this season. He'll have a tougher time against the USMMA next weekend in CT.
My sources tell me Mt. Ida has had some injuries to their receiving core in camp, and will probably struggle on offense tonight. I'm taking Umass Dartmouth and the under tonight. 23-7.
Also, Did Mt. Ida get lights?
Anna Maria is in for ANOTHER long year
Yes Mount Ida got a brand new turf field with lights in 2012 the year they won the ECFC. The field is in a great location center of the campus and turned out great.
Weekly Predictions:
UMASS 27- Ida 10
Fitchburg 34 - Becker 24
SUNY 31 - Maine 17
Husson 24 - Alfred 21
Castleton 35 - Plymouth 14
RPI 28 - Norwich 24
Shen 42 - Gall 14
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 02, 2016, 12:30:58 PM
Anna Maria is in for ANOTHER long year
Yes Mount Ida got a brand new turf field with lights in 2012 the year they won the ECFC. The field is in a great location center of the campus and turned out great.
Weekly Predictions:
UMASS 27- Ida 10
Fitchburg 34 - Becker 24
SUNY 31 - Maine 17
Husson 24 - Alfred 21
Castleton 35 - Plymouth 14
RPI 28 - Norwich 24
Shen 42 - Gall 14
Ballsy pick :)
Quote from: dlip on September 02, 2016, 01:30:15 PM
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 02, 2016, 12:30:58 PM
Anna Maria is in for ANOTHER long year
Yes Mount Ida got a brand new turf field with lights in 2012 the year they won the ECFC. The field is in a great location center of the campus and turned out great.
Weekly Predictions:
UMASS 27- Ida 10
Fitchburg 34 - Becker 24
SUNY 31 - Maine 17
Husson 24 - Alfred 21
Castleton 35 - Plymouth 14
RPI 28 - Norwich 24
Shen 42 - Gall 14
Ballsy pick :)
Ballsy team. Husson was the real deal today. Fat Lady didn't sing until there were less than 10 seconds remaining. Eagles will fly high the rest of the way....John Smith gave the Saxons fits. QB had some clutch throws. But with Julio walking off the field, the Saxons were not to be denied.
Best of luck to Gabby Price and his Eagles the rest of the way. Husson is a solid team and gave the Saxons a tough game.
On Saxon Warriors!
Quote from: AUPepBand on September 03, 2016, 11:51:07 PM
Quote from: dlip on September 02, 2016, 01:30:15 PM
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 02, 2016, 12:30:58 PM
Anna Maria is in for ANOTHER long year
Yes Mount Ida got a brand new turf field with lights in 2012 the year they won the ECFC. The field is in a great location center of the campus and turned out great.
Weekly Predictions:
UMASS 27- Ida 10
Fitchburg 34 - Becker 24
SUNY 31 - Maine 17
Husson 24 - Alfred 21
Castleton 35 - Plymouth 14
RPI 28 - Norwich 24
Shen 42 - Gall 14
Ballsy pick :)
Ballsy team. Husson was the real deal today. Fat Lady didn't sing until there were less than 10 seconds remaining. Eagles will fly high the rest of the way....John Smith gave the Saxons fits. QB had some clutch throws. But with Julio walking off the field, the Saxons were not to be denied.
Best of luck to Gabby Price and his Eagles the rest of the way. Husson is a solid team and gave the Saxons a tough game.
On Saxon Warriors!
That's great Pep! dlip is happy the Saxons won but he is also pleased to hear how solid a team Husson is! dlip for one is enjoying the rapid growth of the New England football schools.
An example that comes to mind is the Springfield/Western New England University rivalry. Those two schools are basically 5-10 minutes from each other. Yet they only began playing each other 4 years ago because, well why would they? Springfield would have killed them with their back-ups. However within the past couple years the tables have turned so that on the field, the Pride have become the Golden Bears whipping boy (this is in jest). WNEU is 3-1 against the Pride and have won the past three meetings by a score of 98-58.
Quote from: dlip on September 04, 2016, 10:31:03 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on September 03, 2016, 11:51:07 PM
Quote from: dlip on September 02, 2016, 01:30:15 PM
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 02, 2016, 12:30:58 PM
Anna Maria is in for ANOTHER long year
Yes Mount Ida got a brand new turf field with lights in 2012 the year they won the ECFC. The field is in a great location center of the campus and turned out great.
Weekly Predictions:
UMASS 27- Ida 10
Fitchburg 34 - Becker 24
SUNY 31 - Maine 17
Husson 24 - Alfred 21
Castleton 35 - Plymouth 14
RPI 28 - Norwich 24
Shen 42 - Gall 14
Ballsy pick :)
Ballsy team. Husson was the real deal today. Fat Lady didn't sing until there were less than 10 seconds remaining. Eagles will fly high the rest of the way....John Smith gave the Saxons fits. QB had some clutch throws. But with Julio walking off the field, the Saxons were not to be denied.
Best of luck to Gabby Price and his Eagles the rest of the way. Husson is a solid team and gave the Saxons a tough game.
On Saxon Warriors!
That's great Pep! dlip is happy the Saxons won but he is also pleased to hear how solid a team Husson is! dlip for one is enjoying the rapid growth of the New England football schools.
An example that comes to mind is the Springfield/Western New England University rivalry. Those two schools are basically 5-10 minutes from each other. Yet they only began playing each other 4 years ago because, well why would they? Springfield would have killed them with their back-ups. However within the past couple years the tables have turned so that on the field, the Pride have become the Golden Bears whipping boy (this is in jest). WNEU is 3-1 against the Pride and have won the past three meetings by a score of 98-58.
Pep was impressed with Husson's defensive line. Pep believes the Saxons have a stellar offensive line but AU was unable to get a rhythm in the running game. AU caught a break when first-year LB Isaiah Moak intercepted late in the first quarter and returned 25 yards to the Eagle 13-yard-line to set up AU's first TD.
AU also got out of a pickle early in the 4th quarter after a sack of Tyler Johnson found AU with 3rd-and-17 on the 1 yard line with the game tied at 21. Johnson tossed a timing pattern pass to Brendan Buisch, who managed to pull it in at about the AU-40(?) while closely covered and broke away before being caught and tackled at the Husson 30. An unsportsmanlike penalty was tacked on, giving AU the ball on the Eagle 15, a net gain of 84 yards. AU punched it in three plays later to take a 28-21 lead. On the ensuing possession, Husson was flagged for an illegal block and couldn't get untracked, punting back to AU. Saxons mixed it up and marched 56 yards for another score, with Tyler Johnson's 3rd-down 31-yard scamper covering most of the real estate.
Husson never quit. Cory Brandon marched the Eagles 68 yards in 10 plays to pull to within 35-28 with 3:30 to go. AU was stopped on a 3rd-and-1 at midfield and after a Trevor Monk punt, Husson had the ball at its own 15-yard-line with 1:31 to go but turned the ball over on downs with 49 seconds to go after failing to move the ball.
I was out of town this weekend and wasn't able to watch any games, but from reading the write-ups it seems the weekend went largely as expected. Norwich, Husson, and Becker all put up good showings against strong opponents in tough losses. For Norwich, I know freshman running back Patrick Brown came into the game with high expectations, winning the starting job in camp, and he didn't disappoint in putting up 117 yards on 19 carries.
The only glaring disappointment was Castleton turning the ball over five times and losing to Plymouth State. Might be a long year for them.
Week 2 Predictions:
Mass Maritime 17 @ SUNY Maritime 21
Anna Maria 10 @ Nichols 42
Norwich 27 @ St. Lawrence 34
Becker 21 @ MIT 24
Mount Ida 7 @ Plymouth State 14
Castleton 14 @ Fitchburg State 35
Earlham 13 @ Gallaudet 17
Husson has a Week 2 bye? Ok...
Dlip would be surprised to see the Cadets put up 27 on SLU.
Quote from: dlip on September 05, 2016, 05:26:45 PM
Dlip would be surprised to see the Cadets put up 27 on SLU.
Or 7 for that matter. SLU has a great defense.
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on September 05, 2016, 05:23:35 PM
I was out of town this weekend and wasn't able to watch any games, but from reading the write-ups it seems the weekend went largely as expected. Norwich, Husson, and Becker all put up good showings against strong opponents in tough losses. For Norwich, I know freshman running back Patrick Brown came into the game with high expectations, winning the starting job in camp, and he didn't disappoint in putting up 117 yards on 19 carries.
Husson has a Week 2 bye? Ok...
Heck, that's a long, long bus ride (661 miles) back from Alfred...wouldn't you want a bye, too, if it were the following Tuesday when you finally got back to campus? ;)
Pep's eyes were on Julio during his walk from the field Saturday and didn't notice at the time but after seeing the Husson players in the background of the video and their response to the moment, Pep must express his admiration for the Eagles and their respectful salute to Julio. Thank you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qka3VPCGPf0&feature=youtu.be
If I knew any Husson posters, I'd +K all of 'em....Gabby Price is a class act and has a fine squad of young men.
P.S. Later during the game, Julio proposed to his girlfriend....and she said "Yes!" Today, Pep received an e-mail from AU President Mark Zupan who, in part, wrote, "Finally, Julio told us that his goal is to complete his degree in counseling so that he can help others who confront challenging circumstances such as the ones that he has faced. With the resounding endorsement of our University's Board of Trustees, we have offered Julio a full-tuition scholarship and a waiver of fees if he wishes to return to our University to complete his undergraduate studies and then walk across the stage to accept his Alfred University diploma.
In my remarks to new students at our opening convocation in late August, I talked about the lessons learned from the recently published book Grit: the Power of Passion and Perseverance written by MacArthur Foundation Genius-Grant-winner Angela Lee Duckworth. Just ten days later, in the stands at Yunevich Stadium, we all saw the embodiment of grit in our own Julio Fuentes."
Power Rankings:
1. Husson 0-1...good showing vs Alfred...Lets see if they can win out and give a 1st round scare in NCAA
2. Norwich 0-1....cameback vs RPI to make a game ...Clear cut Norwich and Husson top 2 Teams
3. SUNY 1-0...Only team to win this weekend vs Maine Maritime who they took to OT
4. Becker 0-1...Again played Fitchburg tough who will probably be 2nd best team in there conference
5. Castleton 0-1....What happened to their offense?
6. Mount Ida 0-1...No Offense vs Middle of pack team...Defense gave up 400 on the ground Yikes
7. Gall 0-1...Good ole beatdown
8. Anna Maria 0-1...Could have lost 60 - 0 if Coast Guard did not have miscues in the 1st half
Week 2 Predictions:
SUNY 24 Mass Maritime 21
Nichols 42 Anna Maria 3
St. Lawrence 17 Norwich 6
Becker 20 MIT 17
Plymouth 24 Ida 7
Fitchburg 34 Castleton 14
Gall 24 Earl 10
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 06, 2016, 09:00:06 AM
Power Rankings:
1. Husson 0-1...good showing vs Alfred...Lets see if they can win out and give a 1st round scare in NCAA
2. Norwich 0-1....cameback vs RPI to make a game ...Clear cut Norwich and Husson top 2 Teams
3. SUNY 1-0...Only team to win this weekend vs Maine Maritime who they took to OT
4. Becker 0-1...Again played Fitchburg tough who will probably be 2nd best team in there conference
5. Castleton 0-1....What happened to their offense?
6. Mount Ida 0-1...No Offense vs Middle of pack team...Defense gave up 400 on the ground Yikes
7. Gall 0-1...Good ole beatdown
8. Anna Maria 0-1...Could have lost 60 - 0 if Coast Guard did not have miscues in the 1st half
Week 2 Predictions:
SUNY 24 Mass Maritime 21
Nichols 42 Anna Maria 3
St. Lawrence 17 Norwich 6
Becker 20 MIT 17
Plymouth 24 Ida 7
Fitchburg 34 Castleton 14
Gall 24 Earl 10
I'd agree with those observations. Becker-MIT is the game of the week, IMO. I don't hide my bias for Norwich, so I need to be optimistic in their chances of putting up points against St. Lawrence. ;) But, objectively, I expect them to have a strong and dynamic offense this year, so it's not a prediction completely out of left field.
As for Castleton, they've torched my Cadets in the Maple Sap Bucket Game the past two years relying on the passing game and the big play. A new quarterback is going to limit that ability and will inevitably lead to some growing pains. I predict them to improve as the season goes along, but I think they're going to have a rebuilding type of year and take a few steps back.
21-0 SLU over Norwich after 1st Quarter. I've seen SLU complete four 3rd and 4th down conversions on over the middle passes. Frustrating.
6-1 with the picks for last week...Missed the Chowder Bowl...Some Scores were way off though.
Power Rankings Through 2 Weeks:
1. Husson 1-0 ..Bye week Still top dog
2. Becker 1-1...Congrats to 1st win for new Coach...Will battle Norwich for #2 team
3. Norwich 1-1...SLU put the beatdown on them
4. SUNY 1-1...Blew a huge chance to start 2-0
5. Mount Ida 0-2...Had Plymouth beat in Regulation and after 1st OT but missed too many PAT's
6. Castleton 0-2 ...Moves down based on Score with common opponent Plymouth
7. Galludet 1-1...Nice win but against very bad team
8. Anna Maria 0-2...Close but no Cigar
Week 3 Predictions:
Husson 24 Dean 17
Merchant Marine 27 SUNY 21
Becker 34 Nichols 17
Springfield 35 Ida 17
Salve 52 Castleton 13
Curry 31 Anna Maria 10
Norwich 24 WPI 21
Galludet 24 Greensboro 10
An absolutely pitiful performance from Norwich. Their worst loss since 1991. But, tip of the hat to SLU. Their defense definitely lived up to the hype and the game was simply pure domination.
On the brightside for NU, they lost 37-0 to RPI last season, went 0-3 OOC, and then went on to win the ECFC. In fact, the past two times they started 0-3 OOC they went on to win the conference. So, even if they lose this weekend to WPI, history is on their side. With that said, it'd be nice for them to get a win at homecoming and head into the conference slate with some momentum.
Good win for Becker. I agree that you'd have to rank them above Norwich after this past weekend. And Husson is now the clear conference favorite, which it was in a lot of people's minds anyways, until Norwich shows improvement (which I expect this weekend). And finally, congratulations to Gallaudet for getting back in the win column. Bad opponent or not, a win's a win.
Week 3 Predictions:
Husson 38 Dean 24
USMMA 27 SUNY 14
Becker 21 Nichols 20
Springfield 41 Ida 13
Salve 49 Castleton 7
Curry 45 Anna Maria 20
Gall 34 Greensboro 16
And if I wasn't a homer, I'd probably pick against Norwich this week. But, I am a homer, so:
Norwich 20 WPI 17
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 12, 2016, 03:28:29 PM
6-1 with the picks for last week...Missed the Chowder Bowl...Some Scores were way off though.
Power Rankings Through 2 Weeks:
1. Husson 1-0 ..Bye week Still top dog
2. Becker 1-1...Congrats to 1st win for new Coach...Will battle Norwich for #2 team
3. Norwich 1-1...SLU put the beatdown on them
4. SUNY 1-1...Blew a huge chance to start 2-0
5. Mount Ida 0-2...Had Plymouth beat in Regulation and after 1st OT but missed too many PAT's
6. Castleton 0-2 ...Moves down based on Score with common opponent Plymouth
7. Galludet 1-1...Nice win but against very bad team
8. Anna Maria 0-2...Close but no Cigar
Week 3 Predictions:
Husson 24 Dean 17
Merchant Marine 27 SUNY 21
Becker 34 Nichols 17
Springfield 35 Ida 17
Salve 52 Castleton 13
Curry 31 Anna Maria 10
Norwich 24 WPI 21
Galludet 24 Greensboro 10
Did Pep miss something? Was thinking Husson was 0-1 after the 12-hour trip to "The Pit". They're a solid football team and Pep doesn't question their "top dog" status. Must be the tight game with AU was perhaps a moral W?
Sorry Pep got Trigger happy with the 1-0 ;D..Yes Husson is 0-1
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 13, 2016, 11:06:12 AM
Sorry Pep got Trigger happy with the 1-0 ;D..Yes Husson is 0-1
No worries. Pep is a copy editor by trade....always trying to set the record straight. +K
Quote from: AUPepBand on September 13, 2016, 01:48:03 PM
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 13, 2016, 11:06:12 AM
Sorry Pep got Trigger happy with the 1-0 ;D..Yes Husson is 0-1
No worries. Pep is a copy editor by trade....always trying to set the record straight. +K
Ha
Husson beats Dean tonight 43-23. John Smith, 39 rushes for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Dean's going to be in the top half of the conference next year I think. Young team.
Quote from: ccd494 on September 16, 2016, 10:26:40 PM
Husson beats Dean tonight 43-23. John Smith, 39 rushes for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Dean's going to be in the top half of the conference next year I think. Young team.
Kinda telling when a middling JuCo program moves to a D3 conference and you think it's going to be in the top half of it.
Not a good look for the conference they're moving to.
Quote from: ccd494 on September 16, 2016, 10:26:40 PM
Husson beats Dean tonight 43-23. John Smith, 39 rushes for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Dean's going to be in the top half of the conference next year I think. Young team.
John Smith for Husson is a beast!
Being top half of the ECFC next year, just means being better than AMC, GU, Alfred State and Ida. Not hard to see Dean being in the mix with Castleton and SUNY at the second tier behind Husson.
It is hard however, to envision any of them beating Husson until Smith is gone.
Week 3 Scoreboard
Dean 23 Husson 43
USMMA 16 Maritime (N.Y.) 20
Nichols 16 Becker 13
Mount Ida 0 Springfield 32
Salve 49 Castleton 19
Gallaudet 6 Greensboro 21
Anna Maria 3 Curry 42
WPI 40 Norwich 17
And my personal power rankings after this week:
1. Husson (1-1) - Another strong performance and good job of doing what they do best.
2. SUNY (2-1) - Great win over USMMA to head into conference play with a winning record.
3. Becker (1-2) - Good win over MIT in OOC and two losses by a combined 10 pts.
4. Norwich (0-3) - Two straight big losses. Trailed WPI 34-2 into 4th quarter.
5. Ida (0-3)
6. Castleton (0-3)
7. Gallaudet (1-2)
8. Anna Maria (0-3)
Every team in the league is psyched to know they only have to play each other moving forward. (I think Husson has one more OOC game this week)
I haven't done the research yet, but I am lead to believe this is the worst the ECFC has done in their collective OOC games, going 5-18.
All of this means nothing come October 1 when two teams will get win #1 as AMC / CAST and NU / IDA are all winless and play each other and the rest of the ECFC slate begins.
When all is said and done the ECFC teams will be competitive with one another and it'll be a fun year in the league.
bad week picking games last week....Beside for Husson this might be the worst the ECFC has ever been. As someone mentioned it will be a fun Conference year as anyone can pick up a win any week.
Week 3 Power Rankings
1. Husson 1-1..Smith is one of best Running backs in the East Region
2. SUNY 2-1...Surprise on OCC play. Should be 3-0
3. Becker 1-2...Disappointing loss to Nichols
4. Norwich 0-3...Tough OCC but was not competitive at all vs WPI
5. Castleton 0-3...Hung with Salve for about a half
6. Mount Ida 0-3...50 Plays for 44 Total yards against Springfield
7. Galludet 1-2....Had Great Chance to get to 2-1 before conference play starts
8. Anna Maria 0-3...Until they prove otherwise this
Game Prediction:
Husson 42 Alfred State 7
Quote from: Upstate on September 16, 2016, 10:41:02 PM
Quote from: ccd494 on September 16, 2016, 10:26:40 PM
Husson beats Dean tonight 43-23. John Smith, 39 rushes for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Dean's going to be in the top half of the conference next year I think. Young team.
Kinda telling when a middling JuCo program moves to a D3 conference and you think it's going to be in the top half of it.
Not a good look for the conference they're moving to.
If any other conference is willing to take Husson, I'm sure they'd be excited for the opportunity. Until then, I'm not really concerned about shots at Husson's conference. Either let the Eagles battle for an autobid against better teams, or stop complaining when they get one against the only teams that will let them compete for one.
Quote from: ccd494 on September 22, 2016, 01:46:46 PM
If any other conference is willing to take Husson, I'm sure they'd be excited for the opportunity. Until then, I'm not really concerned about shots at Husson's conference. Either let the Eagles battle for an autobid against better teams, or stop complaining when they get one against the only teams that will let them compete for one.
You have a point, of course, because you're right, other conferences aren't willing to bring these teams in. Can't talk out of both sides of our mouths
But there's also another side to it:
Norwich in E8 play, 2004-2008: 4-26
Norwich in ECFC play, 2009-current: 39-8
Look, I've come around on ECFC schools, to an extent. Have the Pool A bid, it's what D-III is about.
But I don't buy that they're all just chomping at the bit to take on teams from these other conferences week in, week out. Maybe Husson is, but do you think EDIT: Norwich would really prefer trying to snap a 20-game conference losing streak, to competing for and sometimes getting an NCAA playoff bid?
Quote from: ccd494 on September 22, 2016, 01:46:46 PM
Quote from: Upstate on September 16, 2016, 10:41:02 PM
Quote from: ccd494 on September 16, 2016, 10:26:40 PM
Husson beats Dean tonight 43-23. John Smith, 39 rushes for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Dean's going to be in the top half of the conference next year I think. Young team.
Kinda telling when a middling JuCo program moves to a D3 conference and you think it's going to be in the top half of it.
Not a good look for the conference they're moving to.
If any other conference is willing to take Husson, I'm sure they'd be excited for the opportunity. Until then, I'm not really concerned about shots at Husson's conference. Either let the Eagles battle for an autobid against better teams, or stop complaining when they get one against the only teams that will let them compete for one.
Trade you Hartwick for Husson straight up!
Pretty sure they'd do about as well as Hartwick has.
Quote from: Upstate on September 22, 2016, 02:47:54 PM
Quote from: ccd494 on September 22, 2016, 01:46:46 PM
Quote from: Upstate on September 16, 2016, 10:41:02 PM
Quote from: ccd494 on September 16, 2016, 10:26:40 PM
Husson beats Dean tonight 43-23. John Smith, 39 rushes for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Dean's going to be in the top half of the conference next year I think. Young team.
Kinda telling when a middling JuCo program moves to a D3 conference and you think it's going to be in the top half of it.
Not a good look for the conference they're moving to.
If any other conference is willing to take Husson, I'm sure they'd be excited for the opportunity. Until then, I'm not really concerned about shots at Husson's conference. Either let the Eagles battle for an autobid against better teams, or stop complaining when they get one against the only teams that will let them compete for one.
Trade you Hartwick for Husson straight up!
Pretty sure they'd do about as well as Hartwick has.
But Pep would much rather travel three hours to the cage than twelve hours to Bangor.
Seeing a school like Catholic join the soon to be NEWMAC, with the likes of Norwich, Maine Maritime, WPI, and Springfield; or the large footprint of the current ECFC (Bangor, NYC and DC all in the league) makes me think there's hope for Husson to change leagues.
A large footprint football conference means a long trip once every two years for most teams, and significant travel for the outlier for four weekends a year.
I still can't think of anyplace they'd be a good "fit" within the current New England conferences, but if another AQ shuffle happens and conferences are looking to fill spots Husson should be on the top of the list, despite their geographic location.
Husson 35 Alfred State 0
Husson outgained ASC 497-43. John Smith 30 carries, 153 yards, became Husson's all time career rushing leader.
Husson vs. WNE or Fram St in Rd 1 of the playoffs. Book it.
Quote from: ITH radio on September 26, 2016, 01:58:48 PM
Husson vs. WNE or Fram St in Rd 1 of the playoffs. Book it.
I'll take it...unfortunately as with other regions as well. This may result in two other teams facing off in the 1st round as oppose to the 2nd round. However, I really like WNE this year. However, Husson played Alfred well and as Alfred continues to win, it makes them look better. Then that potential game will look even more intriguing.
500 mile rule will strike again!
Husson is on a different level among conference teams, but I am very curious to see SUNY Maritime play them this weekend.
Husson's best resume point so far in 2016 is a "good" loss to Alfred. SUNY beat a USMMA team who just completely mopped the floor with Rochester. I don't know how good Rochester is this year, but SUNY's win over USMMA certainly seems like the marquee out of conference win for the ECFC this year.
Still not going to call the upset and say that they beat Husson, but I think this game will be closer than many expect.
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 26, 2016, 03:03:07 PM
500 mile rule will strike again!
Husson is on a different level among conference teams, but I am very curious to see SUNY Maritime play them this weekend.
Husson's best resume point so far in 2016 is a "good" loss to Alfred. SUNY beat a USMMA team who just completely mopped the floor with Rochester. I don't know how good Rochester is this year, but SUNY's win over USMMA certainly seems like the marquee out of conference win for the ECFC this year.
Still not going to call the upset and say that they beat Husson, but I think this game will be closer than many expect.
I have Husson winning 40-28. The two previous scores were 40-14 and 40-0, the last two years respectively.
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 26, 2016, 03:03:07 PM
500 mile rule will strike again!
Husson is on a different level among conference teams, but I am very curious to see SUNY Maritime play them this weekend.
Husson's best resume point so far in 2016 is a "good" loss to Alfred. SUNY beat a USMMA team who just completely mopped the floor with Rochester. I don't know how good Rochester is this year, but SUNY's win over USMMA certainly seems like the marquee out of conference win for the ECFC this year.
Still not going to call the upset and say that they beat Husson, but I think this game will be closer than many expect.
Alfred State actually led Rochester, 27-20 in the third quarter of their game at Pioneer Stadium, before the wheels fell off. Pep figured that UR would lose to MM, but 55-7? Someone sneak into the locker room and spray Raid?
In Pep's opinion, Husson will handle SUNY-Maritime. Solid defense. Good offense. Eagles will fly.
Week 4 Power Rankings
1. Husson 2-1...Did what was needed vs Alfred State....Is Alfred State Officially Joining the ECFC still i no there was some questions?
2. SUNY 2-1...Big test this week vs Husson
3. Becker 1-2....Opens up at Gallaudet...always tough place to play
4. Norwich 0-3..Opens up conference play vs Mt. Ida
5. Castleton 0-3 ...Opens at home vs Anna Maria
6. Mt. Ida 0-3
7. Gallaudet 1-2
8. Anna Maria 0-3
Game Predictions:
Becker 31 Gallaudet 10
Castleton 17 Anna Maria 7
Norwich 27 Ida 10
Husson 34 SUNY 17
Quote from: AUPepBand on September 26, 2016, 04:17:34 PM
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 26, 2016, 03:03:07 PM
500 mile rule will strike again!
Husson is on a different level among conference teams, but I am very curious to see SUNY Maritime play them this weekend.
Husson's best resume point so far in 2016 is a "good" loss to Alfred. SUNY beat a USMMA team who just completely mopped the floor with Rochester. I don't know how good Rochester is this year, but SUNY's win over USMMA certainly seems like the marquee out of conference win for the ECFC this year.
Still not going to call the upset and say that they beat Husson, but I think this game will be closer than many expect.
Alfred State actually led Rochester, 27-20 in the third quarter of their game at Pioneer Stadium, before the wheels fell off. Pep figured that UR would lose to MM, but 55-7? Someone sneak into the locker room and spray Raid?
In Pep's opinion, Husson will handle SUNY-Maritime. Solid defense. Good offense. Eagles will fly.
Yeah. Rochester gave up a lot of points and yards to Alfred State. Husson held Alfred State to under 50 yards of total offense and completely dominated. I think Rochester might be really bad this year.
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 26, 2016, 03:03:07 PM
500 mile rule will strike again!
Husson is on a different level among conference teams, but I am very curious to see SUNY Maritime play them this weekend.
Husson's best resume point so far in 2016 is a "good" loss to Alfred. SUNY beat a USMMA team who just completely mopped the floor with Rochester. I don't know how good Rochester is this year, but SUNY's win over USMMA certainly seems like the marquee out of conference win for the ECFC this year.
Still not going to call the upset and say that they beat Husson, but I think this game will be closer than many expect.
Dlip thinks Rocha Cha Cha is pretty ****ing bad this year. Hopefully the Yellowjackets can turn it around. However the Alfred State game seems pretty telltale...
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 27, 2016, 11:20:39 AM
Game Predictions:
Becker 31 Gallaudet 10
Castleton 17 Anna Maria 7
Norwich 27 Ida 10
Husson 34 SUNY 17
These predictions look right on. Four clear favorites this week, with Husson-SUNY being the most intriguing with SUNY playing so well.
Becker 42 - Gall 17
Castleton 48 - Amcats 27
Norwich 35 - Ida 21
SUNY 28 - Husson 24
Gotta pick this upset, because none of the other games are really that interesting enough to talk about. From all accounts that trip from Bangor to NYC is a tough one. SUNY is playing with confidence and it sounds like they have the skill kids to make big plays. Should be interesting.
Norwich, Ida, Castleton, AMC are all winless so far. Got a feeling that the Vermont teams are both going to start conference play off in dominating fashion; putting themselves right back in the ECFC discussion.
Castleton seems to have found a QB, and Norwich has been 0-3 before and knows how to respond.
Week 4 Scores
Becker 42
Gall 18
Husson 33
SUNY 12
Castleton 23
AMC 13
Ida 15
Norwich 14
A bad, heartbreaking loss for Norwich. Offense has really struggled this year. They haven't been able to get their running game going which has forced them to try and throw the ball more, and that has never been their strong point. Zero margin for error the rest of the way.
3-1 on last week games with a big upset happening up in Norwich.
Power Rankings
1. Husson 3-1 1-0...Big win on the Road at SUNY...Dominated the whole game
2. SUNY Maritime 2-2 0-1....Could not get the offense going against the Husson D...Still think they are number 2 but will have some challengers
3. Mount Ida 1-3 1-0....Big win over Norwich first time to win at Norwich in school history...Defense played a great game...If they can get offense moving could set themself up for last two weeks to contend for ECFC chip
4. Becker 2-2 1-0...Closer game then I expected in the first half vs a weak Galludet team
5. Norwich 0-4 0-1...Heatbreaking loss to Mount Ida
6. Castleton 1-3 1-0...Struggled vs Anna Maria but a W is a W
7. Gallaudet 1-3 0-1...Wheels fell off in 2h vs Becker
8. Anna Maria 0-4 0-1
Game Predictions:
Gallaudet at Husson- Husson 41-10
Norwich at Becker- Becker 24-17
Maritime at Anna Maria- SUNY 35-10
ECFC Game of the Week:
Castleton at Mount Ida- Both teams come in 1-0 and looking for a big second win in conference to keep pace with Husson. Ida has dominated the overall series but Castleton won last years game. I am going to go with Mount Ida at home. The Castleton Offense stalled vs Anna Maria and Ida has a much better defense.
Mount Ida 17- Castleton 13
Great assessment of ECFC week 1
Husson is for real. I really really wanted to see an upset (just for the sake of a competitive conference) but Husson showed that a long trip and a tough home crowd weren't enough to slow them down.
Two big games this week; with the Vermont teams heading into Mass. Somebody will leave Mt. Ida on Saturday 2-0 in conference play; but both still have to play SUNY, Becker and Husson so as much as the winner will feel like they are "in the drivers seat" whoever it is, still has a long road ahead.
Is it fair to say that this is Norwich's biggest "must win" game in recent memory?
If Norwich does not turn it around it will be a tough way to go out of conference that they dominated from the start. Before last Season Norwich and Mount Ida were the only two teams that did not have losing season conference records. Ida had a rough one last year...If Norwich does not win this week they might be on there way to under .500 conference record.
Slow week of board chatter. Figured I'd throw out my guesses for this week's games.
Really only two with debatable outcomes this week, as Husson v GU and SUNY v AMC should not be close. Those other two games are toss ups in my mind.
SUNY and Husson will do what they do and come away with easy W's. AMC has some good athletes who could break a big play to make things interesting early, but not the horses to hang around long enough to make it interesting.
Husson 48 - Gal U- 10
SUNY 35 - AMC 17
Norwich hasn't found its groove yet, but returned enough of their 2015 Championship team to be dangerous vs anybody in the ECFC. Mount Ida loss aside, I don't think anybody can sleep on the Cadets quite yet.
Norwich 28 - Becker 24
When looking at the wins that Castleton and Ida both got last week, specifically how both games ended; I think it's clear that Ida made the plays they needed to to in the end to win and Castleton just held on long enough to win. A win is a win, but momentum and confidence are on Ida's side.
Ida 24 - Castleton 20
The Key in the Ida Castleton Game will be The Ida Front 7 vs Castleton OL...Last Year Moe Harris ran for 160 yards vs Ida. If Ida can slow him down they will win this game by two scores.
Here are some pics from the Castleton and Mount Ida game https://foleyphotography.smugmug.com/Football/College-Football/2016-Season/Castleton-at-Mount-Ida/
Quote from: Zlax45 on October 09, 2016, 03:30:53 PM
Here are some pics from the Castleton and Mount Ida game https://foleyphotography.smugmug.com/Football/College-Football/2016-Season/Castleton-at-Mount-Ida/
Those pics are awesome! Dlip loves Caselton's uniforms!
Power Rankings
1. Husson 4-1 2-0- Made easy work with Gallaudet....At Castleton for sole possession of First Place this week.
2. Castleton 2-3 2-0- Defense came to play vs Mount Ida forced 5 turnovers and there RB gave Ida fits all day in passing game.
3. SUNY Maritime 3-2 1-1 - Beat Anna Maria..Closer game then i expected but never was in doubt...Ahead of Ida based on OCC
4. Mount Ida 1-4 1-1....Tough Loss at home...5 turnovers and 3 going in to score will hurt
5. Norwich 1-4 1-1....Upset win over Becker who clearly has taken a step back after historic season last year
6. Becker 2-3 1-1..Tough loss to Norwich tough game with SUNY this week
7. Gallaudet 1-4 0-2....Welcomes Mount Ida to town this week
8. Anna Maria 0-5 0-2....Looking like another Goose egg year
Weekly Predictions:
Mount Ida at Gall- Ida Bounces back after tough loss to Castleton...Closer game then expected due to travel factor - Ida 24 Gallaudet 10
Norwich at Anna Maria- Norwich 34 Anna Maria 7
Becker at SUNY- Big game for both teams to stay towards the top. Give me SUNY at home 24-20
Game of the Week
Husson at Castleton- Battle of 2-0 teams and sole possession of first place. Battle of the two best running backs in the league....Will Castleton be able to force the turnovers like they did vs Mount Ida? Ida moved the ball but the Spartans defense came up with big takeaways. Husson will be feeding there workhorse and i thik even with a big crowd and going away from home that will be the difference.
Husson 24 Castleton 13
Agree 100% with your power rankings. Only reason I have Castleton ahead of SUNY right now is because SUNY played Husson before Castleton does. After this week; (and the predicted results of this week's games) those two will be dead locked as the #2 team in the conference. Lucky for us they play each other next week, so we'll get to see that one play itself out before too long...but I'll save those thoughts for next week.
As for this week, the CU v Husson game comes down to the play of the two LB's for Castleton (#25 and #54). They have been DPOTW back to back weeks, and seem to be all over the field for the Spartans. The Castleton D has been very opportunistic (or some might say very lucky?) in that they have been creating turnovers that continue to bail them out of trouble, and have made some big stops on 4th down. Call it what you want to, but they get the job done and those two LB's are a big reason why the Spartans have been able to end drives and get off the field.
That being said, they have allowed 168 yards per game on the ground in their two league games; compared to Husson allowing just 24.5 and have just one sack compared to Husson's 7 in ECFC play to date. Husson RB Smith is far better than any of the RB's the Spartans have faced so far. I'm hoping for an upset, because upsets are what make sports great, but am doubtful that we'll see one this weekend in VT.
John Smith left the Gallaudet game early with an injury. Who knows if he would have played through if it was a close game, or if it is actually serious.
Quote from: ccd494 on October 12, 2016, 02:31:06 PM
John Smith left the Gallaudet game early with an injury. Who knows if he would have played through if it was a close game, or if it is actually serious.
Pep is hoping it's not a serious injury. He's a tough runner and Pep knows the Saxons have a great deal of respect for him. Best of luck for his quick recovery and best of luck to the Eagles the rest of the way.
Mount Ida 13 Gallaudet 12
Norwich 28 Anna Maria 7
Husson 43 Castleton 21
Becker 13 Maritime (N.Y.) 40
Becker does seem to have regressed a bit, while SUNY has really made some progress. Otherwise, the surprise was to see Ida struggle with Gallaudet more than expected (only 166 yards of offense). Norwich came out a little sluggish with a lot of penalties, but ran for 407 yards while holding AMC to just 27 on the ground. Seems like the offense is finally righting the ship. It'll be interesting to see if they can challenge Husson down the stretch, because no one else seems able to at the moment.
SUNY - Castleton should be a good one next week.
Too early to think about this coming weekend of games, but it certainly looks like the SUNY v Sparty bowl in Vermont will be the game of the week.
I'm a believer in SUNY this year. Their win against Merchant Marine looks better every week as MMA keeps winning games, having beaten RPI this weekend. Not sure if Becker QB got benched vs Norwich or hurt, but Becker did not play the guy from last year vs SUNY.... Not taking anything away from SUNY, as it sounds like a dominant win regardless.
From looking at the box score, Husson must have dominated Castleton in every area of the game. 480+ yards of O vs just 88 for Castleton. Somehow the numbers on the scoreboard were kinda close at halftime, but it looks like Husson just took over and imposed their will on Castleton in the second half. Castleton has one is the best backs in the league, but managed to rush for -19 yards total. (Harris had 20 yards on ten carries)
Norwich looks like they re found their identity, pounding the ball and playing stingy defense. They still technically control their own destiny, and I wouldn't be shocked if they find themselves heading into their week 9 trip to Bangor with very high stakes.... Time will tell.
Ida almost got Ida'd by GU, who scored late and went for the win instead of the tie. Would have been something kind of poetic had GU gotten the win in the same fashion Ida beat Norwich... But it didn't happen, and Ida joins the pile up of 1 loss teams.
Among the one loss teams there are two groups: those who have already lost to Husson, and those who will lose to Husson soon.
Rankings:
1) Husson
2) SUNY
3) Castleton
4) Norwich
5) Ida
6) Becker
7) Gall U
8) Amcat College
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 16, 2016, 01:00:50 PM
I'm a believer in SUNY this year. Their win against Merchant Marine looks better every week as MMA keeps winning games, having beaten RPI this weekend. Not sure if Becker QB got benched vs Norwich or hurt, but Becker did not play the guy from last year vs SUNY.... Not taking anything away from SUNY, as it sounds like a dominant win regardless.
Becker's QB was hurt against Norwich, and it sounds pretty serious (ACL, I think). He is a greatly respected talent in the conference, so his loss explains a lot of of Becker's regression the past couple weeks.
Power Rankings:
1. Husson 5-1 3-0....Took Care of Castleton...Will anyone be able to challenge them the rest of the way.
2. SUNY Maritime 2-4 2-1...Beat up on Becker...Big game vs Castleton this week.
3. Castleton 2-4 2-1...Looking to rebound after the loss to Husson. Winner will stay 1 game behind Husson
4. Mount Ida 2-4 2-1....Offense Struggled vs Gallaudet. Defense came to play and had big stop on 2pt conversion
5. Norwich 2-4 2-1....took care of Anna Maria and welcome Gallaudet this week
6. Becker 2-4 1-2....Losing QB and this team is looking at a potential 3-7/2-8 season.
7. Gallaudet 1-5 0-3...Defense held Mount Ida in check...Tough game going to Norwich this week.
8. Anna Maria 0-6 0-3....November will give them a chance to break an no win season.
Game Predictions:
Anna Maria at Husson....Husson 49 Anna Maria 0
Gallaudet at Norwich...Norwich 24 Gallaudet 6
Becker at Mount Ida...Mount Ida 20 Becker 13
Maritime at Castleon...Maritime 27 Castleton 17
Quote from: d3fan142511 on October 17, 2016, 02:16:24 PM
Power Rankings:
1. Husson 5-1 3-0....Took Care of Castleton...Will anyone be able to challenge them the rest of the way?
Game Predictions:
Anna Maria at Husson....Husson 49 Anna Maria 0
Gallaudet at Norwich...Norwich 24 Gallaudet 6
Becker at Mount Ida...Mount Ida 20 Becker 13
Maritime at Castleon...Maritime 27 Castleton 17
No.
Is this Husson team the best ECFC team ever?
Who else would be in the mix?
The undefeated SUNY team that got a pool B bid back in 2010?
The undefeated Gallaudet squad in 2013?
Others??
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 17, 2016, 08:41:57 PM
Is this Husson team the best ECFC team ever?
Who else would be in the mix?
The undefeated SUNY team that got a pool B bid back in 2010?
The undefeated Gallaudet squad in 2013?
Others??
That SUNY Maritime team was fueled on emotion and that carried the team through its regular schedule. Alfred popped that balloon in the NCAA first round. Pep won't go into the details. It wasn't pretty.
Suggesting here that were the 2010 Saxons and the current Saxons on the same level (and Pep is not sure whether this year's Alfred squad is that good...time will tell), that 2010 SUNY Maritime team would not beat the 2016 Husson Eagles.
Just Pep's two cents....for what it's worth.
Great Question about the Best ECFC Team ever:
Here are the ECFC Champs Below
2009- Norwich 8-3 6-0 ECFC...Beat Mount Ida in Conference Championship- NO NCAA 0-3 OOC (WNE, SLU, Hartwick)- First year over from Empire 8..For most part Dominated the conference
2010- SUNY Maritime 10-1 7-0 ECFC....Lost to Alfred in NCAA Round 1 60-0....3-0 OOC (Mass Maritime, West Conn, Merchant Marine)... Two Close Conference games...1 which they won on a game winning Touchdown over Mount Ida with 25 seconds left (Ida would have won conference if they won that game)
2011- Norwich 7-4 7-0 ECFC......Lost to Del Vall in NCAA Round 1 62-10.....0-3 OOC (WNE, SLU, Hartwick)...2 close games in conference...Rest of games blowouts
2012- Mount Ida 8-3 6-1 ECFC....Lost to Wesley 73-14 in NCAA Round 1.....2-1 OOC (Beat Mass-Dart, Plymouth..Lost Springfield - up 14 in 4th Quarter)....Lost conference game to Gallaudet...Averaged close to 40ppg in conference play
2013- Gallaudet 9-2 6-1 ECFC.....Lost to Hobart 34-7 in NCAA Round 1....3-0 OOC (Shenandoah, Apprentice, Rochester)....Lost to SUNY in conference and played 4 1 score games in conference in where they won...Played tough vs Hobart
2014- Husson 8-2 7-0 ECFC.....Lost to MIT 27-20 OT in NCAA Round 1....1-1 OOC (W-Astate, L-Alfred)...Had the game won vs MIT but penalty on coach set MIT up to tie game to force OT....1 conference game that was 1 score.
2015- Norwich 6-5 6-1 ECFC.....Lost to Albright 49-0 in NCAA Round 1......0-3 OOC (RPI, SLU, WPI)...Lost to Castleton last game of year before NCAA
With that being said here is how i would rank the ECFC Champs to date:
1. SUNY -2010
2. Husson- 2014
3. Norwich- 2009
4. Mount Ida- 2012
5. Gallaudet- 2013
6. Norwich- 2011
7. Norwich- 2015
IMO i think this Husson team will be the best out of all of them if they finish year 9-1.
Thoughts?
I think people writing off Norwich are doing so at their own peril. I think the Cadets jumped the gun a bit on some of their young talent and struggled in integrating them into the offense at the beginning of the season. However, they seem to have re-found their identity and it's still a team that returns many pieces from last year's team that defeated Husson. Do I think the Eagles are currently the clear favorite? Yes. Am I comfortable in saying that they won't be challenged the rest of the way and that playing the games is merely a formality in crowning them champion? Absolutely not.
Point being, if Husson runs the table the rest of the way then I think they'll probably be entitled to being called the best ECFC team ever. I just don't think that happening is an absolute certainty.
Crazy to look back and see 5 different teams earning the 6 AQ's that this conference has been awarded.
Great summary by d3fan. Well done. Thanks for putting in the time.
Mosely- I agree that this Norwich team has the tools to make things interesting. I take their entire body of work in non-league play with a grain of salt, and as d3fan's post shows, NU as lost all the OOC games and still been the ECFC champ. What I can't overlook, however is the Mt Ida game....specifically the offensive struggles that day, coming off of a bye week.
Gallaudet heading to Northfield this weekend, and while you can't take anything for granted; I think NU continues their winning streak.
With back to back roadies to the Bronx and Bangor after that; we'll certainly find out what this Cadet team has become.
Side note, with regards to Husson being best ECFC team ever:
I just looked at some stats and if the box scores are correct, Husson's D is holding their 3 ECFC opponents to just 2 of 37 on third down conversions! 2 of 37!!!
SUNY went 1 for 14
Gall U went 0 for 10
Castleton went 1 for 13
The jury's out on Alfred given they haven't faced the toughest in the E8 just yet. Still, Husson hanging in there and basically outperforming teams like RPI says a lot.
I still think Husson will win ECFC, Bridgewater will get MASCAC Pool A (new this year) and WNE/Salve winner will get NEFC bid. If NEFC champ is 10-0, they'd host Husson like we saw MIT going to Husson in 2014. Makes pairing easier for NCAA committee to handle that in similar fashion and allows Bridgewater to be sent either west towards NYS or South down by NJ/PA in Rd 1.
Husson is easily the best team in the ECFC. Norwich lost to Ida and their putrid offense. Thought that SUNY would be the best shot to beat Husson. Becker lost their QB or they would of had a shot. Ida better hope that he doesn't come back this week or their 10 pts a game offense is going to get blown out. I think a WNE Husson would be a great playoff game.
Husson
Suny
Castleton
Becker
Norwich
IDA
Gallaudet
Anna Maria
Quote from: MASCACAlum on October 18, 2016, 12:33:09 PM
Husson is easily the best team in the ECFC. Norwich lost to Ida and their putrid offense. Thought that SUNY would be the best shot to beat Husson. Becker lost their QB or they would of had a shot. Ida better hope that he doesn't come back this week or their 10 pts a game offense is going to get blown out. I think a WNE Husson would be a great playoff game.
Husson
Suny
Castleton
Becker
Norwich
IDA
Gallaudet
Anna Maria
I think Husson is the front runner, but they can't overlook anyone. They will most likely face Bridgewater State from the MASCAC, which would leave the an undefeated NEFC going to anyone of the other stronger undefeated 1 loss teams. I would think that WNE would be deserving of a home game against a 1 loss or more at-large though.
Is St. Lawrence within the 500 mile limit from Husson? Going through Canada would be 418...
Yes it is so that's a possibility too, i.e., to pair Husson with SLU if the Saints won the LL, but there's precedence for a ECFC/NEFC pairing.
You never know how the rest of the field may affect who goes where so anything's possible.
Was the MIT v Husson NCAA game back in the 2 New England bid era?
If memory serves me, it was in that era, and pairing these two together was a way to save a first round flight because no other team in the field was within 500 miles of Bangor.
LL champ was Hobart that year. If SLU wins out they should be given a first round home game (as an undefeated LL champ) and Husson (or honestly whoever the ecfc winner is) could certainly be that team.
Silly that costs and flights play more of a factor in first round matchups than merit, but that's a discussion for another thread.
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 18, 2016, 03:26:46 PM
Was the MIT v Husson NCAA game back in the 2 New England bid era?
If memory serves me, it was in that era, and pairing these two together was a way to save a first round flight because no other team in the field was within 500 miles of Bangor.
LL champ was Hobart that year. If SLU wins out they should be given a first round home game (as an undefeated LL champ) and Husson (or honestly whoever the ecfc winner is) could certainly be that team.
Silly that costs and flights play more of a factor in first round matchups than merit, but that's a discussion for another thread.
No, it was not. It was in 2014 so both had Pool As but Eagles (8-2) hosted b/c they filed and MIT (who had a better overall W/L at 10-0) didn't have a press box / facility that met the NCAA standards.
The LL champ (when 10-0) have been given some wide ranging bids over the last couple of years:
2014 - IC (E8 champ, 7-3)
2013 - Gallaudet (ECFC champ, 9-1)
2012 - W&L (ODAC champ, 8-2)
We could see another LL vs. ECFC pairing if SLU goes 10-0, but they could also end up playing a team from PA / NJ / MD too depending on how the tourney bids shake out.
Quote from: ITH radio on October 18, 2016, 03:42:31 PM
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 18, 2016, 03:26:46 PM
Was the MIT v Husson NCAA game back in the 2 New England bid era?
If memory serves me, it was in that era, and pairing these two together was a way to save a first round flight because no other team in the field was within 500 miles of Bangor.
LL champ was Hobart that year. If SLU wins out they should be given a first round home game (as an undefeated LL champ) and Husson (or honestly whoever the ecfc winner is) could certainly be that team.
Silly that costs and flights play more of a factor in first round matchups than merit, but that's a discussion for another thread.
No, it was not. It was in 2014 so both had Pool As but Eagles (8-2) hosted b/c they filed and MIT (who had a better overall W/L at 10-0) didn't have a press box / facility that met the NCAA standards.
The LL champ (when 10-0) have been given some wide ranging bids over the last couple of years:
2014 - IC (E8 champ, 7-3)
2013 - Gallaudet (ECFC champ, 9-1)
2012 - W&L (ODAC champ, 8-2)
We could see another LL vs. ECFC pairing if SLU goes 10-0, but they could also end up playing a team from PA / NJ / MD too depending on how the tourney bids shake out.
I didn't word my previous post very well....
I meant to say that 2014 was back when only two New England conferences received AQ's (ECFC and NEFC) This was the year that the MASCAC officially broke away and did not have a bid. Framingham played and ECAC game in 2014.
I only bring that up because we now have three New England conference AQ's (ECFC, NEFC, and MASCAC), and with that at least one more team in the tournament field who is within the 500 mile radius of Bangor. (Canton, NY also falls in this radius as others have noted, making SLU a possible "no flight" match-up for Husson depending on how things could play out)
Long way to go, and no guarantee that Husson wins the ECFC (though they do have tie breakers over two of the four remaining 1 loss teams, and get to play the other two to close out the season). Always fun to speculate though.
They can't make Husson drive through Canada- I sincerely doubt everyone on that team has a passport.
It does look like there is a combination of back roads, game trails and hiking paths cutting horizontally through Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont that is under 500 miles. Barely.
Weekend Picks:
Anna Maria 0 @
Husson 48 Gallaudet 13 @
Norwich 41 Becker 13 @
Mount Ida 17SUNY 31 @ Castleton 21
Edit:
Just looked back at d3fan's post. I think we're on the same page. :o
Quote from: d3fan142511 on October 17, 2016, 02:16:24 PM
Game Predictions:
Anna Maria at Husson....Husson 49 Anna Maria 0
Gallaudet at Norwich...Norwich 24 Gallaudet 6
Becker at Mount Ida...Mount Ida 20 Becker 13
Maritime at Castleon...Maritime 27 Castleton 17
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on October 19, 2016, 02:10:38 PM
Weekend Picks:
Anna Maria 0 @ Husson 48
Gallaudet 13 @ Norwich 41
Becker 13 @ Mount Ida 17
SUNY 31 @ Castleton 21
Edit:
Just looked back at d3fan's post. I think we're on the same page. :o
Quote from: d3fan142511 on October 17, 2016, 02:16:24 PM
Game Predictions:
Anna Maria at Husson....Husson 49 Anna Maria 0
Gallaudet at Norwich...Norwich 24 Gallaudet 6
Becker at Mount Ida...Mount Ida 20 Becker 13
Maritime at Castleon...Maritime 27 Castleton 17
Looks like weather could be a factor in all four games tomorrow. Not sure it has a game changing impact in the Norwich or Husson outcomes; but I think it will in the SUNY v Castleton and Ida v Becker games.
Husson 42 - Amcat U 7
Husson just has better guys. Nothing too creative to say about this one
Norwich 28 - Gall U 14
Norwich is starting to figure it out. Weather will keep this one somewhat close early, but better players prevail.
Becker 21 - Ida 14
Points will be hard to come by in this one. Ida O has struggled significantly at times this year year, and didn't move the ball much vs Gall U. Mother nature will contribute to those struggles tomorrow and Becker will squeak this one out late.
SUNY 30 - Castleton 17
Weather may make Castleton one dimensional....if the early season is an indication a one dimensional Spartan offense will struggle vs the SUNY D. SUNY kicking makes the difference in this one.
I think the Becker game will come down to if their QB is back from Injury....Should be a Good crowd at Mount Ida it is homecoming and family weekend.
AMC 0 Husson 42
Total yardage: Husson 708 AMC 37
Gallaudet 6 Norwich 27
Norwich completes only 3 passes (on just 10 attempts) while running for nearly 300 yards. While I'm glad they've returned to their identity, a little diversification is going to be needed in the coming stretch verse the top 3 teams in the conference.
Becker 19 Mount Ida 23
Becker just 4 - 17 on pass attempts. That QB injury is costly.
Maritime 31 Castleton 32
For all the talk of the Spartans' back, they still prefer to air it out. 50 pass attempts for Castleton in this one. Still, incredibly even match up. Total yards: Castleton 324 Maritime 326
ECFC Power Rankings
1. Husson 4-0 6-1.....708 to 37 Total Yards says it all
2. Castleton 3-1 3-4....Big Win over SUNY to stay in a Tie for Second. If they can win out a Bowl game is a possibility.
3. Mount Ida 3-1 3-4.....Defense played well and Offense came alive in 4th to steal a must win....Anna Maria and SUNY left to have a chance for Championship game final week of year vs Husson.
4. Norwich 3-1 3-4.....exploded in 2h vs Gallaudet...Team is starting to come together
5. SUNY 2-2 4-3.....Tough loss to Castleton....They can win out the rest of the year.
6. Becker 1-3 2-5.....Offense is a mess without their QB
7. Gallaudet 0-4 1-6....Came out strong vs Norwich collapsed 2H
8. Anna Maria 0-4 0-7....37 Total Yards!?!? Husson 2nd string might have won this game
Game Predictions:
Husson at Becker- Husson 42-6....Becker will struggle remaining of the year without their QB....Husson will dictate the score.
Castleton at Gallaudet- Castleton 24-10...Gall will come out strong and Castleton might start slow with the long travel but will open game up in 2H
Mount Ida vs Anna Maria-Ida 24-7.. Mount Ida cannot look ahead to SUNY as they are still alive for a chance for ECFC showdown final week of the year.
Game of the Week
Norwich at SUNY- Norwich is still aiming for a chance to play for ECFC title and this win will set up a huge game against Husson next week. SUNY going for a 7-3 season and possible bowl bid. I think the home team will prevail and take the W in a shootout. SUNY 38 -34
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on October 22, 2016, 06:34:22 PM
AMC 0 Husson 42
Total yardage: Husson 708 AMC 37
Gallaudet 6 Norwich 27
Norwich completes only 3 passes (on just 10 attempts) while running for nearly 300 yards. While I'm glad they've returned to their identity, a little diversification is going to be needed in the coming stretch verse the top 3 teams in the conference.
Becker 19 Mount Ida 23
Becker just 4 - 17 on pass attempts. That QB injury is costly.
Maritime 31 Castleton 32
For all the talk of the Spartans' back, they still prefer to air it out. 50 pass attempts for Castleton in this one. Still, incredibly even match up. Total yards: Castleton 324 Maritime 326
Castleton was without top back, and last years' ECFC Rookie of the Year, Moe Harris against SUNY. Not sure his status, but he did not see the field (or at least he did not record a single stat) on Saturday. Makes the win vs SUNY even more impressive to be without that big of a weapon and still come out with the W.
Always fun at the midway point to talk about who is in the running for ECFC awards....
POTY is obviously going to Smith from Husson. Any discussion about this one would be a waste of energy, but what about the others?
From a statistical standpoint you would argue that the DPOTY award goes to one of the Castleton LB's who sit atop the league in tackles, but you can't overlook the Husson LB, Throckmorton. He doesn't have the stats that other guys have, but from all accounts he's a guy you gameplan to avoid...will the coaches see it the same way? I do, and I say Throckmorton gets it.
SUNY and Ida are both having rebound seasons after struggles last year. I think either of those coaches would be in the Coach of the Year talks.
Special Teams Player of the Year will probably come down to Norwich Kicker / Punter and SUNY Kicker. SUNY guy has better kicking numbers, but Norwich guy also punts...could go either way; I'll say coaches go with SUNY kid.
Norwich RB Brown seems to be the rookie who is impacting a winning team the most. Typically that is where the ROTY award ends up going, so I gotta think he is the front runner.
A lot of games left to be played, but its a slow Monday at the office. Thoughts?
Offense Player of Year-
1. Smith - Husson RB ..(Not that 2 and 3 matter but for top 3 sake)
2. Soren Pelz Walsh - Castleton WR
3. Brandon- Husson QB
Defense Player of Year
1. Callen- Castleton LB
2. Washburn- Husson DE
3. Chinova- Ida LB
Coach of the Year
1. Husson
2. Castleton
3. Ida
Special Teams Player of Year
1. Maritime Kicker
2. Norwich Kicker
Rookie of the Year- Do not know enough about the teams.
I do not see this happening but how great would it be if the final week of the year has the below matchups to determine ECFC championship.
Husson 5-1 at Mount Ida 5-1
Norwich 5-1 at Castleton 5-1
Side note if Norwich wins 1 more game they will have finshed their ECFC career as the only team to not have a losing record in conference in any of the years. Ida was the last team standing with that until last year.
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 24, 2016, 11:01:19 AM
Castleton was without top back, and last years' ECFC Rookie of the Year, Moe Harris against SUNY. Not sure his status, but he did not see the field (or at least he did not record a single stat) on Saturday. Makes the win vs SUNY even more impressive to be without that big of a weapon and still come out with the W.
That is rather impressive. I doubted Castleton at the beginning of the year due to their quarterback transition and have been impressed with their competitiveness so far. Seems like they were more able to reload as opposed to rebuilding. For that reason, I think Coach Valpone should be a contender for COY.
But if voting were done today I'd vote for Coach Landers of Mt. Ida. Half way through the conference year the Mustangs have gone from being completely uncompetitive last year (blown out by every team besides AMC and Gall by an average of 24 pts) to contenders this year. They have a chance to go 2-1 down the stretch (though I think they'll go 1-2 with a win over AMC and losses to Maritime and Husson), and if they do that then they would flip their conference record from 2-5 last year to 5-2 this year. That would return them to their historic level of competitiveness in this conference, which is a huge accomplishment since last year it looked like they might fade into irrelevance.
Coach Landers has had a tremendous year (and career)so far with Mount Ida..They were a blocked PAT away from beating Plymouth and being 4-3.
In the previous 7 years in ECFC play. Ida has won or "played" the championship game 4 out of 7 years
09- Played in Championship Game
10- Lost to SUNY by 3 last week of the year in winner take all championship (win that game they are ECFC Champs)
12- Won ECFC
14- Lost to Husson last week of year in winner take all championship
With a very small number size roster and alot of players from the 2-8 team last year , to a possibility in two weeks playing for a conference title is incredible.
I am rooting for Ida to win next two to set up the championship game in Newton in three weeks.
Weekend Picks
Husson 35 @ Becker 9
Castleton 38 @ Gallaudet 13
Mount Ida 20 @ Anna Maria 7
Norwich 13 @ Maritime 24
It's my head v. my heart in the last one, but Maritime's D has done a great job against the run so far this year and Norwich has shown a complete inability to throw the ball. That works against the bottom of the conference, but until they show the ability to diversify their offense with the pass to help open up the run game then I think they may struggle against the better teams. Hope I'm wrong. Go Cadets.
Norwich and Maritime tied at 7 at half. Norwich doing everything it can to keep from taking the lead - a plethora of penalties including one that negated a 70 yard touchdown run, two missed field goals from the reigning special teams player of the week, and an overthrown wide open WR inside the five.
NU's backup QB is in after the starter went out on the first drive, and the Cadets are trying with some success at incorporating the pass more. It's evident that Norwich has some of the top receivers in the conference (3 spectacular catches so far), they just need someone who can get them the ball.
Norwich 17 Maritime 14 OT
Husson 45 Becker 14
Mount Ida 55 Anna Maria 14
Upset Special:
Castleton 17 Gallaudet 21
Husson and Ida took care of business this weekend...Great game in NY with Norwich picking up a big win and secured over .500 record every year it was in the conference. HUGE HUGE upset in DC with Gallaudet beating the Spartans. Possibly Paves the way for an Ida vs Husson Championship game in Newton in two weeks?!?!
Power Rankings:
1. Husson 5-0 7-1.....Easy work with Becker...Looking for payback against Norwhich
2. Mount Ida 4-1 4-4......Easy work with Anna Maria.....Home game vs SUNY up next
3. Norwich 4-1 4-4...Big win vs SUNY...Big game vs Husson this week.
4. Castleton 3-2 3-5......Disappointing loss vs Gallaudet
5. SUNY 2-3 4-4.....Back to back tough losses
6. Gallaudet 1-4 2-6.....Good win going for number 2 this week
7. Becker 1-4 2-6.....going be tough couple weeks to close out the year
Game Predictions:
Gallaudet at Anna Maria- Gallaudet 24-10- Will be nice for GU to get win number 2 in the conference
Castleton at Becker- Castleton 27-14- Bounce back win for the Spartans
Game of the Week Part 1: SUNY at IDA- HUGE game in Newton for Ida. IF Ida can win this game it will set up a championship game vs Husson the final week of the year. SUNY is battle tested and have played two tough games last two weeks. I am going to go with a defensive battle. First to 17 points wins? I am taking Ida at home to keep there dreams alive.
Ida 17-13
Game of the Week Part 2: Norwich at Husson....All Husson will be thinking about is last year and looking for payback against Norwich who stole the conference championship from Husson last year. Husson will be at home (Senior Day) and if they win and an Ida Loss will lock up the conference championship. Norwich has played well of late but have not seen a Offense like this is a while
Husson BIG 34-14
Quote from: d3fan142511 on October 31, 2016, 09:33:07 AM
Power Rankings:
1. Husson 5-0 7-1.....Easy work with Becker...Looking for payback against Norwhich
2. Mount Ida 4-1 4-4......Easy work with Anna Maria.....Home game vs SUNY up next
3. Norwich 4-1 4-4...Big win vs SUNY...Big game vs Husson this week.
4. Castleton 3-2 3-5......Disappointing loss vs Gallaudet
5. SUNY 2-3 4-4.....Back to back tough losses
6. Gallaudet 1-4 2-6.....Good win going for number 2 this week
7. Becker 1-4 2-6.....going be tough couple weeks to close out the year
I'd flip Castleton and SUNY in these power rankings. I think losing to Gallaudet is more significant than a one point win at home over SUNY. Otherwise, I think it's accurate.
I'll wait to make my picks, but I think there are some keys (or at least some observations) for the two big games this week.
First, I'm really interested to see how SUNY is going to bounce back. They've lost the past two games by a combined 4 points, including an OT loss at home on Senior Day. That's heartbreaking and it will be very easy for them to get discouraged and down. This week's game v. Ida will really show their character.
Side note, speaking of SUNY, a few notes from the broadcast this weekend. First, I really enjoyed their broadcast team and thought their announcers did a terrific job. Only complaint is that they make you pay $8.00 if you want to watch the HD broadcast. I'm not sure who is going to pay that when you can still get the low-def broadcast for free. Otherwise, I'm sure everyone who watches a SUNY home game realizes it, but what a spectacular setting. Right on the banks of the East River, between the bridges, with the entire Manhattan skyline in the distance. Simply awesome.
Anyways, as for the second big game, Husson obviously comes in as a big favorite. However, this is where the Cadets' OOC schedule really pays off. Getting their teeth knocked in by the likes of RPI and St. Lawrence serves to prepare them for this game. While the focus on Norwich has been on the early struggles and recent progress of their offense, their defense often gets overlooked in the discussion. They're averaging just 11 pts against in conference games. On the flip side, Husson's defense is equally as impressive allowing just 12.6 pts a game in conference. So as a Cadets fan, my concern is more with the Eagles defense being the best Norwich has faced in awhile as opposed to their offense. The wild card is the Cadets discipline, as anecdotally this is the most penalized Norwich team I can remember and it really cost them this past week against Maritime. I think this game will be closer than the experts think (and by experts, I mean us, because I'm not sure who else talks about the ECFC on a weekly basis).
Husson reminds me of the Framingham teams with van alystein. I don't think anyone in this league has a shot at Husson. Norwich has the best shot still not sold on Mt. Ida and castleton blew their shot last week.
Weekend Predictions:
Gallaudet 19 @ AMC 12
Castleton 31 @ Becker 20
Maritime 20 @ Mount Ida 14
This last one is a tough one for me. On paper, Husson is the clear favorite. I think a talented Norwich team comes into Bangor with a huge chip on their shoulder as the defending conference champion who has been all but written off in this one. My heart says Norwich and my head says that an upset is a very real possibility this weekend, but in trying to be objective it's hard to pick against the Eagles.
Norwich 20 @ Husson 21
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on November 01, 2016, 12:22:06 PM
Weekend Predictions:
Gallaudet 19 @ AMC 12
Castleton 31 @ Becker 20
Maritime 20 @ Mount Ida 14
This last one is a tough one for me. On paper, Husson is the clear favorite. I think a talented Norwich team comes into Bangor with a huge chip on their shoulder as the defending conference champion who has been all but written off in this one. My heart says Norwich and my head says that an upset is a very real possibility this weekend, but in trying to be objective it's hard to pick against the Eagles.
Norwich 20 @ Husson 21
While I agree that the Husson vs. Norwich game is going to be close, I don't think it is that close. Although Norwich has loss multiple games and has ended Husson postseason plans before. I just have a gut feeling that this Husson team is not going to let that happen at home this year. I say Husson wins by +10 pulling away second half.
Quote from: D3MAFAN-MG on November 01, 2016, 03:52:20 PM
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on November 01, 2016, 12:22:06 PM
Weekend Predictions:
Gallaudet 19 @ AMC 12
Castleton 31 @ Becker 20
Maritime 20 @ Mount Ida 14
This last one is a tough one for me. On paper, Husson is the clear favorite. I think a talented Norwich team comes into Bangor with a huge chip on their shoulder as the defending conference champion who has been all but written off in this one. My heart says Norwich and my head says that an upset is a very real possibility this weekend, but in trying to be objective it's hard to pick against the Eagles.
Norwich 20 @ Husson 21
While I agree that the Husson vs. Norwich game is going to be close, I don't think it is that close. Although Norwich has loss multiple games and has ended Husson postseason plans before. I just have a gut feeling that this Husson team is not going to let that happen at home this year. I say Husson wins by +10 pulling away second half.
Pep agrees....Husson 31, Norwich 16...Eagles are flying higher this year than last.
AMC gets there first win of the season this weekend
Castleton should beat Becker 28-7
SUNY lines are going to be to much for Ida 81-7
Husson in a close one over the cadets 28-17
Regional rankings came out no respect for NE teams hope someone can win a playoff game from NE soon
Quote from: MASCACAlum on November 02, 2016, 10:38:03 PM
AMC gets there first win of the season this weekend
Castleton should beat Becker 28-7
SUNY lines are going to be to much for Ida 81-7
Husson in a close one over the cadets 28-17
Regional rankings came out no respect for NE teams hope someone can win a playoff game from NE soon
Technically, it has been done before (i.e Curry), other than Husson playing another New England school. The respect has to be shown during the season in the OOC games. I think with the NE Bowl games this year, NE teams should try and continue to schedule themselves against other leagues outside of the NE. It appears that the top teams in the NE has done it, but the others not so much.
Some nice pub in the Quick hits for the ECFC from Frank and Keith.
Frank is predicting Husson to clinch this week:
"This takes two events: 1) Husson beats 4-4 Norwich; and 2) SUNY-Maritime beats 4-4 Mount Ida (the Privateers nearly beat Norwich a week earlier)".
No one seems to be giving Ida a chance this week vs SUNY at Home.....They mention that SUNY nearly beat Norwich (at SUNY) but Mount Ida already went up to VT and BEAT Norwich.
I think it would be great for the conference to have a "Championship Game" in Newton next week.
Go Mustangs.
Just reread my post in no way did I mean to put SUNY over Ida 81-7 I ment 21-7 sorry Ida fans
Quote from: AUPepBand on November 01, 2016, 06:32:42 PM
Quote from: D3MAFAN-MG on November 01, 2016, 03:52:20 PM
Quote from: H.C.Mosely1895 on November 01, 2016, 12:22:06 PM
Weekend Predictions:
Gallaudet 19 @ AMC 12
Castleton 31 @ Becker 20
Maritime 20 @ Mount Ida 14
This last one is a tough one for me. On paper, Husson is the clear favorite. I think a talented Norwich team comes into Bangor with a huge chip on their shoulder as the defending conference champion who has been all but written off in this one. My heart says Norwich and my head says that an upset is a very real possibility this weekend, but in trying to be objective it's hard to pick against the Eagles.
Norwich 20 @ Husson 21
While I agree that the Husson vs. Norwich game is going to be close, I don't think it is that close. Although Norwich has loss multiple games and has ended Husson postseason plans before. I just have a gut feeling that this Husson team is not going to let that happen at home this year. I say Husson wins by +10 pulling away second half.
Pep agrees....Husson 31, Norwich 16...Eagles are flying higher this year than last.
Husson is going to take Norwich to the wood shed.
Halftime in Bangor:
Norwich 0
Husson 7
Total yardage is something like 250 for Husson to 62 for Norwich. The Cadets' defense has forced two big turnovers in the Red Zone, one on a fumble and the other on a great play by the defender to to take a ball away from the defender in the end zone. Smith has been able to break free for two big runs, but for the most part the Norwich D has done a pretty good job in bottling him up.
The real story in this game and where the difference is being made is in the passing game. Maybe Husson's QB gets overshadowed by Smith, but he has made some nice passes on third-and-long crossing routes to keep drives alive. This is in contrast to Norwich who, to be blunt about it, have an absolutely pitiful passing game. Horrid. Without double-checking the stats, I believe they've completed one pass for two yards (while exercising a sort of QB platoon). Given this inability and Husson's #1 defense allowing just 27 rushing YPG, Norwich should be pretty happy with getting 60 on the ground in the first half. No doubt the run game would be even more effective if the Eagles were forced to have even a little bit of respect for the passing game.
Start of 4th:
Norwich 13
Husson 13
Final:
Norwich 13
Husson 27
With about 3:00 minutes left and the Eagles up by 7, the NU defense got a big stop to force a Husson punt. The punter preceeded to fumble the snap, somehow avoid the swarm of Cadet defenders, and clumsily punted the ball off the bottom of his foot as he stumbled forward. The ball went about 7 yards, bounced off a Norwich blocker, and the Eagles recovered the fumble. On the next set of downs the deflated Cadet defense allowed a 56 yard touchdown pass in what culminated perhaps the most infuriating sequence of plays I have witnessed as a Cadet fan.
Total offense:
Husson 445 (219 passing/226 rushing)
Norwich 199 (71 passing, 128 rushing)
Overall, as a Cadet fan, the team has some obvious flaws but I'm proud of the way they competed. They traveled to Bangor and took the game down to the final minutes. A tip of the cap to the Husson Eagles, though. It's been a fun couple of years watching these teams develop a rivalry while competing for championships and I'm going to miss it next year.
Maritime 17 @ Mount Ida 14
Norwich 13 @ Husson 27
Gallaudet 13 @ Anna Maria 27
Castleton 23 @ Becker 22
Husson wins the 2016 ECFC Championship.
Been off the board for a while due to a little email security issue (Yahoo hack), but all is set now.
Congrats to Husson on taking the ECFC title.
Congrats to Norwich for giving them a game and making them earn it.
Congrats to Castleton on winning their second come from behind, 1 point, score and let the defense close it out game.
And congrats to SUNY on winning a close one vs Ida. After the previous two weeks gut wrenching losses to CU and NU it says a lot about the SUNY yeah that they battled hard and won that game yesterday.
I have no idea how tie breakers work but, I believe the winner of the NU v CU game finishes second in the conference, and then there will be a clump of three loss teams in third? (For discussions sake, I'm assuming Husson beats Ida)
As part of the new NE Bowl series does second place team automatically go? Could be high stakes game in VT.
Also congrats to Amcat U on getting a win in their coach's last home game.
Curious if that's the only ECFC coaching change this off season. My guess is no. Time will tell.
Congrats to Husson on punching a ticket to the playoffs.
Quote from: D3MAFAN-MG on November 06, 2016, 01:57:11 PM
Congrats to Husson on punching a ticket to the playoffs.
Based on Alfred being undefeated, and likely to be the #1 ranked team in the East, is it crazy to think there isn't a team in the East that Husson couldn't play with?
Quote from: ccd494 on November 07, 2016, 10:10:08 AM
Quote from: D3MAFAN-MG on November 06, 2016, 01:57:11 PM
Congrats to Husson on punching a ticket to the playoffs.
Based on Alfred being undefeated, and likely to be the #1 ranked team in the East, is it crazy to think there isn't a team in the East that Husson couldn't play with?
I agree, but that is going to have to be proven in the playoffs. Husson either gets a playoff game against the MASCAC champion or goes on to play WNE. If they were to win that 1st game, they will most likely face a #1 or #2 seed. That second round game is where Husson needs to make a statement, they will have to win that game or lose in dramatic fashion. Then next year, they are going to have to continue playing top teams regionally to get the history credit. I think with the NE Bowls taking place at the end of the year, it does not behoove the MASCAC, NEFC, and ECFC to continue to schedule only within the NE (maybe 1 OOC game), they need to schedule against the other top conferences (E8, LL, NJAC, MAC, and possiblly PAC/CC) and win. Until then the ECFC will continue to only have one representative a year and always face the best. However, who knows, maybe Husson can take the next step forward and get the best of the best in the NE and compete against the rest.
Quote from: D3MAFAN-MG on November 07, 2016, 10:24:51 AM
Quote from: ccd494 on November 07, 2016, 10:10:08 AM
Quote from: D3MAFAN-MG on November 06, 2016, 01:57:11 PM
Congrats to Husson on punching a ticket to the playoffs.
Based on Alfred being undefeated, and likely to be the #1 ranked team in the East, is it crazy to think there isn't a team in the East that Husson couldn't play with?
... I think with the NE Bowls taking place at the end of the year, it does not behoove the MASCAC, NEFC, and ECFC to continue to schedule only within the NE (maybe 1 OOC game), they need to schedule against the other top conferences (E8, LL, NJAC, MAC, and possiblly PAC/CC) and win....
Easier said than done. Hard to convince your administration that it's worth driving past multiple NE based teams on your way to play a NY / NJ team. Also hard to convince those E8, LL and NJAC type teams to play you as a lower end team. With SOS being a factor in regional rankings and seeding; even an upper echelon ECFC team (Norwich) hurts your SOS (See SLU an RPI)
Yeah, the WPI, SC and USMMA move to the NEWMAC shows that they didn't want to keep the travel up (and probably face easier competition to a certain extent).
First off Congrats to the Husson Eagles for winning the ECFC! A shame we could not have had a meaningful game in Final week but this team is by far the best team in the Conference and I hope they can pick up the Conference's first playoff win.
Great Fight by Norwich for 3 plus quarters. After the Ida loss this team has been playing some good football and have a huge rivalry game to end the year.
Mount Ida had EVERY chance to win this game....4 turnovers in opponents territory and a missed FG. This team will be thinking What if for a long week and i am sure it will show vs Husson this week. SUNY finally breaks through in a close game and had a great game winning drive.
Congrats to Anna Maria on winning there first game of the year over Gall and Castleton for beating becker.
Power Rankings:
1. Husson
2A. Castleton
2B. Mount Ida
2C. Norwich
2D. SUNY Maritime
All these teams can beat each other on any giving saturday.
6. Becker
7. Anna Maria
8. Gallaudet
Following up on my own post from last week, I don't think any ECFC teams will be considered for the newly formed New England Bowl. I saw a press release about the bowl staying that teams with a .670 win percentage would be considered... Not sure any ECFC teams fit that billing this year.
This looks like the end to Norwich's multi year run of post season appearances.... Something like 10 years? (Mosley would know better).
I'm guessing it'll be Fram St (MASCAC) vs Salve (NEFC) or something like that
7 Years Bowl/NCAA Streak for Norwich
09- Won ECFC Championship Game over Ida 49-14
10-Lost ECAC Bowl to Framingham 27-21
11-Lost NCAA Del Valley 62-10
12-Lost ECAC Bowl Endicott 34-14
13-Lost ECAC Bowl Springfield 28-27
14-Lost ECAC Bowl Salve Regina 48-21
15-Lost NCAA Albright 49-0
Some Tough games in there but still a great streak. Wish Norwich the best in the New conference
That's a pretty good little run for the Cadets.
I hope they show up for the Sap Bucket game this year. From all accounts the past few years CU had played like it was their last game of the season (because it was) and Norwich seemed to be holding back, knowing they lived to play another day (ECAC / NCAA games).
This weekend will be the final game for both teams (I assume based on their records). There is nothing better in sports than a last game / rivalry game. Hopefully both squads show up and make a game of it.
Predictions:
Husson 31 Mount Ida 10
SUNY 24 Gallaudet 7
Becker 24 Anna Maria 14
Norwich 17 Castleton 13
Quote from: NED3Guy on November 09, 2016, 02:21:16 PM
That's a pretty good little run for the Cadets.
I hope they show up for the Sap Bucket game this year. From all accounts the past few years CU had played like it was their last game of the season (because it was) and Norwich seemed to be holding back, knowing they lived to play another day (ECAC / NCAA games).
This weekend will be the final game for both teams (I assume based on their records). There is nothing better in sports than a last game / rivalry game. Hopefully both squads show up and make a game of it.
Dlip loves the idea of this game. He hopes it turns out to be a great game. Being a UVM alum dlip loves him some mother****ing Vt!
Quote from: ccd494 on November 07, 2016, 10:10:08 AM
Quote from: D3MAFAN-MG on November 06, 2016, 01:57:11 PM
Congrats to Husson on punching a ticket to the playoffs.
Based on Alfred being undefeated, and likely to be the #1 ranked team in the East, is it crazy to think there isn't a team in the East that Husson couldn't play with?
Yes. See, Curry, 2008.
Upsets #12 Ithaca in Ithaca in round one. Next game is against a Cortland team Ithaca had just beaten 35-13 two weeks ago. Curry is down 35-0 early in the 3rd en route to a 42-0 loss. Sports does not use the transitive property well at all
Quote from: d3fan142511 on November 10, 2016, 02:52:23 PM
Predictions:
Husson 31 Mount Ida 10
SUNY 24 Gallaudet 7
Becker 24 Anna Maria 14
Norwich 17 Castleton 13
Can't really argue with any of these picks. I think Norwich either wins big or loses a close one. Castleton has played in a lot of close games this year and will have the edge if this one comes down to the wire.
After two years of pretty one sided games in this rivalry, I think the Cadets come out strong today and win 31-20.
Can also see Becker AMC being closer.
Fun year for all. Good luck to seniors finishing careers.
Quote from: Bombers798891 on November 10, 2016, 06:28:46 PM
Quote from: ccd494 on November 07, 2016, 10:10:08 AM
Quote from: D3MAFAN-MG on November 06, 2016, 01:57:11 PM
Congrats to Husson on punching a ticket to the playoffs.
Based on Alfred being undefeated, and likely to be the #1 ranked team in the East, is it crazy to think there isn't a team in the East that Husson couldn't play with?
Yes. See, Curry, 2008.
Upsets #12 Ithaca in Ithaca in round one. Next game is against a Cortland team Ithaca had just beaten 35-13 two weeks ago. Curry is down 35-0 early in the 3rd en route to a 42-0 loss. Sports does not use the transitive property well at all
Or Curry 2007...
First round they double up the E8 Champion Hartwick (aka Team Boluts) 42-21, a Hartwick team that beat St. John Fisher 31-28 earlier in the year...
In the second round Curry gets plastered 38-7 by the E8 runner up St. John Fisher...
Or Fisher in 2006...
Fisher loses to MUC by 12 but the next week MUC beats up UWW 35-16...
Does this line of thinking mean Fisher is better than UWW???
Was out of town last week (hence no posts) but I was thrilled to see Norwich reclaim the Sap Bucket. Is was a gutsy, slugfest of a game - the way rivalry games should be. While it will no longer be the final game of the year, I'm thrilled to see the rivalry live on as the Cadets move to the NEWMAC. Speaking of which, the Cadets end the ECFC Era of their program with a 46-10 record in conference, to include 3 championships. Not bad.
And now, all eyes are on Husson. I'll be pulling for them to claim the conference's first NCAA tournament win.
Fresh off the presses:
http://www.easterncollegiatefootball.com/sports/fball/2016-17/releases/ECFC_Announces_2016_All-Conference_Teams
Congrats to all!
Husson will be leaving the ECFC in 2019:
Quote"Commonwealth Coast Football is delighted to welcome Husson University as our newest member," said CCC Commissioner Gregg M. Kaye in a release. "Husson is one of the strongest football programs among Division III private institutions in New England, and their addition makes CCC Football stronger.
"Since our September 2015 announcement that the New England Football Conference would be rebranded as Commonwealth Coast Football for the 2017 season, finding an eighth quality program has been a major priority for our membership. I am delighted that Husson has accepted our invitation to join CCC Football."
http://bangordailynews.com/2017/06/05/sports/husson-football-to-join-new-conference/?ref=SportsBox
Kind of bittersweet. This is the upwards move Husson has always wanted, with fewer long trips, but at the end of the day without the ECFC it's hard to see how Husson would have survived.
Agree 100%. Alfred St being added was probably the final straw, but like you said, it was a mutually beneficial conference affiliation for both for quite some time.
Quote from: ITH radio on June 05, 2017, 05:05:41 PM
Agree 100%. Alfred St being added was probably the final straw, but like you said, it was a mutually beneficial conference affiliation for both for quite some time.
I don't know that it was Alfred State- Husson already has played them the past few years. Husson has never made any secret that they want to really push football, the opportunity to be in a league with better teams was likely the biggest factor. There was a ceiling on how good Husson can be in the ECFC. There's a ceiling in the CCC, too, but that ceiling is higher. Annual games against Western New England and Salve Regina will help Husson be more competitive.
Quote from: ccd494 on June 06, 2017, 09:39:14 AM
Quote from: ITH radio on June 05, 2017, 05:05:41 PM
Agree 100%. Alfred St being added was probably the final straw, but like you said, it was a mutually beneficial conference affiliation for both for quite some time.
I don't know that it was Alfred State- Husson already has played them the past few years. Husson has never made any secret that they want to really push football, the opportunity to be in a league with better teams was likely the biggest factor. There was a ceiling on how good Husson can be in the ECFC. There's a ceiling in the CCC, too, but that ceiling is higher. Annual games against Western New England and Salve Regina will help Husson be more competitive.
Agree this is a big improvement for them. I am curious to see what the long-term plans for the ECFC. With the NEWMAC getting a bid in 2019, it just make it tougher for quality at-large teams in the ER.
Quote from: D3MAFAN on June 06, 2017, 03:37:18 PM
Quote from: ccd494 on June 06, 2017, 09:39:14 AM
Quote from: ITH radio on June 05, 2017, 05:05:41 PM
Agree 100%. Alfred St being added was probably the final straw, but like you said, it was a mutually beneficial conference affiliation for both for quite some time.
I don't know that it was Alfred State- Husson already has played them the past few years. Husson has never made any secret that they want to really push football, the opportunity to be in a league with better teams was likely the biggest factor. There was a ceiling on how good Husson can be in the ECFC. There's a ceiling in the CCC, too, but that ceiling is higher. Annual games against Western New England and Salve Regina will help Husson be more competitive.
Agree this is a big improvement for them. I am curious to see what the long-term plans for the ECFC. With the NEWMAC getting a bid in 2019, it just make it tougher for quality at-large teams in the ER.
I would have loved to see Salisbury, Wesley, Frostburg St, Stevenson, Catholic, Gallaudet, and McDaniel form a conference.
Quote from: ccd494 on June 05, 2017, 03:12:36 PM
Husson will be leaving the ECFC in 2019:
Quote"Commonwealth Coast Football is delighted to welcome Husson University as our newest member," said CCC Commissioner Gregg M. Kaye in a release. "Husson is one of the strongest football programs among Division III private institutions in New England, and their addition makes CCC Football stronger.
"Since our September 2015 announcement that the New England Football Conference would be rebranded as Commonwealth Coast Football for the 2017 season, finding an eighth quality program has been a major priority for our membership. I am delighted that Husson has accepted our invitation to join CCC Football."
http://bangordailynews.com/2017/06/05/sports/husson-football-to-join-new-conference/?ref=SportsBox
Kind of bittersweet. This is the upwards move Husson has always wanted, with fewer long trips, but at the end of the day without the ECFC it's hard to see how Husson would have survived.
Great move for Husson! dlipp loves the growth this program has shown and this move is a fitting reward. dlip looks forward to seeing annual results against the likes of Salve and Western New England. New England Football continues to grow. The clear improvement of some top teams have forced many of us East Region fans (of traditional programs that have storied histories in D III FB) to take notice and appreciate. dlip certainly does.
Quote from: dlip on June 07, 2017, 11:58:33 AM
Quote from: ccd494 on June 05, 2017, 03:12:36 PM
Husson will be leaving the ECFC in 2019:
Quote"Commonwealth Coast Football is delighted to welcome Husson University as our newest member," said CCC Commissioner Gregg M. Kaye in a release. "Husson is one of the strongest football programs among Division III private institutions in New England, and their addition makes CCC Football stronger.
"Since our September 2015 announcement that the New England Football Conference would be rebranded as Commonwealth Coast Football for the 2017 season, finding an eighth quality program has been a major priority for our membership. I am delighted that Husson has accepted our invitation to join CCC Football."
http://bangordailynews.com/2017/06/05/sports/husson-football-to-join-new-conference/?ref=SportsBox
Kind of bittersweet. This is the upwards move Husson has always wanted, with fewer long trips, but at the end of the day without the ECFC it's hard to see how Husson would have survived.
Great move for Husson! dlipp loves the growth this program has shown and this move is a fitting reward. dlip looks forward to seeing annual results against the likes of Salve and Western New England. New England Football continues to grow. The clear improvement of some top teams have forced many of us East Region fans (of traditional programs that have storied histories in D III FB) to take notice and appreciate. dlip certainly does.
You are definitely correct, but I think it started with those top tier teams playing some of the tougher opponents around the ER. You have to play the best to be the best and see what you are going up against.
Here's my preliminary projection for the ECFC's 2017 season, which will be updated based on returning starters later in the summer:
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F31oDBhm.png&hash=e9d4787d3a066805d3f7802769bc3f2d38b4e81b)
Pre Summer Camp Rankings
1. Husson
2. Mount Ida
3. SUNY
4. Dean
5. Castleton
6. Galludet
7. Alfred State
8. Anna Marie
Husson's non-conference games will be home to Union, at Western New England, and at Endicott.
Howdy from the "South" region of the boards! I'm a recently graduated player from the SAA and I've just moved to DC. I'm really interested in checking out the two teams in the city when the season gets going. Anyone here been to a game at Gallaudet that can speak to the atmosphere/experience?
Any updates from camp I hear Anna Maria have a huge class coming in and dean has some studs still from last years squad. Hudson should run away with this conf this year esp without Norwich
Week 1 ECFC Pickem
Alfred State vs Coast Guard - Coast Guard 27-10
Mount Ida vs UMD - Mount Ida 24-20
Anna Maria vs WPI - WPI 37 - 7
Maine Maritime vs SUNY - SUNY 24-17
Union vs Husson - Husson 31-10
Castleton vs Plymouth - Plymouth 24-23
Gallaudet vs Shenandoah - Shenandoah 35-17
I'm looking forward to seeing just how good Husson can be. As you can see I'm a Union fan. Union visits Husson for the opener. The Dutchman hit rock bottom in 2015 going 0-10 but under new coach Jeff Behrman rebounded to 3-7 last fall. This year I look for a winning season. Last Saturday Union scrimmaged Utica College and showed a strong defense holding Utica scoreless while the starters were on the field. The Union "O" didn't show much but their starting RB, Liberty League 1st teamer Connor Kinzelmann was held out. Look for 23-20 game with special teams play making the difference. Go "U"!
Very impressive win for Hudson and Suny Maritime this week these teams have to be the teams to beat
Power Rankings
1. Husson 1-0
2. Suny Maritime 1-0
3. Mount 1-0
4. Dean 0-0
5. Castleton 0-1
6. Alfred State 0-1
7. Galludet 0-1
8. Anna Maria 0-1
Week 2 Predictions
Nichols At Anna Maria - Nichols 37-3
Suny at Mass Maritime - SUNY 24-21
Husson at Dean - Husson 31-17
Plymouth at Mount Ida - Ida 17-13
Greensboro at Gall - Greensboro 24-10
Fitchburg at Castleton - Fitchburg 31-28
Hartwick at Alfred State - Hartwick 44-3
Can't really disagree with your rankings. Very curious to see how Dean competes with Husson. I certainly don't think they have the horses to match the eagles, but it will be a good glimpse into how they might stack up against the rest of the league.
Every team but Husson has some big questions to answer in the coming weeks. Plymouth v Ida might answer some of the questions about Ida's offense. Three scoreless quarters last weekend, but the D was stout all day. I'm saying Plymouth wins this one 21-17
Did the SUNY offensive explosion of last weekend show us a sign of things to come? Or was it a one time thing? My gut says they are for real this year....SUNY wins the matritime battle, 35-21.
I have no idea what to make of Castleton's loss to Plymouth. Spartans are always better back home in Vermont, and a night game is a rarity that will bring a good fan base out.... but it won't be enough; Fitchburg wins 35-20
Other games will be one sided as the lower half of the league tries to rebuild.
I miss having Norwich in the league. Those Norwich fans were always good for some weekly banter.
I felt pretty good about my SUNY pick, but then I realized that they were playing on Friday night (an hour before I picked my scores) and I felt like a bozo.
With that said, I continue to be impressed by SUNY's offensive output. I have not seen them play but the box scores show a balanced attack with a passing game like they've never shown before.
It'll be interesting to see how things progress in Vermont and Newton in the coming weeks, as the Spartans and Mustangs are yet to find their offensive identities. Tough week for the Mustangs to find theirs with Springfield. Castleton hosts Norwich in a rivalry game so anything is possible there.
Hard to rank anybody in the league besides Husson being #1 and SUNY being #2...beyond that I think it's wide open with Ida and Castleton's past successes keeping them above the others until proven otherwise.
While it's obviously nothing near the significance of a game like UMHB vs. Linfield, the SUNY-M vs. USMMA series is always a competitive game, and one where the favorites don't always come away with a win. USMMA has some advantage with the extra week of prep given the Wk 2 bye, but this is one of my top 5 east region games this weekend. Should be a high-scoring and entertaining game.
I apologize for missing Sap Bucket Week as I was (and still am) in the middle of a move. But congrats to Castleton on the win. Definitely disappointing as a Norwich fan, as with Castleton losing to Plymouth earlier in the season I fully expected the Cadets to retain the Bucket. But Castleton came in knowing that Norwich has no pass game to speak of and thoroughly shut down the run.
Does that make them favorites for second place in the ECFC? I don't think the question is whether anyone in the league can best Husson, but whether anyone in the league can even challenge them.
Photos from the Castleton and Anna Maria game have been posted
https://foleyphotography.smugmug.com/Football/College-Football/2017-Season/Castleton-at-Anna-Maria
So... Husson. A conference loss from here on out (Gallaudet, Anna Maria, Alfred State, Mt. Ida) would be shocking.
John Smith just went over 1,000 yards rushing for the fourth time, and is over 6,000 yards rushing for his career.
Of non-conference note, they beat a 5-1 Union team, but lost at two loss Western New England.
Is this the year Husson finally wins a playoff game? Too soon?
Quote from: ccd494 on October 15, 2017, 12:47:09 PM
Is this the year Husson finally wins a playoff game? Too soon?
The thing Husson has going for it is geography. It's too distant from the top couple of seeds in the East, so it will always play someone else in New England and that generally makes for a winnable game, more winnable than generally their resume would merit.
Huzzah! Advance Husson!
Nicely done.
Congrats to Husson on a HUGE win today at Springfield!!!
I thought that my MAC Board was quiet. The top post on this page is dated August 31, 2017. Yikes!!!
Congrats Husson!
Well done Husson! You guys have come a long way since you last played Wesley!
-Ski
Congratulations Husson. With Plymouth and WNE being crushed and your win over Springfield... should Husson lay claim to being the beast of New England?
Quote from: jmcozenlaw on November 18, 2017, 05:02:27 PM
I thought that my MAC Board was quiet. The top post on this page is dated August 31, 2017. Yikes!!!
You should check out the UMAC board over in the West region. Double yikes!
Husson with a great W. Unfortunately I think the W puts the ECFC ahead of the Mascac on the National stage. Hoping for a massive upset this week to keep New England on the map
Quote from: HSCTiger74 on November 19, 2017, 12:28:27 AM
Quote from: jmcozenlaw on November 18, 2017, 05:02:27 PM
I thought that my MAC Board was quiet. The top post on this page is dated August 31, 2017. Yikes!!!
You should check out the UMAC board over in the West region. Double yikes!
Yes, +k to the
one guy, who has posted on the UMAC board
all season!
Quote from: MASCACAlum on November 19, 2017, 09:23:56 PM
Husson with a great W. Unfortunately I think the W puts the ECFC ahead of the Mascac on the National stage. Hoping for a massive upset this week to keep New England on the map
Husson's win does nothing to boost the profile of the rest of the ECFC. Husson dismantled
most ALL of their ECFC opponents this year, with multiple shutouts (49-0, 63-0). They allowed over 17 points just once in conference play (21 to Gallaudet) and were held below 40 just once (35 to SUNY).
Had anybody in the league even shown that they could hang with Husson, the "Husson NCAA win is good for the league" narrative would carry some weight. For now it's just a sign that Husson has a strangle hold on the ECFC and every program in the league is just holding on until 2019 gets here and Husson is in the Commonwealth.
Replace Husson in the ECFC with Utica, WPI, St. Lawrence, Curry, etc and they likely go undefeated. Not comparing those teams to Husson, but comparing to Husson's opponents. Not sure how anyone's thought of this conference would change with Husson winning a playoff game.
Very exciting weekend for Husson. Hopefully next week doesn't get too grim.
I don't know what if anything Husson's win says about the league, except that there is a path forward if any school wants to commit to it. During the interregnum between Gabby Price's coaching stints, Husson was at the very bottom of the ECFC. When Husson goes, someone will step up. Hopefully more than one school. Nature abhors a vacuum.
Somebody will step up in Husson's absence... My gut says Dean, but nobody else in the league will ever play a first round game against another New England school.
SUNY Maritime will be the best team in the Conference once Husson leaves....They overall have been very good in the league.....Mount Ida had some good years (1 Championship and 4 2nd place finishes)
Dean i agree could be a wild card and start to surprise some teams in next couple years.
and Mount Ida lost by 60 something to Wesley and Suny lost by 60 something to Alfred. Husson leaving just means this conference is inexplicably bad.
Rooting for Husson tomorrow, but just checked their website. JEEZ, from a fan perspective that may be the worst stadium I have ever seen. Don't know the NESW perspectives, but from the camera angle there is NO one watching the entire right half of the field! Action at that end would be a total mystery to EVERYONE! What moron designed the seating arrangements for the field? :o
Have you seen the aerial view? http://www.d3football.com/teams/Husson/2017/index
The stadium wasn't designed for football. It's a baseball field that was built before Husson started its football program. They extended the bleachers a bit to the other side's 45 from where they would normally end around the 35. They could probably be feasibly extended further but there isn't really enough need for that number of seats.
Any bleachers on the other side would be in the shallow outfield. There is a turf soccer/lacrosse field just above the football/baseball field, but there is no space for bleachers. The school owns a fair amount of wooded land adjacent to campus, but unless someone writes a huge check the stands are what they are. There was also a pretty big argument with the neighbors when the field was built, not wanting to go through that again may be part of it too.
When Wesley traveled to Husson back in 2011, I had to set my team wide camera up at the very end of those stands to get anywhere close to the 50 yard line. I was still a yard to two short. I also had to tie together two 100 foot extension cords to reach an outlet! It was a surprise to say the least to see that kind of layout. Now that Husson's program is on track, I think a couple more stands are in order. Don't you?
-Ski
I'd be surprised. Having enough seats isn't an issue. There's a bit of a hill there, so it would be more than just grafting on more stands, there'd have to be earth moving.
I think until some Husson grad hits it big the stadium is what it is. We're spoiled at a lot of small college games that everyone gets to sit at the 50. Plenty of football games are played around the world with people sitting closer to one goal line or even behind it. It just looks odd if those are ALL the seats.
Quote from: ccd494 on November 25, 2017, 08:10:45 AM
The stadium wasn't designed for football. It's a baseball field that was built before Husson started its football program.
This.
Pat Coleman posted the link to this story in a few other conference threads (where he sees Keystone as being a potential fit), but I figured I'd post it here as well:
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2018/01/keystone-adds-football-brings-total-to-252
Under 3hrs to Alfred State and SUNY Maritime. Under 5 to Gallaudet.
I'm sure each of those teams would love another "southern" member of the ECFC. With Husson on the way out, the overall footprint of the league gets much smaller, and Keystone would seem to be a decent fit given the three teams mentioned above.
I have no idea what kind of school they are academically (though a quick google search shows a 92% acceptance rate as of 2014)...might be a great fit for the ECFC.
Sorry -- I meant to post it here, too, because I think it's a reasonable fit for the ECFC as well!
So I'm working at the NECC women's basketball semi-final game the other day (Newbury College vs. Elms College), and the Newbury AD tells me that Hellenic College (small Greek Orthodox school in Boston) and Newbury have "combined" athletic departments and students at Hellenic College can play sports at Newbury College.
Now I read in the Boston Globe today that Mt. Ida and Lasell are looking to "merge" schools (something different than Newbury and Hellenic). Would this now mean that Lasell students could play football at Mt. Ida?
This seems to be a new thing, with Boston University "merging" with Wheelock as well. Obviously BU is D1 and Wheelock has several d3 programs. Not sure how that is going to work out in the future as well in terms of athletics.
Alfred State has a new coach....but he probably won't need to "move" very far:
http://www.alfredstateathletics.com/sports/fball/2017-18/releases/20180319m2a5o9
Now it looks like Umass (Amherst) is just buying out Mt. Ida altogether. So looks like the end of Mt. Ida football, and from what I'm hearing, Mt. Ida students will simply become Umass Dartmouth students, not Umass Amherst students, and can transfer there.....
Ida Alumni was on the 2012 ECFC championship team....Disappoint and upset this happened the program and facilities really upgraded over my 4 years there and we were competing well in New England..Coach Landers was a great coach and feel for him and the players. RIP Mount Ida Football #MustangCity
Sad indeed.
http://www.d3football.com/notables/2018/04/mount-ida-closing
Now the article notes that Umass Boston will be able to use the facilities. Since Umass Boston dropped their football team (and did it at the same time the got rid of their football field in front of their campus on the water), we can dream that maybe Umass Boston will get back into it and use the stadium at Mt. Ida?
I didn't get the impression that facilities was the reason UMB dropped football.
Raw deal for the ECFC. They are running out of teams...
Quote from: Pat Coleman on April 06, 2018, 03:30:55 PM
I didn't get the impression that facilities was the reason UMB dropped football.
It wasn't, but the Umass system is doing all sorts of land buying and speculating, maybe they have plans to use some of the sports facilities there?
As noted on the LL board, the Mount Ida news also means that 9 teams have extra open dates to fill for next fall.
Quote from: jknezek on April 06, 2018, 04:01:34 PM
Raw deal for the ECFC. They are running out of teams...
Half sarcasm, half out-of-the-box thinking...
Maybe Thomas More could affiliate for the 2019 season to keep the Pool A bid...
Castleton added Misericordia (1-9) in place of Mt Ida, as announced in the Rutland (VT) Herald....so much for that Hobart v Castleton game rumored on the LL board.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/category/sports/
Article was behind a paywall, but the headline can be seen by scrolling down that page
Amazingly, Castleton will now play 4 teams next year that each went 1-9 in 2017:
Alfred State
Anna Maria
Norwich
Misericordia
Keystone will Join the conference in 2020
So, 7 members for 2018. Husson leaves for 2019, leaving 6. Back to 7 in 2020.
What does that mean for the 2019 autobid?
Quote from: ccd494 on May 09, 2018, 11:50:01 AM
So, 7 members for 2018. Husson leaves for 2019, leaving 6. Back to 7 in 2020.
What does that mean for the 2019 autobid?
no change in autobid status, there's a 2-year grace period when you fall below 7. If Keystone hadn't been added, the grace period would have carried the conference through 2020, then everyone would have ended up in Pool B for 2021.
Should still be good -- there's a two-year grace period. It gets a little dicey because Dean is scheduled to be a third-year provisional member of D-III and would count toward the seven in 2019, but their progress through the provisional schedule is not automatic.
Quote from: Pat Coleman on May 09, 2018, 01:43:24 PM
Should still be good -- there's a two-year grace period. It gets a little dicey because Dean is scheduled to be a third-year provisional member of D-III and would count toward the seven in 2019, but their progress through the provisional schedule is not automatic.
Interesting. So is the grace period in effect for 2018 (7 members, but Dean doesn't count) and 2019 (6 members, including a countable Dean), then 2020 there are 7 full D-3 members when Keystone joins?
It's almost like you need a math degree to follow these conference shifts.
Gotta love this time of the year.
Teams are checked in, and most have been on the field a few times. Optimism surrounds every program as freshen and transfers fly around the field in non contact drills, and coaches start to project success based on 40 times and who looks the best sprinting in a cut off t shirt.
Truth is, until we see these teams in action in September everything is unknown.... And honestly, with some of the non league schedules we've seen from ecfc teams; we may not know much about anybody until conference games start up.
There are so many question marks the year:
How will Maritime adjust to late staff changes?
Has anybody in the ecfc benefited from an influx of Ida players?
Do the Amcats make a splash after two giant recruiting classes?
Does Castleton have enough up front to showcase one of the best backs in the league?
Does Dean, now in it's third year of NCAA play, have the talent to be a contender?
Alfred State???
Basically, the only thing that we know if that Husson is the team to beat in their last ecfc season.
Should be a fun year.
I am really curious how the GE's operate post-John Smith. He was a very special player. Fortunately their QB is no slouch either, and he'll probably get more chances to throw the ball and win games this season.
Pre-Season Rankings
1. Husson
2. Dean
3. Castleton
4. SUNY
5. Alfred State
6. Galludet
7. Anna Marie
From what i have heard around New England...I think Curry, Nichols and Worcester State got a group of the Ida players. As an football alum from Ida it is still a shame to see the school fold. Coach Landers built a very good program there and helped alot of kids on and off the field.
d3fan142511- any word on where / if Landers was able to find a coaching gig for this year? I'm guessing that the timing of the decision must have hurt his chances of finding a sport for this fall, but I hope he finds a way to stay in the game.
Wide Receivers Coach at Framingham...Hopefully he can get back to full time head coaching soon. Mount Ida scrimmaged Framingham each year while i was there. This will be a good fit for Coach.
Coaches poll came out today
1. Husson
2. SUNY
3. Castleton
4. Dean
5. Gallaudet
6. Alfred State
7. Anna Maria
GAME WEEK-
Two games Friday with Dean at Curry and WPI at Anna Maria. Thinking both ECFC teams come up short on this day, with Dean falling to Curry (35-21) and WPI taking down AMCATS 42-14.
Saturday we have some good ones, featuring Husson at Union, SUNY Martitime at Maine Maritime and Plymouth at Castleton, among others.
Husson 28 - Union 17 (Husson D will show up to play vs a young Union team)
SUNY 35 - Maine 28 (SUNY will get ahead early, Maine will make it interesting on the scoreboard, but not in real life)
Plymouth 35 - Castleton 24 (Plymouth returns a ton from a league championship offense. Sparty hangs in there but can't finish things off)
GU 42 - Alvernia 14 (First year program playing their first game vs option team = tough first game)
Mass Dartmouth 35 - Alfred State 17 (I got nothing on this one....)
Dean 21 Curry 17
WPI 42 Anna Maria 7
Husson 24 Union 10
SUNY 38 Maine 35
Plymouth 24 Castleton 17
GU 35 Alvernia 14
UMD 42 Alfred State 10
Quote from: NED3Guy on August 28, 2018, 03:19:00 PM
GAME WEEK-
Husson 28 - Union 17 (Husson D will show up to play vs a young Union team)
As a long time Union fan I'd like to comment on Saturday's Union vs Husson game.
Last year the young Dutchmen took the long bus ride to Bangor and played the Eagles very tough. The game was tied 7-7 in the 4th until Husson rode their horse, John Smith, to two late TDs pounding through Union's tiring defense. The Dutchmen rallied from that loss to win seven games in a row.
This season Husson takes that long trip, though they're probably more used to it. The Union's now veteran defense has become the strength of the team and without Smith the Eagles won't have that same horse. Offensively the Dutchmen have a new QB and RB and have historically been slow to put points on the board in openers. With two strong defenses look for a low scoring game. The Dutchmen will be fighting for the upset. A win over Husson would certainly bolster them for their tough schedule ahead which includes Springfield and a balanced Liberty League. I'll go 17-13
U
Always great when a frequent poster from another league drops in during inter-league game weeks. Thanks for posting UfanBill.
You're correct that Husson will inevitably slip a bit without Smith in the backfield. He was a force in every game he played in, and will be missed.
Maybe I'm not giving Union the credit they deserve in this one. Last years' game IN BANGOR vs Union was really a 14-7 game, with Smith scoring a final TD with 11 seconds left in the game. Both teams will have some new faces on the field. Still hard for me to pick the team with a first time starter at QB.
While it will be interesting to see who Husson has carrying the ball this year, I was surprised to see a kid from Crenshaw (Los Angeles) on their roster...out of curiosity I googled him (Solomon Hassen) and was pretty impressed. Is he John Smith....no. But this kid can FLY.
The more I think about it, the more I think this one is closer than I first predicted....I'll adjust to 21-17 Husson.
I don't often route for Union, but when I do, it's vs. Husson. Stay thirsty my friends.
(https://twt-thumbs.washtimes.com/media/image/2016/03/09/DE_c0-27-655-408_s885x516.jpg?4d2c82b3c0ac3af48243f5b09ef24df672814935)
Quote from: Machiavelli on August 30, 2018, 03:30:46 PM
I don't often route for Union, but when I do, it's vs. Husson. Stay thirsty my friends.
(https://twt-thumbs.washtimes.com/media/image/2016/03/09/DE_c0-27-655-408_s885x516.jpg?4d2c82b3c0ac3af48243f5b09ef24df672814935)
Mother****er! Finally get Mach on board with the U (even for a game) and dlip thinks they may let him down. Husson 24-10.
dlip thinks, going from what he has heard about regarding the scrimmage (vs Utica), as well as the new QB (Bellemy or Giordano), and the young O-line that Union will struggle early in the season vs. tough competition. Believe dlip, he feels good about Union but always tries to be as realistic as possible. Husson returns some key players and is very well coached. A Union win here (which of course dlip is hoping for) would be a big statement for the Dutch this season. Who knows they certainly may surprise. Really looking forward to Saturday.
Wow.... Anybody know where the crow buffet is? I gotta start eating my helping if crow.
Very surprised by the Union v Husson score. Will get info and report back.
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 01, 2018, 04:35:01 PM
Wow.... Anybody know where the crow buffet is? I gotta start eating my helping if crow.
Very surprised by the Union v Husson score. Will get info and report back.
Well NED3, I'll be happy to give my report. Union 30 - Husson 7. The Union's "new face on the field", #15 QB Will Bellamy was excellent. You're so right Husson's #3 Solomon Hassen is a find but he's no John Smith. TE #87 Aidan Hogan looks like this year's horse but he got injured in the 3rd and did not return. The Union D played as tough as I expected. Very proud of my Dutchmen and the Eagles...well it's a l-o-n-g bus ride back to Bangor. Good luck in the ECFC.
Thanks for the recap. Sounds like Union might have found an offensive identity. Hope they keep it up. Their new OC was in the ecfc, at Castleton, for the past few years. Seemed very well liked throughout the league....Worth noting that while he was busy helping guide Union to a 30 point outburst vs Husson; his old team got shutout vs Plymouth.... Not a good day for the Spartans. RB Harris did set the Castleton career rushing mark, despite being held in check for most of the day.
SUNY looked like they got off to a good start with their new head coach. Most impressive number from the box score is holding Maine Maritime to just 67 yards rushing on 36 attempts.
Sounds like Dean had a legit chance to win vs Curry... Seeing them allow 44 is a surprise, but they might be a team to keep an eye on come conference time.
Can't wait to see a few of these teams in person over the next month. Non conference games won't do much to tell us where everybody stacks up. Still looks like a Husson v SUNY conference until either CU or Dean do something to earn their way into that discussion.
5-2 with my outcome picks last week (Husson and Gall U picks were wrong), but my thoughts on each game were pretty far off...hopefully I get redemption this time around:
Friday night- SUNY Maritime v Mass Maritime--> SUNY stays unbeaten vs their fellow Maritimers. 35-17
AMCATS vs Nichols ---> AMCATS played these guys tough last year. I think they get this one. AMCATS 28 to 21
Saturday-
West Conn v Dean is my pick for game of the week. While I think West Conn wins this one, I also think we will learn a lot about Dean in this game. Dean had Curry on the ropes last week and shot themselves in the foot multiple times in order to let Curry come away with the win. If Dean has learned a bit in the last week and can minimize those mental mistakes, I think this one heads to the fourth quarter much tighter than most expect. This is game 1 for West Conn, and they have arguably the biggest game of the year next week vs Plymouth (maybe the Framingham game is bigger?), either way I think they overlook a very athletic Dean team and get a little scare.... In the end, I think West Conn responds and wins 48-35
Gall U vs Greensboro---> Greensboro's only win came vs GU last year. I think Greensboro gets the W this time as well. Greensboro 35 - Gall U 21
Husson takes on first year program UNE in the non-NESCAC Maine D3 Championship Game. Husson is way too much for first year UNE, and puts one on them 55-14. Husson will use this game to find out what they have in the young RB from California. I suspect we're reading about him as ECFC Rookie of the week next Monday.
Castleton goes to Fitchburg----> Spartans didn't do much of anything vs a very strong Plymouth team. Fitchburg didn't so much of anything vs an even better Cortland squad. Both teams looking to bounce back from hard week 1 opponents. Despite past results, this one is a toss up. In the end, I'm going with the home team: Fitchburg 28-24.
Alfred State at Hartwick---> Tough matchup here. Hartwick won 45-0 last year, and I think this year it could be worse. 55-0 Hawks.
Fun fact, that was Husson's first ever game against another team from Maine.
Never any chatter on the ECFC board, but I'm gonna keep on keeping on and hope that maybe some fans of a few teams decide to chime in. Back when Norwich was in the league there were a few frequent posters who kept things fun. Between them and Ida being gone (RIP Mustang City) this board is a ghost town....
Anyways, some good games this week. Chances for the ECFC to make some noise in non league games:
Game of the week: Sorry Sap Bucket fans, but Husson v WNEC has to be the one. Husson and WNE both teams lost in week 1 to pretty good teams (Springfield and Union, who coincidentally play each other this weekend). Then both teams "rebounded" by beating significantly outmatched opponents (Westfield State and Univ Of New England). Two weeks in and nobody really knows what either of these teams are about. Husson's first chance to have some home cooking, and anybody who has ever been to Bangor knows that its a hard place to be a visitor...Husson 35 - WNE24
Friday night, SUNY plays Merchant Marine in yet another battle between seafaring merchants. Last year SUNY ruined USMMA's homecoming, tonight they get to host their rivals. Box scores have me thinking this might be a very good SUNY team....SUNY 42-31
Sap Bucket Game between Norwich and Castleton- Castleton is about to embark on what may be the easiest four game stretch in NCAA football this year, playing 4 teams who combined for just 6 wins between themselves last year; Norwich (1-9), Misericordia (1-9), Amcat University (1-9) and Gallaudet (3-6). It's homecoming for Norwich, and unlike Sparty, they know wins after this weekend will be very hard to come by....that makes this one a toss up, but the CU running back Harris is the best player on the field, so we'll say Spartans 28-24...but the real winner will be the State of Vermont; Every time I go there it gets harder to leave. I bet they put something to the water.
Interested in Dean v Salve. Gotta take my hat off to Dean for playing some tough teams to start the year. They will certainly be battle tested by the time ECFC play starts. I haven't followed Salve much this year, but think they have too much for Dean...hoping for a Dean win, as it would be HUGE for the program, but I think Salve takes it 41-28.
Other games-
Alfred State v Rocherster = One sided win for a rebuilding U of R team
AmCat U vs Curry = Curry starters resting by the third quarter
Gallaudet game got cancelled due to storm.
Hope to be back posting soon with you NedGuy!! Tough when Ida is gone and the teams I played while at Mount Ida all leaving conference ....Becker, Norwich and Husson next year!
Quote from: d3fan142511 on September 17, 2018, 10:07:35 PM
Hope to be back posting soon with you NedGuy!! Tough when Ida is gone and the teams I played while at Mount Ida all leaving conference ....Becker, Norwich and Husson next year!
You mean to tell me you're not a fan of Alfred State or Keystone College?
Only three games with ECFC team involvement this weekend: Amcat U vs WNE(U/C), Alfred State vs Nichols and Dean vs Becker.
Amcats are in for a tough one as WNE is a bigger, stronger and faster team at every position. Honestly not sure why WNE is playing this game, but such is life at the D3 level in New England. WNE 55-10
Alfred State vs Nichols- Both teams played surprisingly tight games last week vs teams who (on paper) should have won by larger margins. Does that mean both these teams are better than we think? Or that their opponents last week are not as good as expected? Either way, this one is close with the home team (Nichols) winning late- 35-28
Dean v Becker is the game of the week. Last year Dean won 25-10. This year we expect Dean to come out and roll in this one, establishing themselves as an "upper half" team in the ECFC moving forward. Expect the Dean D to hold Becker in check....Dean 35-14
Looking ahead at conference play next week, here's our pre ECFC rankings-
1) Husson
2) SUNY
3) Dean
4) Castleton
5) Gall U
6) Alfred State
7) Amcat U
Just so you know Ned3, some of us are reading your stuff. Keep holding the fort for the ECFC ;D
Quote from: UfanBill on September 22, 2018, 03:00:07 AM
Just so you know Ned3, some of us are reading your stuff. Keep holding the fort for the ECFC ;D
Thank Bill. Writing my weekly picks helps make the games a little more fun to follow from afar. Excited to see some league games this weekend. Nice to get the ECFC game of the year this right off the bat, when Husson travels down to NYC to face off with Maritime.
Should be a good one. Got some research to do before making a pick on this one....
Frank will cross the bridge to be at the SUNY-Husson game this Saturday so we'll have live coverage from that one on our Wk 5 recap show. Interesting to see that Husson's FY RB comes all the way from Crenshaw (Los Angeles). He's a long way from home, but a heck of a FB player.
he will be the next John Smith if not better if he stays all 4 years. Might not get the same stats as Smith because Husson will be stepping up in competition but they will be close.
Yup he's a good one.
Obviously playing the schedule they have this year will get him some big numbers, but to go for 4.8 per carry vs Union in his first college game, then 4.3 per carry vs WNE is a heck of a way to start things off. No matter who is on the schedule this year or in the future, this kid is going to be a good one.
That said, after this weekend he'll face teams giving up 204 (Dean), 203 (Alfred State), 252 (Anna Maria) and 225 (Castleton) yards rushing per game. Expect some crazy numbers for this kid in conference play.
Conference play is upon us and we're starting things off with what may believe to be the de facto ECFC championship game between Husson and SUNY Maritime. This is not only the game of the week, but is the game of the year; likely determining the EFCF AQ (sorry Dean and Castleton).
Husson (1-2) @ SUNY (2-1)- Does looking good in defeat mean you're a good team? Husson got jumped on in week 1 by a Union team who has come out of the gates firing. At the time the Union loss created a "whats up with Husson" moment for some, but as we see more and more of that Union team, we start to see that week 1 outcome in a clearer light. A tight loss at home vs a 3-1 WNE team, and a blowout win vs first year University of New England sandwiched in between the two losses means we really have no idea what this Husson team is capable of. SUNY comes in having beaten two sub par teams (Maine and Mass Maritime), and losing a close one to a 3-0 team (USMMA)....end result of all these words I've typed is that I have NO CLUE what to expect in this one. Last year John Smith went off for 227 up in Bangor...Smith is gone, and this one is in NY, so we're taking SUNY winning this one 35-24. Thomas Wright will be the difference in this game, and will be the ECFC player of the week as a result.
Other games:
Dean hosts Alfred State- The more I learn about Dean, the better they might be. Lost to Curry in a game they really should have won. Then played WestConn in a much tighter game than expected. Despite the 0-2 start, the Bulldogs were trending upwards heading into their week 3 game vs Salve. Two failed 2pnt conversions left Dean trailing by 2 as time was running out, before a late Salve TD gave some breathing room. Last week Dean took care of Becker as expected...we expect the same to happen this weekend with Alfred...Dean 45-7...QB Watts - ECFC Rookie of the week
Gallaudet heads to Anna Maria- If I'm looking at the correct box score, Gallaudet rushed 50 time for 716 yards against the AMCATS last year on their way to putting 73 points on the board (but to their credit none in the 4th quarter). I know the rosters have both changed a lot, but those numbers are pretty wild. Has the 50 point (73-23) gap between these two teams closed enough since the day they met last year to make me think the AMCATS have a chance? These teams are closer matched than last years' result, but I don't think the AMCATS have it tomorrow. Gallaudet hasn't played in a while however (bye week plus a hurricane cancelled game leaves a 20 day break)...teams can grow a lot in 20 days, and I think Gallaudet gets it rolling in this one...GU 35-AMCATS 21
Castleton fills the Mustang Bye with Misericordia out of PA. I knew nothing about this team a few weeks ago, besides the fact that they went 1-9 last year....well after a 1 point win over Widener and a 2 point win over Wilkes; it's clear that Misericordia can play. Both those games could have gone either way, and without a few lucky bounces Mis could be an 0-3 team hosting the Spartans. Sparty hasn't played since the 40-0 rivalry loss to 1-3 Norwich. This Spartan team has a lot of talent on the roster with an experienced 3 year starter and all ECFC QB, a four year starter at RB who is one of the best RB's in the league, top WR back from last year, and a bunch of guys on D who have seen the field a lot over the past few years. I can't figure out why they've struggled so much vs Plymouth and Norwich....hopefully the bye week has given them the time to fix some things, and let their young oline gel a bit....even still this is a tough task ahead for Castleton...Misericordia 38-Castleton 24.
Photos from the Gallaudet win over Anna Maria
https://www.foley-photography.com/Football/College-Football/2018-Season/Gallaudet-at-Anna-Maria
Was off with my Husson v SUNY pick. One possession game with 9 minutes left, but SUNY was not able to finish the comeback and Husson adds the insurance score with 2 minutes left to head back up I-95 with a big win. Doesn't look like Husson freshman RB played....does anybody who was there have any info on this?
Everything else this week goes as expected. Dean v Alfred State box score makes the game seem like it should have been closer than the 18 point difference, but Dean causes 6 takeaways (4 INTs) and comes out on top. Dean QB, Watts, ends up being ECFC Offensive Player of the Week, instead of Rookie of the Week (as we predicted) but no matter what award he got, it's clear that he's a guy who can produce. Excited to see how he continues to grow throughout the remainder of the year....going from Alfred State to Husson will be a big step up. Really looking forward to Friday night. Dean has put up points all year, my guess is that a night game in Bangor creates a pretty awesome atmosphere...and hopefully a great webcast!
AMCATs allow GU to rush for 326 (cutting last year's number in half), including 151 from freshman Cassmeir Hutchinson (ECFC Rookie of the Week). Hutchinson had only carried the ball 9 times this season before Saturday, but got 10 carries this weekend. Have the Bison found their guy?...looks like the Bison have the Mustang Bye week this week, so we may have to wait a few weeks to find out. As for the AMCATS, based on their offensive production (7 points per game), it looks like the AMCATs have really struggled without their starting QB (he's in a cast based on the pictures zlax posted earlier...hope he gets well). AMCATS up in Vermont next weekend vs a CU team that has allowed a lot of points this year, maybe their luck changes.
Castleton took it on the chin vs a very good Misericordia team. Castleton started a freshman at QB, as senior Mitch Caron didn't see the field (injured?). New kid goes 16-30, for 250 with 2TD an INT and 3 sacks. Castleton took advantage of a some big Misericordia mistakes to keep things tight in the first half (Blocked a punt to gain a short field, and recovered a punt snap in the endzone for a TD), but this was a mismatch from the start with Mis going over 500 yards of offense and 238 on the ground. Spartans host the Amcats next weekend. Mo Harris keeps Castleton relevant by being a threat to score every time he touches the ball....while he's been held in check for most of the season so far, the kickoff return he had Saturday shows he is still a dangerous playmaker. He should get 20+ touches this weekend vs a shotty AMCAT run defense.
We had some interviews with Husson and game clips in this week's "Crunchtime" segment:
https://www.facebook.com/D3Huddle/videos/295537417706693/
Good news for ECFC fans-
Don't let anybody tell you you're the worst conference in D3 anymore...D3Football.com recently ranked the ECFC 25th out of 27 conferences nation wide!
25. Eastern Collegiate Football Conference
Kickoff ranking: 26
Non-conference record: 5-19
Signature win: Castleton 34, Fitchburg State 13
No team in the conference has a winning record. The most impressive performance was Husson's 31-28 loss to Western New England in a game that the Eagles should have won.
Bad news for ECFC fans- Castleton's win over 1-4 Fitchburg is seen as the ECFC's "Signature win" for the year.
Good news for fans of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (ranked 26th) and the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (ranked 27th)- Look on the bright side, Husson is leaving the ECFC after this year and upstart program Keystone College will be taking their place in 2020. Something tells me there may be a shakeup at the bottom of the D3 Conference totem pole soon enough....
Now that I got that off my chest, it's time for the weekend preview-
Three games this weekend with Gallaudet on the Mustang Bye Week. Tomorrow's games don't really inspire much thought, but we'll do our best to put something out there-
SUNY vs Alfred State- SUNY took the first quarter off last weekend and it cost them badly. There's no way Coach DiG is gonna let his guys come out sleepy this weeekend. Alfred State played Dean much tougher than expected last week with a balanced offensive plan going for close to 400 yards (193 passing / 205 on the ground). Maybe they found something last weekend that they can rely on this week to give it a go and make a game of it....but I think a pissed off SUNY team comes out hot and never looks back- SUNY 48 - Alfred 14
Castleton v AMCATS- I don't know what to make of this one. Reputation and past results would say the Spartans, in Vermont, are 3 touch downs better than the AMCATS. Recent results would say there's nothing on Castleton's 2018 resume to make me think they're that much better than AMC. We're big fans of CU running back Mo Harris and every week we've mentioned his ability to take a game over....so far we've been wrong every week about that. After averaging 118 a year a go, he's been held to just 63 yards per game so far this year. That being said, he went off for 200+ vs the AMCATS last year. Add to that the fact that the Cats have allowed 260 on the ground per game this year, and I think I'm finally going to be right in saying that Mo Harris makes the difference this weekend. Harris and the Spartans 38 - AMCATs- 21
GAME OF THE WEEK- Easy to look at the schedule and pick Dean v Husson. As mentioned earlier this week the Friday night lights will be on in Bangor tonight. For most, this would be a perfect "trap game" scenario....coming off a big conference win on the road, having a short week playing a Friday night game, and the distractions that may come into play with the change in routine. Coach Price will not let his guys get distracted. With Alfred State, AMCAT U, Castleton and Gallaudet in order to close out the ECFC slate for the Eagles; it will be easy to get his guy "up" for this game.
Dean has some talented guys on both sides of the field. Based on last week's opponents I wouldn't be shocked if the Dean staff and players were in Husson prep mode for the past two weeks.
When all is said and done, Husson has too much power upfront on both sides and can wear down the Dean front. If the Husson RB plays I expect him to have a big day. A few costly turnovers will keep the score in check for a while, but this will be all Husson. 35-17.
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 05, 2018, 02:51:49 PM
Good news for ECFC fans-
Don't let anybody tell you you're the worst conference in D3 anymore...D3football.com recently ranked the ECFC 25th out of 27 conferences nation wide!
The ECFC was ranked last one time, in 2016. The rest of the time, the UMAC has held that position.
Wow... AMCAT upset in Vermont!
Sounds like the game could have gone either way, with the young AMCATs making the plays late when the game was on the line. The cats had a big goal line stand in the 4th, and scored late to take the lead after a nice CU drive to tie it up.
Not sure what's happening up in Castleton, but this was only their second loss to Anna Maria in program history. The only other loss happened in a year most of the Spartan offense was suspended for the season. Still not sure where CU QB Caron is or why he's not playing, but either way this was a great win for Anna Maria.
Congrats to the AMCAT players and coaches.
Another week of ECFC football awaits-
Husson heads to Alfred State in a game that should be over by the 10 minute mark of the second quarter. After starting ECFC play with SUNY and Dean, Husson closes out their ECFC slate with the lower half of the conference. Get in, get it done, get out healthy. Husson 48-14
Castleton makes their longest trip of the year, heading down to DC to play Gallaudet. We've pretty much been wrong with every single pick we've made about Castleton...dating back to week 3 when they were heading into their Norwich game and we said they could be 5-1 after games with Norwich, Misericorida, AMCAT U and Gallaudet. Turns out we were VERY VERY wrong. Spartans now sit at 1-4 on the year....Gallaudet meanwhile has had as many weeks off as they have had games this season due to weather and their bye week. We have NO IDEA what to think of this game. GU has had two weeks to prep for CU, meanwhile CU dropped a game to AMCAT U last week and has given up over 200 rushing per game. The long bus trip, with a young team, trying to defend the triple option makes GU our pick in this one- 38-24. If you're a Spartan fan be happy...like I said, I've been wrong about them all year.
Amcats have the Ida Bye this week, after getting a big win last weekend in Vermont. I'm sure Coach Dan made them flush it after a few days and move on.
GAME OF THE WEEK- SUNY at Dean - Two 1-1 teams ultimately vying for a likely path to a second place finish and potential post season bowl game (do they still do that New England Bowl?) Both have beaten Alfred State, both have lost to Husson. While the Husson games were both very very different (one blowout on in Bangor and one tight one in the Bronx); I wouldn't read too much into the scores of those games. Dean is an athletic, well coached team. They laid an egg last week, but there's no doubt they'll be focused again this week. This one comes down to QB play, and I gotta give the edge to SUNY, with a senior at the helm. Dean rookie QB has been very very good this year, and is a star in the making; but Wright from SUNY has been doing this a long time and will get it done this weekend....SUNY 35-21
Nice job on your picks last week Ned... Husson, as expected, has an easy road to the MASCAC title and the playoffs. I hope they stay away from injuries. Speaking of injury, what's the status of TE #87 Aidan Hogan who was so impressive before going out injured in the opener against Union. I see he hasn't played since. The Eagles could use him in a probable playoff match up with MIT(or the NEWMAC winner) or maybe WNE of the CCC. Husson needs to savor this year's bid. Things will get much tougher next year when they join the CCC.
Aidan Hogan is a specimen. Great find for Husson out of a small under recruited school in Vermont. Not sure what his status is for the rest of the year, but I don't think Husson would mind having him around for a 5th year if this one is a wash.
The move to the CCC will be interesting. They've gone toe to toe with WNE over the past few years; playing them to a 3 point game this year and a 7 point game last year. Yes they lost both of those games; but between those two games and the 2017 game at Endicott (a 28-7 Husson win) I think it's safe to say that Husson will do just fine in the CCC.
I'm not too familiar with the CCC teams, but I have to think that WNE, Endicott and Salve are the top tier in the league? Maybe Nichols every now and then?...... Husson will fall right in with those top three teams and I would bet they earn the AQ from the CCC within three seasons of joining the conference.
The AQ path for the remaining ECFC teams gets a lot easier when Husson leaves. I think SUNY will be the top dog for a few years, but don't sleep on Dean and Gallaudet making things interesting.
Quick picks this week... Real life got in the way of message board life this week.
Two blowouts: SUNY over Sparty - 54-28 (Wright will be player of the week). Husson over AMCATS - 48-14. (A husson dline guy gets dpotw).
Best game is the week- Gallaudet vs Dean. Two teams that are third and forth best in the league. Dean ran into the ecfc buzzsaw that is playing SUNY and Husson back to back and got knocked back a peg as a result (see castleton the next two weeks). Gallaudet plays a consecutive week game for first time since early season, but looked very solid last week. Gallaudet is trending upwards, and can slow the game down to a pace that helps their D....GU 35-21.
Felt pretty good about last weeks picks....not real hard to predict blowouts in mismatched games. Was WAY off with my Dean pick. I guess they really are the third best team in the league with a big gap between them and the #4 team (GU).
Husson and SUNY are head and shoulders above the other teams, with Dean, GU, AMC and then Castleton and Alfred State taking up the rear.
This week has no good games. So I'm not putting much into it.
Husson will roll over Castleton. The VT weather will be the only thing slowing the Eagles down. Husson 48-CU 14
SUNY will treat the AMCATs the same way...SUNY 51-21
Dean enjoys the mustang bye
GU beats Alfred State, but it'll be closer than I think.... GU 35 - Alfred State 21
I might be wrong, but I think Husson's win at Castleton last weekend locks up Husson as the ECFC champion. (Undefeated in conference with one game left, and head to head win over the other potential one loss team)
Congrats to Husson for finishing their time in the ECFC at the top.
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 30, 2018, 07:12:30 PM
I might be wrong, but I think Husson's win at Castleton last weekend locks up Husson as the ECFC champion. (Undefeated in conference with one game left, and head to head win over the other potential one loss team)
Congrats to Husson for finishing their time in the ECFC at the top.
DB echoes this. He is so impressed with how Husson has become a really decent football program. He always roots for them and wished them the best!
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 30, 2018, 07:12:30 PM
I might be wrong, but I think Husson's win at Castleton last weekend locks up Husson as the ECFC champion. (Undefeated in conference with one game left, and head to head win over the other potential one loss team)
Congrats to Husson for finishing their time in the ECFC at the top.
This isn't true yet. Gallaudet has one loss and has two games left, against Husson and SUNY-Maritime, the other two teams with one loss. One Husson win or one Gallaudet loss will clinch the AQ, however.
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 30, 2018, 08:07:28 PM
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 30, 2018, 07:12:30 PM
I might be wrong, but I think Husson's win at Castleton last weekend locks up Husson as the ECFC champion. (Undefeated in conference with one game left, and head to head win over the other potential one loss team)
Congrats to Husson for finishing their time in the ECFC at the top.
This isn't true yet. Gallaudet has one loss and has two games left, against Husson and SUNY-Maritime, the other two teams with one loss. One Husson win or one Gallaudet loss will clinch the AQ, however.
Good catch on that. I'd forgotten / overlook GU. Nice to have meaningful end of season games coming up. Tall task ahead for the Bison, covering A LOT of miles on I-95 this weekend as they head to Bangor, but stranger things have happened.
Would really be something if they find a way to win this weekend, and SUNY is playing them next weekend with Husson's AQ on the line.
While a close conference race would be nice, just looking at common opponents:
DEAN: Husson +32, Gallaudet -32 (difference 64)
CASTLETON: Husson +48, Gallaudet +10 (difference 38)
ALFRED STATE: Husson +42, Gallaudet +4 (difference 38)
ANNA MARIA: Husson +40, Gallaudet +20 (difference 20)
Common opponents and the transitive property doesn't necessarily mean much, but that's a wide gap. I think Gallaudet is well behind both Maritime and Dean.
Quote from: ccd494 on October 31, 2018, 10:25:05 AM
While a close conference race would be nice, just looking at common opponents:
DEAN: Husson +32, Gallaudet -32 (difference 64)
CASTLETON: Husson +48, Gallaudet +10 (difference 38)
ALFRED STATE: Husson +42, Gallaudet +4 (difference 38)
ANNA MARIA: Husson +40, Gallaudet +20 (difference 20)
Common opponents and the transitive property doesn't necessarily mean much, but that's a wide gap. I think Gallaudet is well behind both Maritime and Dean.
Agreed- We're probably just delaying the inevitable.
ECFC Power Rankings (as we see it today)
1) Husson
2) SUNY
3) Dean
4) Gallaudet
5) AMCAT U
6 / 7) Alfred State / Castleton
Husson 63 Gallaudet 2.
Yards 701-43.
Wow. Husson firing on all cylinders heading into the NCAAs. Plymouth next weekend will be a nice test before the first round.
Sounds like the other two ecfc games today were pretty wild; both two point games that came down to the wire with the winning team needing to make a last minute stop to hold on.
Congrats to Alfred State on the win.
Congrats to CU RB Harris on becoming the Spartans all time leader in total yards in their loss to Dean today (*credit CU Twitter for that one).
SUNY played FCS opponent Hampton today. It went about as you'd expect. Cool of them to take on that challenge during the Mustang bye week.
Last week of the year for the ECFC. Been a pretty standard year in the league. Things played out as expected at the top. There was a little shakeup at the bottom.
Here is the pre-season poll:
Complete 2018 ECFC Coaches Preseason Poll
Total Points
1. Husson University (6) 48
2. SUNY Maritime (1) 42
3. Castleton University 35
4. Dean College 26
5. Gallaudet University 24
6. Alfred State College 12
7. Anna Maria College 10
(First-Place votes in parentheses)
Here are current standings:
Husson (6-0)
SUNY (4-1)
Dean (3-2)
Gall U (3-2)
Alfred State (1-4)
AMCATs (1-4)
Sparty (0-5)
A few thoughts about each teams-
Husson is better than everybody else. Dominated the league the past few years and is on to bigger things. Good luck in NCAA's...maybe a trip to RPI?
SUNY is better than everybody but Husson and should be the power team in the league moving forward. I believe Coach D is working as an interim HC right now. Hopefully they do the right thing, take care of him and lock in him for the long haul. He is a good football coach, and a really good man. He was a part of building the program a few years back and is the right guy to keep building it moving forward.
Dean has a good thing going and will be in the top two now that Husson is gone. I'm curious to see if Dean benefits from the closing out Mt Ida, as I think their schools attracted similar football players. One less school to compete with should lead to better yields in recruiting.
Gallaudet sort of did what was expected of them this year. I'll be honest, I never know what to think of this team. I think they are such a unique place with a finite number of guys they can go after, it'll be up and down every few years.
AMCAT U put together a good 60 minutes against Castleton (maybe not a full 60, but they got it done), then played SUNY tougher than most expected, and lost a tight one with Alfred State....AMCAT U is on the rise. New Coach is doing a great job, and from all accounts has built a PROGRAM there. I'm excited to see what he has planned for the future.
Alfred State- tight losses to Rochester and Gallaudet have these guys sitting with 1 win, heading into this week. After some program wide turmoil in the past year, hiring of the current coach in March, I think this program is on the right track. Maybe another lean year ahead as they missed a few recruiting cycles with coaching changes; but I think this team surprises people in a few years.
Castleton.....I don't know what to think. Picked to finish 3rd in be preseason coaches poll, now sitting winless in conference heading into the final weekend. This team was young in key spots this year, but still will graduate around 10 starters (including former all ECFC QB an RB). Hopefully this is blip on the radar for Sparty and not a sign of a downward spiraling program.
ECFC NEWS-
PER FOOTBALLSCOOP.COM:
SUNY Maritime (D-III): Per source, SUNY Maritime has hired Mickey Rehring, who was previously the defensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins (D-III – MD), to lead the program. He steps in for Vincent DiGeatano, who accepted the interim head coach role shortly before the season and led the team to a 7-3 mark and a post season bowl game against Springfield College.
Mixed feelings on this move. Wishing Coach DiG the best.
Good column on the development in the program at Keystone in today's Scranton Times Tribune:
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/collins-a-year-after-hiring-higgins-nears-real-starting-line-1.2464485
Interesting podcast / interview with AMCAT HC Dan Mulrooney:
http://insider.afca.com/inside-the-headset-dan-mulrooney-podcast/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=CoachCross70&utm_content=Inside%20The%20Headset:%20Dan%20Mulrooney%20[PODCAST]
Castleton posted an opening for their DC job recently. Not sure where current DC is heading, but it's the second off season in a row that the Spartans have needed to fill a coordinator job.
After a down year in Vermont, hopefully the Spartans make a good hire and get some stability in their staff.
Photos posted from Becker's victory over Anna Maria https://www.foley-photography.com/Football/College-Football/2019-Season/Anna-Maria-College-at-Becker-College/
I think all my ECFC friends left with Husson....1 post on this board since June.
Not much to talk about though. The conference has gotten much worse since Norwich and Husson have left in the past few years. Dare we say, it's officially the worst league in D3 Football? After two weeks the league is a combined 1-10, with a couple of losses that were wins last year (CU v Fitchburg and SUNY v Mass Maritime)...not a good look for the ECFC.
That said, somebody has to win the league and that somebody will get an AQ.
Without much to go off of, here's how we see things thus far-
1) SUNY
2) DEAN
3) CASTLETON
4) ALFRED STATE**
5) AMCAT U
6) GALLAUDET
Best showing from an ECFC team so far is Alfred State being up on Hartwick at the half. They were up 20-6 in the second quarter before getting shutout 24-0 the rest of the way and finishing up with a 30-20 loss. Although every year is different; last year they were down 35-3 at the half. In a week where we saw two teams drop games that they had won in the previous season (CU and SUNY); it appears that the Blue Buffaloes are trending upwards in a league that is trending downward. We haven't followed this team very closely but they earned our attention for the next few weeks. A game at a rebuilding Rochester team this weekend followed by a game at Brockport the next...
Credit to Alfred State (UMass Dartmouth, Hartwick, Rochester, Brockport) and AMCAT U (Becker, Union, Nichols and RPI) for playing BY FAR the most difficult out of conference schedules of anybody in the league.
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 16, 2019, 11:14:39 AM
Dare we say, it's officially the worst league in D3 Football? After two weeks the league is a combined 1-10, with a couple of losses that were wins last year (CU v Fitchburg and SUNY v Mass Maritime)...not a good look for the ECFC.
Yep. Like Frank said in our show last week, this conf's day's could be numbered. Not a sustainable model as currently set up.
Maybe an opportunity for 1 or 2 teams to join the NJAC
I know the NJAC has space, but I don't see any of these teams having any interest in trying to compete on that level.
Quote from: ITH radio on September 16, 2019, 10:26:35 PM
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 16, 2019, 11:14:39 AM
Dare we say, it's officially the worst league in D3 Football? After two weeks the league is a combined 1-10, with a couple of losses that were wins last year (CU v Fitchburg and SUNY v Mass Maritime)...not a good look for the ECFC.
Yep. Like Frank said in our show last week, this conf's day's could be numbered. Not a sustainable model as currently set up.
I didn't get to listen to the show, but why might that be? Keystone is joining next year which will restore the ECFC to 7 teams.
Quote from: Caz Bombers on September 17, 2019, 08:50:12 AM
Quote from: ITH radio on September 16, 2019, 10:26:35 PM
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 16, 2019, 11:14:39 AM
Dare we say, it's officially the worst league in D3 Football? After two weeks the league is a combined 1-10, with a couple of losses that were wins last year (CU v Fitchburg and SUNY v Mass Maritime)...not a good look for the ECFC.
Yep. Like Frank said in our show last week, this conf's day's could be numbered. Not a sustainable model as currently set up.
I didn't get to listen to the show, but why might that be? Keystone is joining next year which will restore the ECFC to 7 teams.
I'm guessing a lot of travel for schools that probably don't want to spend that much money on football/travel to begin with.
Way too large of a footprint for travel purposes. Conference stretches as far west as Alfred NY, South to DC, and east to the Boston area with Dean. Couple that with the addition of a PA team, and trips to VT or NYC and almost every away game (besides Dean v Anna Maria) becomes an overnight trip.
Wonder where teams could end up.
Castleton would fall right into the MASCAC (formerly the NEFC public schools). Castleton's other sports are already in the same conference as Western CT, Plymouth and UMass Dartmouth...it would make total sense for the Spartans to get into the MASCAC for football from a location / budget standpoint. From a competitive standpoint....not sure how they'd do there.
Dean / Anna Maria would likely need to find a spot in the CCC (formerly NEFC). There are only a few New England based private school conferences. The NESCAC, the NEWMAC and the CCC. From a branding standpoint the NEWMAC will not be in a hurry to add the likes of AMC and Dean...they bring nothing to the table, and are a far cry from the reputation MIT, WPI and the others want the NEWMAC to carry. The CCC is already at 8 teams with two affiliate members in Becker and Husson. Both of those schools fit the profile of AMC and Dean. Question is if the CCC wants to become a 10 team conference?
Alfred State is a bit of a wild card, as their primary conference for non-football sports does not sponsor football. The E8 would be the logical geographic fit for them. The E8 has gone through a lot of changes over the years and is currently at 7 teams. Since the Empire 7 sounds silly, maybe they look to add an 8th team?
SUNY Maritime is the one that is really interesting. Some say that the E8 would love to have an NYC area team. Good for recruiting the section 1, 9 and Long Island areas to be able to play a game down that way every other year. The other SUNY football schools are in the E8 (brockport, cortland, morrisville) so maybe there is an easy segway for Maritime? There were some serious rumors about SUNY trying to get into the NEWMAC, with fellow military schools, Norwich, Kings Point, Coast Guard and Maine Maritime. One rumor was that Kings Point has always looked down on their SUNY school neighbors, and would not join the NEWMAC if SUNY was there with them. The desire of Coast Guard to keep their annual game with Kings Point, and Norwich desperately wanting the traditional game with Coast Guard back on the schedule meant that Kings Point got their way and SUNY was left in the ECFC. THIS IS 100% hearsay rumor mill stuff, and I do not want to be spreading false rumors. That said, I heard it from people at two different NEWMAC schools so I trust it enough to post it here.
As for Keyston and Gallaudet...I honestly don't know enough about the conference makeup in those areas to say anything at all.
I don't believe the Kings Point looking down on Maritime talk because USMMA just moved back into the Skyline Conference with them in all sports last summer.
Otherwise, good and interesting analysis.
Geographically, Keystone is more of a natural fit for the MAC. Unfortunately, MAC already has 10 teams. The LL could certainly use an 8th team, and Keystone is not too far from the rest of the league
Quote from: Oline89 on September 17, 2019, 03:06:57 PM
Geographically, Keystone is more of a natural fit for the MAC. Unfortunately, MAC already has 10 teams. The LL could certainly use an 8th team, and Keystone is not too far from the rest of the league
Maybe Keystone and Gallaudet can join the NJAC, these teams would replace SoVA and Frostburg that left this past year. Or the MAC can give us Stevenson and we'll take Gallaudet. However, for Gallaudet and maybe Keystone, from a competitive standpoint it is definitely not a great option, but for budget purposes, it's a great option.
Quote from: Oline89 on September 17, 2019, 03:06:57 PM
Geographically, Keystone is more of a natural fit for the MAC. Unfortunately, MAC already has 10 teams. The LL could certainly use an 8th team, and Keystone is not too far from the rest of the league
Even worse/better -- the MAC has 11. Keystone would give them the ability to do 12 and have a title game if they so chose.
As a recent former two-year school (20 years ago), I don't think Keystone fits with how Liberty League presidents view their conference, even as a single-sport affiliate.
The ECFC has a place in D-III football for now. But if schools follow Husson and use it as a stepping stone before "graduating" out of it, then it will have issues staying intact. I feel like we are seeing that with the NECC as an all-sports conference as well, with some of the same schools.
I think in our hearts we probably all want to dig the ECFC's grave because its members don't live up to our competitive standards, but it ain't really about us, is it? Maybe things aren't supposed to fit nice and neat into the cooking pan with the trimmings thrown in the trash.
Whether it's the ECFC or the A-Sun or the SWAC or the NECC or what have you, across all three levels of the NCAA in all its sports, there always seems to be an island for each misfit toy. Maybe in the end that's a good thing.
Quote from: Caz Bombers on September 17, 2019, 08:03:28 PM
I think in our hearts we probably all want to dig the ECFC's grave because its members don't live up to our competitive standards, but it ain't really about us, is it? Maybe things aren't supposed to fit nice and neat into the cooking pan with the trimmings thrown in the trash.
Whether it's the ECFC or the A-Sun or the SWAC or the NECC or what have you, across all three levels of the NCAA in all its sports, there always seems to be an island for each misfit toy. Maybe in the end that's a good thing.
I think for some of the other conferences mentioned, at the least the conference has a Top team that is respectable and can hold their own against other conferences...However, I'm all for equity.
I appreciate Pat and Caz's statements about the ECFC having a place in today's D3 football landscape. Thinking about that the past few days, I guess the ECFC has really played a part in D3 football's growth in the past decade or so....Castleton, Anna Maria, Alfred State (Juco to D3), Keystone, Dean (Juco to D3), and Gallaudet (return to D3) all started programs (or moved to D3) as members of the ECFC.
On top of that, the conference has sent 5 different teams to the NCAA tournament in the 9 years they've had AQ status (SUNY, Norwich, Husson, Mt Ida, Gallaudet)....sadly two of those schools have left the conference and one of those schools no longer exists.
So I guess as much as I have bashed the league for being noncompetitive against the rest of D3, and as much as I speculate about the ultimate demise of the ECFC; the league really has served D3 football well over the years.
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 19, 2019, 11:27:08 AM
I appreciate Pat and Caz's statements about the ECFC having a place in today's D3 football landscape. Thinking about that the past few days, I guess the ECFC has really played a part in D3 football's growth in the past decade or so....Castleton, Anna Maria, Alfred State (Juco to D3), Keystone, Dean (Juco to D3), and Gallaudet (return to D3) all started programs (or moved to D3) as members of the ECFC.
On top of that, the conference has sent 5 different teams to the NCAA tournament in the 9 years they've had AQ status (SUNY, Norwich, Husson, Mt Ida, Gallaudet)....sadly two of those schools have left the conference and one of those schools no longer exists.
So I guess as much as I have bashed the league for being noncompetitive against the rest of D3, and as much as I speculate about the ultimate demise of the ECFC; the league really has served D3 football well over the years.
Which is the whole point of the conference- if the ECFC doesn't exist, not only does D3 football not grow, it shrinks. Some of these schools will fold up their teams without a conference to play in. The ECFC was fantastic for Husson. If a school wants to start football and has upward ambition, the ECFC is a great place to start. If a school wants to start football and give students that option without a whole lot of pressure, the ECFC is a great place to stay.
Randomly checking Anna Maria's schedule this year and their past history. Why are they scheduling Union and RPI in the same season and why are they playing them at all?
Quote from: Jonny Utah on September 24, 2019, 07:08:51 AM
Randomly checking Anna Maria's schedule this year and their past history. Why are they scheduling Union and RPI in the same season and why are they playing them at all?
It's probably a marriage of convenience. Anna Maria's conference lost Mount Ida (closed) and Husson (moved to the CCC), while the LL has four non-conference dates to fill as well.
That's gotta be the reason. Anna Maria is an easy day trip to the Capitol region so it's a budget friendly game for all involved.
Union and RPI both get a "bench emptying" game on the schedule (good for retention and player development) and the AMCATS get to play a couple of high level opponents (good for recruiting?).
Also worth noting that AMCAT coach Mulrooney played at Stony Brook while Union Coach was an assistant there.... So that might play a part in things as well.
In any event, good for the AMCATS, trying to raise the bar a bit. At the end of the day non conference games for teams in the ECFC are meaningless. Might as well play some higher level teams and expose your team to the calibur of play you're aspiring to.
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 24, 2019, 09:54:49 AM
That's gotta be the reason. Anna Maria is an easy day trip to the Capitol region so it's a budget friendly game for all involved.
Union and RPI both get a "bench emptying" game on the schedule (good for retention and player development) and the AMCATS get to play a couple of high level opponents (good for recruiting?).
Also worth noting that AMCAT coach Mulrooney played at Stony Brook while Union Coach was an assistant there.... So that might play a part in things as well.
In any event, good for the AMCATS, trying to raise the bar a bit. At the end of the day non conference games for teams in the ECFC are meaningless. Might as well play some higher level teams and expose your team to the calibur of play you're aspiring to.
I'm just looking at their history and they've never had anything go right for them at all. Just seems like playing RPI and Union might hurt the program rather than help anything. Pat C's explanation makes sense however so I guess it is what it is.
Power Rankings:
1) Dean - Games with Nichols (L), West Conn (L), Salve (L), Kean (TBD) to open the season will likely leave Dean looking for win #1 as they enter into league play. As long as Watts is healthy they'll have a chance to beat everybody in the ECFC. He's a stud and they have some weapons around him that others in the ECFC do not. Simply put, they are the team to beat.
2) SUNY - Trending downward despite having one of the only two wins so far for an ECFC team this year. 45-0 loss to Kings Point was bad, but the 551 to 147 yardage disparity is a bit alarming. William Paterson this weekend won't make things any easier. We won't really know much about his team until October 12 vs Dean.
3) Alfred State- Moving on up...I picked the right week to jump on the Alfred State bandwagon last week....close-ish loss to Hartwick followed by a 27-21 win at Rochester moves them up the ECFC power rankings this week. They got out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter before being outscored 21-7 in the second. Neither team scored in the second half. Telling stat of the game: Alfred State putting up 290 yards on the ground while holding Rochester to just 76 yards. I know Rochester is in rebuilding mode and that they are likely to be the bottom of the Liberty League again this year, but that was a HUGE win for Alfred State. Brockport this weekend will be a different kind of beast, but the Blue Bulls (or whatever they are) have done enough in the opening month of the season to be considered in the running for the ECFC this year.
4) Castleton - Trending downward....Ranked 4th by default, but haven't done much to make us think they're any better than the 4-6 block of teams. Losses to Plymouth, Fitchburg and University of New England have not left anybody thinking that Castleton is ready to take a step forward. The loss to Fitchburg is particularly bad, as FSU has given up 100 points in it's two losses, yet Sparty could only score 10 against them. Vermont battle with a 3-0 Norwich team awaits the Spartans this weekend. In a rivalry game with a trophy on the line, I guess anything can happen...but it probably won't. After a 2-8 season last year, an 0-4 start to this season will have many Spartans scratching their heads heading into bye week.
5) AMCATS -Topic of discussion earlier this week for the schedule they're playing this year (Union and RPI). In a league where almost every team will be entering league play without a win, why not pick a few big dogs to go against. AMCATS losing to Union and RPI probably does more for their team morale than losing to Fitchburg or UNE (see above). Can Coach Mul keep the juice this team had all off season and summer, and turn it into something special as the 'CATs enter league play? Time will tell but this program is trending upwards no matter what the record says right now.
6) Gall U -Never know much about these guys early in the season due to them playing down south with their OOC games. Next week the AMCATS will play Apprentice and we'll have a common opponent between GU and AMC to do the compare and contrast thing that we all love to do. These guys stay at the 6 spot until we get a better look at them.
Conference teams are 2-15 so far this season with Kean, RPI, Norwich, William Patterson, Brockport and Greensboro as opponents this weekend. I know nothing about Greensboro, but I know the rest of the ECFC is in for a tough weekend.
Bye week for most next weekend (AMC and Alfred State have games) then it's on to ECFC play. Somebody on the list above is getting an AQ. Will be fun to follow this conference as they start playing each other.
Quote from: NED3Guy on September 26, 2019, 01:59:13 PM
Power Rankings:
1) Dean - Games with Nichols (L), West Conn (L), Salve (L), Kean (TBD) to open the season will likely leave Dean looking for win #1 as they enter into league play. As long as Watts is healthy they'll have a chance to beat everybody in the ECFC. He's a stud and they have some weapons around him that others in the ECFC do not. Simply put, they are the team to beat.
2) SUNY - Trending downward despite having one of the only two wins so far for an ECFC team this year. 45-0 loss to Kings Point was bad, but the 551 to 147 yardage disparity is a bit alarming. William Paterson this weekend won't make things any easier. We won't really know much about his team until October 12 vs Dean.
3) Alfred State- Moving on up...I picked the right week to jump on the Alfred State bandwagon last week....close-ish loss to Hartwick followed by a 27-21 win at Rochester moves them up the ECFC power rankings this week. They got out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter before being outscored 21-7 in the second. Neither team scored in the second half. Telling stat of the game: Alfred State putting up 290 yards on the ground while holding Rochester to just 76 yards. I know Rochester is in rebuilding mode and that they are likely to be the bottom of the Liberty League again this year, but that was a HUGE win for Alfred State. Brockport this weekend will be a different kind of beast, but the Blue Bulls (or whatever they are) have done enough in the opening month of the season to be considered in the running for the ECFC this year.
4) Castleton - Trending downward....Ranked 4th by default, but haven't done much to make us think they're any better than the 4-6 block of teams. Losses to Plymouth, Fitchburg and University of New England have not left anybody thinking that Castleton is ready to take a step forward. The loss to Fitchburg is particularly bad, as FSU has given up 100 points in it's two losses, yet Sparty could only score 10 against them. Vermont battle with a 3-0 Norwich team awaits the Spartans this weekend. In a rivalry game with a trophy on the line, I guess anything can happen...but it probably won't. After a 2-8 season last year, an 0-4 start to this season will have many Spartans scratching their heads heading into bye week.
5) AMCATS -Topic of discussion earlier this week for the schedule they're playing this year (Union and RPI). In a league where almost every team will be entering league play without a win, why not pick a few big dogs to go against. AMCATS losing to Union and RPI probably does more for their team morale than losing to Fitchburg or UNE (see above). Can Coach Mul keep the juice this team had all off season and summer, and turn it into something special as the 'CATs enter league play? Time will tell but this program is trending upwards no matter what the record says right now.
6) Gall U -Never know much about these guys early in the season due to them playing down south with their OOC games. Next week the AMCATS will play Apprentice and we'll have a common opponent between GU and AMC to do the compare and contrast thing that we all love to do. These guys stay at the 6 spot until we get a better look at them.
Conference teams are 2-15 so far this season with Kean, RPI, Norwich, William Patterson, Brockport and Greensboro as opponents this weekend. I know nothing about Greensboro, but I know the rest of the ECFC is in for a tough weekend.
Bye week for most next weekend (AMC and Alfred State have games) then it's on to ECFC play. Somebody on the list above is getting an AQ. Will be fun to follow this conference as they start playing each other.
Ice Bear says what a great write up.
Ice Bear gives K.
What a week in the ECFC!!!!
While I always made the point of saying that the non-conference slate these teams played left us all with no clue how things would shake out; I will eat some crow because my "Power Ranking" was thrown into disarray after this week. Here's how I see things now:
1) Dean (beat SUNY. Holds the top spot)
2) SUNY (despite loss to dean, I think this team is about to click)
T3) AMCAT U- (21-20 win on the road vs ALF STATE - SEE BELOW)
T3) A State- (Looking at the box score it sounds like a crazy ending. AMCATS scored with 1:39 left in game to make it 20-12 ALF State...AMCATS go for 2 and get it...now down 20-14 with 1:39 to go AMCATS kickoff, use timeouts effectively and force a third and five...ALF Fumbles on that play and AMCATS take over on the -40 with 1:10 to go and no timeouts, down 6...score game winning TD / PAT with 9 seconds left....Instant classic???)
5) Gall U (Battled back from 21-7 on the road in Vermont...allowed go-ahead TD in OT, but missed PAT by Sparty gave them a chance. Gall took full advantage of that chance and picked up their first W of 2019)
6) Castleton (0-5 on the season and only ECFC team yet to win in 2019. After 2-8 2018 campaign the Spartans are 2-13 in their last 15 games. Spartans look to get on track with a trip to the bronx (SUNY) this weekend.)
This list will change a lot in the coming weeks, as I don't think any team in the league goes unbeaten or winless in ECFC play...
I'll get more in depth with my rankings later in the week as I gather some info about the games played last weekend and look ahead at what's to come.
Dean winning by 18 really surprised me. The crazy thing is even with the loss SUNY can still make the NCAAs if they win out bc Dean would be ineligible as a new program and the Committee would have to go with the 2nd place team as the A.
Quote from: ITH radio on October 15, 2019, 01:03:36 PM
Dean winning by 18 really surprised me. The crazy thing is even with the loss SUNY can still make the NCAAs if they win out bc Dean would be ineligible as a new program and the Committee would have to go with the 2nd place team as the A.
Wow, that is crazy. I would of thought they would have added an at-large bid.
Quote from: ITH radio on October 15, 2019, 01:03:36 PM
Dean winning by 18 really surprised me. The crazy thing is even with the loss SUNY can still make the NCAAs if they win out bc Dean would be ineligible as a new program and the Committee would have to go with the 2nd place team as the A.
Wow...so Dean could be the ECFC Champion, but SUNY (or whoever the second place team ends up being) would get the conference's AQ due to Dean still being in a transition year from JUCO?
If that's true (and coming from the ITH guys we're pretty sure it is), the ECFC is a six team league of which only 5 teams are eligible to go to the NCAA's....meaning every team has a 1/5 (20%) chance of playing in the NCAA tournament this year?
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 15, 2019, 01:36:57 PMWow...so Dean could be the ECFC Champion, but SUNY (or whoever the second place team ends up being) would get the conference's AQ due to Dean still being in a transition year from JUCO?
If that's true (and coming from the ITH guys we're pretty sure it is), the ECFC is a six team league of which only 5 teams are eligible to go to the NCAA's....meaning every team has a 1/5 (20%) chance of playing in the NCAA tournament this year?
Yep. And SUNY Maritime is the only team in the conference that has a chance to win six games in the regular season (which is unlikely, because that requires beating the HCAC front-runner).
Exactly - more on that in our Wk 6 recap show coming out a bit later today
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 15, 2019, 12:37:18 PM
What a week in the ECFC!!!!
While I always made the point of saying that the non-conference slate these teams played left us all with no clue how things would shake out; I will eat some crow because my "Power Ranking" was thrown into disarray after this week. Here's how I see things now:
1) Dean (beat SUNY. Holds the top spot)
2) SUNY (despite loss to dean, I think this team is about to click)
T3) AMCAT U- (21-20 win on the road vs ALF STATE - SEE BELOW)
T3) A State- (Looking at the box score it sounds like a crazy ending. AMCATS scored with 1:39 left in game to make it 20-12 ALF State...AMCATS go for 2 and get it...now down 20-14 with 1:39 to go AMCATS kickoff, use timeouts effectively and force a third and five...ALF Fumbles on that play and AMCATS take over on the -40 with 1:10 to go and no timeouts, down 6...score game winning TD / PAT with 9 seconds left....Instant classic???)
5) Gall U (Battled back from 21-7 on the road in Vermont...allowed go-ahead TD in OT, but missed PAT by Sparty gave them a chance. Gall took full advantage of that chance and picked up their first W of 2019)
6) Castleton (0-5 on the season and only ECFC team yet to win in 2019. After 2-8 2018 campaign the Spartans are 2-13 in their last 15 games. Spartans look to get on track with a trip to the bronx (SUNY) this weekend.)
This list will change a lot in the coming weeks, as I don't think any team in the league goes unbeaten or winless in ECFC play...
I'll get more in depth with my rankings later in the week as I gather some info about the games played last weekend and look ahead at what's to come.
Ice Bear is very happy for the AMCATS. What a huge win!
Ice Bear says kids must have gone ****ing ape ****! Well earned. :)
Week 2 of ECFC play. Last week showed that every team in this league is capable of beating (or being beaten by) every other team. As much as I pointed out the lack of competitiveness between the ECFC and their non league opponents this season; it's fun to have a league where every game is a toss up.
Power Rankings heading into week 2 (ECFC record)-
1) Dean (1-0)
2) SUNY (0-1)
T3) AMCAT U (1-0)
T3) Alfred State (0-1)
5) Gall U (1-0)
6) Castleton (0-1)
Alfred @ Gall - I think Alfred goes down to DC and comes away with the W. Two teams who had polar opposite finishes to their week 1 games. Gall battled back late, forced OT, allowed a TD, watched Castleton miss an extra point, then scored and made their PAT to win. Alf- As mentioned earlier in the week lost in crazy fashion to AMC after leading for all but the final 16 seconds of the game. I see the AMC loss as a learning experience for a program finding their way, and expect the Blue Bulls to rebound nicely...Alfred State 35 - Gall 24
Dean @ AMC - The only ECFC match-up this week putting 1-0 teams against each other. I honestly wish I could be at this one, as I think it's going to be a great atmosphere with two programs who play with a lot of emotion. I think the AMCATs are going to be flying high being 1-0 in conference play for the first time ever (I think??), but Dean has more depth and the best player in the league in QB Watts. When all is said and done, I think he is the difference maker....Dean 42 - AMCATS 28 (Watts ECFC POTW)
ECFC GAME OF THE WEEK-
Castleton @ SUNY - the #1 and #3 teams in the preseason coaches poll find themselves both sitting at 0-1 heading into this game. At one point in time it could be argued that this game would / could be the defacto ECFC championship game (due to Dean's NCAA - JUCO transition status). This game will still be a high stakes game, as the winner finds themselves at 1-1 and right in the mix, but a loss would put the loser 0-2 and (based on our predictions) alone at the bottom of the standings. As has been mentioned before; a one loss team still has a shot at winning the league (especially if that loss was to Dean). A 1-4 SUNY team who had the ball for almost 40 minutes and still lost to Dean last week vs an 0-5 Spartan team that is coming off a rivalry loss at home to Norwich, a bye week and an OT homecoming loss to Gall U....One of these teams has the chance to change the path of their entire season with one game. SUNY has only scored 24 points in their last 4 games and the Spartan defense has some serious play makers on the field. #93 Chris Rice will live in the SUNY backfield all game. Because of that I'm saying Spartans 21 - SUNY 17 (Rice ECFC DPOTW)
Well, I'm done thinking I have any clue what will happen in ECFC games the rest of the way.
My apologies to Gallaudet and their 590...yes 590 rushing yards, for not believing in them last week. After the OT win on the long trip to VT, I really expected them to lay an egg vs Alfred State last weekend. WOW was I wrong. 623 yards of total offense, with 590 (average of 9.4) on the ground.
I also need to apologize to SUNY- After seeing the SUNY offense struggle for the last month, I thought for sure the Castleton D would give them issues. Instead, it's the SUNY D that causes problems; holding Castleton to just 74 yards on the ground and 3 of 12 on third downs.
2-0 Dean at 2-0 Galludet this weekend will be the big one in the ECFC; but due to Dean's non AQ status this year the Amcats v SUNY game (both 1-1) will have some ECFC playoff implications as well. The winner of that game will be in control of their own destiny (along with Gall U) for the #2 spot in the ECFC and inherited AQ should Dean win the league. 0-2 Castleton heads to 0-2 Alfred State in a battle for the top of the bottom.
I'll post again this week with game predictions but here's a look at our ECFC power rankings as of today:
Power Rankings heading into week 3 (ECFC record)-
1) Dean (2-0)
2) Gall U (2-0)
3) SUNY (1-1)
4) AMCAT U (1-1)
5) Alfred State (0-2)
6) Castleton (0-2)
Ice Bear says again, NED3Guy Ice loves your write ups and has come to depend on them for the goings on in the conference. Awesome stuff. +k
Ice says when Union played Gall Ice was so impressed by their entire program. Since then Ice has been a big fan. Hoping they take it!
Quote from: Ice Bear on October 23, 2019, 03:48:44 PM
Ice Bear says again, NED3Guy Ice loves your write ups and has come to depend on them for the goings on in the conference. Awesome stuff. +k
Ice says when Union played Gall Ice was so impressed by their entire program. Since then Ice has been a big fan. Hoping they take it!
Thanks Ice Bear...much appreciated! There's some competitive football being played in the ECFC this year. Glad you take the time to check in on this board.
A couple of big games in the ECFC this weekend, with real AQ implications. As has been stated a few times by a few different people; the ECFC AQ will be going to the top team in conference not named Dean. Dean is in transition from their days as a junior college and is not eligible for the AQ. I'm not entirely sure how they counted towards the conferences mandatory minimum team number to ensure that the ECFC keeps their AQ status, but we're left with a 6 team conference with 5 teams playing for the AQ. (Note: I'm told that the ECFC would recognize Dean as the conference champion if they win the league, creating a potentially awkward Flint Megabowl type scenario in the final week of the season where a team who doesn't win the championship will be celebrating like they did) https://youtu.be/M5nKcN8Vo8Q?t=157
Biggest game of the week is certainly Dean at Gallaudet- Both teams are 2-0 in conference play. Dean has the league's best scoring defense in conference games allowing just 15 points per game, while GU has the best scoring offense with 45 points per game in ECFC play. Coincidentally these are the only teams in the ECFC with a + in average scoring margin right now (Dean has a +20, GU +11). While I will again mention that I think Dean QB Watts is the best player on the field in every ECFC game he plays in, the real story of this game will be GU offense vs Dean run defense. GU offense is averaging over 400 yards rushing per game in ECFC play (7.7 yards per rush)...I don't care what conference we're talking about that kind of production is pretty dang impressive. Will the Dean defense stay disciplined enough to stop the option attack? I've been way off with some of my guesses this year, but I think GU will dominate time of possession, limit Watts' impact and win this one 35-24.
SUNY visits the AMCATS in a must win game between 1-1 conference teams- The winner of this game will still have some control of things as both teams have lost to Dean but still have to play GU. That means the winner could take the head to head tie breaker should it become important for either the top spot or the AQ / 2nd spot. The loser will be on the outside looking in as a two loss team with two games to go. AMCAT nation was flying high after their nail bitter at Alfred State two weeks ago (as well they should have been). Dean took wind out of the AMCAT's sails in a 41-20 win that was 41-7 at one point in the 4th quarter. That loss surely stings, but should not take away from the good things that are happening in Paxton. Unfortunately for AMC, SUNY doens't care about those good things. SUNY seems to have found some offense last week with a few big plays and capitalizing on opponent miscues. That formula will work again for SUNY, as the Privateers take it 31-21.
The final game of the ECFC slate this week is 0-2 Castleton at 0-2 Alfred State- A look at the box scores shows a Castleton team that has been playing fairly solid defense all year but has been the victim of an offense that is really struggling at big moments. Last week CU was only out gained by 16 yards in a 21-3 loss at SUNY. The story of that game was CU going 3-12 on third downs and 1-5 in the red zone (CU is 3-10 in the RZ in ECFC games this year). Alfred State has allowed a 41.5 per ECFC game (that 62 spot GU put up hurts a bit)....Castleton is scoring just 15....is this the week the Spartan offense finally compliments the D and the boys from Vermont get in the win column for the first time this season? Sorry Spartans, but Alfred State is second in ECFC play with 198 yards rushing per game and the Spartan rush defense is letting up about that much (including 177 to SUNY). Alfred will control the clock in this one, keep their D off the field and hold on to win 28-17.
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 25, 2019, 12:53:42 PM
Quote from: Ice Bear on October 23, 2019, 03:48:44 PM
Ice Bear says again, NED3Guy Ice loves your write ups and has come to depend on them for the goings on in the conference. Awesome stuff. +k
Ice says when Union played Gall Ice was so impressed by their entire program. Since then Ice has been a big fan. Hoping they take it!
Thanks Ice Bear...much appreciated! There's some competitive football being played in the ECFC this year. Glad you take the time to check in on this board.
I read them too. I live pretty close to Dean and hope to see a game this year or next.
Looking like Dean is your de facto ECFC champ, even if they can't go to the NCAAs. A NE Bowl match up is a decent consolation for the Bulldogs, but it's a shame that a .500 or sub team will take one of the 32 spots while teams like HSU and others probably don't get in.
I think technically Dean needs to win one of their last two to officially be the ECFC champions. They have the head to head tie breaker with both of the teams who could end conference play with 1 loss (SUNY and Gallaudet) but in the off chance Dean losses to both Alfred State and Castleton in the next two weeks, they would not be the champions. Alfred State is 1-2 in conference play and Castleton is 0-7 on the season, so it's a pretty good bet that Dean locks things up.
Another interesting week of ECFC football awaits-
SUNY v Gallaudet this weekend sets up to be the "AQ" game.
Castleton and AMC play for a trophy.
Dean plays Alfred State with the ECFC championship trophy on site and ready to be awarded if Dean wins.
That's correct, one more win is required but they should be in good shape Vs ASU this wkd. We will see.
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 30, 2019, 09:06:29 AM
Another interesting week of ECFC football awaits-
SUNY v Gallaudet this weekend sets up to be the "AQ" game.
Castleton and AMC play for a trophy.
Dean plays Alfred State with the ECFC championship trophy on site and ready to be awarded if Dean wins.
This week in ECFC play we see three meaningful games-
Dean v Alfred State- Dean can lock up the ECFC championship with a win at home against Alfred State. I'm at the point where I admittedly have no clue how most ECFC games will play out, but this one should go as planned for Dean. They're at home, the championship trophy should be on site, and they have pretty much rolled through every ECFC opponent so far this year. Watts is a DUDE; completing over 74% of his passes against ECFC opponents with 9TDs and 1INT. He's fun to watch and has a good group around him. I hope people are right in thinking Dean may get a New England or ECAC bowl game when its all said and done....
Dean 45 Alfred State 21Castleton v Anna Maria- These two "rivals" play a trophy game every year for "the Helmet". Both programs started football the same year, and played their first game against one another. The series has been dominated by Castleton for the bulk of the years; but the AMCATs do have two wins over the Spartans- in 2013 while Castleton was in the midst of a 1-9 season, and again last year when the Spartans finished 2-8. Castleton is 0'fer the year so far, so history shows this may be the AMCATs year again. AMC is 1-1 against common opponents (beating Alfred State in the last minute and losing to SUNY in OT). I've given the Spartan D a lot of credit this year, and it's been deserving. That said, the AMCAT D has been equally as good. Given the Spartans' offensive woes this season, I think this one is a defensive battle.
AMCATS 21 - Spartans 17 **Sidenote- they play for a helmet painted with one side for each team. Both teams have changed helmet colors a few times since they started playing....is the trophy updated or did they keep it as is with original colors?
GAME OF THE WEEK / ECFC AQ ELIGIBLE RUNNER-UP CHAMPIONSHIP-
Gallaudet at SUNY - A few weeks back I critiqued the Maritime offense for their struggles vs non ECFC teams. That week they put up 21 on a Castleton D that I'd given a lot of love to. I thought maybe SUNY had figured something out on the offensive side of the ball. Turns out I was wrong....SUNY is currently last in yards per game (in ECFC play) and points per game (in ECFC play). Yet somehow they've managed to win the games they've been expected to win (beating Castleton and AMC). Gallaudet has been putting up points (41.7 in ECFC games) but has been allowing them too (41.3 in ECFC)....this leaves me with NO CLUE what to think about this one. With that said, Gallaudet picks up the good vibes in DC from the Nats winning and comes back from the Bronx with a
41-28 victory....GU "wins" the ECFC AQ.
Quote from: NED3Guy on November 01, 2019, 01:46:42 PM
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 30, 2019, 09:06:29 AM
Another interesting week of ECFC football awaits-
SUNY v Gallaudet this weekend sets up to be the "AQ" game.
Castleton and AMC play for a trophy.
Dean plays Alfred State with the ECFC championship trophy on site and ready to be awarded if Dean wins.
This week in ECFC play we see three meaningful games-
Dean v Alfred State- Dean can lock up the ECFC championship with a win at home against Alfred State. I'm at the point where I admittedly have no clue how most ECFC games will play out, but this one should go as planned for Dean. They're at home, the championship trophy should be on site, and they have pretty much rolled through every ECFC opponent so far this year. Watts is a DUDE; completing over 74% of his passes against ECFC opponents with 9TDs and 1INT. He's fun to watch and has a good group around him. I hope people are right in thinking Dean may get a New England or ECAC bowl game when its all said and done....Dean 45 Alfred State 21
Castleton v Anna Maria- These two "rivals" play a trophy game every year for "the Helmet". Both programs started football the same year, and played their first game against one another. The series has been dominated by Castleton for the bulk of the years; but the AMCATs do have two wins over the Spartans- in 2013 while Castleton was in the midst of a 1-9 season, and again last year when the Spartans finished 2-8. Castleton is 0'fer the year so far, so history shows this may be the AMCATs year again. AMC is 1-1 against common opponents (beating Alfred State in the last minute and losing to SUNY in OT). I've given the Spartan D a lot of credit this year, and it's been deserving. That said, the AMCAT D has been equally as good. Given the Spartans' offensive woes this season, I think this one is a defensive battle. AMCATS 21 - Spartans 17 **Sidenote- they play for a helmet painted with one side for each team. Both teams have changed helmet colors a few times since they started playing....is the trophy updated or did they keep it as is with original colors?
GAME OF THE WEEK / ECFC AQ ELIGIBLE RUNNER-UP CHAMPIONSHIP-
Gallaudet at SUNY - A few weeks back I critiqued the Maritime offense for their struggles vs non ECFC teams. That week they put up 21 on a Castleton D that I'd given a lot of love to. I thought maybe SUNY had figured something out on the offensive side of the ball. Turns out I was wrong....SUNY is currently last in yards per game (in ECFC play) and points per game (in ECFC play). Yet somehow they've managed to win the games they've been expected to win (beating Castleton and AMC). Gallaudet has been putting up points (41.7 in ECFC games) but has been allowing them too (41.3 in ECFC)....this leaves me with NO CLUE what to think about this one. With that said, Gallaudet picks up the good vibes in DC from the Nats winning and comes back from the Bronx with a 41-28 victory....GU "wins" the ECFC AQ.
Ice Bear says...
Let's ****ing go GU!
Another week of ECFC play and another week of head scratching by me after going 1-2 in my picks.
After spending most of the month of September pointing out how poorly ECFC teams had done against non-league opponents; I have to admit, it's been a fun year within the conference. Depending on how you define being a "good conference" some could argue that the ECFC is one of the best (most competitive) conferences in all of D3 football. I know this is like saying the MAC is one of the best in FBS footabll, but like the MAC; the ECFC is a league where everybody can beat everybody else in any given week. There's no Alabama (Husson) or LSU (Norwich) who will run the table and basically play each other for the title every year. Dean looked to be that team, but Alfred State gave them a scare last weekend, proving that in the ECFC all bets are off and anybody can beat anybody.
With that said a few congrats are in order after last week:
Congrats to Dean on winning the ECFC title. Dean becomes the 6th different team in the league's 11 year history to win the championship joining Norwich ('09, '11, '15), SUNY ('10), Gallaudet ('13), Mount Ida ('12) and Husson ('14,'16,'17,'18).
Congrats to SUNY on winning the coveted ECFC Second Place AQ game vs Gallaudet. With the win, SUNY assures itself the tie breaker over Gallaudet should both teams end the season with 3-2 records in league play; therefore SUNY gets to go dancing in the NCAA's due to Dean's NCAA transition status.
Congrats to Castleton on getting in the win column this season. With five of their seven losses being margins of 10 points or less, with 4 of those being 6 or less, this is a year that could have gone a lot differently for the Spartans. Results are what they are, and the Spartans have to live with the fact that they were 2-8 last year and will be no better than 2-7 this year; but they'll have all off season to play the "if only...." game and try to find some good mojo heading into next year.
Looking at this week, I've honestly run out of things to say about some ECFC teams-
GU heads up to AMCAT Nation- Cold, windy day favors the team with the better running game. GU 28- AMC -14
Castleton is down at Dean- I'm not sure if Dean has put in for ECAC or New England Bowl consideration, or if they're allowed to play in one of those games but if they want to be considered for either this actually is a big game for them as a win would put them above .500. Can the Spartans bottle up some of the energy they found in their AMC win and give Dean a game? Honestly, I think so...but I still think Dean wins- Dean 35 - Spartans 31
ECFC Game of the week-
SUNY at Alfred State- As mentioned above; SUNY enters this week with the ECFC AQ already in hand. Sitting at 4-4 overall, with a week 10 game against a very good Mount St. Joesph team (3rd in Heartland Conference). SUNY needs to win this game to ensure that they're entering the NCAA tournament no worse than .500 on the season. Some in D3 football already think the ECFC doesn't deserve an AQ...sending our second place team this year is bad enough....sending a team that is below .500 would be really bad. While we don't usually have a rooting interest in the games we pick, this week is different. Every ECFC fan (besides those at Alfred State) should be rooting for SUNY this weekend. SUNY 21 - Alf State 17
Got the score exactly right, just flip flopped. What a strange season for the ECFC.
Alfred State had a Much improved year in 2019. Hats off to the coaching staff and players. Hopefully their 2nd recruiting class is as good as their 1st. Both sides of the ball saw numerous freshman starters.
Quote from: Go Blue! on November 14, 2019, 12:43:15 PM
Alfred State had a Much improved year in 2019. Hats off to the coaching staff and players. Hopefully their 2nd recruiting class is as good as their 1st. Both sides of the ball saw numerous freshman starters.
Usually with a good group of freshman that say committed, see a huge improve year 3-5.
Quote from: Go Blue! on November 14, 2019, 12:43:15 PM
Alfred State had a Much improved year in 2019. Hats off to the coaching staff and players. Hopefully their 2nd recruiting class is as good as their 1st. Both sides of the ball saw numerous freshman starters.
Welcome to the boards Blue. Rest assured that others are reading and respectful of your opinions. This board has seen little to no action at times except for NED...Alfred St. is an up and coming program and in the ECFC has opportunity.
The coaching staff have definitely changed the culture within the program.. The school is buying in with a brand new score board and also new field turf for next season.. I enjoyed attending games this season.
WHAT A CRAZY YEAR IN THE ECFC....I try to follow the league pretty closely and week in and week out, I found myself baffled by some of the outcomes. As a result I think my year end W/L on guessing was below .500...Good thing Vegas never took any of my action on ECFC games.
I guess the reality of this league right now is that anybody can beat anybody. Will make for some fun watching in the coming years.
I agree that Alfred State's staff and players have done a great job getting the program moving in the right direction. Coach Linn took over a team that had gone 1-9 three years in a row....they had a tough first year (also going 1-9) but took the team to 4-6 in year two!!!
Not sure how the league coaches will view things when they're looking at post season awards, but Scott Linn and the Alfred State Staff need to be in discussion for ECFC Coach of the Year recognition.
Despite his disappointing game vs Castleton Terrell Watts should be the Player of the Year - 18 TD to 5 INT with a 64% completion percentage in conference play is too good to overlook. If he's not POTY something is wrong.
DPOTY becomes a bit of a guessing game- Tyshawn Anderson from Anna Maria was a force all year, averaging over 12 tackles per game in ECFC play. He also caused 3 fumbles, and blocked 2 kicks.....Alfred State's Brockton Weist had 7 sacks and 10.5 TFL's in 5 conference games...I'm sure there are other guys to think of but those two stand out to me.
OLineman of the year is a tough one to pick based on reading of box scores and talking to fans who were at games....I think the Coaches do a good job of recognizing guys for this award who stand out on film and in person; so I'll stay clear of guessing this one.
Gotta do some more research on Rookie of the year....
Congrats to SUNY for winning against a "good" MSJ team. I think this is a good win for the ECFC and East in general.
Congrats on SUNY-Maritime on it's playoff birth and Dean selection to one of the New England Bowls. For those that are traveling to Salisbury, Salisbury is the capital of the Eastern Shore of the Delmarva peninsula as many of the cities and towns are separated from the other major cities in each state. If you are there the day before, please visit the Salisbury Zoo, Ward Museum, and Evolution Craft Brewery. A lot has change over the last 20-30 years as Salisbury (near campus) has become more "modernized" especially in restaurants.
Congrats to all the ECFC Award Winners and All Conference selections-
http://www.easterncollegiatefootball.com/general/2019-20/releases/20191121gdtwsh
A lot of young players being selected to the all ECFC teams....a good sign for the league as a whole. Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Player of year are all guys who will be back next year, as well as the Rookie of the year (stating the obvious).
I haven't taken the time to count it up yet, but at quick look it seems like Maritime will be the hardest hit by graduation with a number or seniors making the list. Castleton, Anna Maria, and Dean all seem to have a good number of all ecfc guys back next year....scary to think that Dean brings back 10 guys who were either first or second team ECFC.
Keystone (PA) joins the league next year...time to start researching a bit about them and to see what they bring to the table.
Maritime cancels fall sports.
Good move by the conference
https://www.easterncollegiatefootball.com/general/2020-21/releases/20200714icel16
With such a large footprint it was an unavoidable decision.
Mass, NYC, DC, VT, PA, Western NY...just too many variables to try and figure out.
Still looks like window is open for schools to find some games in their local area. I haven't looked too hard today, but I don't think we've seen school specific decisions from Castleton, Alfred State, Keystone or AMC.
Gallaudet also has not made a school-level announcement.
Hi folks, longtime MAC poster and NEPA resident here. This story ran in two of our local newspapers on Thanksgiving morning, detailing how the four D3 football programs in the area (Keystone, as well as MAC members Wilkes, King's, and Misericordia) have adapted to recruiting challenges in light of the COVID-19 pandemic:
https://www.citizensvoice.com/sports/college/local-college-football-coaches-reinvent-recruiting-during-pandemic/article_54977168-9c16-5383-8694-d64693160aef.html
SUNY Maritime moving football program to the NEWMAC effective with the 2023 season.
https://www.newmacsports.com/sports/fball/2020-21/releases/20210621c4jp3a
This will put the ECFC in Pool B for the 2025 campaign, but I suppose that's ample time to find a 7th member somewhere.
Updated Open Dates:
Anna Maria - 9/4 (Wk1), 10/9 (Wk 6)
Gallaudet - 9/4 (Wk1), 9/11 (Wk2), 9/18 (Wk 3), 10/30 (Wk 9)
SUNY-Maritime - 9/4 (Wk1), 10/23 (Wk 8)
Misericordia - 9/4 (Wk 1), 11/13 (Wk 11)
Curry - 9/25 (Wk 4), 10/23 (Wk 8)
UNE - 9/25 (Wk 4), 10/16 (Wk 7)
MIT - 9/18 (Wk 3), 10/9 (Wk 6)
Merchant Marine - 9/11 (Wk 2), 11/6 (Wk 10)
Salisbury - 9/18 (Wk 3), 10/9 (Wk 6)
Rowan - 9/18 (Wk 3), 10/9 (Wk 6)
TCNJ - 9/18 (Wk 3), 10/30 (Wk 9)
Kean - 9/18 (Wk 3), 11/6 (Wk 10)
Updated Playing Matchmaker - If Kean and Merchant Marine reschedule their matchup from 9/25 to 11/6. We can fill out the schedule as noted.
Merchant Marine v. Curry - 9/25
Kean v. UNE - 9/25
Salisbury v. MIT - 10/9
Gallaudet v. Misericordia - 9/4
Gallaudet v. TCNJ - 10/30
Anna Maria v. Rowan - 10/9
Really don't have much to say yet....but wanted to post something so the ECFC board moves up the chart.
Nice to see a few ECFC wins over MASCAC...albeit against Fitchburg (Dean / Castleton) and Plymouth (Castleton). Not sure if either of those wins will look any good at years end as I've heard some stories about Plymouth and Fitchburg's struggles this year.
Despite being 0-2 Alfred State might be putting together the best OOC resume of all the ECFC teams so far. A competitive game against Utica (one possession game with 5min left in third) and a one point loss vs Rochester; might be more impressive than anything we've seen from the ECFC so far.
Sounds like Dean's offense is still really explosive.
Sounds like Castleton's defense is LEGIT.
Sounds like the AMCAT's should have beaten Nichols (admittedly I know nothing about Nichols...but have been told that's a good sign for AMCAT U.)
Sounds like SUNY D is really solid...... as is Sunny D.
Not sure we'll learn much this week based on the scheduled games. AMCATS play Mass Maritime...that could be a good game.
2-0 Castleton hosts 0-2 Norwich in the big Maple Sap game of Vermont. Norwich has played two good teams, but has not looked good. Castleton has played two bad teams and has looked really good. Not sure either is a true representation of who they are....but we'll all find out on Saturday.
Well this post really looks like it was ages ago...I guess in a D3 football season 3 weeks does qualify as "ages".
Some stuff I thought back in week 3 (in BOLD)
Sounds like Dean's offense is still really explosive.
Eh...I don't think this is true anymore. Yes they have big play talent and can break off some chunk plays as good as anybody in the ECFC. They still might have the best offensive player in the league at WR....But I'm going to call myself wrong on this one and say they aren't as explosive as I once thought.
Sounds like Castleton's defense is LEGIT.
Two shutouts to start the season looked really good going into week three. Turns out thsoe two shutouts were against two teams who are a combined 0-9, and have been shutout 5 times (3 for Fitchburg, 2 for Plymouth)...turns out the two weeks of scoreless football were not that great. In the three weeks since they've allowed Norwich (28), St. Lawrence (55) and SUNY (19) to each score season high points. Castleton D has some playmakers in their front 7, but I'm rescinding my all caps LEGIT status that I gave them in week 3. They're a good D and that should carry them to a few nice wins in ECFC play moving forward.
Sounds like the AMCAT's should have beaten Nichols (admittedly I know nothing about Nichols...but have been told that's a good sign for AMCAT U.)
AMCATS are good. They have it rolling and have officially earned "team to beat" status in the ECFC. Big credit to the coaches and players for getting this program on the track it's on....have to start thinking coach Mul is going to be moving on in the coming years. The guy has an energy about him that people want to be around and it's spread to that entire program. Cool to see. Will be interesting to see how the season plays out for them.
Sounds like SUNY D is really solid...... as is Sunny D. - Still TBD. A few nice showings so far this season. Last weekend they looked sharp against Castleton; allowing a kick return TD and a 51 yard TD run. Made some stops when they needed to, forcing 9 punts and from a quick look at the box score SEVEN 3 and outs. If thats true, I think the SUNY D could be pretty dang good. We'll see...One thing for sure, SUNNY D is awesome. Great drink.
New things I think-
Gallaudet might be pretty...pretty....pretty, good.... As mentioned above, I'm not sure what to make of Dean and they appear down; but when a team goes for almost 400 yards (393) and doesn't complete a pass (0-4 passing) I gotta think something good is going on.
Alfred State is good....coming off their bye week to open league play at home vs SUNY, followed by a home game with AMCATs then a trip to DC; I think people who follow this league will be talking about Alfred State a lot in the coming weeks. Will they run the table in October and beat all three of those teams? I don't think so...will they go 2-1 and make the ECFC standings a mess that nobody can figure out until the end of the season? Yes...I think that'll happen.
Keystone will win a game this year....credit to them for getting started during a pandemic and holding it together well enough to be competitive. They'll be alright and somebody is going to get caught sleeping against them in the ECFC.
I'll post some thoughts on the week ahead tomorrow or Friday
ECFC League Play Week 2 Preview-
SUNY (1-3 / 1-0) at Alfred State (1-3 / 0-0) - This is the ECFC Game of the Week in my eyes. Alfred State has done some stuff in the non-league portion of their schedule that makes me think they're a dark-horse contender for the ECFC AQ. SUNY didn't do much of anything in their non-league schedule but had a nice win against Castleton last week. Alfred State can score, as evident by their 21 and 27 points against Utica and UofR...I think they come out of this one on top: Alfred State 28, SUNY 24
Castleton (2-3 / 0-1) at Dean (1-4 / 0-1) - I don't have a clue what to think of this one. Dean let GallU run all over them last weekend (393 yards) but also put up 500 yards of O for themselves. Spartans came out hot vs two bad teams to start the year, but have looked pretty average since then, especially on the offensive side of things. I don't expect Dean to put up the yardage that they had vs GallU when facing the Spartans D; but I do think Dean will have success in the air...can the Spartan O keep up? .... I don't think so; Dean 35- Spartans 21 (with a defensive score in there).
Keystone (0-5 / 0-1) at Gallaudet (3-0 / 1-0) - I picked Keystone to win a game this season, but this won't be it. Gall U has their option O firing like the good old days. Hard to prepare for in just a week....I think we see more of the GallU running attack putting up numbers today. GallU 42 - Keystone 21
Player of the week- Gall U QB
DPOTW - Somebody from Alfred State
Rookie of the week - Alfred State LB
Special Teams - Dean Punt returner.
ECFC Power Rankings -
1) Alfred State
T2) AMCAT U
T2) Gallaudet
4) SUNY
5) Castleton
6) Dean
7) Keystone
Great lineup of games this week....AMCATS v Alfred State could be the biggest game of the year when it's all said and done. (Not going to sleep on Gallaudet, but AMCATS v Alfred State has the makings of a mid-season championship type game)
More to come....
Better late than never-
Picks for the week:
Alfred State - 35
AMCAT U -27
I think Alfred State is the best ECFC team we've seen in a while, and I think today they show up a put the league on notice.
Dean - 28
Keystone -24
Dean will dominate the stats but also have too many turnovers to make this a blowout. But their WR is the best player in the league and he'll be the difference.
GALL U - 42
SUNY -24
I think GAL U is legit this year. I have no reason why I think that but I just do. I think they run all over SUNY today.
I've been slacking in my efforts to keep the ECFC board near the top of the list this fall....
Been a pretty good couple of weeks.
The AMCATS went to Alfred State and took care of business to claim the top spot in the ECFC standings.
Then, Alfred State took care of business against Gallaudet the following week, to put themselves back in the top two.
Gallaudet has a chance to really throw a wrench into things if they win out, and hand the AMCAT's their only conference loss. That could leave the AMCATS, Alfred State, and Gallaudet all with only one loss in a three way triangle of A beat B, B beat C, and C beat A (assuming other games play out the way we think)....I have no idea what the tie breakers look like but it could be really interesting....time will tell.
With all that said, here's our ECFC Rankings for the week: (record and remaining opponents)
1) AMCATS (3-0, @CU, vs Gall, vs SUNY)
2) Alfred State (2-1, @Keystone, vs CU, vs Dean)
3) Gallaudet (3-1, OFF, @AMC, @CU)
4) SUNY (1-2, @Dean, vs Keystone, @AMC)
5) Castleton (2-1, vs AMC, @ASC, vs Gall)
6) Dean (1-3, vs SUNY, OFF, @ASC)
7) Keystone (0-4, vs ASC, @SUNY, OFF)
Buckle up ECFC fans, it could be a fun couple of weeks to end this season.
Wow wow wow.
And just like that the ECFC gets flipped sideways.
Castleton has joined the party and is now in the FOUR WAY TIE at the top, with AMCATS, Alfred State and Gall U. Each team has 1 conference loss: CU to SUNY, AMCATS to CU, Alfred State to AMCATS and Gall U to Alfred State.
Seems like a mess, but there's no needs to pull out the ECFC tie breakers quite yet as Gall plays AMCATS this weekend and Castelton plays Alfred State, so the number of one loss teams gets cut in half this weekend, leaving head to head as the tie breakers.
But what if Castleton and Gall U both win?? Luckily they play each other the following week.
Based on my quick math: Castelton is the only team who controls their destiny right now, with their loss being an outlier they would have head to head tie breaks. Otherwise all three other teams need to win, and get help.
If you're an AMCAT fan; you need a CU loss.
GU fans need an Alfred State loss
Alfred State fans need an AMCATS loss.
Great couple of weeks left in the ECFC!
I know some d3 football fans have their thoughts about this league and where it ranks in the big picture; but one thing nobody can take dump on is how competitive the league has become within itself week to week.
This league is definitely a Much Improved!!!
I am looking forward to seeing how this weekend plays out. Alfred State has played everyone extremely tough and were a few points away from being 6-2 or 7-1. They took Utica down to the wire, they should not have lost to Rochester by 1 and also had Univ of New England beat and could not hold on. They also left 2 touchdowns inside the 10 against the AMCATs. Hopefully they continue to grow and change the character..
Ball Control !!!!!
BIG WEEKEND IN THE ECFC-
FOUR WAY TIE AT THE TOP with all four teams playing each other this weekend! In the world of small college football it doesn't get better than this.
GU at AMCATs - Both teams need the win to keep their championship hopes alive. Both teams are coming off conference losses (GU two weeks ago vs Alfred State and AMC last week vs Castleton) - While I wasn't able to watch the AMCATs v Castleton last week, I was told that their poor tackling was the difference in the game. That's not a good thing when you have a team that rushes for 351 a game against conference opponents coming to town in November....with that in mind I'm going with GU 35 - AMCATS 27
Castleton at Alfred State - Earlier in the week I had no clue what to think about this one. Both teams appear to be playing their best football at the right time. Alfred QB is rushing for almost 140 per game in conference play, but the Spartan D is holding entire teams to under 50 yards rushing per game in ECFC play.....on top of that the Spartans are taking the ball away from opponents when they take to the air.....I've picked against the Spartans a few times this year and I've looked foolish each time. While I don't want to jinx them, I have to come to my senses and realize that the Spartan D is a different animal than the rest of the D's in the ECFC. It's actually crazy when you look at their stats and see what they've done in their 4 conference games (15.8 points per game, 46.8 yards allowed rushing per game, 10 INT and 13 Sacks). They say defense wins championships, and that defense travels well, so I'm thinking the Spartan D travels out to Western NY this weekend and brings them one step closer to a championship: Spartans 24 - Alfred State 17
Sets up a championship game scenario next weekend when GU visits Castleton.
Oh yeah, Maritime plays Keystone this weekend too...SUNY 38 - Keystone 21 (I officially retract my "Keystone will win a game" statement)
Huge win for Alfred State over Castleton last weekend. Big ECFC championship implications from that game. Between the Alfred State win over CU and the AMCATs win over GU; the Championship / AQ picture is a lot more clear now than it was a week ago.
I'm officially done trying to guess outcomes this year....I'm well below .500 with my picks. Shows how little I know about these teams this year, and how competitive the league has become week to week.
With that said, I'm done predicting outcomes, and will spend some time on this post going through 4 ECFC Championship scenarios. While my game picks have been way off, I feel really good about this breakdown as I talked to some people who spent good time looking at the tie breakers.
From all we've been able to gather (ECFC rules and talking to a few SID's) here's how things look-
AMCATS win vs SUNY and they are the 2021 ECFC Champs at 5-1 with H2H tie breaker over Alfred State if needed.
An AMCAT loss to SUNY opens the door for a few scenarios to play out:
AMCAT loss with Alfred State win = Alfred State is ECFC Champs at 5-1 (all others with at least 2 losses)
I think that's really the two most likely, most direct scenarios. But.....
Just for fun lets play this out differently than either of those situations:
An AMCAT loss (SUNY win), coupled with an Alfred State loss against Dean would lead to a 4 way tie with multiple 2 loss teams (including the winner of the CU v GU game*)
AMCATS 4-2 (losses to CU and SUNY - in this hypothetical)
Alfred State 4-2 (losses to AMC and Dean - in this hypothetical)
SUNY 4-2 (losses to Alfred State and GU - in this hypothetical)
CU 4-2 (losses to AMCATS and SUNY)
OR
GU 4-2 (losses to Alfred State and AMCATS)
One of the first tie breakers that will be used in this scenario will be "record vs tied teams" - Here's where things get interesting.
*The CU v GU game becomes a big factor in this because SUNY and AMCATS both have split their games against Castleton and GU.
SUNY lost to GU, but beat CU.
AMCATS lost to CU but beat GU
Record vs Tied Teams if CU wins:
Alfred State - 2-1
SUNY- 2-1
AMC- 1-2
CU- 1-2
AMC and CU eliminated from the tie. H2H back on the table....Alfred State is ECFC Champion due to H2H over SUNY
Record vs Tied Teams if GU wins:
AMCATS- 2-1
Alfred State - 2-1
GU - 1-2
SUNY - 1-2
GU and SUNY eliminated, H2H back on the table....AMCATS are ECFC Champions due to H2H over Alfred State
So here it is:
AMCATS are 2021 ECFC Champs - If they win
AMCATS are 2021 ECFC Champs - If they lose, Alfred State loses and GU beats CU
Alfred State is 2021 ECFC Champs - If they win and AMCATs lose
Alfred State is 2021 ECFC Champs- If they lose, and AMCATS lose and CU beats GU
SUNY, GU, CU, Dean and Keystone are all eliminated from Championship consideration.
(I'm 90% sure I did this all correctly, but I've been wrong all year so who knows???)
Should be a fun weekend to close out a great ECFC season.
Very curious to see how this plays out, and if any ECFC teams put in for New England Bowl games.
Hi Pollster's, just wanted to extend an invitation to join the ERFP for this upcoming season. We will continue to do R1/R2. Feel free to DM or respond here if interested. I'll reach out to last year participants to gauge any interest as well.
ECFC Midseason Report-
Been a while since we posted on here. Hopefully we'll be able to pop on more often so the ECFC faithful can have something to read and discuss....
As of now, it looks like Alfred State (2-0) is the team to beat. They're currently 2-0 in league play, but have a big win vs ECFC Defending Champ, and preseason poll favorite Anna Maria. Alfred State's second win was against a much improved Keystone team. Hosting Dean this weekend for Homecoming, should allow them to get some guys rested before a trip to VT to play the Spartans. A week 9 matchup vs Gallaudet could basically be the ECFC Championship Game.
Gallaudet (3-0) has snuck up on everybody this season. Picked to finish 5th by the league coaches; GU has gotten off to a 3-0 start (Castleton, Keystone, Dean). While they are still yet to play the "big dogs" being AMC and Alfred State; the 3-0 start has them in control of their own destiny.
Anna Maria (1-2)'s two early losses leave them on the outside looking in. They'll need to handle their business and get a lot of help down the stretch to re-enter the AQ conversation. Their best hope is for a 3 way tie with 2 loss teams and some complicated tie breakers working in their favor....but at this point it looks like a long shot.
Castleton (2-1) has beaten two of the lower teams in the conference (Dean and Maritime) but lost to Gallaudet. Big matchups at Keystone this week and hosting Alfred State next week will define the Castleton season. Two wins and the Spartans are in control of their AQ fate when they host the AMCATS the last week of the year. A split, and the Spartans end up looking at tie-break scenarios. Drop them both, and they're left playing for pride.
Keystone sits at 1-2 in conference play, but has already played (in our minds) the three best teams in the league (AMC, Alfred State, Gallaudet). Castleton, Maritime and Dean to end the season. While we don't know much about this Keystone team beyond the nice win vs AMCATs last weekend; one has to think they'll be competitive with every team they have left on the schedule. Because they've lost to both top teams in the league at this point; I do not see many ways they can end up in a potential tie-breaker scenario; but a strong finish on their way out of the ECFC would be a huge building block for the young program.
Maritime (0-2) let one slip away in Vermont last weekend, when the Spartans scored 29 fourth quarter points to pull off the comeback. The good news for SUNY is that they have Dean and Keystone left to play...the bad news is that they also have Alfred State and Gallaudet on the horizon.
Dean (0-2) is in rebuilding mode. They head to Western NY this weekend to be guests at Alfred State Homecoming; but then have games at SUNY, and home against AMC and Keystone to end things.....we think they grab a W along the way.
POWER RANKINGS:
1) Alfred State
2) Gall U
3) AMCATS
4) Castleton
5) Keystone
6) SUNY
7) DEAN
Awards Watch:
Coach of the year- Goldstein - Gall U
POTY - Cohen (AMC QB)
DPOTY- Hartman (Gall U LB)
What a crazy couple of weeks it's been in the ECFC-
On October 22nd, Dean went out to Alfred State and got an OT win. At the same time SUNY went down to DC and got the win vs Gallaudet. Knocking off the #1 and #2 teams at the time, on the road as underdogs....proving once again that within this league (no matter what other people think of it and how these teams do vs outside competition) ANYBODY can beat ANYBODY.
Castleton has held strong with a win over Keystone on 10/22 and a big win vs Alfred State on 10/29.
What we're left with is a tie at the top of the ECFC standings, both of the top teams with late season bye weeks, and a few different potential Champion / AQ scenarios:
TEAM, ECFC RECORD, Remaining games
1) Gallaudet 4-1 - Alfred State, Bye
1) Castleton 4-1- Bye, AMCATS
3) Alfred State 2-2, Gallaudet, SUNY
3) SUNY 2-2, Keystone, Alfred State
5) AMCATS 1-3
5) Keystone 1-3
5) Dean 1-3
So here's how things can shake out....
The two most cut and dry scenarios are:
* A Gallaudet win vs Alfred State would make Gallaudet the EFCF Champions at 5-1, by way of their head to head win over Castleton. (Castleton could finish 5-1 as well, but the head to head would give GU the AQ)
* If Gallaudet loses to Alfred State this weekend; the door opens for Castleton; who with a win next week vs Anna Maria would take the ECFC Championship with a 5-1 conference record...they'd be the only 5-1 team, thus no tie breakers are needed.
Things get a bit more complicated if both Gallaudet and Castleton lose their remaining game.
(NOTE: Both teams have late season byes that make things very interesting)
-If GU loses to Alfred State (this weekend) and CU loses to Anna Maria (next weekend); both teams would finish 4-2 in conference play. However the clean head to head of GU over CU may not be the immediate tie breaker IF SUNY or Alfred State also finish 4-2..Only one of them can finish 4-2 as they play each other in the final week of the season....A few things need to happen for this to play out, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. Mainly, both teams need to win this weekend (Alfred State vs GU and SUNY v Keystone) THEN they need to hope the AMCATS upset the Spartans next week.
If that happens; we have NO CLUE how the tie breakers work but it would be kind of crazy and that's kind of cool.
We love chaos; but the most likely thing is that GU wins this weekend and everybody next week is just playing for pride.
ECFC Power Rankings:
1) GU
2) CU
3) SUNY
4) Alfred State
5) AMCATS*
6) Dean
7) Keystone
*The AMCAT win over UMass Dartmouth to start the season might be the best out of conference win in ECFC history. It's UMD's only loss and UMD was just listed in the Region 1 Regional Rankings....I can't think of a better ECFC non-league win than that.
Awards Watch:
We have no idea who deserves the player awards this year, but we think Goldstein deserves COTY. The coaches had them picked 5th in the preseason poll, and they're a win away from the AQ.
Playoff projections for the season using my model's preseason ratings:
(https://i.imgur.com/bKUiH2z.png)
You can look at other conferences on my website: https://hansenratings.github.io/ (https://hansenratings.github.io/).
Anna Maria leaving for the MASCAC. Alfred State to E8. Dean to MASCAC.
https://www.mascac.com/news/23-24_News/Anna_Maria_Announcement
https://empire8.com/news/2023/10/10/alfred-state-college-to-join-empire-8-as-football-affiliate-member-in-2025.aspx
https://deanbulldogs.com/sports/football
Lights out for the ECFC.
The end of an era! This season will mark the end of the ECFC. Whoever takes the trophy home in November, will be keeping it for all eternity. - Corrected by Caz Bombers below.
ECFC Power Rankings Heading into Conference Play:
1) AMCATS - 2-3 / 0-0 - Putting up points, but not stopping anybody. With other ECFC teams struggling to score points, the AMCATS will try to outgun everybody.
2) Spartans - 2-3 / 0-0 - Looks like a normal Spartan non-conference performance. Beat who they should. Get beat by who they should. Who knows with them???
3) Alfred State - 3-3 / 0-0 - Much like the Spartans; these guys have beaten bad teams and lost to good teams. Big test this weekend.
4) Gallaudet - 1-4 / 0-0 - They always seem to be clicking at the right time. Coach Chuck does a good job with this team. Expect and upset in VT tomorrow.
5) Dean - 1-5 / 0-0 - They have allowed A LOT of points this year (313 points in 6 games). They've played good teams, but they can't allow 50 a game and expect to win.
6) Mt Ida - 0-0
7) Becker - 0-0
Quote from: NED3Guy on October 13, 2023, 02:31:18 PM
The end of an era! This season will mark the end of the ECFC. Whoever takes the trophy home in November, will be keeping it for all eternity.
ECFC Power Rankings Heading into Conference Play:
1) AMCATS - 2-3 / 0-0 - Putting up points, but not stopping anybody. With other ECFC teams struggling to score points, the AMCATS will try to outgun everybody.
2) Spartans - 2-3 / 0-0 - Looks like a normal Spartan non-conference performance. Beat who they should. Get beat by who they should. Who knows with them???
3) Alfred State - 3-3 / 0-0 - Much like the Spartans; these guys have beaten bad teams and lost to good teams. Big test this weekend.
4) Gallaudet - 1-4 / 0-0 - They always seem to be clicking at the right time. Coach Chuck does a good job with this team. Expect and upset in VT tomorrow.
5) Dean - 1-5 / 0-0 - They have allowed A LOT of points this year (313 points in 6 games). They've played good teams, but they can't allow 50 a game and expect to win.
6) Mt Ida - 0-0
7) Becker - 0-0
ECFC will still exist in 2024, next season is its last year.
What a crazy ending in Vermont last weekend. Gallaudet upsetting the Spartans is the only thing I had right last week. Coach Chuck is the best coach in this league and his guys always seem to make plays down the stretch.
Power Rankings-
1) Alfred State - maybe won the defacto championship game last week v the amcats. A win in DC this weekend would all but guarantee the trophy is heading to western NY.
2) AMCATS - still the second most talented team despite the loss last weekend. They need Alfred State to stumble to get back in the mix.
3) GU - well coached team. As one dimensional as I can remember them being but they got the W in VT. HUGE TEST TODAY!
4) Spartans - giving up a 20 point 4th quarter lead could shatter a team. Sparty is off this weekend, giving them two weeks to carry the loss. We'll see how they respond.
5) Dean - not much known about this group. Time will tell
6) Mt Ida - haven't allowed a point all year.
7) Becker - still looking for their first points on the season.
This week-
Alfred over Gall U 28-14
Amcats over Dean 46-24
I kinda suck at this....my picks are never right, but I think that's the ECFC for ya. Say what you will about how these teams do out of conference, but they always play competitive games with each other making for some fun football watching.
Big win for the Bison last weekend vs the Blue Bulls. Gall U has the inside track on the ECFC title now.
1) GU - A road win vs CU, and home win vs Alfred State have the Bison primed to repeat as ECFC Champions. My shotty math says that if they win this weekend vs the AMCATS, they are officially the ECFC Champs. They will hold head to head vs any team who could finish with 1 loss, so regardless of how GU does in their final game, a win tomorrow locks them in. AMCATS will not be an easy out. They score points....can the Bison triple option keep up?
2) Alfred State - Off this weekend before hosting Sparty and traveling to Dean to end the season. Will be rooting for the AMCATS to knock of GU in order to remain in the mix.
3) AMCATS - balanced offensive attack vs Dean last weekend with over 600 yards (300+ Rushing and 300+ Passing). I don't care who you're playing that's pretty impressive. Will their offense show up in at home vs GU this weekend? Everybody in the ECFC hopes so!
4) Spartans - coming off an open week after giving up a 20 point lead vs GU back on October 14....getting up by 20 on GU shows that the Spartans are a talented group. Giving up a 20 point 4th quarter lead, shows that they are also vulnerable....if the Spartans got healthy and rested during their off week they should have a great showing this weekend hosting Dean.
5) Dean - this team is struggling a bit right now. They're on a 6 game skid and have given up, 70, 41, 63, 75, 47 and 52 during that stretch. They travel to Vermont to take on a Spartan team averaging only 18 points per game. If Dean can win a few first downs on D, and force the Spartans into long 2nd and 3rd downs they can keep this tight.
6) Ida - STILL haven't allowed a point
7) Becker - STILL looking to score their first points on the season
Game of the week:
Gallaudet vs AMCATS - I think the AMCATS do enough early on O to get the Bison away from their bread and butter option stuff, and the Kitty's win this one 35-24.
Since I've been wrong a lot this year (and every year) GU fans who see this should feel good.
GU v AMCATS - AMCATS 35-24
CU v DEAN - Spartans 28 - 14
AWARDS WATCH -
OPOTY - GU Running Back: Mackall
DPOTY - Spartan LB: McDonough
Special Teams Player - TBD
ROY - TBD
Coach of the Year - Coach Chuck from GU
Thanks NED for keeping this board active. As I'm sure you're aware the ECFC is getting the Evil Eye :o from many teams across the country that are battling for those precious Pool C bids while your champ gets an AQ and finishes below .500. ::) So be it. You explained it perfectly in your post from 9/27/22 "The ECFC served it's purpose very nicely for a decade or so. It gave new programs a place to play and grow before they were ready for a step up to a better conference. We saw this with Becker (RIP), Husson, SUNY, Keystone and likely with AMC in the coming year or so. The ECFC also allowed a historic program like Norwich an opportunity to find themselves again after a conference shake up left them searching for a place to compete and allowed Gallaudet to be in a conference and compete for an NCAA AQ." The ECFC has served a valuable purpose and I'm saddened it will soon be no more. (one more year I think, if there's any teams left)
Not sure who you root for but when the ECFC is gone you've always got an invitation to join us on the LL board. Much respect.
Thanks Bill. I'm actually a LL (UCAA) guy at heart, so I might school myself up a bit and head over to the LL board sooner or later. Much appreciated.
ECFC is a lot more messy than it looked last week at this time thanks to a three team triad at the top. Ana Maria, Alfred State and Gallaudet are each 1-1 against each other and could each very well finish 3-1 in conference for a tie at the top. Castleton (0-2) and Dean (1-1) will try their best the next two weeks to knock teams off; but it would be a tall task to see either team beating one of the top three.
Alfred State has Castleton today, Dean next week.
Gallaudet has Dean today, off next week.
AMCATS are off this week before hosting Castleton.
In the event of the 3 way tie I'm expecting; things get very interesting.
The first 3 tie breakers are a wash:
Head to head
Results vs league opponents in order of standings
Results against common ooc opponents.
Tie breaker four is overall win percentage vs d3 opponents.
Alfred State and Gallaudet both have wins against provisional D3 teams in Hilbert and Lyon. I suspect those wins won't count and the AMCATS will be the ECFC champ; if they all finish tied.
But I've been wrong a lot, so who knows.
This week:
Alfred State big over Castleton
GU tight vs Dean
Power Rankings:
1-3: see above...who knows!?!
4- Dean
5- Mt Ida
6- Castleton- home loss to Dean when you get 2TDs on D is inexcusable.
7- Becker
HERE WE GO!
Final week of the season....still a lot to be playing for. The ECFC Chaos scenario I talked about last week is still very much in play.
Gallaudet is the leader in the clubhouse at 3-1. They are off this weekend.
Alfred State is 2-1 and travels to Dean (1-2)
Anna Maria is 2-1 and hosts Castleton (0-3)
Gallaudet beat Alfred State, but lost to Anna Maria
Anna Maria beat Gallaudet but lost to Alfred State
Alfred State beat Anna Maria but lost to Gallaudet
If things play out as expected this weekend, without a Dean or Castleton upset, we'll end up with three teams tied at 3-1 in conference play. It will come down to the fourth tie-breaker, overall winning percentage against NCAA D3 opponents; and Anna Maria will be declared the ECFC Champion by virtue of their 5-4 record.
*Alfred State has the chance to finish 6-4 with a win this weekend, but two of their wins are against first year NCAA D3 football programs and I believe those wins will not be factored into the tie-breaker due to those teams being provisional NCAA teams this year. Similarly, Gallaudet has a win against a first year program that will not count in the 4th tie-breaker.
Other potential scenarios:
Castleton wins and Alfred State wins.
A Castleton win vs Anna Maria would move the AMCATS to 2-2 in ECFC play, leaving Gallaudet and Alfred State alone at the top with 3-1 records. Tie-breaker #1 is head to head, Gallaudet would be the ECFC Champion regardless of how Alfred State does against Dean.
Castleton win, Dean wins-
Same as above, but no need for tie-breaker. Gallaudet would win outright being the only 3-1 team.
AMCAT win - and any outcome between Alfred State and Dean = AMCATS are ECFC Champs....either by the head to head with GU, or the three team tie breaker noted above.
Alfred State is essentially eliminated from ECFC title consideration.
SO.....
AMCATS win and they're in.
If you're a Gallaudet fan, you NEED Castleton to beat the AMCATS this weekend.
If you're a fan of Alfred State, I guess it doesn't really matter who you root for...if you win you can say you had a share of the title I guess.
Power Rankings:
1a) GU
1b) Alfred State
1c) AMCATS - Likely winning the AQ.
4) Dean
5) Mt. Ida
6) Castleton
7) Becker
This week:
AMCATS 41 - Spartans - 17 - AMCATS have something to play for, Spartans do not. Do the Spartans open up the playbook with some trickery and try to steal one? I'm not sure it will matter.
Dean 28 - Alfred State 21 - UPSET ALERT! If they find a way to win this weekend, Coach Murphy gets my vote for Coach of the Year. He's also a Veteran, Coaching on Veteran's Day....every football fan who sees this should appreciate that.
WELL, I guess everything I was told about tie breakers was wrong...
According to Alfred State website, they are the ECFC champions.
I'll try to get more details.
If I'm Anna Maria and I know Alfred State has wins vs Lyon (transitioning from NAIA to NCAA this year) and Hilbert (first year team, provisional ncaa d3 team); I'd be furious tonight.
And I was convinced you had it all figured out. :o If it is Alfred St. good for them. They're entering the E8 and it may be a l-o-n-g time before they get another chance.
The only thing I can say is Anna Maria had a turn in the tourney 2 years ago and was monkey stomped by Delaware Valley 62-10. They also gave up 93 points to Coast Guard week 2 this year and they lost to Alfred St. Certainly not playoff worthy.
Quote from: NED3Guy on November 10, 2023, 02:12:03 PM
Alfred State is essentially eliminated from ECFC title consideration.
I do not think that word means what you think it means.
Well not much going on in the ECFC board. Is anyone making the journey to Alliance for round 1?
Quote from: Desertraider on November 13, 2023, 01:49:51 PM
Quote from: NED3Guy on November 10, 2023, 02:12:03 PM
Alfred State is essentially eliminated from ECFC title consideration.
I do not think that word means what you think it means.
Right? I guess so...yikes. I really thought I had it figured out. Oh well.
Good for Alfred State. I love to see yet another new team win the conference. This is the 8th different school to win the ECFC since 2009. Husson 4 times, Norwich 3 times, Gallaudet twice, Mt Ida, SUNY, AMCATs, Dean (but they couldn't get the AQ) and now Alfred State.
I don't know if I trust my source anymore, but I've been told that my info about the tie-breakers was correct, however I had it upside down....they use the tie-breakers to eliminate a team from the bottom; then go back to head to head when only two teams remain....(my scenarios below were based on the idea that they'd pull a team off the top from the 4th tie-breaker)
Gallaudet was eliminated on the 4th tie-breaker; then Alfred State and Anna Maria remained and head to head became the determining factor...resulting in Alfred State being named champion.
Serves me right for trying to figure out a three way tie in a five team conference! In other news: AMCATS will be playing at Salve Regina (8-2 - NEWMAC) in a New England Bowl.
Final ECFC Power Rankings of 2023...pretty cut and dry at this point.
1) Alfred State - Earned the Championship, earned the AQ, earned the trip to Alliance, Ohio.
2) AMCATS - Played a complete game vs Spartans last weekend. BIG test for them this weekend in the bowl game.
3) GU - Up and down season. When they were clicking they were hard to stop. I hope they have a good plan in the works for life after the ECFC (if in fact the ECFC is done in 2025). They're fun to watch.
4) Dean - In full rebuild mode. Saw some flashes during their victory against Castleton. They will bounce back quickly.
5) Castleton - Winless in conference in their final ECFC season. I'm guessing that's not how anybody in Vermont wanted to go out. MASCAC awaits next year. I suspect the Spartans lick their wounds and find themselves in the middle of the MASCAC next year.