Allgemeine Plauderecke » ses, been picked off only once and leads the A

(STATS) -- Championship Saturday 2015. It still lives in the thoughts of the Saint Francis football coaches and players.They played for the Northeast Conference championship at Duquesne on the final day of the regular season last November.Boasting a winning record for the first time since 1992, they surely started getting ahead of themselves when they built a 14-0 lead through one quarter.It was all Duquesne from there, with SFU suffering a 30-20 loss that still stings today.Its still in my heart. I cant get rid of that feeling, All-America safety and kick returner Lorenzo Jerome said.With the success that came, coach Chris Villarial said, thats a hard pill to swallow.The NEC figures to be competitive again, with 2013 and 14 champ Sacred Heart expected to get back into the championship mix. Duquesne is the preseason favorite.Saint Francis isnt quite the upstart anymore. With an experienced team returning from the breakthrough season -- and heartache -- Jerome points out, We know how to win this year.Duquesne is equally as experienced, though, and committed to playing physical defense. The Dukes nearly upset CAA Football power William & Mary in their first-ever FCS playoff game, falling 52-49 on the road.This years goal, star quarterback Dillon Buechel said, Just take it to the next level. Get back to that point and try to do some damage in the playoffs this year. … Guys on this team love to compete.Following is a team-by-team breakdown of the 2016 Northeast Conference race and STATS predicted order of finish:1. Duquesne2. Sacred Heart3. Saint Francis4. Bryant5. Robert Morris6. Central Connecticut State7. Wagner---=TEAM CAPSULES=1. DUQUESNE DUKES=LOCATION: PittsburghSTADIUM: Arthur J. Rooney Athletic FieldCOACH: Jerry Schmitt (68-51 in 11 seasons at Duquesne; 93-69 overall)LAST SEASON: 8-4 overall, 5-1 NEC (1st)STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (7 offense/6 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Rafiq Douglas, RB; Chris King, WR; Dan Buchholz, OLONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Dillon Buechel, QB, Sr. (228-for-401, 2,871 yards, 24 TDs, 8 INTs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Christian Kuntz, LB, Sr. (72 TT, 26 TFL, 11 sacks, 4 INTs, 6 PBU, 6 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: P.J. Fulmore, RB, So.; Wayne Capers, WR, Sr.; Reggie McKnight, WR, Sr.; Nehari Crawford, WR/KR, So.; Dave Thomas, WR, Sr.; Larson Graham, OL, Sr.; Ben Huss, OL, JR.; Jake Radziukinas, DL, Sr.; Nathan Stone, LB, Jr.; Gary Wooten, LB, Sr. (Penn State transfer); Abner Roberts, DB, Jr.; Malik Shegog, DB, Jr.; Austin Crimmins, PK/P, Sr.OUTLOOK: The defending NEC champion Dukes talent level remains high despite the unexpected loss of star running back Douglas, who nearly rushed for 1,000 yards as a sophomore. The strong-armed Buechel, who threw for 423 yards and six touchdowns against William & Mary in the Dukes first-ever FCS playoff game, is a fourth-year starter who was named the NECs preseason quarterback. He gets back Capers (51 receptions, nine TDs) and developing sophomore Crawford to keep the offense moving the ball. The Dukes are replacing three starters on the offensive line in addition to dropping in the new starting running back, Fulmore. The defense helped force 26 turnovers (which led to a plus-13 turnover margin) and seeks to remain opportunistic. It has an exceptional linebackers corps led by Kuntz, the 2015 NEC defensive player of the year. A bulls-eye is squarely on the Dukes backs.SCHEDULE:Sept. 1, at Youngstown StateSept. 10, BucknellSept. 17, DaytonSept. 24, Kennesaw StateOct. 1, at JacksonvilleOct. 15, Robert Morris*Oct. 22, at Saint Francis*Oct. 29, Bryant*Nov. 5, at Wagner*Nov. 12, Sacred Heat*Nov. 19, at Central Connecticut State** -- NEC game---=2. SACRED HEART PIONEERS=LOCATION: Fairfield, ConnecticutSTADIUM: Campus FieldCOACH: Mark Nofri (27-20 in four seasons at Sacred Heart)LAST SEASON: 6-5 overall, 3-3 NEC (Tie/3rd)STARTERS RETURNING: 13 (7 offense/6 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Tyler Dube, WR; Connor Caveney, DL; Kellen Sperduto, LBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: RJ Noel, QB, R-Sr. (182-for-325, 2,431 yards, 19 TDs, 9 INTs; 130 carries, 247 yards, 6 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: James Rentz, LB, Sr. (54 TT, 13 TFL, 8.5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Ose Imeokparia, RB, Sr.; Nate Chavious, RB/KR, Sr.; Moses Webb, WR/DB, R-Sr.; Andrew ONeill, WR, Jr.; Dhameer Bradley, WR, Jr. (UConn transfer); Sean Merrill, OL, Sr.; Sean Peters, OL, Sr.; Ryan Cottrell, DL, Sr.; Dylan Ackerson, DL, Jr.; Kevin Barry, LB, Sr.; Tim Johnson, CB, Sr.; Alec Finelli, S, Jr.; Alec Finney, PK/P, Sr.OUTLOOK: The Pioneers have plenty of motivated upperclassmen who won NEC titles in 2013 and 14. Among them is QB Noel, who has won All-NEC first-team honors for three straight years but wasnt the preseason pick by the conference coaches (it was Duquesnes Dillon Buechel). It seems impossible for the Pioneers to replace leading receiver Dube, but they first want to run the ball with Imeokparia and Chavious. Fourth-year starters Rentz and Cottrell lead a defense which has big hitters. The focus has been on improving the pass defense as the Pioneers allowed over 238 passing yards per game last season. Sacred Hearts non-conference schedule isnt taxing -- it opens with three Pioneer Football League opponents -- so the Pioneers should get off to a solid start in 2016.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at StetsonSept. 10, ValparaisoSept. 17, MaristSept. 24, at Stony BrookOct. 1, at Wagner*Oct. 15, at CornellOct. 22, Robert Morris*Oct. 29, Saint Francis*Nov. 5, at Central Connecticut State*Nov. 12, at Duquesne*Nov. 19, Bryant** -- NEC game---=3. SAINT FRANCIS (PA.) RED FLASH=LOCATION: Loretto, PennsylvaniaSTADIUM: DeGol FieldCOACH: Chris Villarrial (24-41 in six seasons at Saint Francis)LAST SEASON: 6-4 overall, 4-2 NEC (2nd)STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (6 offense/8 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Khairi Dickson, RB; Terell Smith, WR; DaQuan Minter, CBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Marcus Bagley, RB, Sr.ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Lorenzo Jerome, FS/RS, Sr.OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Zack Drayer, QB, Sr.; Kam Lewis, WR, So.; Cyrus Holder, WR, Fr.; Sam Freireich, LT, Sr.; Christian Eubanks, LG, So.; Jimmy Marks, C, Sr.; Louie Gartner, DE, So.; Wesley Nagaseu, NT, Sr.; Erik Walker, LB, Sr.; Solomon Leaeno, LB, Sr.; Malik Duncan, CB, Jr.; Delondo Boyd, SS, Jr.; Lance Geesey, PK, Sr.OUTLOOK: Coming of their first winning season since 1992 and their best one on the FCS level, the Red Flash could very well win their first NEC title this year. Their matchup with Duquesne is at DeGol Field. Villarrial likes to play a lot of players, so the depth will pay off. Jerome will keep the secondary at a high level and the defense has a disruptive force in NT Nagaseu. On offense, QB Drayer (152-for-250, 1,977 yards, 15 TDs, 9 INTs) is highly experienced, and the Red Flash return their starting offensive line, anchored by Marks. The loss of All-NEC RB Dickson is tempered by the return of Bagley, a bruiser who was the conferences 2014 offensive rookie of the year. The Red Flash also have dominant special teams, although standout Geesey is coming off hip surgery. Like preseason favorite Duquesne, the Red Flash had a conference-high six selections on the NEC preseason team.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, at MontanaSept. 10, at TowsonSept. 17, at ColumbiaSept. 24, at AlbanyOct. 1, MaloneOct. 8, at Robert Morris*Oct. 15, Bryant*Oct. 22, Duquesne*Oct. 29, at Sacred Heart*Nov. 12, Central Connecticut State*Nov. 19, at Wagner** -- NEC game---=4. BRYANT BULLDOGS=LOCATION: Smithfield, Rhode IslandSTADIUM: Bulldog StadiumCOACH: Marty Fine (75-55 in 12 seasons at Bryant; 90-60 overall)LAST SEASON: 5-6 overall, 3-3 NEC (Tie/3rd)STARTERS RETURNING: 9 (5 offense/ 4 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Ricardo McCray, RB; Chad Ward, WR; Abe MBodj, OLONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Dalton Easton, QB, Sr. (205-for-374, 2,601 yards, 22 TDs, 13 INTs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Patrick Kenney, LB, Sr. (85 TT, 8.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Ryan Black, RB, Sr.; Alfred Dorbor, RB, Fr.; Hunter Taute, FB, Jr.; Taylor Barthelette, WR, Sr.; Matt Sewall, WR, Jr.; Keenan Thompson, WR, Sr.; Tyler Cardoze, OL, Sr.; George Smith, OL, Sr.; Dillon Guthro, DE, R-So.; Joe Mendez, DE, So.; Kevin Lazo, DL, So.; Marquise Watson, DL/LB, Sr.; Robert Brown, LB, Fr.; Thomas Costigan, LB, So.; Charles Wingate, DB, Sr.; Charles Keenan, FS, Sr.; Brandon Owens, SS, Sr.; Patrick Champagnie, DB, Jr.OUTLOOK: Still seeking their first NEC title, the Bulldogs were picked first in the conferences preseason poll last year and it seemed to weigh on them while they slumped to a mediocre season. With only nine returning starters, they will need young players to fill key roles. Easton is coming off a season in which he led the NEC in passing yards and yards per game, but he wont have running back Ricardo McCray, the 2015 NEC offensive player of the year, around to keep defenses more honest. The Bulldogs should be solid defensively as they return three of their top four tacklers in LBs Kenney and Watson and FS Keenan, while Wingate made the NEC preseason team. The Bulldogs will make a Sept. 10 visit to Montana State -- the programs first-ever trip west of the Mississippi River.SCHEDULE:Sept. 3, MerrimackSept. 10, at Montana StateSept. 17, BrownSept. 24, Central Connecticut State*Oct. 1, MaineOct. 15, at Saint Francis*Oct. 22, Wagner*Oct. 29, at Duquesne*Nov. 5, Robert Morris*Nov. 12, at Coastal CarolinaNov. 19, at Sacred Heart** -- NEC game---=5. ROBERT MORRIS COLONIALS=LOCATION: Moon Township, PennsylvaniaSTADIUM: Joe Walton StadiumCOACH: John Banaszak (5-17 in two seasons at Robert Morris)LAST SEASON: 4-7 overall, 2-4 NEC (6th)STARTERS RETURNING: 14 (7 offense/7 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Forrest Mason, DE; Mike Stojkovic, ILB; Jake Tkach, ILBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Kyle Buss, WR, R-So. (50 receptions, 742 yards, 2 TDs)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Marcelis Branch, CB, R-Sr. (63 TT, 2 TFL, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 1 BK)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Matt Barr, QB, So.; Rameses Owens, RB, Jr.; Cole Blake, RB, Jr.; Warren Robinson, WR/PR, So.; Nic Lamica, TE, R-Jr.; Blake Chambliss, OL, R-Jr.; Ryan Lewis, DE, Sr.; Austin Trgovcich, DE, R-Sr.; Zack Zamiska, DT, R-Jr.; Jimmy Masson, OLB, Sr.; Gerald Ferguson, OLB, Jr.; Drew Allen, CB, Jr.; Ryan Richards Jr., SS, Jr.; Andy Smigiera, WS, Sr.OUTLOOK: As expected, Banaszak is turning the Colonials into a hard-nosed team. They were among the best in the FCS against the pass last season and their 34 sacks were impressive. With Branch and Smigiera back to anchor the secondary, the Colonials expect similar success this year. But the offense needs improvement after it averaged only 14 points per game. It has a new coordinator in Mike Miller, who began his career with the Colonials under former coach Joe Walton and has 13 years of NFL experience. Barr figures to cut down on interceptions as a sophomore and has a terrific go-to target in Buss, the 2015 NEC offensive rookie of the year. They have to shore up the offensive line, which lost three starters. A healthier Owens (125 carries, 456 yards, 4 TDs) alongside Blake boosts the run game.SCHEDULE:Sept. 1, Alderson-BroaddusSept. 10, at DaytonSept. 17, at Youngstown StateSept. 24, MaloneOct. 1, at LibertyOct. 8, Saint Francis*Oct. 15, at Duquesne*Oct. 22, at Sacred Heart*Oct. 29, Central Connecticut State*Nov. 5, at Bryant*Nov. 12, Wagner** -- NEC game---=6. CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE BLUE DEVILS=LOCATION: New Britain, ConnecticutSTADIUM: Arute FieldCOACH: Pete Rossomando (7-16 in two seasons at Central Connecticut State; 49-29 overall)LAST SEASON: 4-7 overall, 3-3 NEC (Tie/3rd)STARTERS RETURNING: 16 (7 offense/9 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Tavion Pauldo, QB; Tyler Hurd, OL; Jevon Elmore, CBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Cameron Nash, RB/KR, Jr. (118 carries, 676 yards, 3 TDs; 18 receptions, 218 yards, 1 TD)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Asia Bolling, DE/OLB, Sr. (64 TT, 14.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Jake Dolegala, QB, So.; Brenden Lytton, RB, Sr.; Dan Hebert, WR, Sr.; Joey Fields, WR, Jr.; Alex Jamele, WR, So.; K.J. Smith, TE, So.; Chris Tinkham, DL, So.; Randall LaGuerre, LB, Jr.; Keir Minor, OLB, Sr.; Seth Manzanares, OLB, Jr.; Najae Brown, S, Jr.; Jarrod Cann, S, Jr.; Tymir Hinton, S, So.OUTLOOK: The two-deep was filled with underclassmen last season, so theres cause for optimism at CCSU. The mobile Pauldo shared time at quarterback as a freshman, but hes no longer in the program, leaving Dolegala to run the offense full-time. The Blue Devils like the ball in the hand of the versatile Nash, although the run game also is getting back Lytton, who was expected to be the starter last year but was injured in preseason camp. All-America CB Elmore, who racked up 18 passes defended, was lost to academics, which means Brown must steady the secondary. Bolling and LB LaGuerre are the defensive standouts. Improvement is vital because the Blue Devils have a tough non-conference schedule which includes James Madison, Coastal Carolina and Penn.SCHEDULE:Sept. 2, LafayetteSept. 10, at James MadisonSept. 17, Bowie StateSept. 24, at Bryant*Oct. 8, at PennOct. 15, Wagner*Oct. 22, at Coastal CarolinaOct. 29, at Robert Morris*Nov. 5, Sacred Heart*Nov. 12, at Saint Francis*Nov. 19, Duquesne** -- NEC game---=7. WAGNER SEAHAWKS=LOCATION: Staten Island, New YorkSTADIUM: Wagner College StadiumCOACH: Jason Houghtaling (1-10 in one season at Wagner)LAST SEASON: 1-10 overall, 1-5 NEC (7th)STARTERS RETURNING: 8 (5 offense/3 defense)THREE KEY LOSSES: Otis Wright, RB/KR; Stephon Font-Toomer, LB; Greg Hilliard, LBONE TO WATCH ON OFFENSE: Ryan Owens, TE, Grad (29 receptions, 353 yards, 1 TD)ONE TO WATCH ON DEFENSE: Najee Harris, OLB, Sr. (58 TT, 10 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 INTs, 4 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FF)OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Alex Thomson, QB, Jr.; A.J. Long, QB, Jr.; Matthias McKinnon, RB, Sr.; Denzell Knight, RB, Jr.; Andre Yevchinecz, WR/PR, Sr.; Brandon Peoples, WR, Sr.; Matt Diaz, OL, Sr.; Jordan Baskerville, DE. Jr.; Randall May, LB, Jr.; Tim Hayes, CB, Sr.; Sterling Lowry, CB, So.; Kemani Howard, FS, Jr.; Bryan Rafano, P, Sr.OUTLOOK: The transition from former coach Walt Hameline to Houghtaling wasnt smooth last season as the Seawhawks dropped off from a 7-4 record and share of the NEC title in 2014. They werent the usual ball-control team and the defense struggled up the middle. Houghtaling thinks they have to play harder, but it shows in the preseason competition for playing time. Thomson (90-for-175, 1,085 yards, 8 TDs, 6 INTs) is the incumbent at quarterback, but hes been pushed by Long, a transfer from Syracuse. New offensive coordinator Rich Santangello will rely on fifth-year TE Owens for leadership as well as production. The defense seeks improvement after ranking at the bottom of the NEC. Harris is asked to lead a turnaround. With four of the first games at home, the Seahawks can envision a stronger start this season.SCHEDULE:Sept. 1, St. AnselmSept. 10, Concordia (Mich.)Sept. 24, at Boston CollegeOct. 1, Sacred Heart*Oct. 8, ColumbiaOct. 15, at Central Connecticut State*Oct. 22, at Bryant*Oct. 29, at MassachusettsNov. 5, Duquesne*Nov. 12, at Robert Morris*Nov. 19, Saint Francis** -- NEC gameTom Rathman 49ers Jersey . -- Ryan Getzlaf grabbed the three pucks wrapped in tape and held them up to his chest in the Anaheim Ducks dressing room for a celebration nine seasons in the making. Frank Gore Womens Jersey .ca NFL Power Rankings, overtaking the Denver Broncos and remaining ahead of NFC competition San Francisco, Carolina and New Orleans. http://www.49ersrookiestore.com/49ers-Mike-Mcglinchey-Jersey/ . 9. Price, heading to the 2014 Olympics for Canada, was named the First Star after posting wins in three starts with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .971 save percentage. Jerry Rice Jersey . They hope to persuade the other team owners and commissioner Roger Goodell to put pressure on Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to drop the nickname they find offensive. "Given the way the meeting transpired," Ray Halbritter, an Oneida representative and leader of the "Change the Mascot Campaign," said Wednesday, "it became somewhat evident they were defending the continued use of the name. Tom Rathman Jersey . Aduriz headed home Markel Susaetas cross in the sixth minute to open the scoring at San Mames Stadium. He bettered that with a long-range blast that went in off the goal frame in the 18th, and converted a penalty in the 72nd after Diego Mainz was sent off for fouling Aduriz with only the goalkeeper to beat.CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- There will be three quarterbacks picked later this fall for spots on the All-Atlantic Coast Conference team.That might not be enough.Heres a snapshot of just some of what the ACC has at quarterback this season: The Heisman Trophy frontrunner, a starter from last seasons national championship game with the goal of getting back to the College Football Playoff, the nations current leader in completion percentage, the most prolific sophomore in the country and one of the most highly touted juniors in the game.Star power isnt lacking in the ACC, with six teams in the AP Top 25 this week -- and quarterback play is a big reason why, especially with so many shredding defenses with both their arms and legs.Thats whats going on in college football, said Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher, who delivered some impassioned remarks this week about how the rules of the game so heavily favor offenses right now. You run your quarterback, and you do it. Thats the reality of it. The numbers on offense are going through the roof across the nation. ... Thats where the game of football is at in the college game right now.No one best personifies what Fisher is talking about than Louisvilles sensational Lamar Jackson, the widely presumed Heisman frontrunner who is a quarterback who just happens to lead the ACC in rushing yards per game right now.Keep in mind, its not just the run-pass option thats causing fits.Its early, but passing numbers in the ACC are soaring compared to where they were a year ago.So far, five ACC quarterbacks -- Syracuses Eric Dungey (346), North Carolinas Mitch Trubisky (342.2), Jackson (325), Virginias Kurt Benkert (291) and Dukes Daniel Jones (282.8) -- are averaging more passing yards per game than Clemsons Deshaun Watson did last season, when his 273.6-yper-game clip not only led the ACC but helped carry the Tigers into the national championship game.Watson ranks only -- only being a relative term -- seventh in yards per game among ACC quarterbacks this season. That speaks to how strong this crop of ACC quarterbacks is right now.Their quarterback is arguably the best player in America right now, said Boston College coach Steve Addazio, whose team faaces Watson and the Tigers on Friday.ddddddddddddArguably. Phenomenal.North Carolina is on pace so far for the nations best completion percentage since 2008, with Trubisky leading the country by completing 76 percent of his throws. And it might be easy to overlook how sharp hes been, given how the Tar Heels have won in each of the last two weeks in dramatic finishes -- including a 54-yard field goal to snap what was a 22-game home winning streak by Florida State last weekend.Hes been fantastic, Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente said of Trubisky, in advance of the Hokies-Tar Heels game this weekend. Hes been incredibly diligent with the ball. He is not throwing interceptions. He is giving his guys chances to make plays. Just from judging from a far, he seems to have a great deal of trust in those guys.Fuentes guy isnt so bad, either: Virginia Techs Jerod Evans has thrown 103 passes, been picked off only once and leads the ACC in efficiency.One of the top quarterback matchups in the country this weekend is an ACC showdown, when Brad Kaaya and No. 10 Miami take on Deondre Francois and No. 23 Florida State.Kaaya has thrown for more than 7,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in just over two years at Miami. Francois, a highly touted freshman, is averaging nearly 265 yards passing per game to start his college career.I think hes doing well, Miami coach Mark Richt said of Kaaya. I think he has faith and confidence in how were going about our passing game, as far as reads and progressions and what hes trying to get accomplished.Syracuse changed schemes under a new staff, as evidenced by how the Orange threw for 1,881 yards in the entire 2015 season and are already at 1,850 passing yards through five games this year. Dungey has thrown for more yards than any sophomore in the country, and is on pace to be the third quarterback in Syracuse history to top 2,500 yards in a season.I think when its all said and done, you guys will like the cake that were baking, Orange coach Dino Babers said. Right now is not the time to eat the batter. Wait for us to bake the cake. ' ' '