Mission Impossible: Predicting the Order of Finish in NEC Football
It really can’t be done. There’s more parity than ever before in the NEC and somehow every school can win the league. There’s an argument for each, so we’ll say why each school can win as we run through, 1-8.
CCSU
You can’t pick against CCSU anymore. After the past two seasons- even with questions at QB and RB- there’s no way you can pick against 9 preseason all-NEC players anymore. Not with this coaching staff and the success they’ve had the past two seasons. Curiously, this is the only media ranking I’m aware of that has picked the Blue Devils first- but how can you pick against Chris Jean?
Duquesne
It’s easy to take the Dukes for granted when they’ve been so good for so long. HC Jerry Schmitt is the winningest active HC in FCS. They’ve brought in experienced and talented QB Carson Camp to pair with the best RB corps in the NEC and a WR group boasting returning NECBlitz Rookie of the Year Ryan Petras. Opta FCS picked Duquesne to finish first.
LIU
By my estimation, the Sharks are the most talented team in the NEC. The problem last year was health. When they don’t have both QBs in their duo- Ethan Greenwood and Luca Stanzani- this is a different team and you can pretty much tell who watches the league by if they only mention Greenwood or not. At one point last year the Sharks had neither. If they can stay healthy at the QB position and on defense where Trey Watkins and Rafael Fasalino both return, this team should have every opportunity to break through- finally.
Wagner
I was this close to picking Wagner first, but with the parity I couldn’t find a way to do it. They remind me of Mercyhurst in that they return a lot of pieces but have no one picking them highly. Sekou Kamara is a big play threat at RB. WR Teree McDonald and Jeremiah Colclough have first team potential. QB Jack Stevens could have a breakout year. But on DL, this is a filthy team and probably the best unit in the league. Logan Barnes and Ethan Apollon headline this unit, but even behind them LB Eli Hiscock is a fantastic LB. When you put together what’s here, this is easily Coach Masella’s best team and a legitimate contender for the NEC title.
Mercyhurst
Mercyhurst has to replace a lot on offense but has a fierce 3 way QB competition to make up the production they had from former QB Anthony Urena. They additionally lose their top 2 running backs, but return serious talent at WR with Dylan Evans and Evan Van Dyke. There’s also experience that they haven’t had on defense, so a step forward on that side of the ball seems likely. Even with former OC Thomas Sydeski taking over as head coach, this could be a team that looks different yet still wins. And with the continuity the Lakers have (only about 9 players left via the portal), they have familiarity with the systems.
Stonehill
I think I was one year early on predicting a jump from Stonehill. Jack O’Connell (not Neil O’Donnell) returns as QB and is a captain this season. There were times last year where he couldn’t miss. You additionally really have to like Torrance Washington Jr. coming back at wideout, a talented young group of RBs that have to prove it on the field, and DB Mo Seide coming back for one more season. Stonehill probably hasn’t shown their growth in the win column yet, but like everyone else they can win the banner and advance to the FCS playoffs. They just need the 2nd year OC to get the offense gelling and continued stout play from the defense, which will have a new look feel without Charles Battaglia at LB.
RMU
The Colonials often seem to live and die by the transfer portal. Historically, they’ve done well with it, but last year the team wasn’t able to put the new pieces together. The transfer class looks greatly improved from last season including two new faces at QB. They’ve had strong WRs the past several seasons and this year should be no exception. They look good at RB with Donta Whack. This is the third DC in three years, though. Fortunately, HC Bernard Clark is a fantastic defensive coach.
New Haven
New Haven boasts AJ Duffy and RB Zaon Laney to lead the offensive charge for the, well, Chargers. New OC Brian Scott is a proven winner including with Taylor Heinecke at Old Dominion. I personally saw his offense eviscerate a Big East team when they were still transitioning to FBS. You like Duffy to make a big step in this offense. HC Mark Powell is also the DC and with a second year in his scheme you like the team to move forward in that regard, too. Phil Steele thought highly of the talent here and I do think they could surprise some people in Year 1 of the NEC. But without real battle testing, I feel like I have to put them right here. Likely, I just motivated them, so look out.
