As this is the NESCAC thread, I will focus on the strength of schedule for the NESCAC teams. I used the Inside Lacrosse (IL) pre-season top 20 for the analysis.choochooCharlie wrote: ↑Thu Jan 25, 2024 6:48 am Ok. This argument surmised in one paragraph
So someone hates the NESCAC, and points out Middlebury’s small OOC. Someone who loves the NESCAC retorts that the small OOC is conference mandated, and a high percentage of that small OOC are ranked opponents. NESCAC hater then responds by pointing out that the ranked OOC still is less in number than opposing top teams’ ranked OOC, and rarely has different opponents. NESCAC lover responds by citing that the committee will still take 4 NESCACs despite that.
You both stated undeniable facts. End of “argument.”
(I want you both on my debate team)
Based on the IL rankings the Conference with most representation is:
Conference Number
NESCAC 4
Liberty League 4
Centennial 3
Coastal 2
ODAC 2
MAC Commonwealth 1
MAC Freedom 1
NCAC 1
Atlantic East 1
NEWMAC 1
The NESCAC team that has the toughest schedule for the year is:
1. Tufts – they play 8 of the top 20 teams. 3 other NESCAC teams in the top 20 and 5 OOC opponents. Top OOC team’s: #3 CNU and #4 RIT.
2. Williams - they play 8 of the top 20 teams. 4 other NESCAC teams in the top 20 and 4 OOC opponents. Top OOC team’s: #3 CNU and #12 Union
3. Amherst – they play 7 of the top 20 teams. 3 other NESCAC teams in the top 20 and 4 OOC opponents. Top OOC team’s: #9 Gettysburg and #10 Lynchburg
4. Middlebury - they play 7 of the top 20 teams. 3 other NESCAC teams in the top 20 and 4 OOC opponents. Top OOC team’s: #12 Union and #15 RPI
5. Hamilton – they play 5 of the top 20 teams. 4 other NESCAC teams in the top 20 and 1 OOC opponents. Top OOC team: #10 Lynchburg
6. Wesleyan - they play 5 of the top 20 teams. 4 other NESCAC teams in the top 20 and 1 OOC opponent. Top OOC team: #17 Stevens
7. Conn, Trinity, Colby, and Bates - they play 4 of the top 20 teams. 4 other NESCAC teams in the top 20.
8. Bowdoin - they play 4 of the top 20 teams. 3 other NESCAC teams in the top 20 and 1 OOC opponent. Top OOC team: #20 Babson