Quote from: ItsATuftSituation on Yesterday at 02:04:30 PMI just wanna take a second to shout out Tufts and their coaching staff over the last couple of weeks. It was clear that something wasn't working with the personnel so they have definitely changed where people are being deployed and it's certainly helping. I don't think this Tufts team beats Williams the way they were configured three or four weeks ago.

That's really good coaching by their staff. It also does help getting Shapiro back yesterday, it takes a lot of the pressure off of a young quarterback. I think it also gave the team a lot of confidence. Wanted to shout out Granville Anderson as well, banged up, made an absolute gutsy catch on fourth down in the final drive. Got hit, held on in traffic. He's a kid that wants to do whatever to win.

I'm excited to see how the Jumbos use this momentum into next week's game against an undefeated Amherst team. Mammoths should definitely be favored but who knows.

I wouldn't complicate things- it's the same Tufts staff that perennially encounters more problems on game day than a team with their personnel might expect. The difference is they got the best RB in the conference back from the injured list. Shapiro is a huge difference maker- not sure if NESCAC followers are aware how good this kid is.

Quote from: TheJeff on October 24, 2026, 08:20:29 PMOnce again, I think Amherst is still yet to play their best football.

Amherst does not have personnel that can match Wesleyan (or Trinity) yet they pulled off another huge win today against the Wesleyan arsenal of talent. They always mange to pull off wins like this. Once again I will attribute their success to the best HCOF in the conference year in and year out-- EJ Mills. I gotta take my hat off to him once again. I can only look at the boxscore at this point. It looks like the Mammoths outplayed a Wes team I thought was close to perfect.
Mills finds a way to win big games while the Wes publicity syndicate sometimes has a tendency to look ahead to that "final game against Trinity". Heartbreaking loss for the Cards, I was really pulling for them to get a playoff berth.  This loss makes their path a little more difficult, however, if they can beat Trinity in "that final game" I think they will be  in good shape based on my limited knowledge of the D3 playoff process and criteria.
I think Trinity will snap out of todays slumber and pound the Mammoths next week unless EJ schools Devanney the way he out schemed Dice Baby today, don't think so. Don't think Mills can pull off another coup next week against the Bantams.
I think we are looking at an undefeated Trinity club against a dangerous but unpredictable Wesleyan team in Hartford in the final game.
Lets hope we have 2 NESCAC teams in the playoffs.

Quote from: jmh21 on October 23, 2026, 05:58:57 PMWilliams has really struggled with Tufts the last few years even when having the better team on paper...even the 2021 team needed some late game magic to beat them. Hopefully that changes this year but I would be somewhat surprised if we win by double digits

Can't figure this Tufts program out---great recruiting venue, superb academic rankings, great location, university post grad program, huge enrollment....... but Coach Civetti seldom gets a sniff of the NESCAC Football title. Tufts is dominant in a number of other sports .....why the middling results in football...

Quote from: Trin9-0 on October 21, 2026, 11:42:15 AM

Quote from: Patrick Coleman on October 21, 2026, 11:25:59 AMI am guessing we don't know anything about the process for nomination for such awards.

All it says on the league website is:
"Every Monday during the season, a NESCAC Player of the Week will be selected based on information submitted by the athletic communications offices at member institutions."

I'm assuming these submissions make up the "NESCAC Weekly Honor Roll" which is published along with the Players of the Week selections. My guess is that someone, or a small group of people, at the league office looks at the Honor Roll submissions and then picks who they think is the most deserving that week. Maybe Trinity's athletics communications team doesn't provide a compelling enough case to the league office?

My guess is they get tired of picking Trinity guys over the years which is unfair but may be the case.

Colby took 2 QB transfers in the off season. One from Trinity (Tx.) and one from D1 FCS Monmouth (NJ), both felt to be better than Miller. Believe Miller has been converted to WR.

3 Milton Ma QB's who were/are good QBs have been converted to other positions in the Nescac this year. Miller WR at Colby, McHugh WR at Williams and Chase Vaughn DB at Wes.

Shapiro is probably one of 2 or maybe 3 of the most explosive offensive weapons in the league. He makes a huge difference in that offense when healthy. They are different team with him.
Not sure of the extent of his current injury.

Quote from: TheJeff on October 20, 2026, 11:10:48 AMCould Amherst go 5-4? Yes, but I don't think they've played their best football yet.

The offense is yet to piece together a complete game and Marek Hill has proved to be a legit QB with serious weapons at receiver. I felt offensive play calling restricted him vs Colby as they never went for the deep shots like they did in Middlebury. The lack of run game will hurt them against teams like Trinity and Wesleyan, but I think they can manage against Williams and Tufts.


The defense has been great to the run for the most part and seems more susceptible to the pass (concerning with Wesleyan on the horizon). As an alum, I trust Coach Mills and Coach Bussard will be able to game plan for the stronger offenses the next few weeks. With all that being said, I don't see Amherst winning a rock fight in the back half of their schedule.

Overall, they have not played a complete game on their way to 5-0. Question is: can they? Time will tell... my prediction is 7-2

Pretty easy schedule so far for Amherst. They were lucky to beat Bates and Bowdoin. Williams is the better team but anything can happen in The Game. If Shapiro is healthy they will struggle with Tufts.
By the way, what happened to Coach Ballard?

Quote from: bearsalum on October 19, 2026, 12:53:36 PMLong-time lurker, first-time commenter here, so go easy on me. Also a Bowdoin alum and longtime supporter.

I'm here to say how incredibly disappointed I am in Athletic Director Tim Ryan and Bowdoin as a whole. These student-athletes have been let down for years, and what is happening behind the scenes right now only adds to that disappointment.

Every single player on that roster earned his spot at Bowdoin. Many had opportunities to play at other outstanding academic institutions, and they chose Bowdoin. They show up every day, work hard, support one another, and represent the college with pride. What have they gotten in return? Years of inconsistent coaching, a program that has struggled to find its footing, and now a complete lack of meaningful communication from the administration during what is arguably one of the most difficult periods this program has faced.

And let's be clear, the situation surrounding Coach Hammer's leave of absence didn't develop in a vacuum. Serious concerns about the program extend well beyond wins and losses. I'm not going to speculate about confidential personnel matters or ongoing investigations, but it's fair to say there are bigger questions about leadership, accountability, and how student-athletes have been treated.

Which brings me to Tim Ryan. Where has the athletic leadership been throughout all of this? These problems didn't appear overnight. At what point does the athletic director take responsibility for recognizing that a program is in trouble and doing something about it?

To my knowledge, as of today, players and families have received little more than the announcement that Coach Hammer is on leave. No meaningful explanation of the program's direction, no publicly communicated long-term plan, and seemingly no acknowledgment of the uncertainty these young men are dealing with.

I fully understand that there are personnel matters the college cannot discuss. But that doesn't excuse the lack of communication about the future of the football program. Those are two very different things.
I feel especially badly for the juniors and seniors who have given so much to this program and may never get to experience the turnaround they deserve. And I have to wonder how many underclassmen are questioning their decision to attend Bowdoin. If I were an incoming recruit or parent, I would be asking some very difficult questions right now.
And frankly, I think the Bowdoin community deserves to know what the administration intends to do to restore confidence in this program.

Lastly, thank you to Lumbercat for recognizing the effort these players continue to put forth. This team has not quit. These men continue to show up, work hard, and compete despite everything going on around them. Some are understandably frustrated and disappointed, yet they continue to represent the school with their heads held high.

This roster has talent, including on offense! But talent alone doesn't win games. Coaching, player development, leadership, and play calling matter. Why hasn't Bowdoin invested in the experienced coaching and program support these athletes need?

These players have upheld their end of the bargain. Has Bowdoin?

I think Tim Ryan and the college owe these young men and their families a lot more than silence. I hope people stop seeing this as just another disappointing football season. Much bigger issues are at stake here.
The players deserve better. And Bowdoin needs to do better.

Finally someone comes forward and speaks for Bowdoin with a very well stated account of the situation. This has been an awful display by the Bowdoin Administration and Athletics Dept but it's nice to see a concerned supporter of the College speak up.

Last week on Twitter I saw an announcement from a recruit in California so proudly announcing his commitment to Bowdoin. A great achievement and milestone for any incoming student athlete. His first acknowledgement and thank you was to the Bowdoin HCOF (who was dismissed over a month ago). It was obvious that the young recruit from so far away was not aware of the situation in the Football Program. I'm sure things will work out well for that young man but he won't be playing for the HCOF showing on the Bowdoin website. What a terrible display of arrogance and dishonesty by the College. There are countless others like this recruit who deserve some communication and disclosure on the situation.

I know a local prospect personally who was on the verge of committing to Bowdoin. I suggested to the recruit and his parents that they contact the AD and listen to his explanation and his account of the situation before finalizing a commitment.

Is this the way the 4th ranked Liberal Arts College in the country which prides itself on openness and communication handles a situation that has potential influence on so many? The Bowdoin Athletics community deserves much better.

Considering all the turmoil in the program behind the scenes I think the Bowdoin team is competing with a lot of intensity and pride.

Quote from: nescac1 on October 17, 2026, 04:37:19 PMReally solid win for the Ephs on the road against Middlebury today.  Highlights for the Ephs:

- the D bent a little, but made huge play after huge play in big situations. Especially in the second half, which was the best the Eph defense has played all year, Midd could do very little.  Acheson, Moore and Mangini led the way from the LB position as they were all over the field and making bone-rattling hits.  The Ephs forced three huge turnovers and also stopped Midd on three fourth down plays.  The Ephs did a very nice job controlling McClellan, who has hurt them in the past, he didn't really break lose for any big plas. Finn Ryan had a huge play recognizing a ballsy fake punt play by Midd from deep in their own territory, shedding his blocker, and making a big hit which led to a fumble recovery by Kreakie, who also had a big day. 

- Drew Weiler proved that he is absolutely for real, he had an impressive day hitting 23-34 for 285, two TDs and no INTs against a solid Midd defense. Most of his passes were again right on the money into tight spaces, including a huge 40-yard pass on a dime to Falls from his own one yard line.  The only blemish was taking a few too many sacks, which seemed to be a combination of some protection breakdowns and also holding onto the ball a bit too long. The Ephs also continue to struggle a bit with the center to QB snap, although this week the one that was totally botched wasn't the center's fault. 

- This was the best game of the year by far for the Eph receivers.  I didn't see any drops and they made a lot of tough catches despite tough coverage.  In particular, it was great to see Zach Falls finally get on track with 7-128 and a TD< he looked like the Falls we saw last year, finally.  Weiler and TE Montessano continue to have a great chemistry as well especially in big situations. 

- The Ephs run game (with Fabiano still out) struggled today and they gave up too many sacks, so I imagine the offensive line will see some areas for improvement, but on the plus side, there were a lot of plays where Weiler had time to connect deep down the field. 

- For Midd, Aidan Moss had a solid game as he had to make a lot of plays on the run.  But he was much more effective in the first half than the second. WR Angstreich was awesome and gave the Ephs fits all day catching passes in space in the middle of the field.  Midd's star defender Matt Shaw had a strong day, and the Midd defensive line was rock solid, but Midd kept giving the Ephs a short field to work with which was the difference in the game. 

Wieler is the real deal. Has all the tools. It took about 5 minutes to see that last week in Wtown. Not sure where Johansen might be in his rehab but it will be interesting see what the high intensity HCOF will do from there.

Quote from: Nescacman on October 14, 2026, 07:19:50 PMSo breaking news out of Waterville...Coach Cosgrove is stepping down immediately. No word yet on a replacement. Obviously, we wish him and his family the best. Totally a class act.

More to follow.

Oh no, sad to see. Cosgrove was a friend and HS rival in the Ma class of '74. He'll put his family first as always--the same way he always treated his players. Let's hope for the best for Coach and his family.

I want to thank CarollFan for lendinding his knowledge and experience on the playoff system.

N1-

For DPOTY consideration you make no mention of Liam Keaney of Bates. For my money he's a strong candidate.

NESCAC leader in 3 categories:
#1 in Solo Tackles
#1 in Sacks
#1 (tied) in TFL
He has been all over the field for Bates.

Also, despite missing time due to injury, LB Ryan Rozich is always a force and a perennial all NESCAC player who deserves consideration as well.

Just wanted throw these guys in the mix.

Quote from: nescac1 on October 10, 2026, 02:23:55 PMWow, yeah, FY or no, I'm surprised we have not seen Weiler before this point of the season.  Regardless of the strength of opponent, he is certainly the biggest arm talent Williams has had on the roster since at least 2010 (not saying a LOT, as the Ephs have generally gone with run-first QBs, but it ain't nothing, either).  Weiler was 9-18 for 189 in the half despite three drops by receivers and a pretty blatant uncalled PI.  He also was very impressive running the ball, very nimble for a big QB, ran for 8-53 (net is only 30 because of a huge loss on a bad snap that was in no way his fault).  The entire offensive approach is dramatically different (and a lot more fun to watch) as the Ephs have been spreading the field and abandoned the sluggish, conservative approach from the first three weeks.  They even scored on a clever reverse to Stahelski who's brought some badly needed speed to the offense. Weiler had 3-4 eye-popping plays, none more so than a 55 yard bomb on, I think, 3rd and 29 that he put right on the money to Stahelski; there is a zip on the ball when it leaves his hands that Eph fans haven't seen for quite some time. 

Overall a very impressive day for Eph FYs despite Jack Fabiano not playing (hopefully he is OK). FY tailback Aiden Clark looks good, he's like a bowling ball out there and feels like he's close to breaking a big one soon. Danny Montesano has done a nice job helping fill in for Ben Yedid, another key player who seems to be out, on the DL. Finn Ryan pops whenever he is on the field and is another guy who always seems close to making a game-changing play on defense, he's going to be heard from in a big moment this year.  And Will Machnik continues to do a nice job at CB. 

But the key guy in the class is obviously Weiler and his career could not have gotten off to a more impressive start. Please, please keep him upright, Ephs! 

Bates, I know they've been depleted by injuries this year, and they have definitely gone the wrong direction from last season. 

All good points N1, totally correct. Bates played very inspired Football on fumes last week with injuries to 5 or 6 of their best players in losing that heartbreaker to Tufts on homecoming last weekend. It was a loss, no excuses from Coynes desk. He's a stand up guy who is as mentally tough as any HCOF I've seen.....his day will come.

I arrived at the game today fearing Bates might be flat after an overachieving, empty the bucket effort last week....and they were..... I walked around the field, watched warmups closely, both sides. As the game started I saw a flat, emotionless group of Williams players and a sleepy crowd on the Eph home side to match the lethargic Bates brigade. For the Purple maybe it was mid term break or just not taking their opponent seriously but the Williams faithful seemed listless. For most of the first quarter it was the quietest football atmosphere I can remember. There was more excitement over at venerable Taconic when a guy made a 10 foot putt on the 18th to win a $5 Nassau.


But the Ephs came out and played well.
Kudos to the Purple for a fine effort today and wish them the best going forward. They are a better club than Amherst in all phases. Eph's kicker looks to have a D1 leg, really drives the ball.

Disagree with N1 a bit on the FY QB Weiler (only one game). I think you are overestimating his arm talent- he throws a nice ball and will have no aerial problems in the NESCAC but there's not a super big time arm there. However, his asset is great feet in the pocket. He will be unstoppable as a runner. His speed and anticipation is outstanding to go along with a good arm. He's going to be very good. His biggest asset will be his legs.

What amazes me is the embarrassment of riches The Ephs have with recruited Quarterbacks.- These guys were all recruited as QBS !!!!!

Owen Johansen- one of the best athletes in the league who hopefully get on the field again.
Brady Carroll- probably going to be an all NESCAC DB
Will Baker- probably going to be an all NESCAC DEFENSIVE LINEMAN !!!! added some weight and playing like a force.
Owen McHugh- after a phenomenal Freshman year is now a slot receiver and hopefully will get some looks as the season progresses.
Drew Renzella- Would have been a starter in multiple NESCAC programs- probably gonna hold a clipboard and maybe get some backup reps this year depending on injuries.
Drew Weiler- Maybe the heir apparent. Could Johansen go back to TE/HBack if Weiler continues to perform at today's level. Time will tell.

EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES IN WILLYTOWN

On another note N1.....Wish there were some restaurants in town.

For 5 consecutive years some very good Wesleyan teams have posted an annual sub par effort in games they should have won. They have all occurred against teams in the lower half of the standings. For 4 consecutive years preceding this year they have dropped games against Bates, Bowdoin (twice) and Colby.
 
Trinity doesn't allow that to happen.

This years version occurred last week at Hamilton. However, the Cards were able to squeak this one out so I predict they will go into this years Trinity game undefeated.
A lot can happen and there much more Football to be played but this years game in Hartford shapes up as a potential classic. If things unfold as predicted it should be one for the ages with a playoff opportunity at stake.