Quote from: Trin9-0 on November 05, 2025, 12:06:39 PM

Quote from: Pat Coleman on November 05, 2025, 10:55:42 AM

Quote from: Trin9-0 on November 05, 2025, 09:48:14 AMPat, what are your way too early thoughts on the likelihood of a NESCAC team earning an at large bid in 2026 and beyond?

I think I talked about it here last offseason -- basically any NESCAC team that finished with one loss or fewer should get a bid, whether it's the AQ or an at-large. With no non-conference games, and just nine games, I'm not as sure about a 7-2 NESCAC team -- doesn't look super likely.

For those wondering, historically it has been very common for the NESCAC to have multiple teams finish with 1 loss or fewer. In fact, over the past 25 seasons (including this year since it cannot happen) there's only been 8 years where the NESCAC didn't have multiple teams with 1 loss or fewer.

It's worth noting that for most of those years (17 seasons) we only had an 8 game schedule, thus one fewer opportunity to lose a game. However, even since 2017 there has been multiple teams with 1 or fewer losses in all but four seasons:

2023 - Middlebury (8-1), Trinity (8-1)
2021 - Williams (9-0), Trinity (8-1)
2019 - Middlebury (9-0), Wesleyan (8-1)
2018 - Trinity (8-1), Amherst (8-1)
2016 - Trinity (8-0), Tufts (7-1)
2015 - Amherst (8-0), Trinity (7-1)
2014 - Amherst (8-0), Wesleyan (7-1)
2013 - Amherst (7-1), Middlebury (7-1), Wesleyan (7-1)
2012 - Trinity (8-0), Middlebury (7-1)
2011 - Amherst (8-0), Trinity (7-1)
2010 - Williams (8-0), Trinity (7-1)
2006 - Williams (8-0), Trinity (7-1)
2005 - Trinity (8-0), Colby (7-1)
2002 - Trinity (7-1), Williams (7-1)
2001 - Williams (8-0), Amherst (7-1)
2000 - Amherst (7-1), Colby (7-1), Middlebury (7-1)

I find it Comical that all through these years it seems to be the same teams year after year.Trinity , Williams , Middlebury  , Wesleyan and Colby only 2. Now we can speculate as to the reasons and blame admissions , COVID etc. I would think though that NESCAC schools should be saying what are we doing wrong that we consistently have loosing programs. I find it even more concerning that there are 10 NESCAC schools and only four have controlled the the number one seat.

The last time I viewed acceptance rates were around these numbers

Middlebury 13 %
Wesleyan   14-19 %
Williams   9 %
Trinity   31 %

so while these schools do have low acceptance rates they still are able to field highly competitive programs while the other schools having low acceptance rates cant seem to put a winning seasons or a championship in all this time.I would think at some point theses non contender would get sick of this and make a change.

Quote from: nescac1 on November 04, 2025, 11:42:42 AMThis has to be one of the most wide-open years in terms of individual honors we've seen in NESCAC, right?

I think guys who could make a credible case for OPOTY depending on how the last week go include: Connor McClellan, Jon Oris, Matt Fitzsimmons, Luke Kurzum, and Zach Falls (Johansen has just missed too many games to be in the mix at this point).  Fitzsimmons I'd say is the favorite especially if he has a big day and/or Wesleyan beats Trinity.  Kurzum would certainly be an aberrant winner considering team record, but he has kept a really bad Hamilton team competitive in all but two games, and put up very strong stats, with far less help around him than Fitzsimmons.  What would Kurzum be doing if he was on a top-half NESCAC team right now?  If Kurzum has a huge final week, and Fitzsimmons has a rough game against Trinity, he wouldn't be a crazy pick with no obvious choice among the TB/WR candidates.  Trinity doesn't really have a strong candidate because it's offensive production has been so spread out among so many different guys.

On defense, Trinity has the same issue, with too much balance to elevate any one guy to POTY.  I'd say Luke Harmon followed by Dylan Conners remain the favorites, but there are lots of other guys who could make a case with a huge final week as well, no one is having an eye-popping season statistically. 

ROTY I think is still Donte Kelly, I'm not sure who else is even in the picture, there. 

I agree Trinity versus all the prior years just has way too many people on offense that could get awards. I stated this in prior post OC Melnitsky did a fantastic job spreading the wealth around on that offensive unit.

Defensively the same so many great players on that side of the ball. This is the one year if there was one where awards should be given out to units. If it was the case I would say Trinity's front 7 Defensive MVP of the league.I mean the defense is allowing something like 40 yards rushing a game. I also think despite the record Amherst DL & Middlebury DL should be considered one of the top units as well.

Trinity /Amherst game

First off while at the game nothing beats the home crowd at Trinity very exciting atmosphere at this game. My hats off to Amherst they played extremely hard and this was a very physical game. I truly think that Amherst if they can stop shooting themselves in the foot in the football schedule could be a serious contender next year. Amherst should never have lost to Bates and Colby. I am not taking anything away from Bates or Colby just felt Amherst is a more talented team. I did not see the Amherst at Wesleyan game but heard it was a hard fought battle. I think if Amherst beats Williams they will be making strides next year. A main problem for Amherst was the years of bad recruiting but I believe this may be behind them. I do not know who is graduating on the team but the front seven played extremely well and there DB really played solid.

I would have to say behind Trinity Front seven this team maybe number two on DL/LB front lines. Trinity seems to amaze me the front three of DL Newhall , Toyias & Ventura put Pressure on Amherst with just three down lineman all day. My hats off to them for a job well done. Amherst is still a player or two away from making contention but really made strides this year and glad to see they are in the mix again in the NESCAC.

A very strange game with some terrible officiating. This was probably the worst game I have seen the refs this year. The only plus is the bad calls went against both teams but just a bad game for the zebras.

After watching many NESCAC games this year it is clear and evident that in my opinion the real offensive MVP is not a player but the OC of Trinity College. I will grant you the entire Coaching staff at Trinity does an amazing job of recruiting and Coaching. I watched the Bowdoin game and was amazed how the OC has transformed this team. In past years you had Girard , Reid , Clapp and a slew of TE that could get down the field for the home run ball.

After week one debacle against Colby where they were trying to adopt the same down field philosophy the OC has changed his philosophy. I have never seen more kids touching the ball in the passing game as well as rushing the ball. I have never seen so much talent on Offense from a team that is not loosing a talent for graduation. They have many 5 th year studs coming back and have shown that they can play any type of football long ball , ball control and ground and pound.

This coupled with a Defense that is young and gets everyone back in front 7 plus reserves. They average giving up 13 points per game and I think that is skewed. Several turnovers and special teams mistakes have put them in bad situations.

I think the real tell tale sign is the number of young players gaining valuable experience as Freshman unheard of before but with new limits and injuries have given players valuable field time and experience. This is really a solid program and not easy for Coaches to change their philosophy.

Prediction

last three games comes down to Williams ,  Wesleyan and Trinity with Trinity obviously the front runner.

I have Wesleyan beating Amherst at Home this weekend and Amherst loosing to Trinity the following week. It was a good run and glad to see Amherst coming back into the mix for the upper echelon teams. However not enough talent in the end. I have Trinity easily handing Bowdoin a loss and taking care of business against Amherst.

Trinity is really improving week after week. Defensive front groups best I have seen in NESCAC in many years and offense seems every week to be introducing more skilled players into the mix.

The EPIC game in my opinion is going to be the Williams v Wesleyan week 7 in Williamstown. If Williams Wins will cap their season and if Wesleyan wins will make final game against Trinity worth everything in Middletown.

Only wrinkle could be if Tufts plays just one solid game against an injury plagued Williams and throw monkey wrench into season. Tufts has been disappointment all year and this could be there gotcha game.

One clear observation I took from this past weekend. There is a clear division of talent in the NESCAC Trinity , Williams , Middlebury. Wesleyan perhaps Amherst making the entrance to this circle. The other teams are what they are and showing no evidence of getting momentum to get in the top ranks. I am not talking about the surprise win or upset but consistent winning. Having said that with next year being the first year of D3 playoffs with NESCAC I am certain that this will greatly impact the division of talent. A top athlete would want to go play for a College that has a chance to get into the playoffs and keep playing football. The top teams will keep replenishing their talent and the bottom feeders of the league will get the players that could not get recruited by the top teams or that deemphasize football as a part of their College.

Academics aside and admissions aside the disparity between the top teams will grow even more in the coming years as the top schools especially if they win a few rounds in D3 playoffs can utilize this as selling tools to future recruits. I just think in the next two to three years you will see a more clearer division of football talent in the NESCAC if you have not already.

I happened to be at Trinity game. Let's not get carried away with Middlebury yet on a great game. I will tip my hat and state that they played tough. But Trinity was in control of this game throughout. The Special teams mistakes cost Trinity. The Bantams gave up 10 Points because of blocked extra point and fumble on Trinity kickoff.

In addition I do not know if anyone could see I know some games have instant replay but the officiating in game was terrible and there were many calls that were head scratching calls including an Interception called back. Despite the seven penalties and special teams blunders this would have been a 20 point blow out.

The front seven of Trinity of Ventura , Hickey , Toyias , Moore , Krauss , Ruiz , Walker and Toyias (Brother) were stout all day. Total yards rushing 144 yards and passing 145 yards. I think is a great day considering the Officials continued some of those drives.

I do think the next three weeks will be interesting with Amherst playing all the big teams ( Trinity , Wesleyan & Williams)in the NESCAC and Williams also playing Wesleyan next week.The ending of this season will be exciting for sure

Having watched a great deal of NESCAC games this year it is a plesant surprise with Amherst turning the program around. Now I am not saying they are going to be NESCAC champs again but defintely one of their best years in decades. This goes back to many of the past posts regarding teams trending backwards. How did Amherst with an acceptance rate of close to 10 % appear to have turned their program around albeit it took awhile. However the Bowdoin ,  Hamilton and soon to be Tufts seem to be trending backwards. At what point do these Coaches and schools decide after never having won the league to recruit differently or is it Coaching. These programs have shown no signs of turning the corner despite all being in the same academic levels. Just curious if the NESCAC schools will change or are we stuck with clear division of talent. Why can one change and the others keep going backward.

Had the luxury of channel checking many games this past weekend. I noticed two glaring takeaways. The NESCAC has to allow a preseason contest. If you look at that the play now versus week one simply amazing. I know this is topic for off season but even to get the young kids coming in some game experience I just think would make week one better football. Again topic for off season.

The second observation I happen to watch some of the Trinity/ Tufts game is it just me or does Trinity football players just look bigger ,stronger and faster then there opponents. The size differential against Tufts was large. I also noticed this in watching the Trinity/Bates game as well. Do these other NESCAC programs have strength and conditioning programs. There seems to be a clear size and speed differential amongst these teams. The only team that appeared to be close in size was Williams College. When I watched the Bates/Colby the players looked completely different in size and stature.

Quote from: Trin9-0 on October 01, 2025, 09:58:51 AMAm I the only one who thinks we need to pump the brakes on the Mammoths? Certainly very few (if anyone) predicted they would outclass the Jumbos, but they also lost to Bates and their other win came at home against Hamilton.

Amherst also hasn't won a road games since they beat the Continentals last September. Now, if they can go on the road and beat Middlebury this week I'll start to believe there's something there. Until then I still think they max out at 3, maybe 4 wins.

I just think Amherst played hard and aggressive football. I have not seen that kind of intensity out of Amherst in many years. I hope it is promising for them it would be nice to see another team start to climb the ladder instead of the clear division between schools in the NESCAC conference.I thought Bates was going to start to move up the standings in terms of winning but I have them at best winning 2 to 3 more games.

I have to say after three games the surprises this year have to be Amherst and Williams. Let's face facts Trinity was going to right the ship after their terrible performance  at Colby. I did think that Williams is improved and with another year with Johansen at QB poised to make a run. Amherst is another team shocking me at this point. Albeit stumbled out of the gates at Bates but really showed me the grit of Amherst teams in the past. I think if they continue this trend will be the surprise team in the league this year with Bowdoin and Bates taking a few steps backwards.

I think Trinity win at williams was huge. They proved that despite injuries to key players they were able to pull out a win. The word out of Hartford State is They are getting one of their best players back on DL this week. If they start to get healthy this team is poised to run the table. They have great deal of young talent and I think each week looking better. I think if they keep getting better the game that will potentially give them problems maybe against Amherst. Amherst has been playing each team tough and maybe the team in NESCAC to make a significant jump in the power rankings and standings this year.

The Trinity / Bates game will be interesting this week. I think this could be another trap game but a psychological one for the Trinity. I do not know if the offense is going to second guess themselves. The run game was below average and if Trinity does not play to their talent level and work the ballup the field instead of the homerun ball this game could get ugly. If the Coaches appear that last week was a fluke and stay with their offense scheme of down field throwing I fear another 4 Int game looms.

Bates will run the triple option and becuase not seen on a consistent basis will move the ball against Trinity. They key this week for the Bants with the loss of Toyias on the DL no indication playing this week and a few banged up DL will Trinity be able to put preasure on Bates offense. Based on last week if they fall behind they have shown no ability to manufacturer points.

I predict a 1-3 point margin of victory maybe for Trinity.

Quote from: Nescacman on September 17, 2025, 04:59:48 PM

Quote from: Trin9-0 on September 17, 2025, 01:37:42 PMI've got to tip my hat to Charlie, once again, who called the Trinity-Colby game as a potential upset (I scoffed at the notion). I did pick the Mules as my surprise team this season but that outcome was a little too surprising for me!

As previously mentioned, this was Colby's first win over Trinity since a 14-11 win in 1995. It's worth noting that prior to 2017 the teams only played every two years due to the 8 game schedule (Trinity rotated season openers between Colby and Bates). The last Mule win prior to '95 was a 20-17 upset in 1980 which ended up being the only blemish on a 7-1 Trinity season.

Any way you look at it this is a huge with for Cosgrove and I can only imagine what the scene was like on Mayflower Hill Saturday night. Congrats to the Colby faithful on a historic win.


As for Trinity, they could be in trouble. The defense was stout led by their excellent secondary who forced three interceptions. However, the Bantam offense was stuck in mud. They appeared to be physically outmanned up front by Colby which was a real shock. The biggest issue is quarterback and they clearly need to figure out a solution quickly. Jaxon Carroll wasn't exactly sharp in the first half. He did not get injured. I don't know if the decision to play Tyler Aronson after halftime was predetermined or if they were looking for a spark. Either way, his 3 interceptions in the second half (one of which was returned for a TD) doomed the Bants. One other note on him, he's listed as a sophomore on the roster but Devanney called him a freshman in his post game summary. Not sure if he just misspoke or if Aronson could have an extra year of eligibility which makes sense given he didn't see game action at SMU.

The Bants have been a bit spoiled at the position the past few seasons with three years of Fetter who set multiple school records followed by Zebrowski who had played in 15 games prior to taking over as a grad student and then had a monster season last year. Hopefully a home game in The Coop will help to settle the nerves and get the season back on track. At the risk of a jinx, Trinity hasn't lost to Bates since 1979!   

First off, we have to give Hs7-2 credit, where credit is due. Thank you for being contrite. We know that post was not easy for you to compose and probably took a couple of days to cobble together.

Should be an interesting home opener in the Coop for Hartford State. Much more on the week2 tilt against the Kitties later, but it would not be a reach to say this is a must win for the Bants. We will say this...in homage to the biggest event in the history of Lewiston (Clay aka Ali beats Liston), we'll give UBates at least a punchers chance at the upset...

BTW, the last time Hartford State started a season 0-2 was 1995. We'd be surprised if that happens this year, but ya never know...

NM

While I beleive Trinity could be in trouble the Back up QB did not play all that bad. Lets take a step back first the starting QB has an injury potentially season ending. This occuured weeks before opening season game. Which means back up QB were not prepared. Secondly as I have stated in previous posts Trinity OC has not changed his approach since Fetter was QB. You cant keep throwing down the field against a cover 2 and expect great success. Not to mention you are running an RPO if there is no threat the QB will run defeats the entire purpose.

HC at Colby is smart he knows that Trinity aleways get impatient and looks for the homerun ball. I found it odd that when the QB ran one long play and threw to TE they never went back to these plays. Colby simply rushed more players then Trinity could block. This coupled with fact that the OL was pourous all day became problematic. Trinity never adjusted there game plan and this in game play calling has cost them the last three years against Middlebury and they do not seem like they are making changes in there play calling.

I have to say I considered the Trinity game at Colby a trap game and man it was to an extent. Not only did Trinity come out flat RB not hitting holes , OL not being aggressive , the Coaching staff was terrible in their in game adjustments and play calling. Okay I get the fact injuries occur and you have a back QB. I understand he may have a great deal of talent but to get an offense down in three weeks is a stretch. Trinity could have easily won this game with a short quick throw attack. Instead they had these longpass plays against a Colby blitzing all day and created 7 sacks and I beleive 4 INT. Please understand Colby did play a great game defensively. They also made great in game adjustments to stop Trinity's offense. I stated before that Colby always played Trinity tough and it showed.The fact that Trinity was so arrogant in there play calling as if Fetter was at QB is mind boggling. A great deal for Trinity to work on.

Defensively Trinity was stout. However they loose one of there best DL Joe Toyias to injury dont know how long he will be out or season ending. He was carted off late in 4th. This was the strength of the defensive unit. So that is another area of Trinity concern.Needless to say potential problems in Hartford State.