Interesting take on the Podcast with Coach Devanney from Trinity. He stated that no other NESCAC sport has roster limitations and made many compelling arguments as to the reasoning for this and the fact that this is Division 3 football. The fact that the Presidents of the league feel it is necessary to single out football for this is amazing.In addition while they are potentially allowing the NESCAC to go into the playoffs they are going to be competing against schools that have potential roster limits of 125 or more.So it is clear that there is a definite discriminatory power existing in the NESCAC towards football. I am surprised that this stance on both has not been argued or even brought to a legal proceeding.

If a school like a Williams , Amherst and to a smaller extent Middlebury and Hamilton do not want larger rosters that is a an individual school decision. I find it odd that no one says anything about Tufts having the largest Lacrosse Roster in the NESCAC or some of the swimming teams having 20 to 30 players yet football always is looked at.

If you are a so called elite academic school so be it no one is asking that you sacrifice your academic standards. If you value football and want a big roster then you should be allowed to have as many players as you want.I find it odd that the Presidents and the NESCAC athletic board dictate this for football when they do not interfere with any other sports.

Let's also keep this in mind Coach Devanney pointed out that girls lacrosse last year players missed finals and graduation and that schools adjusted this for them and had a separate graduation. So this can be done very easily in football. It is clear that this discrimination will reach a court proceeding at some point and questions will have to be answered.

Have the final recruiting list been made public yet for the NESCAC. I have not seen Trinity , Middlebury or Colby and a few others final list and numbers

I heard rumors that the NCAA could potentially allow players 5 years of athletic eligibility across all sports. This is under serious consideration and could be implemented in under a year. Does anyone know how this would affect the NESCAC landscape if at all ?

I am not saying it will happen and there were other factors involved but we have seen in the past what a change in President and Athletic Director can do to a football program. If we look at what happened to Amherst when they had that 5 to 7 in NESCAC football. There was a philisophical change in recruitment by the President and the AD and the program has not been the same.

Heard some intersting news today that Trinity Athletic Director will be leaving Trinity College. This will be an intersting year in the Hartford State as a new President of the College was also introduced. This could have a major impact going forward for the football program at Trinity. We have all seen what incoming Presidents and Athletic directors have done to sports programs.

Will the addition of NESCAC going into potential playoffs either in 2025 or 2026 have an impact on roster sizes. I was also told that teams going into the D3 playoffs have to bring a reduced roster. Has anyone else heard these same conditions and playoff roster adjustments ?

Quote from: Nescacman on December 18, 2024, 10:01:37 AM

Quote from: Garnet on December 18, 2024, 09:03:41 AMThe Ivy League has agreed to participate in the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs, starting with the 2025 season. The league had long ended its season at the end of the regular season. Marks a distinct shift for Ivy League football, which can now play for national title.

The genesis of the idea for the Ivy League to play in FCS playoffs came via a proposal from Ivy League student athletes. The proposal from the league's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) was approved Tuesday by a vote of the Ivy League Council of Presidents. - Pete Thamel ESPN

will NESCAC do the same?

Our belief, as previously stated, is that the NESCAC will commence their participation in the D3 Play-offs in 2026. Finally...

Curious as to why wait for 2026 easily to implement for next year does not affect regular season they just start a week or two earlier. This would not affect school academic calendar just preseason dating. In addition only the winner of the league goes into playoffs to the best of my knowledge so why wait another year ?

Quote from: oldezra on December 09, 2024, 12:32:54 AMSo, we're up to three now. Thanks!

Lets also not forget Mark Ruben DL played for Tufts and played for Patriots as well.

Jean Fugett TE played for Amherst College and Dallas Cowboys won a Super Bowl and Pro Bowl selection.

Quote from: BigKat on December 03, 2024, 08:41:06 AMChaz and fellas, just like the Ivy's, this isn't a coach or AD in favor of thing. Of course they are in favor of playoffs as are all of us fans. The Nescac presidents would have to vote and approve it. From those who have spoken with Robin Harris recently, the Ivy presidents are lukewarm on playoffs as we stand here today fwiw.

Just curious other then the Presidents of NESCAC being against the extra game or playoffs are there any other compelling issues. I understand they are worried that the extra game would cut into there academic studies just curious if there are any other issues ?

I thought possibly travel expenses but they send other sports teams to various tournaments and playoffs out of State so it cant be a financial issue.

Quote from: nescac1 on December 03, 2024, 01:46:34 PMRemember, most of these schools lose huge classes due to the extra COVID year guys who stuck around.  Even Trinity, by a quick count, has only 66 guys returning from its varsity roster next year, and after attrition, more like 60 more likely.  So they just need to bring in an average recruiting class (by NESCAC standards, maybe not their own) to be right around the 84 man limit. 

Has this roster number been made public or are we speculating the roster limit and if happening for 2025 season ?

Quote from: Nescacman on December 02, 2024, 03:59:41 PM

Quote from: Charlie on December 02, 2024, 01:38:41 PM

Quote from: LochNescac on November 29, 2024, 09:07:33 AM

Quote from: ItsATuftSituation on November 27, 2024, 02:32:07 PMJust came across the fact that Tufts HC Jay Civetti was on the most recent episode of Tufts podcast. Talked for a good while, worth the listen, mentioned playoffs and roster limits, also had a lot of great things to say about the league and its teams. Seems like a good guy, at least for me who has never met him. Here's the link if anyone wants to listen, he starts at 53 mins in.

https://gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/2024/10/17/the-bo-show-podcast.aspx

Was a good listen...thanks for sharing.

I listened to this surprisingly HC Civetti was in favor of larger roster sizes and playoff football. So I wonder if the other NESCAC Coaches who were in favor of this why there has been such a pushback. I would think if all the Coaches in NESCAC are in favor then this would be easily implemented.

In addition the teams like Hamilton , Bowdoin and the rest of lower tier teams would be in favor. I would think if a new recruit or transfer portal guy would like to have the opportunity to play more would be more of an attraction for these schools.This really would not affect them since the chances of them reaching the playoffs would probably be remote. I am not putting these programs down but would seem to be a great selling tool for recruits.

Does anyone know what schools are against this idea or is this just a positional stance by NESCAC athletics.

I can only take it that the Coaches are in favor but for some reason administration of these schools is against it ? Again no idea why never been published only to say that the NESCAC has strongly opined there school models after the Ivy League.

We had every single NESCAC Head Coach on our podcast this year except for Coaches Devanney and Murray.

All seven that we met with were in favor of the NESCAC participating in the D3 play-offs. We are pretty sure Coach Devanney would be in favor and as a prior participant in the past prior to his tenure at Hamilton, we're also pretty sure Coach Murray would not be opposed, as well.

As far as roster sizes, the coaches are not as aligned. As we have said in the past, Hartford State, Middlebury, Tufts, and Wesleyan are clearly in favor of larger rosters limits (or no limit). However, it's a moot point since we will have an 84 player roster limit in 2025.

Neither of these decisions is made by the Coaches. The Presidents make this decision theoretically with some input from the Athletic Director (who may or may not seek the HCOF's input). We believe the NESCAC will participate in the NCAA D3 play-offs by 2026.

I have not heard that rumor about a 2026 playoff but the roster limit is officially set at 84 ?

How in the world can a team like Tufts or Trinity who have around 115 to 120 players make room for this. I would think these schools that have hogher numbers would be given more time to adjust recruiting and existing roster sizes.

Quote from: LochNescac on November 29, 2024, 09:07:33 AM

Quote from: ItsATuftSituation on November 27, 2024, 02:32:07 PMJust came across the fact that Tufts HC Jay Civetti was on the most recent episode of Tufts podcast. Talked for a good while, worth the listen, mentioned playoffs and roster limits, also had a lot of great things to say about the league and its teams. Seems like a good guy, at least for me who has never met him. Here's the link if anyone wants to listen, he starts at 53 mins in.

https://gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/2024/10/17/the-bo-show-podcast.aspx

Was a good listen...thanks for sharing.

I listened to this surprisingly HC Civetti was in favor of larger roster sizes and playoff football. So I wonder if the other NESCAC Coaches who were in favor of this why there has been such a pushback. I would think if all the Coaches in NESCAC are in favor then this would be easily implemented.

In addition the teams like Hamilton , Bowdoin and the rest of lower tier teams would be in favor. I would think if a new recruit or transfer portal guy would like to have the opportunity to play more would be more of an attraction for these schools.This really would not affect them since the chances of them reaching the playoffs would probably be remote. I am not putting these programs down but would seem to be a great selling tool for recruits.

Does anyone know what schools are against this idea or is this just a positional stance by NESCAC athletics.

I can only take it that the Coaches are in favor but for some reason administration of these schools is against it ? Again no idea why never been published only to say that the NESCAC has strongly opined there school models after the Ivy League.

Quote from: BigKat on November 21, 2024, 08:30:51 AMA lot of boo hooing about Berluti and a lifetime achievement 1st team nod this year. I will agree it wasn't his best season statistically ...but..let's not forget him getting absolutely hosed his sophomore year for OPOY when his numbers were other worldly 26 td's/3ints. At a bare minimum he should have been co OPOY with Lutz.


Countless examples of kids being overlooked or more importantly not being championed hard enough by their coach. Was this a make up penalty for the egregious mistake in '22? maybe.

I will say that Berluti had a great career he personifies why the NESCAC needs playoffs.

The NESCAC is a great league but unfortunately very small margin for losing. Tufts in particular seems to always start with a speed bump and then get going. There were a few seasons where they were on fire at the end of the year. This is why I believe that such a small season a teams can catch fire and win. Unfortunately there is no playoffs or anything to play for so the mistake at the beginning part of the year costs you.

At the D1 level if I am not mistaken did not Alabama loose a game sneak into the playoffs and win the title one year. This is why I think playoffs are so important for the NESCAC even an internal playoffs. I also think that you would get some real good rivalry's and more student support of football with internal playoffs.

If you take this year as an example. Middlebury stumbled out of gate and blown out by Wesleyan in week one. Then beat Trinity and then loose to Tufts. If you take the top four teams 1 plays 4 and two plays 3 and then a championship. The hot team at the end of the season has a chance to upset someone. In addition if you are a team with a few losses you can still be on the bubble to get the fourth spot. I am not saying go into the D3 tournament but to have an internal playoff I think would lend to more excitement for the players and the fans. Everyone could still be in this until late in season.

There have been plenty of years that Tufts has showed at the end of the year that they were a solid team. I am just saying would be nice and I am sure Williams or a Colby would have been interesting to see compete as fourth seed this year. It does not require a great deal to do this. NESCAC starts the year second week in September so you have the two weeks before to start the season so it would not affect academics. All I am saying is the case is plausible. I know the pendants as well as myself would say won't happen but really would be nice.

Quote from: Bantam4life on November 19, 2024, 11:27:31 AMCongratulations to all those named all-league. A great honor for all these young men. Obviously disagree with the Berluti over Zebrowski first-team pick. We thought Zebrowski should have been Offensive Player of the year as well but congrats to Wilson, he was the best player on the best team. That usually satisfies the criteria for the award. Back to the first team QB debate. Not sure how you can confidently say that Berluti (while a fine player who had an amazing career) had anywhere the caliber season as Zebrowski or even Candido for that matter. Zebrowski was statistically much better in every aspect and we felt that Berluti had been better in previous seasons. Feels like this award was maybe given out as a career recognition award instead of a 2024 season award.

I think you have to look at the entire season to access the Trinity QB yes statistically he did well. However I would have gone with Candido not only did he beat the top teams but arguably single handily won the Trinity game. His stats were good bit simply he played well in the big games where the Trinity QB did not. I think a barometer of this award should be how you played in the big games. Candid showed up in the big games and deserved this honor in my opinion rather than Berluti who really only beat Middlebury this year as his big game accomplishment.

Quote from: nescac1 on November 10, 2024, 07:59:34 AMCongrats to Wesleyan.  Like Middlebury last year, it often wasn't pretty, it certainly wasn't easy, but they found a way to pull through late in games and grit out wins.  I seriously doubt the league champion has ever before lost to the league's ninth place team, that's just wild.  They graduate a very impressive senior / grad student class, a lot of guys who have seemingly been playing in the league forever.

A few other parting thoughts on the season:

1. OPOTY still has to be Zebrowski.  He had a ridiculously good statistical season for the second place team.  I'd say Zebrwoski - Lynskey - Wilson - O'Brien - Candido in that order.  With so many senior skill position stars graduating, Lynskey enters next year as the clear favorite for OPOTY, and Bates should be much better as a team around him.

2. DPOTY has a slew of good candidates.  I'll go with Carbeau - Harmon - Price - Young - T. Richardson.  HM to Kenary, Rowan, Romain, Connors, Atkinson, Gering, and probably forgetting someone.  As with OPOTY, a very senior-heavy list.  Harmon is clearly the top defensive player in the league headed into next season, his range and instincts are unreal, and he would be a reasonable choice this year if Amherst hadn't had such a rough season.

3. Speaking of Amherst, I think they may well have had the worst running season for any team in NESCAC history, certainly in recent history - 36.9 ypg and 1.7 ypc are ridiculously bad.  Especially when you consider they should have been able to amp those stats up in the fourth quarter against some second string defenses in their blow-out losses.  Both their offensive line and running backs just seemed very small out there, every designed running play got immediately swallowed up.  Amherst is fortunate to have played Bates and Hamilton to start the year as I don't think they would have won those games the way they closed the season.  Again, just so weird to see from an E.J. team with an (increasingly ancient) history of big, ferocious running backs pounding the ball down teams throats behind physically imposing offensive lines. 

4. Ivan Shuran had one of the best, if not the best, years ever for any NESCAC kicker - 29-29 on extra points, 9-9 on field goals, including three over 40 yards and a long of 47.  He would have had several game-winning kicks if the team could have closed out games on defense, but the man was simply money in critical situations.  The Ephs will really miss him.   As I've said before great year overall for kickers and punters in NESCAC. 

5. ROTY has a lot of candidates - the Ephs finished the year with four of their six leading tacklers as first years (Mangini, Moore, Kreakie and Gale) and all those guys certainly passed the eye test.  McClellan from Midd and Nye on Colby are strong candidates on the offensive side of the ball, both those guys are gonna be elite players going forward.  I'll go with Mangini - while Gale had more eye-popping plays for the Ephs, he was only a rotational player, and it's hard to pass up the leading tackler and very solid nine-game starter for a credible team, who had an especially good game against the league champion.  Nye for OROTY. 

6. It's going to be a wild year at QB next season in NESCAC. Tufts, Wesleyan, Trinity, Bowdoin, and Bates all graduate strong leaders at the position, in some cases with no clear heir-apparent.  Williams and Amherst rotated guys at the position to the point where there is no clarity heading into next season (although I assume Marek Hill, at least, has very likely won the starting job at Amherst, he has to figure out a way to throw fewer INTs when he goes away from the short passes that are his bread and butter).  Hamilton, Middlebury and Colby are the only teams with clearly entrenched starters who their teams can count on to be the guy heading into 2025. 

7. Bates is clearly the team with the most potential to rise in the standings next year.  Wesleyan, Tufts, and Midd seem to lose the most to graduation, but all have been consistently good for awhile now, so should not drop much if at all.  As bad as Bowdoin's defense was this year, they could be absolutely shredded next year if they play the same style with all the defensive stars they lose.  Hard to see Amherst and Hamilton getting out of the basement next year especially with Bates likely to improve a lot, although Bowdoin may join them if it can't figure something out defensively.  Trinity will be Trinity assuming they have an answer at QB and I think goes in as the presumptive favorite considering all of Wesleyan's losses to graduation.  Colby loses a lot of guys on defense plus some good skill guys but at least brings back the Drake-Nye connection on offense. 

As for Williams, it comes down yet again to QB. Early in the year it seemed like they had an answer in McHugh, who undoubtedly has the arm and leg talent, but he made far too many critical mistakes as the season went along to the point where the coaches lost faith over the past few games.  Can McHugh shake it off and live up to his talent?  If not he could be a really good WR or TB.  Can Johansen, who is clearly an alpha athlete and leader (but not clear at all if he's really a full-time QB) be the QB?  Is there someone else on the roster who can emerge?  The Ephs have the rest of the pieces they need to be really good - a huge, experienced offensive line, a good TB (although depth at RB is a concern), lots of big and talented targets returning in the passing game (especially if Johansen is playing slash again), the entire two-deep in the secondary back, and all those star rising sophs on defense (I also expect Nate Rosner to joint that group next year, he really flashed on special teams as a FY) plus Anthony Scala, who looked like a force at DT at times. But man, QB just continues to be a crapshoot ever since Bobby M. graduated ...   

For OPOY I have to give to Candido of Wesleyan over Dembrowski of Trinity. I know it is a team game and not one person can be blamed for the losses. You have to consider that against the Top three teams he went 0-2 and did not look good in either game. Candido pulls off the game winner against Williams and played exceptionally well against a tough Trinity Defense. Debrowski did not get a single point scored in second half of game. I think OPOY should be predicated on Wins and stats and how players lift the team and I think Wesleyan QB did all of that this year.