Quote from: NESCACFball24/7 on November 19, 2025, 09:55:11 AMThis could be the first time in a few years we haven't seen an exodus of talent from the league to the transfer portal right after the season looking to move up to the D1 level. Will be interesting to see if this remains true

Only one I know of so far is O'Brien WR from Trinity. I guess he figures on trying the portal although with one year eligibility and an injury prone career do not know how many takers there will be on a one year stint.He does not have the same pedigree as Tomlinson & Lutz of the past or size as well as eligibility. I did hear about rumblings out of Wesleyan that the Freshman WR Kelly could be moving on word is it that Uconn & Stonehill are possible landing targets. At this stage all conjecture.

I am curious when these kids enter the portal do they leave after Christmas break for Spring ball at these programs ?

In the case of O'Brien for Trinity or any senior would that mean forgo graduation if not would that not put them further behind pack not getting a Spring football season in or do they just red shirt for another year.

I do remember the C for Bates Pierotti last year entered the transfer portal but then played this year for Bates before getting hurt.So not sure on the rules for this.

I still believe despite the hiccups Amherst had and you take away those losses to Bates & Colby they would have been 7-2 and played the top tier teams extremely well. If they do not loose players to graduation they are going to be tough next year. I would put them into Coaching staff of the. year discussion. No one predicted they would end up 5-4 and play this well.

Other then Colby beating Trinity which Trinity gave them they did not beat any top level teams other then first game. At least Amherst beat Williams while Colby was pounded.

Quote from: lumbercat on November 12, 2025, 03:31:44 PMCharlie-

On the coaching front Mills is the best coach in the conference hands down in my opinion.
However Dice at Wes did a pretty darn good job this year and capped it off with a monumental win against Trinity in a huge game.

You point out that Devanney has come up short in "big" games but you're going to win all of those games with the whole conference gunning for you. Still a lot of rings on Bantam fingers.

Conversely, Dice has a pattern of surprising losses in "small" games. Losses to Bowdoin and Bates in recent years.

Interesting contrast between 2 fine coaches.

I think we will see more of this pattern of parity in the conference for the foreseeable future though I believe a bitter loss like this for Trinity will probably bring something in the way of  remedial measures.  They may look to elevate their arsenal even further. This would be bad news for programs in the conference striving to reach that Championship level.

Well Trinity will be without O'Brien next year at WR he is supposedly entering the transfer portal. While I think this is a loss for Trinity and that he was a good player I think Trinity excelled this year by having multiple WR & TE players involved in offense. I think they had a more balanced attack this year. While O'brien was instrumental to the team his production significantly tapered off the last four games of the year. Unfortunately O'brien had an overall injury plagued career. Not sure what interest there will be with only one year eligibility. I have to say I dont think this was best move for him he is not as dynamic as Tomlinson or Lutz was and I think both had two years eligibility when they entered versus one year. I think Trinity will be able to move on but should make for great conversation this off season.

I agree on turfing the area. he venue is great to watch games and is great atmosphere.

I would have to say while giving out awards as much as I would love to give Coaching accolades to Wesleyan my choice would be Amherst.

Let's face facts nobody predicted they would play as tough as they did , compete and be a couple losses away from being considered into championship talks. I will grant you that they loss to Bates and Colby. However they played Trinity & Wesleyan tough and beat Williams. I know tough to give out awards for a team that went 5-4 at least most improved team by far in the NESCAC.

One interesting tidbit here. Has anyone else looked back at Trinity. I will even go as far as the Fetter era. If you look at schedule every game that has championship or first place implications on the line they have lost.

2023 Lost To Middlbury last seconds to get C0 Champs
2024 Lost To Wesleyan final Game for Championship
2025 Lost to Wesleyan C0-Champs

All of these were not Stella performances by Trinity on the field and in Coaching. I am just saying that it appears the Coaching staff will have to look at themselves , personal and game plan and figure out why they freeze up and not play up to their standards in big games. I am just saying looks to be a pattern. Do not get me wrong Trinity has incredible winning percentage played some tough teams and have won many titles it just so happens they are on this streak of loosing in big games.

Quote from: Nescacman on November 12, 2025, 12:57:12 AM

Quote from: Charlie on November 11, 2025, 01:58:04 PM

Quote from: lumbercat on November 10, 2025, 11:04:55 AMHaven't seen the Battle of the Birds tape yet but very impressed with the Wes ground game and the performance of Angelo LaRose. Wes seemed to be a ground attack "by committee" during the year but LaRose really stepped it up in huge game. Can't remember many times over the years when anyone ran the ball like that against Trinity. Very surprising.
Another thing that jumped out to me was the fact that Wes was able to contain O'Brien who I consider the most explosive, dangerous player in the league. If he was at full strength the Cards did a great job containing him.
Looks like the Dante Kelly was the best receiver on the field on Saturday. He is destined to be in O'Briens class in terms of explosiveness if he is not at that level now. He's going to be a huge headache for opponents for the next 3 years.

Obrien was hurt most of the year and throughout his career in the NESCAC. Dante is the best WR I have seen in the NESCAC despite his size. I even think he would be faster on a real turf field instead of that Mud pit Wesleyan plays on.

I am surprised why the NESCAC has not come down on Wesleyan if they continue on playing football there they have to fix that field more like a used polo grounds then a football field. A great venue to watch a game but the field needs a great deal of work.

Wesleyan did a great job against Trinity nice game plan they had and Trinity despite making the adjustments at halftime seemed to be in a fog all game. The game resembled a lot of the Trinity Colby game bizarre play calling on offense. On defense Trinity tried stunting a great deal which was not working out due to the field conditions and Trinity had a great deal of Blown assignments missed tackles very uncharacteristic of them. I am taking nothing away from Wesleyan I tip my hat to them great performance and coaching and they deserved to win.

Hey Chuck, Andrus Field is the oldest/longest continuously used college football field in the country. It's not going anywhere and Wesleyan will NEVER permanently play anywhere else. With that being said, plans are in place to totally redo the playing surface prior to the 2026 season. Stay tuned on that. It is (by far) the best home venue and game day experience in the NESCAC hands down. It's why Wesleyan leads the NESCAC in home attendance every year.

NM

Again I was merely saying the field itself is terrible. I am taking nothing against the fan base , viewing of game etc. I just think NESCAC or the NCAA need to make the playing surface up to football standards so players safety is not jeopardized. I think the tailgate is great and the games are exciting just need to fix the field and while they are at it the locker room situation heard teams are having to get ready in a bunker from the 70's.

While we await the awards debate in the NESCAC. What are the early predictions for next year. I do not know what players are potentially returning , who are coming back for Grad years any intial thoughts ?

I would have to say at first glance and I know not much of a reach Trinity , Wesleyan & Williams with Amherst making a strong push. I think Middlebury may be taking a step back for a year or two.

Quote from: lumbercat on November 10, 2025, 11:04:55 AMHaven't seen the Battle of the Birds tape yet but very impressed with the Wes ground game and the performance of Angelo LaRose. Wes seemed to be a ground attack "by committee" during the year but LaRose really stepped it up in huge game. Can't remember many times over the years when anyone ran the ball like that against Trinity. Very surprising.
Another thing that jumped out to me was the fact that Wes was able to contain O'Brien who I consider the most explosive, dangerous player in the league. If he was at full strength the Cards did a great job containing him.
Looks like the Dante Kelly was the best receiver on the field on Saturday. He is destined to be in O'Briens class in terms of explosiveness if he is not at that level now. He's going to be a huge headache for opponents for the next 3 years.

Obrien was hurt most of the year and throughout his career in the NESCAC. Dante is the best WR I have seen in the NESCAC despite his size. I even think he would be faster on a real turf field instead of that Mud pit Wesleyan plays on.

I am surprised why the NESCAC has not come down on Wesleyan if they continue on playing football there they have to fix that field more like a used polo grounds then a football field. A great venue to watch a game but the field needs a great deal of work.

Wesleyan did a great job against Trinity nice game plan they had and Trinity despite making the adjustments at halftime seemed to be in a fog all game. The game resembled a lot of the Trinity Colby game bizarre play calling on offense. On defense Trinity tried stunting a great deal which was not working out due to the field conditions and Trinity had a great deal of Blown assignments missed tackles very uncharacteristic of them. I am taking nothing away from Wesleyan I tip my hat to them great performance and coaching and they deserved to win.

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.