FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Nescacman]

If there is a pro prospect in the NESCAC it's Tomlinson. He might get a glance.

I'm not up to date on Wesleyan football but watching Tufts-Wes tape tonight.........Niko Candido?? yikes, where did he come from? Assume Scott is injured? Depth is a great thing.

Trinity-Wes is going to be a classic.

We don't like to divulge too much but a few interesting tidbits...

Both Nick and Logan have eligibility left...1 year and 2 years respectively...they could come back and wreck havoc on the NESCAC again (scary thought), enter the portal and play up to prove they have what it takes to play at the next level, or pursue other interests (they both have very good options in the real world as well....stellar young men in addition to being outstanding student-athletes)...do they have what it takes to play in the NFL? Who knows but we will tell you that they both have the work ethic, desire and determination to do it...obviously, Wes also has strong connectivity to the NFL which doesn't hurt so we'll see...

As far as the Wes QB situation...public knowledge...Ashton was in street clothes for the Tufts game and was not available...Niko is our #3a QB, a sophomore, and more than capable as you can see from his performance the last several weeks...our #3b is Reid Tolley (junior) who we would say is on par with Niko, Wes doesn't typically play 3 QB's...both Niko and Reid, in our opinion, would start today for more than half of the teams in the league....the QB position at Wes is in good hands for the next several years with the two of them....our understanding is that we thought so highly of both of them, that we passed on Andrew Boel at Bowdoin, although we think Andrew is very talented...btw, we have several other younger QBs behind Reid and Niko that we really like as well...Dice (and Whales before him) recognize the importance of the QB position...honestly, we can't remember the last time Wes didn't have a good QB...Matt Coyne, Jesse Warren, Mark Picarillo, Ashton Scott, David Estevez, Nico Candido going back to 2010...pretty good list...btw, some Wes trivia: Logan is a converted QB...

#rollcards

[BigKat]

A glance? at what position exactly? Excellent player but let's keep it real. Their possible prospect is the D-Lineman Helbig.

any feedback on the Bates win Sat?-was not expecting that result so kudos to them.

[NescacFam]

We don't like to divulge too much either, but a few Bowdoin players have eligibility left as well. Drew Ortiz has two years of eligibility (Covid, and a medical redshirt his sophomore year after suffering a season ending knee injury against Williams). Speaking of converted positions, Ortiz was an All-State middle linebacker in high school and converted to defensive end under Hammer's scheme. Not sure what Ortiz plans to do post Bowdoin, but rumor is Coach Saleh of the New York Jets has his eye on him

[CC_Camels]

I was a the Bowdoin - Bates game in Lewiston on Saturday and it was a great atmosphere with a good showing by the Bates students and a decent number of students from Bowdoin who made the trip over from Brunswick. It was homecoming weekend for Bates so there was a contingent of enthusiastic alumni as well and an impressive tailgating scene, especially for a D3 game in Maine.

Both QB's played well; Bowdoin's had 281 yards passing and spread the ball around to a number of different receivers, and the Bates QB was impressive in the air, but even more so running the ball. The Bates linemen were impressive on both sides of the ball.  Eden from Bowdoin is a workhorse at RB and did a nice job catching the ball out of the backfield and it is great for the Polar Bears that they are both going to be back next season.

Story of the day was Bates LB Hooks setting the school record for tackles with 23 (!) and he was always a noticeable presence on D and always seemed to be around the ball all night. From the eye test it was clear that he had a great night and the 23 tackles is a legit number.

Not going to lie and I don't want to pile on with any decision making, but I was confused as to why Bowdoin was not trying to push the pace in the 4th quarter when they were down two scores, but had been moving the ball well on offense. Down 14 with the ball, it seemed as if there was a lack of urgency by the coaching staff to get the plays in and run without letting so much of the clock bleed down on almost every play, and by the time Bowdoin scored with about a minute and a half left, I couldn't help but wonder if they could have saved some time earlier in the 4th quarter by going to more of a hurry up offense.

Fun night overall, and now both of these teams will be watching the Colby - Bowdoin season finale to determine the 2022 CBB winner

[lumbercat]

I agree with CC Camel's account of the Bates-Bowdoin game, very accurate from my standpoint.

I've got to give most of the credit to Coyne and his game plan. Totally masterful-

First, try to contain Eden. No easy task but holding him to 63 yards with an average of 3 yards per carry and long rush of 13 yards. This was huge.

Bates also controlled the pace of the game and slowed things down which helped limit Eden's touches and the Bears potentially lethal passing attack. Seemed like Coyne managed the clock throughout the game.
Bates secondary kept the game in front of them. Bend, don't break. I didn't see any Bowdoin receivers behind the Bates coverage all night. Everything was underneath mostly in the middle of the field. Bowdoin vertical pass game was stifled, no big pass plays.

Pressure Boels
Bates pressured and hurried Boels. This kid can kill you if you lay back in coverage and allow him to stand back there and fire the ball (Amherst refused to bring pressure last year in Brunswick and he sat back in the pocket against a 3 man rush and a soft zone and totally decimated them)
Bates hadn't blitzed much all year but they put in some nicely disguised blitzes and stunts designed to pressure Boels which evidently were not expected by Bowdoin. The Bears O line couldn't handle. Limited Boels to under 6 yards per attempt way below his usual number.

I think Bates felt if they could limit/control Eden and Boels and make others beat them it would give them their best chance to win. Bates executed the game plan extremely well which was the key to the win.

Hooks was immense. He also had a sack which for some reason did not show up on the stat sheet. In some other NESCAC venues the stat sheet might have shown 25-30 tackles for Hooks with 1.5 sacks and a few more TFLs.

[lumbercat]

A glance? at what position exactly? Excellent player but let's keep it real. Their possible prospect is the D-Lineman Helbig.

Not saying Tomlinson will get to the NFL by any means but he will be on someone's radar. He's in the Adam Theien prototype.  I'm also not saying he's as good as Theien but has some similarities. Let's see if Tomlinson gets some feelers and a pro day invite someplace though it's probably moot for now as he has eligibility left.   I was not aware of this until NM pointed it out.

Last NESCAC receiver to get some legit pro attention was James O'Regan at Amherst. He got a glance, but not much more. A little bigger than Tomlinson but I think Tomlinson might be better and should get similar attention. Lets see.

Helbig is a fantastic player but not sure where he lines up in an NFL defense.

[Charlie]

If there is a pro prospect in the NESCAC it's Tomlinson. He might get a glance.

I'm not up to date on Wesleyan football but watching Tufts-Wes tape tonight.........Niko Candido?? yikes, where did he come from? Assume Scott is injured? Depth is a great thing.

Trinity-Wes is going to be a classic.

We don't like to divulge too much but a few interesting tidbits...

Both Nick and Logan have eligibility left...1 year and 2 years respectively...they could come back and wreck havoc on the NESCAC again (scary thought), enter the portal and play up to prove they have what it takes to play at the next level, or pursue other interests (they both have very good options in the real world as well....stellar young men in addition to being outstanding student-athletes)...do they have what it takes to play in the NFL? Who knows but we will tell you that they both have the work ethic, desire and determination to do it...obviously, Wes also has strong connectivity to the NFL which doesn't hurt so we'll see...

As far as the Wes QB situation...public knowledge...Ashton was in street clothes for the Tufts game and was not available...Niko is our #3a QB, a sophomore, and more than capable as you can see from his performance the last several weeks...our #3b is Reid Tolley (junior) who we would say is on par with Niko, Wes doesn't typically play 3 QB's...both Niko and Reid, in our opinion, would start today for more than half of the teams in the league....the QB position at Wes is in good hands for the next several years with the two of them....our understanding is that we thought so highly of both of them, that we passed on Andrew Boel at Bowdoin, although we think Andrew is very talented...btw, we have several other younger QBs behind Reid and Niko that we really like as well...Dice (and Whales before him) recognize the importance of the QB position...honestly, we can't remember the last time Wes didn't have a good QB...Matt Coyne, Jesse Warren, Mark Picarillo, Ashton Scott, David Estevez, Nico Candido going back to 2010...pretty good list...btw, some Wes trivia: Logan is a converted QB...

#rollcards

On remaining eligibility a financial question. Does the player who opts out of a semester to play the additional season have to pay for the semester or get a drastically reduced price ?

The same applies for a medical red shirt do they simply not practice with team at all and are a student. Then what happens when they want the fifth year do they have to pay ?

If this is going to continue for awhile anyways has anyone thought of flip side of this equation.The student who lost the year for COVID or medical is going to get another year. But what about the rosters where you have 15 - 20 returning players now I am not saying all are 5 th years but would not the same theory be applicable for incoming freshman.

If a freshman player comes in and a projected rotational player or even a starter but is bumped back because of this 5th year stuff should he not be eligible for another year of playing (True Redshirt). This is an interesting dilemma since many of these HS players lost out a year of high school ball and now as a result loosing a year of NESCAC ball. I am just saying interesting scenario that I think NESCAC should look at but won't.

[NescacFam]

From the Bowdoin perspective vs. Bates...

On offense: Bowdoin moved the ball effectively between the 20s with short and intermediate passes. Eden was contained for the most part on the ground but did have a nice touchdown run on fourth down and a few catches for positive yards out of the backfield. Unfortunately, Bowdoin was plagued by a number of dropped passes, questionable and predictable play calling (wait... I think they just ran another Eden ISO up the middle for minimal gain), poor clock management, turnovers (especially in the red zone), and lack of 3rd down conversions. Not to mention, 2 starting offensive lineman were out due to injury. During the 4 game skid:

Williams - 1-13 on 3rd down, 1-2 in the red zone, 1 INT, 14 points
Middlebury - 5-19 on 3rd down, 1-5 in the red zone, 10 points
Tufts - 4-16 on 3rd down, 2-3 red zone, 2 INT, 2 fumbles lost, 13 points
Bates - 8-18 on 3rd down, 1-4 red zone, 2 fumbles lost, 1 INT, 14 points

Totals - 27% on 3rd down, 36% in the red zone, 4 INT, 4 fumbles lost, 51 points (12.75 points per game)

On defense: The defense held Bates in check for most of the game but was victimized by missed tackles and chunk plays. Bowdoin gave up a 60 yard TD run, 53 yard run, and a 61 yard pass. Outside of the 2 long runs, Bates rushed for a total of 61 yards. Outside of the 61 yard pass, Bosselait was 9-17 for 126 yards. Story of the season so far, except for the meltdown at Tufts. Not to mention, Bowdoin was without a starting defensive end, 1st string safety, 2nd string safety, and 3rd string safety. I have no doubt Coach Coyne saw that on film and exploited it.

[lumbercat]

NescacFam-

Appreciate your perspective. Good points.
Numerous injuries on both sides however. I won't match injuries but Bates not that healthy either.

You can't take chunk plays out of the equation. Easy to apply that narrative to many a game and suggest a different outcome. Big plays win and lose games.

The Bears have a lot of skill position talent and a potentially explosive aerial attack. If they can find a way give Boel some breathing room Wesleyan might have their hands full in Brunswick.

Wes will likely have Banks on Fahey so maybe Hoggard and Bears big TE might find something vertical for the Black and White.

I think Hammers contract might be up this year- are they calling for his head like they did with Wells?

[Nescacman]

We don't like to divulge too much either, but a few Bowdoin players have eligibility left as well. Drew Ortiz has two years of eligibility (Covid, and a medical redshirt his sophomore year after suffering a season ending knee injury against Williams). Speaking of converted positions, Ortiz was an All-State middle linebacker in high school and converted to defensive end under Hammer's scheme. Not sure what Ortiz plans to do post Bowdoin, but rumor is Coach Saleh of the New York Jets has his eye on him

We like Drew a lot and think he is far and away the best player on a very mediocre Bowdoin defense...however, at 5"11", 220ish, we don't think he's going to get too many looks from the J-E-T-S as a player, although I am sure the J-E-T-S front office would love to have a Bowdoin graduate on their payroll...we know he has eligibility left and if he does come back next year, he will definitely be in the mix for DPOTY consideration....we would say that he is on his way to being a first-team all-NESCACer for the 2022 campaign...speaking of #52, we are looking forward to meeting his Dad this weekend in Brunswick for an adult beverage, a cigar and some NJ HS football chatter...always a fun weekend in the north country...

[Nescacman]

BTW, is the internet down in Williamstown and Blanketville??? Must be since we haven't heard boo from any of the Purple Cow and Lord Mammoth faithful in over a week....did the combined record of 1-9 crash the web??? 

[Charlie]

BTW, is the internet down in Williamstown and Blanketville??? Must be since we haven't heard boo from any of the Purple Cow and Lord Mammoth faithful in over a week....did the combined record of 1-9 crash the web??? 

Heard from a few Williams people Sunday not Happy in Williamstown great deal of finger pointing between Coaches and players. Coaches indicating that players not performing , play calling , recruiting problems etc. Not happy times there and not sure the horizon looks brighter.

The fact that you had to have a WR go in at QB and no QB on roster ready to step up is concerning. I stated before I do not think Williams created a great succession plan for recruiting. I think it is going to be a few years for them to come back clearly in a rebuilding mode. It is also head scratching their recruitment style.

I noticed Tufts had about 15-20 recruits not dress for home games , Trinity  , Middlebury , Colby , Weleyan the same. I understand that you can only dress a certain number of players. However you do not see that at Williams at least it did not appear that way to me. It is almost as if they don't recruit enough players year after year and their sidelines seem light. Curious if anyone else has observed this. This years recruitment class as freshman a few reaches but numbers are low. You see on twitter the offers they extend but kids either go Ivy or to other NESCAC schools or higher. I cant put my finger on the fact that if it an admissions thing , kids dont want to play there , location , Coaching transition all of the above or something else.

[The Mole]

OK interview with Logan Tomlinson at the start with Noontime

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/noontime-sports/id1524845530?i=1000583152047

[Nescacman]

OK interview with Logan Tomlinson at the start with Noontime

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/noontime-sports/id1524845530?i=1000583152047

Love it Mole...#LT3 is the best...as great as he is as a student-athlete, he's an even better young man...glad he plays for the good guys!!! #rollcards

[Nescacman]

2022 NESCACMAN Week 5 Power Rankings

1). Hartford State Bantams (5-0; Last Week: 1): Big win for the Bants on the road against the Pants despite HCOF Jeff's overly conservative play calling, particularly in the second half...Held MID to -16 yards rushing on the day although their defense gave up 386 yards in the air and Hartford State was outgained by the Panthers on the day...HS 2nd in the nation is rushing defense...in control of their own destiny for the NESCAC football title...3 of their last 4 games are at home including this week's game against the reeling Purple Cows...on a collision course with Wesleyan in week 9...

2). Wesleyan Cardinals (4-1; LW: 3): Wes on a roll with a big win under the lights against a very good Tufts squad...Wesleyan leads the lead in scoring  and is one of the more balanced teams in the league ranking #1 in scoring offense and #2 in total defense....they lead the NESCAC in offensive TDs with 21...Have now won the last 5 games at home against Tufts dating back to 2005...electric atmosphere at Andrus Saturday night:

https://youtu.be/9FJNooApOJ8

Wes continues to impress...Logan Tomlinson led the offense and garnered NESCAC OPOTW honors (9 catches for 171 yards and a TD)...we think Logan is the best receiver in the league right now and will garner consideration for OPOTY (along with Tufts QB Berluti, who is also an outstanding student-athlete)...Wes heads to Maine this weekend to face the Polars...can't look past Bowdoin...one game at a time for the Cards...

2). Middlebury Panthers (4-1; LW: 2): Tough home loss for the Panthers as their dream of an unbeaten season goes up in smoke...valiant comeback effort in the second half against Hartford State came up a bit short as the Bants scored with about a minute left to win the game...MID actually outgained Hartford State in the game...Cole Kennon had another stellar start at and may have earned the starting nod going forward...5 sacks against didn't help the Middlebury cause...Middlebury still in the mix for the NESCAC Football Championship...Middlebury goes on the road this week to face the UBates Bobkitties who have now won 2 in a row...

4). Tufts Jumbo's (3-2; LW: 3):  Great game in Middletown...loss pretty much eliminates the Jumbo's from title contention in 2022....will need to run the table and get lots of help...73 yards rushing (on 22 carries) and 3 of 9 on 3rd down definitely did not help the Jumbo cause...Berluti had a mixed day with 416 yards passing and 3 TDs but his 2 INTs were at key moments in the game...Wes had 3 sacks on the day including 2 on the last 2 plays from scrimmage as Tufts was driving for the go ahead score...Tufts is a good football team although their defense did give up 530 yards of total offense to the Cards...they should get back on the winning track at home against the Lord Mammoths this week...

5). Colby Mules (3-2; LW: 5): Very predictable win for the White Mules against the Lord Mammoths despite only generating 239 yards of total offense...Colby's longest play from scrimmage was only 25 yards...fortunately, they were playing the "team formerly known as the Lord Mammoths"....who are those guys anyway??? Their leading rusher, outside of their QB, had 8 yards rushing...this week Colby heads to Hamilton which is probably the longest road trip in the NESCAC at 6.5 hours...should be a long, happy ride home for the White Mules...

6). University of Bates Bobcats (Lewiston Campus)(2-3; LW: 8): Congratulations on win #2 for Coach Coyne...he has now done something that HCOF Hammer has never done at Bowdoin, win 2 games in a season....Bates o-line has allowed the most sacks in the league through 5 games...QB's have thrown the most INTs in the league...will have their hands full with MID this Saturday coming off a loss...

7). Hamilton Continentals (2-3; LW: 9): Moves up two spots in our rankings with an "impressive" win on the road in Williamstown, which is never an easy place to play...Continentals are 9th in scoring offense and 10th in scoring defense...they are 10th in both total offense and total defense..they are #1 in passing defense, only because it has been so easy to run on them and thus, no need to pass...have given up more opposing TDs than anyone else in the league...only bright spot (besides two wins), they 2-1 in 2022 against the Little 3...Hamilton is 3rd in the NESCAC in 4th down conversions (and have had the most 3rd down conversions through 5 games)...big barometer this week at home against Colby with a chance to get to .500...

8). Williams Purple Cows (1-4; LW:6): Shocking loss to Hamilton at home...Ephs playing their 3rd QB and looks like they will be without star RB Mario Fischetti for the rest of the year...surprisingly bad pass offense (last in the NESCAC) and pass defense (8th in the NESCAC)...tough game this week as they head on the road to face Hartford State...
 
9). Bowdoin Polar Bears (1-3; LW: 7):  C-B-B loss to UBates...too many turnovers, challenged running the ball...is HCOF Hammer on the hot seat??? Will need to step up their game this week as Wesleyan comes to town to face the Polars...

10). Amhurst Lord Mammoths (0-5; LW: 10): With loss to Colby, have clinched their second losing season in the last 3 years...not sure where that one elusive win is going to come from as they travel to face an angry Tufts squad this week in Medford...

NESCACMAN's Picks (winners):
2022 Season: 17-8 (3-2 last week)
2021 Season: 33-12
2020 Season: 0-0
2019 Season: 33-12
2018 Season: 36-9
2017 Season: 35-10
2016 Season: 32-8
2015 Season: 30-10
2014 Season: 30-10
2013 Season: 32-8
Career: 278-87 (.762 winning percentage)

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