FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[The Mole]

Like 2019? Not an alum BTW. I would consider 11 winning seasons in a row as pretty consistent. Prior to the arrival of the current AD and coach  the program was consistently average, at best.

That is actually not what I meant at all. I meant they will most certainly drop a head scratcher because it is part of who they are. The only thing that would impress me with Wesleyan would be consistency, something they have lacked for a very long time. They have always picked up decent wins throughout the season. It is within their teams make up to choke down the stretch.

You Wesleyan alumnus sure do get creative with your words.

Still yawning.

I will translate: "Since I am a hater, it is impossible for me to admit I was wrong. Good game by Wesleyan, they have had two quality wins. There is a lot of football left to play, and if they can avoid hiccups liek the last 3 years, it makes for an interesting NESCAC race."

I was more giddy to post this response since I knew you would take the bait. Thank you

Just following up again to confirm if this was meant to be 0-1 after Middlebury or 0-2 after Tufts? Thanks.


"Just saying I personally am nowhere near as confident guaranteeing they will go at least 6-3 as I am Tufts, Trinity and Midd. Especially after they most likely start 0-1 after Tufts."

I bet you were giddy to write this one...my previous point still stands. They'll drop a head scratcher soon enough. Either way, should be an interesting week 9...*yawn*

[BantChamps]

Oh man...going way back for that one. If we are going to do that lets look at 2018 too. and 2017, 2016, etc...Go back to my previous post where I said "since covid". This current group of Wesleyan players (that have been together since 2020) have yet to find consistent success. Success of course is measured differently across the league. If you all are content with 6-3, or 7-2, and a little three championship, then we can leave it at that, and I can agree with your parameters of success.

If we are going to talk in terms of league championships, (which this board would make you think they are the favorite to win every year), they notoriously fall flat in the strangest ways.   

Like 2019? Not an alum BTW. I would consider 11 winning seasons in a row as pretty consistent. Prior to the arrival of the current AD and coach  the program was consistently average, at best.

That is actually not what I meant at all. I meant they will most certainly drop a head scratcher because it is part of who they are. The only thing that would impress me with Wesleyan would be consistency, something they have lacked for a very long time. They have always picked up decent wins throughout the season. It is within their teams make up to choke down the stretch.

You Wesleyan alumnus sure do get creative with your words.

Still yawning.

I will translate: "Since I am a hater, it is impossible for me to admit I was wrong. Good game by Wesleyan, they have had two quality wins. There is a lot of football left to play, and if they can avoid hiccups liek the last 3 years, it makes for an interesting NESCAC race."

I was more giddy to post this response since I knew you would take the bait. Thank you

Just following up again to confirm if this was meant to be 0-1 after Middlebury or 0-2 after Tufts? Thanks.


"Just saying I personally am nowhere near as confident guaranteeing they will go at least 6-3 as I am Tufts, Trinity and Midd. Especially after they most likely start 0-1 after Tufts."

I bet you were giddy to write this one...my previous point still stands. They'll drop a head scratcher soon enough. Either way, should be an interesting week 9...*yawn*

Like 2019? Not an alum BTW. I would consider 11 winning seasons in a row as pretty consistent. Prior to the arrival of the current AD and coach  the program was consistently average, at best.

That is actually not what I meant at all. I meant they will most certainly drop a head scratcher because it is part of who they are. The only thing that would impress me with Wesleyan would be consistency, something they have lacked for a very long time. They have always picked up decent wins throughout the season. It is within their teams make up to choke down the stretch.

You Wesleyan alumnus sure do get creative with your words.

Still yawning.

I will translate: "Since I am a hater, it is impossible for me to admit I was wrong. Good game by Wesleyan, they have had two quality wins. There is a lot of football left to play, and if they can avoid hiccups liek the last 3 years, it makes for an interesting NESCAC race."

I was more giddy to post this response since I knew you would take the bait. Thank you

Just following up again to confirm if this was meant to be 0-1 after Middlebury or 0-2 after Tufts? Thanks.


"Just saying I personally am nowhere near as confident guaranteeing they will go at least 6-3 as I am Tufts, Trinity and Midd. Especially after they most likely start 0-1 after Tufts."

I bet you were giddy to write this one...my previous point still stands. They'll drop a head scratcher soon enough. Either way, should be an interesting week 9...*yawn*

[The Mole]

Please help me understand how this ranking from last week picks them to win the NESCAC. Once again, much appreciated. And if you find a single post on this board where I have personally ever said Cards will win the league, please share. I will save you the time, it does not exist.

2024 NESCACMAN Week 1 Power Rankings

Welcome to our Week 1 Power Rankings. Week 1 was very interesting in the NESCAC. Although most of the expected winners this week held serve, we think some of the final scores may have surprised the NESCAC faithful.

In our weekly rankings, the only movement was Williams (moving up) based on their thrashing of Hamilton and defending champ Middlebury (moving down) based on their historic, epic loss at home to Wesleyan.

Some details on "NESCACMAN"...we share a love for all things NESCAC, but especially football, with our fellow boardsters. We love everything about NESCAC...the history, traditions, rivalries, quirky rituals, passion, student-athletes, coaches, students, parents, alumni, tailgates, fields of play, et cetera. Each week, we will present our power rankings and then later in the week overviews, predictions, and spreads on every NESCAC game every week. There will also be some special reports along the way. Please note, we try to be as objective and honest as possible (maybe with a slight tinge of red and black). Our opinions stated here are solely those of NESCACMAN and are not the views or opinions of any institution in the NESCAC or the League itself.

We also co-host a podcast titled "Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast"  along with Chris Grace, the longtime play-by-play voice of the Wesleyan Football Cardinals. Available weekly, the podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify. Please follow us and take a listen. Episode 1 is available now (featuring interviews with  Wesleyan University Head Coach Dan DiCenzo, Bates College Head Coach Matt Coyne, and Bowdoin College LB/DL Koy Price). Episode 2 will be available later this week and will feature Tufts Head Coach Jay Civetti and Wesleyan QB Nico Candido. Should be a great watch/listen. Our weekly show features coach and player interviews, game analysis, rankings, previews, and predictions.
   
1). Tufts Jumbo's (Last Week Rank: 1): Jumbo's escape with a hard fought win under the lights in Medford for their first season opening win since 2019 overcoming 4 turnovers...QB Michael Berlutti looked out of synch at times (but still threw for 300 yards) and the offense did miss RB Chartellis Reece but they came away with the win...Tufts kicker Vaughn Seelicke was the hero of the day for Tufts nailing a school record (tie) 3 field goals...defense did just enough against the one-dimensional, run heavy Bowdoin offense...they will need to work out some things on defense against the more balanced Wesleyan attack in week 2....this week's rematch in Middletown will have an impact on who wins the NESCAC championship this year.

2). Hartford State Bantams (Last Week Rank: 2): Hartford State did enough to get by a "game" Colby Mule squad...defense was stout limiting the Mules to 11 first downs and 237 yards...meanwhile, the offense rolled up 27 first downs and nearly 400 yards of offense...margin of victory should probably have been more...New signal caller Zander Zembrowski was the star of the day for the Bants taking part in both Hartford State scores (pass TD and run TD) and throwing for nearly 300 yards...Bantam OL not as dominant we have seen in past years as they allowed 3 sacks and the team did not clear the century mark in rushing yards...Hartford State is on the road this weekend to face the Frisky Kitties of UBates.

3). Wesleyan Cardinals (Last Week Rank: 3): Couldn't have scripted a better game 1 for the Mysterious Methodists of Middletown...It's one game, but we need to understand the significance of this win for Wes; Middlebury was the defending league champs, has 3 pre-season All-Americans and returned 8 All-NESCAC players...definitely not slouches...first win at Middlebury for Wes since 2015...tied for largest win on the road at Middlebury for Wesleyan in program history...worst loss for Middlebury at home since 1986 (just to do the math, that's 38 years)...Game was more of a blow-out than the scoreboard shows...Wes was effective in all three phases of the game...the offense generated 454 yards of total offense and had 6 plays of 25 yards or more...the defense forced 3 turnovers, had 3 sacks and limited the Panthers to just 7 points....Wes special teams were also stellar blocking a punt for a TD (DB Dylan Connors) and P Gage Hammond averaged over 42 yards per punt and pinned MID inside their 20 yard line 3 times...QB Nico Candido (2 TD passes, 268 yards passing, 48 yards rushing), RB Tyler Flynn (80 yards rushing and 2 TDs), and presumptive NESCAC OPOTW Chase Wilson (5 receptions for 168 yards and a TD) starred on offense...on defense, LB Ben Carbeau, DB Dylan Connors, and DB Nick Donatio (Colby transfer) led the charge in limiting Middlebury to 7 points and 285 yards of total offense...hats off to the Wesleyan offensive line only allowing 1 sack and running for 186 yards against the much heralded Middlebury front 7...one observation, on an uncharacteristically warm Vermont day, Wesleyan seemed to be better conditioned and prepared to play... Middlebury looked gassed all day...some of that is depth but pre-season prep may also have played a role....Wesleyan will have their hands full as they face-off against the Jumbo's under the lights in Andrus in their home opener trying to avenge last year's loss in Medford. 

4). Williams Purple Cows (Last Week Rank: 5): Moving up in our rankings this week are the Ephs of Williamstown....Williams rolled it up at home against an overmatched Hamilton Continental squad 42-7... Let's answer the question everyone is asking, are the Ephs they that much better this year? To be fair, Hamilton is not very good, but in our assessment, yes, this will clearly be the best Williams squad since 2021 with the caveat that THEY MUST remain healthy...with that being said, we are "from Missouri" when it comes to the Ephs in 2024...2nd most impressive performance by a team in NESCAC this week (to Wesleyan)...they ran the ball well, played solid defense and for at least one game, avoided injuries...In order for this team to be competitive, as noted in our preview, they will need more consistent play from QB Owen McHugh (5 TD passes on Saturday) and at receiver...at least for one game, they seemed to step up, albeit against inferior competition...Williams deployed more of a committee approach at RB and maybe that is the key to remaining healthy in 2024...Defense was stout only allowing 202 yards of offense for the Continentals, 11 first downs, 2 of 13 in 3rd down situations and 7 points...FY LB Luke Mangini was the leader for the Ephs on defense leading the team in tackles with 8, including 2 tackles for loss...Tougher test for the Ephs this week as they head out on the road to face the Mules of Colby.

5). Middlebury (Last Week Rank: 4): Middlebury slips one spot in our rankings as a result of the aforementioned largest loss at home in 38 years...The defending league champion Panthers were completely out played in all 3 phases of the game despite returning 8 All-League performers..,The defense gave up 454 yards and the offense only garnered 7 points, 80 yards rushing while only converting 2 of 14 chances on third down...New Panther signal caller Brian Moran was very mediocre and a far cry from Middlebury QBs of the not too distant past...With the graduation of Donovan Wood, All-Leaguer Patrick Jamin took on the primary receiving role and was one of the few bright spots on the day for the Pants...All-NESCAC DLs Tomas Kenary and Dave Fillias obviously can play but due to the lack of depth on the DL for MID, they looked completely gassed on a hot early fall day only getting to the Wesleyan QB once all day...the defensive backfield led by 2 All-NESCAC DBs (Stola and Daniel) were repeatedly torched for long gains by a bevy of Wes receivers...meanwhile, the much touted Middlebury offensive line looked very ordinary allowing 3 sacks, numerous QB hurries and not doing much on the ground when it counted including getting stuffed on a crucial 4th and 1 deep in Wesleyan territory at a point in the game that could have shifted momentum in Middlebury's favor...we still think there is enough talent here for Middlebury to be dangerous every week but they will need to turn it around quickly this week as they travel to Brunswick to face the Polar Bears.

6). Bowdoin Polar Bears (Last Week Rank: 6): Good effort for the Polars week 1 at Tufts losing anon a fourth quarter field goal...played hard in a tough opening game match-up...defense looked solid while the offense looked extremely one dimensional leaning heavily on the run...Looked like they missed the graduated skill players (Boel, Eden, Fahey, and King)...QB Robbie Long ran the ball effectively (95 yards rushing, 2 TDs) but passing seems to be a challenge for this team, despite having a stellar receiver in WR Jed Hoggard...Converted QB Sean Ramos was Andre Eden's replacement at TB and had some moments in the game...his presence could create some interesting opportunities for option plays for the Polars during the season...The defense looked solid continuing to deploy HCOF Hammer's pressure, blitz heavy scheme getting to Berlutti twice, forcing 2 INTs and limiting Tufts to 86 yards on the ground...this team will win its share of games this year...they played very hard and looked very motivated to us...this week Bowdoin hosts Middlebury in their home opener on Whittier.

7). Amherst Lord Mammoths (Last Week Rank: 7): Breakup the Lord Mammoths!! Probably the most excited Mammoth Nation has ever been in a long time after an opening day win against the rebuilding UBates Bobcats. We're sure LM fans will be looking for a move up in the rankings, however, based on a tight win at home against a young Bobcat squad, they'll have to wait until we see a more impressive win...  The offense looked like its old self of the past few years (190 yards total offense, 9 first downs, and 1 for 13 on 3rd down conversions) while the defense played a solid game against UBates...another new QB, Junior Mason Morrow from Iowa, for the LMs... The defense kept them in this one forcing 3 Bobcat turnovers and holding UBates to 182 yards of offense.......All-NESCAC DB Luke Harmon led the defense with 12 tackles, 2 TFL, a sack, and 2 interceptions...Amherst's running game, continues to be an area of concern with only 50 yards on 25 carries (longest carry of 9 yards)...In order for the Lord Mammoths to be competitive in the NESCAC they will need to show more on offense and some semblance of an ability to run the ball ...Good coaching will only get them so far...the schedule actually gets easier this week for the Lord Mammoths as they head out on the road to face Hamilton.

8). Colby Mules (Last Week Rank: 8): The Mules played hard on the road at Hartford State but came away with the expected loss...Colby is very similar to the Lord Mammoths; good defense, a challenged offense, a new QB (Junior Miles Drake) and a lack of play makers...will need to win low-scoring, close games to have a shot at a winning record this which they have not had since 2005...Need to run the ball better (50 yards on 26 carries) to have a shot...WR Duke McNamara was one of the few bright spots for the Mules on offense leading the team in receptions, receiving yards and caught their only TD of the day...Colby faces Williams on Mayflower Hill in their home opener this week.

9). University of Bates Bobcats (Lewiston Campus)(Last Week Rank: 9): Tough start for the Kitties as they played a winnable game at Amherst and nearly came away with the win... They showed improvement on Saturday running the ball effectively (122 yards rushing) and playing solid defense...they will need to protect the ball petter to have a shot at winning games this year...good news is they ran the ball better in game 1 which is a hallmark of the Kitties offense ...Defensively, they were good on Saturday and that will need to continue this week...UBates opens up at home this Saturday against the never easy Hartford State Bantams.

10). Hamilton Continentals (Last Week Rank: 10): What the heck is going on in Clinton? Challenging week 1 for the Continentals in Williamstown....Second year QB Kurzum ran the ball effectively but Soph Nate Wildman, who had some success in 2023 (and changed his number to #1 for 2024) was surprisingly ineffective...Defense was not good against the Ephs (42 points and 459 yards of offense for the Ephs) and needs to show much more...Hope to show improvement in Week 2 as they face the Lord Mammoths in Clinton.

NESCACMAN Offensive Player(s) of the Week: Chase Wilson, Wesleyan/Owen McHugh, Williams
NESCACMAN Defensive Player(s) of the Week: Luke Harmon, Amherst
NESCACMAN Special Teams Player(s) of the Week: Vaughn Seelicke, Tufts/Dylan Connors, Wesleyan

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[Bantam4life]

Been a Great First few Weeks so far and the number 1 outlook on the league so far seems to be the parity within the league. Feels that almost any team can go out and win on a weekly basis, something we have not seen the past few years. Congrats to Wes Tech on big wins these past two weeks. Big of them to get over the hump and the rest of their schedule looks favorable going into week 9 which we already project as being the game of the year. Hopefully (maybe even likely) both teams are 8-0 going into that showdown. Been a good first 2 Saturdays for Nescacmans favorite team Hartford State. Definitely appears the Bants are still getting their footing under them as they replaced a majority of their starters including 9 on defense. QB Zebrowski has been phenomenal the past two weeks completing nearly 80% of passes and making moves on the ground as well. Expect him to continue to come into his own over the coming weeks and hope to lead the Bants to the promised land after a big week 9 victory over the rival birds. Also a major shoutout to the Bantam defense who has looked phenomenal over the past two weeks seemingly shutting down the Maine schools. Bantams did a great job quieting the triple option of UBates and forcing them to throw the ball which resulted in a 1-1 completion to int rate. Really excited to see them in action this week against a young and what appears to be very improved Williams team. Realistically we see the league this year coming down to 3-4 games all of whom involve Trinity, Wes, Williams and Tufts. Should be a fun next couple weeks

[MammothDad]

Any of you smart NESCAC folks predicting Amherst over Tufts this week?

I remember some genius calling Middlebury over Trinity last season???  I'd take some optimism from him on this one!



As for NESCAC Man openly questioning why a kid would choose Amherst ...

... I want more from him along these lines!



That kid is a great young man and has to attend UMASS ROTC to make it all work.  Hopefully, the extra conditioning will only empower him to score the winning TD next year at Hogwarts.

When he does, I'm celebrating by running the bases adjacent to the temporary erector set bleachers and sliding in to home plate!



Then, I will mistakenly but legally relieve myself of the Natty Lights consumed before and DURING the game in a neuter gender bathroom at the clothing optional dorm, not caring about aim and damn sure not caring about the posture of the seat!

Who knows, I might get to sneaky peak some arm pit and leg hair, Birkenstocks and some organic, free/fair trade granola when I do so.

< end rant! >

[NescacFam]

Being the OG Lord Jeff that I am picking Amherst over Tufts. They certainly seemed vulnerable to pressure vs. the Polars and the Mighty Tusks need to continue to hone their blitzing skills. But a word about the non-football-related comments.

I'm sure NM regrets his athlete-related comments, but let's not make it worse by commenting on each other's student bodies. True AC fans (and I bleed purple and white) are good guests, even at rival schools, and know well, that the bathrooms are "gender neutral."  The only thing that needs neutering is this silly back and forth about off-field stuff.  And once again, let's leave the kids outta this!!

Lastly, while I grant you that Wes students might have taken different paths, you are confusing arm pit, leg hair, and Birkenstocks with the Hampshire student body that proudly wears that mantle to this day, or perhaps the Polars circa 1989.  So let's keep it to that MD, shall we!?

[NescacNewbie]

Two interesting games to watch this weekend in my opinion:

Amherst vs Tufts: will confirm if Amherst has risen to a solid middle tier team, or if Tufts has sunk to that level.

Trinity vs Williams: Trinity didn't throw up their typical 40-burger on either Colby or Bates, and Williams had trouble with Colby. Either Colby is much improved or both teams aren't playing at their historical level.

[The Mole]

Lumber, this is for you  Pretty cool short film on Bobcats

https://youtu.be/8eHDd9GxTvk?si=GdCc2pZhy2GSUMEJ

[Nescacman]

NESCACMAN Week 2 Power Rankings

Welcome to our Week 2 Power Rankings for the week of September 23, 2024.

All of our expected week 2 winners took care of business this week. In our weekly rankings, we have a new #1 ranked team in the NESCAC heading into week 3. Hartford State moves into the #1 spot in our poll after beating UBates on the road. Meanwhile, Wesleyan moves up to the #2 spot as a result of beating Tufts. In other changes, Bowdoin moves down because of their loss to Middlebury and Amherst moves up as they go to 2-0. The rest of our rankings remain unchanged this week.

Some details on "NESCACMAN"...we share a love for all things NESCAC, but especially football, with our fellow boardsters. We love everything about NESCAC...the history, traditions, rivalries, quirky rituals, passion, student-athletes, coaches, students, parents, alumni, tailgates, fields of play, et cetera. Each week, we will present our power rankings and then later in the week overviews, predictions, and spreads on every NESCAC game every week. There will also be some special reports along the way. Please note, we try to be as objective and honest as possible (maybe with a slight tinge of red and black). Our opinions stated here are solely those of NESCACMAN and are not the views or opinions of any institution in the NESCAC or the League itself.

We also co-host a podcast titled "Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast" along with Chris Grace, the longtime play-by-play voice of the Wesleyan Football Cardinals. Available weekly, the podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify. Please follow us and take a listen. Episode 2 is available now (featuring interviews with  Tufts University Head Coach Jay Civetti and Wesleyan QB Niko Candido. Episode 3 will be available later this week and will feature Williams Head Coach Mark Raymond and a current/former player (TBD at press time). Should be another great watch/listen. Our weekly show features coach and player interviews, game analysis, rankings, previews, and predictions.
   
1). Hartford State Bantams (Record: 2-0; Last Week Rank: 2; 6 first place votes): As we predicted, Hartford State did enough to get by a very game, improving, young UBates squad. This latest win over UBates was their 26th straight win over their Maine rival (although they did not throw up their typical 50-spot against the Kitties as we predicted). Hartford State's defense was very good limiting the Kitties to 213 yards of total offense and 1 score. The Bants secondary limited UBates to 64 yards passing and had as many interceptions (4) as the Kitties had completions (4). QB Zander Zembrowski tossed 3 TD's and the running back tandem of Tyler Dinapoli and Jack Tosone combined for 132 yards rushing on 20 carries and a TD. Hartford State hosts the Ephs this weekend in a battle of unbeatens in the Coop.

2). Wesleyan Cardinals (Record: 2-0; Last Week Rank: 3; 4 first place votes): Another big win for Wes in their home opener under the lights. Wesleyan, off to a 2-0 start against two of the better teams in the NESCAC, scored on the first offensive play of the game and never looked back. The Cards won their 6th straight game at home to Tufts dating back to 2005. Congratulations to Coach DiCenzo on his 50th career win as HC. He is the winningest Head Football Coach by win % in Wesleyan program history (50 or more games coached). Wesleyan won this hard-fought defensive battle against the Jumbo's. Wes finished +2 in turnovers. Wes special teams were also excellent as they blocked a punt for the second the second straight game and recovered a forced fumble on a punt return. Wesleyan also captured the NESCAC Special Teams Player of the Week for the 2nd straight week. Tufts missed two mid-long range field goals along the way. The key, however, was Wesleyan not allowing Tufts to get into the end zone despite 3 trips into the end zone. Wesleyan's defense did an excellent job of containing Tufts QB Michael Berlutti. This week Wesleyan will host former Cardinal and current UBates HCOF Matt Coyne and his Frisky Kitties on historic Andrus Field. NESCACMAN will be a special guest commentator for the 3rd quarter.

3). Tufts Jumbo's (Record: 1-1; Last Week Rank: 1): Tough loss for the Jumbo's on the road at Wesleyan. Tufts defense was strong limiting Wesleyan to 12 first downs, 2 of 13 on 3rd down, and held QB Niko Candido to 152 yards passing on 7 for 25. Special teams again were a sore spot Tufts as they fumbled a punt return, had a punt blocked, and missed two field goals. Interesting factoid, Tufts QB Michael Berlutti is yet to throw a TD pass for the Jumbo's in 2024. Tufts kicker Vaughn Seelicke tied his own school record (tie) of 3 field goals in a game for the second straight game. Tufts will host the Amherst Lord Mammoths in a must-win game at Ellis Oval this Saturday.

4). Williams Purple Cows (Record: 2-0; Last Week Rank: 4): Williams moved to 2-0 for the first time since 2021 as they beat Colby on the road. As we have said, this is the best Eph squad since 2021. Very good win on the road in Waterville which is a tough place to play. Second year QB Owen McHugh ran and passed the ball effectively for the Ephs rushing for 51 yards (2 TDs) and was 16 for 18 through the air for 192 yards and a TD. 9 different receivers had catches for Williams on Saturday. The Jim Thorpe of the NESCAC, Holden Gering, had 3 catches and chipped in 9 tackles and 4 pass break-ups on defense. Big test for the Ephs this week as they head out on the road again to face Hartford State in the Coop.

5). Middlebury (Record: 1-1; Last Week Rank: 5): Middlebury has a big second half and rattles off 32 unanswered points defeating Bowdoin in Brunswick. 10th straight win for MID over the Polars. Middlebury did not have a single penalty in the game. The Polars led this game 12-0 and were up 12-7 at the half. The defense played better against the Polars only allowing 101 yards rushing (on 38 attempts), had 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Despite only going 14 for 31, signal caller Brian Moran did throw 3 TDs including 2 to Mike Ahonen. DT Dave Filias had a big day for the Pants with 8 tackles, 2 TFL and 2 sacks. Middlebury hosts Colby this week in Vermont.

6). Amherst Lord Mammoths (Record: 2-0; Last Week Rank: 7): The Lord Mammoths jump out to 2-0 for the first time since 2019, albeit against two of the weaker teams in the conference. The schedule gets more challenging for them as they travel to Tufts this week and then host Middlebury and the Polar Bears on Pratt Field. Amherst could very well be 2-3 after 5 weeks.  Hamilton led this one at the half 7-0. 21-0 unanswered points by the Lord Mammoths in the 2nd half sealed the deal for Amherst. LM QB Mason Morrow was the star of the day throwing for 2 TDs. RBs Zachary Curtin and Demitrius Smith were effective running the ball for the LMs. Defense was good again limiting Hamilton to 7 points, 14 first downs, 200 yards of total offense, sacking the QB 3 times, and recovering 2 fumbles. The offense looked a bit better but that may be a function of the level of competition they faced. Will be interested to see how they fair this week against Tufts. Until they beat a quality team, they will not move up in the rankings.

7). Bowdoin Polar Bears (Record: 0-2; Last Week Rank: 6): May very well be the best 0-2 team in the league. Played hard and probably should have beat Tufts and led Middlebury at the half. Tale of two halves for the Polars. Defense played well in the first half but seemed be gassed in the 2nd half. DT/LB Koy Price had a big day for Bowdoin with 6 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. QB Robbie Long was the Polars leading rusher. Bowdoin used two QBs throughout rotating Robbie long and Mic Wolfendale. Bowdoin dominated the time of possession (37 mins to 23). We think if Bowdoin had scored two TDs instead of kicking a  19-yard field goal and a 20-yard field goal, the result may have been different. Bowdoin continues to play hard, and they should have an easier time of it this week as they host the Continentals at Whittier Field.

8). Colby Mules (Record: 0-2; Last Week Rank: 8): The Mules are 0-2 and have lost their first two games by a combined total of 15 points. Colby had a chance to win this week against Williams as their QB was intercepted deep in Williams territory as time was expiring. Colby actually outgained the Ephs 361 to 286 yards and had more first downs (27 to 19). Colby QB Miles Drake was 21 for 39 for 227 yards and threw 2 TD. LB Julian Young led the Mules defense with 11 tackles including 2 for loss. Colby has a tough road trip this week as they head to Vermont to face a rejuvenated Middlebury squad.

9). University of Bates Bobcats (Lewiston Campus)(Last Week Rank: 9): As we have said time and time again, UBates is closing the gap and improving. The Kitties defense played tough against Hartford State this week holding the Bants to 328 yards and 28 points (compared to 524 yards and 52 points last year). Meanwhile, the new/old UBates triple option offense (we find it interesting that they changed their offense the year after their senior QB set single season UBates records for passing yards and TD passes, but we digress) ran the ball effectively actually outgaining Hartford State on the ground 149 yards to 132 yards. Ryan Lynskey led both teams on the ground and is the current leading rusher in the NESCAC. Lack of an efficient passing game hurt the Kitties as their 3 QBs went a combined 4 for 16 with 4 interceptions (and they were sacked 3 times). UBates is going to have to pass the ball better to keep the opposition honest with their run first offense. Getting their #1 receiver back (Sergio Beltran) would certainly help. It doesn't get easier for UBates this week as they travel to Connecticut to face the high-flying Cards on the grass at Andrus in what has become a rivalry game as a result of Coach Coyne's affiliation with Wesleyan.

10). Hamilton Continentals (Last Week Rank: 10): Another week, another loss for the Continentals. Hamilton only mustered 200 yards of total offense and 7 points against a stout Lord Mammoth defense in Clinton. Hamilton scored first and led in this game before giving up 21 unanswered points to an Amherst offense that has struggled over the past few seasons. The Conts had 30 yards rushing on 25 attempts. QB Luke Kurzum was effective, and he has found a favorite receiver in Chester Boynton who had 10 short receptions. It doesn't get easier for Hamilton as they face a hungry Bowdoin squad on the road in Brunswick this week, then face Wesleyan, Hartford State and Tufts after that. Yikes.

NESCACMAN Offensive Player(s) of the Week: Zander Zembrowski, Hartford State/Owen McHugh, Williams

NESCACMAN Defensive Player(s) of the Week: Dave Fillias, Middlebury/Koy Price, Bowdoin

NESCACMAN Special Teams Player(s) of the Week: Austin Baker, Wesleyan

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Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

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[Trin9-0]

Here's the last time a NESCAC school from either Maine or New York beat Trinity (including losses since their last victory over the Bantams):

Bates: 1979, 26 straight
Bowdoin: 1998, 24 straight
Colby: 1995, 17 straight
Hamilton: 1994, 28 straight

Since the league began officially awarding a champion in 2000 Trinity is 77-0 against the CBB & Hamilton. Even if you add in Tufts and Wesleyan the Bantams are still 117-6 over that period an insane (.951 win percentage).

Interestingly, Trin has an identical record of 15-8 against Amherst, Middlebury and Williams.


The Bantams have looked good, not great, through two weeks. I'm not sure I'd have them ranked atop my NESCAC rankings given Wesleyan's wins against two of the better programs in the league. Williams will surely be a test for the Bants on Saturday, but playing in The Coop should help. The Ephs have won just once in Hartford over their last ten tries.

As for the Cards; they should cruise the next few weeks. However, back-to-back road trips against a solid Bowdoin squad and Little Three rival Amherst could provide an opportunity for the oft mentioned Wes stumbling block game. If they do avoid stubbing their toe then I would expect a wild environment for a Homecoming showdown against Williams with the potential for Wes to win a third consecutive Little Three title for the first time since 1946-'48! It's been ten seasons since the Cardinals entered the final game of the season undefeated. That day Trinity walloped Wes 40-10 in The Coop. It's still a very long way off, but on November 9th we could see another undefeated Wes squad in Hartford for a game that could well decide the NESCAC title.

[Nescacman]

Here's the last time a NESCAC school from either Maine or New York beat Trinity (including losses since their last victory over the Bantams):

Bates: 1979, 26 straight
Bowdoin: 1998, 24 straight
Colby: 1995, 17 straight
Hamilton: 1994, 28 straight

Since the league began officially awarding a champion in 2000 Trinity is 77-0 against the CBB & Hamilton. Even if you add in Tufts and Wesleyan the Bantams are still 117-6 over that period an insane (.951 win percentage).

Interestingly, Trin has an identical record of 15-8 against Amherst, Middlebury and Williams.


The Bantams have looked good, not great, through two weeks. I'm not sure I'd have them ranked atop my NESCAC rankings given Wesleyan's wins against two of the better programs in the league. Williams will surely be a test for the Bants on Saturday, but playing in The Coop should help. The Ephs have won just once in Hartford over their last ten tries.

As for the Cards; they should cruise the next few weeks. However, back-to-back road trips against a solid Bowdoin squad and Little Three rival Amherst could provide an opportunity for the oft mentioned Wes stumbling block game. If they do avoid stubbing their toe then I would expect a wild environment for a Homecoming showdown against Williams with the potential for Wes to win a third consecutive Little Three title for the first time since 1946-'48! It's been ten seasons since the Cardinals entered the final game of the season undefeated. That day Trinity walloped Wes 40-10 in The Coop. It's still a very long way off, but on November 9th we could see another undefeated Wes squad in Hartford for a game that could well decide the NESCAC title.

Great seeing you on Saturday Hs9-0 at the Hicks Field dedication. BTW, great win for nationally ranked Wes FH on the new blue turf, the next great women's sports program at Wes.

As far as your comments, that's why they play the games. One game at a time. Next stop, the Frisky Kitties.

[GroundandPound]

Bates at Wesleyan -   close (Wesleyan wins but keeps the margin of victory low)
Colby at Middlebury - close (toss-up)
Hamilton at Bowdoin - not close (Bowdoin hits on all phases of game)
Williams at Trinity - close (Trinity W)
Amherst at Tufts -    close (toss-up)

[MapleBBQChicken]

Bates at Wesleyan -  close (Wesleyan wins but keeps the margin of victory low)
Colby at Middlebury - close (toss-up)
Hamilton at Bowdoin - not close (Bowdoin hits on all phases of game)
Williams at Trinity - close (Trinity W)
Amherst at Tufts -    close (toss-up)

I would love to see four close games this week. It would be an entertaining symptom of the parity that has been one of the talking points on the board this year. However, I think one or more of these four will not be very close. I would not be surprised if Trinity returns to the form we're used to and wins by a few scores, and I think Wesleyan will handle Bates easily.

I think Tufts will beat Amherst, but agree that one will be at least relatively close (and likely low scoring). Middlebury and Colby is the true toss-up. Of course I hope Middlebury picks up where they left off in the second half last week and wins comfortably, but Colby has been a thorn in our side for the last few years. Since almost spoiling Midd's 9-0 season in 2019 in a game that ended 27-26, our last three meetings have resulted in a Colby win and Middlebury wins by 3 and by 7. Should be a fun one, and I'm looking forward to being there.

[Trin9-0]

After two weeks the computer is 8-2 (one game behind the man in the luchador mask).

Its projections for Week 3 in the NESCAC:
Bowdoin 27.3, Hamilton 17.0
Middlebury 28.8, Colby 12.5
Trinity 29.8, Williams 11.7
Tufts 21.2, Amherst 11.9
Wesleyan 40.3, Bates 0.0

[Nescacman]

After two weeks the computer is 8-2 (one game behind the man in the luchador mask).

Its projections for Week 3 in the NESCAC:
Bowdoin 27.3, Hamilton 17.0
Middlebury 28.8, Colby 12.5
Trinity 29.8, Williams 11.7
Tufts 21.2, Amherst 11.9
Wesleyan 40.3, Bates 0.0

Thanks HS9-o...we are off to a good start in 2024.

Not to ruin the surprise, but "HAL" and the NESCACMAN consortium are closely aligned for this week, although we do not necessarily agree with all of the predicted margins of victory. Our picks and analysis will be posted on Friday...