FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Nescacman]

Episode 9 available now!

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Episode 9 features Bowdoin Head Football Coach BJ Hammer and Colby LB Julian Young. Should be another great watch/listen. Our weekly show features coach and player interviews, game analysis, rankings, weekly game previews, and predictions. We encourage you to check it out.

The podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify. Search for "9 Weeks NESCAC"...the first and only podcast of its kind.

Sponsored by Gameday Sports.

If you have questions, feedback, ideas or are a player or a coach and would like to appear on our show, please email us at: 9weeksnescac@gmail.com

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[NESCACPeople]

NESCACMAN is the Wesleyan OC on the hypothetical hot seat? The offense historically has always been the weak link in big games and bad losses for Wesleyan.

This year the OL and run game has been average at best. The play calling and execution has been questionable since Middlebury. Since week one the defense/spt has probably accounted for more points than the offense. The offense has been carried by the pure talent of Wilson and Candido.

If Wesleyan had not found ways to survive late vs multiple opponents this year. Again credit to a resilient locker room. This board would probably crucify the Wesleyan offense like they do Amherst.

Hopefully Wesleyan's offense answers the call and Saturday's game delivers on being an all time classic.

We look forward to your whimsical response or to be berated with irrelevant stats by Mole.

[Nescacman]

NESCACMAN is the Wesleyan OC on the hypothetical hot seat? The offense historically has always been the weak link in big games and bad losses for Wesleyan.

This year the OL and run game has been average at best. The play calling and execution has been questionable since Middlebury. Since week one the defense/spt has probably accounted for more points than the offense. The offense has been carried by the pure talent of Wilson and Candido.

If Wesleyan had not found ways to survive late vs multiple opponents this year. Again credit to a resilient locker room. This board would probably crucify the Wesleyan offense like they do Amherst.

Hopefully Wesleyan's offense answers the call and Saturday's game delivers on being an all time classic.

We look forward to your whimsical response or to be berated with irrelevant stats by Mole.

NP, Not sure if you are new to the league but this is the NESCAC...there is no such thing as the "hot seat"...

All we will say is that good teams figure out a way to win which Wes has done numerous times this year...Middlebury exemplified that last year and Wes is doing the same thing this year...a win is a win in the standings. No such thing as style points in football.

We agree that Nico and Chase are very talented. And we definitely miss our #2 receiver, Jared Lindstrom, who got hurt in the Spring and will be back 100% next year. However, almost every team in the League is dependent on a few guys on offense. Where would Hartford State be without Zander, Clapp, O"Brien and DiNapoli? Where would UBates be without Lynskey? Where would Tufts be without Berlutti? Where would MID be without Moran and Jamin? We could go on and on...Whether it's the NFL, FBS College, D3 or high school, every team has their go to guys on offense. It's just the way the game is played in the 21st century.

We don't know if the Mysterious Methodists from Middletown are going to win this week in The Coop (Hartford State is a juggernaut and according to the computer, they are a 19 point favorite) but we think Wesleyan's defense keeps them in the game. We'd feel a lot better if we had Logan Tomlinson and Nick Helbig this week (which could have happened), but one of them is lighting it up in the CAA and the other retired after one year at Wake with a year of eligibility remaining (maybe he'll be back for one more year next year at Wes???). Best part is we don't need to play "what if". We'll see it live on Saturday.

Our complete analysis on this game and all the others to follow tomorrow. If you want a preview, check out our Podcast (9 Weeks NESCAC available on YouTube and Spotify).

Is that "whimsical" enough for you?

NM

[The Mole]

Relevant stat: 7-1

[NescacNewbie]

Fantastic podcast BTW, best one of the season!

[lumbercat]

NESCACMAN is the Wesleyan OC on the hypothetical hot seat? The offense historically has always been the weak link in big games and bad losses for Wesleyan.

This year the OL and run game has been average at best. The play calling and execution has been questionable since Middlebury. Since week one the defense/spt has probably accounted for more points than the offense. The offense has been carried by the pure talent of Wilson and Candido.

If Wesleyan had not found ways to survive late vs multiple opponents this year. Again credit to a resilient locker room. This board would probably crucify the Wesleyan offense like they do Amherst.

Hopefully Wesleyan's offense answers the call and Saturday's game delivers on being an all time classic.

We look forward to your whimsical response or to be berated with irrelevant stats by Mole.

I also don't believe there is a proverbial hot seat in the NESCAC. Most coaching changes or firings have taken place on a very slow pace.

Exceptions being ex Bowdoin Asst Cohen who was axed pretty quickly at Hamilton and JB Wells who was unjustly gassed at Bowdoin when a group of well heeled Alums who put the squeeze on the Cub AD.


Regarding Wes, from a distance, I always thought Dice and the Whale had a very close and tight relationship from the start as Dice was his hand picked successor. I'm pretty sure this must still be the case.

However during 2 Wes game netcasts this year I was very surprised at The Whales critical comments and demeanor in the broadcast booth.

First was in the Bates game during the late game Bobcat stop on the 1 yardline and their subsequent goal line stand which essentially cost Wes the game.
The big guy was irate and very agitated that Dice did not have a direct snap- under center formation with the ball actually on the half yardline. He was pretty critical saying Dice didn't even have it in and "they don't practice it".

The second one was last week when Wes managed the clock so badly during that final drive. The boss was pretty agitated and animated but understandably calmed down when the Cards pulled it out.

At the time I couldn't believe the Whale expressing his thoughts so candidly and publicly. In the prior Wes telecasts I've seen over the years, win or lose, he also seemed much more refined and not as critical.
Most likely this is reflective of a healthy honest relationship where the Whale pulls less punches these days and shoots from the hip as expected.

[RedAndBlack]

Whalen has always been more of a commentator than WesAD on the broadcast... And since day 1 has been vocal about being under center at the goal line. I dont get to watch many games. but every telecast the last 5 years there has been a comment about being under center at the goal line.

[Nescacman]

Whalen has always been more of a commentator than WesAD on the broadcast... And since day 1 has been vocal about being under center at the goal line. I dont get to watch many games. but every telecast the last 5 years there has been a comment about being under center at the goal line.

Correct R&B...and for the record, Wes has recently been going under center and even ran a QB sneak.

[Nescacman]

Fantastic podcast BTW, best one of the season!

Thanks...we are having fun getting to know the amazing student-athletes and coaches around the league. They are the stars of the show.

[lumbercat]

Whalen has always been more of a commentator than WesAD on the broadcast... And since day 1 has been vocal about being under center at the goal line. I dont get to watch many games. but every telecast the last 5 years there has been a comment about being under center at the goal line.

Correct R&B...and for the record, Wes has recently been going under center and even ran a QB sneak.

I don't see every webcast but like the Whale I cant imagine the HC not implementing the under center exchange and having in available in those situations after the rant in the Bates broadcast.

[Nescacman]

2024 Week 9 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome to the final week of the 2024 NESCAC Season...Week 9 in the NESCAC "in the league where they pay to play".

Another good week for the consortium going 4-1 in Week #8. The NESCACMAN consortium comprised of league-wide experts now stands at an amazing 34-6 for the year. We are on a record pace and hope to set our all-time record for wins (37) this week.

Our Game of the Week features the NESCAC Championship Game...the Hartford State Bantam host the Wesleyan Cardinals for all the marbles!

Amherst College at Williams College
Amherst NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 10/Total Defense: 5
Williams NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 4/Total Defense: 7
Throw the records out the window in this Little 3 consolation game. Winner can claim 2nd place in the 2024 Little 3 race. For Williams, their first winning season since 2021, and doing "The Walk" on homecoming is on the line. Meanwhile, the Lord Mammoths will try to end a 6-game slide that has sent them tumbling down the NESCAC standings. FY QB Marek Hill has been inconsistent for Amherst. He was good two weeks ago against Wesleyan but took a step backwards last week against Hartford State throwing 4 interceptions. For Amherst to have a chance against the Ephs, they will have to cut down on turnovers (7 last week). The Lord Mammoth defense, which played well earlier in the year, has given up 25 or more points in 6 straight weeks and 30 or more points the last 4 weeks.  Meanwhile, the offense has not done much better as they are last in total offense and 9th in scoring. Their running game has been particularly anemic. They will probably need to try to pass against an Eph defense that has allowed the 2nd most passing TDs in the league this year. Meanwhile, Williams relied almost exclusively on the run last week against Wesleyan (51 runs vs. 5 passes), but that was probably more due to who they were playing. We expect a bit more balance this week from the Ephs, although the LMs have been decent against the pass this year (4th in the NESCAC). Without Senior RB Mario Fischetti, the Ephs will rely heavily on QB Owen McHugh and RB Jon Oris. Amherst's far and away best player in 2024 has been Junior DB Luke Harmon who leads the NESCAC in INTs. The LMs have been devoid of play makers in 2024 so why not let Harmon run a bit at WR? It's game #9, so maybe Coach Mills gives it a shot.
Why Amherst will win: QB Marek Hill avoids throwing picks and passes/runs effectively. The LM defense finally steps up by putting 8 in the box and daring Williams to pass, something they did not do last week.
Why Williams will win: Run the ball well. Force (many) turnovers. A lot of long drives. Owen McHugh returns to early season form.
KTV for Amherst: Defense needs to play better and hold Williams to less than 20 points. Must avoid turning the ball over (lead the league in INTs with 16). Luke Harmon has at least 1 interception. The LM offensive line, hampered by injury, steps up.
KTV for Williams: More balance on offense. Score 20 points. Avoid crucial mistakes.
Players to watch: QB Marek Hill (AMH), DB Luke Harmon (AMH), QB Owen McHugh (WIL), RB Jon Oris (WIL), LB Tim Landolfi (WIL), DL Ethan Scott (WIL).
Game Summary: We think this game will closer than expected, however, the EPHs are home and just have more talent. Two programs going opposite directions. Williams wins at home.

Williams 24 Amherst 14
Point Spread: Williams -14
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel): Mainly sunny. High of 48.

University of Bates (Lewiston Campus) at Hamilton College
UBates NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 7/Total Defense: 8
Hamilton NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 9/Total Defense: 10
Probably the most uninteresting game of the weekend. Both teams would love to finish with a win. For the Frisky Kitties, a win gets them to 3-6 and gives them some good momentum headed into 2025. It's also a dramatic improvement over a winless 2023 season. We think they will be in position next year for a winning season and a C-B-B title. UBates has one 3 of the last 4 meetings between these teams. On the other side of the field, Hamilton is trying to avoid an 0-9 season. Both teams are coming off tough losses. Cont WR Chester Boynton will try to add to his record season at receiver. UB RB Ryan Lynskey is coming off a game in which he set the NESCAC single game rushing record. He currently leads the NESCAC in rushing. HAM P Tyler Hoey is 2nd in D3 in punting average.
Why UBates will win: UBates will run the ball well and completes passes against the league's worst pass defense. QB Colton Bosselait avoids throwing INTs (they win when he does). League leading runner, Ryan Lynskey has another big day. UBates defense shuts down the anemic Hamilton offense (last in the NESCAC in scoring).
Why Hamilton will win: Hamilton generates some offense. Defense puts 8 in the box and stops the run.
KTV for UBates: Run the ball well. Limit turnovers. Stops the pass.
KTV for Hamilton: Throw the ball downfield well. Need to establish some semblance of a running game. Convert 3rd downs (they have converted less than 30% in 2024).
Players to watch: QB Colton Bosselait (UB), RB Ryan Lynskey (UB), WR Sergio Beltran (UB), LB Ryan Rozich (UB), WR Chester Boynton (HAM), DB Kyle Bratcher (HAM), P/DB Tyler Hoey (Ham).
Game Summary: We expect a close game with the Frisky Kitties getting the win on the road.

UBates 28 Hamilton 24
Point Spread: UBates -3
Weather: Sunny. High of 47.

Middlebury College at Tufts University
Middlebury NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 3/Total Defense: 6
Tufts NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 2/Total Defense: 4
A few weeks ago, most NESCAC pundits would have predicted that this game would have been an important game in deciding the NESCAC Championship. Although this is still a great match-up between two very good NESCAC teams, it is essentially a consolation game for 2nd or 3rd place in the league standings. Tufts has won their last four straight games since losing to Hartford State in week 4. Tufts has not reached 7 wins since 2018. Meanwhile, MID is looking for their 7th straight season with 7 or more wins. The Tufts offense, led by Senior QB Michael Berlutti (first NESCAC player with over 10,000 yards of total offense) and RB Christian Shapiro (3-100-yard games in the last 4 weeks and 3rd in the NESCAC in rushing), has been very good. Tufts needs to do a better job of protecting the ball (9 fumbles and 5 interceptions). Both teams score a lot of points so this game could be a high scoring affair. DB Ty Richardson leads the NESCAC in INTs and Louis Timmins is 2nd for Tufts.
Why Middlebury will win: They stop the pass, and the D-line put pressure on Berlutti. They avoid turnovers.
Why Tufts will win: Tufts showcases a balanced attack. They stop MID QB Brian Moran and WR Patrick Jamin. The 2nd ranked Tufts passing attack has success against the Pants 9th ranked pass defense.
KTV for Middlebury: Stop Berlutti. Protect the ball.
KTV for Tufts: Berlutti has his best game of 2024. Block the tough MID front 7. Be better in the red area (8th in the NESCAC).
Players to watch: QB Brian Moran (MID), WR Patrick Jamin (MID), DL Tomas Kenary (MID), DT Dave Filias (MID), WR QB Michael Berlutti (TUF), RB Christian Shapiro (TUF), WR Cade Moore (TUF), DB Ty Richardson (TUF).
Game Summary: Should be a close high scoring game in this NESCAC Consolation game. We think Tufts gets it done at home.

Tufts 31 Middlebury 28
Point Spread: Tufts -3
Weather: Mainly sunny. High of 51.

Colby College at Bowdoin College (5:00 PM kick)
Colby NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 6/Total Defense: 3
Bowdoin NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 8/Total Defense: 9
C-B-B Championship game in Brunswick. Bowdoin looking for their first back-to-back title since winning three in a row from 2006-2008. This is the 3rd longest rivalry in D3. Bowdoin is coming off a big win against UBates and Colby lost a close one to the Jumbo's. Bowdoin may have found their answer at QB in FY Peter Macauley who tied the Bowdoin all-time single game passing TD record in only his second start. Colby has lost a lot of close games this year and frankly, has played way better than 3-5. A few breaks here and there and this team would have certainly had a winning record. Nonetheless, both teams are 3-5 and realize that a 4-5 season is a lot better than a 3-6 season. This game features 4 of the top 5 sack leaders in the league.
Why Colby will win: Colby continues to play well especially their defense. QB  Miles Drake, RB Keon Smart, and LB Julian Young have big games. Smart has a big game against the NESCAC's worst run defense.
Why Bowdoin will win: High pressure defense creates havoc for the Colby offense. LB Koy Price has a big game and clinches the NESCAC DPOTY Award. The young Bowdoin QB has a great day.
KTV for Colby: Defense gets it done. OL needs to protect Drake, and they open holes for Smart. Put pressure on the Bowdoin QB.
KTV for Bowdoin: Must do a better job of stopping the big play. Protect their young QB. Convert 3rd downs.
Players to watch: QB Miles Drake (COL), RB Keon Smart (COL), LB Julian Young (COL), DE Jack Mullen (COL), LB Koy Price (BOW), QB Peter Macaulay (BOW), DL Aiden Ready (BOW).
Game Summary: We expect this game to be a close game. Important game for both programs. We like the Mules to win the C-B-B Title in a mild upset.

Colby 24 Bowdoin 21
Point Spread: Bowdoin -3
Weather: Mostly clear. Low of 28.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Wesleyan University at Hartford State College
Wesleyan NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 5/Total Defense: 1
Hartford State NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 1/Total Defense: 2
Wesleyan faces Hartford State in the 2024 NESCAC championship Game. Wesleyan is playing for their first ever outright NESCAC Championship and first share of the NESCAC title since 2013. Meanwhile, Hartford State has won 4 of the last 6 NESCAC titles and 12 total titles, including 9 outright. Wesleyan has won their last 5 games, the longest active winning streak in the conference. The Wesleyan defense has played at a high-level all year (#1 in the NESCAC in various categories including yards, scoring defense, passing defense, red-zone defense, and 3rd down conversions). They will need to be at their best against the #1 offense in the league that features the #1 ranked QB (Zebrowski), the #5 RB (DiNapoli), and the #1 and # 5 ranked WR's (O'Brien and Clapp) . The Bants lead the NESCAC in passing offense and Wesleyan is first in passing defense so that will be a match-up to watch. Hartford State leads the league in scoring and Wesleyan is #1 in scoring defense. The Bants don't have many weaknesses but one could be how they have done on 4th down conversions against them. They are last in the NESCAC.
Why Wesleyan will win: Wesleyan plays their best game of the year. They show balance on offense, running the ball effectively to set-up the pass. They avoid turnovers and keep the game close. The defense hits the Bants hard to set the tone. Wesleyan gets a defensive and/or special teams TD (they have 4 scores off 2 fumbles, a blocked FG and an interception).
Why Hartford State will win: Avoid mistakes and giving Wesleyan hope that they can win this game. Hartford State converts big plays just as they did last year at Wesleyan.
KTV for Wesleyan: Put pressure on the opposing QB. Don't allow the big play. Protect the QB. Run the ball well, which they have done the last 2 weeks.
KTV for Hartford State: Get a big lead and cruise. Play a complete 60 minutes for the first time all year.
Players to watch: QB Niko Candido (WES), WR Chase Wilson (WES), LB Ben Carbeau (WES), DB Dylan Connors (WES), QB Zander Zebrowski (HS), RB Tyler Dinapoli (HS), WR Sean Clapp (HS), WR Nolan O'Brien (HS).
Game Summary: Should be a big crowd in Hartford for the league championship. We expect an epic battle in Hartford. Computer model says Hartford State is a 19-point favorite. We feel that this game will be much closer than that primarily because of the Wesleyan defense. We believe that Wesleyan wins a squeaker, perhaps on a game-winning Gage Hammond FG, to win their first ever outright NESCAC title.

Wesleyan 28 Hartford State 27
Point Spread: Hartford State -14
Weather: Mainly sunny. High of 55.

Good luck to all the student-athletes and coaches this Saturday!

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2024 Season: 34-6 (.850 winning percentage)
2023 Season: 31-14
2022 Season: 31-14
2021 Season: 33-12
2020 Season: 0-0 (COVID)
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: 357-113 (.760 winning percentage)

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Follow NESCACMAN on X (aka Twitter) @realnescacman

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Episode 9 available now!

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Episode 9 features Bowdoin Head Football Coach BJ Hammer and Colby LB Julian Young. Should be another great watch/listen. Our weekly show features coach and player interviews, game analysis, rankings, weekly game previews, and predictions. We encourage you to check it out.

The podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify. Search for "9 Weeks NESCAC"...the first and only podcast of its kind.

Sponsored by Gameday Sports.

If you have questions, feedback, ideas or are a player or a coach and would like to appear on our show, please email us at: 9weeksnescac@gmail.com

Follow us on X (aka Twitter): @nineweeksnescac
Follow us on Instagram: @nineweeksnescac
Facebook: Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/141Ru3gKgk/)
YouTube: 9 Weeks Nescac (https://youtu.be/Wii61XCFN-E?si=ChqOfRCaDqLIa7-)
Spotify: 9 Weeks Nescac

[SpringSt7]

NESCACMAN, curious to know if the power rankings and Wesleyan's gaudy # of 1st place votes affected their power number and potentially shifted the spread? 5 points short of the model is noticeable. Something must give, surely.

I will hang up and listen - best of luck tomorrow

[NescacNewbie]

Absolutely love the Colby and Wesleyan picks!
Good luck to many of the players who may be strapping on the helmets with their brothers for the last time. You have a lot to be proud of, and a lot of people who in-turn are proud of you. Enjoy the game and leave it all on the field boys!

[Nescacman]

NESCACMAN, curious to know if the power rankings and Wesleyan's gaudy # of 1st place votes affected their power number and potentially shifted the spread? 5 points short of the model is noticeable. Something must give, surely.

I will hang up and listen - best of luck tomorrow

Thanks Spring. Good luck against the Lord Mammoths. Should be a positive day in Willytown.

As far as the spread on the Championship Game, our more accurate model thinks the Turducken Bowl will be tighter than the SP+ model. We'll see who is right tomorrow. Can't wait. Hopefully, we'll be able to celebrate with your brothers tomorrow. #rollcards

NM

[GroundandPound]

My prediction is NM goes 3-2 on his predictions.