FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[BigKat]

and TBC Mamairion is getting that award as a career nod? Because he certainly wasn't the most impactful or MVP player even on his own squad. I have no problem with that as he guided an undefeated team, won title etc.....but lets be fair and say he was not the real POY if you look at any of the statistical evidence.

[nescac1]

I think Maimaron is a lot more than his statistics. But his statistics are also very good!

Passing: lead the league in ypa (only QB over 10) and by a WIDE margin ypc.  So he was making much deeper passes than the other QBs in the league.  Second (by just a few points) in overall efficiency.  Fifth in passing yardage and second in passing TDs despite far fewer attempts, since he was out of the game entirely or simply not throwing the ball in the last 30 percent or so of 7/9 games.  Third among QBs in rushing yards, second in rushing TDs, second in ypc, with again the same caveat that he sat (or just handed the ball off) for a good chunk of seven blow-out wins.  He's a much better passer than the other two elite running QBs and a much better runner than the elite passing QBs. 

Again, I think he's much more than his stats.  His leadership, poise, decision-making and deceptiveness with the ball are huge parts of what made Williams succeed.  He could have had bigger numbers, easily, if he was a more selfish player.  But his stats are really good when you look closely. 

[nescac1]

On a broader note, some thoughts on all league.  I think the skill guys are pretty clear:

QB: Maimaron first, Fetter second (ridiculous that Fetter isn't first but someone had to be second and that last game was rough) ...
AP: Estevez (coaches did it last year so why not this year?)
RB: Nicholas and Eden first, Kirby and Tyler Johnson second
TE: Burke first, Barrett second
WR: Girard, Reid, Lutz first, Tomlinson, Stola, Fahey second
OL: no predictions for non-Williams teams, but from Williams, Watson and Rooney first, Freeman second

DL: Devine, Helbig, Kennary, Gantz first, not sure who is on second team here.  Doesn't feel like a very stacked position this year.  Eighamy probably makes a second team. 

As usual, LB is absolutely stacked: Rothmann, Hooks, and Kelly I'd say are locks for first team, with Coleston Smith, Tim Swope, Brian Cassagrande, Jack Pistorious all in the mix for first team, with the remainder on second team.  Ed Manzella and Isaiah Miller also in mix for second team

DB: Banks, Duborow, Goodson seem like first teamers, with Giandomenico, Dehmel, O'Neil-Riley, Nate Stewart, Brandyn Jones, Matt McCarthy all in the mix for the last spot and most of them on the second team.  I think Giandomenico earned a first team nod. 

K: Shuran
P: seems like a crapshoot

OPOY: Maimaron
COTY: Raymond
DPOTY: Rothmann
ROTY: Berluti

[SpringSt7]

My bad NESCACMAN, didn't mean to imply that that was the last time it happened, was just a quick thought of the top of my head.

If you don't think Maimaron did enough for OPOY (fine) then who did?



Spencer Fetter: 30-54, 335 yards, 0 TDs, 5 INTs vs. Williams/Wesleyan combined

David Estevez: 143 yards passing per game vs. Amherst/Williams/Trinity, finished the year with 15 total TDs

Joel Nicholas? Who rushed for 5.2 YPC while the other 3 runners rushed for 7.8, 5.0, and 4.9?

Brendan Costa who went 3-6? And was second in the league in INTs?



I'm fine with no Maimaron as OPOY but only if you can give a suitable alternative.

[JEFFFAN]

I assume all of the Ephs fans out there watch this - it is pretty good.

https://www.williamssidelineqbclub.com/williams-college-football-show-9-28-21/

[Nescacman]

If you don't think Maimaron did enough for OPOY (fine) then who did?



Spencer Fetter: 30-54, 335 yards, 0 TDs, 5 INTs vs. Williams/Wesleyan combined

David Estevez: 143 yards passing per game vs. Amherst/Williams/Trinity, finished the year with 15 total TDs

Joel Nicholas? Who rushed for 5.2 YPC while the other 3 runners rushed for 7.8, 5.0, and 4.9?

Brendan Costa who went 3-6? And was second in the league in INTs?



I'm fine with no Maimaron as OPOY but only if you can give a suitable alternative.

Spring, not sure that Maimaron comment was for us, but we are supporters of his for OPOTY at this point and don't see any scenario that the coaches don't select him...he gets our vote as well...

[SpringSt7]

No it wasn't, just replying to two things at once.

For the record, I would've been with Fetter on an 8-1 Trinity team if he played better against Williams and Wesleyan.

[Nescacman]

No it wasn't, just replying to two things at once.

For the record, I would've been with Fetter on an 8-1 Trinity team if he played better against Williams and Wesleyan.

We think Fetter is a one dimensional player who will be exposed in '22 without Girard to throw to...

[BigKat]

Insert almost every Nescac QB to that sentence--saw very few this year do both well. Was expecting bigger things out of the Polar Bear QB after all the hype. Maybe we caught him an an off day but arm strength and accuracy were mediocre at best. Maybe this latest Bates qb (who played as Costa was out) can do both?

[lumbercat]

Big Kat

Thats the million dollar QB question. I agree.

I watched Polar Bear QB Boel very closely in the big Bowdoin win against Amherst. I noted at that time that he has a very unorthodox throwing motion and release. Despite the awkward mechanics the kid delivered the ball extremely well and had a fantastic day throwing the ball against the Mammoths. A big reason for this was Amherts's refusal to do anything to try to pressure or rattle the kid. EJ sat in that soft cover 2 zone all day with a 3 man rush most of the time essentially saying "ok kid, I don't think you can beat us". Boel proceeded to take them apart.

Everybody saw that tape which essentially provided the blueprint for every Defense Boel would face. Pressure the kid. As the season went on the young QB saw more and more pressure and things got a lot more difficult. The throwing mechanics became more of a factor with people in his face and less time to set his feet and step into throws. The game got faster for him and he encountered difficulties as the season went on. Nobody else sat back in a soft zone.

My point is it takes time to evaluate these young QBs.

As for running the ball Boel definitely has the quickness and ability but I question if Polar Bear staff will include a lot of called running plays for him in their scheme. He's not a big kid , believe he may be 170 or less so  probably not a guy you want to sustain a lot of interior contact over the long term.

I think there will be another healthy QB competition in the Bowdoin camp next which will include southpaw Robbie Long and NJ QB Hale.

As for Bosseleit at Bates he will face the same test. Last week Hamilton brought no pressure with a terrible, weak  pass rush. They blitzed only once (sack) and sat back in coverage all day and the young QB had a great day.

Like Boel, Bsseleit wil see that pressure next year so lets see how he develops.
In terms of running the ball Bosseleit looks like a tough kid with some size who will be a legit double threat QB.

However no comparison whatsoever, at this point, between Bosseleit and Costa in terms of arm talent or running ability.

Should be an interesting QB year in a lot of places next fall.

[Nescacman]

Big Kat

Thats the million dollar QB question. I agree.

I watched Polar Bear QB Boel very closely in the big Bowdoin win against Amherst. I noted at that time that he has a very unorthodox throwing motion and release. Despite the awkward mechanics the kid delivered the ball extremely well and had a fantastic day throwing the ball against the Mammoths. A big reason for this was Amherts's refusal to do anything to try to pressure or rattle the kid. EJ sat in that soft cover 2 zone all day with a 3 man rush most of the time essentially saying "ok kid, I don't think you can beat us". Boel proceeded to take them apart.

Everybody saw that tape which essentially provided the blueprint for every Defense Boel would face. Pressure the kid. As the season went on the young QB saw more and more pressure and things got a lot more difficult. The throwing mechanics became more of a factor with people in his face and less time to set his feet and step into throws. The game got faster for him and he encountered difficulties as the season went on. Nobody else sat back in a soft zone.

My point is it takes time to evaluate these young QBs.

As for running the ball Boel definitely has the quickness and ability but I question if Polar Bear staff will include a lot of called running plays for him in their scheme. He's not a big kid , believe he may be 170 or less so  probably not a guy you want to sustain a lot of interior contact over the long term.

I think there will be another healthy QB competition in the Bowdoin camp next which will include southpaw Robbie Long and NJ QB Hale.

As for Bosseleit at Bates he will face the same test. Last week Hamilton brought no pressure with a terrible, weak  pass rush. They blitzed only once (sack) and sat back in coverage all day and the young QB had a great day.

Like Boel, Bsseleit wil see that pressure next year so lets see how he develops.
In terms of running the ball Bosseleit looks like a tough kid with some size who will be a legit double threat QB.

However no comparison whatsoever, at this point, between Bosseleit and Costa in terms of arm talent or running ability.

Should be an interesting QB year in a lot of places next fall.

Good analysis and thoughts on Boel...

As has been previously mentioned, we recruited him out of Bergen Catholic in NJ and have seen him play a ton...the positives are he was the starter on one of the best HS teams in the state on a team that was stacked with D1 talent (his line at BC was probably bigger than the average OL in the NESCAC)....kid played well, was athletic, and definitely showed strong leadership qualities...

The knock on him has been his size (height and weight) and his throwing mechanics which is definitely unorthodox...

We are fans of his and think he can produce at the D3/NESCAC (he is definitely playing at the right level) level BUT, the Polars need to surround him with talent...Eden is great, but you need some decent receivers (more than one) and an OL that gives him the time to execute...

As far as the UBates FY QB playing against Hamilton, Hamilton's DL and defense as a whole are not a good indicator to determine if the UBates rookie QB is any good...

[Nescacman]

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-FINAL

What we learned in Week #9:

1.Congratulations to the Purple Cows on winning the NESCAC and the Little 3 for the first time since 2010.
2. Give credit to Lord Jeffrey for making the game against the Ephs more competitive than many of us thought it would be.
3. Wesleyan's defense played their hearts out against a very good Hartford State offense but it wasn't enough.
4. Maimaron will win OPOTY and we think his teammate, TJ Rothman will be DPOTY.
5. We think Berlutti is a lock to win offensive rookie of the year and defensive rookie of the year will go to Price of the Polars.
6. Did UBates find their Costa replacement? Really tough to say when the back-up had a day against the worst defense in the NESCAC. we're from Missouri on this one.
7. Speaking of UBates, congratulations to them on a better season than many of us thought they would have. Tremendous job by the players and coaching staff.
8. Great work by Tufts getting their 4th win a row and beating the defending league champs on the road.
9. Meanwhile, very disappointing 2021 season for Middlebury, especially with the 2019 OPOTY and DPOTY back for them and many 5th year seniors on the roster (perhaps as many as the Ephs?).
10. TTUN is #1 in scoring offense AND scoring defense.
11. Congratulations to Colby on winning the C-B-B. Tough to figure them out...Didn't score more than 21 points in any game....Beat Amhurst and MID but lost to Hamilton.
12. We've said it before...Bowdoin ends up in the NESCAC basement again although their offense looks improved. The defense on the other hand...not good.
13. One could certainly make the argument that Hamilton is the worst team in the league. After a promising 2-1 start, they ended the season by losing their last 6 games and finishing 2-7.
14. Hartford State is still a safety school!

As far as our predicted records, big miss on MID and UBates and moderate misses on Hartford State and Wes...we pretty much nailed the rest...finished the season 33-12 in terms of our picks (same as 2019):

1). TTUN (2021 Record: 9-0; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 8-1; Last Week Rank: 1): 2021 Grade: A+...Best team in the league...Early 2022 Thoughts: Will need to replace a lot of talent including their QB leader...will not be easy to replace Maimoran...Raymond is a proven recruiter and doesn't have to do much to sell TTUN...will be interesting to see how they adapt to being the hunted instead of the hunter in 2022... They should be the favorite heading into '22....

2). Hartford State (2021 Record: 8-1; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 6-3; LW Rank: 2): 2021 Grade: A-...finished the year with a good win on the road against rival Wesleyan...Fetter doesn't look as invincible as he did earlier in the season...Early 2022 Thoughts: We hear Reid will be back but Girard won't be...they do lose some key players but HCOF Devanney is a good recruiter and has the support of the Administration, Admissions and the AD so he should be able to reload...They will be somewhere in the top tier group again in '22....

3). Wesleyan (2021 Record: 6-3; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 8-1; LW Rank: 3): 2021 Grade: B+...9 points from an 8-1 season and matching our predicted record....definitely should have beaten Lord Jeffrey and probably should have beaten "big bad" Hartford State...Early 2022 Thoughts: Wes will return 18-19 of their 22 starters plus many others who saw substantial playing time in '21 due to injury as well as get back a number of skill players from injury including all-league WR Matt Simco and all-league kicker Mason Von Jess...throw in some youngsters who impressed in JV action and an already strong '22 recruiting class and you have the makings of a team that should contend in '22. ...

4). Amhurst (2021 Record: 5-4; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 5-4; LW Rank: 4): 2021 Grade: C+....Played the Ephs close...another disappointing all around year for Lord Jeffrey...Early 2022 Thoughts: We're not convinced the QB of the future for the Lord Jeffs is currently on their roster...need to totally reload on offense and replace key performers on defense...without EJ as HCOF this year, they might have gone 2-7...hopefully for the HCOF, the administration is aligned with the alumni and supports EJ's effort to field a competitive team in '22 and beyond...we see them as a mid-tier team again next year...

5). Tufts (2021 Record: 4-5; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 5-4; LW Rank: 5): 2021 Grade: C+...Great way to end the season on a 4-game winning streak but still a sub .500 season ...have some momentum headed into 2022...turned the season around despite playing their first year 3rd string QB and fielding a bad defense...Early 2022 Thoughts: Could we have a QB controversy in '22?...too bad they can't trade one of those guys for a stud defensive player!!!...HCOF Civetti needs to recruit some defensive guys that can tackle and cover...if they get better on the defensive side of the ball, could make the move into the top tier in '22...

6). Colby (2021 Record: 4-5; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 record: 4-5; LW Rank: 6): 2021 Grade: C...Congratulations on beating Bowdoin and winning the C-B-B crown...up and down 2021...at times the defense looked like they knew what they were doing, the offense most of the time did not...team is currently pretty much devoid of playmakers...Early 2022 Thoughts: We used to be high on QB Hersch who we would expect back in 2022...he is not the kind of player to carry the team on his shoulders....team definitely needs to get some playmakers...we know they have the support of the Administration and Admissions, the question is can they become Hartford State North playing most of their season on the frozen tundra of Waterville...we know HCOF Cos convinced kids to play for the Black Bears of UMaine but he's not handing out free college educations at Colby...ceiling for them right now is mid-tier primarily due to location...

7). Middlebury (2021 Record: 3-6; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 6-3; LW Rank: 7): 2021 Grade: D-....What more can you say?...We expected a drop-off from 2019 but nothing like this...Very disappointing season from the beginning with the loss of the offensive rookie of the year RB to the disappointing performance of the QB and others...sort of the exact opposite of the Ephs....Mid was coming off a 9-0 season with a bunch of 5th year seniors and laid an egg...Early 2022 Thoughts: One stud QB from turning it around although he will need some weapons...HCOF Ritter also needs to rebuild the defense...destined to spend a year in the mid tier, at least... 

8). University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(2021 Recrd: 3-6; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 0-9; LW Rank: 8): 2021 Grade: B-....Grade would have been higher had they won a bit more...really a shame that Costa had to sit out his final college game...nice fill-in by the UBates QB of the future...team had to deal with plenty of adversity: coaching change right before the season, smallest roster of any team in the league, and smallest recruiting class in the league yet somehow won as many game as Middlebury....Early 2022 Thoughts: Lots of questions and work to be done in the off-season...need to resolve the coaching situation, decide on Costa's replacement (we are not convinced off of one-game against the Conts that they have found their answer), and get in a bunch of warm bodies to fill the roster...unfortunately, 2022 could be a long season in Lewiston....but then again, we thought 2021 was going to be a tough year...double or nothing nescac1???....

9). Bowdoin (2021 Record: 1-8; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 record: 2-7; LW Rank: 9):  2021 Grade: D+; Typical record but looked better at times in 2021...Boel and Eden definitely something to build on...Early 2022 Thoughts: Need a stud WR, line on both sides of the ball need to improve and definitely need defense to get better to move out of the bottom tier...we think they are 2 years away from that...

10). Hamilton (2021 Record: 2-7; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 1-8; LW Rank: 10): 2021 Grade: D-; Not a good football team...ended season by losing 6 straight games...Early 2022 Thoughts: Will enter the '22 season with what appears to be a QB controversy...for what it's worth, we weren't impressed with either of the guys...haven't had a great running back in years....need to reload on playmakers, get much better upfront on both sides of the ball (last in sacks both by AND for the CONTS) and improve on D....too many areas to fix in one year unfortunately...they will be a bottom tier team again in 2022...

NESCACMAN's Picks (winners):
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: 261-79 (.768 winning percentage)

And interesting to go back and read our 2021 "Pre-season" Rankings and thoughts:

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-Preseason

1). (Tie) TTUN (2021 Predicted Record: 8-1; 2019 Final Record: 7-2; Final 2019 Rank: 3): 2019 was the best year for the EPHs since the Whalen-built 2010 team went 8-0...is this HCOF Raymond's last year in Willytown (UConn? UMass?)...returning QB Maimaron will be an OPOTY candidate as will WR Stola (why does it seem like he's been playing for the Ephs since 2010)....they are loaded at the skill positions beyond the Q and Stola...DPOTY candidate LB Rothmann back to anchor the D...need to break the 7-game losing streak against Wes to win the league and Little 3...this week's match-up v. MID should be epic...looking forward to the 11/6 tilt when they host Wes...

1). (Tie) Wesleyan (2021 Predicted Record: 8-1; 2019 Final Record: 8-1; Final 2019 Rank: 2): Terrific season in 2019....QB Ashton Scott stepped in and performed well in his first year as the Wes signal caller...Wes was Little 3 champs, tied the program record for wins and broke their losing streak in the Coop...Some great playmakers in Estevez and Simco (and Scott) who are all back...returning defensive ROTY Nick Heptig will content for DPOTY...Cards have depth and size in the line (along with two returning all league players)...secondary is a question but Coach Dice always seems to figure that out...key seniors back who would have graduated in 2020...best special teams in the league (K, P, returners)...

3). Middlebury (2021 Predicted Record: 6-3; 2019 Final Record: 9-0; Final 2019 Rank: 1): One of the largest rosters in the league...looks like the coaching staff has been busy reloading at key positions...key losses in the line, WR, and TE will be tough to replace...although all league QB Jernigan is back apparently one of the best RBs in the league is not...that is a huge loss for this team...2019 rookie RB provided them with something they have lacked in past years; balance and a running game...we think his loss puts too much pressure on the QB and the defense for the Pants to repeat in 2021. 

4). Hartford State (2021 Predicted Record: 6-3 2019 Final Record: 5-4; Final 2019 Rank: 4): Disappointing year for Hartford State...need to fix O-line issues and find some consistency to improve in 2021...known as the Bishop Sycamore of the NESCAC, we're sure the HCOF scoured local community colleges, junior colleges and reform schools to find replacements  ...they will benefit from larger roster size...we think the D will be better but it takes time to gel...

5). (Tie) Tufts (2021 Predicted Record: 5-4; 2019 Final Record: 4-5; Final 2019 Rank: 5): OE's look to get more consistent in 2021...were competitive in most games...this will be a much different offensive team with QB Woodson under center in 2021...will be in most games, but can they win???...

5). (Tie) Amhurst (2021 Predicted Record: 5-4; 2019 Final Record: 4-5; Final 2019 Rank: 7): 2019 was the first losing record in the HCOF Mills era and they were 0-2 in the Little 3 for the first time since 1993...QB Eberth graduates...although the LM's are a "system" team, they will have a new QB and his performance will go along way in determining the success of the LMs in 2021...resurgent TTUN since HCOF Kelton moving on has hurt Mills recruiting advantage over his arch-rival...

7). Colby (2021 Predicted Record: 4-5; 2019 Final Record: 2-7; Final 2019 Rank: 8):  Only wins in 2019 were against Maine teams....we think they'll do better than that in 2021...will be improved and have a decent QB....however, need to develop a running game to take the pressure off Hersch...shot to break into the second tier of the league but they are not the next Hartford State yet...

8). Bowdoin (2021 Predicted Record: 2-7; 2019 Final Record: 0-9; Final 2019 Rank: 10): We think MC Hammer wins a game or two ...and they are better at QB (how could they be worse)...will miss all-league RB Richum...Polars have been winless in 3 of the last 4 seasons...

9). Hamilton (2021 Predicted Record: 1-8; 2019 Final Record: 4-5; Final 2019 Rank: 6): Big leap forward for HAM in 2019 who came within 1 game of a winning season playing without their best playmaker for most of the year...lost a lot of their talent on O...lucky that Bowdoin and UBates are in the league...we think the CONTS take a step back in 2021...week 1 will be an interesting test for them...could win that one but will be downhill from there...

10. University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(2021 Predicted Record: 0-9; 2019 record: 2-7; Final 2019 Rank: 9): Finished 2019 with 2 wins in a row....first two game win streak since 2017...what a mess...we feel bad for talented QB Costa...will be a long year in Lewiston....could this be the last year we see football at UBates?

2021 NESCACMAN PRE-SEASON AWARDS

Offensive Player of the Year: Bobby Maimaron, QB, TTUN; David Estevez, Slash, WES

Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Helbig, DT, WES; Brian Casagrande, LB, HS

Special Teams Player of the Year: Mason Von Jess, K, WES

[Nescacman]

So some further thoughts on POTY...

We are sticking with Maimaron on offense...

We think it is going to be closer than people think between Rothman and Helbig...re-thinking this we think Helbig might have more of a chance than people think...

Because of the COVID situation, we hear NESCAC may allow any first-time starter to qualify for rookie of the year so we are going with co-winners on offense....Berlutti and Eden and on defense, hands down we are going with MID's Kenary...

Let the fun begin NESCAC

[muleshoe]

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-FINAL

What we learned in Week #9:

1.Congratulations to the Purple Cows on winning the NESCAC and the Little 3 for the first time since 2010.
2. Give credit to Lord Jeffrey for making the game against the Ephs more competitive than many of us thought it would be.
3. Wesleyan's defense played their hearts out against a very good Hartford State offense but it wasn't enough.
4. Maimaron will win OPOTY and we think his teammate, TJ Rothman will be DPOTY.
5. We think Berlutti is a lock to win offensive rookie of the year and defensive rookie of the year will go to Price of the Polars.
6. Did UBates find their Costa replacement? Really tough to say when the back-up had a day against the worst defense in the NESCAC. we're from Missouri on this one.
7. Speaking of UBates, congratulations to them on a better season than many of us thought they would have. Tremendous job by the players and coaching staff.
8. Great work by Tufts getting their 4th win a row and beating the defending league champs on the road.
9. Meanwhile, very disappointing 2021 season for Middlebury, especially with the 2019 OPOTY and DPOTY back for them and many 5th year seniors on the roster (perhaps as many as the Ephs?).
10. TTUN is #1 in scoring offense AND scoring defense.
11. Congratulations to Colby on winning the C-B-B. Tough to figure them out...Didn't score more than 21 points in any game....Beat Amhurst and MID but lost to Hamilton.
12. We've said it before...Bowdoin ends up in the NESCAC basement again although their offense looks improved. The defense on the other hand...not good.
13. One could certainly make the argument that Hamilton is the worst team in the league. After a promising 2-1 start, they ended the season by losing their last 6 games and finishing 2-7.
14. Hartford State is still a safety school!

As far as our predicted records, big miss on MID and UBates and moderate misses on Hartford State and Wes...we pretty much nailed the rest...finished the season 33-12 in terms of our picks (same as 2019):

1). TTUN (2021 Record: 9-0; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 8-1; Last Week Rank: 1): 2021 Grade: A+...Best team in the league...Early 2022 Thoughts: Will need to replace a lot of talent including their QB leader...will not be easy to replace Maimoran...Raymond is a proven recruiter and doesn't have to do much to sell TTUN...will be interesting to see how they adapt to being the hunted instead of the hunter in 2022... They should be the favorite heading into '22....

2). Hartford State (2021 Record: 8-1; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 6-3; LW Rank: 2): 2021 Grade: A-...finished the year with a good win on the road against rival Wesleyan...Fetter doesn't look as invincible as he did earlier in the season...Early 2022 Thoughts: We hear Reid will be back but Girard won't be...they do lose some key players but HCOF Devanney is a good recruiter and has the support of the Administration, Admissions and the AD so he should be able to reload...They will be somewhere in the top tier group again in '22....

3). Wesleyan (2021 Record: 6-3; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 8-1; LW Rank: 3): 2021 Grade: B+...9 points from an 8-1 season and matching our predicted record....definitely should have beaten Lord Jeffrey and probably should have beaten "big bad" Hartford State...Early 2022 Thoughts: Wes will return 18-19 of their 22 starters plus many others who saw substantial playing time in '21 due to injury as well as get back a number of skill players from injury including all-league WR Matt Simco and all-league kicker Mason Von Jess...throw in some youngsters who impressed in JV action and an already strong '22 recruiting class and you have the makings of a team that should contend in '22. ...

4). Amhurst (2021 Record: 5-4; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 5-4; LW Rank: 4): 2021 Grade: C+....Played the Ephs close...another disappointing all around year for Lord Jeffrey...Early 2022 Thoughts: We're not convinced the QB of the future for the Lord Jeffs is currently on their roster...need to totally reload on offense and replace key performers on defense...without EJ as HCOF this year, they might have gone 2-7...hopefully for the HCOF, the administration is aligned with the alumni and supports EJ's effort to field a competitive team in '22 and beyond...we see them as a mid-tier team again next year...

5). Tufts (2021 Record: 4-5; NESCACNAN Predicted 2021 Record: 5-4; LW Rank: 5): 2021 Grade: C+...Great way to end the season on a 4-game winning streak but still a sub .500 season ...have some momentum headed into 2022...turned the season around despite playing their first year 3rd string QB and fielding a bad defense...Early 2022 Thoughts: Could we have a QB controversy in '22?...too bad they can't trade one of those guys for a stud defensive player!!!...HCOF Civetti needs to recruit some defensive guys that can tackle and cover...if they get better on the defensive side of the ball, could make the move into the top tier in '22...

6). Colby (2021 Record: 4-5; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 record: 4-5; LW Rank: 6): 2021 Grade: C...Congratulations on beating Bowdoin and winning the C-B-B crown...up and down 2021...at times the defense looked like they knew what they were doing, the offense most of the time did not...team is currently pretty much devoid of playmakers...Early 2022 Thoughts: We used to be high on QB Hersch who we would expect back in 2022...he is not the kind of player to carry the team on his shoulders....team definitely needs to get some playmakers...we know they have the support of the Administration and Admissions, the question is can they become Hartford State North playing most of their season on the frozen tundra of Waterville...we know HCOF Cos convinced kids to play for the Black Bears of UMaine but he's not handing out free college educations at Colby...ceiling for them right now is mid-tier primarily due to location...

7). Middlebury (2021 Record: 3-6; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 6-3; LW Rank: 7): 2021 Grade: D-....What more can you say?...We expected a drop-off from 2019 but nothing like this...Very disappointing season from the beginning with the loss of the offensive rookie of the year RB to the disappointing performance of the QB and others...sort of the exact opposite of the Ephs....Mid was coming off a 9-0 season with a bunch of 5th year seniors and laid an egg...Early 2022 Thoughts: One stud QB from turning it around although he will need some weapons...HCOF Ritter also needs to rebuild the defense...destined to spend a year in the mid tier, at least... 

8). University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(2021 Recrd: 3-6; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 0-9; LW Rank: 8): 2021 Grade: B-....Grade would have been higher had they won a bit more...really a shame that Costa had to sit out his final college game...nice fill-in by the UBates QB of the future...team had to deal with plenty of adversity: coaching change right before the season, smallest roster of any team in the league, and smallest recruiting class in the league yet somehow won as many game as Middlebury....Early 2022 Thoughts: Lots of questions and work to be done in the off-season...need to resolve the coaching situation, decide on Costa's replacement (we are not convinced off of one-game against the Conts that they have found their answer), and get in a bunch of warm bodies to fill the roster...unfortunately, 2022 could be a long season in Lewiston....but then again, we thought 2021 was going to be a tough year...double or nothing nescac1???....

9). Bowdoin (2021 Record: 1-8; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 record: 2-7; LW Rank: 9):  2021 Grade: D+; Typical record but looked better at times 2021...Boel and Eden definitely something to build on...Early 2021 Thoughts: Need a stud WR, line on both sides of the ball need to improve and definitely need defense to get better to move out of the bottom tier...we think they are 2 years away from that...

10). Hamilton (2021 Record: 2-7; NESCACMAN Predicted 2021 Record: 1-8; LW Rank: 10): 2021 Grade: D-; Not a good football team...ended season by losing 6 straight games...Early 2022 Thoughts: Will enter the '22 season with what appears to be a QB controversy...for what it's worth, we weren't impressed with either of the guys...haven't had a great running back in years....need to reload on playmakers, get much better upfront on both sides of the ball (last in sacks both by AND for the CONTS) and improve on D....too many areas to fix in one year unfortunately...they will be a bottom tier team again in 2022...

NESCACMAN's Picks (winners):
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: 261-79 (.768 winning percentage)

And interesting to go back and read our 2021 "Pre-season" Rankings and thoughts:

2021 NESCACMAN Weekly Power Rankings-Preseason

1). (Tie) TTUN (2021 Predicted Record: 8-1; 2019 Final Record: 7-2; Final 2019 Rank: 3): 2019 was the best year for the EPHs since the Whalen-built 2010 team went 8-0...is this HCOF Raymond's last year in Willytown (UConn? UMass?)...returning QB Maimaron will be an OPOTY candidate as will WR Stola (why does it seem like he's been playing for the Ephs since 2010)....they are loaded at the skill positions beyond the Q and Stola...DPOTY candidate LB Rothmann back to anchor the D...need to break the 7-game losing streak against Wes to win the league and Little 3...this week's match-up v. MID should be epic...looking forward to the 11/6 tilt when they host Wes...

1). (Tie) Wesleyan (2021 Predicted Record: 8-1; 2019 Final Record: 8-1; Final 2019 Rank: 2): Terrific season in 2019....QB Ashton Scott stepped in and performed well in his first year as the Wes signal caller...Wes was Little 3 champs, tied the program record for wins and broke their losing streak in the Coop...Some great playmakers in Estevez and Simco (and Scott) who are all back...returning defensive ROTY Nick Heptig will content for DPOTY...Cards have depth and size in the line (along with two returning all league players)...secondary is a question but Coach Dice always seems to figure that out...key seniors back who would have graduated in 2020...best special teams in the league (K, P, returners)...

3). Middlebury (2021 Predicted Record: 6-3; 2019 Final Record: 9-0; Final 2019 Rank: 1): One of the largest rosters in the league...looks like the coaching staff has been busy reloading at key positions...key losses in the line, WR, and TE will be tough to replace...although all league QB Jernigan is back apparently one of the best RBs in the league is not...that is a huge loss for this team...2019 rookie RB provided them with something they have lacked in past years; balance and a running game...we think his loss puts too much pressure on the QB and the defense for the Pants to repeat in 2021. 

4). Hartford State (2021 Predicted Record: 6-3 2019 Final Record: 5-4; Final 2019 Rank: 4): Disappointing year for Hartford State...need to fix O-line issues and find some consistency to improve in 2021...known as the Bishop Sycamore of the NESCAC, we're sure the HCOF scoured local community colleges, junior colleges and reform schools to find replacements  ...they will benefit from larger roster size...we think the D will be better but it takes time to gel...

5). (Tie) Tufts (2021 Predicted Record: 5-4; 2019 Final Record: 4-5; Final 2019 Rank: 5): OE's look to get more consistent in 2021...were competitive in most games...this will be a much different offensive team with QB Woodson under center in 2021...will be in most games, but can they win???...

5). (Tie) Amhurst (2021 Predicted Record: 5-4; 2019 Final Record: 4-5; Final 2019 Rank: 7): 2019 was the first losing record in the HCOF Mills era and they were 0-2 in the Little 3 for the first time since 1993...QB Eberth graduates...although the LM's are a "system" team, they will have a new QB and his performance will go along way in determining the success of the LMs in 2021...resurgent TTUN since HCOF Kelton moving on has hurt Mills recruiting advantage over his arch-rival...

7). Colby (2021 Predicted Record: 4-5; 2019 Final Record: 2-7; Final 2019 Rank: 8):  Only wins in 2019 were against Maine teams....we think they'll do better than that in 2021...will be improved and have a decent QB....however, need to develop a running game to take the pressure off Hersch...shot to break into the second tier of the league but they are not the next Hartford State yet...

8). Bowdoin (2021 Predicted Record: 2-7; 2019 Final Record: 0-9; Final 2019 Rank: 10): We think MC Hammer wins a game or two ...and they are better at QB (how could they be worse)...will miss all-league RB Richum...Polars have been winless in 3 of the last 4 seasons...

9). Hamilton (2021 Predicted Record: 1-8; 2019 Final Record: 4-5; Final 2019 Rank: 6): Big leap forward for HAM in 2019 who came within 1 game of a winning season playing without their best playmaker for most of the year...lost a lot of their talent on O...lucky that Bowdoin and UBates are in the league...we think the CONTS take a step back in 2021...week 1 will be an interesting test for them...could win that one but will be downhill from there...

10. University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)(2021 Predicted Record: 0-9; 2019 record: 2-7; Final 2019 Rank: 9): Finished 2019 with 2 wins in a row....first two game win streak since 2017...what a mess...we feel bad for talented QB Costa...will be a long year in Lewiston....could this be the last year we see football at UBates?

2021 NESCACMAN PRE-SEASON AWARDS

Offensive Player of the Year: Bobby Maimaron, QB, TTUN; David Estevez, Slash, WES

Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Helbig, DT, WES; Brian Casagrande, LB, HS

Special Teams Player of the Year: Mason Von Jess, K, WES

Great analysis and good job on the predictions! Have enjoyed following your predictions and insights throughout the season.

Curious to know what others think of the Mules 2022 outlook. Not sure if Hersch will return at QB or not. The team posted on social about each of the seniors and noted that Captain (and 3-year starting Center) Ty Mahar would return for his 5th year, but no such comment on Hersch (unless I missed it). Would Shane Baldwin be next in line to take over at QB? He won a NE championship at Choate who has been a Prep powerhouse for the better part of the last decade (under Amhurst alum LJ Spinnato).

My take - if the Mules can continue to grow on Defense, they will remain competitive. The only game the D looked outmatched was against Williams (and the 2nd half v Trin). To get above .500, they'll need to find a true running game and drastically improve on the O-line. The FY Sawyer twins were great at receiver all year, but the running game was nonexistent and put too much pressure on Hersch.

All-in-all, I'm very positive on the direction of the program under HCOF Cos and expect continued growth in '22!

[BigKat]

Yes kudos Nescacman, pretty darn close on a lot of it. Midd being the biggest outlier.

That would be great if they made all first year starters eligible for ROY awards. Without sounding too 2021, having HM's ( in addition to 1st and 2nd team's) this year would be a nice tribute to many of the fringe award players who stuck it out through Covid etc. But that would unlikely I suppose.