FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Trin9-0]

With regard to Nescacman's notion that the '23 Bantams "might be the best NESCAC team ever"... well, they're certainly on that pace and statistically compare very favorably to past NESCAC championship teams. Here's where they rank among the best of the best (since 2000) in two key areas:

Average Point Differential:





   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   


   


   

SCHOOL	YEAR	RECORD	POINTS
*TRINITY	2023	3-0	39.0
1. TRINITY	2004	8-0	32.3
2. TRINITY	2005	8-0	30.0
3. TRINITY	2003	8-0	27.3
4. WILLIAMS	2006	8-0	25.3
5. TRINITY	2016	8-0	24.5

Average Yardage Differential:





   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   


   


   

SCHOOL	YEAR	RECORD	YARDAGE
1. TRINITY	2018	8-1	314.9
*TRINITY	2023	3-0	263.3
2. TRINITY	2005	8-0	241.6
3. WESLEYAN	2013	7-1	240.8
4. TRINITY	2004	8-0	235.6
5. TRINITY	2012	8-0	210.3

*Sure, it's only three games but this year's Bantam squad is looking like the Trinity juggernauts of the early 2000s.

[lumbercat]

Frankly- I'm not really bowled over by any NESCAC coaches.

I think almost any of the current coaches injected in the Trinity equation would achieve similar results to Lord Jeffrey.

Lumber, your distaste for Devanney has been well-chronicled on these pages, but how can you claim to not be impressed given what he has accomplished at Trinity? He recently surpassed the legendary Dick Farley for career victories (he's currently at 116) and has a winning percentage of .853. Not only is that the best in the history of NESCAC football, there are only seven college football coaches at ANY level who have EVER won a higher percentage of games than Jeff Devanney. And if I were a betting man, I'd say he moves up to 5th on this list by next month.

Does Trinity have some advantages? Sure; just like Tufts has a geographic advantage, and Wesleyan has an enrollment advantage, and Williams and Amherst have a US News and World Report advantage. But it's farcical to assume that you could just grab any coach off the street, throw them into the Coop and expect they would win at levels that are nothing short of historic.


For those interested, here's the list of career wins by NESCAC coaches:





   
   
   
   
   

   
   

   
   


   


   


   


   

COACH	SCHOOL	WINS	LOSSES	TIES	WIN %	UNDEFEATED SEASONS
Don Miller	Trinity	174	77	5	.689	1
Jim Ostendarp	Amherst	168	91	5	.646	2
Dan Jessee	Trinity	150	76	7	.659	4
E.J. Mills	Amherst	148	60	0	.712	4
Mickey Heinecken	Middlebury	126	96	2	.567	0
Jeff Devanney	Trinity	116	20	0	.853	4
Dick Farley	Williams	114	19	3	.849	6
Bob Ritter	Middlebury	112	61	0	.647	1

Coach Devanney is in one of the most enviable D3 coaching positions in the country. He's in a conference where each of the competing schools perennially do not make the same administrative commitment to winning football games.
Until another NESCAC school goes all in on Football like Trinity Devanney has a unique advantage.

As Ive said countless times in the past I commend Trinity for their commitment to winning. I wish other programs in the league would make this same commitment but given the culture in the NESCAC this hasn't happened and it's unlikely to occur at anytime in the future. Other schools afraid of being punished in the College rankings venues to a lower position like Trin if they lower their academic standards to win football games. Too much of a risk for NESCAC admissions people.

[lumbercat]

Trin 8-0
We've had this discussion at length in the past-- you've decided to revisit it again.

Devanney has achieved great results at Trinity and Bantam alums are justifiably proud. Trinity is a great program, the best ever in the NESAC.
I didn't say you could take any stiff off the street and he would mirror Devanney's results. Let's deal in facts here, I said EJ Mills, Ritter and a couple of other top NESCAC coaches would achieve similar results. I also said I think Mills would achieve better results than Devanney overall.

You've got a great tradition at Trinity, its greatness, your'e polishing rings.....why the recurring rabbit ears on your part when a scant negative on the Bantam program surfaces.....

Lose the rabbit ears.....Amherst game coming up, time for your home movie.

[Trin9-0]

First of all, I didn't raise the topic of ranking of coaches. I'm merely responding to your assessment. And your words were "almost any of the current coaches" would achieve similar results to Devanney if placed in a similar situation. That's odd since you also said "I'm not really bowled over by any NESCAC coaches".

But somehow these coaches, whom have not earned your respect, would still manage to win at such a historic rate that they would rank among the top seven college football coaches of all time at any level?


Also, you must have missed it but Trinity already played Amherst. The Bantams won 49-0.

[lumbercat]

First of all, I didn't raise the topic of ranking of coaches. I'm merely responding to your assessment. And your words were "almost any of the current coaches" would achieve similar results to Devanney if placed in a similar situation. That's odd since you also said "I'm not really bowled over by any NESCAC coaches".

But somehow these coaches, whom have not earned your respect, would still manage to win at such a historic rate that they would rank among the top seven college football coaches of all time at any level?


Also, you must have missed it but Trinity already played Amherst. The Bantams won 49-0.

I responded to your post directed at me and my opinion of Jeff Devanney. Doesn't matter what started the conversation- you addressed me and I responded.

Yup, I missed the Amherst game but let's have your home movie one more time. Ugh

You're part of the best program in NESCAC history- take a breather, please. No one is saying you guys are not great.

[Nescacman]

First of all, I didn't raise the topic of ranking of coaches. I'm merely responding to your assessment. And your words were "almost any of the current coaches" would achieve similar results to Devanney if placed in a similar situation. That's odd since you also said "I'm not really bowled over by any NESCAC coaches".

But somehow these coaches, whom have not earned your respect, would still manage to win at such a historic rate that they would rank among the top seven college football coaches of all time at any level?


Also, you must have missed it but Trinity already played Amherst. The Bantams won 49-0.

I responded to your post directed at me and my opinion of Jeff Devanney. Doesn't matter what started the conversation- you addressed me and I responded.

Yup, I missed the Amherst game but let's have your home movie one more time. Ugh

You're part of the best program in NESCAC history- take a breather, please. No one is saying you guys are not great.

Lumber, the irony of all ironies is that he draws a paycheck from Wesleyan....must kill him every two weeks. No blue and gold rep ties at the office in Middletown, we're afraid. BTW, when we read Hs9-0's posts, for some reason it's in the voice of Tucker Carlson. 

[Trin9-0]

You're obviously entitled to your opinion, Lumber. I was simply refuting your point that I "decided to revisit" the discussion. Someone brought up the topic. You shared your thoughts, I responded. That's typically how a message board works.

I'm also entitled to to disagree with your premise that while none of the NESCAC coaches are very good they somehow would still be more successful than 99.9% of all coaches who ever coached anywhere if only they were at Trinity.


Nescacman, I enjoy working at Wesleyan. It's a great school, just like all the NESCACs. Clearly I don't hide my affinity for the Bantams but I pull for the Red and Black 8 Saturdays every fall. In fact, far before my time at Wes when Wesleyan had a nine year stretch (2003-2011) without a winning season, including going 0-8 in 2005) I bemoaned the state of Cardinal football and stated on this board multiple times that I hoped they could turn it around because the league is better when Wes is relevant.

I wish them continued success (not just because it's good for business) and would love nothing more than a battle of undefeated teams in Middletown next month (something that has never happened in the 121 year rivalry!). I will note that I don't believe it's within the guidelines of this platform to share where other posters are employed, but I guess I should just be thankful you're not posting my email address.

[Nescacman]

You're obviously entitled to your opinion, Lumber. I was simply refuting your point that I "decided to revisit" the discussion. Someone brought up the topic. You shared your thoughts, I responded. That's typically how a message board works.

I'm also entitled to to disagree with your premise that while none of the NESCAC coaches are very good they somehow would still be more successful than 99.9% of all coaches who ever coached anywhere if only they were at Trinity.


Nescacman, I enjoy working at Wesleyan. It's a great school, just like all the NESCACs. Clearly I don't hide my affinity for the Bantams but I pull for the Red and Black 8 Saturdays every fall. In fact, far before my time at Wes when Wesleyan had a nine year stretch (2003-2011) without a winning season, including going 0-8 in 2005) I bemoaned the state of Cardinal football and stated on this board multiple times that I hoped they could turn it around because the league is better when Wes is relevant.

I wish them continued success (not just because it's good for business) and would love nothing more than a battle of undefeated teams in Middletown next month (something that has never happened in the 121 year rivalry!). I will note that I don't believe it's within the guidelines of this platform to share where other posters are employed, but I guess I should just be thankful you're not posting my email address.

We appreciate your affinity to our alma matter 8 Saturday's every year HS9-o and you know we're just poking a little fun. As far as the guidelines are concerned, we believe you have disclosed in the past your current place of employ, so once again, we did not violate the guidelines which we take very seriously. And unless you are the offensive coordinator (never has a name been more appropriate, btw) for the Lord Mammoths, your email is safe with us! Perhaps one of these weeks, we can even have an adult beverage and cigar together at the best tailgate in the NESCAC on Andrus Field.

As you are well aware, there were many issues with athletics at Wes and football specifically at Wesleyan in the mid/late 2000's. That was rectified with the hiring of Whales and Dice in 2010 and Wes is now on a historically best (for Wes) 10 consecutive season winning season streak and more importantly, has won 3 of the last 6 Little 3 titles outright (after a 43 year drought), 8 of the last 9 games against Williams, and 2 of the last 3 against the Lord Mammoths.

Since we do not believe in "touching the money" it's one game at a time for us Hs9-o, although a scenario that you describe on Andrus in game 9 would be pretty incredible. Good luck this week against the Alexander Hamilton's (not that HS needs it) and keep one eye on Waterville.

#rollcards

[LochNescac]

What do you all have against rain games???All Maine fields are turfed. Show some grit

They're wet...

[Nescacman]

2023 Week #4 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome to week #4 in the NESCAC in the League where they "pay to play"...NESCACMAN continues our excellent start in 2023 going 5-0 in week #3 to take us to 14-1 for the season...This week's GOTW features the Tufts Jumbo's travelling to Brunswick to face Bowdoin...second week in a row the Polars have been part of our featured GOTW...in other games we have the Lord Mammoths facing the UBates Kitties in Lewiston, Wesleyan playing Colby on Mayflower Hill, Hartford State taking a field trip to Turning Stone to play the Alexander Hamilton's, and the Ephs hosting the Pants in Williamstown...looks like a wet weekend throughout the NESCAC...Onto this week's slate:

Amwurst College at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus):  AMH NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense-10/Total Defense-4; UBates NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense-6/Total Defense-9...As predicted here, the Lord Mammoths were destroyed by Hartford State last week...Amwurst has one of the worst offenses in the country for the second year in a row and are devoid of any dynamic play makers on offense...this week, the Lord Mammoths will try to get back in the win column against an up and coming, young UBates squad who seem to be improving every week...UBates won last year's tilt on the road and are hungry for their first win in 2023...UBates put up a valiant effort last week at home against Colby but came up short...Keys To Victory ("KTV") for Amwurst: The Lord Mammoths have to figure out a way to generate some offense and their defense needs to keep it close...a low-scoring game will be good for AMH...the LM defense needs to step up...KTV for UBates: Score two TDs and they have a good shot at a win...avoid the key turnover...Players to watch: QB Colton Bosselait (UBates), TB Ryan Lynskey (UBates), WR Sergio Beltran (UBates), QB Jack Collier (LMs)...Overview: We like the Kitties to get win number 1 at home...no love lost between UBates HCOF Coyne and AMH as a result of his prior affiliations with Wes and the Ephs.

UBates 17 Amwurst 14
Point Spread: UBates -3
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel): Periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. High of 63.

Wesleyan University at Colby College: WES NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense-4/Total Defense-2; COL NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense-9/Total Defense-10...Wes off of another solid win at their alternate site against HAM go on the road against the Mules...Wes is one of two remaining unbeaten teams in the NESCAC...Colby coming off an emotional win #1 against rival UBates will try to get back to .500 on the season...Wes needs to continue to take it one game at a time...Wes continues to force turnovers and dominate time of possession...Wes aerial attack keyed by QB Niko Candido and WR's Chase Wilson and Thomas Elkhoury (first and second in receptions in the NESCAC)...not a great match-up for Colby (8th in the league in pass defense) as they face the #2 ranked passing offense of Wesleyan...KTV for Wesleyan: Keep doing what they are doing....O-line needs to continue to give QB Candido time...defense needs to stop Colby TB Smart to force the Mules to pass...KTV for Colby: Run the ball effectively...don't turn the ball over...control the clock...Players to watch: QB Niko Candido (WES), LB Jake Edwards (WES), CB Wesley Abraham (WES), LB Julian Young (COL), RB Keon Smart (COL)...Overview: This Wes team is already 1-0 in Maine....They are on a roll and will feast on the young Mules QB. We think Wes gets win #4.

Wesleyan 28 Colby 17
Point Spread: Wesleyan -7
Weather: Rain showers in the morning will evolve into more steady rainfall in the afternoon. High of 62.

Hartford State College at Hamilton College: HS NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense-1/Total Defense-1; HAM NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense-8/Total Defense-8...Yikes, another blowout for the Greatest NESCAC Team of All-Time, the Hartford State Roosters, the Mohammed Ali of the NESCAC and #2 in all of New England....HAM has a slightly better chance at a win against the Roosters than the Lord Mammoths did only because they are at home...should be a good JV game for Hartford State...Might be time for Hartford State to move into the Big 10...KTV for Hartford State: Pretty much show-up...avoid injuries...KTV for Hamilton: Hmmm, that's a tough one...open to ideas here...Bueller?!? Players to watch: RB Tyler DiNapoli (HS), WR Sean Clapp (HS), LB Michael Masse (HS), TB Nate Wildman (HAM)...Overview: Hartford State gets win #4 in a blowout.

Hartford State 49 Hamilton 7 
Point Spread: Hartford State -42
Weather: Rain. High of 59.

Middlebury College at Williams College:  MID NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense-5/Total Defense-6; WIL NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense-7/Total Defense-7...MID is coming off a bounce back win to knock off previously unbeaten Bowdoin...should be challenging match-up for the young Ephs as MID QB Kennon and his talented receivers should feast on the Eph secondary...Ephs offense continues to struggle (10 points in last 2 weeks) and they need to get better at converting third downs; 25% (last in the NESCAC) is not going to cut it...KTV for MID: Throw early and often...get to the QB to force the young Eph QB to make mistakes...KTV for Williams: Do a better job converting third downs...Fischetti right, Fischetti left, Fischetti up the middle...utilize your only proven and effective offensive weapon to generate positive yardage and control the clock...get pressure on Kennon to have some chance at stopping the pass...Players to watch: QB Cole Kennon (MID), DL Tomas Kenary (MID), DB Rocco Stolla (MID), LB John McCool (MID), RB
Mario Fischetti (WIL), DL Cameron Smith (WIL)...Overview: Another tough matchup for the Ephs. Middlebury stays in the hunt with the win on the road...Williams Sideline QB Club starts to question the longevity of HCOF Raymond in the Purple Mountains... FYI, Eph alum and HCOF in-waiting, Jon Poppe, is 5-0 in year 1 for the Union College Dutchmen.   

Middlebury 31 Williams 14 
Point Spread: Middlebury -17
Weather: Periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall High of 66.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Tufts University at Bowdoin College (night game): TUF NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense-2/Total Defense-3; BOW NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense-3/Total Defense-5...Polar's dream of an undefeated season came to a screeching halt in Vermont....2023 Polars fail to start a season 3-0 for only the third time since World War II...Bowdoin played Middlebury tough and they face another good team in the Jumbo's...Tufts has won the last 7 meetings between these teams...The Polars are 4-1 in their last five games at home winning three straight at home for the first time since 2008-09, and they are looking to win their fourth straight at home for the first time since 1987...Jumbo running game (first in the NESCAC) behind their stellar OL (no sacks allowed through 3 games) has been the Jumbo's headline thus far this year...KTV for Tufts: Continue to run effectively to set up the pass...pressure Boel who does not run well on his surgically repaired knee and is prone to the INT...KTV for Bowdoin: Avoid turnovers...stop the Tufts running game...Players to watch: RB Chartellis Reece (TUF), QB Michael Berlutti (TUF). Tufts OL, DT Ed Iuteri (TUF), QB Andrew Boel (BOW), WR Colton Fahey (BOW), LB Max Jacobs (BOW)...Overview: Tufts is a good football team and has bounced back after an opening day loss to Hartford State....Polars are improved but do not have the talent to keep up with the Jumbo's weapons....Tufts wins a close one on the road for their first win away from Ellis Oval in 2023. 

Tufts 31 Bowdoin 28
Point Spread: Tufts -3
Weather: Rain likely. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low near 55.

NESCACMAN's Picks (winners):
2023 Season: 14-1
2022 Season: 31-14
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: 306-94 (.765 winning percentage)

Follow us on Twitter @realnescacman

[lumbercat]

You're obviously entitled to your opinion, Lumber. I was simply refuting your point that I "decided to revisit" the discussion. Someone brought up the topic. You shared your thoughts, I responded. That's typically how a message board works.

I'm also entitled to to disagree with your premise that while none of the NESCAC coaches are very good they somehow would still be more successful than 99.9% of all coaches who ever coached anywhere if only they were at Trinity.


Nescacman, I enjoy working at Wesleyan. It's a great school, just like all the NESCACs. Clearly I don't hide my affinity for the Bantams but I pull for the Red and Black 8 Saturdays every fall. In fact, far before my time at Wes when Wesleyan had a nine year stretch (2003-2011) without a winning season, including going 0-8 in 2005) I bemoaned the state of Cardinal football and stated on this board multiple times that I hoped they could turn it around because the league is better when Wes is relevant.

I wish them continued success (not just because it's good for business) and would love nothing more than a battle of undefeated teams in Middletown next month (something that has never happened in the 121 year rivalry!). I will note that I don't believe it's within the guidelines of this platform to share where other posters are employed, but I guess I should just be thankful you're not posting my email address.

Trin-

No one else brought up the topic of my opinion of Coach Devanney, you did. But certainly no problem expressing your opinion. I respect your opinions and I enjoy the discussion. I also respect and admire the successes of Trinity Football more than you might think.

I guess my choice of words "not being bowled over" by any NESCAC coaches was misleading. I didn't mean they all stink. The top NESCAC coaches are good coaches but I just don't see a legendary Belechick type among them.

Devanney's record is fantastic but as I have said I think he's shooting fish in a barrel with that program.

[The Ghost of John Wesley]

Another upset loss for Wes against a team they should beat on paper. Similar vibes to the Bowdoin game last year. I didn't see the game, so it's possible there were weather/travel factors that contributed to this, but very disappointing to drop this game. With Bowdoin, Tufts, and the three rivalry games still to come, a >.500 season is not guaranteed.

There have been such amazing improvements to the program since the 2000-2010 doldrums, but it just feels like that next step to a solo league championship is an insurmountable climb. Last year felt like a major underachievement with the talent and experience on the roster. I really felt like that team was one of the school's better chances for a championship.

For those of you closer to the team (The Mole, Nescacman):  Thoughts? What's the good word in Middletown and at the tailgates re taking the next step to a true championship caliber team? Talent doesn't seem to be the limiting factor.

[lumbercat]

NM and the Mole have the best insight on this. I'm sure they will weigh in after they shake this one off. Tough loss for the Cards.

Form my perspective, having seen them only  twice now this year it looks like Wes has just lost a lot to graduation/transfer and the QB position is not quite at the same talent level as the QB predecessors. Big shoes to fill in Middletown this year.

Having said that, todays game was a product of the awful weather as it was at all other league venues from what I could see. I think in good weather conditions minus the random wet ball issues I think Wes might fare better but give credit to Colby. They made the few requisite big plays needed for the W.
While both teams have to deal with it, weather conditions like today yield to low scoring games which can often level the playing field.

[The Mole]

Congrats to Colby for the win today vs Wesleyan. Cards offense never got in sync and the Mules held a good passing attack to just 158 yards and 237 total. Missed extra point in 1Q came back to haunt them. Still had chance to win the game on a FG attempt on last play of the game and that was botched. Let the Mules score on first play of OT but still had ball 1st and goal at the 10 in OT and could not punch it in. Mules TOP of 35:10 versus 24:50 was another factor. Both teams played in the rain so no excuses. Surprisingly, just one turnover (lost fumble on a return by Wesleyan) that did not lead to any points. It was suggested by another poster that maybe there is a lot of mediocrity in the league this year (outside of downtown Hartford). Starting to believe that may be accurate. On to Tufts next Saturday night  outside Boston as they currently are in Brunswick playing the Polars.

[Charlie]

NM and the Mole have the best insight on this. I'm sure they will weigh in after they shake this one off. Tough loss for the Cards.

Form my perspective, having seen them only  twice now this year it looks like Wes has just lost a lot to graduation/transfer and the QB position is not quite at the same talent level as the QB predecessors. Big shoes to fill in Middletown this year.

Having said that, todays game was a product of the awful weather as it was at all other league venues from what I could see. I think in good weather conditions minus the random wet ball issues I think Wes might fare better but give credit to Colby. They made the few requisite big plays needed for the W.
While both teams have to deal with it, weather conditions like today yield to low scoring games which can often level the playing field.

Let us give Colby credit. When Colby played Trinity the defense in the first half played very strong and it was a tight game before Trinity's talent took over in second half. I really think Colby is on an upward trajectory as a football program. They seem to have some talent and there and the kids play hard. I still think they should have beat Williams in game one and if they did they would be 3-1. The one thing I will say is they have a great deal of fight in them. I actually believe they will finish higher then Williams this year in the standings. HC Cosgrove has them playing hard.