FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Vandy74]

I hate to go off topic here and talk about football, but there are still a couple of important games to be played.  While nobody really expects Middlebury to lose to Colby on Saturday, it should be pointed out that the Mules did defeat Wesleyan, the only blemish on the Middlebury slate, to-date, and they will be winding up the season on their home turf.  I truly believe I saw Cole Kennon running around on the field celebrating with his teammates following the victory over Tufts, but when Brian Moran suffered what seemed to be an ankle sprain after replacing the injured starter, it was third string QB Nick Perez who finished the closely contested game.  N-man, your Middlebury guy ought to have the straight poop on this story.  Would you care to share it with the rest of us? 

[Nescacman]

I hate to go off topic here and talk about football, but there are still a couple of important games to be played.  While nobody really expects Middlebury to lose to Colby on Saturday, it should be pointed out that the Mules did defeat Wesleyan, the only blemish on the Middlebury slate, to-date, and they will be winding up the season on their home turf.  I truly believe I saw Cole Kennon running around on the field celebrating with his teammates following the victory over Tufts, but when Brian Moran suffered what seemed to be an ankle sprain after replacing the injured starter, it was third string QB Nick Perez who finished the closely contested game.  N-man, your Middlebury guy ought to have the straight poop on this story.  Would you care to share it with the rest of us?

Word out of Vermont is Kennon will play. Not sure it will matter one way or another since the Mules offense seems like it started the off-season after they beat the Lord Mammoths October 14th. MID scores 10 points or more and they win.

[Nescacman]

Is anyone else in the mix for NESCAC ROTY besides QBs Kurzum (Hamilton) and McHugh (Williams)?
Kurzum: 7TD Throws; 5 int; 57.1 % completion rate (3rd best in NESCAC); 1,176 passing yards; 320 rushing yards; 3 TDs rushing; (187yds per game)
McHugh: 10TD Throws; 8 int; 46.1 % completion rate; 1,027 passing yards; 387 rushing yards; 0 TDs rushing; (176 yds per game)
Both teams likely 3-6 final records. 
These could change a bit in Williams last game v. Bates this weekend.

Kurzman does have the signature win against Tufts. Assume coaches will take that into consideration.

Although we don't typically chime in on these debates prior to the end of the season, we would say that the Ephs Holden Gering, who leads the Ephs in receiving and has 2 INTs playing both ways, and RB Jon Oris (2nd in receiving and 3rd in rushing for the Ephs) should both be in the ROY convo for this year. Gering, in particular, has the opportunity to be a special player for the Purple Cows. 

[Nescacman]

2023 Week #10 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome to Week #10 in the NESCAC in "The League where they pay to play"...NESCACMAN was 1-4 in week #4 to take us to 29-13 for the season...First Week #10 in NESCAC history...2 key games this week that will determine who wins the NESCAC 2023 Football Championship...one features our #1 ranked team, Middlebury travelling to Waterville to face the Mules and the other has Hartford State visiting the banged up Polars of Bowdoin...the only other game on the schedule has the reeling Ephs (3rd place in the Little 3) playing UBates in Lewiston.

Onto this week's games:

Williams College at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus): Williams NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 6/Total Defense: 8; UBates NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 8/Total Defense: 10...UBates still looking for their first win of the year...UBates last beat the Ephs in 2016 at home...Battle of two of the worst defenses in the NESCAC...Last year, interceptions doomed the Kitties; they need to manage turnovers to have a chance this year...Two teams are 8th and 9th in scoring...Ephs are riding a three game losing streak...FY QB Seneca Moore is seeing more playing time for UBates and could be a factor in this game...Williams leading receiver only has 17 catches in 8 games...Ephs have missed their only playmaker, RB Fischetti... UBates WR Sergio Beltran is second in the NESCAC in receptions and has been a bright spot for the Kitties...KTV for Williams: Run early and often on the league's 9th ranked rushing defense...Pass the ball better...Convert third downs (last in the NESCAC at 28%)...Finish a game...KTV for UBates: Defense needs to stop the Eph running game and force the last-ranked Ephs passing attack to try to throw the ball downfield...offense needs to avoid the turnover and run the ball better...need to play QB Moore, he's the future for the Kitties...Pass effectively against the 9th ranked Eph pass defense...Players to watch: QB Owen McHugh (WIL), WR/DB Holden Gering (WIL), RB Jon Oris (WIL), DE Cameron Smith (WIL), DB Justice McGrail (WIL), QB Seneca Moore (UB), WR Sergio Beltran (UB), LB Matt Juneau (UB)...Overview: Should be a close game...teams match-up well on paper...both are young...We like the home team to get win #1 in Lewiston in a slight upset.

UBates 21 Williams College 17
Point Spread: Williams -3
Weather: Steady rain in the AM. Showers continuing in the afternoon. High of 49.

Middlebury College at Colby College: Middlebury NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 4/Total Defense: 6; Colby NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 10/Total Defense: 5...this games features our #1 ranked team playing one of the most befuddling teams in the NESCAC; hot and cold only begins to describe the 2023 Colby Mules...the question is which Mule team shows up...Colby offense has been anemic since they beat the Lord Mammoths on October 14th...Meanwhile, the Pants have been impressive, with a very good passing attack and a "bend but don't break" defense that is second in the league in points allowed...Cole Kennon has been good at times, throwing 16 TD passes but leads the league in interceptions with 13...MID features two very good receivers in Patrick Jamin and Donovan Wood...Tomas Kenary and Dave Filias are among the top 3 in the league in TFL and sacks...Finn Muldoon and John McCool are in the top 5 in tackles... A win for Middlebury and they clinch at least a tie for NESCAC title in HCOF Mandigo's first year as HCOF...Middlebury has only allowed 8 TDs in the red zone this year vs. 28 trips for competitors...KTV for Middlebury: Throw early and often...Pressure the Colby QB (MID is 2nd in the league in sacks and Colby is last in sacks allowed per game)...KTV for Colby: Force Kennon to throw some interceptions...run the ball effectively and avoid turnovers...Players to watch:  QB Cole Kennon (MID), RB Carter Stockwell (MID), DB Finn Muldoon (MID), WR Patrick Jamin (MID), DT Dave Filias (MID), WR Jack Sawyer (COL), RB Keon Smart (COL), LB Julian Young (COL)...Overview: If the good version of Colby shows up, this game could get interesting; if the bad version shows up, we think MID wins going away...we'll take the middle ground and say that the Mules defense keep this one interesting for a while but MID has way too many dudes to lose.

Middlebury 35 Colby 9
Point Spread: Middlebury -14
Weather: Steady rain in the AM. Showers continuing in the afternoon. High of 50.

Hartford State College at Bowdoin College: Hartford State NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 1/Total Defense: 1; Bowdoin NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 3/Total Defense: 3...Interesting game...A win and Hartford State clinches a potential tie with MID (a team they lost to) for the NESCAC title...Bowdoin has a chance for their first winning season since 2005...4 wins this season is the most for the Polars since 2011..in Brunswick give the Polars a punchers chance at the win...The best way to attack the Roosters is through the air, something Bowdoin does well (2nd in the NESCAC in passing)...Bowdoin QB Robbie Long continues to sub for injured starter Andrew Boel and played well last week...Neither QB likes pressure...Polars finish the season against someone other than Colby for the first time since 1992...if Polar defenders can get in Fetters face, they may be able to force some poor throws and turnovers; Bowdoin is 1st in the NESCSAC in sacks and Hartford State has allowed the fewest...Polars need to play more disciplined and avoid stupid penalties and turnovers...Both teams have potent offenses but are opposites in many ways; Hartford State is run first and Polars are more effective through the air...FY RB Luke Watson has seen more playing time for the Polars as of late is especially effective catching balls out of the back field; we'd like to see him getting more playing time...Game features the top two receivers in term of yards in the NESCAC, Hartford State's Sean Clapp and the Polars Colton Fahey...Trinity has won 23 straight against Bowdoin, dating back to 1999 and the Bantams hold a 43-6-2 edge in the all-time series...Bowdoin's last victory over the Bantams came in a 19-0 decision in 1998...KTV for Hartford State: Ball control  with their cadre of excellent RBs...keep QB Fetter upright...Get pressure on the Polars QB...KTV for the Polars: Protect Long...avoid turnovers and penalties...keep the game close...Stop Clapp and let one of the other Rooster receivers try to beat you... Players to watch: RB Tyler DiNapoli (HS), WR Sean Clapp (HS), K Matthew Jumes (HS), WR Colton Fahey (BOW), RB Luke Watson (BOW), LB Max Jacobs (BOW), LB Koy Price (BOW)...Overview: We give Bowdoin a slight chance at the upset...This Polar Team is different than the one that seemingly cannot beat the Roosters...This Polar team is game, plays hard and has heart...with that being said, we think Hartford State wins on the road.   

Hartford State 45 Bowdoin 21 
Point Spread: Hartford State -14
Weather: Rain early then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High of 51.

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2023 Season: 29-13
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: 321-106 (.752 winning percentage)

Follow us on Twitter @realnescacman

[SpringSt7]

Is anyone else in the mix for NESCAC ROTY besides QBs Kurzum (Hamilton) and McHugh (Williams)?
Kurzum: 7TD Throws; 5 int; 57.1 % completion rate (3rd best in NESCAC); 1,176 passing yards; 320 rushing yards; 3 TDs rushing; (187yds per game)
McHugh: 10TD Throws; 8 int; 46.1 % completion rate; 1,027 passing yards; 387 rushing yards; 0 TDs rushing; (176 yds per game)
Both teams likely 3-6 final records. 
These could change a bit in Williams last game v. Bates this weekend.

Kurzman does have the signature win against Tufts. Assume coaches will take that into consideration.

Although we don't typically chime in on these debates prior to the end of the season, we would say that the Ephs Holden Gering, who leads the Ephs in receiving and has 2 INTs playing both ways, and RB Jon Oris (2nd in receiving and 3rd in rushing for the Ephs) should both be in the ROY convo for this year. Gering, in particular, has the opportunity to be a special player for the Purple Cows.

Glad to see Gering get noticed - I didn't think the stats quite warranted a true nomination and wasn't sure if it was my bias showing, but he has been a really nice bright spot and just really cool to see him getting it done on both sides of the ball. He's really been a better defensive player than offensive player the second half of the season and that was not the side of the ball he spent time with in camp. Don't think he should or will win ROY but he has a nice future ahead of him.

[lumbercat]

I posted in the preseason about the great recruiting class Williams was bringing in and the best prospect then and now is Gering- offers from the most of the Ivies and Patriot teams - he will be an all conference player in the NESCAC no matter where they put him.

[The truth 101]

I posted in the preseason about the great recruiting class Williams was bringing in and the best prospect then and now is Gering- offers from the most of the Ivies and Patriot teams - he will be an all conference player in the NESCAC no matter where they put him.

To be completely fair to other recruits, Gering also played on a subpar young Williams team. Other recruits(Freshman now) in the league with D1 offers aswell that simply may be sitting behind better players on better NESCAC teams.

[The truth 101]

I posted in the preseason about the great recruiting class Williams was bringing in and the best prospect then and now is Gering- offers from the most of the Ivies and Patriot teams - he will be an all conference player in the NESCAC no matter where they put him.

To be completely fair to other recruits, Gering also played on a subpar young Williams team. Other recruits(Freshman now) in the league with D1 offers aswell that simply may be sitting behind better players on better NESCAC teams.

Some other freshmen that also caught my eye on the defensive side of the ball were: Jordan Atkinson out of Trinity who had multiple sacks and pressures in the disappointing loss vs Midd, Ty Richardson out of Tufts who had multiple PBUs against a very good Wesleyan receiving core(one of em being against Wilson) and Tylik Sims who seemed to start at safety for Amherst all year... Id also point out the majority of Bates roster which is a very freshman team for competing as much as they could this year.

[lumbercat]

I posted in the preseason about the great recruiting class Williams was bringing in and the best prospect then and now is Gering- offers from the most of the Ivies and Patriot teams - he will be an all conference player in the NESCAC no matter where they put him.

To be completely fair to other recruits, Gering also played on a subpar young Williams team. Other recruits(Freshman now) in the league with D1 offers aswell that simply may be sitting behind better players on better NESCAC teams.

Not about  fairness- without question Gering will be a playmaker in this league regardless of the D1 offers.

[The truth 101]

I posted in the preseason about the great recruiting class Williams was bringing in and the best prospect then and now is Gering- offers from the most of the Ivies and Patriot teams - he will be an all conference player in the NESCAC no matter where they put him.

To be completely fair to other recruits, Gering also played on a subpar young Williams team. Other recruits(Freshman now) in the league with D1 offers aswell that simply may be sitting behind better players on better NESCAC teams.

Not about  fairness- without question Gering will be a playmaker in this league regardless of the D1 offers.

My point being that there may be many playmakers in the future that are freshman right now and that if they went to Williams instead of a contender they could easily be in the same position as Gering.

[bantamweight]

Again, ALL the the talk of admission standards of late started from my post.

I NEVER said the name of the school of the student who said that all of the other athletes and students at the school looked down on the academics of the FB Players.

With that clarification, 3.0?  3.5?

If weighted, you are aware that is low.  Right?

As to why the NESCAC does not use Head to Head as a tie breaker, that's embarrassing.  If Middlebury wins on Saturday, Trinity should have some self respect and never acknowledge "Co-Champions".

The NESCAC needs to get that flaw corrected, if it is not a tie break.

If passive aggressive hating were a skill, you'd finally be a winner.

[Ephmen]

You can watch a few clips from the Trinity-Wesleyan game here, but what really caught my attention were the postgame quotes by Nescacman's all-time favorite Bantam, who also happens to be Trinity's all-time leader in:

Touchdowns
Yards
Completions
Completion %
Total offense

Despite the frequent criticism, Fetter currently leads the league in all but one of those categories as well. I tend to agree with SpringSt's notion that he has been underappreciated. Most of those Trinity passing records were held by Joe Shield '85 (who was drafted by the Packers and spent 2 seasons in the NFL)... his last season was 39 years ago! Fetter is far from the only Trinity QB to play with a talented roster, but his numbers stack up with the best NESCAC QBs ever.

Middlebury's Donald McKillop, the league's all-time leader in passing yards, averaged 291 yards and 2.06 TDs per game, He also threw 44 interceptions. The Panthers record in the seasons he played was 21-11.
Fetter, with one game left, has averaged just 18 fewer yards per game (273) but nearly a full TD more per game (2.81) while throwing just 14 picks. His career record as a starter is 24-2.

You don't have to like Fetter, and I'm guessing his latest comments won't endear him to any of our Wesleyan faithful, but his play has more than earned some respect.


I honestly don't have the energy for another admissions debate. However, I do want to add that I too strongly disagree with G&P's claim that Trinity wins because they "work harder". If only he had stopped at this conclusion which I feel is much closer to the truth of the matter:

In my opinion, great coaching, great recruiting, great player development, and a great football tradition play a much more substantial and significant role in Trinity's consistent success.

Good post 9-0

Agree- Let's get off the admissions thing. I only wish every NESCAC team would adopt the Bants admissions approach and provide Tutors for their Football players like Trinity does. I respect their commitment to the Football players.

No question Fetter has been a great QB- personally I'll take Sonny Puzzo in a close game but that's just my personal opinion. A lot tougher than Fetter who seems to project a bit of a pampered image. Puzzowould run a cornerback over and jog back to the huddle with no fanfare.

As far as G&Ps obsession with a dedicated Football weight room and Trinity guys being "jacked". Lets move on from that too.

Is that true - that Trinity provides tutors for the football team?  Do they do that with other teams?

[Nescacman]

Word is that HCOF Cosgrove is not coaching the Mules today due to a "medical emergency"...thoughts and prayers to Coach Jack.

[NESCAC BULLY]

Congrats to Hartford State and Middlebury on being co-NESCAC champions. However, if we examine the two teams in-depth, it is clear Hartford State was the more dominant program. Simply check the scores of the two teams games, Hartford State obliterated every other opponent besides there singular mishap. Sean Clapp is certainly a candidate for OPOTY with 74 receptions, 1169 receiving, and 14 TDs. The thing that makes those stats even more impressive is the fact in almost every game he only played a measely 2 or 3 quarters due to HS utter pulverization of teams like Weirdsleyan. Spencer Fetter should be the only other possible candidate. Please correct me if im wrong. HS has been screwed over many times this year by the NESCAC, and if they get this one wrong it will be a disgrace.

[Nescacman]

Congratulations to the true (and only deserving) 2023 NESCAC Football Champions, your Middlebury Panthers. Great season (minus one week) and amazing job by first year HCOF Mandigo and the Middlebury student-athletes.

As the saying goes..."to be the champion, you have to beat the champion".