FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[nescac1]

Williams has 85 on its current roster.

But CB and WR have certainly been the toughest spots for the Ephs to get consistent quality play from in recent years, so if he's able to survive the wear and tear, and I assume he must have great conditioning, why not try? There are some interesting FYs in both units who I imagine will get a shot.  Also the Ephs have a lot of strong talent at H-back/TE and I imagine they will go with a lot of two WR or even one WR sets this year, which also makes sense for a run-heavy option scheme. So that may limits the reps of anyone in the WR core.

[Nescacman]

Williams has 85 on its current roster.

But CB and WR have certainly been the toughest spots for the Ephs to get consistent quality play from in recent years, so if he's able to survive the wear and tear, and I assume he must have great conditioning, why not try? There are some interesting FYs in both units who I imagine will get a shot.  Also the Ephs have a lot of strong talent at H-back/TE and I imagine they will go with a lot of two WR or even one WR sets this year, which also makes sense for a run-heavy option scheme. So that may limits the reps of anyone in the WR core.

Our comment on the 76 man roster was tongue in cheek, however, even at 85, they are running at 20 or so less on their roster than Hartford State, Wesleyan et al...

[Nescacman]

As a public service, since we posted our game previews so early this week, we present here again...

2024 Week 1 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome back NESCAC...it's Week #1 "in the league where they pay to play"...hard to believe this is our 11th season predicting NESCAC games...this week features a game that could have league championship ramifications as the Wesleyan Cardinals travel to Vermont to face Middlebury. We also have an upset special in Week 1...here we go!

Colby College at Hartford State College: Colby NESCAC Ranks (2023): Total Offense 8/Total Defense 6; Hartford State NESCAC Ranks (2023): Total Offense 1/Total Defense 2...Tough draw for the Mules facing Hartford State in the Coop...dawn of a new era at QB for the Bants...we expect to see more of "ground and pound" offensive scheme featuring All-NESCAC RB Tyler Dinapoli...good match-up to get the new Hartford State QB some confidence...Meanwhile, Colby will also have a new QB...he'll have some weapons to throw too but we imagine that the Bants defense won't make it easy for him to find open receivers...Colby has not been strong offensively in recent years and we think they will be challenged to generate enough points to keep up with the high-powered Bants offense who also return their All-NESCAC WR Sean Clapp...Colby will have the best player on the field on Saturday in LB Julian Young but that won't be enough...Keys to Victory for Colby: Run the ball well to control the clock...protect the passer...Julian Young & Co. holds HS to under 20 points...KTV for HS: Basically show up...don't take Colby lightly...avoid penalties and turnovers...convert in the redzone...Players to watch: WR Jack Sawyer (COL), RB Keon Smart (COL), LB Julian Young (COL), QB Zander Zembrowski (HS), RB Tyler Dinapoli (HS), WR Sean Clapp (HS)...Game Summary: We do not expect the same level of dismantling that we saw last year (HS won 48-7 in Waterville) but this is a good warm-up game for the Bants...should allow Zembrowski to get his sea legs under him while they work out the kinks. Colby is well-coached and will be ready to go, but they are undermanned and will have a tough time keeping up with the Bants especially after losing BOTH coordinators. Hartford State going away...

Hartford State 42 Colby 7
Point Spread: Hartford State -28
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel): Sunny. High of 86.

University of Bates (Lewiston Campus) at Amherst College: UBates NESCAC Ranks (2023): Total Offense 10/Total Defense 10; Amherst NESCAC Ranks (2023): Total Offense 9/Total Defense 3...This game is a match-up between 2 teams headed in opposite directions...the Lord Mammoths won last year's battle 17-7 in Lewiston, however, UBates won in 2022 in Amherst...UBates is a team on the rise while the Lord Mammoths are a shadow their former glorious selves...Lord Mammoths will likely start either soph John Collier or senior Jack Cox at QB...both started games last year, although neither had much sustained success...UBates returns 2-year starting QB Colton Bosselait and 17 other starters...he has up and coming star WR Sergio Beltran to throw to...KTV for UBates: Need to run the ball well to set-up the Bosselait-to-Beltran passing combo...on defense, stop the run to force the Lord Mammoths into passing situations...KTV for Amherst: The Lord Mammoths porous run defense needs to improve as does their offense...Players to watch: QB Colton Bosselait (UB), WR Sergio Beltran (UB), RB Ryan Lynskey (UB), WR Owen Gaydos (AMH), LB Luke Harmon (AMH)...Game Summary: We think the Kitties and HCOF Coyne turn some heads with a much-needed, surprising win on the road. This is our upset special for Week 1.

UBates 17 Amherst 14
Point Spread: Amherst -3
Weather: Mostly sunny. High of 84.

Hamilton College at Williams College: Hamilton NESCAC Ranks (2023): Total Offense: 7/Total Defense: 9; Williams NESCAC Ranks (2023): Total Offense: 6/Total Defense: 5... Some optimism for a change in Clinton with an experienced QB in returning NESCAC Rookie of the Year Luke Kurzum and a new offensive coordinator in former Colby offensive coordinator Shea Dwyer...HAM on a roll (no cheese please) having finished 2023 winning 3 of their last 4 games...Meanwhile, Williams should feature a power running game behind oft-injured star RB Mario Fischetti...they will need to throw the ball somewhat effectively to keep the HAM defense honest...HAM will also try to run the ball effectively behind second year RB Nate Wildman (now wearing #1)...interesting sidebar, former Wesleyan great Kyle Mangini's (recently elected into the Wes Athletics Hall of Fame) son is Williams FY LB Luke Mangini...KTV for Hamilton: Return to what worked when they won games in 2023; run the ball well...force the Ephs to throw which has been a challenge the last couple of years...KTV for Williams: Like HAM, run the ball well...on defense, force the Conts to pass...Players to watch: RB Nate Wildman (HAM), QB Luke Kurzum (HAM), QB Owen McHugh (WIL), DE Cameron Smith (WIL), RB Mario Fischetti (WIL), WR/DB Holden Gering (WIL)...Game Summary: For the first time in a long time, there is optimism in Clinton...meanwhile, we think the Ephs are on the rise and will get back to .500 after 2 back-to-back 3-6 seasons...we think the Ephs have too much talent to lose an opener at home. Should be a close, defensive battle between two similar teams (like last year), but we think the Ephs pull it out in the 4th quarter.

Williams 21 Hamilton 14
Point Spread: Williams -7
Weather: Mostly sunny. High of 83.

Bowdoin College at Tufts University (6:00 PM start):  Bowdoin NESCAC Ranks (2023): Total Offense 3/Total Defense 4; Tufts NESCAC Ranks (2023): Total Offense 2/Total Defense 4...Really interesting game...We think Tufts will play with a chip on their shoulder after a "disappointing" 6-3 season last year in Medford...The Polars will have a bevy of new starters at the skill positions on offense and will try to keep up with the high-powered Jumbo offense...new Bowdoin starting QB Robbie Long will need to have a big day for his team to have a chance at the upset in Medford...Bowdoin strength is their front 7 seven on defense, led by Koy Price, and their O-line...meanwhile, Tufts will have to find a replacement for RB Chartellis Reece, who is out...next man up...KTV for Bowdoin: Avoid turnovers and keep the game low scoring behind all world Polars defender Koy Price...KTV for Tufts: Protect QB Berlutti...stop the run to force Bowdoin QB Long to pass...Players to watch: LB Koy Price (BOW), QB Robbie Long (BOW), RB Luke Watson (BOW), QB Michael Berlutti (TUF), WR Cade Moore (TUF), RB Aundre Smith (TUF)...Game Summary: Should be a great opening night atmosphere under the lights in Medford. Loss of Reece is not optimal for the Jumbo's, but we think they have enough talent on offense to figure it out. We think the Jumbo's light it up with a big opening night win at home.

Tufts 28 Bowdoin 14
Point Spread: Tufts -14
Weather: Clear. Low of 60.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Wesleyan University at Middlebury College: Wesleyan NESCAC Ranks (2023): Total Offense: 5/Total Defense: 7; Middlebury NESCAC Ranks (2023): Total Offense: 4/Total Defense: 8...Our first GOTW in 2024 features our #3 and #4 ranked teams, the Middlebury Panthers, hosting the Wesleyan Cardinals...lots at stake in this one... MID was not spectacular on offense or defense in 2023 but was great defensively in the red-zone...MID gave up the fewest TDs in the league last year...Wesleyan will need to do  better job of protecting QB Nico Candido in 2024 and running the ball to improve on their win total last year (6)...If Nico has the time, he has several dynamic receivers to go to including All-NESCACer Chase Wilson...the Cards defense, especially the defensive line should be much improved and will take pressure off of a talented, experienced secondary...the Pants feature WR Patrick Jamin and a bevy of RBs including Carter Stockwell on offense...KTV for Wesleyan: Control both sides of the line of scrimmage...stop the run to force Middlebury to pass...on offense, run the ball effectively to set-up the pass...KTV for MID: Run the ball well behind their experienced O-line to take the pressure off of the new QB....put pressure on the Wes QB...Players to watch: QB Niko Candido (WES), WR Chase Wilson (WES), LB Jake Edwards (WES), DB Dylan Connors (WES), DB Wesley Abraham (WES), QB Brian Moran (MID), WR Patrick Jamin (MID), DL Tomas Kenary (MID), DT Dave Filias (MID), DB Rocco Stolla (MID)...Game Summary: Wesleyan returns all 11 starters on defense plus adds All-League transfer Nick Donatio plus has the most explosive player on the field in Chase Wilson...Wes O-line will have to block Kenary and Fillias to protect QB Candido and run the ball effectively...We look for Wilson to have a huge game/season...Very competitive, close game but we like Wes to pull out a rare  win in Vermont.

Wesleyan 24 Middlebury 21
Point Spread: Middlebury -3
Weather: Sunny. High of 82.

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

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2024 Season: 0-0
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: 323-107 (.751 winning percentage)

Follow NESCACMAN on X @realnescacman

[Nescacman]

Welcome to game day and the 2024 season NESCAC fans. Good luck to all the teams, players and coaches and let's root for an injury-free day!

NM

[blitzBowdoinblitz]

Bowdoin will beat tufts, no doubt about it. Too much young fire power for the polar bears. also civetti will be peeing down his leg once the sun goes down and the lights come on, cant handle the pressure (we saw that against hamilton and midd last year)

[Gate 91]

Excited to see the debut of Trinity's Zander Zebrowsi apparently nicknamed the "Polish Hammer". With such a dynamic skill position group accompanying him, we expect to see fireworks against the Mules today. Going to be near impossible to defend the Bants in the coop week 1 where they have absolutely dominated in recent years (as the Jumbos know very well).

[Simmy Cantstandyabitz]

Hearing there's going to be a Blue Angels flyover in Medford tonight for the jumbos. Going to be a great atmosphere but the question still stands can Civetti start off a season with a win? I say no.

[nescac1]

Credit to Nescacman who's been hyping up Chase Wilson for a huge year ...

[blitzBowdoinblitz]

Hearing there's going to be a Blue Angels flyover in Medford tonight for the jumbos. Going to be a great atmosphere but the question still stands can Civetti start off a season with a win? I say no.

Highly doubt there will be a flyover simmy. nonetheless dont think the jumbos will get it done. usually bowdoin gets a good crowd because a lot of alumni work/live in boston area. Simmy, are you a jumbos supporter or bowdoin?

[NESCACFball24/7]

Bowdoin will beat tufts, no doubt about it. Too much young fire power for the polar bears. also civetti will be peeing down his leg once the sun goes down and the lights come on, cant handle the pressure (we saw that against hamilton and midd last year)

Is it just me or is there a theme of Civetti losing to blatantly inferior teams even though he clearly has superior talent. How does a team like they had last year lose to Hamilton. I think it's about time accept be reached his peak, Civetti needs to be on the heat seat.

[blitzBowdoinblitz]

Driving down to the jumbos stadium now, brother in law said Jumbos dont have a week 1 win since 2019. Gotta be looking good for us. Any reason they cant get it done early in the season? BLITZ BOWDOIN BLITZ

[Simmy Cantstandyabitz]

Driving down to the jumbos stadium now, brother in law said Jumbos dont have a week 1 win since 2019. Gotta be looking good for us. Any reason they cant get it done early in the season? BLITZ BOWDOIN BLITZ

There's only three certainties in life. Death, taxes and the Jumbos getting a punt blocked. Not sure who is in charge of the operation over there but something needs to be done.

[nescac1]

Headed to garbage time in Billsville after the most impressive Eph performance by far since the 9-0 season.  Now, it's pretty clear Hamilton is going to be fighting with some of the Maine teams for the bottom of the league this year, so part of it was strength of opponent, but the Ephs look like a VERY different team offensively than they have for the past few years.

First, QB Owen McHugh looks MUCH improved and certainly earned strong consideration for offensive POTW with 5 TDs.  He was making great reads all day and showed off his impressive arm strength.  His accuracy was a bit shaky to start the game but as he got into a rhythm he was putting the ball on a dime.  And man, the biggest difference is that the Ephs all of sudden have weapons on offense EVERYWHERE.  Fischetti is back which is huge but the Ephs took advantage of their TB depth and used him very judiciously.  I'm sure will see more of him in competitive games but Oris and Fischetti look like, essentially, co-starters and both will share the load, which is a great luxury to have. As is Will Sheskey, a straight-ahead power back who can come in and run over tired defenses later in the game. 

And hallelujah, at WR/TE  the Ephs finally have some real dudes; I saw more wide open receivers down the field than I saw in any game all year, and it wasn't close.  Owen Johansen, who was a highly touted recruit at QB/LB, moved to TE/WR this year and had a stellar debut after missing his first year with injury - he lined up all over the place and had four receptions including two for TDs. He is very adept at sneaking into open spaces in the middle of the field and is simply an elite athlete.  Brady Stahelski is back after a strong FY and looked ready to build on that, a big, fast target.  Jack Kennedy, who I believe was hurt all or most of last year, also had an impressive debut, adding another TD for the Ephs.  And Sam Jaffee and Cam Lee are veteran returning weapons who also made big plays.  Ephs didn't use Gehring on offense and maybe will not need to with so many options in the passing game, but a nice ace to have in the hole if needed.  The OL was basically perfect in pass protection and its run blocking improved throughout the course of the game after a dicey start.  Really the only negative for the offense was I think four procedure penalties - need to clean that up for sure.

D was mostly stellar as well. Unfortunately, Uyi Osayimwen, who was hurt most of last year, left the field with an injury.  Hope he can return this year as he's had some really hard luck.  But the Ephs DL has tremendous depth and waves of dudes coming in and out and causing havoc.  The Ephs started two FY LBs and both looked impressive, Zakkai Moore and Luke Mangini.  Mangini, of the great NESCAC bloodlines, in particular had a big game, leading the Ephs in tackles and picking up two TFLs, and will be a candidate I'd expect for defensive ROTY in the league.  I imagine Wesleyan is not thrilled that he got away! The Ephs struggled a bit with the QB run, especially on broken plays, last year and that continued today - really the only thing they need to clean up from today's stellar defensive performance.  Williams clearly has a strong FY class as in addition to the two starting LBs, two FY DL, Yedid and Gale, were a significant part of the very deep DL rotation.

The best unit today for Williams was actually Special Teams. Absolutely perfect all day long especially on kick/punt coverage. 

For Hamilton, not many bright spots.  Kurzum and to a lesser extent his back-up Rubey hurt the Ephs with their legs, but Wildman had nowhere to go against the Eph front. FY WR Boynton looks like a keeper, he is very fast and shifty and made some plays.  He seems like Hamilton's most dangerous offensive weapon by far.     

In other NESCAC action, what a stat line for Amherst's Luke Harmon.  He will be a leading candidate for DPOTY, he is all over the field.   

Right now Wesleyan looks like the team to beat with Trinity as always in the mix. Tufts, maybe also, we will see tonight.  Too early to anoint Williams in that group yet but they certainly looked like a team to watch today.  Midd is the hardest team to peg year to year ...

[jumpshot]

As usual, nescac1's account spot on. Magini the real deal for the EPHS, caught a long gainer from behind by sprinting forty-five yards.

[MapleBBQChicken]

I'm gonna start this off by giving credit to Wesleyan. They completely outplayed Middlebury today and 100% deserved to win the game. They were impressive and the better team today, no doubt about it.

Having given credit where credit is due... what the hell was Coach DiCenzo whining about at the end of the game?? Yelling loudly enough that everyone could hear him from the stands on the other side of the field because Middlebury was running pass plays?? Down 36 with over 5 min left?? Why would you not throw the ball?? You don't pass if you're up big or there's less than a minute to go. But any team in America at any level would throw the ball there. He was also whining and screaming at officials when it was 43-7.

Then after the game Coach Mandigo goes to shake his hand and he starts getting upset again. It was genuinely confusing why in a blowout win he would act like such a [fill in the blank, I don't want my post getting taken down].

I again will credit the Wesleyan team today, and I wish the best for their student-athletes moving forward. Congrats to the Wesleyan fans on this board too, nothing but respect and appreciation for my fellow posters. Coach DiCenzo, on the other hand, should be embarrassed.