FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[NescacNewbie]

Bates at Wesleyan -  close (Wesleyan wins but keeps the margin of victory low)
Colby at Middlebury - close (toss-up)
Hamilton at Bowdoin - not close (Bowdoin hits on all phases of game)
Williams at Trinity - close (Trinity W)
Amherst at Tufts -    close (toss-up)

I would love to see four close games this week. It would be an entertaining symptom of the parity that has been one of the talking points on the board this year. However, I think one or more of these four will not be very close. I would not be surprised if Trinity returns to the form we're used to and wins by a few scores, and I think Wesleyan will handle Bates easily.

I think Tufts will beat Amherst, but agree that one will be at least relatively close (and likely low scoring). Middlebury and Colby is the true toss-up. Of course I hope Middlebury picks up where they left off in the second half last week and wins comfortably, but Colby has been a thorn in our side for the last few years. Since almost spoiling Midd's 9-0 season in 2019 in a game that ended 27-26, our last three meetings have resulted in a Colby win and Middlebury wins by 3 and by 7. Should be a fun one, and I'm looking forward to being there.

I agree that this may be a great, close game. Colby has given Middlebury fits the past few years.
Colby 20, Middlebury 13

[The Mole]

Computer is 0-2 on Middlebury this year, hard to think it goes 0-3, especially with Pants at home. Parity is not the right description of the league. From the Oxford dictionary: "parity: the state or condition of being equal, especially regarding status or pay." However, top to bottom, there is as much competitive balance in the league than in recent memory and the title seems to be "up for grabs." 3 of the games this Saturday could/should be close, and not a reach to say all 5 may be at least competitive into the 2nd half. Hard to fathom season will be 1/3 over Saturday evening.

[GroundandPound]

https://nescacfootballreport.com/weekly-previews/

[Nescacman]

NESCACMAN game previews, picks, and spreads will be posted tomorrow (Friday).

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Episode 3 featuring Williams Head Coach Mark Raymond and current University of New Hampshire and former Wesleyan WR Logan Tomlinson available Friday.

Look for the podcast on YouTube and Spotify.

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

Follow us on X (aka Twitter): @nineweeksnescac
Follow us on Instagram: @nineweeksnescac
Facebook: Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/141Ru3gKgk/)
YouTube: 9 Weeks Nescac

[Laravit]

Big key to victory for Williams vs. Trinity will be replacing their lackluster left guard. He has seemed gassed and overwhelmed in both matchups so far. Talented recruits Ethan Shames and Will Robke could look to fill that position. I just cannot see a scenario where he takes the field on Saturday. Many instances of undiscipline, head-scratching plays from him vs. Colby that forced scrambles. I'm sure the kid shows up and works hard, but the Ephs really need a solution there to see sustained success for the remainder of the season.

[lumbercat]

In many years of following this board I've never seen an attack on an individual kid like that- and on offensive lineman no less. While you haven't identified him by name you have singled him out.
What is your motivation for a post like that- wonder about your connection with the 2 players you suggest as replacements.
Why not suggest that Williams needs to have better OL play or avoid QB hurries and sacks?
Cheap, bush league post.

[The Ghost of John Wesley]

Big key to victory for Williams vs. Trinity will be replacing their lackluster left guard. He has seemed gassed and overwhelmed in both matchups so far. Talented recruits Ethan Shames and Will Robke could look to fill that position. I just cannot see a scenario where he takes the field on Saturday. Many instances of undiscipline, head-scratching plays from him vs. Colby that forced scrambles. I'm sure the kid shows up and works hard, but the Ephs really need a solution there to see sustained success for the remainder of the season.

[tips hat]
How do you do, Mr. and Mrs. Robke/Shames. Welcome to the boards!

[BantChamps]

In many years of following this board I've never seen an attack on an individual kid like that- and on offensive lineman no less. While you haven't identified him by name you have singled him out.
What is your motivation for a post like that- wonder about your connection with the 2 players you suggest as replacements.
Why not suggest that Williams needs to have better OL play or avoid QB hurries and sacks?
Cheap, bush league post.

Never? Need I remind you about NESCACMAN and his accomplices' constant belittling and mudslinging of the Bantams former QB for the last 3 years? Not that I am trying to justify this post, but never is just wrong.

[EphsML]

Williams OL play has looked a little sluggish since the departure of Harry Walsh at right tackle. Big test this week against a Bantams team in Hartford.

[Ephswatcher101]

Williams OL play has looked a little sluggish since the departure of Harry Walsh at right tackle. Big test this week against a Bantams team in Hartford.

Agreed he was a STAPLE!

[Laravit]

Williams OL play has looked a little sluggish since the departure of Harry Walsh at right tackle. Big test this week against a Bantams team in Hartford.

Undoubtedly, this is a better way of looking at my take on the line play of the Ephs. Hank Walsh was a special player for sure. The 1-2 punch of him and John Freeman brought the boom, for sure.

[Nescacman]

In many years of following this board I've never seen an attack on an individual kid like that- and on offensive lineman no less. While you haven't identified him by name you have singled him out.
What is your motivation for a post like that- wonder about your connection with the 2 players you suggest as replacements.
Why not suggest that Williams needs to have better OL play or avoid QB hurries and sacks?
Cheap, bush league post.

Never? Need I remind you about NESCACMAN and his accomplices' constant belittling and mudslinging of the Bantams former QB for the last 3 years? Not that I am trying to justify this post, but never is just wrong.

We have to defend ourselves here....our commentary on the former Hartford State all-league QB were mostly (and obviously) tongue-in-cheek. He was a very talented player who led the Bants to championships and many wins in the NESCAC. We were, at times, critical of some of his non-playing behaviors (as others on this Board were) but frankly, in retrospect, they were probably more out of his passion for the game and desire to win. Kudo's to him. He was a great player. BTW, we have been in touch directly with Spencer and have told him that directly. We hope to have him on our podcast at some point in the future.

We do think the post directed at the Ephs offensive lineman was over the top and inappropriate.

NM

[Laravit]

Big key to victory for Williams vs. Trinity will be replacing their lackluster left guard. He has seemed gassed and overwhelmed in both matchups so far. Talented recruits Ethan Shames and Will Robke could look to fill that position. I just cannot see a scenario where he takes the field on Saturday. Many instances of undiscipline, head-scratching plays from him vs. Colby that forced scrambles. I'm sure the kid shows up and works hard, but the Ephs really need a solution there to see sustained success for the remainder of the season.

I know current athletes from the NESCAC read these boards, but they are 18-23 year old men. I'm sure that they can handle an honest critique of their play from someone who watched them in action. The film does not lie, and neither will their coaches. I noticed some glaring mistakes (MAs, running the wrong play, missed blocks, etc.) on some crucial downs across both games the Ephs have played this year. Simply called it how I saw it, with no reflection of the young man's character or work-ethic. In all honesty I hope he is able to improve through the season.

[lumbercat]

You could have critiqued the situation merely by alluding to the issues as you described them in your second post.
Slamming an individual O lineman AND suggesting his replacement is a totally classless agenda.

[GroundandPound]

Nothing shows a person's high-moral character, intelligence, and toughness more than a blog post ripping into an amateur college football player by name who plays for a NESCAC college.