FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Nescacman]

We don't want to open up a can of worms at this point in the season (this is usually an off-season discussion), but thought we would share this post from the "In The Huddle" Podcast since it relates to the NESCAC:

https://x.com/FrankRossi/status/1842012159322038775

Very interesting. Thanks @frankrossi and @d3fbhuddle.

[lumbercat]

Fair enough, lumber. That response should have been levied at the broader group of Trinity bashers beyond just you. I admittedly included the gamut of falsehoods spewed about the school and the football program into a single tirade and you're far from responsible for all of them.

Best of luck against the Mules. For what it's worth, I think Coyne is very smart to shift his program to more of an option style attack which was used successfully by Mark Harriman the last time the Bobcats were respectable. I'm sure you recall they had a four year stretch from 2011-2014 where they played .500 football, including their last winning season in 2012 where Bates finished 5-3 winning the CBB in addition to wins over Tufts, Williams and Hamilton).

When you aren't able to get the same type of athletes (for whatever the reasons) as your competition, you need to get creative. The service academies have used this method to stay competitive in FBS for decades.

Trin 9-0

Thanks for hearing me.

I am not a Devanney fan but I have an immense amount of respect for the great Trinity winning tradition.
I have many friends and acquaintances who have played at Trinity over many, many years. 2 guys from my high school class went to Trinity. 

One of those guys who excelled at Trinity was a friend since 6th grade who was the toughest, hardest hitting guy I ever encountered in Football. He was a great leader and Captain in High School and at Trinity. His number should be retired at Trinity as a leader on the 78 Bantam Championship team under Don Miller.

I know a lot about Trinity going back many years and totally respect their great tradition. I may be critical at times as to how the present culture handles winning but I have no loss of respect for them over many years.

[BigKat]

Sometimes gets old when everytime Trinity wins people just want to go back to same line items. Williams , Wesleyan should be berated for the Coaching blunders and not preparing there teams. Just appeared to be a pass to these schools

A lot of mickey mouse football so far. Berluti's class only has one Nescac team that haven't beat. Does Civetti win a big game tomorrow? Stay tuned. Haven't seen Trinity play this year so I can't really have an opinion on the outcome.

Let's hope it's a good one. Best of luck to all the squads tomorrow.

[Trin9-0]

We don't want to open up a can of worms at this point in the season (this is usually an off-season discussion), but thought we would share this post from the "In The Huddle" Podcast since it relates to the NESCAC:

https://x.com/FrankRossi/status/1842012159322038775

Very interesting. Thanks @frankrossi and @d3fbhuddle.

I agree that it's better for an offseason discussion but I will say Frank is spot-on when referencing Title IX as the reason we will eventually see the NESCAC in the D3 playoffs. It's actually somewhat surprising that a lawsuit hasn't taken place.

[Nescacman]

We don't want to open up a can of worms at this point in the season (this is usually an off-season discussion), but thought we would share this post from the "In The Huddle" Podcast since it relates to the NESCAC:

https://x.com/FrankRossi/status/1842012159322038775

Very interesting. Thanks @frankrossi and @d3fbhuddle.

I agree that it's better for an offseason discussion but I will say Frank is spot-on when referencing Title IX as the reason we will eventually see the NESCAC in the D3 playoffs. It's actually somewhat surprising that a lawsuit hasn't taken place.

Hs9-o, for once, we are completely aligned and in agreement. To be continued...on to Week #4!

[Nescacman]

2024 Week 4 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome to Week 4 in the NESCAC "in the league where they pay to play". Another solid week picking NESCAC football 4-1 with our picks last week, we are off to one of our best starts ever picking NESCAC winners.

Our Game of the Week features Hartford State traveling to Medford to face the Jumbo's. Other games that we will be watching are Bowdoin facing the Ephs in Williamstown and Colby facing the Frisky Kitties in the first C-B-B Series game in Waterville under the lights.

Wesleyan University at Hamilton College
Wesleyan NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 3/Total Defense: 5
Hamilton NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 8/Total Defense: 10
Wesleyan will try to rebound against a winless Hamilton squad looking for win #1 in 2024 at home. We have a feeling that Wesleyan will come out firing on all cylinders as they get back some of their walking wounded this week. The Conts do not match-up particularly well against Wesleyan. The Cardinals have run the ball very well thus far in 2024 (2nd in the NESCAC) and Hamilton is last in the NESCAC against the run through 3 games. Meanwhile, Hamilton's defense has given up the most TD passes in the league thus far this year (10). Last game, they pulled the 2023 NESCAC ROTY QB Luke Kurzum after he threw a pick 6 and inserted junior QB Henry Rubey. What does Hamilton do well? They have NESCAC's best punter in Tighe Hoey, who should be on the radar, at least, of NFL scouts. Hamilton WR Chester Boynton leads the NESCAC in receptions. Wesleyan's Chase Wilson leads the NESCAC in receiving yards and is second in TD receptions. Last year, he had a career game against Hamilton with 4 TD receptions and 10 catches. This is the second of four tough games in a row for the Conts.
Why Wesleyan will win: We think this game will be won by Wesleyan in the trenches. Wesleyan's front seven on defense contains the Hamilton running game forcing them to throw leading to turnovers and sacks. Wesleyan runs the ball well leading to long drives and chews up clock.
Why Hamilton will win: Hamilton runs the ball effectively controlling the clock. Kurzum plays well and finds his favorite target, Boynton, early and often.
KTV for Wesleyan: Run the ball to set up the pass. Stop Boynton. Don't allow the big play. Win the turnover battle. Avoid penalties (they lead the NESCAC in that category).
KTV for Hamilton: QB Luke Kurzum needs to have a big day. Run the ball well.
Players to watch: QB Luke Kurzum (HAM), WR Chester Boynton (HAM), DB Kyle Bratcher (HAM), QB Niko Candido (WES), WR Chase Wilson (WES), LB Ben Carbeau (WES), DB Dylan Connors (WES).
Game Summary: Wes needs this win to get their confidence back after a difficult loss last week. We think an angry Wesleyan team shows up and they win in convincing fashion.

Wesleyan 31 Hamilton 14
Point Spread: Wesleyan -14
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel): Partly cloudy. High of 68.

Bowdoin College at Williams College
Bowdoin NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 7/Total Defense: 8
Williams NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 4/Total Defense: 7
Bowdoin coming off their first win of the year travels to Williamstown to face the Purple Cows. Williams will try to rebound after losing their first game of the year. Williams had a tough day defensively against Hartford State allowing 45 (unanswered) points, 478 of total offense, 366 passing yards, and not forcing a turnover. They will need to tighten it up to beat a tough Polar Bear squad. Williams, not surprisingly, leads the NESCAC in rushing lead by RBs Mario Fischetti and Jon Oris and QB Owen McHugh. McHugh has also been good through the air tossing 6 TDs and only 1 INT thus far in 2024. Williams has been very good on 3rd down in 2024 leading the NESCAC through 3 weeks. QB Robbie Long leads the Polars and is 4th in the NESCAC in rushing and 5th in total offense. LB/DL Koy Price has been stellar. He is 2nd in the NESCAC in tackles for loss with 5 and 2nd in sacks with 3.5.  Bowdoin is 9th in the NESCAC in pass defense so they have been susceptible to the pass. Bowdoin's high pressure defensive scheme has led to 8 sacks (4th in the NESCAC, 2 behind the leaders).
Why Bowdoin will win: They have the momentum after getting win #1 last week albeit against winless Hamilton. Robbie Long has a big day through the air picking up where he left off last week. Team always plays very hard for HCOF Hammer.
Why Williams will win: Williams usually plays well at home. Williams runs the ball effectively. Secondary steps up and has a good game,
KTV for Bowdoin: Run the ball well. Stop the Williams running game. Play a full game.
KTV for Williams: Use the run to set-up the pass. Secondary needs to play better. Continue to avoid turnovers. Put some pressure on Bowdoin QB Long.
Players to watch: QB Owen McHugh (WIL), LB Luke Mangini (WIL), RB Mario Fischetti (WIL), RB Jon Oris (WIL), LB Koy Price (BOW), QB Robbie Long (BOW), DL Aidan Ready (BOW)
Game Summary: Very important game for both teams. Williams trying to stay in the NESCAC title hunt and Bowdoin try to get back to .500 on the year. We expect a relatively close game, with Williams coming away with the win at home. If Williams takes the Polars lightly, they could be in for a surprise.

Williams 20 Bowdoin 14
Point Spread: Williams -6
Weather: Partly Cloudy. High of 69.

Middlebury College at Amherst College
Middlebury NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 5/Total Defense: 9
Amherst NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 10/Total Defense: 3
Another year, another struggling offense for the Lord Mammoths. Amherst last 4 seasons NESCAC offensive ranking: 2021 (9th), 2022 (10th), 2023 (9th-By less than a yard), and 2024 (10th through 3 games). Not going to get easier for the Lord Mammoths this week as they face a Middlebury defense that has played well the past 2 weeks. Meanwhile, the Amherst defense has been typically solid. Middlebury did score 24 points last week against a good Colby defense. Lord Mammoths new quarterback, Mason Morrow, the OPOTW from two weeks ago was pulled in last week's game and replaced by one of last year's starters, John Collier.  Amherst had had their issues running the ball in 2024 (last in the NESCAC), so decent QB play would certainly help. Amherst has done a good job of protecting the QB (only 1 sack allowed thus far in 2024)  and Middlebury rushes the QB well (leads the NESCAC with 10) so that battle will be interesting to watch.
Why Middlebury will win: The Middlebury defense completely shuts down the struggling Lord Mammoth offense. QB Brian Moran and the Panther offense score just enough points to win. The Middlebury offensive line must be better as they have allowed the most sacks in the league through 3 weeks. However, their defensive leads the NESCAC in sacks.
Why Amherst will win: QB Morrow plays like two weeks ago. Defense completely shuts down Middlebury leading to a Lord Mammoth low-scoring win.
KTV for Middlebury: Don't allow Amherst's offense to have any success to build confidence. Force turnovers like Tufts did last week against Amherst.
KTV for Amherst: Defense needs to be strong. Generate some offense. Avoid the turnover.
Players to watch: QB Mason Morrow (AMH), WR Owen Gaydos (AMH), LB Luke Harmon (AMH), QB Brian Moran (MID), WR Patrick Jamin (MID), DL Tomas Kenary (MID), DT Dave Filias (MID), DB Rocco Stolla (MID).
Game Summary: We expect Amherst's defense to keep this game somewhat close and low scoring. However, the Lord Mammoths do not have enough playmakers to beat a quality team like Middlebury.
 
Middlebury 21 Amherst 7
Point Spread: Middlebury -10
Weather: Mostly Sunny. High of 73.

University of Bates (Lewiston Campus) at Colby College (7:00 PM kick)
UBates NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 9/Total Defense: 4
Colby NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 6/Total Defense: 6
125th meeting between these two Maine rivals. UBates has not won the C-B-B crown since 2017. Colby has played better than their 0-3 record losing their 3 games by a combined 23 points. Their closest game was at home against Williams where they play UBates this week. UBates is coming off arguably the biggest win in the "Coyne era" and will have lots of positive momentum coming into this rivalry game. RB Ryan Linskey was last week's 'CAC OPOTW and leads the NESCAC in rushing and is second in TDs. WR Sergio Beltran returned last week for the Kitties. On the other sideline, Colby's Keon Smart is third in rushing and WR Duke Ferrara is 3rd in receptions. Defensively, UBates LB Ryan Rozich is 3rd in tackles, DB Marquez Narvaez-Estrada leads the NESCAC in pass break-ups, Colby's LB Julian Young is once again among the league leaders in tackles (4th), and DE Jack Mullen leads the NESCAC in sacks with 4.5 in 3 games. This is the first game in the annual C-B-B series and will be played under the lights in Waterville. The Frisky Kitties have run the ball well and have defended the run well.  Colby is number one against the run in the NESCAC so it will be strength against strength this week. The Mules have not been good in pass coverage (10th in the NESCAC) but UBates has only thrown 44 passes through 3 weeks and is last in passing yards in the league. Despite only throwing 8 passes last week, UBates completed 7 including one for over 80 yards for a TD (a new UBates team record). 
Why UBates will win: Carry over momentum from Win #1. Good running game. Young team gaining confidence.
Why Colby will win: Good defense. Julian Young is the best player on the field. Home, rivalry game. Hungry for win #1.
KTV for UBates: Run the ball. effectively. Avoid 3rd and long. Win the turnover battle as they did against Wesleyan.
KTV for Colby: Need to stop the Kitties running game to force them to throw. Create turnovers.
Players to watch: QB Miles Drake (COL), WR Duke Ferrara (COL), RB Keon Smart. (COL), LB Julian Young (COL), DE Jack Mullen (COL), QB Colton Bosselait (UB), QB Seneca Moore (UB), RB Ryan Lynskey (UB), LB Ryan Rozich (UB)
Game Summary: C-B-B game at night at Colby should be fun. We think Colby's defense steps up and controls the UBates flex option attack. We think the Kitties have a bit of a letdown after their emotional win last week.

Colby 20 UBates 17
Point Spread: Colby -3
Weather: Mainly Clear. Low of 47.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Hartford State College at Tufts University
Hartford State NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 1/Total Defense: 2
Tufts NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 2/Total Defense: 1
Top two teams in the NESCAC (statistically) face off against each other at Tufts. Last win for the Jumbo's against Hartford State was in 2019 and the Jumbo's have only won 1 of the last 15 games against the Bantams. Last 4 games between these 2 teams at Ellis Oval have been one score games. Both coaches are Hartford State alums and Bantam HCOF Devanney is second in the nation among active D3 coaches in terms of winning percentage. Both teams coming off big wins against Little 3 foes. Hartford State appears to be getting stronger as the year goes by. One of the few weaknesses for Hartford State has been their run defense (8th in the NESCAC) which is uncharacteristic for this Program. Their offensive line has also allowed more sacks than they typically do but that may be more of a function of having a QB that scrambles and moves the pocket a bit more than the previous QB did as he was more of a pocket passer. Although Tufts has thrown for a lot of yards, surprisingly, QB Michael Berlutti only has 1 TD pass thus far in 2024. The Jumbo's need to be better in the red zone. They only have 4 TDs in 12 red zone possessions. The Bantams feature a bevy of playmakers, including their QB, 2 RBs, and 2 stellar WRs. Tufts has several playmakers as well including two excellent receivers in Cade Moore and Matt Rios. This game could come down to special teams and, despite having the best kicker in the NESCAC through 3 games (Vaughn Seelicke), Tufts special teams have had some struggles. Meanwhile, the Bantams features an excellent kicker, Matt Jumes, as well, who has nailed all 12 of his PAT attempts and has kicked 2 FGs.
Why Hartford State will win: Well, let's start out with the fact that they have won 7 straight games and 28 of their last 30 games dating back to 2021. They play very well against the Jumbo's and have had success containing QB Berlutti. Maybe not the best Bantam squad of all-time but they have had more than enough to go 3-0 so far.
Why Tufts will win: It begins and ends with the Senior QB. If he has the kind of game he is capable of, they have a punchers chance at a win.
KTV for Hartford State: Stop Berlutti. Contain the Tufts WRs. Avoid turnovers. Contain the penalties.
KTV for Tufts: Capitalize on homefield advantage. Avoid special team's errors and turnovers.
Players to watch: QB Zander Zebrowski (HS), RB Tyler Dinapoli (HS), RB Jack Tosone (HS), WR Sean Clapp (HS), WR Nolan O'Brien (HS), WR QB Michael Berlutti (TUF), WR Cade Moore (TUF), WR Matt Rios (TUF).
Game Summary: We think this game will be closer, maybe, than the Hartford State fans would want. We think the difference here is the HS running game. It is better than the Jumbo's running game and that may be the difference. This game could be a shoot-out. We'll take the Bantams in a nailbiter (games are typically close at Ellis Oval between these 2 teams), although it would not surprise us to see Tufts capitalize on having the homefield advantage and coming away with the win.

Hartford State 24 Tufts 21
Point Spread: Hartford State -3
Weather: Mostly Sunny. High of 66.


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

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2024 Season: 13-2
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: 336-109 (.755 winning percentage)

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Follow NESCACMAN on X (aka Twitter) @realnescacman

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Episode 4 now available!

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Episode 4 featuring Bates College Head Football Coach Matt Coyne and Former Trinity College All-NESCAC DL Cooper Mandel available now! Please join us for our objective weekly game analysis, previews, picks, and more!

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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

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[The Ghost of John Wesley]

I think I still have a bit of shell shock from watching Wes lose to Bates by two scores last weekend. I expect they bounce back and win big this week against Hamilton, but that loss definitely took the wind out of my sails after the way the team started the season. 

The best case scenario for Wes now is to win out and hope for a win against Trinity last week of the year for a shared title (I don't see Trinity losing before then). But if Trinity is going to drop a game this year, it seems like this would be the week.

But you never know. That's why the games are played and not just simulated.

[westcoastnescac]

Predicting another shutout this year for the polars.

[Trin9-0]

I think I still have a bit of shell shock from watching Wes lose to Bates by two scores last weekend. I expect they bounce back and win big this week against Hamilton, but that loss definitely took the wind out of my sails after the way the team started the season. 

The best case scenario for Wes now is to win out and hope for a win against Trinity last week of the year for a shared title (I don't see Trinity losing before then). But if Trinity is going to drop a game this year, it seems like this would be the week.

But you never know. That's why the games are played and not just simulated.

Wesleyan should be favored in every game outside of their trip to Trinity and the Bants could very well drop a game (most likely) at Tufts and/or at Middlebury along the way so all hope for a NESCAC title is not lost in Middletown.

[Nescacman]

I think I still have a bit of shell shock from watching Wes lose to Bates by two scores last weekend. I expect they bounce back and win big this week against Hamilton, but that loss definitely took the wind out of my sails after the way the team started the season. 

The best case scenario for Wes now is to win out and hope for a win against Trinity last week of the year for a shared title (I don't see Trinity losing before then). But if Trinity is going to drop a game this year, it seems like this would be the week.

But you never know. That's why the games are played and not just simulated.

We're with ya J. Wes...

We have our game faces on gearing up with some pre-game poker at Turning Stone, about the only thing going on in Western NY on a Friday night in October (with the Orangemen at UNLV). #rollcards

[MapleBBQChicken]

Middlebury College at Amherst College
Middlebury NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 5/Total Defense: 9
Amherst NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 10/Total Defense: 3
Another year, another struggling offense for the Lord Mammoths. Amherst last 4 seasons NESCAC offensive ranking: 2021 (9th), 2022 (10th), 2023 (9th-By less than a yard), and 2024 (10th through 3 games). Not going to get easier for the Lord Mammoths this week as they face a Middlebury defense that has played well the past 2 weeks. Meanwhile, the Amherst defense has been typically solid. Middlebury did score 24 points last week against a good Colby defense. Lord Mammoths new quarterback, Mason Morrow, the OPOTW from two weeks ago was pulled in last week's game and replaced by one of last year's starters, John Collier.  Amherst had had their issues running the ball in 2024 (last in the NESCAC), so decent QB play would certainly help. Amherst has done a good job of protecting the QB (only 1 sack allowed thus far in 2024)  and Middlebury rushes the QB well (leads the NESCAC with 10) so that battle will be interesting to watch.
Why Middlebury will win: The Middlebury defense completely shuts down the struggling Lord Mammoth offense. QB Brian Moran and the Panther offense score just enough points to win. The Middlebury offensive line must be better as they have allowed the most sacks in the league through 3 weeks. However, their defensive leads the NESCAC in sacks.
Why Amherst will win: QB Morrow plays like two weeks ago. Defense completely shuts down Middlebury leading to a Lord Mammoth low-scoring win.
KTV for Middlebury: Don't allow Amherst's offense to have any success to build confidence. Force turnovers like Tufts did last week against Amherst.
KTV for Amherst: Defense needs to be strong. Generate some offense. Avoid the turnover.
Players to watch: QB Mason Morrow (AMH), WR Owen Gaydos (AMH), LB Luke Harmon (AMH), QB Brian Moran (MID), WR Patrick Jamin (MID), DL Tomas Kenary (MID), DT Dave Filias (MID), DB Rocco Stolla (MID).
Game Summary: We expect Amherst's defense to keep this game somewhat close and low scoring. However, the Lord Mammoths do not have enough playmakers to beat a quality team like Middlebury.
 
Middlebury 21 Amherst 7
Point Spread: Middlebury -10
Weather: Mostly Sunny. High of 73.

I think this analysis is pretty spot on. I also think Middlebury wins a somewhat close, low-scoring game. As a Panther fan I'd like to see some more sustained offense; we relied a little too much on big plays against Colby. I do think the Midd defense, which continues to improve each week, is capable of completely stonewalling the weak Amherst offense and keeping a 0 on the scoreboard.

The piece of analysis I'd like to add is special teams, which matters more than ever in a close and low-scoring game. Middlebury place kicker Zach Levy is a perfect 10/10 on field goals and extra points this year, including a no-doubter from 44 yards out against Colby. Kickoff kicker Tony Wang has 13 touchbacks on 15 kickoffs, easily the most in the conference, and he's averaging 60.9 yards/kickoff, which also leads the conference. Meanwhile, a duo of Amherst kickers are 2/5 on field goals with a missed extra point, and they rank 9th in the conference in touchbacks and fall in the bottom half in return yards allowed. I gave Middlebury's freshman punter, Ty Brinkmann, a shoutout last week for the important role some monster punts played in field position, and I think that could matter again too.

Of course, statistics and past performance only mean so much, but I think strong ST play will help Middlebury get it done in Western Mass.

[lumbercat]

Predicting another shutout this year for the polars.

Against who?

[BigKat]

2024 Week 4 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome to Week 4 in the NESCAC "in the league where they pay to play". Another solid week picking NESCAC football 4-1 with our picks last week, we are off to one of our best starts ever picking NESCAC winners.

Our Game of the Week features Hartford State traveling to Medford to face the Jumbo's. Other games that we will be watching are Bowdoin facing the Ephs in Williamstown and Colby facing the Frisky Kitties in the first C-B-B Series game in Waterville under the lights.

Wesleyan University at Hamilton College
Wesleyan NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 3/Total Defense: 5
Hamilton NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 8/Total Defense: 10
Wesleyan will try to rebound against a winless Hamilton squad looking for win #1 in 2024 at home. We have a feeling that Wesleyan will come out firing on all cylinders as they get back some of their walking wounded this week. The Conts do not match-up particularly well against Wesleyan. The Cardinals have run the ball very well thus far in 2024 (2nd in the NESCAC) and Hamilton is last in the NESCAC against the run through 3 games. Meanwhile, Hamilton's defense has given up the most TD passes in the league thus far this year (10). Last game, they pulled the 2023 NESCAC ROTY QB Luke Kurzum after he threw a pick 6 and inserted junior QB Henry Rubey. What does Hamilton do well? They have NESCAC's best punter in Tighe Hoey, who should be on the radar, at least, of NFL scouts. Hamilton WR Chester Boynton leads the NESCAC in receptions. Wesleyan's Chase Wilson leads the NESCAC in receiving yards and is second in TD receptions. Last year, he had a career game against Hamilton with 4 TD receptions and 10 catches. This is the second of four tough games in a row for the Conts.
Why Wesleyan will win: We think this game will be won by Wesleyan in the trenches. Wesleyan's front seven on defense contains the Hamilton running game forcing them to throw leading to turnovers and sacks. Wesleyan runs the ball well leading to long drives and chews up clock.
Why Hamilton will win: Hamilton runs the ball effectively controlling the clock. Kurzum plays well and finds his favorite target, Boynton, early and often.
KTV for Wesleyan: Run the ball to set up the pass. Stop Boynton. Don't allow the big play. Win the turnover battle. Avoid penalties (they lead the NESCAC in that category).
KTV for Hamilton: QB Luke Kurzum needs to have a big day. Run the ball well.
Players to watch: QB Luke Kurzum (HAM), WR Chester Boynton (HAM), DB Kyle Bratcher (HAM), QB Niko Candido (WES), WR Chase Wilson (WES), LB Ben Carbeau (WES), DB Dylan Connors (WES).
Game Summary: Wes needs this win to get their confidence back after a difficult loss last week. We think an angry Wesleyan team shows up and they win in convincing fashion.

Wesleyan 31 Hamilton 14
Point Spread: Wesleyan -14
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel): Partly cloudy. High of 68.

Bowdoin College at Williams College
Bowdoin NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 7/Total Defense: 8
Williams NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 4/Total Defense: 7
Bowdoin coming off their first win of the year travels to Williamstown to face the Purple Cows. Williams will try to rebound after losing their first game of the year. Williams had a tough day defensively against Hartford State allowing 45 (unanswered) points, 478 of total offense, 366 passing yards, and not forcing a turnover. They will need to tighten it up to beat a tough Polar Bear squad. Williams, not surprisingly, leads the NESCAC in rushing lead by RBs Mario Fischetti and Jon Oris and QB Owen McHugh. McHugh has also been good through the air tossing 6 TDs and only 1 INT thus far in 2024. Williams has been very good on 3rd down in 2024 leading the NESCAC through 3 weeks. QB Robbie Long leads the Polars and is 4th in the NESCAC in rushing and 5th in total offense. LB/DL Koy Price has been stellar. He is 2nd in the NESCAC in tackles for loss with 5 and 2nd in sacks with 3.5.  Bowdoin is 9th in the NESCAC in pass defense so they have been susceptible to the pass. Bowdoin's high pressure defensive scheme has led to 8 sacks (4th in the NESCAC, 2 behind the leaders).
Why Bowdoin will win: They have the momentum after getting win #1 last week albeit against winless Hamilton. Robbie Long has a big day through the air picking up where he left off last week. Team always plays very hard for HCOF Hammer.
Why Williams will win: Williams usually plays well at home. Williams runs the ball effectively. Secondary steps up and has a good game,
KTV for Bowdoin: Run the ball well. Stop the Williams running game. Play a full game.
KTV for Williams: Use the run to set-up the pass. Secondary needs to play better. Continue to avoid turnovers. Put some pressure on Bowdoin QB Long.
Players to watch: QB Owen McHugh (WIL), LB Luke Mangini (WIL), RB Mario Fischetti (WIL), RB Jon Oris (WIL), LB Koy Price (BOW), QB Robbie Long (BOW), DL Aidan Ready (BOW)
Game Summary: Very important game for both teams. Williams trying to stay in the NESCAC title hunt and Bowdoin try to get back to .500 on the year. We expect a relatively close game, with Williams coming away with the win at home. If Williams takes the Polars lightly, they could be in for a surprise.

Williams 20 Bowdoin 14
Point Spread: Williams -6
Weather: Partly Cloudy. High of 69.

Middlebury College at Amherst College
Middlebury NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 5/Total Defense: 9
Amherst NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 10/Total Defense: 3
Another year, another struggling offense for the Lord Mammoths. Amherst last 4 seasons NESCAC offensive ranking: 2021 (9th), 2022 (10th), 2023 (9th-By less than a yard), and 2024 (10th through 3 games). Not going to get easier for the Lord Mammoths this week as they face a Middlebury defense that has played well the past 2 weeks. Meanwhile, the Amherst defense has been typically solid. Middlebury did score 24 points last week against a good Colby defense. Lord Mammoths new quarterback, Mason Morrow, the OPOTW from two weeks ago was pulled in last week's game and replaced by one of last year's starters, John Collier.  Amherst had had their issues running the ball in 2024 (last in the NESCAC), so decent QB play would certainly help. Amherst has done a good job of protecting the QB (only 1 sack allowed thus far in 2024)  and Middlebury rushes the QB well (leads the NESCAC with 10) so that battle will be interesting to watch.
Why Middlebury will win: The Middlebury defense completely shuts down the struggling Lord Mammoth offense. QB Brian Moran and the Panther offense score just enough points to win. The Middlebury offensive line must be better as they have allowed the most sacks in the league through 3 weeks. However, their defensive leads the NESCAC in sacks.
Why Amherst will win: QB Morrow plays like two weeks ago. Defense completely shuts down Middlebury leading to a Lord Mammoth low-scoring win.
KTV for Middlebury: Don't allow Amherst's offense to have any success to build confidence. Force turnovers like Tufts did last week against Amherst.
KTV for Amherst: Defense needs to be strong. Generate some offense. Avoid the turnover.
Players to watch: QB Mason Morrow (AMH), WR Owen Gaydos (AMH), LB Luke Harmon (AMH), QB Brian Moran (MID), WR Patrick Jamin (MID), DL Tomas Kenary (MID), DT Dave Filias (MID), DB Rocco Stolla (MID).
Game Summary: We expect Amherst's defense to keep this game somewhat close and low scoring. However, the Lord Mammoths do not have enough playmakers to beat a quality team like Middlebury.
 
Middlebury 21 Amherst 7
Point Spread: Middlebury -10
Weather: Mostly Sunny. High of 73.

University of Bates (Lewiston Campus) at Colby College (7:00 PM kick)
UBates NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 9/Total Defense: 4
Colby NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 6/Total Defense: 6
125th meeting between these two Maine rivals. UBates has not won the C-B-B crown since 2017. Colby has played better than their 0-3 record losing their 3 games by a combined 23 points. Their closest game was at home against Williams where they play UBates this week. UBates is coming off arguably the biggest win in the "Coyne era" and will have lots of positive momentum coming into this rivalry game. RB Ryan Linskey was last week's 'CAC OPOTW and leads the NESCAC in rushing and is second in TDs. WR Sergio Beltran returned last week for the Kitties. On the other sideline, Colby's Keon Smart is third in rushing and WR Duke Ferrara is 3rd in receptions. Defensively, UBates LB Ryan Rozich is 3rd in tackles, DB Marquez Narvaez-Estrada leads the NESCAC in pass break-ups, Colby's LB Julian Young is once again among the league leaders in tackles (4th), and DE Jack Mullen leads the NESCAC in sacks with 4.5 in 3 games. This is the first game in the annual C-B-B series and will be played under the lights in Waterville. The Frisky Kitties have run the ball well and have defended the run well.  Colby is number one against the run in the NESCAC so it will be strength against strength this week. The Mules have not been good in pass coverage (10th in the NESCAC) but UBates has only thrown 44 passes through 3 weeks and is last in passing yards in the league. Despite only throwing 8 passes last week, UBates completed 7 including one for over 80 yards for a TD (a new UBates team record). 
Why UBates will win: Carry over momentum from Win #1. Good running game. Young team gaining confidence.
Why Colby will win: Good defense. Julian Young is the best player on the field. Home, rivalry game. Hungry for win #1.
KTV for UBates: Run the ball. effectively. Avoid 3rd and long. Win the turnover battle as they did against Wesleyan.
KTV for Colby: Need to stop the Kitties running game to force them to throw. Create turnovers.
Players to watch: QB Miles Drake (COL), WR Duke Ferrara (COL), RB Keon Smart. (COL), LB Julian Young (COL), DE Jack Mullen (COL), QB Colton Bosselait (UB), QB Seneca Moore (UB), RB Ryan Lynskey (UB), LB Ryan Rozich (UB)
Game Summary: C-B-B game at night at Colby should be fun. We think Colby's defense steps up and controls the UBates flex option attack. We think the Kitties have a bit of a letdown after their emotional win last week.

Colby 20 UBates 17
Point Spread: Colby -3
Weather: Mainly Clear. Low of 47.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Hartford State College at Tufts University
Hartford State NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 1/Total Defense: 2
Tufts NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 2/Total Defense: 1
Top two teams in the NESCAC (statistically) face off against each other at Tufts. Last win for the Jumbo's against Hartford State was in 2019 and the Jumbo's have only won 1 of the last 15 games against the Bantams. Last 4 games between these 2 teams at Ellis Oval have been one score games. Both coaches are Hartford State alums and Bantam HCOF Devanney is second in the nation among active D3 coaches in terms of winning percentage. Both teams coming off big wins against Little 3 foes. Hartford State appears to be getting stronger as the year goes by. One of the few weaknesses for Hartford State has been their run defense (8th in the NESCAC) which is uncharacteristic for this Program. Their offensive line has also allowed more sacks than they typically do but that may be more of a function of having a QB that scrambles and moves the pocket a bit more than the previous QB did as he was more of a pocket passer. Although Tufts has thrown for a lot of yards, surprisingly, QB Michael Berlutti only has 1 TD pass thus far in 2024. The Jumbo's need to be better in the red zone. They only have 4 TDs in 12 red zone possessions. The Bantams feature a bevy of playmakers, including their QB, 2 RBs, and 2 stellar WRs. Tufts has several playmakers as well including two excellent receivers in Cade Moore and Matt Rios. This game could come down to special teams and, despite having the best kicker in the NESCAC through 3 games (Vaughn Seelicke), Tufts special teams have had some struggles. Meanwhile, the Bantams features an excellent kicker, Matt Jumes, as well, who has nailed all 12 of his PAT attempts and has kicked 2 FGs.
Why Hartford State will win: Well, let's start out with the fact that they have won 7 straight games and 28 of their last 30 games dating back to 2021. They play very well against the Jumbo's and have had success containing QB Berlutti. Maybe not the best Bantam squad of all-time but they have had more than enough to go 3-0 so far.
Why Tufts will win: It begins and ends with the Senior QB. If he has the kind of game he is capable of, they have a punchers chance at a win.
KTV for Hartford State: Stop Berlutti. Contain the Tufts WRs. Avoid turnovers. Contain the penalties.
KTV for Tufts: Capitalize on homefield advantage. Avoid special team's errors and turnovers.
Players to watch: QB Zander Zebrowski (HS), RB Tyler Dinapoli (HS), RB Jack Tosone (HS), WR Sean Clapp (HS), WR Nolan O'Brien (HS), WR QB Michael Berlutti (TUF), WR Cade Moore (TUF), WR Matt Rios (TUF).
Game Summary: We think this game will be closer, maybe, than the Hartford State fans would want. We think the difference here is the HS running game. It is better than the Jumbo's running game and that may be the difference. This game could be a shoot-out. We'll take the Bantams in a nailbiter (games are typically close at Ellis Oval between these 2 teams), although it would not surprise us to see Tufts capitalize on having the homefield advantage and coming away with the win.

Hartford State 24 Tufts 21
Point Spread: Hartford State -3
Weather: Mostly Sunny. High of 66.


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

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2024 Season: 13-2
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: 336-109 (.755 winning percentage)

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Follow NESCACMAN on X (aka Twitter) @realnescacman

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Episode 4 now available!

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

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Funny stuff NM and I love your blind loyalty to these kids...... but I have to call you out here though as you clearly aren't tied in to NFL ST standards or shall I say the bar of entry to even " get a look". There are literally 100 better punters than the Hamilton kid in the college ranks and 30 of them are Aussies in their mid to late twenties. A really unfortunate trend taking spots from 18 year old US kids but a topic for a different day. He's a great d3 punter no doubt but let's keep the hyperbole for your Wes broadcasts

[monjmafb]

Been meaning to do this for a while - ranking the NESCAC tailgate locations from a visitor perspective with 3 key criteria: 1) proximity to the field 2) availability of parking and 3) quality of the location.

1. Middlebury - right next to the field, easy parking, great views and on grass.
2. Williams
3. Hamilton
4. Colby
5. Amherst
6. Tufts
7. Bowdoin
8. Trinity
9. Bates
10. Wesleyan  - long walk to the field and limited parking

[BigKat]

Been meaning to do this for a while - ranking the NESCAC tailgate locations from a visitor perspective with 3 key criteria: 1) proximity to the field 2) availability of parking and 3) quality of the location.

1. Middlebury - right next to the field, easy parking, great views and on grass.
2. Williams
3. Hamilton
4. Colby
5. Amherst
6. Tufts
7. Bowdoin
8. Trinity
9. Bates
10. Wesleyan  - long walk to the field and limited parking

Wesleyan's is literally right next to the field . They'd be 10 on my field quality rankings but their tailgate scene is great . For my money , 18 at Taconic and rolling into the Williams' tailgate parking lot off the last green is hard to beat. Tufts is a really good take now as well as they've improved the game day experience tenfold in the last few years .