FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[BantChamps]

Lost 24-13 at home v. a 1-4 team and now going to Maine to play a surging 2-4 team. 
I'd call that one a toss-up.

Not in relation to the unfortunate beatdown the Pants will incur on Saturday...hope we are wrong, but this game won't be close.

Nescacman,

I think the matchup in Brunswick seems more pressing for than Wesleyan faithful than the game in Vermont (Panthers + 110). I'm really curious to see how the Wesleyan offensive line and rushing attack adjust from last week. My film study of the Wesleyan v Colby game showed many lapses among the offensive line. From what appeared to be missed assignments, poor schemes, etc, I believe this Bowdoin front 8 will give them fits. I like Bowdoin in this one. 

Maybe other board members know this, but why does it say "Junior Varsity" next to my name? I've never played a snap of JV ball in my life. I was a 4 year varsity letterman, so maybe board admin can adjust this error for me.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

Post a lot and you will be varsity.  You have to work your way up.

He won't be able to post after Saturday. Will be working overtime to pay up that panthers gamble!

Honcho - just remember Never chase your losses.

[Nescacman]

Lost 24-13 at home v. a 1-4 team and now going to Maine to play a surging 2-4 team. 
I'd call that one a toss-up.

Not in relation to the unfortunate beatdown the Pants will incur on Saturday...hope we are wrong, but this game won't be close.

Nescacman,

I think the matchup in Brunswick seems more pressing for than Wesleyan faithful than the game in Vermont (Panthers + 110). I'm really curious to see how the Wesleyan offensive line and rushing attack adjust from last week. My film study of the Wesleyan v Colby game showed many lapses among the offensive line. From what appeared to be missed assignments, poor schemes, etc, I believe this Bowdoin front 8 will give them fits. I like Bowdoin in this one. 

Maybe other board members know this, but why does it say "Junior Varsity" next to my name? I've never played a snap of JV ball in my life. I was a 4 year varsity letterman, so maybe board admin can adjust this error for me.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

Mr. JV, what does your "film study" tell you about the Wes defense???

[The Ghost of John Wesley]

Maybe other board members know this, but why does it say "Junior Varsity" next to my name? I've never played a snap of JV ball in my life. I was a 4 year varsity letterman, so maybe board admin can adjust this error for me.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

This dude is great, haha. A surprising (but welcome) midseason addition. Legend indeed. 

[I'm like 50/50 on whether this is a new alt account for Nescacman]

[westcoastnescac]

Bowdoin always gives the cards fits. Think the wes o line has fits w price, reidy, young, randall

[Nescacman]

2024 Week 6 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome to Week 6 in the NESCAC "in the league where they pay to play".

Another good week for the consortium going 5-0 in Week #5. We are off to one of our best starts ever and the consortium now stands at 23-2 for the year.

For the second week in a row, our Game of the Week features Middlebury this time hosting the mighty Bantams of Hartford State. The Bants will have revenger on their minds as they will try to avenger their upset loss in The Coop last year. 

University of Bates (Lewiston Campus) at Williams College
UBates NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 8/Total Defense: 9
Williams NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 2/Total Defense: 6
Despite being 1-4, UBates has been competitive in at least 4 of their 5 games. Williams has beaten UBates the last 6 times these two teams have played. Meanwhile, Williams will try to bounce back after a disappointing OT loss to Middlebury. This game pits the #1 running attack in the league in Williams versus the #2 running game in the Frisky Kitties (they are also #1 and #2 in rushing attempts). The Ephs have been mediocre defending against the run while UBates is last in the NESCAC against the run, so we expect both teams to try and run early and often. These teams do not pass often (9th and 10th in pass attempts) but when the Ephs do pass, they have done it well (2nd in the league in pass efficiency). The Kitties have only thrown 69 passes in 5 games but 7 of those have been to the other team. Williams has allowed the most sacks in the conference (14) but UBates only has 4 sacks on the defensive side of the ball so that match-up will be interesting to watch. UBates is 2nd in the NESCAC in 3rd down conversions while their defense is last in 3rd down conversions. Williams is a perfect 16 for 16 in the red zone.
Why UBates will win: UBates runs the ball well and converts on some long plays, Defense gets back to what worked against Wesleyan. Coach Coyne always gets up for games against the school he attended for his first 2 years before transferring to Wesleyan. UBates forces turnovers and controls the clock.
Why Williams will win: Williams goes wild running the ball. They force a lot of 3rd and longs which leads to UBates turnovers and punts.
KTV for UBates: Run the ball effectively. Avoid 3rd and long. Stop the Williams running game.
KTV for Williams: Get the running game going. Stop the Kitties running game. Protect the QB.
Players to watch: QB Colton Bosselait (UB), RB Ryan Lynskey (UB), LB Ryan Rozich (UB), QB Owen McHugh (WIL), RB Mario Fischetti (WIL), DL Ethan Scott (WIL).
Game Summary: We expect this game to be closer than expected with both teams needing a win. Both teams are up and comers and will be in the mix in 2025. We'll go with the home team in this one in a relatively high scoring affair.

Williams 28 UBates 21
Point Spread: Williams -10
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel): Sunny. High of 68.

Amherst College at Colby College
Amherst NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 10/Total Defense: 3
Colby NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 5/Total Defense: 7
The Mules lost last Saturday in OT to Wesleyan on the road. Meanwhile, Amherst is riding a 3-game losing streak after winning their first two games of the year. Both teams play solid defense and struggle a bit on offense. We expect a low scoring affair. We think Colby playing at home gives them a bit of an edge. These teams have played 25 times historically. The Lord Mammoths won the first 22 meetings between these two teams and Colby has won the last 3 meetings including the last time they played in Waterville. Amherst struggles running the ball and Colby's defense has been good against the run. To have offensive success, Amherst will have to throw the ball which has led to interceptions for the LM's (they lead the league in INTs thrown). Amherst has struggled on 3rd down only converting 21% on the year. Amherst does not have a single skill position player in the top 15 in the NESCAC in rushing or receiving. Their QB is 9th in passing efficiency out of the 9 NESCAC QBs that qualify on the leader board. Amherst has been ravaged by injury in their offensive line. Meanwhile, Colby RB Keon Smart is 3rd in the NESCAC in rushing and 2nd in all-purpose yards.
Why Amherst will win: They keep the game (very) low scoring and score a defensive TD. Avoid interceptions.
Why Colby will win: Colby runs the ball well which produces long drives wearing down the Amherst defense. Get one TD and that may be enough.
KTV for Amherst: Same as always. Defense needs to be strong. Score some points. Avoid turning the ball over.
KTV for Colby: If they generate any offense in this game, they win. Stop the run and force Amherst to throw creating turnovers. Avoid dumb penalties for a change.
Players to watch: QB Mason Morrow (AMH), WR Owen Gaydos (AMH), LB Luke Harmon (AMH), QB Miles Drake (COL), WR Duke Ferrara (COL), RB Keon Smart (COL), LB Julian Young (COL), DE Jack Mullen (COL).
Game Summary: Points will be at a premium on Saturday. We will go with the home team, and we expect a close game. Colby wins their 4th game in a row over the Lord Mammoths.

Colby 10 Amherst 7
Point Spread: Colby -3
Weather: Sunny. High of 68.

Wesleyan University at Bowdoin College
Wesleyan NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 4/Total Defense: 1
Bowdoin NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 7/Total Defense: 7
Wesleyan heads north to face the high-pressure Bowdoin defense. Wesleyan's revenge tour continues as they face a Polars squad in the same spot where they lost 2 years ago. Wesleyan's defense has been stellar while their offense has been inconsistent, racking up yards between the 20's but not always punching it in inside the red area. Bowdoin leads the NESCAC in sacks (19). Bowdoin has been playing 2 guys at QB, both of whom run the ball well but have not always thrown it as well. Their defense is susceptible to the pass which Wesleyan does well.
Why Wesleyan will win: Wesleyan's defense is hitting their stride, and the offense has been spectacular at times. If the offensive line picks up the Bowdoin blitz, Chase Wilson could be in for a big day.
Why Bowdoin will win: The high-pressure defense has produced scores in the last 3 weeks. Offense gets some big plays to outlast the Cards.
KTV for Wesleyan: Don't allow the big play. Avoid penalties. More consistency on offense. Be better in the red zone. Protect the ball.
KTV for Bowdoin: Get pressure on Wes QB Niko Candido. Force turnovers.
Players to watch: QB Niko Candido (WES), WR Chase Wilson (WES), LB Ben Carbeau (WES), DB Dylan Connors (WES), LB Koy Price (BOW), QB Robbie Long (BOW), DL Dan Fiore (BOW).
Game Summary: Both teams coming off wins. We think Wesleyan's defense is too much for the Bowdoin offense and Wesleyan will handle the Bowdoin high pressure defense enough to get off some big plays.

Wesleyan 24 Bowdoin 13
Point Spread: Wesleyan -10
Weather: Sunny. High of 66.

Hamilton College at Tufts University
Hamilton NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 9/Total Defense: 10
Tufts NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 3/Total Defense: 3
Tufts bounced back last week after their loss to Hartford State with a solid win on the road at UBates. They finally got their running game going in that one. They will now try to string together two wins in a row for the first time this year. Hamilton played Hartford State tough for a half last week before getting overwhelmed in the 2nd half. Hamilton's offense has struggled only scoring more than 7 points in a game once all year. Punter Tighe Hoey, WR Chester Boynton and DB Kyle Bratcher continue to be among the few bright spots for the Continentals. QB Michael Berlutti for Tufts has been steady, although not spectacular, thus far in 2024. Hamilton's defense against the pass has not been good this year and this could be the week that Berlutti breaks out. Tufts DB Ty Richardson (Jaden's little brother) leads the NESCAC in INTs.
Why Hamilton will win: Tough match-up for the Conts on the road. They need to contain Berlutti and finally generate some offense to have a shot.
Why Tufts will win: Tufts throws the ball a lot and it works against the porous Hamilton pass defense. The Jumbo's allow the Conts their typical 7 points.
KTV for Hamilton: Score more than 7 points, for a change. Put pressure on Berlutti (and contain his running) to enable the Hamilton secondary to stop completions.
KTV for Tufts: Throw early and often. Get an early lead and cruise.
Players to watch: QB Luke Kurzum (HAM), WR Chester Boynton (HAM), DB Kyle Bratcher (HAM), WR QB Michael Berlutti (TUF), RB Christian Shapiro (TUF), WR Cade Moore (TUF), WR Matt Rios (TUF).
Game Summary: We think Tufts has too much firepower to be contained by Hamilton. Tufts usually plays well at home and this Saturday will be no exception. Tufts will be looking to avenge last year's upset OT loss to Hamilton in Clinton.

Tufts 31 Hamilton 7
Point Spread: Tufts -21
Weather: Sunny. High of 71.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Hartford State College at Middlebury College
Hartford State NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 1/Total Defense: 2
Middlebury NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 6/Total Defense: 6
Must win game for Middlebury. Lose and their hopes of back-to-back NESCAC titles are done (no team with 2 losses has ever won or tied for a NESCAC Football title in the championship era since 2000). Hartford State is yet to play a complete 60-minute game. We think this week is the week that they do that. The Bantams are an incredible 18 for 18 in the red zone with 15 TDs. The Middlebury defense has been mediocre, and their pass defense is ranked 8th in the league. The Bants have the first ranked pass offense, and we think they will throw the ball a lot to take advantage of the porous Middlebury secondary. Middlebury is 2nd in the NESCAC in sacks so they will need to pressure HS QB Zander Zebrowski to slow him down. Panthers QB Brian Moran has played better as of late, and he will need to play well for MID to have a shot at the upset. FY RB Connor McClellan had a big game last week for against the Ephs and we will see if he continues that against HS.
Why Hartford State will win: Best team in the NESCAC. Weapons all over the field on offense and a young defense that is playing better every week.
Why Middlebury will win: They create turnovers and play a perfect game. Secondary picks off Zander a few times setting up MID's offense.
KTV for Hartford State: Payback time for the Bantams. HCOF Jeff will run this one up, big-time, if given the chance.
KTV for Middlebury: Stop the passing game. Get to the QB, which they have done a lot this year. Control the clock.
Players to watch: QB Zander Zebrowski (HS), RB Tyler Dinapoli (HS), WR Sean Clapp (HS), WR Nolan O'Brien (HS), QB Brian Moran (MID), RB Connor McClellan (MID), WR Patrick Jamin (MID), DL Tomas Kenary (MID), DT Dave Filias (MID).
Game Summary: If Hartford State wins, that will end Middlebury's chances of a NESCAC title repeat. If this game was being played in The Coop, Hartford State might win by 30+ points. Since it is in Vermont, we think the Bants win by a few TDs, although that's not to say we won't be happy with a Middlebury win.

Hartford State 31 Middlebury 14
Point Spread: Hartford State -14
Weather: Sunny. High of 65.

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

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2024 Season: 23-2 (.920 winning percentage)
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: 346-109 (.760 winning percentage)

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Follow NESCACMAN on X (aka Twitter) @realnescacman

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Episode 6 available now!

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Episode 6 featuring Amherst Head Football Coach EJ Mills and Wesleyan LB Ben Carbeau now available! Hear Coach Mills discuss his 2024 squad, his career and his future, NESCAC in the NCAA play-offs and more. Join us for our objective weekly game analysis, previews, picks, and more!

The podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify. Search for "9 Weeks NESCAC"...the first and only podcast of its kind.

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[Nescacman]

Maybe other board members know this, but why does it say "Junior Varsity" next to my name? I've never played a snap of JV ball in my life. I was a 4 year varsity letterman, so maybe board admin can adjust this error for me.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

This dude is great, haha. A surprising (but welcome) midseason addition. Legend indeed. 

[I'm like 50/50 on whether this is a new alt account for Nescacman]

Well JW, we do have a lot in common, like never playing JV and being a "legend"... 

But of course, as you know, we're "All-Region"...hahaha

[Nescacman]

As a special gift to our friends on the Board, we've posted our weekly picks a bit early this week (after almost throwing our laptop through the big screen last night)...

We'd also encourage everyone to listen to the "9 Weeks" podcast this week (available on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook). We know this group will enjoy it. Great interview with Amherst Coach Mills and Ben Carbeau, Star LB and Entrepreneur from Wesleyan.

[mhoncho123]

Lost 24-13 at home v. a 1-4 team and now going to Maine to play a surging 2-4 team. 
I'd call that one a toss-up.

Not in relation to the unfortunate beatdown the Pants will incur on Saturday...hope we are wrong, but this game won't be close.

Nescacman,

I think the matchup in Brunswick seems more pressing for than Wesleyan faithful than the game in Vermont (Panthers + 110). I'm really curious to see how the Wesleyan offensive line and rushing attack adjust from last week. My film study of the Wesleyan v Colby game showed many lapses among the offensive line. From what appeared to be missed assignments, poor schemes, etc, I believe this Bowdoin front 8 will give them fits. I like Bowdoin in this one. 

Maybe other board members know this, but why does it say "Junior Varsity" next to my name? I've never played a snap of JV ball in my life. I was a 4 year varsity letterman, so maybe board admin can adjust this error for me.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

Mr. JV, what does your "film study" tell you about the Wes defense???

Nescacman,

My film study along with my advanced analysis revealed some glaring issues, especially in the secondary. Despite the Wesleyan defense having relatively decent production this year, I believe this potent Bowdoin offense will take full advantage. I really like how Bowdoin's Hoggard matches up against the secondary packages of Wesleyan. Hoggard, who has had similar production as #82 for Trinity, is an extremely underrated receiver and a legitimate playmaker. I believe he will go for at least 125yd and 2 scores. He might even go for 3 scores if he feels like it. I believe the dual threat capabilities of Bowdoin's Robbie Long is something that Wesleyan won't be able to stop. I really like Bowdoin.

I politely ask you don't refer to me as "Mr. JV." I know absolutely nothing about JV football (I've never played a down of JV football in my life). Please address me with the respect that a NESCAC legend like myself deserves.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

[GroundandPound]

Honcho, NESCAC Legend,
I think Koy Price is going to have a career day tomorrow.
I am predicting he gets two sacks, and an interception, and double digit tackles.
Advanced analysis was used for this prediction. 
BTW, this blog lists me as a "Starter" and that is accurate.
I must confess, however, I did play one year of JV in high school.
If it will cheer you up, you can ask Pat Coleman, the dude who runs this blog, to allocate my "Starter" label to you, and the "JV" label to me.  I am a team player.

[Nescacman]

Lost 24-13 at home v. a 1-4 team and now going to Maine to play a surging 2-4 team. 
I'd call that one a toss-up.

Not in relation to the unfortunate beatdown the Pants will incur on Saturday...hope we are wrong, but this game won't be close.

Nescacman,

I think the matchup in Brunswick seems more pressing for than Wesleyan faithful than the game in Vermont (Panthers + 110). I'm really curious to see how the Wesleyan offensive line and rushing attack adjust from last week. My film study of the Wesleyan v Colby game showed many lapses among the offensive line. From what appeared to be missed assignments, poor schemes, etc, I believe this Bowdoin front 8 will give them fits. I like Bowdoin in this one. 

Maybe other board members know this, but why does it say "Junior Varsity" next to my name? I've never played a snap of JV ball in my life. I was a 4 year varsity letterman, so maybe board admin can adjust this error for me.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

Mr. JV, what does your "film study" tell you about the Wes defense???

Nescacman,

My film study along with my advanced analysis revealed some glaring issues, especially in the secondary. Despite the Wesleyan defense having relatively decent production this year, I believe this potent Bowdoin offense will take full advantage. I really like how Bowdoin's Hoggard matches up against the secondary packages of Wesleyan. Hoggard, who has had similar production as #82 for Trinity, is an extremely underrated receiver and a legitimate playmaker. I believe he will go for at least 125yd and 2 scores. He might even go for 3 scores if he feels like it. I believe the dual threat capabilities of Bowdoin's Robbie Long is something that Wesleyan won't be able to stop. I really like Bowdoin.

I politely ask you don't refer to me as "Mr. JV." I know absolutely nothing about JV football (I've never played a down of JV football in my life). Please address me with the respect that a NESCAC legend like myself deserves.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

OK Mr. JV Legend...

[GroundandPound]

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2024 Season: 23-2 (.920 winning percentage)
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: 346-109 (.760 winning percentage)

My prediction: NM gets closer to his statistical winning percentage average and goes 3-2 in this weeks picks.

[muleshoe]

G&P - which picks do you think he got wrong?

I think Colby-Amherst and Williams-Bates are the only real toss ups this weekend.

The Mule's offense needs to show up as it did against Bates and they need to eliminate big penalties. Far too many personal fouls the last two weeks... I agree with NM's assessment overall, I think this one is a race to 2 scores unless there's some big turnovers or special teams plays.

[Trin9-0]

The more I look at the Trinity-Middlebury game from last year the more confident I am about tomorrow. The biggest reason Trinity lost was they couldn't get it done in the red zone. The Bantams put up 444 yards of total offense and punted only once but had to settle for FIVE Jumes field goals. And, of course, they botched the end of the game; down 5 with :17 seconds left at the 2 yard line they ran only one play got stuffed for no gain. Obviously they should have thrown it into the end zone on third down at the very least.

Turnovers were another huge factor. Fetter uncharacteristically threw 2 picks in the game (he only had 3 INTs the entire rest of the season). One of only four lost fumbles on the year happened in the fourth quarter as well when DiNapoli turned it over at his own 28 yard line.

As Nescacman pointed out, the Bantams have scored TDs on 15 of 18 red zone trips this season and Zebrowski has 0 picks on the year. If Middlebury allowed Amherst to score three TDs then I think Trin scores at least 28 and the Bantams haven't allowed that many points in a game in over two years.

Midd is fighting for the lives and has the homefield advantage, but Trinity wants revenge and I think they get it 34-20.

[LochNescac]

Lost 24-13 at home v. a 1-4 team and now going to Maine to play a surging 2-4 team. 
I'd call that one a toss-up.

Not in relation to the unfortunate beatdown the Pants will incur on Saturday...hope we are wrong, but this game won't be close.

Nescacman,

I think the matchup in Brunswick seems more pressing for than Wesleyan faithful than the game in Vermont (Panthers + 110). I'm really curious to see how the Wesleyan offensive line and rushing attack adjust from last week. My film study of the Wesleyan v Colby game showed many lapses among the offensive line. From what appeared to be missed assignments, poor schemes, etc, I believe this Bowdoin front 8 will give them fits. I like Bowdoin in this one. 

Maybe other board members know this, but why does it say "Junior Varsity" next to my name? I've never played a snap of JV ball in my life. I was a 4 year varsity letterman, so maybe board admin can adjust this error for me.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

Post a lot and you will be varsity.  You have to work your way up.

Ya had to go & tell him......  

[GroundandPound]

Muleshoe,
Of the two you identified, I believe Colby and Williams will get wins. I do not know which two NM may get wrong, but I hope he is wrong on Midd and Bowdoin.