FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

Started by admin, August 16, 2005, 04:58:09 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 5 Guests are viewing this topic.

MammothDad

Quote from: Nescacman on October 24, 2024, 09:54:49 AMMr. Honcho,

We agree with you (and has been noted MANY times on this very Board over MANY years); "it's all about the Jimmy and Joe's, not the X's and O's".

Success in the NESCAC (or any high academic league like the Ivy's, Centennial, etc.) begins and ends with admissions. If the program is not getting admissions support, it's very difficult, if not impossible to win in this league. That's why we are so bullish on UBates and what Coach Coyne is doing there.

As far as the Lord Mammoths coaching, was anyone criticizing Coach Mills and his staff when they were having (a ton of) success as recently as 2018? Did Coach Mills suddenly forget how to coach or recruit? We met with him two weeks ago and the answer is an emphatic, NO. 

Amherst still has 3 games left, including games against their two biggest rivals in the Little 3. Let's continue this discussion at the end of the season when we see the entire body of work for the 2024 season.

Personally, we are looking forward to observing in person the LM's as they face the Mysterious Methodists from Middletown on Saturday.

NM

PS Maybe the problem is the name change from the Lord Jeffs to the Mammoths. Since changing their name in 2017, Amherst is 32-28.

No one is saying Coach Mills lost his "ability to coach".  But through this Board, I have learned that Mills comes from the D side of the ball and used to win by running, clock control, winning the turnover battle and through D.  A model anyone in the NE would be influenced by given the success of the NY Giants and Bill Parcels mold.

But Amherst ain't running too well, ain't giving the QB too much time to pass the ball nor move the chains right now.

Just more of a rant to adapt your "Xs and Os" based on the personnel the admissions department is allowing in.  An offense the Academies other schools with smaller linemen use is a form of the option, so that linemen can block low in the box by the virtue of a pull.  I don't see a lot of that but I defer to you guys for your opinions.

Trust me, when you are outmatched, little "strategy" will work.  However, help the kids out and adapt over 3 downs and a punt.

losing by 1 and losing by a lot is a loss.  Change it up and/or play for the future.  I know the Seniors have worked hard for 4 years but 4 TD losses isn't creating a lot of fun.  Might as well do something other than what is resulting in consistent 4 TD losses.

Just a thought.
 

Nescacman

#23476
Quote from: EphsML on October 24, 2024, 03:26:27 PMI believe looking back at the Wesleyan Defensive Line during that game they had a 2023 2nd Team All Nescac Player and 2022 2nd Team All Nescac Player both in the starting lineup. I do not know about you but that does not scream like 3rd level guys?

We assume you are referring to Declan Welch and Mike Rowan.

Declan is a great player from Long Island who started 2023 further down the depth chart. As a result of injuries, he was elevated to the first team, stepped up big time, had a great year, and made all NESCAC.

Mike was injured for a lot of 2023 and when he came back late in the season last year, he was not playing at the same level that he did in 2022 (basically playing with one arm and not even close to 100%), as "The Mole" will attest to. The fact that he came back at all last year is a testament to the heart and character of the student-athlete.

Both Declan and Mike are back this year and are key members of the best defense in the NESCAC.

NM

lumbercat

#23477
Quote from: quicksilver on October 24, 2024, 09:57:02 AM
Quote from: Nescacman on October 23, 2024, 09:58:11 PM
Quote from: lumbercat on October 23, 2024, 09:27:21 PMI'm a distant but long time observer of Athletics at both Purple schools. From the bleachers I will say I've always felt a different vibe when attending random Football, Basketball and Baseball games at Amherst and Williams over the last 35 years.
Williams is a much more friendly and supportive Athletic environment.
Seems like there is often a distraction at Amherst or some counter group(s) that just isn't totally supportive of athletics and specifically Football.
Reminds me of Bowdoin in that regard.

The Williams administrative and academic community seems to embrace Athletics as great supplement to the overall student experience. They seem less intimidated by Athletics and helmet sports  which, to me, is the litmus test of a school with truly open and diverse offerings for the students as a whole.

We've been attending both home and away NESCAC games for a long time. And not just football...

Lumber, Bowdoin may be turning the corner. Saturday was, by far, the best atmosphere we have ever seen for a sporting event on the Polar campus. Kudo's to the Bowdoin student body as well as the alums, parents, profs, et al for coming out and supporting the team (we know it was "parents weekend" so that certainly helped). Supporting the student-athletes makes a (big) difference.

It is not a new thing for large and enthusiastic crowds to attend Bowdoin football games. There is deep and strong alumni support no matter how poor the product on the field has been. And Bowdoin does turn out in big numbers for its marquee sports like men's hockey and women's basketball. Apparently you have never attended a packed-to-the-rafters Bowdoin-Colby hockey game or a women's basketball play-off game or you wouldn't be co-signing Lumbercat's bleak assessment of Bowdoin support for its teams . .



Silver-

You're right on about Bowdoin hockey and their great history. However the Bowdoin Football program has never enjoyed levels of support like PBear Hockey.

To this day, I think the hockey games with Colby at Bowdoin are still a "tough ticket"- you might not get in. Can't say that about any other NESCAC venue in any sport other than Basketball Championship or Tournament games.

Hockey has always been king at Bowdoin though the program has also struggled with PB Football in recent years. However the Hockey program has had 2 good years in a row are looking more like the Bowdoin teams of old so they look to be on the right track.

And btw I've probably been to 20-25 Bowdoin hockey games over the years. I'm very familiar with the hockey atmosphere at the old and the new rink.

Saw a fantastic game at Dayton Arena in '75 or '76. Bears battled D1 UNH toe to toe in a phenomenal game with a packed house going nuts. 3 or 4 future NHL players on that UNH team including NHL Hall of Fame Defenseman Rod Langway.

Been to many hockey games in Brunswick over the years. While the Bears may be getting some good Football crowds this year believe me they have a long way to go be on the level of the historic support for Bowdoin Hockey.

quicksilver

Lumbercat -- There are a good 2,000 fans at most Bowdoin football games. Lots of alums and students and of course the ever-loyal parents. Seeing and listening to the commentary of the old alums at a Bowdoin game provides a quick insight into why football is not going away any time soon at the likes of Bowdoin. Obviously, these are not the crowds of 5,000 or more that used to attend the games with UMO back in the sixties but the current crowds are good and enthusiastic. That has been true at least since BJ Hammer took over the program.
Bowdoin let its hockey program go for a disastrous 5-year period due entirely to a poor coaching hire but rectified that reversal of fortune with a coaching change in the fall of 2022 that resulted in a rather quick turn-around of the program . .

westcoastnescac

Quote from: mhoncho123 on October 24, 2024, 09:25:23 PMBates Fans,

Not sure if there are any Bates supporters on this board, but if there are, listen closely. There are 75 trained assassins leaving Middlebury VT tomorrow afternoon and traveling into pathetic Lewiston. They are trained to KILL. As much as I respect the triple option, they don't even run it from under center. WTF is that? I like the Panthers a lot in this one. My friend in Antigua and Barbuda has it at Middlebury -25.5, and to be honest, I really like that. Seems fair and that line should get action. If any one wants to hop in on that, PM me and I can get you in touch with the right people.

Reminds me of a bar fight I got into about 10 years. I was in Portland on a work call and I stumble into some bar off Congress St. As I am almost finished with the pitcher of Coors Lite I ordered, I see a man wearing a Vietnam War Veteran hat. I initially walked over to thank him for his service, because there is nothing I respect more than our troops. But, as I looked closer, I saw it. This elderly man was wearing a "Bates Bobcat" T Shirt. How Pathetic is that?? Frustrated and angered, my instincts took over. I grabbed the rest of the pitcher and gave this old man an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with Coors Lite. I would like to reiterate, there is nothing I respect more than our Troops. But, there is no logical reason to be wearing a Bates T Shirt in public, much less in the presence of a legend like myself.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

Bad timing w this one Honcho

NescacNewbie

Absolutely classless.

Delete the post Honcho.

mhoncho123

Bates Fans,

I like the Panthers a lot in this one. My friend in Antigua and Barbuda has it at Middlebury -25.5, and to be honest, I really like that. Seems fair and that line should get action. If any one wants to hop in on that, PM me and I can get you in touch with the right people.

Reminds me of a bar fight I got into about 10 years. I was in Portland on a work call and I stumble into some bar off Congress St. As I am almost finished with the pitcher of Coors Lite I ordered, I see a man wearing a Vietnam War Veteran hat. I initially walked over to thank him for his service, because there is nothing I respect more than our troops. But, as I looked closer, I saw it. This elderly man was wearing a "Bates Bobcat" T Shirt. How Pathetic is that?? Frustrated and angered, my instincts took over. I grabbed the rest of the pitcher and gave this old man an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with Coors Lite. I would like to reiterate, there is nothing I respect more than our Troops. But, there is no logical reason to be wearing a Bates T Shirt in public, much less in the presence of a legend like myself.

I apologize for the improper phrasing of the prior post. The wording wasn't thought through. Thank you to me fellow board members for holding me accountable. Was not my intention to allude to anything specific. I sincerely apologize for the mistake. I'll be better.

With regret,
Honcho, NESCAC Legend

CC_Camels

Quote from: mhoncho123 on October 24, 2024, 10:11:35 PMI apologize for the improper phrasing of the prior post. The wording wasn't thought through. Thank you to me fellow board members for holding me accountable. Was not my intention to allude to anything specific. I sincerely apologize for the mistake. I'll be better.

With regret,
Honcho, NESCAC Legend

Appreciate the updated post and apology, especially with the anniversary coming up tomorrow. My son had to shelter in an academic building for most of the night of the 25th, and he had been at the bowling alley the week before the shooting. Too many lives lost in a senseless incident, and lots of people still affected, but Lewiston has shown great resiliency.

Now hoping the Bobcats can find a way to shock the Panthers on Saturday.

Nescacman

Quote from: mhoncho123 on October 24, 2024, 10:11:35 PMBates Fans,

I like the Panthers a lot in this one. My friend in Antigua and Barbuda has it at Middlebury -25.5, and to be honest, I really like that. Seems fair and that line should get action. If any one wants to hop in on that, PM me and I can get you in touch with the right people.

Reminds me of a bar fight I got into about 10 years. I was in Portland on a work call and I stumble into some bar off Congress St. As I am almost finished with the pitcher of Coors Lite I ordered, I see a man wearing a Vietnam War Veteran hat. I initially walked over to thank him for his service, because there is nothing I respect more than our troops. But, as I looked closer, I saw it. This elderly man was wearing a "Bates Bobcat" T Shirt. How Pathetic is that?? Frustrated and angered, my instincts took over. I grabbed the rest of the pitcher and gave this old man an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with Coors Lite. I would like to reiterate, there is nothing I respect more than our Troops. But, there is no logical reason to be wearing a Bates T Shirt in public, much less in the presence of a legend like myself.

I apologize for the improper phrasing of the prior post. The wording wasn't thought through. Thank you to me fellow board members for holding me accountable. Was not my intention to allude to anything specific. I sincerely apologize for the mistake. I'll be better.

With regret,
Honcho, NESCAC Legend

JV Legend (you don't deserve to be called Mister after that post),

Do you realize that it wasn't just the wording but the timing of the post? Are you so clueless that you don't realize what happened a year ago tomorrow? You should probably be relegated to the Freshman team (or kicked off the team, for that matter) after that post. Must have been way over served at the Golden Corral early bird special. Sheesh...even Al Davis knew where to draw the line...

NM

Nescacman

Episode 7 available now!

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Episode 7 features Middlebury Head Football Coach Doug Mandigo and Williams QB Owen McHugh! Hear Coach Mandigo discuss his big win last weekend over the Trinity Bantams, his career and transition to Head Coach, Middlebury's 2023 NESCAC Football Championship, and more. Join us for our objective weekly game analysis, previews, and picks.

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

Sponsored by Gameday Sports.

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
https://youtu.be/4M1yRVWRpo4?si=94ddfvoywdJyOKz4
Spotify: 9 Weeks Nescac

mhoncho123

Nescacman,

As I mentioned, the statement wasn't written with any specific event in mind, so I wrongfully didn't consider the timing either. But, I agree the timing was equally bad and overall in very poor taste. 

I wasn't able to make it to Golden Corral tonight, but it has been a longer night so far. FYI the Early Bird Special starts in around 7 hours. But that is no excuse for my statement.

Who is this Al Davis clown? And what is a Freshman team?

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

Nescacman

Quote from: mhoncho123 on October 25, 2024, 01:13:20 AMNescacman,

As I mentioned, the statement wasn't written with any specific event in mind, so I wrongfully didn't consider the timing either. But, I agree the timing was equally bad and overall in very poor taste. 

I wasn't able to make it to Golden Corral tonight, but it has been a longer night so far. FYI the Early Bird Special starts in around 7 hours. But that is no excuse for my statement.

Who is this Al Davis clown? And what is a Freshman team?

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

BTW JV Legend, not sure you are really offering up MID -25.5 but we'll take the Frisky Kitties and the points if that isn't a fugazy offer...

NM

mhoncho123

Quote from: Nescacman on October 25, 2024, 10:50:55 AM
Quote from: mhoncho123 on October 25, 2024, 01:13:20 AMNescacman,

As I mentioned, the statement wasn't written with any specific event in mind, so I wrongfully didn't consider the timing either. But, I agree the timing was equally bad and overall in very poor taste. 

I wasn't able to make it to Golden Corral tonight, but it has been a longer night so far. FYI the Early Bird Special starts in around 7 hours. But that is no excuse for my statement.

Who is this Al Davis clown? And what is a Freshman team?

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

BTW JV Legend, not sure you are really offering up MID -25.5 but we'll take the Frisky Kitties and the points if that isn't a fugazy offer...

NM

Nescacman,

Very serious. PM me and I can send you who to get in touch with.

- Honcho, NESCAC Legend

Nescacman

#23488
2024 Week 7 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome to Week 7 in the NESCAC "in the league where they pay to play".

Another good week for the consortium going 4-1 in Week #6. The NESCACMAN consortium comprised of league-wide experts now stands at an amazing 27-3 for the year. We are on record pace in 2024.

For the second week in a row, our Game of the Week features the Tufts Jumbo's as they head west to face the upstart Purple Cows of Williams in an elimination game in the race for the coveted NESCAC Championship.

Colby College at Hamilton College
Colby NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 6/Total Defense: 3
Hamilton NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 9/Total Defense: 10
The Mules won their second game of the year against Amherst. Despite being 2-4, they have a positive point differential on the year. In the last 3 weeks they have won 2 games and lost to Wesleyan in OT, so the Mules are playing well. Colby still has an outside chance at a winning season. They can't look past Hamilton. Hamilton is 0-6 and looking for their first win. Will be tough for them to get that this week against a decent Colby team. Colby plays good defense (3rd in the NESCAC in total defense). They are especially good against the run, which Hamilton does not do well so we expect the Conts to try and air it out. Hamilton QB Luke Kurzum is coming off one of the best games of his young career so look for him to try and air it out. Colby, led by QB Miles Drake, throws the ball well (3rd in the NESCAC in TD passes) and Hamilton does not defend the pass well (last in the NESCAC), so Colby will try to throw as well.
Why Colby will win: Colby has played well the last 3 weeks, and they have a very good defense. Better skill players and some studs on defense.
Why Hamilton will win: Hamilton throws the ball well and avoids turnovers. Hamilton home fans get under the skin of Colby, who are on the same side of the field of the combined bleachers (and they are close to the bench/field).
KTV for Colby: Defense sets the tone and shuts down Hamilton. Create turnovers and avoid big plays. Avoid penalties, which has been problematic for The Mules this year.
KTV for Hamilton: Go vertical and get the ball downfield. Get some big plays. Have some semblance of a running game.
Players to watch: QB Miles Drake (COL), WR Duke Ferrara (COL), RB Keon Smart (COL), LB Julian Young (COL), DE Jack Mullen (COL), QB Luke Kurzum (HAM), WR Chester Boynton (HAM), DB Kyle Bratcher (HAM).
Game Summary: Colby has more dudes, especially on defense. Bad timing for the Conts to play the Mules who are playing well, despite their record. Mules win on the road and then get ready to try and beat Tufts on the road.

Colby 24 Hamilton 14
Point Spread: Colby -7
Weather: Showers (courtesy of The Weather Channel). High of 52.

Middlebury College at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus)
Middlebury NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 4/Total Defense: 9
UBates NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 8/Total Defense: 9
Middlebury is coming off two very good, close wins against Williams (OT) and Hartford State. The have won their last two games by 3 points each. They may be due for an emotional letdown. The Pants have beaten UBates 33 straight times dating back to 1988. UBates has been competitive in at least 5 of their 6 games and are much improved from last year's winless campaign. They play hard for Coach Coyne and play with enthusiasm. We think this game will not be the exception. The big match-up to watch is the young UBates OL against the experienced Middlebury DL. This game pits the #1 running attack in the Frisky Kitties against a MID team that has struggled defending the run. UBates is 2nd in the NESCAC in converting 3rd down conversions, which is saying a lot since they primarily run the ball about 80% of the time. The Middlebury defense has allowed over 24 points per game.
Why Middlebury will win: They stop the Frisky Kitties flex option running attack. They don't have an emotional letdown.
Why UBates will win: UBates runs the ball well and sprinkles in some timely passes against a MID pass defense that has given up a lot of yards. League leading runner Ryan Lynskey has a day.
KTV for Middlebury: Don't have a letdown. Stop the UBates running game.
KTV for UBates: Run the ball effectively. Stop the Middlebury front seven.
Players to watch: QB Brian Moran (MID), RB Connor McClellan (MID), WR Patrick Jamin (MID), DL Tomas Kenary (MID), DT Dave Filias (MID), QB Colton Bosselait (UB), RB Ryan Lynskey (UB), LB Ryan Rozich (UB).
Game Summary: We expect this game to be closer than expected. UBates plays hard but they are still outmanned and lose a close battle. MID is happy to keep their title hopes alive.

Middlebury 30 UBates 21
Point Spread: Middlebury -17
Weather: Partly cloudy. High of 57.

Wesleyan University at Amherst College
Wesleyan NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 5/Total Defense: 1
Amherst NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 10/Total Defense: 5
First game in this year's Little 3 battle. Amherst is trying to salvage their season with wins against Little 3 rivals Wesleyan and Williams which will allow them to do that (plus give them a shot at a winning season).  Wesleyan has won the last two Little 3's and is shooting for their 3rd straight Little 3 title for the first time since 1946-1948. Wesleyan's defense continues to be the best in the NESCAC (and highly ranked nationally) while their offense has been inconsistent. They will try to get their offense untracked this week against a Lord Mammoth defense that has given up 127 points the last 4 weeks after playing well early in the season. Meanwhile, the Lord Mammoth offense the last 4 weeks has been shut out once and scored 7 points twice (and both of those TDs were scored against back-ups in garbage time). Part of the problem is Amherst has played 3 guys at QB, they have one of the worst running games in the country (238th out of 238 D3 teams...last 2 games they have generated -2 yards rushing TOTAL), they have injuries in their offensive line, they do not convert 3rd downs (last in the NESCAC), and their skill players have yet to get it going. They will have to pick it up this week as Wesleyan's defense has held 3 of their 6 opponents to single digit points.
Why Wesleyan will win: Wesleyan's defense is very good. And getting better. The offense clearly can play at a high level.
Why Amherst will win: Force turnovers and keep the game low scoring. Avoid turning the ball over. Score 2 TDs (or more).
KTV for Wesleyan: Amherst will undoubtedly open the play book and try some trick plays. What do they have to lose? Wes needs to stop those types of plays. They need more consistency on offense and run the ball effectively. Be better in the red zone. Protect the ball.
KTV for Amherst: Defense needs to revert to what they were earlier in the year. They need to score some points. Avoid turning the ball over.
Players to watch: QB Niko Candido (WES), WR Chase Wilson (WES), LB Ben Carbeau (WES), DB Dylan Connors (WES), QB Marek Hill (AMH), WR Owen Gaydos (AMH), LB Luke Harmon (AMH).
Game Summary: This is a Little 3 game and Wes needs to win out to claim the NESCAC and Little 3 titles so there is little risk of complacency here. We don't often predict a shut-out, but the potential is there for Wes vs. the struggling Amherst offense. We expect the Wes defense to step up, maybe score a TD, and the offense shows some signs of life for the Wes win.

Wesleyan 24 Amherst 3
Point Spread: Wesleyan -14
Weather: Partly cloudy. High of 62.

Bowdoin College at Hartford State College
Bowdoin NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 7/Total Defense: 6
Hartford State NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 1/Total Defense: 2
Hartford State will try to bounce back after their loss at Middlebury last week. Hartford State is still yet to play a complete 60-minute game. Hartford State has won the last 24 times against Bowdoin dating back to 1998. The Bants have thrown the ball well but are 5th in the NESCAC in rushing. The Bantams continue their mastery in the red zone and are 20 for 20 with 17 TDs. The Bowdoin defense leads the league in sacks with an incredible 27 through 6 games. They also have recovered 6 fumbles. HS QB Zander Zebrowski is yet to throw a pick this year and has 16 TD passes. They also have 2 of the top 7 WRs ( O'Brien and Clapp) so we expect to try to throw the ball against a Bowdoin secondary that has been susceptible to the pass.
Why Bowdoin will win: High pressure defense records many sacks, TFL's, and records a defensive TD. The Bowdoin QB's have a career day against the Bants secondary. They run the ball well to control the clock.
Why Hartford State will win: Angry after last week's loss. Very good at home. Hartford State line picks up the blitz and allows Zander to find his weapons.
KTV for Bowdoin: Get pressure on the HS QB and force him to throw his first INTs of the year. Have a lead or be close in the 4th quarter.
KTV for Hartford State: Play Bantam football. Pick-up the Bowdoin blitz.
Players to watch: LB Koy Price (BOW), QB Robbie Long (BOW), DL Dan Fiore (BOW), QB Zander Zebrowski (HS), RB Tyler Dinapoli (HS), WR Sean Clapp (HS), WR Nolan O'Brien (HS).
Game Summary: Hartford State plays angry and wins to prove a point. Never good to be the team to play the Bants after they lose (last year they beat Williams 41-14 the week after they lost to Middlebury).
 
Hartford State 31 Bowdoin 14
Point Spread: Hartford State -17
Weather: Partly cloudy. High of 64.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Tufts University at Williams College
Tufts NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 2/Total Defense: 4
Williams NESCAC Ranks: Total Offense: 3/Total Defense: 7
Tufts and Williams both won tight games last week at home and are very similar offensively with strong QB and RB combinations. These two teams have been playing each other since 1885. Tufts has won 3 of the last 4 games in Williamstown. Tufts has won two games in a row for the first time this year. This game is effectively a play-off game. The winner still mathematically has a shot at a share of the League crown while the loser, with 3 losses, will be eliminated from contention. Williams has been good offensively (2nd in the league in scoring) led by their ground game (also 2nd in the NESCAC). They have not been as strong defensively. Tufts has run and passed well this year. Williams has not been great defending the run (9th in the NESCAC). Interestingly, Williams has not recovered a single fumble all year on defense. Williams is a perfect 19 for 19 in the red zone. QB Michael Berlutti for Tufts has struggled a bit this year currently ranked 6th in passing efficiency and has only tossing 6 TDs through 6 games in 2024 (he had 19 a year ago). Williams RB Mario Fischetti is 2nd in the league in rushing and Soph QB Owen McHugh is 2nd in passing efficiency. This game also features two of the better placekickers in the league in Tufts Vaughn Seelicke and Williams Ivan Shuran. Tufts DB Ty Richardson leads the NESCAC in INTs.
Why Tufts will win: Tufts establishes the run to set-up the pass. They stop the Williams running game to force them into a lot of 3rd and long situations.
Why Williams will win: Run, Mario, run! Control the clock. A lot of long drives. Contain Michael Berlutti who is still dangerous.
KTV for Tufts: Complete passes on the Williams secondary. Stop the Williams run game.
KTV for Williams: Get the running game going. Stop Tufts offensive weapons. Protect the QB.
Players to watch: WR QB Michael Berlutti (TUF), RB Christian Shapiro (TUF), WR Cade Moore (TUF), WR Matt Rios (TUF), QB Owen McHugh (WIL), RB Mario Fischetti (WIL), DL Ethan Scott (WIL).
Game Summary: We have gone back and forth on this one all week. We expect a very close game (think 3 points either way). Williams has played well the last 3 weeks and has not lost at home this year. We are going with the home team in this one in a squeaker for the mild upset.

Williams 24 Tufts 21
Point Spread: Tufts -3
Weather: Partly cloudy. High of 56.

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

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2024 Season: 27-3 (.900 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: 350-110 (.761 winning percentage)

**********

Follow NESCACMAN on X (aka Twitter) @realnescacman

**********

Episode 7 available now!

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast


Episode 7 features Middlebury Head Football Coach Doug Mandigo and Williams QB Owen McHugh! Hear Coach Mandigo discuss his big win last weekend over the Trinity Bantams, his career and transition to Head Coach, Middlebury's 2023 NESCAC Football Championship, and more. Join us for our objective weekly game analysis, previews, and picks.

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

Sponsored by Gameday Sports.

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 (https://youtu.be/4M1yRVWRpo4?si=94ddfvoywdJyOKz4)
Spotify: 9 Weeks Nescac

Nescacman

On this one year anniversary of that tragic day in Maine, let's all take a moment to think about those in the Lewiston community that were affected both directly and indirectly. Our prayers go out to everyone involved and affected.

Thank you to all of the first responders for their actions both during and after the tragedy.

No matter who we all root for, I'm sure we are 100% aligned.

#NESCACcares