Ok Thanks

But am I right that not every program is not committing the same amount to this. They have proposed a cap because the biggest programs are sending exponentially more than others.


I'm curious and befuddled on this. I'm going to reach out to friends in the BC program as well. I know things have changed significantly but I'll get a grasp on it.

Thanks for bringing me up to speed.

Ok I see what the top players are getting in the major programs, that's pretty well known.

Let me put it this way, with your knowledge of this how many guys on these 100+ man rosters in power 4 programs are being paid more than, say, $50,000 ?

OK -  I'm just doubtful here that there is anything substantial going to these NESCAC transfers beyond tuition, room and board and maybe a modest living allowance.  I Don't buy the cash thing.
 
I base my points on the conclusions I have been able on deduce on the whole NIL thing--

At several D1 schools there is a well documented level of tension between guys on the same team or unit playing next to each other in programs where some guys are being paid big money where other players aren't. They are saying this is prevalent and will impact programs and teams moving forward.

So, why would UCLA or Delaware or any other program pay cash to D3 transfers when so many established D1 players on the same team are getting little or nothing.

I think you have at least some of this wrong.

Ok, thanks for bringing me up to speed. As I said, I am out of my league here.

Forgive my skepticism on this.

My take is Lutz didn't got to Delaware because they offered him Nil money and Helbig didn't go to Wake because he got paid. Those guys jumped at the lifetime chance to play big time college football on kind of a walk on deal.......while obtaining a PG degree. Are you saying they were recruited and offered cash to do it??....sorry I don't buy it.  Again, tell me where I'm wrong here.

A couple of NESCAC kids I am aware of who transferred to D1 went to some solid schools like Delaware but others went to needy programs like Marist, Sacred Heart etc. Most of the transfers made the move to schools with graduate programs to secure a PG degree.

Not sure you can provide specific examples of NESCAC transfers who got much of anything beyond paid tuition as they worked toward a PG degree.

D3 kids are never on "full scholarship" by definition but more NESCAC athletes than you might imagine are paying zero which is essentially the same thing.

Are you saying that NESCAC transfers got NIL money? I'm not well versed on the whole NIL thing but I would doubt it. Please correct me if I am wrong, would love to know which NESCAC transfer might have gotten NIL money.

Quote from: Scoops on Yesterday at 08:45:27 AM

Quote from: quicksilver on September 14, 2025, 04:31:10 PM

Quote from: Nescacman on September 14, 2025, 09:00:49 AMBeing objective, based on the games we've watched (and we've watched 3+ of the 5 so far) plus analyzing the stats plus speaking with our reporters that were at games we have not watched completely yet, outside of Wes and Colby, that was (by far) the worst weekend of NESCAC football we have ever seen...

100% agree. I was at the Bowdoin-Tufts game where both teams played poorly although the Jumbos, employing two new QBs, who showed flashes but not much consistency, were able to do the bare minimum needed to come away with the win.

The Polar Bears went with an unusually young line-up, with the top 3 or so defensive performers being first years and the next bunch being sophomores. It made me wonder whether preseason should start earlier and whether there should be more exhibition games . . And throughout the NESCAC, we see brand new or inexperienced QBs getting the starting nod . . This year is perhaps unusual due to the back-up of fifth year players in the fall of 2024 that slowed the development of younger players but regardless more of a glide pathway to the regular season is probably in order.

I agree that the Tufts/Bowdoin game was not a particularly fun watch. Infact I think it was incredibly frustrating watching either one of those offenses. Bowdoin just seemed content to be in a close game. Their approach to their final drive before the half was mind boggling. There was no urgency at all, and I thought it was very indicative of their offensive strategy on the day. Aside from one big pass, they didn't really show any desire to try and test the new Tufts secondary. Especially odd considering the Tufts defensive front was all over them in the run game.

As for the Jumbos, their offensive play calling was equally infuriating if not more-so. The game could've easily been a blowout if they just leaned on their run game. How can a team with TWO all-conference RBs, a running threat at QB, AND an all-american OL fail punch it in from inside the 10? Even more, there were opportunities in short yardage situations where they elected to THROW the ball? What in the world is Civetti thinking? They should've been able to run up the score, but instead they barely got by against a lesser team. If they ever get out of their own way, Tufts will be an elite program in the league. But they just can't seem to figure it out on offense

The solution to your dilemma might be the fact that Bowdoin's OC is a rookie and the Tufts OC is a second year OC. Both have no prior experience in a Coordinator role.

Assume they will learn from Saturday's tape and continue to grow into their new position. It's a tough jump to move from a position coach role to a job where you are calling plays and managing the overall offensive scheme.

Quote from: Nescacman on September 15, 2025, 02:42:42 PM

Quote from: lumbercat on September 15, 2025, 01:24:27 PM

Quote from: Nescacman on September 14, 2025, 11:57:50 PM2025 NESCACMAN Week 1 Power Rankings

Welcome to the Week 1 Power Rankings for September 13, 2025.

NESCACMAN gets off to a good start and went 4-1 with our picks in always challenging Week1 after finishing last year with an all-time best record of 38-7. Our lone loss this week was the eye-opening Colby win over Hartford State.

Wesleyan moves into our top spot based on their impressive win over Middlebury. Tufts moves into the 2nd spot after Bowdoin.

Some details on "NESCACMAN"...we share a love for all things NESCAC, but especially football, with our fellow boardsters. We love everything about NESCAC...the history, traditions, rivalries, quirky rituals, passion, student-athletes, coaches, students, parents, alumni, tailgates, fields of play, breakfast spots, post-game meetups et cetera. Each week, we will present our power rankings and then later in the week an overview, prediction and spread on every NESCAC game. There will also be some special reports along the way. And of course, we publish our weekly "9 Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast" where we speak with the coaches, interview key student-athlete playmakers in the league, give our weekly power rankings, and of course, pick each game (winners and with the "spread".

We also co-host a podcast titled "Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast" along with Chris Grace, the longtime play-by-play voice of the Wesleyan Football Cardinals. Available weekly, the podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify. Please follow us and take a listen. Season 2, Episode 1  is available now (featuring interviews with all 10 NESCAC Head Coaches). Season 2, Episode 2 will be available later this week. Should be another great watch/listen. Our weekly show features coach and player interviews, game analysis, rankings, weekly game previews, and predictions. We encourage you to check it out.
 
Here are our rankings as we head into Week #2:

1). Wesleyan Cardinals (Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 3; 10  first place votes): Our new #1 team is Wesleyan. Wes picks up right where they left off in 2024 and have now won 7 straight games dating back to the UBates game last year. Wesleyan was dominant on both sides of the ball. Their defense limited Middlebury to 28 yards rushing (on 24 carries), 2 sacks (and numerous hurries), 3 of 13 on 3rd downs, and 2 interceptions. The offense did not allow a sack, gave QB Matt Fitzsimons a ton of time to throw the ball, did not turn the ball over, and controlled the clock. Besides Fitzsimons, frosh WR Dante Kelly and LB AJ Morris (pick 6 for a TD) were standouts for the Cards. Wes running game was good when it had to be. Wes missed a few long TD passes that were overthrown by a yard or less (to open receivers). The Wesleyan offensive line was impressive. Wesleyan came in with high expectations despite a lot of inexperience. We'd say that Week 1 was a good start. They head to Medford for what should be an epic night tilt against the #2 ranked Jumbo's. 

2). Tufts Jumbo's (Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 4): Lackluster Week1 win for the Jumbo's in a place that is notoriously hard to win at. First road shutout for the Jumbo's since 2018.  A win is a win in this league, but it was against one of the worst teams in the league, IOO. New QB Justin Keller was not spectacular but was efficient. Christian Shapiro (and Keller) carried the load for the Tufts offense. Returning RB Chartellis Reece added a TD in somewhat limited action. We suspect that they will ease him into to more of a carry split with Shapiro as the season progresses. LB Johnny Ferrelli (one of our favorite names in the NESCAC) was the Jumbo's leading tackler. K Vaughn Seelicke added 2 FGs. Tough to get a read on how good Tufts is against a lesser opponent like the Polar Bears. This week under the lights will be a better test when they host a high-quality opponent in Wesleyan.

3). Colby Mules (Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 7): Our biggest mover in the rankings this week are the Colby Mules. Not an understatement in saying this was the biggest win in Coach Cosgrove's tenure at Colby. They beat Hartford State for the first time since 1995. This might not be the same Bantam team from 2023 (or even 2024), but anytime you beat Hartford State you deserve some credit. QB Miles Drake overcame 3 INTs. Colby's offense was not particular dynamic (239 yards of total offense including 47 yards on the ground-on 35 carries). Reigning NESCAC ROY WR Jack Nye was the lone offensive bright spot for the Mules. On defense, DL Jack Mullen (2.5 TFL and 2.0 sacks) and DL Cooper Bunnell (3.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks) led a Mules attack that dominated the Hartford State offensive line (7 total team sacks, 52 yards rushing and 11 first downs). We're not totally sold on the Mules yet, but this was a major step in the right direction. Should be an interesting game this week as Colby heads to Williamstown to face the Ephs.

4). Hartford State Bantams (Record: 0-1; Last Week Rank: 1): Very disappointing start to the 2025 season for the Bants. The last time Hartford State lost their opening game was 2019 on the road against Tufts. They ended up 5-4 that season. Pretty awful offensive performance, especially for a team with the Bantams pedigree. A few stats from Saturday: 6 points, 195 yards of total offense, 7 sacks against, 4 interceptions thrown, 11 first downs, 52 yards rushing (on 30 attempts), and 0-1 on PAT attempts. Much talked about D1 transfer Tyler Aronson threw 3 interceptions and was sacked 7 times playing the entire second half. WR Nolan O'Brien scored their only TD. The defense did not play badly holding the Colby offense to 7 points and recording 3 interceptions and 4 sacks. Must win as they open at home against the hungry, upstart Kitties from UBates.

5). Middlebury (Record: 0-1; Last Week Rank: 2): Disappointing Week1 loss on the road for Middlebury. Meanwhile, despite Brian Moran throwing the ball well at times, Middlebury's worst fears  came to fruition. Their newly revamped offensive line struggled and their defensive front seven was a far cry from what we have seen the last couple of years. Sophomore RB Connor McClellan and the much-vaunted Panther running game could not get it going against a stout Wesleyan front 7 (28 yards rushing on 23 attempts). QB Brian Moran was "meh". He led Middlebury down the field on the first drive (which stalled at the Wes 1 leading to a chip shot FG), threw a TD pass, but also threw 2 picks (including a pick 6), was sacked twice, and did not look that comfortable in the pocket for most of the game. The 4 new starters in their OL looked shaky at times. WR Mike Ahonen was one of the few bright spots for Middlebury's offense. Meanwhile, the defense did not record a sack or get a turnover. The Panthers get a break this week as they host the offensively challenged Polars in their home opener in Vermont

6). Williams Purple Cows (Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 5): Williams begins 2025 with an expected win against Hamilton. As we anticipated, we saw the future of Williams football, and it is indeed a run early and often approach. Ran 52 offensive plays, 44 of which were on the ground. To their credit, they did put up 258 yards on the ground led by RB Jon Oris (101 yards rushing and 2 TDs) and QB Owen Johansen (84 yards rushing and 1 TD). Credit the Williams OL for doing a good job run blocking and not allowing a sack. WR/DB Holden Gering played both ways and was the Ephs leading receiver. LB Luke Mangini chipped in 8 tackles including a sack and 1.5 TFL on defense. The Williams defense was good against the run (49 yards rushing) but not great against the pass (298 yards passing). We're not bullish on Hamilton so we will need to see how Williams does against better competition before they move up in our rankings. They will be certainly tested this week as they host Colby coming off their major upset of Hartford State

7). University of Bates Bobcats (Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 6): Congratulations to Coach Coyne and the Kitties on their first win at home against the Lord Mammoths since 1999. The Kitties ran an incredible 81 plays on offense including 59 runs. RB Ryan Lynskey and converted WR and now QB Sergio Beltran combined for 143 yards on the ground on 47 carries. QB Jack Perry threw 3 TDs on only 14 attempts. LB Ryan Rozich was the team leader in tackles. Despite the good win, a couple of turnovers kept Amherst in the game. They will need to clean that up to be able to beat the better teams in the league. Looking at the estimated attendance, I'm sure the UBates faithful was disappointed that only 1,000 attended the 150th anniversary of UBates football. The Kitties will face an angry 0-1 Bantam squad this week in South Hartford.

8). Amhurst Lord Mammoths (Record: 0-1; Last Week Rank: 9): Double OT loss for the Lord Mammoths in Week1 stings. A winnable game for Amherst as they led UBates 23-7 in the 4th quarter. The offense was better than 2024 but not spectacular. They still have not completely fixed the running game. UBates turnovers kept the LMs in this game. Amherst also turned the ball over twice (an interception and a lost fumble and was penalized 9 times for 82 yards). DB/LB Luke Harmon stood out on defense (14 tackles inducing 3 TFL and 1 sack) doe the LMs. For those with absolutely nothing going on this weekend, we suggest you head over to Pratt Field to watch the Lord Mammoths host Hamilton.

9). Bowdoin Polar Bears (Record: 0-1; Last Week Rank: 8): Uninspiring Week 1loss for the Polars as they were shut out at home against Tufts. Offense basically consisted of QB Michael Wolfendale taking a direct snap from center and trying to find a hole. The offense was lifeless (no points, 8 first downs-including 2 off penalties, 175 yards of total offense, 3 turnovers, 2 of 9 on third down conversions). The defense wasn't much better and clearly missed Koy Price. It won't get easier for the Polars this week as they head to Middlebury to face the Panthers who will be hungry to get back in the win column.

10). Hamilton Continentals (Record: 0-1; Last Week Rank: 10): Hamilton outgained Williams but we just don't think Williams is that strong, so we want to see more from Hamilton before we move them out of the NESCAC basement. QB Luke Kurzum had a strong game (298 yards passing and 2 TDs), but lack of a ground game (49 yards on 22 carries) needs to be fixed. Star WR Chester Boynton was a no show as was the Hamilton run defense. The offensive line needs to play better to give the Conts any shot going forward. The Conts travel to Amherst this Saturday to face the Lord Mammoths.

2025 Week1 NESCACMAN Offensive Player of the Week: RB Jon Oris, Williams

2025 Week1 NESCACMAN Defensive Player of the Week: DL  Cooper Bunnell, Colby

2025 Week1 NESCACMAN Special Teams Player of the Week: K Marcus Ruiz, UBates

**********

Follow NESCACMAN us on X: @realnescacman

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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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NM-

Thanks for your usual great coverage including pre game and postgame posts along with your power rankings.

I just wanted wanted to point out that the attendance of 1,000 at Saturdays game at Bates as shown in the boxscore is incorrect. Somebody goofed on that one.

Tha capacity of Garcelon Field is 3,500. The stands were packed and fans were all along the fence surrounding the field including at least 2 deep along the fence at the west end of the field.
Estimated attendance would be more like 4,000-4,500+.

It was great turnout for the 150 year event and the scoreboard dedication that included hundreds of Football Alums spanning 7 decades. This includes a few alums from the 1950's which was amazing.

This weekends events were totally the brainchild of Coach Coyne as the rebuild continues on and off the field with great attention to every aspect of the Football Program.

For once, we are glad to be wrong, Lumber. Appreciate the clarification. It was tough to gauge the attendance from the webcast video so we went with the number from the box score. I know the expectations, in speaking to Coach Matt, were high that the celebration would be well-received and well-attended. Glad that it seems like both boxes were checked (along with a well-deserved win).

As you know, we are big believers in the Kitties. 2025 may or not be their year for glory, but we're pretty sure they'll be right in the thick of it in 2026. Good luck this Saturday against the Evil Empire aka Hartford State in the Coop.

NM

PS See you in Lewiston is 2 weeks!

Thanks NM
I am going to try to reach out to you personally offline but hoping to be in Lewiston for the Wes game.

Quote from: Nescacman on September 14, 2025, 11:57:50 PM2025 NESCACMAN Week 1 Power Rankings

Welcome to the Week 1 Power Rankings for September 13, 2025.

NESCACMAN gets off to a good start and went 4-1 with our picks in always challenging Week1 after finishing last year with an all-time best record of 38-7. Our lone loss this week was the eye-opening Colby win over Hartford State.

Wesleyan moves into our top spot based on their impressive win over Middlebury. Tufts moves into the 2nd spot after Bowdoin.

Some details on "NESCACMAN"...we share a love for all things NESCAC, but especially football, with our fellow boardsters. We love everything about NESCAC...the history, traditions, rivalries, quirky rituals, passion, student-athletes, coaches, students, parents, alumni, tailgates, fields of play, breakfast spots, post-game meetups et cetera. Each week, we will present our power rankings and then later in the week an overview, prediction and spread on every NESCAC game. There will also be some special reports along the way. And of course, we publish our weekly "9 Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast" where we speak with the coaches, interview key student-athlete playmakers in the league, give our weekly power rankings, and of course, pick each game (winners and with the "spread".

We also co-host a podcast titled "Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast" along with Chris Grace, the longtime play-by-play voice of the Wesleyan Football Cardinals. Available weekly, the podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify. Please follow us and take a listen. Season 2, Episode 1  is available now (featuring interviews with all 10 NESCAC Head Coaches). Season 2, Episode 2 will be available later this week. Should be another great watch/listen. Our weekly show features coach and player interviews, game analysis, rankings, weekly game previews, and predictions. We encourage you to check it out.
 
Here are our rankings as we head into Week #2:

1). Wesleyan Cardinals (Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 3; 10  first place votes): Our new #1 team is Wesleyan. Wes picks up right where they left off in 2024 and have now won 7 straight games dating back to the UBates game last year. Wesleyan was dominant on both sides of the ball. Their defense limited Middlebury to 28 yards rushing (on 24 carries), 2 sacks (and numerous hurries), 3 of 13 on 3rd downs, and 2 interceptions. The offense did not allow a sack, gave QB Matt Fitzsimons a ton of time to throw the ball, did not turn the ball over, and controlled the clock. Besides Fitzsimons, frosh WR Dante Kelly and LB AJ Morris (pick 6 for a TD) were standouts for the Cards. Wes running game was good when it had to be. Wes missed a few long TD passes that were overthrown by a yard or less (to open receivers). The Wesleyan offensive line was impressive. Wesleyan came in with high expectations despite a lot of inexperience. We'd say that Week 1 was a good start. They head to Medford for what should be an epic night tilt against the #2 ranked Jumbo's. 

2). Tufts Jumbo's (Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 4): Lackluster Week1 win for the Jumbo's in a place that is notoriously hard to win at. First road shutout for the Jumbo's since 2018.  A win is a win in this league, but it was against one of the worst teams in the league, IOO. New QB Justin Keller was not spectacular but was efficient. Christian Shapiro (and Keller) carried the load for the Tufts offense. Returning RB Chartellis Reece added a TD in somewhat limited action. We suspect that they will ease him into to more of a carry split with Shapiro as the season progresses. LB Johnny Ferrelli (one of our favorite names in the NESCAC) was the Jumbo's leading tackler. K Vaughn Seelicke added 2 FGs. Tough to get a read on how good Tufts is against a lesser opponent like the Polar Bears. This week under the lights will be a better test when they host a high-quality opponent in Wesleyan.

3). Colby Mules (Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 7): Our biggest mover in the rankings this week are the Colby Mules. Not an understatement in saying this was the biggest win in Coach Cosgrove's tenure at Colby. They beat Hartford State for the first time since 1995. This might not be the same Bantam team from 2023 (or even 2024), but anytime you beat Hartford State you deserve some credit. QB Miles Drake overcame 3 INTs. Colby's offense was not particular dynamic (239 yards of total offense including 47 yards on the ground-on 35 carries). Reigning NESCAC ROY WR Jack Nye was the lone offensive bright spot for the Mules. On defense, DL Jack Mullen (2.5 TFL and 2.0 sacks) and DL Cooper Bunnell (3.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks) led a Mules attack that dominated the Hartford State offensive line (7 total team sacks, 52 yards rushing and 11 first downs). We're not totally sold on the Mules yet, but this was a major step in the right direction. Should be an interesting game this week as Colby heads to Williamstown to face the Ephs.

4). Hartford State Bantams (Record: 0-1; Last Week Rank: 1): Very disappointing start to the 2025 season for the Bants. The last time Hartford State lost their opening game was 2019 on the road against Tufts. They ended up 5-4 that season. Pretty awful offensive performance, especially for a team with the Bantams pedigree. A few stats from Saturday: 6 points, 195 yards of total offense, 7 sacks against, 4 interceptions thrown, 11 first downs, 52 yards rushing (on 30 attempts), and 0-1 on PAT attempts. Much talked about D1 transfer Tyler Aronson threw 3 interceptions and was sacked 7 times playing the entire second half. WR Nolan O'Brien scored their only TD. The defense did not play badly holding the Colby offense to 7 points and recording 3 interceptions and 4 sacks. Must win as they open at home against the hungry, upstart Kitties from UBates.

5). Middlebury (Record: 0-1; Last Week Rank: 2): Disappointing Week1 loss on the road for Middlebury. Meanwhile, despite Brian Moran throwing the ball well at times, Middlebury's worst fears  came to fruition. Their newly revamped offensive line struggled and their defensive front seven was a far cry from what we have seen the last couple of years. Sophomore RB Connor McClellan and the much-vaunted Panther running game could not get it going against a stout Wesleyan front 7 (28 yards rushing on 23 attempts). QB Brian Moran was "meh". He led Middlebury down the field on the first drive (which stalled at the Wes 1 leading to a chip shot FG), threw a TD pass, but also threw 2 picks (including a pick 6), was sacked twice, and did not look that comfortable in the pocket for most of the game. The 4 new starters in their OL looked shaky at times. WR Mike Ahonen was one of the few bright spots for Middlebury's offense. Meanwhile, the defense did not record a sack or get a turnover. The Panthers get a break this week as they host the offensively challenged Polars in their home opener in Vermont

6). Williams Purple Cows (Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 5): Williams begins 2025 with an expected win against Hamilton. As we anticipated, we saw the future of Williams football, and it is indeed a run early and often approach. Ran 52 offensive plays, 44 of which were on the ground. To their credit, they did put up 258 yards on the ground led by RB Jon Oris (101 yards rushing and 2 TDs) and QB Owen Johansen (84 yards rushing and 1 TD). Credit the Williams OL for doing a good job run blocking and not allowing a sack. WR/DB Holden Gering played both ways and was the Ephs leading receiver. LB Luke Mangini chipped in 8 tackles including a sack and 1.5 TFL on defense. The Williams defense was good against the run (49 yards rushing) but not great against the pass (298 yards passing). We're not bullish on Hamilton so we will need to see how Williams does against better competition before they move up in our rankings. They will be certainly tested this week as they host Colby coming off their major upset of Hartford State

7). University of Bates Bobcats (Record: 1-0; Last Week Rank: 6): Congratulations to Coach Coyne and the Kitties on their first win at home against the Lord Mammoths since 1999. The Kitties ran an incredible 81 plays on offense including 59 runs. RB Ryan Lynskey and converted WR and now QB Sergio Beltran combined for 143 yards on the ground on 47 carries. QB Jack Perry threw 3 TDs on only 14 attempts. LB Ryan Rozich was the team leader in tackles. Despite the good win, a couple of turnovers kept Amherst in the game. They will need to clean that up to be able to beat the better teams in the league. Looking at the estimated attendance, I'm sure the UBates faithful was disappointed that only 1,000 attended the 150th anniversary of UBates football. The Kitties will face an angry 0-1 Bantam squad this week in South Hartford.

8). Amhurst Lord Mammoths (Record: 0-1; Last Week Rank: 9): Double OT loss for the Lord Mammoths in Week1 stings. A winnable game for Amherst as they led UBates 23-7 in the 4th quarter. The offense was better than 2024 but not spectacular. They still have not completely fixed the running game. UBates turnovers kept the LMs in this game. Amherst also turned the ball over twice (an interception and a lost fumble and was penalized 9 times for 82 yards). DB/LB Luke Harmon stood out on defense (14 tackles inducing 3 TFL and 1 sack) doe the LMs. For those with absolutely nothing going on this weekend, we suggest you head over to Pratt Field to watch the Lord Mammoths host Hamilton.

9). Bowdoin Polar Bears (Record: 0-1; Last Week Rank: 8): Uninspiring Week 1loss for the Polars as they were shut out at home against Tufts. Offense basically consisted of QB Michael Wolfendale taking a direct snap from center and trying to find a hole. The offense was lifeless (no points, 8 first downs-including 2 off penalties, 175 yards of total offense, 3 turnovers, 2 of 9 on third down conversions). The defense wasn't much better and clearly missed Koy Price. It won't get easier for the Polars this week as they head to Middlebury to face the Panthers who will be hungry to get back in the win column.

10). Hamilton Continentals (Record: 0-1; Last Week Rank: 10): Hamilton outgained Williams but we just don't think Williams is that strong, so we want to see more from Hamilton before we move them out of the NESCAC basement. QB Luke Kurzum had a strong game (298 yards passing and 2 TDs), but lack of a ground game (49 yards on 22 carries) needs to be fixed. Star WR Chester Boynton was a no show as was the Hamilton run defense. The offensive line needs to play better to give the Conts any shot going forward. The Conts travel to Amherst this Saturday to face the Lord Mammoths.

2025 Week1 NESCACMAN Offensive Player of the Week: RB Jon Oris, Williams

2025 Week1 NESCACMAN Defensive Player of the Week: DL  Cooper Bunnell, Colby

2025 Week1 NESCACMAN Special Teams Player of the Week: K Marcus Ruiz, UBates

**********

Follow NESCACMAN us on X: @realnescacman

**********

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Look for the podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Facebook.

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

NM-

Thanks for your usual great coverage including pre game and postgame posts along with your power rankings.

I just wanted wanted to point out that the attendance of 1,000 at Saturdays game at Bates as shown in the boxscore is incorrect. Somebody goofed on that one.

Tha capacity of Garcelon Field is 3,500. The stands were packed and fans were all along the fence surrounding the field including at least 2 deep along the fence at the west end of the field.
Estimated attendance would be more like 4,000-4,500+.

It was great turnout for the 150 year event and the scoreboard dedication that included hundreds of Football Alums spanning 7 decades. This includes a few alums from the 1950's which was amazing.

This weekends events were totally the brainchild of Coach Coyne as the rebuild continues on and off the field with great attention to every aspect of the Football Program.

Quote from: quicksilver on September 14, 2025, 04:31:10 PM

Quote from: Nescacman on September 14, 2025, 09:00:49 AMBeing objective, based on the games we've watched (and we've watched 3+ of the 5 so far) plus analyzing the stats plus speaking with our reporters that were at games we have not watched completely yet, outside of Wes and Colby, that was (by far) the worst weekend of NESCAC football we have ever seen...

100% agree. I was at the Bowdoin-Tufts game where both teams played poorly although the Jumbos, employing two new QBs, who showed flashes but not much consistency, were able to do the bare minimum needed to come away with the win.

The Polar Bears went with an unusually young line-up, with the top 3 or so defensive performers being first years and the next bunch being sophomores. It made me wonder whether preseason should start earlier and whether there should be more exhibition games . . And throughout the NESCAC, we see brand new or inexperienced QBs getting the starting nod . . This year is perhaps unusual due to the back-up of fifth year players in the fall of 2024 that slowed the development of younger players but regardless more of a glide pathway to the regular season is probably in order.

Gimme a break......Bowdoin has a young team so now we should start preseason earlier and have more exhibition games (also known as pre season scrimmages).
Every program has to rebuild within the Nescac system - it's the same for everybody my friend, but since it's Bowdoin let's change the system.

wow- just looked ta Trinity Colby stats......
Trin 11 first downs, 52 yards rushing, 143 passing yards...... yet Colby QB threw 3 Ints.

I gotta see the film to figure this out.

A huge win for Bates today. Chalk this up to Team Toughness in the Coyne culture.

Bates had several missteps and mistakes on offense in the first half which they need to correct, but the Bobcat D won this game on toughness and resilience. Bates LB Ryan Rosich was immense.
The Bobcats made plays on defense.

Sergio Beltran ran the offense effectively and made plays but Bates was too one dimensional with their running game. Mills predictably put 8 in the box which caused problems for Bates. When the Bobcats finally decided to throw the ball they embarked on a great comeback.

Bates has got to find a balance in their offense. Three yards and a cloud of dust is not going to do it. The offense has some work to do despite a phenomenal performance by Ryan Lynsey (especially in OT).

To date the Coyne rebuild has progressed nicely but in D3 football significant negative developments are unknown and unreported.

Bates recruited a very promising QB from Michigan 2 years ago. Seneca Moore 6'3'' 195. He was the apparent messiah at QB in the Bates rebuild.

Moore set the Bates track record in the 110m hurdles as FY. He broke the NESCAC record as Soph.
In June he transferred to Michigan to run D1 track.

This was a blow to the rebuild initiative so they transitioned all NESCAC slot receiver Beltran to a QB role with the intention to go to a 2 QB scheme while continuing to utilize Beltrans All Nescac WR talents in the process.

The process is ongoing- It's next man up for Bates and Beltran will be a very significant factor in the offense in a multiple role.

Quote from: Scoops on September 09, 2025, 09:20:02 AMImagine a team playing to their strengths? CRAZY strategy...

But I think what is not being mentioned when you talk about the Berluti era Tufts teams is that they also had the league leading rusher in his sophomore and junior years (by far his most productive). Tyler Johnson led the league in 22 and Chartellis Reece led it 24. Berluti was his own threat as a runner, but that's easy to do when defenses have to worry about all of the elite players that surrounded him. I don't think it's really a question that Berluti was over-hyped and given way more credit than he deserved. Will be interesting to see how the Tufts offense takes shape going forward. Especially since their recruiting class was uncharacteristically weak this year. But I am hearing that all conference RB Reece is back for this season after being held out last year for disciplinary reasons. No idea if he'll make a difference, but that kid is fun to watch for sure.
   

Good points Scoops. Of course you want to utilize your strengths but my point is Berluti became more of a one dimensional player. This might have hurt the Jumbos against the top teams they haven't been able to beat to get to that championship level despite having elite level talent.

Berluti was very dangerous in his early years because he was a double threat and a headache to game plan against. When the all world Tufts receivers emerged he was still a problem but his running threat diminished as they turned him into more of a one dimensional drop back QB. Either way Tufts is always a formidable opponent but if they kept him running they might have fared better. They became more predictable even with those great all world receivers as a more one dimensional offense.
 
I know The Czar of NESCAC recruiting, Coach Civetti, has less influence in the Elephant offense these days with the newbie OC he brought in but this McDonald kid is only a front man for a continuation of the Civetti approach, which is:    if your strength is running the ball just run it into the ground........If you can throw the ball, just throw it like there is no tomorrow.

Maybe personnel changes this fall in Medford will encourage a more balanced offense instead of always pounding things to your strength. The one dimensional power game works on a lot of the nescac teams but it won't fly in Hartford. Bring a balanced, unpredictable game plan- the only team that has gotten away with a one dimensional attack in certain years has been Trinity.           

Charlie-
There must be an echo in here, that must be the case.

The buck stops here boardsters......NESCAC Presidents have spoken.....They have already approved bigger rosters, a 9 game season AND Championship eligibility to the surprise of many. As a NESCAC follower for many years I never expected these concessions, especially in such a short period of time. These changes follow a period of many years where they never changed a damn thing!

I think the NESCAC coaches are pushing too hard for too many changes too soon at this point.

My two cents to newbie NESCAC parents and NESCAC recruits---if you want an environment where teams have 120 man rosters and are fixated on winning it all look at the WIAC, Centennial, CCIW, MIAC.....

NESCAC parents-- Do the research before junior commits to a NESCAC school. Don't come on the board after your son gets on a NESCAC campus saying why doesn't the NESCAC do this or that. I'm thrilled with the recent changes and hope to see more but I think further changes are on the back burner in view of college funding issues etc.

Just my take, I was wrong before about recent NESCAC Football changes and won't mind being wrong again if change continues but I don't anticipate more changes at this point in time no matter how many letters are written or how many "equity" plays there are.

Again, hope I'm wrong, I hope change continues but wouldn't hold my breath at this point.