Quote from: lumbercat on December 07, 2025, 11:38:09 AMIf Beltran comes back it may be as an all conference WR, his former role. He was thrust into the QB position after Seneca Moore decided to transfer to USC.
If Hennessy continues to mature in Spring and Pre Season that might be the scenario.

We could see that. Makes sense to us. A key to an improved Kitties squad in 2026 will start with improved play at the QB position, regardless who the starter is.  Of course, having a healthy Ryan Lynskey back won't hurt either.

Quote from: lumbercat on December 06, 2025, 12:51:13 PMAll of the options mentioned are in play but I don't believe Sergio has made a final decision yet.

If Sergio decides to graduate and leave UBates, we expect Soph Connor Hennessey to have the inside track on the starting job at QB for the Kitties. Hennessey started game #9 for the Kitties and performed well in the loss to Hamilton.

This would mean UBates would join Middlebury as the only NESCAC teams with a new signal caller in 2026.

Quote from: RamapoRUFan on December 02, 2025, 08:28:36 PMAgree with all the excitement for '26 season.  One note on Bates, I think QB Sergio Beltran has completed his four years in Lewiston.

Young Sergio was injured in Week 3 (early in the game against Wes, btw). We believe he can apply for an injury exemption for the 2025 season from the NCAA and more than likely it will be granted. We fully expect him to be back guiding the Kittie flex option in 2026. 

2026 NESCACMAN "Way Too Early" Season Preview

Some very "pre" pre-season fodder for those NESCAC Fans that can't wait for 2026.

We see the league in 2026 falling very neatly into 3 tiers and we are going to rank the Teams based on those tiers. Please remember, these tiers are based on what we know today. It factors in graduation and those returning from injury but does not factor in new first-years (FYI, very rarely do FYs have much of an impact in the NESCAC anyway...how many Dante Kelly's are there in any given year???), any transfers via the portal (not a big thing in the NESCAC), and 5th year graduate students that are sticking around (used to be a bigger deal in the NESCAC...post-COVID, not so much). If 2025 was the year of questions marks, especially at the QB position, 2026 is the year of certainty. Every team in the NESCAC, except for Middlebury, returns their projected starting QB in 2026.

Tier 1: We see these 3 teams contending for the 2026 NESCAC title and the NESCAC's first automatic bid in the D3 Championship Football Tournament.

Wesleyan Cardinals (2025 Record: 7-2), Hartford State Bantams (2025 Record: 7-2), Williams Ephs (2025 Record: 5-4)

Wesleyan has many returning stars including the NESCAC OPOTY, NESCAC ROTY and numerous All-NESCAC performers from the 2x NESCAC and 4x Little 3 Champ. IOO, they are the favorites headed into 2026 to be NESCAC's first ever NCAA play-off team. Hartford State returns a ton of starters from their 2025 (and 2024) NESCAC runner-up squad. Yes, they lose NESCAC OPOTY runner-up Nolan O'Brien but have several WRs ready to step into the #1 playmaker role. Most of their defense is back. Other than the games against Wesleyan and Colby, they played very well in 2025. Williams has as much raw talent as any team in the NESCAC. They just need to figure out a way to stay healthy. Health and depth are the Eph story lines we'll be watching in 2026.

Tier 2: Most of these teams have some pieces back. One or two of these teams could sneak into Tier 1 and contend for a NESCAC title in 2026, but some things would have to go very right for them. On the other side, one or two of these teams could also slide to Tier 3.

Middlebury (2025 Record: 5-4), Tufts Jumbo's (2025 Record: 4-5), Amherst Lord Mammoths (2025 Record: 5-4), Colby Mules (2025 Record: 6-3)

Middlebury needs to replace their starting QB, but they return one of the top RBs in the NESCAC in Connor McClellan. Tufts hopes to have their QB healthy from the start of the year. They were decent when he played. RB Christian Shapiro probably should have been an All-NESCAC selection in 2025 but will be a player to watch for the Jumbo's in 2026. Amherst loses a bunch of guys from a very good defensive unit. However, QB Marek Hill will have another year of experience under his belt. The Lord Mammoths could use some dynamic playmakers to help the QB. Despite a stellar year in 2025, we are not totally sold on Colby. They play good defense, but their offense was anemic. Not sure we see the offense being much better and the defense loses some of their guys in 2026. They'll be out to prove that 2025 wasn't a fluke.

Tier 3: This tier is comprised of teams that have a lot to prove in 2026. This tier is comprised of a team that was ravaged by injury in 2025, a team that primarily started FYs and Sophs, and a Team with one of the best QBs in the league but not much else.

University of Bates Bobcats (2025 Record: 2-7), Bowdoin Polar Bears (2025 Record: 2-7), Hamilton Continentals (2025 Record: 2-7)

We so want to rank UBates higher. They should be (much) better in 2025 with several of their wounded warriors back including their QB Sergio Beltran, C Matt Pierotti, and RB Ryan Lynskey. We're from Missouri on the Kitties. Bowdoin will be a year older and more experienced. The problem is the league will be much better in 2026. They seem to have found their future QB but need to get him some play makers to be competitive. DL Angus Leary will be one of the favorites to be DPOTY in 2026. Hamilton has one of the best returning QBs in the NESCAC in Luke Kurzum, but both lines need to improve dramatically to see a move up in the standings for the Conts. They also need to figure out a way to improve their running game to take pressure off Kurzum.

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast Season 2, Episode 10

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast is the first podcast of its kind in NESCAC history. Hosted by Chris Grace (play-by-play announcer for Wesleyan) and Dave Bagatelle (Wesleyan Alum and former player), our weekly show features coach and player interviews, game analysis, rankings, previews, and predictions.

Available Now!!! Season 2 Episode 10 (2025 season finale) featuring Wesleyan University Head Coach Dan DiCenzo and Wesleyan University Running Back Angelo LaRose.

The podcast is available wherever you find your podcasts including YouTube, Facebook, Apple and Spotify. Search for "9 Weeks NESCAC"...the first and only podcast of its kind.
 
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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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Visit Nescacfootballreport.com for NESCACMAN's picks/spreads, additional analysis and NESCAC reporting

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast Season 2, Episode 10

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast is the first podcast of its kind in NESCAC history. Hosted by Chris Grace (play-by-play announcer for Wesleyan) and Dave Bagatelle (Wesleyan Alum and former player), our weekly show features coach and player interviews, game analysis, rankings, previews, and predictions.

Coming Soon!!! Season 2 Episode 10 (2025 season finale) featuring Wesleyan University Head Coach Dan DiCenzo and Wesleyan University Running Back Angelo LaRose.

The podcast is available wherever you find your podcasts including YouTube, Facebook, Apple and Spotify. Search for "9 Weeks NESCAC"...the first and only podcast of its kind.
 
Thank you to our sponsors Sloane and Walsh, LLP and 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

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Visit Nescacfootballreport.com for NESCACMAN's picks/spreads, additional analysis and NESCAC reporting

Quote from: Nescacman on November 18, 2025, 04:01:12 AM

Quote from: GroundandPound on November 17, 2025, 12:54:37 PMOne could reasonably claim Cosgrove earned it, but to suggest it is a slam dunk is a tad silly. 
Wesleyan lost 30 extremely talented seniors coming into the year and I believe they obtained their first back to back NESCAC title in school history.  Either choice would not surprise me.

First off, it is no longer "Coach of the Year"...it is now "Coaching Staff of the Year"....another NESCAC nod to participation trophyism and political correctness.

As we said earlier, Wesleyan's coaching staff should win it but Colby's staff probably will win it. However, in true NESCAC fashion, we would not be surprised to see a tie and both staff's split the award this year.

Wouldn't be shocked to see the same thing happen for Defensive Player of the Year. We think Wesleyan's Dylan Connors deserves it but we could see him sharing it this year with someone TBD.

As far as OPOTY and ROTY, Wesleyan's Fitz and Kelly are shoo-in winners, IOO.

NM

Hate being right...

Kudo's to all of the award winners and the All-NESCAC selections. Great group of student-athletes.

BTW, Kemit Fisher proves that it's not all about stats. He was a beast and deserving of sharing the DPOTY Award with Dylan Connors.

NM

Quote from: NESCACFball24/7 on November 19, 2025, 08:40:28 PM

Quote from: Charlie on November 19, 2025, 12:22:52 PM

Quote from: NESCACFball24/7 on November 19, 2025, 09:55:11 AMThis could be the first time in a few years we haven't seen an exodus of talent from the league to the transfer portal right after the season looking to move up to the D1 level. Will be interesting to see if this remains true

Only one I know of so far is O'Brien WR from Trinity. I guess he figures on trying the portal although with one year eligibility and an injury prone career do not know how many takers there will be on a one year stint.He does not have the same pedigree as Tomlinson & Lutz of the past or size as well as eligibility. I did hear about rumblings out of Wesleyan that the Freshman WR Kelly could be moving on word is it that Uconn & Stonehill are possible landing targets. At this stage all conjecture.

I am curious when these kids enter the portal do they leave after Christmas break for Spring ball at these programs ?

In the case of O'Brien for Trinity or any senior would that mean forgo graduation if not would that not put them further behind pack not getting a Spring football season in or do they just red shirt for another year.

I do remember the C for Bates Pierotti last year entered the transfer portal but then played this year for Bates before getting hurt.So not sure on the rules for this.

Depends on the situation. For some kids if they are able to graduate early (after this semester) and get to their new school for spring ball it generally give them many more opportunities because they will have another 6 months at the new place.


What you said about kelly is interesting because lets be honest stonehill isnt exactly the pinnacle of football and giving up weseleyan for one of the worst teams in the worst conference in FCS would be kind of strange.

Take everything from Chuck with a huge nugget of salt...he's the "Sergeant Schultz" of the D3Boards.

Quote from: nescac1 on November 18, 2025, 07:37:50 AMLuke Harmon has been a dominating presence for three years and I continue to think is worthy of at least co-DPOTY. 

Harmon was an excellent player but not sure he was even the best player in 2025 on the Lord Mammoth's defense. We were very impressed with several of their DL. They were a force for Amherst this year. Extremely disruptive.

Quote from: GroundandPound on November 17, 2025, 12:54:37 PMOne could reasonably claim Cosgrove earned it, but to suggest it is a slam dunk is a tad silly. 
Wesleyan lost 30 extremely talented seniors coming into the year and I believe they obtained their first back to back NESCAC title in school history.  Either choice would not surprise me.

First off, it is no longer "Coach of the Year"...it is now "Coaching Staff of the Year"....another NESCAC nod to participation trophyism and political correctness.

As we said earlier, Wesleyan's coaching staff should win it but Colby's staff probably will win it. However, in true NESCAC fashion, we would not be surprised to see a tie and both staff's split the award this year.

Wouldn't be shocked to see the same thing happen for Defensive Player of the Year. We think Wesleyan's Dylan Connors deserves it but we could see him sharing it this year with someone TBD.

As far as OPOTY and ROTY, Wesleyan's Fitz and Kelly are shoo-in winners, IOO.

NM

Quote from: Trin9-0 on November 13, 2025, 10:22:28 AMCount me firmly in the NEVER turf Andrus camp. The grass surface and not having track between the field and the stands is part of what makes for such a unique venue in the league. If they can improve the actual playing surface, as Nescacman alluded to, then that's the best of both worlds. It was always my favorite road game venue as a player and from a safety standpoint it's been proven that natural grass is far superior to artificial turf.

Not only will Wesleyan NEVER move from Andrus Field (at least not in our lifetime), they will NEVER "turf" the venue. Natural playing surface, fortunately, is here to stay (new and improved for 2026).

NM

2025 NESCACMAN Week 9 Power Rankings

Welcome to the Week #9 (Final) Power Rankings for November 8, 2025.

NESCACMAN went 4-1 last Saturday calling every game correctly except for the UBates loss to Hamilton.

Congratulations to the back-to-back NESCAC Champion Wesleyan Cardinals who defeated runner-up Hartford State 31-28 in the NESCAC Championship Game in Middletown. For the second straight year, Wesleyan came in as underdogs and beat Hartford State. Wesleyan moves into the #1 spot in our rankings in the final week of the season. For the record, we almost exactly predicted the game score (our prediction: 30-27 Wesleyan) and the Wes win.

This is our last ranking of 2025. Here are our NESCAC headlines for 2025:

- Wesleyan wins their second consecutive NESCAC title and their 4th consecutive Little 3 Championship.
- Colby has their first winning season and best record since 2005 garnering 3rd place in the NESCAC with a 6-3 record.
- Hartford State loses on opening day to Colby and the last day of the season to Wesleyan ending their year with a disappointing 7-2 season.
- 2025 was the year of new QBs in the NESCAC. Several stepped up (Fitzsimons, Carroll, Hill, Weidman) while some struggled.
- Amherst has their first winning season since 2021 and comes in 2nd place in the Little 3.
- Ravaged by injuries (again), Williams loses their last 3 games to end the season at 5-4 and a share of 4th place in the NESCAC.
- Middlebury wins their last 3 games to get north of .500 for the year.
- Despite high expectations, UBates, riddled with injuries, loses their last 4 games (including 3 of those loses by a TD or less) to finish the year at 2-7 equaling their 2024 record. Will be interesting to see if they take the leap in 2026 when they get their guys back.

We also co-host "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 wherever you get your podcasts including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple. Please follow us and take a listen. Season 2, Episode 9  is available now featuring Trinity Bantam Head Coach Jeff Devanney and Middlebury Panther RB Connor McClelland.  Season 2, Episode 10 will be available soon and will feature two more amazing guests, Wesleyan Cardinal Head Coach Dan DiCennzo and Wesleyan Cardinal RB Angelo LaRose. Should be another great watch/listen. We encourage you to check it out.

Here are our final 2025 rankings:

1). Wesleyan Cardinals (Record: 7-2; Last Week Rank: 2; 10 first place votes; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 6-3): So much for a rebuilding season for the Cardinals. Wesleyan beats Hartford State for the second straight year to capture their first back-to-back NESCAC titles in the program's long history. It was the first time they have beaten Hartford State in back-to back games since 1997 and 1998 and the first win in Middletown since 2014. A few highlights from this game: 1). Wesleyan, who came in the game near the bottom of the NESCAC rankings in rushing yards, ran for 215 yards on Hartford State (on 41 attempts). 2). Angelo DeRose ran for 218 yards, a TD, and was selected as the NESCAC OPOTW. 3). Wesleyan outgained Hartford State 493 to 292. 4). Wesleyan had an edge in time of possession 37 mins to 23 mins. 5). Wesleyan had 3 sacks against the Bants and 8 QB hurries. 6). Wesleyan held Hartford State to 37 yards rushing on 19 attempts.  7). Bantams' receiver Nolan O'Brien was held to 3 catches for 28 yards (and 2 punt returns for 8 yards). 8). HS QB Jaxon Carroll less than 50% of his passes. Wesleyan should be in the mix for a three-peat in 2026 with many key, returning starters including NESCAC OPOTY candidate Matt Fitzsimons and NESCAC ROTY candidate Dante Kelly leading the charge.

2). Hartford State Bantams (Record: 7-2; Last Week Rank: 1; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 7-2): [/b]There is a high bar for success in South Hartford and bracketing the season with an opening day loss at Colby and an end of season loss at Wesleyan cannot feel good for Hartford State. Yes, the Bants were 7-2 and yes, "technically" they are considered NESCAC co-champions by the "participation trophy" powers that be in NESCAC Conference HQ, but as Coach Devanney said on our podcast, you don't get rings for a tie and losing to the team you tied with. They tried to avenge their 2024 loss in the Coop to the Cards and failed. Something tells us they will be back with a vengeance in 2026 (more on that in a future Blog).

3). Colby Mules (Record: 6-3; Last Week Rank: 4; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 record: 4-5): Congratulations to the Colby Mules on not only achieving their first winning season since 2005 but also finishing 3rd in the NESCAC and winning the coveted C-B-B title. Colby's formula all year was to play solid defense, play error free football, try to control the clock on offense and limit penalties. That formula was in play for Colby in their finale win against the Kitties which was their 4th win in a row. Interestingly, Colby had 16 TDs on the season of which only 13 were offensive TDs (10 rushing, 3 passing) in 9 games. However, their defense led the NESCAC in scoring defense.

4). Amherst Lord Mammoths (Record: 5-4; Last Week Rank: 5; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 2-7): Congratulations to the Amherst Lord Mammoths on their 2nd place finish in the Little 3. They clinched runner-up status with a thrilling win at home in Amherst. With that win, they finished above .500 for the first time since 2021. The main driver in their 2025 improvement was the continued high-level play of their defense and the development of QB Marek Hill.

5). Williams Ephs (Record: 5-4; Last Week Rank: 3; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 5-4): The last two games of the 2025 season will be remembered in Williamstown for a very long time. Two weeks ago, they lost to Wesleyan in OT and this past Saturday, they lost on what could have been a four-point swing on a "pick 2" interception by the Lord Mammoths that set-up the game winning field goal. Injuries were the headline story for Williams all year, the last game being no exception. They will have to figure that out if they expect to improve in 2026.

6). Middlebury (Record: 5-4; Last Week Rank: 6; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 7-2): Middlebury wins their last 3 games to finish over .500 for the year. Anytime you finish 5-4 in Middlebury, it is a disappointing season. This was their worst season since they finished 3-6 in 2021. Next year, they will try to get back into the mix for a NESCAC title with a new signal caller as they lose QB Brian Moran to graduation.

7). Tufts Jumbo's (Record: 4-5; Last Week Rank: 7; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 5-4): Tufts loses to Middlebury and ends 2025 with a losing season. One of the most head scratching seasons for any NESCAC team in recent memory. They start out 2-0, including a win against league champ Wesleyan. Then they lose 3 in a row. Then they win 2 in a row. Finally, they lose their last 2 including a blow-out to Colby (giving up 33 points to the anemic Colby Mule offense) and lose in OT to Middlebury in week #9.

8). Hamilton Continentals (Record: 2-7; Last Week Rank: 10; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 1-8): Win in week #9 gives the Conts 2 wins and marginal improvement in 2025. With Luke Kurzum returning at QB, there is some hope in Clinton for 2026.

9). Bowdoin Polar Bears (Record: 2-7; Last Week Rank: 10; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 record: 3-6): Worst year for the Polars since 2021. Played a lot of young players so they will be looking to improve in 2026.

10). University of Bates Bobcats (Record: 2-7; Last Week Rank: 9; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 5-4): Very disappointing season for the Kitties as they equaled their win total from 2024. They will be looking to dramatically improve in 2026 when they get their guys back.

2025 Week8 NESCACMAN Offensive Player of the Week: RB Angelo LaRose, Wesleyan

2025 Week8 NESCACMAN Defensive Player of the Week: DL Dean Sokaris, Wesleyan

2025 Week8 NESCACMAN Special Teams Player of the Week: K Hudson Felcher-Melendy, Amherst

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2025 Week8 NESCACMAN Offensive Player of the Year: Should Win: QB Matt Fitzsimons, Wesleyan; Will Win: QB Matt Fitzsimons, Wesleyan

2025 Week8 NESCACMAN Defensive Player of the Year: Should Win: DB Dylan Connors, Wesleyan; Will Win: DB Dylan Connors, Wesleyan

2025 Week8 NESCACMAN Rookie of the Year: Should Win: WR Donte Kelly, Wesleyan; Will Win: WR Dante Kelly, Wesleyan

2025 Week8 NESCACMAN Coaching Staff of the Year: Should Win: Wesleyan (Dan DiCenzo); Will Win: Colby (Jack Cosgrove)

**********


Follow NESCACMAN us on X: @realnescacman

**********

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Quote from: Charlie on November 11, 2025, 01:58:04 PM

Quote from: lumbercat on November 10, 2025, 11:04:55 AMHaven't seen the Battle of the Birds tape yet but very impressed with the Wes ground game and the performance of Angelo LaRose. Wes seemed to be a ground attack "by committee" during the year but LaRose really stepped it up in huge game. Can't remember many times over the years when anyone ran the ball like that against Trinity. Very surprising.
Another thing that jumped out to me was the fact that Wes was able to contain O'Brien who I consider the most explosive, dangerous player in the league. If he was at full strength the Cards did a great job containing him.
Looks like the Dante Kelly was the best receiver on the field on Saturday. He is destined to be in O'Briens class in terms of explosiveness if he is not at that level now. He's going to be a huge headache for opponents for the next 3 years.

Obrien was hurt most of the year and throughout his career in the NESCAC. Dante is the best WR I have seen in the NESCAC despite his size. I even think he would be faster on a real turf field instead of that Mud pit Wesleyan plays on.

I am surprised why the NESCAC has not come down on Wesleyan if they continue on playing football there they have to fix that field more like a used polo grounds then a football field. A great venue to watch a game but the field needs a great deal of work.

Wesleyan did a great job against Trinity nice game plan they had and Trinity despite making the adjustments at halftime seemed to be in a fog all game. The game resembled a lot of the Trinity Colby game bizarre play calling on offense. On defense Trinity tried stunting a great deal which was not working out due to the field conditions and Trinity had a great deal of Blown assignments missed tackles very uncharacteristic of them. I am taking nothing away from Wesleyan I tip my hat to them great performance and coaching and they deserved to win.

Hey Chuck, Andrus Field is the oldest/longest continuously used college football field in the country. It's not going anywhere and Wesleyan will NEVER permanently play anywhere else. With that being said, plans are in place to totally redo the playing surface prior to the 2026 season. Stay tuned on that. It is (by far) the best home venue and game day experience in the NESCAC hands down. It's why Wesleyan leads the NESCAC in home attendance every year.

NM

Quote from: muleshoe on November 11, 2025, 02:31:25 PM

Quote from: The Mole on November 11, 2025, 01:59:02 PMWhere is my favorite troll, Scoops? Miss you too, Charlie. Great season by the Cards, first ever back to back and last time beat the Bants back to back was 97 and 98. The Whalen and Dice project is continuing to make progress.
OPOY has to be FitzSIMONS (not Simmons)
DPOY should be Dylan Connors
ROY has to be D Kelly
Apologies for my absence this season

Totally agree with you on Fitzsimons and Kelly.... DPOY will be very interesting, as I feel like there a number of strong candidates throughout the league including 3 from the CBB: McNamara on Colby, Rozich on Bates, and Leary on Bowdoin
 

Tough to give DPOTY to players that played on second division teams on defenses that were "MEH" at best...all of those mentioned had nice years and should be 1st Team All-NESCAC, but DPOTY...nope. We will soon post our definitive view on all of the NESCAC award winners...stay tuned.

Quote from: Trin9-0 on November 07, 2025, 11:33:05 AM

Quote from: Nescacman on November 06, 2025, 10:36:39 PMSo we had Coach Devanney on the 9 Weeks NESCAC Podcast this week (thanks for coming on, Coach!). A memorable quote from our interview:

"We've already told the team nobody gets rings for co-championships at Trinity."

I can attest to this. I've got a watch that I've never worn from 2002 when we were co-champs with Williams.


It's no surprise that Nescacman picked the Cards. However, I thought the 30-27 score prediction was interesting. Trinity has allowed 30 points or more just three times in the past 15 seasons (that's 2.4% of their games). It's been a quarter century since Wes scored 30+ vs. Trinity (37 in 2000). Sure, Wesleyan averages just under 30 ppg for the year but the Bants lead the league in scoring defense at 13 ppg. It's also worth noting that three of the league leading 14 touchdowns scored against them were actually defensive or special teams touchdowns.

I do agree Wesleyan will air it out as Fitzsimons is legit and Newcomb and Kelly are very dangerous. Plus it's unlikely the Cards' 9th ranked running game will have much success on the ground against a rushing defense that gives up 92 ypg. However, if Wes can't find success against the league's best passing defense it could be in trouble against a balanced Bantam offensive attack.

One area that does really concern me is the Bantam kicking game. After being spoiled for many years with historically excellent kickers, this year Trinity has made just 40% of their field goal attempts and missed three extra points. In a close game, on grass, this could be the difference between a sweatshirt and a ring. In the end I'll take Trinity to win (and cover the -3 Nescacman spread) 21-17. Note, that wouldn't be enough to cover using the SP+ 6.7 score projection.

I also disagree on the Ephs and Mammoths. While I was very impressed with the Amherst front seven against Trinity, and Williams comes limping into the game I think they'll find just enough to win (but not cover -3) for their first victory at Pratt field since '21.

Finally, in a super-duper-ultra upset special I'll go with Bowdoin, to not only cover but, WIN on the road against the Mules to claim the outright CBB title (the third time in four years they'll lay claim to at least a share of the most adorable trophy in Maine). Give me Bates and Middlebury to round things out.

I'm still trying to convince my wife that the NESCAC football championship game is a great way to spend quality time with our three young kids. If I'm successful I'll be sure to swing by the Nescacman tailgate.

Again, Sorry we missed you yesterday Hs7-2 (never has a handle been more appropriate, btw)...

For those following along...not the best day of predicting for Hs7-2 yesterday...besides the miss on the Wesleyan/Hartford State game/score (final score: 31-28; NESCACMAN prediction: 30-27), Williams and Bowdoin were also misses (of course, we had Amherst and Colby).

Our only miss yesterday was UBates....very disappointing (more on that later).

Stick with NESCACMAN for the best predictions in the NESCAC... 

NM