Had the luxury of channel checking many games this past weekend. I noticed two glaring takeaways. The NESCAC has to allow a preseason contest. If you look at that the play now versus week one simply amazing. I know this is topic for off season but even to get the young kids coming in some game experience I just think would make week one better football. Again topic for off season.

The second observation I happen to watch some of the Trinity/ Tufts game is it just me or does Trinity football players just look bigger ,stronger and faster then there opponents. The size differential against Tufts was large. I also noticed this in watching the Trinity/Bates game as well. Do these other NESCAC programs have strength and conditioning programs. There seems to be a clear size and speed differential amongst these teams. The only team that appeared to be close in size was Williams College. When I watched the Bates/Colby the players looked completely different in size and stature.

Quote from: Trin9-0 on October 01, 2025, 09:58:51 AMAm I the only one who thinks we need to pump the brakes on the Mammoths? Certainly very few (if anyone) predicted they would outclass the Jumbos, but they also lost to Bates and their other win came at home against Hamilton.

Amherst also hasn't won a road games since they beat the Continentals last September. Now, if they can go on the road and beat Middlebury this week I'll start to believe there's something there. Until then I still think they max out at 3, maybe 4 wins.

I just think Amherst played hard and aggressive football. I have not seen that kind of intensity out of Amherst in many years. I hope it is promising for them it would be nice to see another team start to climb the ladder instead of the clear division between schools in the NESCAC conference.I thought Bates was going to start to move up the standings in terms of winning but I have them at best winning 2 to 3 more games.

I have to say after three games the surprises this year have to be Amherst and Williams. Let's face facts Trinity was going to right the ship after their terrible performance  at Colby. I did think that Williams is improved and with another year with Johansen at QB poised to make a run. Amherst is another team shocking me at this point. Albeit stumbled out of the gates at Bates but really showed me the grit of Amherst teams in the past. I think if they continue this trend will be the surprise team in the league this year with Bowdoin and Bates taking a few steps backwards.

I think Trinity win at williams was huge. They proved that despite injuries to key players they were able to pull out a win. The word out of Hartford State is They are getting one of their best players back on DL this week. If they start to get healthy this team is poised to run the table. They have great deal of young talent and I think each week looking better. I think if they keep getting better the game that will potentially give them problems maybe against Amherst. Amherst has been playing each team tough and maybe the team in NESCAC to make a significant jump in the power rankings and standings this year.

The Trinity / Bates game will be interesting this week. I think this could be another trap game but a psychological one for the Trinity. I do not know if the offense is going to second guess themselves. The run game was below average and if Trinity does not play to their talent level and work the ballup the field instead of the homerun ball this game could get ugly. If the Coaches appear that last week was a fluke and stay with their offense scheme of down field throwing I fear another 4 Int game looms.

Bates will run the triple option and becuase not seen on a consistent basis will move the ball against Trinity. They key this week for the Bants with the loss of Toyias on the DL no indication playing this week and a few banged up DL will Trinity be able to put preasure on Bates offense. Based on last week if they fall behind they have shown no ability to manufacturer points.

I predict a 1-3 point margin of victory maybe for Trinity.

Quote from: Nescacman on September 17, 2025, 04:59:48 PM

Quote from: Trin9-0 on September 17, 2025, 01:37:42 PMI've got to tip my hat to Charlie, once again, who called the Trinity-Colby game as a potential upset (I scoffed at the notion). I did pick the Mules as my surprise team this season but that outcome was a little too surprising for me!

As previously mentioned, this was Colby's first win over Trinity since a 14-11 win in 1995. It's worth noting that prior to 2017 the teams only played every two years due to the 8 game schedule (Trinity rotated season openers between Colby and Bates). The last Mule win prior to '95 was a 20-17 upset in 1980 which ended up being the only blemish on a 7-1 Trinity season.

Any way you look at it this is a huge with for Cosgrove and I can only imagine what the scene was like on Mayflower Hill Saturday night. Congrats to the Colby faithful on a historic win.


As for Trinity, they could be in trouble. The defense was stout led by their excellent secondary who forced three interceptions. However, the Bantam offense was stuck in mud. They appeared to be physically outmanned up front by Colby which was a real shock. The biggest issue is quarterback and they clearly need to figure out a solution quickly. Jaxon Carroll wasn't exactly sharp in the first half. He did not get injured. I don't know if the decision to play Tyler Aronson after halftime was predetermined or if they were looking for a spark. Either way, his 3 interceptions in the second half (one of which was returned for a TD) doomed the Bants. One other note on him, he's listed as a sophomore on the roster but Devanney called him a freshman in his post game summary. Not sure if he just misspoke or if Aronson could have an extra year of eligibility which makes sense given he didn't see game action at SMU.

The Bants have been a bit spoiled at the position the past few seasons with three years of Fetter who set multiple school records followed by Zebrowski who had played in 15 games prior to taking over as a grad student and then had a monster season last year. Hopefully a home game in The Coop will help to settle the nerves and get the season back on track. At the risk of a jinx, Trinity hasn't lost to Bates since 1979!   

First off, we have to give Hs7-2 credit, where credit is due. Thank you for being contrite. We know that post was not easy for you to compose and probably took a couple of days to cobble together.

Should be an interesting home opener in the Coop for Hartford State. Much more on the week2 tilt against the Kitties later, but it would not be a reach to say this is a must win for the Bants. We will say this...in homage to the biggest event in the history of Lewiston (Clay aka Ali beats Liston), we'll give UBates at least a punchers chance at the upset...

BTW, the last time Hartford State started a season 0-2 was 1995. We'd be surprised if that happens this year, but ya never know...

NM

While I beleive Trinity could be in trouble the Back up QB did not play all that bad. Lets take a step back first the starting QB has an injury potentially season ending. This occuured weeks before opening season game. Which means back up QB were not prepared. Secondly as I have stated in previous posts Trinity OC has not changed his approach since Fetter was QB. You cant keep throwing down the field against a cover 2 and expect great success. Not to mention you are running an RPO if there is no threat the QB will run defeats the entire purpose.

HC at Colby is smart he knows that Trinity aleways get impatient and looks for the homerun ball. I found it odd that when the QB ran one long play and threw to TE they never went back to these plays. Colby simply rushed more players then Trinity could block. This coupled with fact that the OL was pourous all day became problematic. Trinity never adjusted there game plan and this in game play calling has cost them the last three years against Middlebury and they do not seem like they are making changes in there play calling.

I have to say I considered the Trinity game at Colby a trap game and man it was to an extent. Not only did Trinity come out flat RB not hitting holes , OL not being aggressive , the Coaching staff was terrible in their in game adjustments and play calling. Okay I get the fact injuries occur and you have a back QB. I understand he may have a great deal of talent but to get an offense down in three weeks is a stretch. Trinity could have easily won this game with a short quick throw attack. Instead they had these longpass plays against a Colby blitzing all day and created 7 sacks and I beleive 4 INT. Please understand Colby did play a great game defensively. They also made great in game adjustments to stop Trinity's offense. I stated before that Colby always played Trinity tough and it showed.The fact that Trinity was so arrogant in there play calling as if Fetter was at QB is mind boggling. A great deal for Trinity to work on.

Defensively Trinity was stout. However they loose one of there best DL Joe Toyias to injury dont know how long he will be out or season ending. He was carted off late in 4th. This was the strength of the defensive unit. So that is another area of Trinity concern.Needless to say potential problems in Hartford State.

Quote from: Trin9-0 on September 10, 2025, 11:48:14 AM

Quote from: Charlie on September 09, 2025, 06:37:28 PMInteresting to see who you have Trinity losing to some more explanation on the three losses by Wesleyan and Middlebury would be nice ?

I actually have Trin losing at Williams in Week 3. Aside from their most recent trip there in '23 the Bants have struggled in Williamstown more than almost anywhere. Maybe I'm overestimating Williams or perhaps I still have scar tissue from the 42-3 thrashing by the Ephs in '21 but I think that game could trip up Trinity especially since it's still early in the season and they may not yet be firing on all cylinders.

As for Wes, history tells us they'll drop a surprise game and my money is on the road against the Mules in Week 5. I also think the Ephs finally get over the hump and take down the Cardinals this year for the first time since '21. Wesleyan hasn't won back-to-back games against Trinity since 1997-'98, so I'm betting those three games as the losses for the reigning champs.

As I mentioned, I think Middlebury drops the opener to Wes while Trinity finally gets their revenge over the Panthers. Their third loss is the season finale against the Jumbos.

I agree with a great deal of what you are saying but this year I think Trinity will handle Williams. Especially since there QB situation in Williamstown is suspect. Williams is gong to try and pound it at Trinity and I think that Trinity's front three of Luke Ventura , Matt Hickey and Joe Toyias are as stout as they are in the NESCAC and much more athletic then Trinity DL of the past. These three will make plays and worse case allow LB's to scrape free and make plays. Trinity had this problem last year. The team that scares me out of the entire schedule is Middlebury.

Middlebury plays historically the cover two let them throw and run underneath in front of you and no big plays. This bend but don't break game plan has bode well for them. I also think with the new QB Trinity whoever it will be I heard injury bug has hit Trinity at that position in Training Camp will have to be patient. Trinity historically has tried to push the ball down the field instead of taking what the defense is giving them. Defensively I think that Trinity has not been able to solve there defensive secondary issues against Middlebury. Middlebury constantly seems to come up with big plays that Trinity has not had the answer for. But I like the thoughts hopefully I am wrong.

Quote from: Trin9-0 on September 09, 2025, 04:08:34 PMHere are my 2025 predictions:

1. Trinity 8-1 - They won't be better than either of the last two Bantam squads, but with the loss of returning talent across the league (especially from the other contenders) the Trinity machine will have enough firepower led by Nolan O'Brien and Tyler DiNapoli to nearly run the table and capture their 20th NESCAC Championship.

2. Middlebury 6-3 - The Panthers are one of the only teams with a proven returning signal caller in Brian Moran and they have weapons on offense. However, they lose a ton in the trenches on offense and defense. I don't see them beating Trinity three years in a row and they'll split with the other contenders.

2. Wesleyan 6-3 - The Cards lost the most talent in the league. The cupboard isn't exactly bare but following their storybook season last year I see Wes reverting to their usual six wins (with their annual head-scratching loss thrown in).
 
2. Williams 6-3 - Williams could have had 7 wins last season and I think the Ephs improve on their win total from a year ago. The loss of Owen McHugh to injury will hurt but they've got enough on both sides of the ball to contend this year.

5. Colby 5-4 - The Mules are my surprise team. With a solid QB returning along with most of the pieces from a defense that finished second in the league last year I'm going out on a limb and predicting Colby to finish with their first winning season since 2005!

5. Tufts 5-4 - Another usual contender with huge graduation losses, especially at QB and in the secondary. The Jumbos will lose to the top teams and, similarly to Wes, will drop a stunner to a bottom tier program along the way.

7. Bates 4-5 - Another team on the rise; I think the Bobcats can ride Lynskey to their highest win total since 2014 but that's probably the top of the ceiling for them as a program.

8. Bowdoin 3-6 - Hammer has done a good job of recruiting so they should be able to replenish some of their graduation losses but I don't see them as any better than they were last year.

9. Amherst 1-8 - I'm not sold on Marek Hill. He was only a freshman last year, but 5 TDs with 8 INTs doesn't instill a lot of confidence, especially without much returning talent on that roster. Maybe they surprise a team or two but I think it's another year in, or near, the basement for the Mammoths.

9. Hamilton 1-8 - The Continentals were only competitive in 3 of their 8 losses last year. They also graduated all but three starters on defense... on the bright side, they had the worst defense in the league last year so maybe the new guys will be better!? Let's throw them an upset win.

Interesting to see who you have Trinity losing to some more explanation on the three losses by Wesleyan and Middlebury would be nice ?

Predictions for Week One

                         Winner

Bates v Amherst          Bates
Trinity v Colby          Trinity
Middlebury v Wesleyan    Middlebury
Williams v Hamilton      Hamilton
Bowdoin v Tufts          Bowdoin

Quote from: nescac1 on September 08, 2025, 11:49:09 AMCharlie I've been banging the drum of bigger class sizes at NESCAC schools for awhile. An extra 100 kids per class won't change the institutional feel and there is effectively limitless demand. I noted that Williams enrolled 583 this year and class sizes had been gradually creeping up to the 550-560 range over time.  That may be an unexpected outlier or maybe a sign of bigger classes in the future. With a few new dorms I think Williams with so many massive new facilities (but alas no new permanent indoor athletic complex yet) could easily handle 600 or even a bit more per class.   

Somewhat baffling because these schools despite the academics are there to make money. I know many of these schools have the capability to expand there student population. Again I am not saying for football purposes but no reason they could not all be at the size of Wesleyan , Tufts etc. I feel that the endowment and financial windfall from increasing there numbers while maintaining there academic integrity and prowess would be easy and a win/win for everyone.

Well this situation is never going to fix itself at least for 2025.

Lets hear the predictions for this weeks games !!

This is last I will say about roster limits. I have looked at endowments at these schools and schools for example like Amherst , Williams , Colby and Middlebury to name a few have such large campus. Why would they not keep the same admissions standards as they currently have and add more housing for students and increase there enrollment. They could easily increase the student population make more money while keeping the integrity of their academics. There certainly seems to be a surplus of land and money at all of these schools. I am not saying doing this for football but the overall student body , sports and academics. Why has NESCAC not wanted to increase to a size or smaller to that of a Wesleyan or Tufts ?

This week is going to be a very interesting week in the NESCAC for opening games.

While I agree with much of what you are posting lets also consider the fact that NESCAC has been behind the times for awhile. So lets not applaud them for things that should have been done awhile ago. From this stand point only if you are going to adjust roster limits next year for the playoffs it seems very simplistic not to touch the rosters at all for this year.

The NESCAC presidents voted not to change roster limits so there will be cuts coming on many rosters. I did here not sure on how this works that schools can elect not to abide by the rule and be sanctioned by the NESCAC and receive a penalty. I do not know that penalty will be. I also heard that some schools will allow players to practice but not dress for games. It seems there is a great deal of uncertainty. No matter what the schools have decided the Presidents have voted and what each school does with the roster limits remains to be seen.

Quote from: nescac1 on September 04, 2025, 10:00:40 AMWas there a final decision on this year's roster limit?  I note that Trinity's pre-season roster has right around 100 players on it.  So they will need to make a LOT of cuts if there is a roster limit somewhere in the 80s ...

Wesleyan is showing around 99 players so curious when and if these cuts will come down for either school