FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Nescacman]

spell check failure......or perhaps intentional.....seems like the latter?

Our vote is this was totally intentional...although inappropriate, kinda made us laugh. Speaking of team nicknames, another topic for the off-season, we are going to sponsor a contest to rename Middlebury, holder of by far the worst nickname in the NESCAC. We'll bet that half the people on this board don't even know what their nickname is...

NM

[Nescacman]

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast Season 2, Episode 8

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 Soon!!! Season 2 Episode 8 featuring Wesleyan University Head Coach Dan DiCenzo and Wesleyan University Defensive Back Dylan Connors.

The podcast is available wherever you find 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

Follow us on X (aka Twitter): @nineweeksnescac
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Facebook: Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/groups/3002038363271368)
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Spotify Podcasts: 9 Weeks Nescac
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Visit Nescacfootballreport.com for NESCACMAN's picks/spreads, additional analysis and NESCAC reporting

[Nescacman]

2025 Week 8 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome back NESCAC...it's Week #8 "in the league where they pay to play".

And then there was one! With two weeks to play, Hartford State sits at the top of the NESCAC standings. Six teams still have a shot at the 2025 NESCAC Title. Only two teams (Hartford State and Wesleyan) control their own destiny. Week 8 features our game of the week as Wesleyan travels to Williamstown to face the Ephs in an important Little 3 battle. The other big game is in Hartford where the Lord Mammoths play Hartford State in the Coop. A win by the Bantams and they clinch at least a tie for the NESCAC Championship.

We were 4-1 last week and now stand at 25-10 on the year.

Let's get to this week's games...

Middlebury College at Hamilton College: "The Old Rocking Chair" Game (which sort of sounds like a made-up rivalry to us, but we digress) pits two teams with their eye on 2026. Middlebury, as noted earlier in the week, needs to win out to finish over .500 for the 4th straight year. Hamilton is playing for pride and needs one win in their last 2 to improve on their record from 2024. We expect MID RB Connor McClellan to see the ball a lot and have a big game against the last ranked Hamilton run defense. On the other side of the ball, MID has not been great against the pass so we expect HAM QB Luke Kurzum to try to exploit the Panther secondary. We're not sure the HAM defense (9th in yards allowed and last in points allowed) can contain the MID offense. We'll take MID on the road  since they just don't seem to ever lose to HAM (MID has won the last 28 times these teams have played going back to 1995).

Middlebury 31 Hamilton 17
Point Spread: Middlebury -14
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel): Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 46F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.

University of Bates (Lewiston Campus) at Bowdoin College: UBates is trying to show incremental improvement in 2025 as they start to think about 2026. Winning out and getting to 4-5 on the year would set them up well for next year. Injuries have been a big part of the story for the Kitties in 2025. They have been without key offensive linemen, their starting QB, and now their star RB. They clearly missed RB Ryan Lynsley last week and getting him back for this rivalry game is key. For Bowdoin to have a chance in this game, they will have to force turnovers, stop the flex option and generate some offense, which has not been easy this year for the Polars. Bowdoin is young and FY signal caller Soren Hummell seems to be getting better every week. He had a career day against Wes and will need to play similarly against the Kitties for the Polars to have a chance. DL Angus Leary is a budding star for the Polars. We think UBates is a few years ahead of the Polars from a development standpoint. We'll go with the Kitties to get the win on the road in Brunswick in what should be a close game.

UBates 27 Bowdoin 24
Point Spread: UBates -3
Weather: Morning clouds will give way to sunshine for the afternoon. High 54F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.

Colby College at Tufts University: Battle between two 4-3 teams both fighting for a winning season. Surprisingly, both teams still have a chance (a slim chance, mind you) to share the NESCAC title. This game is essentially a play-off game. Both teams are riding a two-game winning streak. Both teams have made recent QB changes. FY Patrick Miller is now starting for Colby and Sophomore Hudson Weidman is the starter for Tufts. Both can get it done with their legs. These teams are opposites in some ways. Colby relies on a strong defense while Tufts relies more on their offense. Congratulations to Tufts Coach Jay Civetti who become the all-time winningest coach in Tufts football history with the win last week. The way to beat Tufts is to run the ball (8th in rushing yards allowed), which we expect Colby to try to do. We expect a low-scoring game with Tufts winning a low-scoring battle at home.

Tufts 20 Colby 13
Point Spread: Tufts -7
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. High 56F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.

Amherst College at Hartford State College: Must win for Amherst if they hope to have any shot at a share of the NESCAC title. Amherst will need a lot to go their way for that to happen, but they must win out to have any shot. Defense travels and Amherst's defense is very good (2nd in the NESCAC in total defense) so we give them a shot. Last week, they shut down Wesleyan's Dante Kelly and held him to one catch. They will have to do the same to Hartford State's Nolan O'Brien to be in this game. The Bantams have gotten better as the season has progressed so this will be an uphill fight for the Lord Mammoths. Hartford State leads the NESCAC in scoring offense and defense and is #1 in total offense. HS's Jaxon Carroll leads the NESCAC in passing efficiency. The Bants have been getting a lot of guys involved in the offense and have been distributing the ball much more than they normally do. Amherst will need a big day from QB Marek Hill and avoid turning the ball over (they are last in the NESCAC in net turnover differential). HS hasn't lost to Amherst since 2017 and their last loss at home to the Lord Mammoths was in 2014. We don't expect a blow-out, but we'll go with the favored Bants in the Coop where they rarely lose (only 2 losses at home since 2021).

Hartford State 28 Amherst 17
Point Spread:  Hartford State -14
Weather: Sunny along with a few clouds. High 56F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Wesleyan University at Williams College: Huge game in Williamstown. This game will impact both the Little 3 title and the NESCAC Championship. Winner either wins (Wesleyan) or has a leg up (Williams) on the Little 3 crown. Meanwhile, if Wesleyan wins out, they claim at least a share of their second straight NESCAC Championship. If Williams wins, they keep their NESCAC title hopes alive. Of course, they'll need some help due to their loss to Hartford State earlier in the season. Wesleyan is riding high after a big homecoming win against Amherst. Meanwhile, Williams hopes to bounce back after a loss to Tufts last week. Speaking of the Little 3, Wesleyan is going for their 4th straight Little 3 title, something they have never done. As recently as 2013, they hadn't won a Little 3 title in 40+ years dating back to 1970. This game pits strength against strength. Wesleyan comes into this game with the #1 total defense and #1 rushing defense, while Williams leads the NESCAC in rushing offense by a wide margin. We expect Williams to try to run first. Their success doing that could depend on the health of dual threat QB Owen Johansen. Johansen was back after a week off last week and appeared to be hobbled only carrying the ball an uncharacteristic 3 times. If they are ineffective on the ground, Williams has had success throwing the ball. Despite being last in the NESCAC in passing attempts (by a wide margin), they are second in passing TDs with 14 (Wesleyan is first with 15). When they do throw, WR Zach Falls has emerged as a dangerous weapon for the Ephs with nearly half of the Ephs pass receptions and 8 of their 14 receiving TDs. Meanwhile, we think Wesleyan will try to air it out. Wesleyan is second in passing offense while Williams pass defense is ranked last in the NESCAC. Williams secondary will try to stop QB Matt Fitzsimons, WRs Blake Newcomb, WR Dante Kelly, and company. Wes has not run the ball well as of late, so we look for the Cards to lean in on the pass but mix it up with some well-timed runs. Wesleyan's offensive line will have to play well since  Williams does rush the passer very well (lead the NESCAC in sacks). We think this game will come down to special teams, turnovers and a couple of key plays. Wesleyan has won the last 3 times these teams have played and has won 10 of the last 11 meetings. We give Wesleyan the slight edge on the road based on the strength of the Wes offense vs. the Williams defense in what should be a close game decided by one-score.

Wesleyan 27 Williams 24
Point Spread: Wesleyan -1
Weather: Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 48F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.

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

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2025 Season: 25-10 (.714 winning percentage)
2024 Season: 38-7
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: 386-124 (.757 winning percentage)

**********

Follow NESCACMAN us on X: @realnescacman

**********

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

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.
 
Season 2 Episode 8 featuring Wesleyan University Head Coach Dan DiCenzo and Wesleyan University Defensive Back Dylan Connors.

The podcast is available wherever you get 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

Follow us on X (aka Twitter): @nineweeksnescac
Follow us on Instagram: @nineweeksnescac
Facebook: Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EbgGxDZRd/)
YouTube: 9 Weeks Nescac (https://www.youtube.com/@nineweeksnescac)
Spotify Podcasts: 9 Weeks Nescac
Apple Podcasts: 9 Weeks Nescac

Look for NESCACMAN's weekly predictions and point spreads at nescacfootballreport.com

[Nescacman]

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast Season 2, Episode 8

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 8 featuring Wesleyan University Head Coach Dan DiCenzo and Wesleyan University Defensive Back Dylan Connors.

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

Follow us on X (aka Twitter): @nineweeksnescac
Follow us on Instagram: @nineweeksnescac
Facebook: Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/groups/3002038363271368)
YouTube: 9 Weeks Nescac (https://www.youtube.com/@nineweeksnescac)
Spotify Podcasts: 9 Weeks Nescac
Apple Podcasts: 9 Weeks Nescac
Visit Nescacfootballreport.com for NESCACMAN's picks/spreads, additional analysis and NESCAC reporting

[Trin9-0]

we'll go with the favored Bants in the Coop where they rarely lose (only 2 losses at home since 2021).

Rarely is an understatement.
Trinity has lost just 6 home games in the past 24 seasons, a .938 winning percentage in The Coop.

[nescac1]

A few thoughts on Williams.  The Ephs' consistent strengths in the post-Maimaron years has been line play (on both sides but especially the offensive line, which this year has been spectacular), tailback and TE / HB play, and the pass rush.  QB play, WR play, and LB play have been weaker / more inconsistent, but this year's team is stronger because all three of those areas have really improved, particularly QB play when Johansen has been fully healthy. 

What's hurt the Ephs consistently, and is still hurting them this year, is (1) the general lack of depth to fill in for key injuries, which has been especially glaring this season with so many stars going down, and (2) pass coverage (obviously by far the glaring weakness in this year team, and certainly concerning playing a team with a great downfield passing attack like Wesleyan).  Between all the deep TDs scored by Falls, and all the deep TD passes given up to a slew of different downfield targets, I feel like the Ephs have been party to more long TD passes featuring receivers streaking down the field untouched or barely touched going back and forth each direction than any Eph team I can recall. 

Holden Gehring going down ended up being a particularly difficult loss this year given that behind the starters were a bunch of FY defensive backs thrust too soon into big roles (and the number two CB having to step up into his role, as well).  Hopefully he comes back 100 percent next season, and with all the weapons Williams will have going forward at WR/TE, as good as a receiver as he can be, I think he's too important at DB to risk playing both ways until maybe the last few games of the season. And hopefully all those early reps for the four FY DBs will benefit them as players going forward.     

[Nescacman]

What's hurt the Ephs consistently, and is still hurting them this year, is (1) the general lack of depth to fill in for key injuries, which has been especially glaring this season with so many stars going down
   

The Ephs have no one to blame but themselves for lack of depth. Not only has Williams (we're not talking about Coach Raymond here, just to be clear) consistently voted against larger rosters, they have been the leading voice for a lower roster limit in the NESCAC. Serves Williams right...karma is a bitch.

NM

[MapleBBQChicken]

"The Old Rocking Chair" Game (which sort of sounds like a made-up rivalry to us, but we digress)

That's because it is. The first game for the chair was in 1980, when two friends, Mac Bristol (Hamilton '43) and John Kirk (Middlebury '39), decided the "rivalry" should have an annual trophy. I can't speak to Hamilton's perspective, but as a former Middlebury football player, we never circled that game on the schedule. That might have been in part because of how one-sided the matchup was, but also both purple schools were always considered bigger rivals in football and other sports. Unfortunately, part of being in rural Vermont is that we have no next door neighbors and thus no clear natural rivalries. Middlebury did have a long-standing rivalry in football with fellow D3 Vermont school Norwich until the NESCAC moved to a conference-only schedule. If we ever do see a 10th game for NESCAC teams, I guarantee Norwich will be the Panthers' first call.

We'll take MID on the road  since they just don't seem to ever lose to HAM (MID has won the last 28 times these teams have played going back to 1995).

I said it last year and I'll say it again: death, taxes, and Middlebury keeps the chair

For the record, NM, it is MIDD, not MID. I have never been sure if your omission of the second D was an intentional slight, though if it is I respect it. Anyway, we can talk about that and a new nickname in the offseason

[Nescacman]

"The Old Rocking Chair" Game (which sort of sounds like a made-up rivalry to us, but we digress)

That's because it is. The first game for the chair was in 1980, when two friends, Mac Bristol (Hamilton '43) and John Kirk (Middlebury '39), decided the "rivalry" should have an annual trophy. I can't speak to Hamilton's perspective, but as a former Middlebury football player, we never circled that game on the schedule. That might have been in part because of how one-sided the matchup was, but also both purple schools were always considered bigger rivals in football and other sports. Unfortunately, part of being in rural Vermont is that we have no next door neighbors and thus no clear natural rivalries. Middlebury did have a long-standing rivalry in football with fellow D3 Vermont school Norwich until the NESCAC moved to a conference-only schedule. If we ever do see a 10th game for NESCAC teams, I guarantee Norwich will be the Panthers' first call.

We'll take MID on the road  since they just don't seem to ever lose to HAM (MID has won the last 28 times these teams have played going back to 1995).

I said it last year and I'll say it again: death, taxes, and Middlebury keeps the chair

For the record, NM, it is MIDD, not MID. I have never been sure if your omission of the second D was an intentional slight, though if it is I respect it. Anyway, we can talk about that and a new nickname in the offseason

You're on...we have a few ideas for better nicknames/mascot than the very boring and pedestrian one MID currently has.

BTW Maple, is there an expiration date on our adult beverage and stogie?!?

Looking forward to sharing both with our friend Spring tomorrow in Willytown. Nescac1 and Chuck, you are welcome to join as long as you don't complain about why the Ephs are only suiting up 40 guys tomorrow...we'll be in the Taconic GC lot at 9:30 AM sharp...

NM