FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[lumbercat]

Imagine 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.

[LochNescac]

Below are the NESCAC score projections for Week 1 followed by the respective national ranking based on the Bill Connelly SP+ computer model rating (last years final rankings included in parenthesis):

Amherst 20.0 - Bates 19.9
Trinity 35.2 - Colby 8.3
Tufts 30.9 - Bowdoin 14.6
Wesleyan 23.7 - Middlebury 17.9
Williams 31.2 - Hamilton 9.3

29. Trinity (31)
68. Wesleyan (74)
73. Tufts (79)
82. Middlebury (87)
89. Williams (91)
140. Colby (130)
159. Bowdoin (152)
173. Amherst (180)
186. Bates (174)
194. Hamilton (190)

As you'd expect with a computer model, the accuracy improves once there's actual data from games to pull from so this week especially is more of a crap shoot. TWith that said, the computer sees Amherst-Bates as a virtual pick 'em. Sorry, blitzBowdoinblitz but it agrees with nescac1 and NESCACFball24/7 on the Jumbos and Polar Bears. The Game of the Week between Midd @ Wes should be a good one while the Bants and Ephs are expected to take care of business rather easily.

We shall see! Looking forward to Saturday.

Looks like Bill & his computer are telling us to tune in for Amherst vs Bates;  I'll bite!!

[Trin9-0]

Here 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.

[Charlie]

Here 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 ?

[Nescacman]

Last night, Chris and I interviewed 6 of the 10 coaches (Colby, Williams, Bowdoin, Middlebury, Tufts, Wesleyan) in the league for the "9 Weeks NESCAC" podcast (from Tuscany...and yes, we'll be back for the openers this weekend).

Tonight we meet with the rest of the coaches. We intend to publish our season preview podcast including interviews with all the coaches, preseason rankings, and opening weekend picks/spreads on Friday. A few tidbits from our discussions last night:

-The Bowdoin starting QB will be Michael Wolfendale.
-Chartellis Reece is indeed back at RB for Tufts.
-Colby is very bullish on the Miles Drake/Jack Nye connection.
-The Tufts starting QB will be Justin Keller.
-Sounds like we will see both Matt Fitzsimons and Chase Vaughan at QB for Wes.

**********

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Look for the podcast on YouTube and Spotify.

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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[nescac1]

Tufts should have an elite rushing attack with Keller (who is very fast), Reese and Shapiro, assuming the rest of the offensive line around all-American Lynch is solid.  The question for Tufts will be passing, as Keller has never thrown a pass in a game, and for the first time in years Tufts doesn't have an elite all-conference receiver returning, although Rogers and Rios seem like at worst capable targets. 

Pre-season picks for offensive/defensive players of the year:

Offense: 1. Ryan Lynskey, 2. Brian Moran, 3. Tyler DiNapoli, 4. Nolan O'Brien, 5. Jack Nye, 6. Miles Drake.  Dark horses: Jon Oris, Owen Johansen, Conner McClellan, Mike Ahonen, Matt Diaz, Christian Shapiro, Chartellis Reece, Sergio Beltran, Jack Lynch

Defense: 1. Luke Harmon, 2. Dylan Connors, 3. Holden Gehring, 4. Charlie Cooper, 5. Sebastien Romain, 6. Johnny Ferelli. Dark horses: Ryan Rozich, Matt Shaw, Luke Mangini, Charlie Ozolin, Amari Phillips, Declan Welch. 

[Trin9-0]

Interesting 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.

[Charlie]

Interesting 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.

[Nescacman]

Below are the NESCAC score projections for Week 1 followed by the respective national ranking based on the Bill Connelly SP+ computer model rating (last years final rankings included in parenthesis):

Amherst 20.0 - Bates 19.9
Trinity 35.2 - Colby 8.3
Tufts 30.9 - Bowdoin 14.6
Wesleyan 23.7 - Middlebury 17.9
Williams 31.2 - Hamilton 9.3

29. Trinity (31)
68. Wesleyan (74)
73. Tufts (79)
82. Middlebury (87)
89. Williams (91)
140. Colby (130)
159. Bowdoin (152)
173. Amherst (180)
186. Bates (174)
194. Hamilton (190)

As you'd expect with a computer model, the accuracy improves once there's actual data from games to pull from so this week especially is more of a crap shoot. TWith that said, the computer sees Amherst-Bates as a virtual pick 'em. Sorry, blitzBowdoinblitz but it agrees with nescac1 and NESCACFball24/7 on the Jumbos and Polar Bears. The Game of the Week between Midd @ Wes should be a good one while the Bants and Ephs are expected to take care of business rather easily.

We shall see! Looking forward to Saturday.

Looks like Bill & his computer are telling us to tune in for Amherst vs Bates;  I'll bite!!

Although we always find these computer rankings and predictions "interesting", we'd be remiss if we didn't point out the ridiculousness of the relative rankings. Our recollection is that Wes beat Hartford State last year in an actual game, yet the final computer rankings from 2024 have Hartford State 43 spots above league champ Wesleyan. Does not make much sense to us...we're positive one of our fellow genius boardsters will somehow justify this but actual game results should override the statistical models. BTW, we outpicked the computer last year...

NM

[muleshoe]

Below are the NESCAC score projections for Week 1 followed by the respective national ranking based on the Bill Connelly SP+ computer model rating (last years final rankings included in parenthesis):

Amherst 20.0 - Bates 19.9
Trinity 35.2 - Colby 8.3
Tufts 30.9 - Bowdoin 14.6
Wesleyan 23.7 - Middlebury 17.9
Williams 31.2 - Hamilton 9.3

29. Trinity (31)
68. Wesleyan (74)
73. Tufts (79)
82. Middlebury (87)
89. Williams (91)
140. Colby (130)
159. Bowdoin (152)
173. Amherst (180)
186. Bates (174)
194. Hamilton (190)

As you'd expect with a computer model, the accuracy improves once there's actual data from games to pull from so this week especially is more of a crap shoot. TWith that said, the computer sees Amherst-Bates as a virtual pick 'em. Sorry, blitzBowdoinblitz but it agrees with nescac1 and NESCACFball24/7 on the Jumbos and Polar Bears. The Game of the Week between Midd @ Wes should be a good one while the Bants and Ephs are expected to take care of business rather easily.

We shall see! Looking forward to Saturday.

Looks like Bill & his computer are telling us to tune in for Amherst vs Bates;  I'll bite!!

Although we always find these computer rankings and predictions "interesting", we'd be remiss if we didn't point out the ridiculousness of the relative rankings. Our recollection is that Wes beat Hartford State last year in an actual game, yet the final computer rankings from 2024 have Hartford State 43 spots above league champ Wesleyan. Does not make much sense to us...we're positive one of our fellow genius boardsters will somehow justify this but actual game results should override the statistical models. BTW, we outpicked the computer last year...

NM

NM - SP+ is not meant to be interpreted as rankings, but rather a predictive, forward-looking model. Ole Miss was #2 in the country on SP+ at the end of last year, but I don't think anyone outside of Mississippi thought they even deserved to be in the CFP.

It's probably better served for handicapping games though it did predict your Red and Black to beat Bates 40-0 last year... so maybe we should just take it as a fun tool to think about the games ahead and have some more banter on the board ahead of the actual games.

Can't wait for the season to kickoff on Saturday - I'll be listening to the pod on my drive up to Waterville Saturday. Go Mules!

[Nescacman]

Last night, 9 Weeks NESCAC met with the 4 coaches that we did not meet with the night before including Coaches Coyne, Devanney, Mills and Murray. It was great hearing what they had to say as they all prepare for their season openers this Saturday. Some tidbits from our discussions:

-Coach Coyne was keeping his cards close to the vest but did promise us some surprises. He is very bullish on the upcoming season and seemed genuinely excited to host the Lord Mammoths this Saturday at home.
-Coach Devanney did not divulge this Saturday's starting QB but did say that his Week 2 starter at QB might not be the same guy that starts week 1.
-Coach Mills said that the LMs came through Fall camp relatively healthy which is a big change from the past few years. That gives him reason for hope. He also knows he needs to get (much) more out of his offense.
-While Coach Murray was very bullish on Luke Kerzum at QB, he thought the key to Hamilton's season was how their new offensive line performs. They will have 4 new offensive line starters.

*********

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Look for the podcast on YouTube and Spotify.

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/share/g/141Ru3gKgk/)
YouTube: 9 Weeks Nescac

 

[Nescacman]

Below are the NESCAC score projections for Week 1 followed by the respective national ranking based on the Bill Connelly SP+ computer model rating (last years final rankings included in parenthesis):

Amherst 20.0 - Bates 19.9
Trinity 35.2 - Colby 8.3
Tufts 30.9 - Bowdoin 14.6
Wesleyan 23.7 - Middlebury 17.9
Williams 31.2 - Hamilton 9.3

29. Trinity (31)
68. Wesleyan (74)
73. Tufts (79)
82. Middlebury (87)
89. Williams (91)
140. Colby (130)
159. Bowdoin (152)
173. Amherst (180)
186. Bates (174)
194. Hamilton (190)

As you'd expect with a computer model, the accuracy improves once there's actual data from games to pull from so this week especially is more of a crap shoot. TWith that said, the computer sees Amherst-Bates as a virtual pick 'em. Sorry, blitzBowdoinblitz but it agrees with nescac1 and NESCACFball24/7 on the Jumbos and Polar Bears. The Game of the Week between Midd @ Wes should be a good one while the Bants and Ephs are expected to take care of business rather easily.

We shall see! Looking forward to Saturday.

Looks like Bill & his computer are telling us to tune in for Amherst vs Bates;  I'll bite!!

Although we always find these computer rankings and predictions "interesting", we'd be remiss if we didn't point out the ridiculousness of the relative rankings. Our recollection is that Wes beat Hartford State last year in an actual game, yet the final computer rankings from 2024 have Hartford State 43 spots above league champ Wesleyan. Does not make much sense to us...we're positive one of our fellow genius boardsters will somehow justify this but actual game results should override the statistical models. BTW, we outpicked the computer last year...

NM

NM - SP+ is not meant to be interpreted as rankings, but rather a predictive, forward-looking model. Ole Miss was #2 in the country on SP+ at the end of last year, but I don't think anyone outside of Mississippi thought they even deserved to be in the CFP.

It's probably better served for handicapping games though it did predict your Red and Black to beat Bates 40-0 last year... so maybe we should just take it as a fun tool to think about the games ahead and have some more banter on the board ahead of the actual games.

Can't wait for the season to kickoff on Saturday - I'll be listening to the pod on my drive up to Waterville Saturday. Go Mules!

Mule, appreciate the response and not trying to be argumentative, but if they are not meant to be rankings, why does Connelly show a "rank" in column "E" and a "change in rank" in column "K" ? In any event, looking beyond the rankings, having HS ahead of Wes after they played still does not make sense to us.

Enjoy the pod on your ride to Waterville!

 

[Nescacman]

2025 NESCACMAN Week 0 Power Rankings

It's that time of year in the league where they "pay to play". To those of you new to the Boards, welcome! To those returning, welcome back!

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 are looking forward to another exciting season of NESCAC Football. Going into the season, we think there are four teams that will challenge for the coveted NESCAC Championship: Hartford State, Middlebury, Tufts, and Wesleyan. Williams and Colby are the next most likely teams to have a shot at moving into the top tier. We think UBates is a year away but may be ready for the next level. Amherst, Bowdoin, and Hamilton are a notch below.

At all levels of football, the QB position has taken on increased importance in recent years. No longer do you see teams without a decent QB succeed. The NESCAC is no exception to this rule, and we think that is an important storyline for the 2025 season. This year, only 5 of the 10 teams in the league have a returning starting QB. Among the teams expected to compete for a championship, only 1 of them has a returning starter. How the remaining new starting QBs perform will largely determine their team's success in 2025. Something we will be watching very closely.
 
Here are our rankings as we head into Week #1:

1). Hartford State Bantams (2024 Record: 7-2; NESCACMAN Predicted 2024 Record: 7-2; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 7-2): 2024 Grade: B+. Most teams would be happy coming off a 7-2 campaign and playing for the league championship last year. The Bants were not. Disappointing season for the 2023 NESCAC co-NESCAC champions. Hartford State seems to reload every year, and this year will be no exception. Last year, they led the NESCAC in total offense. They return a lot of weapons on offense including RB Tyler DiNapoli and WR Nolan O'Brien. The question mark is at QB and who will replace starter Zander Zembrowski. Last year's "weakness" was their defense which was an uncharacteristic third in the 'CAC in scoring defense. The loss of All-NESCAC DE Jordan Atkinson is big. Still, the defense should be strong. Strengths: Strong running attack, many returning defensive starters, depth, talented student-athletes, and coaching. Areas of Concern: QB situation...Summary: Will probably not be the juggernaut that we have seen the past few years. However, The Bants are the "Ohio State" of the NESCAC and are our team to beat in 2025.

2). Middlebury (2024 Record: 6-3; NESCACMAN Predicted 2024 Record: 6-3; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 7-2): 2024 Grade: B. Year two of the Mandigo-era was a bit disappointing after Middlebury won the NESCAC Football Championship in 2023. We expect the 2025 addition of the Pants to be run focused as they build around Sophomore RB Connor McClellan. QB Brian Moran is the best/most experienced returning QB in the NESCAC and that gives Middlebury a distinct edge at that position. Moran started slowly in 2024 but looked much more comfortable as the season progressed. The Pants lose a ton of talent including All-NESCAC DLs Tomas Kenary and Dave Fillias, All-NESCAC DB Rocca Stola and OL/NFL Prospect Thomas Perry. This is another program that works hard at recruiting in the off-season and seems to reload every year. Replacing 4 starters in their OL will be key. Strengths: Talent and experience at the skill positions. Areas of Concern: Lost a lot of talent in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Summary: 2024 was a disappointing season in Vermont. The home opener loss against Wesleyan set the stage for the rest of the year. They will look to get out of the blocks faster as they travel to Middletown for this year's game #1. We think they have too much talent to not be in the mix at the end of the year.

3). Wesleyan Cardinals (2024 Record: 8-1; NESCACMAN Predicted 2024 Record: 7-2; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 6-3): 2024 Grade: A+. 2024 was a dream season for the Cardinals as they won their first outright NESCAC title. They also won their third straight Little 3 title and go for an unprecedented fourth Little 3 title in a row in 2025, something they have never done. Cards will have to replace a lot of talent including QB Nico Candido, NESCAC OPOTY WR Chase Wilson, and NESCAC DPOTY LB Ben Carbeau. Still, there is talent here including DPOTY Candidate DB Dylan Connors and RB Matt Diaz. We expect the Wes running game to be as potent as we have seen in maybe a decade. Key on offense is the offensive line. The Wes defense loses a lot of talent, but they do return a bunch of guys who saw meaningful playing time in 2024. Strengths: Experience and depth at RB, solid special teams, and a well-coached, hungry defense. Areas of Concern: New QB and inexperience on both sides of the ball. Summary: Wes has had 12 straight winning seasons, is the 3x defending Little 3 champ, and Coach Dicenzo is the all-time winningest HCOF in Wes history, so we are betting on them again this year. The Cards are our pick to win the Little 3 title again for the fourth straight year. Wesleyan always has high expectations, and we think they will surprise a few people this year.

4). Tufts Jumbo's (2024 Record: 7-2; NESCACMAN Predicted 2024 Record: 7-2; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 5-4): 2024 Grade: B+. Strong year for the Jumbo's in 2024 as they completed their best season since 2018. Big question mark for the 2025 Jumbo's is replacing 4-starting QB Michael Berlutti. The offense will get a boost with the return of former All-NESCAC RB Chartellis Reece. They travel to Maine in week#1 to play Bowdoin which should be a good test for this team. Strengths: Running game and well-coached. Kicking game is in great shape with returning NESCAC points leader Vaughn Seelicke. Areas of Concern: Plugging the holes caused by graduation. Summary: We think 2025 will be a year of transition for Tufts. They will be dangerous, but we don't think they have the experience to win their first ever NESCAC title.

5). Williams Purple Cows (2024 Record: 5-4; NESCACMAN Predicted 2024 Record: 5-4; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 5-4): 2024 Grade: B. Williams took a step forward in 2024 as they posted a bounce back winning season after two back-to-back 3-6 seasons. This team could have easily finished 8-1 in 2024. The Ephs have found it challenging replacing former NESCAC OPOTY QB Bobby Maimaron. They will miss starting QB Owen McHugh who will miss the 2025 season due to a baseball injury in the spring. They are one of many teams who will feature a new starting QB. They have run the ball well and 2025 should not be an exception as they feature RB Jon Oris. On defense, they return DB Holden Gering (2nd in the NESCAC in interceptions in 2024) and LB Luke Mangini. The secondary should be good with all 4 returning starters back. Strengths: The running game should be very good, and the defense should be solid. Areas of Concern: QB, QB, QB and finding whoever the QB is someone to throw to. Williams has had depth issues in recent years, so they need to avoid injuries to have more success and finish strong. Summary: We think they will be decent in 2025, but a lot will depend on the QB and WR play.

6). University of Bates Bobcats (Lewiston Campus)(2024 Record: 2-7; NESCACMAN Predicted 2024 Record: 2-7; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 5-4): 2024 Grade: C. 2024 was a step in the right direction for Coach Coyne and the Kitties with 2 big wins over Wesleyan and Middlebury. Most of this group now has at least 2 years of experience and is ready to take another major step forward. They return most of their key starters including OPOTY candidate RB Ryan Lynskey, QB (more on that in a moment)/WR Sergio Beltran, and LB Ryan Rozich. Sure, there are questions at QB, but they have a bevy of potential guys at the position (including Beltran, who played QB in HS, and we expect to see him as signal caller in the flex option). 2025 is the 150th year of football at UBates and we expect them to have their first winning season since 2012. Strengths: Stellar running game. Experienced starters. Areas of Concern: Lack of experience at QB offset by the fact that they have athletes who can play there. Summary: We'll go out on a limb and make UBates our sleeper pick for 2025. We think they get above .500 and set themselves up for a championship run in 2025. Getting out strong vs. the Lord Mammoths at home is huge. Should be a big crowd in Lewiston as the Kittie faithful celebrates 150 years of collegiate football at UBates.

7). Colby Mules (2024 Record: 4-5; NESCACMAN Predicted 2024 record: 3-6; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 record: 4-5): 2024 Grade: B-. Beat the teams they should have beat last year and lost to all the teams above them in the standings, albeit, some by a close margin. They return one of the top 2 experienced QBs in the league in 2 sport athlete Miles Drake. They also return NESCAC rookie of the year, WR Jack Nye. However, they will have to figure out how to replace Keon Smart's production (the second leading rusher in the league). On defense, they lose all everything Julian Young but have returning stars in DL Jack Mullen and LB Sebastien Romaine. The Mules have not had a winning record since 2005, and we don't they break that streak in 2025. Strengths: Experience at QB, returning stars on defense. Areas of Concern:  Who is going to run the ball? New starters on the OL. Summary: Colby has been close to getting to the 2nd tier but hasn't been able to take the leap. Ceiling for them is mid-tier at best in '25. As we said last year, a 5-4 season would be a huge step forward for this program.

8). Bowdoin Polar Bears (2024 Record: 3-6; NESCACMAN Predicted 2024 record: 3-6; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 record: 3-6):  2024 Grade: C. Another losing year in '24 but they continue to be competitive. They will have a new QB in Michael Wolfendale. The defense will miss All-NESCAC DL Koy Price. Strengths: Experienced, yet undersized offensive line. Play the "blitz, blitz, blitz defense" well. Areas of Concern: Where will the offensive production come from? Summary: Not sure they have enough firepower on offense despite the experienced offensive line. 4 wins would be a good year for this team and a move in the right direction.

9). Amhurst Lord Mammoths (2024 Record: 2-7; NESCACMAN Predicted 2024 Record: 3-6; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 2-7): 2024 Grade: D+. A step in the wrong direction in 2024,  the Lord Mammoth faithful must be disappointed with the mediocre performances since 2018 The offense struggled again last year, particularly running the ball. Word out of Amherst is that they will give the triple option a chance, at least some of the time. Despite the offensive issues, the defense kept them in games in 2024. QB continues to be an issue for the Lord Mammoths with Marek Hill poised to lead the charge headed into this season. All-NESCAC DB/LB Luke Harmon leads the defense. Strengths: Many defensive returnees from a solid 2024 unit needs to keep them in games. Areas of Concern: The offense needs to be better....Amherst's running game, which used to be feared, needs to return to past glory... Summary: Need to show more on offense...Where did all of the Amherst playmakers go?...We respect HCOF Mills, which is why we are giving the Lord Mammoths the benefit of the doubt. We see them as a bottom feeder team this year.

10). Hamilton Continentals (2024 Record: 1-8; NESCACMAN Predicted 2024 Record: 2-7; NESCACMAN Predicted 2025 Record: 1-8): 2024 Grade: D. Hamilton is one of the few teams in the league with a returning QB (Luke Kurzum) and they return one of the best receivers in the league in Chester Boynton. However, they will need to replace almost their entire offensive line as well as most of their defense. Strengths: Star receiver and returning QB. Areas of Concern: Many. Loss of their best weapon, punter Tighe Hoey, lack of a winning culture, new players all over the place. Summary: Our 2025 expectations are low for this squad. Bottom tier team again in 2024.

2025 NESCAC Pre-season Offensive Player of the Year: RB Ryan Lynskey, UBates

2025 NESCAC Pre-season Defensive Player of the Year: DB Dylan Connors, Wesleyan

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[nescac1]

Well, per the Berkshire Eagle the Ephs have finally narrowed it down to ... four potential QBs.  Tomorrow should be interesting! Although it may just end up being Johanssen and a lot of running the ball.

The preview also mentioned that the Ephs' most talented receiver Brady Stahelski is injured, not great for an already-thin position.  I expect we will see if Holden Gehring can actually be closer to a full time two-way player this year.  The OL is dealing with some injuries as well.

Defense seems deeper and healthier, and with fewer question marks, led by a loaded sophomore class.