FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Nescacman]

Nescacman, unless I missed it, I didn't see any fair-weather Williams fans popping up here.  In all events, I think pretty much every fan base is more likely to engage when their team is doing well than doing poorly.

Speaking of Williams fandom, it's highly annoying that the school no longer posts highlights of home games (for any sport) in its game stories, seems like a pretty easy thing to do, but I know that Williams has really penny-pinched athletics at every opportunity (to the point that the school's field house literally collapsed and it seems like the school is still at least five years away from a desperately needed permanent new indoor athletics complex).  Really hope that this decision is reversed.  At least for football, you can see a few highlights on the weekly football show, but for other sports, you are out of luck. I did watch one highlight posted on Twitter of one of Johansen's long runs (one were he showcased his agility, speed and strength) and I was struck by how massive the lineup on the field was for that play:

https://x.com/NoManatCAAFlog/status/1969476297685373428

In addition to five linemen averaging around 290 pounds, you had the TB, and then a 6'0 230 battering ram of a fullback, one 6'5 205 WR, two TEs (6'5 230 and and 6'2 240), and a 6'3 210 QB carrying the ball. On that play Johansen outran most of his blockers anyway, but that is a lot big dudes coming at you down the field.  Whatever happens with Williams going forward, and as others have said we still haven't seen how the offense will look in a situation where they have to move the ball consistently through the air, I love that they've chosen an identity that is unique in the conference, and are all-in with it - you know you are going to be hurting for days after you play the Ephs.     

The problem with Williams in recent years has been depth. No doubt, they have had quality starters in recent years but as the seasons have progressed and injuries popped up, Williams has had a problem filling those spots with quality replacements. Maybe this year will be different. Time will tell. 

[lumbercat]

Ive repeatedly stated my contention that Johansen is one of the best athletes in the conference.
However, after looking at some of the tape I see a devastating Eph offensive line. Mercy, they seemed to decimate the Colby D line. Blowing people out in the film Ive seen.

The Bates O line was dominant last year. As good as they were I didn't see that kind of explosion on the line of scrimmage.

If the Colby O line handled Trinity it will be interesting how Eph's OLine fares against the Bants.

Bobcat Oline lost a couple of guys and now are limping a bit but they have their 3 mainstays healthy so maybe they can spring Linsky a time or two this week in the Lew.

[Scoops]

2025 NESCACMAN Week 2 Power Rankings

1). Tufts Jumbo's (Record: 2-0; Last Week Rank: 2; 7  first place votes): Great win for the Jumbo's at home under the lights. Although they were outplayed for most of the game against Wesleyan, the defense was solid and the Tufts special teams were nothing short of spectacular (blocked punt for a safety, several long kick-off returns, made a long FG, recovered an on-sides kick). QB Justin Keller and the Tufts offense looked sluggish most of the night although they converted a key third down in the waning moments to seal the victory. This was a good win for Tufts against a quality opponent. We think the Jumbo's will have an easier time of it this week as they travel to Amherst to face the Lord Mammoths.

Our write-up this week on Tufts (our #1 ranked team). As a reminder, they played Wesleyan last week. Not sure we would classify these comments as "snide and belittling".

Again, the whole point of my initial response was to highlight how it's ridiculous to say that Wesleyan "outplayed" Tufts. In particular because their special teams were so horrendous. I would define that as a snide comment. But if you can't handle going tit for tat, then I'll play nice and make sure to never ever poke fun at your team again. Wouldn't want to violate the terms of service.

[Trin9-0]

If the Colby O line handled Trinity it will be interesting how Eph's OLine fares against the Bants.

Lumber, I hope I didn't mislead you when I said Trinity was "physically outmanned up front by Colby". This was in reference to the Mules front seven against the Bantam offensive line. In that game the Bants rushed for just 52 yards on 30 carries and took 7 sacks.

However, Trinity's defense didn't have much trouble with the Mules offense as Colby rushed for just 47 yards on 35 carries and had four sacks. Through two games Trin is allowing 1.9 yards per carry.

It appears Williams will present a more substantial challenge given their size across the board offensively. The bigger question will be whether or not Trinity can score against an Eph defense who has only allowed a few garbage time scoring drives through their first two games.

[Nescacman]

2025 NESCACMAN Week 2 Power Rankings

1). Tufts Jumbo's (Record: 2-0; Last Week Rank: 2; 7  first place votes): Great win for the Jumbo's at home under the lights. Although they were outplayed for most of the game against Wesleyan, the defense was solid and the Tufts special teams were nothing short of spectacular (blocked punt for a safety, several long kick-off returns, made a long FG, recovered an on-sides kick). QB Justin Keller and the Tufts offense looked sluggish most of the night although they converted a key third down in the waning moments to seal the victory. This was a good win for Tufts against a quality opponent. We think the Jumbo's will have an easier time of it this week as they travel to Amherst to face the Lord Mammoths.

Our write-up this week on Tufts (our #1 ranked team). As a reminder, they played Wesleyan last week. Not sure we would classify these comments as "snide and belittling".

Again, the whole point of my initial response was to highlight how it's ridiculous to say that Wesleyan "outplayed" Tufts. In particular because their special teams were so horrendous. I would define that as a snide comment. But if you can't handle going tit for tat, then I'll play nice and make sure to never ever poke fun at your team again. Wouldn't want to violate the terms of service.

We can handle anything that is thrown at us, as long as it is factually based. And unlike pretty much everyone else on this Board, everyone knows who we are. No hiding behind screen names/handles on our end. Bring it on.

NM

[GroundandPound]

I believe it is not ridiculous to say Wesleyan outplayed Tufts.  I think the stats indicate Wesleyan outplayed Tufts on offense and defense.  In special teams Tufts outplayed Wesleyan.  2 out of 3 Wesleyan outplayed Tufts.  Unfortunately for Wesleyan fans, however, Tufts substantially outplayed Wesleyan in special teams.  I think we can all agree that the number one goal is to score more points than the other team with whatever it takes to win, outplayed or not.
 

[Nescacman]

I believe it is not ridiculous to say Wesleyan outplayed Tufts.  I think the stats indicate Wesleyan outplayed Tufts on offense and defense.  In special teams Tufts outplayed Wesleyan.  2 out of 3 Wesleyan outplayed Tufts.  Unfortunately for Wesleyan fans, however, Tufts substantially outplayed Wesleyan in special teams.  I think we can all agree that the number one goal is to score more points than the other team with whatever it takes to win, outplayed or not.
 

Amen to that G&P...

[SpringSt7]

Appreciate the support from dear friend NM although it is worth noting I joined the boards in an official capacity in 2019. Fear not, I will not be reporting said comment to the moderators.

As for the Ephs on the whole, I think we in the purple valley are a little startled by the start and the landscape of the league. I had 5-4 as my prediction with an outside shot at 6-3 but they certainly look good so far despite the less than stellar competition (worth noting the Hamilton game was not a blowout but was also not as close as it looked).

I think a few things can be true at the same time - Williams does not have an explosive air attack and will struggle to play from behind (2+ possessions) but they also appear to be outstanding at controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides and will win or dominate TOP in probably every game this year if they stay healthy. I don't know what to expect on Saturday or beyond but I do know that during the Maimaron years they went 3-1 against Trinity with a points differential of +50. This team does not have that level of talent on either side of the ball but if Raymond is at least in the fight it seems like he gets them ready for the Bantams.
The last time they beat Trinity they won 42-3 and Maimaron was 4-7 for 62 yards.

If I had to make a back of napkin prediction I think they go 7-2. The rest of the league is down but there are a lot of good teams they have to play. They have Trinity, Wesleyan, and Middlebury at home but Trinity is Trinity and the other 2 have their number. They will probably beat Bowdoin and Bates but those are two long bus rides. If they can go to Tufts and win I like their chances to play for something very meaningful in Week 9 but until then we take it one game at a time.

[Nescacman]

Appreciate the support from dear friend NM although it is worth noting I joined the boards in an official capacity in 2019. Fear not, I will not be reporting said comment to the moderators.

As for the Ephs on the whole, I think we in the purple valley are a little startled by the start and the landscape of the league. I had 5-4 as my prediction with an outside shot at 6-3 but they certainly look good so far despite the less than stellar competition (worth noting the Hamilton game was not a blowout but was also not as close as it looked).

I think a few things can be true at the same time - Williams does not have an explosive air attack and will struggle to play from behind (2+ possessions) but they also appear to be outstanding at controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides and will win or dominate TOP in probably every game this year if they stay healthy. I don't know what to expect on Saturday or beyond but I do know that during the Maimaron years they went 3-1 against Trinity with a points differential of +50. This team does not have that level of talent on either side of the ball but if Raymond is at least in the fight it seems like he gets them ready for the Bantams.
The last time they beat Trinity they won 42-3 and Maimaron was 4-7 for 62 yards.

If I had to make a back of napkin prediction I think they go 7-2. The rest of the league is down but there are a lot of good teams they have to play. They have Trinity, Wesleyan, and Middlebury at home but Trinity is Trinity and the other 2 have their number. They will probably beat Bowdoin and Bates but those are two long bus rides. If they can go to Tufts and win I like their chances to play for something very meaningful in Week 9 but until then we take it one game at a time.

Great chatting with you earlier today our friend. Always appreciate your perspective and objectivity when it comes to the NESCAC. It's why you have one of our "votes" and are a proud member of the NESCACMAN consortium. It was also great hanging with your brother on Saturday in Jumboland. Always appreciate his positivity.

As a purple-wearer, be sure to check out the 9 Weeks NESCAC podcast this week as we welcome Williams QB Owen Johansen to the big show.

Good luck on Saturday. Should be a good one.

NM

[nescac1]

OK, this is not NESCAC-related but this is amazing: Coast Guard beat Nichols 92-60 on Saturday.  Here is the box score:

https://coastguardathletics.com/sports/football/stats/2025/nichols-college/boxscore/8934

Not everyday as a QB you throw for 580 yards and 7 TDs and get blown out. 

[Pat Coleman]

More about that game:
https://www.d3football.com/columns/features/2025/coast-guard-92-points-kind-of-ridiculous

[Nescacman]

OK, this is not NESCAC-related but this is amazing: Coast Guard beat Nichols 92-60 on Saturday.  Here is the box score:

https://coastguardathletics.com/sports/football/stats/2025/nichols-college/boxscore/8934

Not everyday as a QB you throw for 580 yards and 7 TDs and get blown out. 

Thanks for this tidbit!

Back in the day, we played the "jarheads" every year. We'll say this about them, they were relentless even back then. Seems like they still play that way....

Some memories of playing in New London against the USCGA: they were the only team we played that had an actual stadium (of course, built at tax payer expense...great setting right on the Thames River in New London with a view of the USS Eagle), they were the only team we played that had a real life mascot (a bear no less) in a cage on the sideline, and Otto Graham was the AD at the USCGA (yes, that Otto Graham) at the time and he was at the games watching which was really cool (and impressed the heck out of my Dad).

Wes stopped playing them in 1991. Let's hope the NESCAC adds a 10th out of conference game at some point and the rivalry can be renewed.

NM

 

[Nescacman]

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.

Coming soon...Season 2 Episode 3 featuring Tufts University Head Coach Jay Civetti and Williams College Quarterback Owen Johansen.

The podcast is available on YouTube, Facebook, Apple and Spotify. Search for "9 Weeks NESCAC"...the first and only podcast of its kind.
 
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[Nescacman]

2025 Week 3 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome back NESCAC...it's Week #3 "in the league where they pay to play".

NESCAC Week3 features our game of the week as the Hartford State Bantams travel up north to face the undefeated Williams Ephmen. Our number one ranked team, Tufts, plays the Lord Mammoths on the road in Amherst.

We were 3-2 last week and now stand at 7-3 on the year. We're looking for a big bounce back week with our picks. This week should tell us a lot about who is going to be in the mix for the 2025 NESCAC title at the end of the season. Let's get to  the games...

Middlebury College at Colby College: Middlebury won their home opener in convincing fashion last week over an overmatched Bowdoin squad. Colby came back to earth losing to Williams on the road after a memorable Week1 win against Hartford State. Colby's offense has struggled (averaging 6.5 points per game in their first 2 games, 9th in total offense, no TD passes, 5 interceptions, lead the NESCAC in sacks against). The Colby run defense has also been inconsistent. We feel like if you put pressure on Colby QB Miles Drake and don't let WR Jack Nye beat you, you can stop the Colby offense. They have shown no ability to run the ball. Their defense is decent, but they spend way too much time on the field.  The Mules will need to get more production out of the offense to keep this game close. Middlebury's balanced attack will score enough and their defense, which is in a year of transition should hold down Colby. We're watching how Middlebury's passing game does against the experienced Colby secondary. The loser of this game is essentially out of the hunt for a NESCAC title in 2025. We think Middlebury coasts to their second win and makes the long, happy drive back to Vermont.

Middlebury 21 Colby 10
Point Spread: Middlebury -7
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel:  Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 72F. Winds light and variable.

Bowdoin College at Hamilton College: This game is a match-up between 2 of the lower ranked teams in the conference. Both teams have major flaws on offense. Hamilton has had problems running the ball and Bowdoin has shown nothing either through the air or the ground on offense thus far in 2025. Bowdoin made the QB switch in the second half of last week's game. We'll see if the freshman signal caller can get things going for the Polars. We're betting that  Hamilton does just enough through the air to outscore Bowdoin. Continental QB Luke Kurzum leads the NESCAC in passing yards and passing TDs. This may be the last chance for a win for either of these teams in 2025.

Hamilton 17 Bowdoin 13
Point Spread: Hamilton -3
Weather: Mostly cloudy. High 77F. Winds light and variable.

Wesleyan University at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus): This is an important game for both teams. Historically, Wesleyan has had their way with the Kitties but UBates won last year in Middletown to snap a 17-game winning streak for Wesleyan. That loss for Wesleyan was the only loss in their 2024 championship campaign. This game plays matches strength against strength. Wesleyan is #3 against the run and UBates is #3 running the ball in the NESCAC. Wesleyan has only allowed 1 sack and UBates is yet to record a sack. Despite Ryan Lynskey only averaging 3.1 yards per carry, he is still the #4 rusher in the league. Donte Kelly is the second leading receiver in the NESCAC for the Cards.  DB Dylan Connors leads the Wesleyan defense, and LB AJ Morris has 2 picks in 2 games. Wesleyan hasn't lost in Lewiston since 2004, has won 9 straight there and are 18-2 all-time in Lewiston. We are looking for a big bounce back game for Wesleyan and wins their 10th straight game in Lewiston.

Wesleyan 28 UBates 17
Point Spread: Wesleyan -10
Weather: Sunshine and some clouds. High 73F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tufts University at Amherst College: Both teams had wins in Week2. Tufts is coming off a big home opener win against Wesleyan and stands at 2-0. They are one of two remaining undefeated teams left in the conference and are getting it done with solid defensive play and strong play from their special teams. Amherst won their first game of the year defeating Hamilton. Tufts has not played well against the Lord Mammoths historically, although they have won the last two in convincing fashion including the last game at Pratt Field. In their win last Saturday, Tufts relied on a couple of big plays on special teams to come away with the win. The question is can they replicate that every week? The Tufts defense has been decent thus far in 2025 (2nd in points and yards allowed), but the offense has struggled (7th in points and 5th in yards). Amhert's offense has been better this year than we have seen in recent years but one must wonder if that is just due to the level of competition that they have played thus far (UBates and Hamilton). Lord Mammoth QB Marek Hill leads the NESCAC with 4 passing TDs and is the reigning OPOTW. He is their primary weapon. We feel like this is going to be an ugly, low scoring game. We're not sure Amherst has enough offense to keep up with the Jumbo's even in a low scoring game. We think  Tufts scores just enough to win and go to 3-0. 

Tufts 20 Amherst 10
Point Spread: Tufts -10
Weather: A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 78F. Winds light and variable.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Hartford State College at Williams College:Our Week3 GOTW features undefeated Williams hosting Hartford State. Williams has been impressive thus far in 2025 leading the NESCAC in numerous categories including scoring offense, scoring defense, total offense, and rushing offense. They are 9th in passing offense but we're not sure if that is because they haven't had to pass the ball yet this year. Meanwhile, the Bantams bounced back with a solid win at home against UBates in their home opener. Hartford State will have to stop the run to force Williams to throw the ball. Likewise, we think the Bantams will try to establish the run to set-up the pass. Both teams have been very good defending the run so we think whoever can get the passing game going will win this one. Williams has not defended the pass particularly well thus far in 2025. We think Hartford State WR Nolan O'Brien is the "x-factor" in this game and will be the difference. Worth watching is the Bantam defensive front against the Williams O-line. HS leads the NESCAC in sacks and the Ephs have not allowed a sack yet this year. The NESCAC rumor mill is circulating about some sort of big QB change coming at Hartford State. "We're from Missouri" on that rumor. Williams has won 2 of the last 3 meetings in Williamstown but has lost the last 3 meetings to Hartford State by a combined score of 118-41. We think this game will be closer than the last 3 years but we think the Bantams come away with a close win.

Hartford State 27 Williams 21
Point Spread: Williams -3
Weather: Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. High near 75F. Winds light and variable.

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

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2025 Season: 7-3
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: 368-117 (.759 winning percentage)

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Follow NESCACMAN us on X: @realnescacman

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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 3 features Tufts University Head Coach Jay Civetti and Williams College Quarterback Owen Johansen. Available soon.

The podcast is available on YouTube, Facebook, Apple and Spotify. Search for "9 Weeks NESCAC"...the first and only podcast of its kind.
 
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[Nescacman]

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.

Now available...Season 2 Episode 3 featuring Tufts University Head Coach Jay Civetti and Williams College Quarterback Owen Johansen.

The podcast is available on 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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