FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[JEFFFAN]

Thanks, Lumbercat!  I knew the Darp as I went to school during his tenure.   Hard to believe but EJ has a higher overall winning percentage than the Darp did even with the problems of the past 4-5 years.

Darp winning percentage - 66%
EJ winning percentage - 69%

Both terrific!

[Nescacman]

As a vertically challenged NESCAC football alumnus myself, you can count me firmly in the "if you're good enough, you're big enough" Camp. My only point was that, for better or worse, D1 schools often err towards bigger/taller athletes. 

I don't think too many NESCAC coaches, outside of DiCenzo, would be sad to see Kelly test the portal marketplace.

Is NM pulling together a Cardinal Collective to keep him in Middletown?

Shhhhhhhh.....

[lumbercat]

I thought Darp might have better winning percentage so kudos to Mills! Both great coaches.
Farley at Williams along with Don Miller and Devanney at Trinity are also among the greatest I've seen.
Farley may have been the best.

[Trin9-0]

Thanks, Lumbercat!  I knew the Darp as I went to school during his tenure.  Hard to believe but EJ has a higher overall winning percentage than the Darp did even with the problems of the past 4-5 years.

Darp winning percentage - 66%
EJ winning percentage - 69%

Both terrific!

You beat me to it JEFFFAN! Although my numbers show an even larger lead for Mills in terms of winning percentage. With just 11 wins left for E.J. to tie Darp I hope the school has something planned for when he inevitably surpasses the Amherst legend for most coaching victories at the school. With the way he has the Mammoths playing he'll get there sooner than many of us expected prior to this season.

Given he's only 59, it's reasonable to think Mills could break the all-time NESCAC wins record held by Trinity's Don Miller. Of course, Devanney may have a shot at that record as well.

I posted this a few years back, but here's an updated list of NESCAC coaches with more than 100 victories:
                     

COACH	SCHOOL	WINS	LOSSES	TIES	WIN %	UNDEFEATED SEASONS
Don Miller	Trinity	174	77	5	.689	1
Jim Ostendarp	Amherst	168	91	5	.646	2
E.J. Mills	Amherst	157	71	0	.689	4
Dan Jessee	Trinity	150	76	7	.659	4
Jeff Devanney	Trinity	132	24	0	.846	4
Mickey Heinecken	Middlebury	126	96	2	.567	0
Dick Farley	Williams	114	19	3	.849	6
Bob Ritter	Middlebury	112	61	0	.647	1

[MapleBBQChicken]

It's been a disappointing last two weeks as a Middlebury fan. The Panthers followed up their week 1 loss with two good wins, and they had a lot of success running the ball in those two games, which is important to help open things up for Moran and the strong passing offense. At 2-1 and tied at the top, I had some renewed optimism for the season. Unfortunately, back to back losses since then have essentially eliminated Midd from title contention. Both games were very winnable, but costly turnovers and allowing big plays were the difference.

We're definitely the underdog in Hartford this weekend, but Coach Mandigo is yet to lose to Trinity as the head coach
Give me the Panthers to make it three straight.

[Trin9-0]

Farley at Williams along with Don Miller and Devanney at Trinity are also among the greatest I've seen.

Lumber, given your past statements about Devanney and his success at Trinity being a result of circumstance rather than his coaching ability (examples below), I'm shocked to read that you now regard him among the greatest you've seen. Why the change of heart?

Devanney's record is fantastic but as I have said I think he's shooting fish in a barrel with that program.

Devanneys got a stacked deck.

I think almost any of the current coaches injected in the Trinity equation would achieve similar results to Lord Jeffrey.

[JEFFFAN]

Having been around the block a few times (= I am older), my reasonably subjective view is that they didn't get any better than Farley.  That man was just dominant when he was at Williams.  They won in all types of different ways.   He also had one of the greatest lines ever ... when the kids were screwing around at practice, Farley said to them "you boys better pick it up cause there aint no Division 4!"  Perfect.

[Nescacman]

Thanks, Lumbercat!  I knew the Darp as I went to school during his tenure.  Hard to believe but EJ has a higher overall winning percentage than the Darp did even with the problems of the past 4-5 years.

Darp winning percentage - 66%
EJ winning percentage - 69%

Both terrific!

You beat me to it JEFFFAN! Although my numbers show an even larger lead for Mills in terms of winning percentage. With just 11 wins left for E.J. to tie Darp I hope the school has something planned for when he inevitably surpasses the Amherst legend for most coaching victories at the school. With the way he has the Mammoths playing he'll get there sooner than many of us expected prior to this season.

Given he's only 59, it's reasonable to think Mills could break the all-time NESCAC wins record held by Trinity's Don Miller. Of course, Devanney may have a shot at that record as well.

I posted this a few years back, but here's an updated list of NESCAC coaches with more than 100 victories:
                     

COACH	SCHOOL	WINS	LOSSES	TIES	WIN %	UNDEFEATED SEASONS
Don Miller	Trinity	174	77	5	.689	1
Jim Ostendarp	Amherst	168	91	5	.646	2
E.J. Mills	Amherst	157	71	0	.689	4
Dan Jessee	Trinity	150	76	7	.659	4
Jeff Devanney	Trinity	132	24	0	.846	4
Mickey Heinecken	Middlebury	126	96	2	.567	0
Dick Farley	Williams	114	19	3	.849	6
Bob Ritter	Middlebury	112	61	0	.647	1

Let's not forget Coach DiCenzo at Wes....yes, he has not yet reached 100 wins, but with a career record of 60-24 in 10+ seasons, he is the career leader in coaching winning percentage at Wes for a coach that has coached that many games (.714). Throw in a league title and 5 Little 3 titles (including 3 in a row for only the second time in program history). At 46 years of age, if he continues to win at this pace and coaches until he is 65, he could reach 185+ NESCAC wins. A lot of ifs, but Coach Dice has done a great job at Wes.

NM

[lumbercat]

Farley at Williams along with Don Miller and Devanney at Trinity are also among the greatest I've seen.

Lumber, given your past statements about Devanney and his success at Trinity being a result of circumstance rather than his coaching ability (examples below), I'm shocked to read that you now regard him among the greatest you've seen. Why the change of heart?

Devanney's record is fantastic but as I have said I think he's shooting fish in a barrel with that program.

Devanneys got a stacked deck.

I think almost any of the current coaches injected in the Trinity equation would achieve similar results to Lord Jeffrey.

Trin 9-0
Based on wins and losses I won't deny he's an outstanding coach and I never have.

However, I don't change my contention that he has advantages at Trinity he wouldn't have anywhere else in the NESCAC. If he switched places with Mills or any of the others he would not fare as well in those programs.

Can you see Devanney at Amherst in the past few years when the Amherst administration tightened up significantly on admissions and the whole institution provided very little Football support? Or lets place him at Williuams after Whalen left, He would have no idea how to navigate those circumstances.

He's achieved a fine record at Trinity and deserves a great deal of credit though he's clearly the last guy on the list of coaches I named. He will probably retire from Trinity. One of the best jobs in all of D3 and maybe beyond.

[Nescacman]

2025 Week 6 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome back NESCAC...it's Week #6 "in the league where they pay to play".

We still have a 4-way tie for first place in the NESCAC as we head into the second half of the season. If everyone continues to play as expected, could be an exciting last 3 weeks of the season. We all know that this is the NESCAC and surprises lurk around every corner. Week6 features our game of the week as the Hartford State College Bantams host the Middlebury College Panthers.

We were 4-1 last week and now stand at 18-7 on the year. Let's get to this week's games...

Bowdoin College at Wesleyan University: Bowdoin has struggled this year on their way to an 0-5 mark. They are 9th or 10th in every major offensive and defensive category. They have given up  27+ points in 4 of their 5 games and have not scored more than 17 points in any game. Meanwhile, Wesleyan either leads or is near the top of the NESCAC in numerous statistical categories including scoring offense, passing offense, scoring defense, total defense, run defense, interceptions, first downs, opponent first downs, 3rd down conversions, red zone offense, and time of possession. They have play makers all over the field on offense and defense including QB Matt Fitzsimons, WRs Donte Kelly and Blake Newcomb, LB Austin Baker (reigning NESCAC DPOTW), and DB Dylan Conners. Wesleyan has won 11 of the last 12 meetings between these teams and has won the last 7 times they have played on historic Andrus Field scoring more than 30 points in 6 of those games. We expect this to be a one-sided affair with Wesleyan again topping the 30-point mark at home.

Wesleyan 45 Bowdoin 7
Point Spread: Wesleyan -35
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel):  Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High near 65F. Winds light and variable.

Colby College at Amherst College: Amherst is off to their best start since 2019 when they started the season 4-1. That year did not end well when Amherst lost their last 4 games on their way to a 4-5 record. We think this year ends differently for the Lord Mammoths because of their superior offense. Both defenses are decent but Amherst's offense, led by Marek Hill is just better than Colby's and is the difference in this game. A win on Saturday against Colby guarantees their first winning season since 2021. Colby has struggled on offense all year (high water for points is 17) and Amherst is one of the better defenders in the league. Colby has won the last 4 times these teams have met. Prior to the latest winning streak for Colby, Amherst won the previous 24 games. If Amherst reaches the 20-point mark in this game, they win. We think the Lord Mammoths end their losing streak against the Mules and keep pace with the NESCAC leaders in the standings.

Amherst 20 Colby 10
Point Spread: Amherst -7
Weather: Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 64F. Winds light and variable.

Tufts University at Hamilton College: Hamilton will try to get back on the winning track after two lopsided losses to league leaders Wesleyan and Hartford State. Meanwhile, Tufts will try to end a slide of their own and end a three-game losing streak in Clinton. Tufts defense has given up 30+ points the last 3 weeks. Meanwhile, Hamilton has given up 49+ the last two weeks. Something will give in this one. Tufts has made a change at QB going with Soph Hudson Weidman over Justin Keller. Weidman was also Tufts leading rusher last week. Despite the QB change for Tufts, Hamilton may have the best QB playing in this game in Luke Kurzum. Hamilton is 1st in the NESCAC in passing offense. Tufts has been decent defending the pass (2nd in the NESCAC). Despite defending the pass well, Tufts has not been great rushing the passer (9th in the NESCAC).  The last time these teams played in Clinton two years ago, Hamilton won a thriller in 5 Ots. QB Luke Kurzum had a great game that day throwing for 2 TDs and running for another. We think this game will be closer than what HAM has played in recent weeks, but Tufts wins a relatively close game in Clinton.

Tufts 24 Hamilton 13
Point Spread: Tufts -14
Weather: A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. High near 65F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Williams College at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus): Williams and UBates are both coming off big wins last week. UBates won in a 4th quarter comeback over Tufts while Williams won a close game over Middlebury holding off the Panthers with less than 2 mins remaining. This game matches two of the top running games in the NESCAC; the #1 running game of the Ephs against the #3 ranked Kitties. The way to beat Williams has been through the air. Unfortunately, that has not been UBates strong suit. Besides being ranked 8th in passing offense, the Kitties have run the ball 224 times vs. 100 passes. We think for UBates to have a chance in this game; they will have to be more balanced (and successful) throwing the ball. In addition, NESCAC's leading rusher, Ryan Lynskey, fresh off a 200 yard+/4 TD running performance and winning this week's Gold Helmet, will have to have another big game for the Kitties. Meanwhile, we expect to Williams to lean in on the run and keep UBates honest with passes to Zach Falls who has come on the last 3 weeks scoring 4 TD over that span. The Williams O-line and D-line both continue to perform at a high level leading the NESCAC in both sacks for and sacks against. The key for Williams is to not look past the Kitties. Williams has won the last 7 games between these 2 teams. We think Williams has just too many "guys" and wins a battle in Lewiston.

Williams 27 UBates 10
Point Spread: Williams -17
Weather: Generally sunny. High 63F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Middlebury College at Hartford State College: On paper, our game of the week would seemingly significantly favor the hosts. However, as has been noted many times on the D3 Boards, Middlebury, and in particular, Coach Mandigo, seem to have Hartford State's number. Middlebury has won the last 2x these teams have played and has won 3 of the last 5 meetings between these two teams. We think you can basically throw records out the window in this game. Middlebury has lost their last 2 games and is 0-3 this year against teams leading the NESCAC (Wes, Williams, Amherst). Middlebury does have some weapons: RB Connor McClellan is 4th in the NESCAC in rushing, WR Mike Ahonen is 4th in the NESCAC in receptions, and QB Brian Moran is 2nd in yards passing. Hartford State seems to be hitting their stride. They have won 4 straight games since their opening day loss to Colby. They have scored 30+ points in those 4 games and have scored 40+ the last 2 weeks. We think the Bantams will be looking for some revenge against the Panthers for the losses the last 2 years. Hartford State is ranked first in the NESCAC in points and total offense and their defense is ranked 2nd in points allowed and total defense. QB Jaxon Carroll is playing well after a slow start, they have 2 RBs (Tosone and DiNapoli) in the top 10 in rushing, and WR Nolan O'Brien is third in the NESCAC in receptions. The Bantams have not faced many teams with the balance that the Panthers have. With that being said, we like Hartford State to get the win in the Coop albeit in a game that will probably be close for a while.

Hartford State 34 Middlebury 17
Point Spread: Hartford State -17
Weather: Sunny along with a few clouds. High 64F. Winds light and variable.

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

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2025 Season: 18-7 (.720 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: 379-121 (.758 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 6 featuring Williams College Head Coach Mark Raymond, Bates College Linebacker Ryan Rozich and and Jon Keith from the NESCAC Football Report.

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

[Bantamsdad69]

A guy to look out for is Kemit Fisher. I believe he's the best interior DL in the NESCAC right now, and is a big reason The Mammoths run defense has been performing so well this year. Just a guy to watch as we get to the end of the year.

[muleshoe]

2025 Week 6 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome back NESCAC...it's Week #6 "in the league where they pay to play".

We still have a 4-way tie for first place in the NESCAC as we head into the second half of the season. If everyone continues to play as expected, could be an exciting last 3 weeks of the season. We all know that this is the NESCAC and surprises lurk around every corner. Week6 features our game of the week as the Hartford State College Bantams host the Middlebury College Panthers.

We were 4-1 last week and now stand at 18-7 on the year. Let's get to this week's games...

Bowdoin College at Wesleyan University: Bowdoin has struggled this year on their way to an 0-5 mark. They are 9th or 10th in every major offensive and defensive category. They have given up  27+ points in 4 of their 5 games and have not scored more than 17 points in any game. Meanwhile, Wesleyan either leads or is near the top of the NESCAC in numerous statistical categories including scoring offense, passing offense, scoring defense, total defense, run defense, interceptions, first downs, opponent first downs, 3rd down conversions, red zone offense, and time of possession. They have play makers all over the field on offense and defense including QB Matt Fitzsimons, WRs Donte Kelly and Blake Newcomb, LB Austin Baker (reigning NESCAC DPOTW), and DB Dylan Conners. Wesleyan has won 11 of the last 12 meetings between these teams and has won the last 7 times they have played on historic Andrus Field scoring more than 30 points in 6 of those games. We expect this to be a one-sided affair with Wesleyan again topping the 30-point mark at home.

Wesleyan 45 Bowdoin 7
Point Spread: Wesleyan -35
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel):  Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High near 65F. Winds light and variable.

Colby College at Amherst College: Amherst is off to their best start since 2019 when they started the season 4-1. That year did not end well when Amherst lost their last 4 games on their way to a 4-5 record. We think this year ends differently for the Lord Mammoths because of their superior offense. Both defenses are decent but Amherst's offense, led by Marek Hill is just better than Colby's and is the difference in this game. A win on Saturday against Colby guarantees their first winning season since 2021. Colby has struggled on offense all year (high water for points is 17) and Amherst is one of the better defenders in the league. Colby has won the last 4 times these teams have met. Prior to the latest winning streak for Colby, Amherst won the previous 24 games. If Amherst reaches the 20-point mark in this game, they win. We think the Lord Mammoths end their losing streak against the Mules and keep pace with the NESCAC leaders in the standings.

Amherst 20 Colby 10
Point Spread: Amherst -7
Weather: Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 64F. Winds light and variable.

Tufts University at Hamilton College: Hamilton will try to get back on the winning track after two lopsided losses to league leaders Wesleyan and Hartford State. Meanwhile, Tufts will try to end a slide of their own and end a three-game losing streak in Clinton. Tufts defense has given up 30+ points the last 3 weeks. Meanwhile, Hamilton has given up 49+ the last two weeks. Something will give in this one. Tufts has made a change at QB going with Soph Hudson Weidman over Justin Keller. Weidman was also Tufts leading rusher last week. Despite the QB change for Tufts, Hamilton may have the best QB playing in this game in Luke Kurzum. Hamilton is 1st in the NESCAC in passing offense. Tufts has been decent defending the pass (2nd in the NESCAC). Despite defending the pass well, Tufts has not been great rushing the passer (9th in the NESCAC).  The last time these teams played in Clinton two years ago, Hamilton won a thriller in 5 Ots. QB Luke Kurzum had a great game that day throwing for 2 TDs and running for another. We think this game will be closer than what HAM has played in recent weeks, but Tufts wins a relatively close game in Clinton.

Tufts 24 Hamilton 13
Point Spread: Tufts -14
Weather: A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. High near 65F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Williams College at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus): Williams and UBates are both coming off big wins last week. UBates won in a 4th quarter comeback over Tufts while Williams won a close game over Middlebury holding off the Panthers with less than 2 mins remaining. This game matches two of the top running games in the NESCAC; the #1 running game of the Ephs against the #3 ranked Kitties. The way to beat Williams has been through the air. Unfortunately, that has not been UBates strong suit. Besides being ranked 8th in passing offense, the Kitties have run the ball 224 times vs. 100 passes. We think for UBates to have a chance in this game; they will have to be more balanced (and successful) throwing the ball. In addition, NESCAC's leading rusher, Ryan Lynskey, fresh off a 200 yard+/4 TD running performance and winning this week's Gold Helmet, will have to have another big game for the Kitties. Meanwhile, we expect to Williams to lean in on the run and keep UBates honest with passes to Zach Falls who has come on the last 3 weeks scoring 4 TD over that span. The Williams O-line and D-line both continue to perform at a high level leading the NESCAC in both sacks for and sacks against. The key for Williams is to not look past the Kitties. Williams has won the last 7 games between these 2 teams. We think Williams has just too many "guys" and wins a battle in Lewiston.

Williams 27 UBates 10
Point Spread: Williams -17
Weather: Generally sunny. High 63F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Middlebury College at Hartford State College: On paper, our game of the week would seemingly significantly favor the hosts. However, as has been noted many times on the D3 Boards, Middlebury, and in particular, Coach Mandigo, seem to have Hartford State's number. Middlebury has won the last 2x these teams have played and has won 3 of the last 5 meetings between these two teams. We think you can basically throw records out the window in this game. Middlebury has lost their last 2 games and is 0-3 this year against teams leading the NESCAC (Wes, Williams, Amherst). Middlebury does have some weapons: RB Connor McClellan is 4th in the NESCAC in rushing, WR Mike Ahonen is 4th in the NESCAC in receptions, and QB Brian Moran is 2nd in yards passing. Hartford State seems to be hitting their stride. They have won 4 straight games since their opening day loss to Colby. They have scored 30+ points in those 4 games and have scored 40+ the last 2 weeks. We think the Bantams will be looking for some revenge against the Panthers for the losses the last 2 years. Hartford State is ranked first in the NESCAC in points and total offense and their defense is ranked 2nd in points allowed and total defense. QB Jaxon Carroll is playing well after a slow start, they have 2 RBs (Tosone and DiNapoli) in the top 10 in rushing, and WR Nolan O'Brien is third in the NESCAC in receptions. The Bantams have not faced many teams with the balance that the Panthers have. With that being said, we like Hartford State to get the win in the Coop albeit in a game that will probably be close for a while.

Hartford State 34 Middlebury 17
Point Spread: Hartford State -17
Weather: Sunny along with a few clouds. High 64F. Winds light and variable.

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

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2025 Season: 18-7 (.720 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: 379-121 (.758 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 6 featuring Williams College Head Coach Mark Raymond, Bates College Linebacker Ryan Rozich and and Jon Keith from the NESCAC Football Report.

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
Follow us on Instagram: @nineweeksnescac
Facebook: Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EbgGxDZRd/)
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Look for NESCACMAN's weekly predictions and point spreads at nescacfootballreport.com

You are feeling very generous towards the Mules offense NM... its offense has only generated >10 points in regulation ONCE this season. I hope I'm wrong, but something is very broken on that side of the ball this season. On the bright side, they did have their best offensive showing of 2024 against Amherst last year, so maybe we can mule kick the trend on Saturday.

[Nescacman]

2025 Week 6 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome back NESCAC...it's Week #6 "in the league where they pay to play".

We still have a 4-way tie for first place in the NESCAC as we head into the second half of the season. If everyone continues to play as expected, could be an exciting last 3 weeks of the season. We all know that this is the NESCAC and surprises lurk around every corner. Week6 features our game of the week as the Hartford State College Bantams host the Middlebury College Panthers.

We were 4-1 last week and now stand at 18-7 on the year. Let's get to this week's games...

Bowdoin College at Wesleyan University: Bowdoin has struggled this year on their way to an 0-5 mark. They are 9th or 10th in every major offensive and defensive category. They have given up  27+ points in 4 of their 5 games and have not scored more than 17 points in any game. Meanwhile, Wesleyan either leads or is near the top of the NESCAC in numerous statistical categories including scoring offense, passing offense, scoring defense, total defense, run defense, interceptions, first downs, opponent first downs, 3rd down conversions, red zone offense, and time of possession. They have play makers all over the field on offense and defense including QB Matt Fitzsimons, WRs Donte Kelly and Blake Newcomb, LB Austin Baker (reigning NESCAC DPOTW), and DB Dylan Conners. Wesleyan has won 11 of the last 12 meetings between these teams and has won the last 7 times they have played on historic Andrus Field scoring more than 30 points in 6 of those games. We expect this to be a one-sided affair with Wesleyan again topping the 30-point mark at home.

Wesleyan 45 Bowdoin 7
Point Spread: Wesleyan -35
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel):  Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High near 65F. Winds light and variable.

Colby College at Amherst College: Amherst is off to their best start since 2019 when they started the season 4-1. That year did not end well when Amherst lost their last 4 games on their way to a 4-5 record. We think this year ends differently for the Lord Mammoths because of their superior offense. Both defenses are decent but Amherst's offense, led by Marek Hill is just better than Colby's and is the difference in this game. A win on Saturday against Colby guarantees their first winning season since 2021. Colby has struggled on offense all year (high water for points is 17) and Amherst is one of the better defenders in the league. Colby has won the last 4 times these teams have met. Prior to the latest winning streak for Colby, Amherst won the previous 24 games. If Amherst reaches the 20-point mark in this game, they win. We think the Lord Mammoths end their losing streak against the Mules and keep pace with the NESCAC leaders in the standings.

Amherst 20 Colby 10
Point Spread: Amherst -7
Weather: Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 64F. Winds light and variable.

Tufts University at Hamilton College: Hamilton will try to get back on the winning track after two lopsided losses to league leaders Wesleyan and Hartford State. Meanwhile, Tufts will try to end a slide of their own and end a three-game losing streak in Clinton. Tufts defense has given up 30+ points the last 3 weeks. Meanwhile, Hamilton has given up 49+ the last two weeks. Something will give in this one. Tufts has made a change at QB going with Soph Hudson Weidman over Justin Keller. Weidman was also Tufts leading rusher last week. Despite the QB change for Tufts, Hamilton may have the best QB playing in this game in Luke Kurzum. Hamilton is 1st in the NESCAC in passing offense. Tufts has been decent defending the pass (2nd in the NESCAC). Despite defending the pass well, Tufts has not been great rushing the passer (9th in the NESCAC).  The last time these teams played in Clinton two years ago, Hamilton won a thriller in 5 Ots. QB Luke Kurzum had a great game that day throwing for 2 TDs and running for another. We think this game will be closer than what HAM has played in recent weeks, but Tufts wins a relatively close game in Clinton.

Tufts 24 Hamilton 13
Point Spread: Tufts -14
Weather: A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. High near 65F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Williams College at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus): Williams and UBates are both coming off big wins last week. UBates won in a 4th quarter comeback over Tufts while Williams won a close game over Middlebury holding off the Panthers with less than 2 mins remaining. This game matches two of the top running games in the NESCAC; the #1 running game of the Ephs against the #3 ranked Kitties. The way to beat Williams has been through the air. Unfortunately, that has not been UBates strong suit. Besides being ranked 8th in passing offense, the Kitties have run the ball 224 times vs. 100 passes. We think for UBates to have a chance in this game; they will have to be more balanced (and successful) throwing the ball. In addition, NESCAC's leading rusher, Ryan Lynskey, fresh off a 200 yard+/4 TD running performance and winning this week's Gold Helmet, will have to have another big game for the Kitties. Meanwhile, we expect to Williams to lean in on the run and keep UBates honest with passes to Zach Falls who has come on the last 3 weeks scoring 4 TD over that span. The Williams O-line and D-line both continue to perform at a high level leading the NESCAC in both sacks for and sacks against. The key for Williams is to not look past the Kitties. Williams has won the last 7 games between these 2 teams. We think Williams has just too many "guys" and wins a battle in Lewiston.

Williams 27 UBates 10
Point Spread: Williams -17
Weather: Generally sunny. High 63F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Middlebury College at Hartford State College: On paper, our game of the week would seemingly significantly favor the hosts. However, as has been noted many times on the D3 Boards, Middlebury, and in particular, Coach Mandigo, seem to have Hartford State's number. Middlebury has won the last 2x these teams have played and has won 3 of the last 5 meetings between these two teams. We think you can basically throw records out the window in this game. Middlebury has lost their last 2 games and is 0-3 this year against teams leading the NESCAC (Wes, Williams, Amherst). Middlebury does have some weapons: RB Connor McClellan is 4th in the NESCAC in rushing, WR Mike Ahonen is 4th in the NESCAC in receptions, and QB Brian Moran is 2nd in yards passing. Hartford State seems to be hitting their stride. They have won 4 straight games since their opening day loss to Colby. They have scored 30+ points in those 4 games and have scored 40+ the last 2 weeks. We think the Bantams will be looking for some revenge against the Panthers for the losses the last 2 years. Hartford State is ranked first in the NESCAC in points and total offense and their defense is ranked 2nd in points allowed and total defense. QB Jaxon Carroll is playing well after a slow start, they have 2 RBs (Tosone and DiNapoli) in the top 10 in rushing, and WR Nolan O'Brien is third in the NESCAC in receptions. The Bantams have not faced many teams with the balance that the Panthers have. With that being said, we like Hartford State to get the win in the Coop albeit in a game that will probably be close for a while.

Hartford State 34 Middlebury 17
Point Spread: Hartford State -17
Weather: Sunny along with a few clouds. High 64F. Winds light and variable.

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

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2025 Season: 18-7 (.720 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: 379-121 (.758 winning percentage)

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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 6 featuring Williams College Head Coach Mark Raymond, Bates College Linebacker Ryan Rozich and and Jon Keith from the NESCAC Football Report.

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You are feeling very generous towards the Mules offense NM... its offense has only generated >10 points in regulation ONCE this season. I hope I'm wrong, but something is very broken on that side of the ball this season. On the bright side, they did have their best offensive showing of 2024 against Amherst last year, so maybe we can mule kick the trend on Saturday.

We picked the Mules to score 10 points this week AND noted that their high water mark for points for the year is 17 AND we have noted numerous times that the Colby offense has struggled in 2025. Hardly being generous to the Mule offense. We watched them up close and personal last week in Waterville...to say the Mule offense was painful to watch would be an under statement.

[Trin9-0]

Trin 9-0
Based on wins and losses I won't deny he's an outstanding coach and I never have.

However, I don't change my contention that he has advantages at Trinity he wouldn't have anywhere else in the NESCAC. If he switched places with Mills or any of the others he would not fare as well in those programs.

Can you see Devanney at Amherst in the past few years when the Amherst administration tightened up significantly on admissions and the whole institution provided very little Football support? Or lets place him at Williuams after Whalen left, He would have no idea how to navigate those circumstances.

He's achieved a fine record at Trinity and deserves a great deal of credit though he's clearly the last guy on the list of coaches I named. He will probably retire from Trinity. One of the best jobs in all of D3 and maybe beyond.

I don't know lumber, that just seems like such an odd take to say that Devanney is one of the four best coaches you've ever seen in the NESCAC while at the same time saying he'd only be successful at Trinity.

Also, it's pretty clear that Mills himself couldn't navigate Amherst during the years you referenced (averaging 3.4 wins the last 5 seasons). But somehow in this hypothetical scenario Devanney would be a exposed as a bad coach if struggled the exact same way Mills did? I'm having trouble following your logic.

[SpringSt7]

4 way tie for first at the midpoint of the season, trending towards one of the best finishes in recent league memory, and we are doing "Is Devanney actually a good coach?" and Trinity admissions talk. There are like 40 weeks of dead air to fill starting in a month, can we wait a little?