FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Nescacman]

Serious question for the Williams mafia....if Weiler is the next coming of Moffitt/Maimaron, why was he QB3 playing behind two QBs that could be classified as NESCAC journeymen?

Hopefully, he's the answer for a program that has won exactly 1 Little 3 title since 2010 when Whales/Dice left Williamstown for greener pastures (we don't count 2010 since Whales recruited 100% of that team and HCOF Kelton rode that team to an 8-0 record...as Whales has told me many times, NESCACMAN could have coached that team to an 8-0 record)...

With all that being said, we wish the new signal caller the best of luck. Hopefully, they can keep him upright and healthy.

[nescac1]

lumbercat / Nescacman, I don't mean to overhype Weiler.  He looked very good against an 0-4 team that surely wasn't prepared for Williams to play a spread-em-out deep-throwing style of offense.  But at the same time, I stand by saying he looks like he has the best tools as a passer since Pat Moffitt back in 2010.  That actually isn't saying all THAT much.  I don't need to belabor the Kelton years but obviously they were a total disaster in every respect.  Bobby Maimaron was an elite quarterback but not an elite passer - he was just REALLY great at every other aspect of the position (running, leadership, clutch play, IQ, misdirection) while being probably about an average NESCAC passer with an average sort of arm.  And since Maimaron, Williams has generally played alpha athletes at the position who were tough dudes and elite as runners but average at best (usually below average, frankly) as passers.  Really, other than one great three-game stretch from Johansen, Williams fans haven't seen a lot of great passing offense for the past 15 years!  Part of that is that the Ephs haven't had the sort of elite receivers that other NESCAC teams seem to have in droves, certainly nothing like the crew of guys we had back around 2010.

So that is really why Weiler popped so much to me as a passer.  He was putting the ball generally on target, with good velocity, 20-40 yards down the field, which is very impressive for a FY playing his first game, and especially striking to watch after the first three games of this season.  And clearly he has good escapability as well, and the ability to make plays on the run.  It's not shocking he didn't get an earlier look as he was behind three seniors, all of whom have started multiple games in their careers, including Johansen, who was all-league as a junior.  I'm sure he has a lot to learn about the mental aspects of the game (he did throw an interception on a pass he probably should not have thrown in the second half, and there was another that was almost picked as well).  But in terms of pure ARM talent, I do feel comfortable saying even after one game that he's (FWIW) the best-looking thrower of the ball we've had since Moffitt.  We will see just how for-real he is against a stronger team next week, and one that critically will have a chance to scout him before the game rather than prepping for a team that runs up the middle every play. 

Four of his top plays are in the highlights so folks can judge for themselves: https://youtu.be/okSQJ55L-TY?is=4c666Av1RSQ-QA5x

Edit: I just noticed, hell of a block by Bott immediately after flipping the ball to Stahelski on the reverse, great play by him.

[jumpshot]

Nescacman, you should know by now that Ephs, especially nescac1, usually win the debate ....

[SpringSt7]

Serious question for the Williams mafia....if Weiler is the next coming of Moffitt/Maimaron, why was he QB3 playing behind two QBs that could be classified as NESCAC journeymen?

Hopefully, he's the answer for a program that has won exactly 1 Little 3 title since 2010 when Whales/Dice left Williamstown for greener pastures (we don't count 2010 since Whales recruited 100% of that team and HCOF Kelton rode that team to a 8-0 record...as Whales has told me many times, NESCACMAN could have coached that team to an 8-0 record)...

With all that being said, we wish the new signal caller the best of luck. Hopefully, they can keep him upright and healthy.

I don't think it would've made a difference against Trinity but it is a tough look for the coaching staff that McHugh was somehow QB2. By all accounts he had barely touched a football over the summer and is focused almost exclusively on baseball right now. Raymond is famously ruthless when it comes to depth chart decisions, there is no emotion or feel good decision making, I have no idea how he was next man up.

[nescac1]

On another note, WR Jadon Davis seems to be evolving into a big-time weapon on offense and ST for Amherst.  Amherst is still struggling to get consistent production at TB, but they have a really nice trio of speedy receivers this year with Davis, Alexander and Moore, with Davis looking like the scariest. Watching the game highlights, those guys combined to make some big time plays.  Davis looks the scariest to me and while I know Mills isn't usually huge on playing FYs, I'm very surprised we didn't see him at all last year. 

As usual, there are a lot of impressive receivers in NESCAC this year and it will be a huge battle for the all-conference teams: in addition to those Amherst guys, Ivatts is putting up huge numbers for Hamilton, O'Brien, Newcombe, and Kelly are all playing to their first-team all league form, McCaffrey has been a deep threat for Trinity, and Kearns has also been big for Hamilton.  Jack Nye and Keller Rogers could both break out as well. 

[Nescacman]

Nescacman, you should know by now that Ephs, especially nescac1, usually win the debate ....

The debate will be settled on the field of play, not in writting. Based on past history, we like our chances... 

[Nescacman]

1st NCAA National NPI Ranking is out:

https://stats.ncaa.org/selection_rankings/nitty_gritties/53089

Nice to see NESCAC well represented in the Top 50 and Top 25. Obviously, this is important for a potential at-large NESCAC team to make the play-offs, in addition to our AQ.

[Brady12]

Serious question for the Williams mafia....if Weiler is the next coming of Moffitt/Maimaron, why was he QB3 playing behind two QBs that could be classified as NESCAC journeymen?

Hopefully, he's the answer for a program that has won exactly 1 Little 3 title since 2010 when Whales/Dice left Williamstown for greener pastures (we don't count 2010 since Whales recruited 100% of that team and HCOF Kelton rode that team to a 8-0 record...as Whales has told me many times, NESCACMAN could have coached that team to an 8-0 record)...

With all that being said, we wish the new signal caller the best of luck. Hopefully, they can keep him upright and healthy.

I don't think it would've made a difference against Trinity but it is a tough look for the coaching staff that McHugh was somehow QB2. By all accounts he had barely touched a football over the summer and is focused almost exclusively on baseball right now. Raymond is famously ruthless when it comes to depth chart decisions, there is no emotion or feel good decision making, I have no idea how he was next man up.

McHugh Renzell Should obviously be ranked after Johanson ahead of Weiler coming in to the season.  The coaches are dealing with knowns.

[jumpshot]

Nescacman, we understand your opinion of Aaron Kelton ... tell us about the anger....

[Nescacman]

Nescacman, we understand your opinion of Aaron Kelton ... tell us about the anger....

We LOVE the HCOF...

[nescac1]

Looking at the NPIs, I think if Nescac has two teams with one or fewer losses, it seems very likely to get both in the tourney. In the highly unlikely scenario of three one loss teams, all could get in.  Of course the three undefeated teams play very back-loaded schedules, so we won't have any real sense until around week eight. 

[Nescacman]

2026 NESCACMAN Week 4 Power Rankings

Welcome to the NESCACMAN Power Rankings for 2026 Week #4.

NESCACMAN went 4-1 in Week #4 and we now stand at 18-2 on the year. Our only loss was MID losing on a last second blocked FG that bounced off the cross bar. Wesleyan and Hartford State remain tied for the top spot in the NESCACMAN Weekly Rankings.

NESCAC headlines for Week #4:

•   Home teams continued their dominance with all 5 home teams winning.
•   Second straight week that a potential last second, game-winning FG was blocked by the defense, preserving the win. This week, it was Amherst's turn to block MID's short FG attempt.
•   Hartford State looked strong winning by 31 over Hamilton.
•   All the favorites won with Williams bouncing back in impressive fashion after getting drubbed by Hartford State last week.
•   All 3 remaining undefeated teams in the league won with Wesleyan, Hartford State, and Amherst all now 4-0. All will be favored in Week #5.
•   We saw numerous QB changes this week in the NESCAC with Williams, Colby, and Tufts all making changes at the signal caller position. Marek Hill returned for Amherst.
•   Colby continued to struggle offensively and Hamilton continued to struggle defensively.
•   Wesleyan is ranked #25 in the first NCAA NPI ranking of 2026. HS and AMH are in the Top 50.

We co-host "Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast" along with Chris Grace, the longtime play-by-play voice of the Wesleyan Football Cardinals. Available weekly, the podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts including YouTube, Spotify, and Apple. Please follow us and take a listen. Season 3, Episode 5  will be available later this week and will feature Tufts QB Nater Johnson and Amherst Head Coach EJ Mills. We will also review Week #4's games and give previews/picks for Week #5. Should be another great watch/listen. We encourage you to check it out.
Here are our rankings for Week #4:

1). (tie) Wesleyan Cardinals (Record: 4-0; Last Week Rank: 1; Last Week: Win v. COL 21-7; This week: v. BAT):  Wesleyan wins another workman like effort overcoming 3 turnovers in winning the first game ever on the new turf at Andrus. Wesleyan continues to dominate time of possession and were efficient on 3rd and 4th down while putting up nearly 400 yards of total offense. Defense bounced back only allowing 9 first downs, 155 yards of total offense, and 7 points. 

1). (tie) Hartford State Bantams (Record: 4-0; Last Week Rank: 1; Last Week: Win v. HAM 37-6; This week: @ TUF): Bants continued their offensive dominance with the 31-point win at home. 457 yards of total offense. Big day for Jaxon Carroll. This week, they head onto the road to face the Jumbo's in Medford.

3). Amherst Lord Mammoths (Record: 4-0; Last Week Rank: 3; Last Week: Win v. MID 23-22; This week: @COL): Amherst remains one of the 3 remaining unbeaten teams in the NESCAC holding off MID. QB Marek Hill returned and played well for the Lord Mammoths throwing for 315 yards and 3 TDs. We lost our over/under on attendance with 1,000 listed as attending the game. The Amherst defense will be unleashed against the struggling Colby offense this week.

4). Middlebury (Record: 2-2; Last Week Rank: 4; Last Week: Loss @AMH 23-22; This week: v. WIL): The Panthers lost a heartbreaker as a potential game-winning FG was blocked in the waning seconds. MID only had 21 mins of possession and ran 57 plays in this game. RB Connor McClellan  had 3 more TDs. MID returns home to face Williams and their phenom frosh QB.

5). Williams Purple Cows (Record: 3-1; Last Week Rank: 5; Last Week: Win v. BAT 34-0; This week: @MID): Ephs bounce back against UBates. All-around strong effort for the Ephs. Defense was especially strong holding the Kitties to 111 yards and 8 first downs. Frosh QB completed 50% of his passes for over 200 yards but threw an interception, was sacked three times and did not throw a TD pass. Zach Falls had a reception. This week they travel up the road to face Middlebury.

6). Tufts Jumbo's (Record: 3-1; Last Week Rank: 6; Last Week: Win v. BOW 20-13; This week: v. HS): Jumbo's come from behind to beat the Polars at home. QB Nate Johnson started and ran and threw well in guiding the Jumbos to the win scoring the game winning TD with 10 seconds left to play. They host Hartford State this week.

7). Hamilton Continentals (Record: 0-4; Last Week Rank: 7; Last Week: Loss @HS 37-6; This week: @BOW): Hamilton loses to Hartford State despite generating some offense and making this somewhat of a game in the first half. Three interceptions, including a pick 6, did not help the Continentals. Their defense continues to struggle allowing 457 yards of total offense to the Bantams. This week they travel to Maine to face BOW in what should be an interesting test matching HAM's good offense against BOW's solid defense.

8). Bowdoin Polar Bears (Record: 0-4; Last Week Rank: 10; Last Week: Loss @TUF 20-13; This week: v. HAM ): Defense continues to play well enough to win football games. Led this game until Tufts scored with 10 seconds remaining. Moved up in the ranking since they played Tufts close. This week they host HAM in Brunswick.

9). Colby Mules (Record: 0-4; Last Week Rank: 8; Last Week: Loss @Wes 21-7; This week: v. AMH): Colby's offensive challenges continued as they played 3 QBs against WES.  The offense only generated 155 yards, 7 points, and 9 first downs while turning the ball over twice. The defense couldn't stop the WES passing game. This week they host the undefeated Lord Mammoths in Waterville.

10). University of Bates Bobcats (Lewiston Campus)(Record: 0-4; Last Week Rank: 9; Last Week: Loss @WIL 34-0; This week: @WES): Seems like there was a hangover after an emotional Tufts loss the previous week for the Kitties. 8 first downs and 111 yards of total offense for UBates. Only 4 for 14 on third down and 0-2 on fourth down. Did not get into the red zone all day. The Kitties travel to Middletown this week to face Wesleyan on their Homecoming.

NESCAC Offensive Player of the Week: QB Nate Johnson, Tufts

NESCAC Defensive Player of the Week: DB Tommy Kilroy, Wesleyan
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[Trin9-0]

Nescacman, you should know by now that Ephs, especially nescac1, usually win the debate ....

The debate will be settled on the field of play, not in writting. Based on past history, we like our chances... 

Not sure this is the flex you think it is Nescacman... Wesleyan's all-time winning percentage against Williams is 38.9%.    I can only assume you were referencing recent history.

I agree with nescac1 that the NPI will likely only impact the second place NESCAC finisher. Amherst will finish with at least 2 losses and I'm willing to bet they drop at least one of their road games at Tufts or at Williams. We're all still new to this, but I can only imagine Wes is currently ahead of Trin in NPI based on the fact that the Cards played 3-1 Tufts while Trin played 0-4 Bates (if only the Jumbos hadn't blocked the Kitties game winning field goal attempt).

Otherwise their schedules are very similar. Both played Colby and Hamilton; Trinity beat Williams, who actually has a better NPI than Middlebury, who Wesleyan defeated. I'll be interested to see the rating after this week as Trinity travels to Tufts and Wes hosts Bates. Ultimately, the league has a round-robin schedule so it'll all even out in the end. I remain optimistic that we'll see two NESCAC squads to make the postseason and the real drama lies is in who wins the league title.

Here's how the NESCAC ranks nationally per SP+, Hansen, and NPI:

	SP+	Hansen	NPI
Trinity	23	25	42
Wesleyan	47	49	25
Middlebury	100	78	131
Williams	102	84	98
Amherst	111	86	48
Tufts	137	107	87
Colby	165	112	220
Bowdoin	180	122	219
Hamilton	192	115	211
Bates	198	143	216

SP+ is a perfect 20-0 on the year. Here's how the computers project Week 5 in the NESCAC:

Amherst 21.6 @ Colby 11.6 - SP+
Amherst 17.4 @ Colby 12 - Hansen

Bates 9.7 @ Wesleyan 42.0 - SP+
Bates 2.9 @ Wesleyan 37.1 - Hansen

Hamilton 18.2 @ Bowdoin 23.5 - SP+
Hamilton 20 @ Bowdoin 21 - Hansen

Trinity 39.0 @ Tufts 9.2 - SP+
Trinity 38.3 @ Tufts 15.4 - Hansen

Williams 19.2 @ Middlebury 22.7 - SP+
Williams 18.1 @ Middlebury 22.5 - Hansen

[Trin9-0]

Wesleyan wins another workman like effort overcoming 3 turnovers in winning the first game ever on the new turf at Andrus.

That's an interesting way to say Wesleyan led winless Colby by just 7 points with under 4:00 left in the game.

Hamilton loses to Hartford State despite generating some offense and making this somewhat of a game in the first half.

That's an interesting way to say Trinity led Hamilton 31-6 at halftime.

[MapleBBQChicken]

The Panthers lost a heartbreaker as a potential game-winning FG was blocked in the waning seconds.

This game was absolutely brutal. It was shaping up to be a high quality road win, stopped in its tracks on a chip shot field goal attempt from just 24 yards.

As a Commanders fan, it somehow got worse on Sunday. I guess at least Middlebury didn't exhibit that level of incompetence. Not a fun weekend of football.