FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[nescac1]

Speaking of Mangini, I saw his brother recently committed to the Ephs.  That will ensure that Williams again has four sets of brothers on next year's team.  I thought this was some good content from the Williams social media team about the brother pairings:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_6dC7wITXBk

[Trin9-0]

I came across the Hansen Ratings D3 Coach and Coordinators podcast and host Keith's Grabowski's conversation with Jeff Devanney. I didn't know that the Bantams' longtime Defensive Coordinator and Associate Head Coach, Lew Acquarulo was not with the team this season due to a health issue. Sending along all my best wishes to the man who should have gotten a head coaching opportunity by now.

Devanney is calling the defense this season in Lew's absence but noted the major shift for the Bantams schematically has bee due to their personnel. They've moved away from their traditional style of aggressive quarters coverage to playing much more inverted safety and an 8 man box. He said this is "the best front seven in his 26 years coaching at Trinity". Very high praise considering the defensive talent in Hartford over that span. They don't really have lockdown corners so they're just telling the secondary to not let anything behind them and relying on front seven to stop the run.

Devanney also noted the impact of some younger coaches and their ability to maximize the technology now available across the league (sideline tablets/coach to helmet communications). While it's clearly been working I do have concerns about the eventual match up against the Wesleyan receiving corps. The Cards with Fitzsimons may be the one team who can move the ball down the field via three-step drops.


Statistically this year's Bantams compare well against historically good NESCAC teams through five games. Their current point differential per game of +31.6 would rank 2nd among NESCAC Championship teams since 2000 (trailing only the 2004 Bantams at +32.3).

Their current yardage differential per game of +248.4 would similarly rank 2nd among NESCAC Championship teams since 2000 (trailing only the 2018 Bantams with an absurd +314.9).

Saturday will likely be their last chance to fatten up before ending the year @ Middlebury, @ Amherst, and then the showdown in The Coop against Wesleyan. I'm predicting a shutout against the Polar Bears which would bring their average points allowed down to 4.8 per game (or 0.17 per the GroundandPound method).

For what it's worth, the NESCAC record for fewest points allowed per game was the 2003 Bantams who surrendered just 30 points for the season (3.75 per game). Using GroundandPound's method that squad, who also scored 28 defensive points, would have a net of just 2 points allowed for the season (0.25 per game).

[Nescacman]

Speaking of Mangini, I saw his brother recently committed to the Ephs.  That will ensure that Williams again has four sets of brothers on next year's team.  I thought this was some good content from the Williams social media team about the brother pairings:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_6dC7wITXBk

Yes, unfortunately, Luke and his younger brother don't have the same good decision making ability as their Dad (Eric) and Uncle (Kyle). 

Seriously, Luke is a great person (no surprise given his genes) and we enjoyed spending time with him. One of our best interviews to-date. We encourage you all to check it out. Luke comes from a great sports family. In addition to his Dad's history, his Uncle is Blue Jays President and CEO, Mark Shapiro (also an OL for the Princeton Tigers). 

NM

[Nescacman]

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Available Now! Available wherever you get your podcasts!

9 Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast S.3 Ep.6 (Special Guests: Williams College LB Luke Mangini, Hamilton College Head Coach Dave Murray, and a mid-season discussion with NESCAC Football Report's Jon Keith).

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.

The podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts including YouTube, Facebook, Apple and Spotify. Search for "9 Weeks NESCAC"...the first and only podcast of its kind.
 
Thank you to our sponsors Sloane and Walsh, LLP, Gameday Sports, and Noank Village Boatyard.
 
If you have questions, feedback, ideas or are a player or a coach and would like to appear on our show, please email us at: 9weeksnescac@gmail.com

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

Look for NESCACMAN's weekly predictions and point spreads at nescacfootballreport.com. The NESCAC Football report is a website dedicated to all things NESCAC football, including team previews, weekly game previews and power rankings and game recaps.  The site now provides its followers with NESCACMAN's weekly game lines and predicted scores.

[GroundandPound]

NESCACMAN,
Where are your prognostications?  We know you are a pro and not a procrastinator.  Show us the goodies.

[Trin9-0]

NESCACMAN,
Where are your prognostications?  We know you are a pro and not a procrastinator.  Show us the goodies.

To alleviate your angst, allow me to summarize pretty much every Nescacman preview ever written: all teams needs to "establish the run". The favorites need to "control the clock". The underdogs need to "get their offense going". Each team needs their "defense to play better". Wesleyan is the best and everyone else is either good, but not as good as Wesleyan, or they should possibly consider dropping football. Here's the weather forecast.

Just teasing (mostly) of course; we all appreciate the time and effort Nescacman puts into this... truly the straw that stirs the drink!

[Nescacman]

NESCACMAN,
Where are your prognostications?  We know you are a pro and not a procrastinator.  Show us the goodies.

G&P...they are on the way!

For an early preview (without the verbiage), here are the predicted scores and spreads:

https://nescacfootballreport.com/weekly-lines-and-predictions/

Of course, you can also listen to our picks on the 9 Weeks NESCAC Podcast here  (or on Spotify or Apple Music):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1hWUlprSsM&t=2497s

Much more to follow...

NM

[GroundandPound]

I just made sure it is on my calendar.  November 14 - Hartford  - at high noon.
Looking forward to a great game. Not sure who I am going to cheer for, but will assess both teams game week and cheer for who I think will best represent the 'CAC at the BIG DANCE.

[GroundandPound]

Maybe we can get a pre-game arm wrestling match between Trin 9-0 and NESCACMAN at the 50yd line?
Or, no limits BEER PONG competition?

[Trin9-0]

Maybe we can get a pre-game arm wrestling match between Trin 9-0 and NESCACMAN at the 50yd line?
Or, no limits BEER PONG competition?

Very few things could keep me away from Trinity vs. Wesleyan in a potential NESCAC title game, but alas I'm at the age where my kids' sporting commitments consume my weekends. Therefore, my only shot at seeing the Bants live this season will be if they qualify for the postseason and play within a 150 mile radius of southeastern CT.

[Nescacman]

Maybe we can get a pre-game arm wrestling match between Trin 9-0 and NESCACMAN at the 50yd line?
Or, no limits BEER PONG competition?

We were thinking maybe a no-holds barred, steel-cage match (perhaps a bird-cage?!?).   

[Nescacman]

Maybe we can get a pre-game arm wrestling match between Trin 9-0 and NESCACMAN at the 50yd line?
Or, no limits BEER PONG competition?

Very few things could keep me away from Trinity vs. Wesleyan in a potential NESCAC title game, but alas I'm at the age where my kids' sporting commitments consume my weekends. Therefore, my only shot at seeing the Bants live this season will be if they qualify for the postseason and play within a 150 mile radius of southeastern CT.

Typical Hartford State!!! #sawft

As you know Hs7-2, you are always welcome. We're sure we will see some of our old friends like Spencer and Zander who are always in for a plate of NESCACMAN's famous Turducken for the Battle of the Birds...hopefully, the Bantams show up to play this year.

[Nescacman]

2026 Week 6 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome NESCAC 2026 Week #6 "in the league where they pay to play".

Our NESCAC game of the week is in Amherst, MA where the undefeated Amherst Lord Mammoths host the undefeated Wesleyan Cardinals.

We went 4-1 picking winners last week and stand at 22-3 on the year.

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

Colby College at Hamilton College: Colby continues to look for their first win in 2026. They will have to do it without Coach Jack Cosgrove, who has, at least temporarily, stepped down. We wish him and his family nothing but the best. Hamilton is coming off their first win of the season. Surprisingly, Colby has won the last 5 times in this match-up. Colby offense has struggled to score with only 4 TDs on the year. The Colby offense is last in total offense and 9th in rushing offense. They are 8th in total defense. On the good news front, it appears that they may have finally found a QB in Soph Jagger Matera Meanwhile, Hamilton is one of the better offenses in the league but their defense has struggled. Colby wins if: The defense contains Luke Kurzum and the high-flying HAM offense and QB Matera continues to develop getting WR Jack Nye involved in the game. Hamilton wins if: They establish some sort of a running game and score 20 points. Ham's offense will score just enough to get the win. Long bus ride home for the Mules.

Hamilton 24 Colby 17
Point Spread: Hamilton -4
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel): High 58F. Winds light and variable.

Middlebury College at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus): Both teams are desperately in need of a win. MID has lost 2 straight games. UBates has been shut out twice in 5 games this year and only scored 1 offensive TD in two other games. The Kitties are 10th in total offense and 9th in total defense, including last in run defense. They are also last in point differential. MID's pass defense has struggled. UBates wins if: They need better play out of their QB. Middlebury  wins if: The defense keeps the pressure on the QB. They need to get RB Connor McClellan going. Middlebury has too much talent against the depleted Kitties. We expect them to get back in the winning column.

Middlebury 24 UBates 13
Point Spread: Middlebury -10
Weather: Sunny skies. High 58F. Winds light and variable.

Bowdoin College at Hartford State College: We don't often predict a shut-out, but this is the week. Hartford State leads the country in several defensive stats. They are 5-0 and lead the NESCAC in point differential. Last week was not their best effort and they still overcame 4 INTs against Tufts. Meanwhile, Bowdoin's offense has struggled (3 TDs in 5 games). The defense has been decent but they will have to play their best game of the century to contain the streaking Bantams. Bowdoin wins if: They force many turnovers and convert those turnovers to points (something Tufts could not do). The offense needs to finally do something which is a tall order against one of the best defenses in the country. Hartford State will need to fall flat on their face. Hartford State wins if: They basically show up. They almost never lose at home and it's not going to happen this week. Tough spot for Bowdoin. Hartford State wins by 6+ TDs.

Hartford State 45 Bowdoin 0
Point Spread: Hartford State -42
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. High 61F. Winds light and variable.

Tufts University at Williams College: The new look Ephs have won two in a row after making the QB change to frosh Drew Weiller, 4th on the depth chart at the start of the season. Not sure we have ever seen a team completely change their personality during a season. They have transformed themselves from a run first offense to a wide-open passing attack. Tough to figure out this Tufts squad. Very inconsistent and they are playing two QBs (Johnson and Weidman). They have missed RB Christian Shapiro. The Tufts defense has struggled (7th in the NESCAC) and will have to play much better to keep them in the game against Williams. Williams wins if: The frosh QB continues to exceed expectations and they continue to get WR Zach Falls involved in the game. Tufts wins if: The Jumbo defense will need to play better against Williams to keep this game close. Williams has played well in recent weeks. Tufts has not beaten a winning team in 2026. We'll go with the home team in this one.

Williams 27 Tufts 14
Point Spread:  Williams -10
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. High 58F. Winds light and variable.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Wesleyan University at Amherst College: Battle of the unbeatens in Round 1 of the 2026 version of the Little 3. Wesleyan has beaten Amherst the last 4x these teams have played, Wes has won 5 of the last 6 games, and the last 3 games on Pratt Field. 2 of the last 3 games on Pratt Field were decided in OT. Wesleyan has scored 30 points or more the last 3X these teams have played. This is the Lord Mammoth's first game against a team with a winning record. Wesleyan has scored 34+ points in 4 of their 5 games. AMH QB Marek Hill has thrown 4 picks the last 2 times he has played Wes. He has been inconsistent thus far in 2026. The Lord Mammoths are middle of the pack in offense and defense while Wes leads the NESCAC in offensive scoring and total offense and is in the top 3 in total defense. Amherst has been stellar against the run but has been susceptible to the pass (8th in the NESCAC). Wesleyan's passing offense has been very good leading the NESCAC in passing efficiency. WES wins if: They pass the ball well and score 20 points. Amherst wins if: They hold Wes to less than 20 points and QB Hill has one of his better games. AMH could easily be 3-2 or 2-3 right now. They are out to prove they are not a fluke. Wesleyan is looking to win their 5th straight Little 3 title. We think Wesleyan's (passing) offense is too much for the Lord Mammoths to handle.

Wesleyan 28 Amherst 17
Point Spread: Wesleyan -10
Weather: Partly cloudy skies. High 61F. Winds light and variable.

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

NESCACMAN's Track Record:
2026 Season: 22-3 (.880 winning percentage)
2025 Season: 32-13
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: 415-130 (.762 winning percentage, 13 seasons)

**********
Follow NESCACMAN on X: @realnescacman

**********
Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Available Now! Available wherever you get your podcasts!

9 Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast S.3 Ep.6 (Special Guests: Williams College LB Luke Mangini, Hamilton College Head Coach Dave Murray, and a mid-season discussion with NESCAC Football Report's Jon Keith).

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.

The podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts including YouTube, Facebook, Apple and Spotify. Search for "9 Weeks NESCAC"...the first and only podcast of its kind.
 
Thank you to our sponsors Sloane and Walsh, LLP, Gameday Sports, and Noank Village Boatyard.
 
If you have questions, feedback, ideas or are a player or a coach and would like to appear on our show, please email us at: 9weeksnescac@gmail.com

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

Look for NESCACMAN's weekly predictions and point spreads at nescacfootballreport.com. The NESCAC Football report is a website dedicated to all things NESCAC football, including team previews, weekly game previews and power rankings and game recaps.  The site now provides its followers with NESCACMAN's weekly game lines and predicted scores.

[jmh21]

Williams has really struggled with Tufts the last few years even when having the better team on paper...even the 2021 team needed some late game magic to beat them. Hopefully that changes this year but I would be somewhat surprised if we win by double digits

[SpringSt7]

NESCACMAN's 22-3 start to the season is the biggest story in the league right now IMO. Going to see what "they" are made of these last 4 weeks though. People still talk about the 2024 run in my neck of the woods