In short: U New England Division III college football, 2026 season: 3-5 (CNE). Last game: W 62-14 vs Nichols on October 31, 2026. Next: vs Curry, November 7, 2026. Schedule and results, player season stats, stat leaders, unit grades, the CFB Pirate rating and projections.
Third down could decide U New England's next game, against Curry, and the recent returns favor Curry. U New England allowed 25.5% of third downs (12-for-47) over its first 3 games (0-3), #45 in D-III in that timeframe. In the 5 games since that hot start (3-2), U New England has allowed 50% of third downs (32-for-64), a 96% rise, #214 in D-III in that window. The schedule doesn't explain it: the opponents in both stretches have averaged about 38.3% on the season. Measured against those opponents' norms (38%), U New England allowed third-down conversions 32% more often than those offenses usually manage. Conversely, Curry's third-down offense has been one of D-III's better units in recent weeks. The Colonels have converted 46.2% of third downs (18-for-39) over their last 5 games (3-2), #56 in D-III during that time. Those games came against some of the weaker third-down defenses in D-III (40.3% on the season, which would rank #164). Against those norms, Curry converted third downs 14% more often than those defenses usually allow. Unless U New England's third-down defense rediscovers its early form, the edge in this matchup belongs to Curry.
The number to watch when U New England meets Curry is U New England's scoring. U New England averaged 29.0 points per game over its first 5 games (0-5), #88 in D-III through those games. Over the stretch of 3 games that followed (3-0), U New England has averaged 56.7 points per game, a 95% rise, #5 in D-III through that stretch. The schedule deserves some of the credit: U New England's last 3 opponents have averaged 37.9 points per game, a #210 scoring defense in D-III on the season, against 23.1 points per game, #112 for the first 5. Measured against those opponents' norms (37.9 points per game), U New England scored 49% more than those defenses usually allow. Meanwhile, Curry's defense has struggled in recent weeks. The Colonels have allowed 32.0 points per game over their last 3 games (1-2), #167 in D-III over that stretch. Those games came against a middle-of-the-pack set of offenses in D-III (24.1 points per game on the season, which would rank #138). Against those norms, Curry allowed 33% more than those offenses usually score. On paper, that is a matchup that favors U New England. U New England is 3-2 this season when it scores 35 or more, and 0-3 when it doesn't.
NOTES
The biggest shift in U New England's season has come in its defense. U New England forced 1.2 takeaways per game over its first 4 games (0-4), #151 in D-III within that period. In the 4 games since that slow start (3-1), U New England has forced 2.2 takeaways per game, an 80% rise, #41 in D-III across those games. The schedule has a lot to do with it: U New England's last 4 opponents have averaged 1.3 per game, a #82 offense in D-III on the season, against 1.6 per game, #116 for the first 4. Measured against those opponents' norms (1.3 per game), U New England forced 67% more turnovers than those offenses usually give up. On the season, U New England ranks #82 in D-III in takeaways. Curry's ball security sits in the middle of the pack, #149 in D-III (1.8 per game).
U New England converted 30% of third downs (18-for-60) over its first 4 games (0-4), #172 in D-III during those games. Few teams started slower in this department, and few have turned it around as sharply since. In the 4 games since that slow start (3-1), U New England has converted 47.6% of third downs (20-for-42), a 59% rise, #50 in D-III during that period. The schedule deserves some of the credit: U New England's last 4 opponents have averaged 42.1%, a #182 third-down defense in D-III on the season, against 35.5%, #115 for the first 4. Measured against those opponents' norms (42.1%), U New England converted third downs 13% more often than those defenses usually allow. On the season, U New England ranks #118 in D-III in third-down offense. Curry's third-down defense sits in the middle of the pack, #169 in D-III (41%).
Few teams in D-III have run the ball better over the last 3 games than U New England. U New England averaged 4.9 yards per carry (1,091 yards on 222 rushes) over its first 5 games (0-5), #46 in D-III during that stretch. Over the stretch of 3 games that followed (3-0), U New England has averaged 7.5 yards per carry (1,169 yards on 156 rushes), a 52% rise, #3 in D-III over that period. The schedule deserves some of the credit: U New England's last 3 opponents have averaged 5.8 yards per carry, a #233 run defense in D-III on the season, against 3.9 yards per carry, #122 for the first 5. Measured against those opponents' norms (5.8 yards per carry), U New England ran for 29% more per carry than those run defenses usually allow. On the season, U New England ranks #9 in D-III in rushing. The trend lines up well against Curry, whose run defense ranks just #218 of 244 (5.2 yards per carry). Up front, CFB Pirate's line ratings give U New England the edge: U New England's offensive line grades +0.5 against Curry's front at -6.4 (stuffed runs, sacks and early-down success, opponent-adjusted).
U New England's defense has come a long way since the season's early weeks. U New England allowed 39.4 points per game over its first 5 games (0-5), #222 in D-III over that timeframe. Over the stretch of 3 games that followed (3-0), U New England has allowed 21.0 points per game, a 47% drop, #92 in D-III over that span. The schedule deserves some of the credit: U New England's last 3 opponents have averaged 17.0 points per game, a #191 offense in D-III on the season, against 36.0 points per game, #43 for the first 5. Measured against those opponents' norms (17.0 points per game), U New England allowed 24% more than those offenses usually score. So the improvement is real, but it still trails what those opponents usually give up. Only Husson broke through in that span, putting up 35 on 10/24. On the season, U New England ranks #179 in D-III in scoring defense. Curry's offense sits in the middle of the pack, #62 in D-III (32.5 points per game). U New England is 2-2 this season when it holds opponents under 33, and 1-3 when it doesn't.
Something changed for U New England's run defense after the first 5 games of the season. U New England allowed 5.4 yards per carry (1,100 yards on 203 rushes) over its first 5 games (0-5), #225 in D-III in that timeframe. Over the stretch of 3 games that followed (3-0), U New England has allowed 3.4 yards per carry (333 yards on 97 rushes), a 37% drop, #97 in D-III in that window. The schedule deserves some of the credit: U New England's last 3 opponents have averaged 3.2 yards per carry, a #172 rushing attack in D-III on the season, against 4.9 yards per carry, #50 for the first 5. Measured against those opponents' norms (3.2 yards per carry), U New England allowed 7% more per carry than those rushing attacks usually gain. So the improvement is real, but it still trails what those opponents usually give up. On the season, U New England ranks #188 in D-III in run defense. That form gets a real test against Curry, whose ground game ranks #24 in D-III (5.6 yards per carry). Up front, CFB Pirate's line ratings call it close: U New England's front and Curry's offensive line grade out about even.
SCHEDULE STRENGTH
U New England has played a softer-than-average schedule in the pool so far (#186 of 246), and what is left is one of the softest slates (#223 of 225).
Schedule so far · 1 = hardest
#186 of 246
avg opponent rating -25.1 over 9 games · 0 vs top-25 D-III
Schedule ahead · 1 = hardest
#223 of 225
avg opponent rating -68.1 over 1 games · 0 vs top-25
@Coast Gu… L 35-49@WPI L 21-22Hampden-… L 41-43@Western … L 21-28Endicott L 27-55Maine Ma… W 62-14@Husson W 46-35@Nichols W 62-14Curry@New Engl…
Each bar is one opponent, placed by where its rating ranks in this pool (tall and red = top 10; short and green = bottom half). Hatched bars are games still to play; the dashed line is today.
Every player with a stat on file, listed only where he has one. Open the arrow beside a name for his game-by-game line. Stats through the Oct 31 game; last updated Nov 1; roster and numbers checked Sep 15.
Click a column heading to sort. MIN hides players below that many attempts.
PPG/OPP PPG use every played game on file. YPG/PLAYS-PER-GAME columns only ever come from games with a full box score on file, which can be a smaller sample than GP -- see the coverage note below when that's the case for this team.
Averages use only games with that number on file. SACKS ALW comes from the opponent's box score; TO FORCED is takeaways; TO MAR is takeaways minus giveaways, and its bottom cell is the season total. Dashes mean not on file.
UNIT INDEX
Pass Offense: grade 40.3/100 (-17 yds/gm vs average)
Rush Offense: grade 93.5/100 (+96 yds/gm vs average)
Pass Defense: grade 58.2/100 (-7 yds/gm vs average)
Rush Defense: grade 21.1/100 (+50 yds/gm vs average)
Unit grades: 0-100 league percentile, adjusted for the opponents faced.
OPPONENT TRACKER
(full explanation: Appendix, Note 2)
DATE
SITE
OPPONENT
THEIR RECORD
THEIR PPG
2026-11-07
vs
CURRY
4-4
32.5
2026-11-14
at
NEW ENGLAND COL.
2-6
10.0
LAST YEAR
UNE finished 2025 at 8-2. Missed playoffs. Notable win: 56-49 over COAST GUARD (COAST GUARD finished 70% that season). Toughest loss: 30-47 to CURRY (17-point margin).
• [CLUB] U New England has won 3 straight, and a win would make it 4 in a row. The last time they won 4 or more in a row was 2024, a run of 5.
• [CLUB] U New England has gone 13 straight games rushing for 100+ yards (October 17, 2025 through October 31, 2026), going 7-6 over that stretch, a school-record 13 straight in the 5 seasons on record.
• [CLUB] U New England has gone 13 straight games committing fewer than 3 turnovers (October 17, 2025 through October 31, 2026), going 7-6 over that stretch, a school-record 13 straight in the 5 seasons on record.
• [CLUB] U New England is 18-2 all time when averaging 6.0+ yards per play. U New England's last loss when averaging 6.0+ yards per play was September 12, 2026 against Wpi (L, 21-22).
• [CLUB] U New England is 13-2 all time when averaging 5.0+ yards per carry. U New England's last loss when averaging 5.0+ yards per carry was September 19, 2026 against Hampden-sydney (L, 41-43).
• [CLUB] U New England is 12-1 all time when scoring 40+ points. U New England's last loss when scoring 40+ points was September 19, 2026 against Hampden-sydney (L, 41-43).
• [CLUB] U New England has scored 170 points over its last 3 games (56.7 a game, October 17, 2026 through October 31, 2026) -- its most in a 3-game stretch since the 173 from October 17, 2025 through November 1, 2025.
• [CLUB] U New England has allowed 189 points over its last 6 games (31.5 a game, September 19, 2026 through October 31, 2026) -- its most in a 6-game stretch since the 207 from September 27, 2025 through November 8, 2025.
• [PLAYER] Damien Jones has 387 rushing yards over his last 3 games (129.0 a game, October 17, 2026 through October 31, 2026) -- his most in a 3-game stretch on record.
• [PLAYER] Damien Jones has 6 rushing touchdowns over his last 3 games (2.0 a game, October 17, 2026 through October 31, 2026) -- his most in a 3-game stretch on record.
• [PLAYER] Nathan Delgado has 5 rushing touchdowns over his last 3 games (1.7 a game, October 17, 2026 through October 31, 2026) -- his most in a 3-game stretch on record.
• [PLAYER] Chris Lang has gone 2 straight games throwing a touchdown pass, the 4th-longest such streak of his career. He also had a career-best streak of 7 straight games throwing a touchdown pass, during the 2024 season.
• [PLAYER] Nathan Delgado has never had a game recording 100+ receiving yards for U New England, over a 35-game career on record. His career high is 74, set November 2, 2024 against Curry (L, 10-24).
• [PLAYER] Spencer Sherck has gone 14 straight games without intercepting a pass. The last time he intercepted a pass was October 26, 2024 against Nichols (W, 51-30) — 1 interception.
TALKING POINTS (15 storylines)
UNE HAS PERFORMED BEST THIS DATA SET WHEN...
• UNE averages 6.0+ yards per play (.900), and has won 3 straight when doing so
• UNE rushes for 100+ yards (.667), and has won 3 straight when doing so
• UNE holds its opponents under 100 rushing yards (.999), and has won 12 straight when doing so
• UNE commits fewer than 3 giveaways (.634), and has won 3 straight when doing so
• UNE's offense has averaged 389.7 rush yards per game over their last 3 games. Their 48-game average is 191.6 rush yards per game. (+103%)
• UNE's defense has forced 1+ turnover in 9 straight games (11/15/2025-10/31/2026), going 4-5 over that stretch.
• UNE's offense has averaged 56.7 points scored per game over their last 3 games. Their 48-game average is 31.7 points scored per game. (+79%)
• UNE holds its opponents under 175.5 rushing yards (UNE's own median) (.875)
• UNE's offense has averaged 0.6 giveaways per game over their last 5 games. Their 48-game average is 1.4 giveaways per game. (-56%)
• UNE's offense has averaged 7.4 YPC over their last 3 games. Their 47-game average is 4.8 YPC. (+53%)
• UNE holds its opponents under 5.5 yards per play (UNE's own median) (.833)
• UNE averages 7.4+ yards per attempt (UNE's own median) (.833)
• UNE's defense has averaged 2.7 takeaways per game over their last 3 games. Their 48-game average is 1.8 takeaways per game. (+49%)
• UNE averages 5.6+ yards per play (UNE's own median) (.833)
• UNE holds its opponents under 4.5 yards per carry (UNE's own median) (.826)
UNE — OFFENSE SCORING SITUATION — 2022-26 (48 Gms)
SPLIT
REC
WIN%
PPG
Scores <10
0-5
.000
4.0
Scores 10-19
2-5
.286
14.4
Scores 20-29
2-8
.200
24.0
Scores 30-39
10-3
.769
33.5
Scores 40+
12-1
.923
55.9
UNE — OFFENSE — 2026 (8 Gms)
SPLIT
REC
WIN%
PPG
STRK
YPA 8.0+
2-2
.500
42.5
W2
YPA < 8.0
1-3
.250
36.2
W1
Pass Yds 200+
0-2
.000
31.0
L2
Pass Yds < 200
3-3
.500
42.2
W3
Rush Yds 100+
3-5
.375
39.4
W3
Rush Yds < 100
--
--
--
--
Rush Yds 150+
3-4
.429
42.0
W3
Rush Yds < 150
0-1
.000
21.0
L1
YPC 5.0+
3-1
.750
52.8
W3
YPC < 5.0
0-3
.000
27.7
L3
1 games without this stat on file
YPP 6.0+
3-1
.750
47.8
W3
YPP < 6.0
0-4
.000
31.0
L4
YPP 7.0+
2-1
.667
48.3
W2
YPP < 7.0
1-4
.200
34.0
W1
Turnovers 1+
2-4
.333
38.7
W2
Turnovers < 1
1-1
.500
41.5
W1
Turnovers 2+
0-2
.000
28.0
L2
Turnovers > 2
--
--
--
--
UNE — OFFENSE SCORING SITUATION — 2026 (8 Gms)
SPLIT
REC
WIN%
PPG
Scores <10
--
--
--
Scores 10-19
--
--
--
Scores 20-29
0-3
.000
23.0
Scores 30-39
0-1
.000
35.0
Scores 40+
3-1
.750
52.8
UNE — DEFENSE — 2022-26 (48 Gms)
SPLIT
REC
WIN%
PPG
STRK
YPA 8.0+
3-12
.200
38.1
L3
YPA < 8.0
23-10
.697
21.7
W3
Pass Yds 200+
12-8
.600
30.8
W2
Pass Yds < 200
14-14
.500
24.0
W1
Rush Yds 100+
14-22
.389
30.7
W2
Rush Yds < 100
12-0
1.000
15.2
W12
Rush Yds 150+
9-20
.310
33.4
W1
Rush Yds < 150
17-2
.895
16.8
W2
YPC 5.0+
4-14
.222
34.2
L4
YPC < 5.0
22-7
.759
22.4
W3
1 games without this stat on file
YPP 6.0+
3-14
.176
38.2
L3
YPP < 6.0
23-8
.742
20.6
W3
YPP 7.0+
2-10
.167
39.8
L3
YPP < 7.0
24-12
.667
22.5
W3
Turnovers 1+
25-16
.610
25.2
W3
Turnovers < 1
1-6
.143
36.1
L4
Turnovers 2+
19-7
.731
22.3
W2
Turnovers > 2
10-2
.833
21.6
W8
UNE — DEFENSE SCORING SITUATION — 2022-26 (48 Gms)
SPLIT
REC
WIN%
PPG
Allows <10
4-0
1.000
3.5
Allows 10-19
11-0
1.000
12.7
Allows 20-29
6-5
.545
24.9
Allows 30-39
4-8
.333
33.0
Allows 40+
1-9
.100
46.4
UNE — DEFENSE — 2026 (8 Gms)
SPLIT
REC
WIN%
PPG
STRK
YPA 8.0+
0-2
.000
41.5
L2
YPA < 8.0
3-3
.500
29.5
W3
Pass Yds 200+
2-2
.500
38.2
W2
Pass Yds < 200
1-3
.250
26.8
W1
Rush Yds 100+
2-5
.286
35.1
W2
Rush Yds < 100
1-0
1.000
14.0
W1
Rush Yds 150+
1-4
.200
42.0
W1
Rush Yds < 150
2-1
.667
16.7
W2
YPC 5.0+
0-2
.000
49.0
L2
YPC < 5.0
3-2
.600
28.0
W3
1 games without this stat on file
YPP 6.0+
0-2
.000
49.0
L2
YPP < 6.0
3-3
.500
27.0
W3
YPP 7.0+
0-1
.000
55.0
L1
YPP < 7.0
3-4
.429
29.3
W3
Turnovers 1+
3-5
.375
32.5
W3
Turnovers < 1
--
--
--
--
Turnovers 2+
2-1
.667
30.7
W2
Turnovers > 2
2-0
1.000
24.5
W2
UNE — DEFENSE SCORING SITUATION — 2026 (8 Gms)
SPLIT
REC
WIN%
PPG
Allows <10
--
--
--
Allows 10-19
2-0
1.000
14.0
Allows 20-29
0-2
.000
25.0
Allows 30-39
1-0
1.000
35.0
Allows 40+
0-3
.000
49.0
ON THE BRINK
U NEW ENGLAND
• U NEW ENGLAND has had a player score 3+ TDs in 2 straight games (10/24/26–10/31/26). It has not reached 3 straight in the last 4 years of games on file (2023-present).
• U NEW ENGLAND has rushed for 200+ in 4 straight games (10/3/26–10/31/26). It has not reached 5 straight in the last 4 years of games on file (2023-present).
• U NEW ENGLAND has allowed a 300-yard passer in 2 straight games (10/24/26–10/31/26). It has not reached 3 straight in the last 4 years of games on file (2023-present).
• U NEW ENGLAND has scored 40+ in 3 straight games (10/17/26–10/31/26). It has not reached 4 straight in the last 4 years of games on file (2023-present).
UNE's defense has averaged 2.7 takeaways per game over their last 3 games. Their 48-game average is 1.8 takeaways per game. (+49%)
UNE's defense has averaged 111.0 rush yards per game over their last 3 games. Their 48-game average is 184.9 rush yards per game. (-40%)
UNE's defense has averaged 269.0 pass yards per game over their last 3 games. Their 48-game average is 193.1 pass yards per game. (+39%)
UNE's defense has averaged 3.3 YPC over their last 3 games. Their 47-game average is 4.7 YPC. (-30%)
UNE's defense has averaged 21.0 points allowed per game over their last 3 games. Their 48-game average is 26.8 points allowed per game. (-22%)
(moved to the Appendix, Data Export 1, to keep this section shorter -- the full spreadsheet-paste table is there unchanged)
APPENDIX
Full-length explanations and full-size data exports for the shortened notes and relocated tables referenced throughout this report, numbered in the order their pointers appear above.
Explanatory Notes
Note 1 -- SEASON OUTLOOK
Every remaining game is projected from schedule-adjusted ratings; already-played games carry their real result. Records are simulated distributions, not a single guess -- MOST LIKELY FINAL is the single most probable record and its own probability, PROJECTED RECORD is the season's expected win total expressed in record form (an average across every simulated outcome, so it can land on a fraction of a game).
Note 2 -- OPPONENT TRACKER -- why some cards have no record shown
Only meaningful for an opponent who is ALSO a tracked team in the library -- an opponent with no games on file here at all shows the date and site alone.
Note 3 -- MOST IMPORTANT NUMBERS -- how a number is scored
Every split this report computes is scored on how strong the number is and how much it sets this team apart from its opponent and the rest of the field, and the top 5 per team are listed. A condition needs at least 8 occurrences to count.
Full Data Exports
Data Export 1 -- TRENDS — TAB-SEPARATED (10 columns)
Where U NEW ENGLAND sits among 246 D3 teams on the two Unit Index composites -- Offense Grade 67.0, Defense Grade 39.6.
RUSH YARDS / GAME: U NEW ENGLAND VS THE D3
U NEW ENGLAND ranks #5 of 246 D3 teams in rushing yards per game (296.4) -- a strength worth a look.
U NEW ENGLAND: SP STRENGTH INDEX BY SEASON
The program's index across 4 seasons on file -- -4.2 in 2022 to -3.4 in 2025.
These graphs were chosen by the program from this season's most notable numbers. Build your own -- any stat against any other, for any mix of teams, seasons or players, with a JPEG download -- in the Graph Builder.
2.29 points per offensive possession (97 possessions on file, 2026)
Late & close (4th quarter or later, within one score): 26.0% success rate, 14.0% explosive play rate (50 snaps)
Down & Distance
Plays
Play-Type Mix
1 & short
4
rush 100%
1 & medium
8
rush 100%
1 & long
214
rush 71%, pass 27%, sack 2%
2 & short
19
rush 89%, pass 11%
2 & medium
53
rush 77%, pass 21%, sack 2%
2 & long
93
rush 71%, pass 28%, sack 1%
3 & short
31
rush 87%, pass 13%
3 & medium
36
pass 61%, rush 39%
3 & long
35
pass 57%, rush 34%, sack 9%
4 & short
13
rush 77%, pass 23%
4 & medium
5
rush 40%, pass 40%, sack 20%
4 & long
7
pass 71%, rush 29%
GARBAGE TIME PROFILE
1 of 4 games on file this season hit garbage time
Average margin: +6.0 final vs. +4.0 before garbage time — this team pads its margins (+2.0 pts/game)
Biggest swing: 8 points, vs. Maine Maritime on 2026-10-17 (+48 final, +40 real)
See the Garbage Time Reality Check page for the full leaderboard. This is informational only — it never changes this team's ranking or projection elsewhere on the site.
The same down-based success standard as passing success rate, applied to a player's carries.
Inputs: Down, distance, yards gained and touchdown on plays where this player was the ball carrier.
Receiving Success Rate
The same down-based success standard, applied to a player's targets (thrown to him, complete or not).
Inputs: Down, distance, yards gained and touchdown on plays where this player was the targeted receiver.
3rd Down Splits
How a player performed specifically on 3rd down plays this season -- success rate, touchdown rate, and the underlying counting stats, isolated from every other down.
Inputs: Every play on file where down = 3 and this player was involved (passer, rusher, receiver, or a tackle/sack/INT/fumble recovery on defense).
4th Down Splits
The same idea as 3rd Down Splits, isolated to 4th down plays -- the highest-leverage down in football.
Inputs: Every play on file where down = 4 and this player was involved.
What is "garbage time"?
A 7-tier rule (bigger lead required as the clock runs down) that flags plays happening in a game that is no longer competitive -- e.g. a 30+ point lead right after halftime, or a 12+ point lead inside the final 3 minutes.
Inputs: Quarter, game clock, and the score of both teams at the time of the play. Garbage-time plays are not thrown out -- they count for 35% of a normal play in every "garbage-time-adjusted" figure, so a player who pads stats once a game is decided shows up as such rather than being invisible.
Report Produced by ScorePirate | Commitment and offer data sourced from 247Sports | GENERATED
11/06/2026 06:00
