They enjoy being together, holding each other to that standard and that's definitely something that you want as a coach.' They've been that way since the spring, I think we have a group of players that love football and strive to be the best they can be. 'The culture of the locker room is very focused. 'The leadership from the leaders and captains has been significant,' said Civetti. That balance and belief in both units is what has many thinking Tufts could challenge for its first NESCAC title ever.

Many contributors on both sides of the ball return, as the Jumbos ranked as the NESCAC's top offensive unit while ranking fourth out of the 10 conference schools on defense. The work that Civetti and his staff have done over his 11 years at Tufts to transform the team to title hopeful is coming to fruition, as this year's group comes back returning 15 starters from last year's squad. We only get nine of these a year, so I'm just looking forward to spending 60 minutes on the field with my guys.' I just want to get onto the field with my team and play a game. They'll be excited, there will be a great crowd, but this will be a great litmus test.

'I am excited for what is coming off the bus, and it's always a great challenge to play Trinity. 'There's that nostalgic piece of it, going back to your alma mater, but my excitement is how proud I am to bring my Tufts' team there,' said Civetti. When asked about battling the reigning defending conference champs and his alma mater, he mentioned that he was just proud of where the program has come over his time as a Jumbo. The program has taken a large leap during the tenure of head coach Jay Civetti, who will be taking on his alma mater on Saturday. The record was the best for the Jumbos since 2018, also marking the fourth time since 2016 that Tufts won six or more games. The Jumbos started their 2022 season against the Bantams in Somerville and were outlasted 26-23 in what was a thrilling opening to a campaign that saw Tufts finish 6-3 overall. MEDFORD, MA (September 13, 2023) – The Tufts University football team gets its 2023 season underway this upcoming Saturday, September 16, against defending New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) champion Trinity College (CT) in Hartford.

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