It is a weekend of firsts as most of the teams have never played each other. It is the last chance for most of the teams to fix issues before the league schedules kicks off next weekend.

Week 2 Capsules

WV Wesleyan (1-0, 0-0 WVIAC) at Bentley (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 10th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My thoughts: Both teams opened the season with lopsided victories last weekend.

Wesleyan put up impressive numbers in their 55-3 victory over Millersville last Saturday. They picked right up where they left off last year as they were 9-2 overall and were on the verge of the playoffs. Quarterback Adam Neugebauer threw six TD passes in the first half on his way to a 300 yard performance. He is easily on pace to top his 32 touchdown performance of 2010. The Bobcats also have an experienced defense and it showed as they limited Millersville to just 130 total yards.

Bentley also had an easy win last weekend with a 50-3 win over D3 SUNY Maritime. The Falcons took care of business in the second quarter when they put up 19 points to pull away. Bryant Johnson threw three scoring strikes before being pulled in the second half. The defense limited Maritime to just 69 yards and eight first downs in the lopsided victory.

This has the potential to be a very close game and come down to the final minutes. It will be a good test for both schools before they open up their league schedule. I am giving Bentley a slight edge because of home field and not having to make a 650 mile trek.

Prediction: Bentley 35 Wesleyan 27

AIC (1-0, 0-0 NE-10) at Bryant (0-1, 0-0 NEC)

When: September 10th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 7-2-0

My thoughts: An old rivalry is renewed in Smithfield.

AIC had one of the more exciting wins of the weekend. Markell Rice picked off a pass and returned it 95 yards for the 13-7 win over CW Post. The Yellow Jackets also had a decent performance from new quarterback Kevin Arduino. He threw for 151 yards and a score. He also led the team with 115 rushing yards and seemed to gain confidence as the game when out. Per usual, the AIC defense was solid and limited CW Post to just seven points.

Bryant lost their season opener on the road at Maine 28-13. They fell behind 21 points at halftime and were not able to recover. The Bulldogs outgained Maine in the game led by a pair of Jordans. Jordan Brown had 128 yards on the ground and found the end zone for the two Bryant scores. Jordan Harris had six catches and 75 receiving yards in the game. Frank Tebou and Matt Abany were tied for a team high 10 tackles and will be called upon again to make plays for the Bulldog defense.

AIC is one of the few teams that have had success at Bryant. They are 3-2 all-time there but times are different right now. Bryant is now a D1 FCS team and has a lot more depth than AIC. The Bulldogs will keep their perfect record against NE-10 teams since they departed the league in 2008.

Prediction: Bryant 27 AIC 10

Merrimack (1-0, 0-0 0 NE-10) at Edinboro (1-0, 0-0 PSAC)

When: September 10th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My thoughts: These teams played vastly different season openers.

Merrimack had an easy time in defeating D3 opponent WPI 60-3. Everyone on the offensive side of the ball figured in the box score and James Suozzo opened the season in style. He will now face a must better defense this weekend and will need to limit his mistakes to be successful against the always solid Edinboro defense. He will also need to mix up the offense so that the defense is back on their heels. The Warrior defense will also need to step up to the occasion as they were not tested too much last Saturday night.

Edinboro played West Liberty and used a solid second half push to win the game 30-14. Sophomore running back Drew Herrell broke off a number of longs runs and will be again called upon to wear down the Merrimack defense. Senior linebacker Ryan Skelton was named the PSAC West Defensive Player of the Week after recording 14 tackles, 11 of the solo variety. The Fighting Scots will look again for this pair to help them on their home turf.

Merrimack will face a much different challenge this week and can not afford to fall behind early. If they do, Edinboro will win with ease. If the Warriors are able to prevent big plays on defensive, they might have a shot at the upset.

Prediction: Edinboro 35 Merrimack 17

St. Augustines (1-1, 0-1 CIAA) at New Haven (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 10th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My thoughts: For the second straight weekend, New Haven steps out of the league with a challenging game.

St. Augustines has already played two games in very different conditions. In their opener, they played in heavy rain from Hurricane Irene and lost their CIAA opener 12-0. Last weekend, they had an impressive 30-5 win over Catawba in their home opener. The Falcons had three players named to the weekly CIAA honors. Jamian Smith was the top target as he hauled in nine passes for 118 yards and two scores. Shonquez Nelson was defensive player of the week after recording two sacks, picking off two passes, recording eight tackles, forcing a fumble and breaking up two passes.

New Haven rallied from 12 points down to force overtime and then defeated West Chester 35-32 in their opener. Ryan Osiecki overcame a couple of interceptions to lead the Charger offense down the field late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 29. In overtime, the defense held West Chester to a field goal before running a beautiful play action to score the winning points. The Chargers were outgained in the game but never lost confidence in their ability to come back.

Both teams have a lot of playmakers and it will come down to the fourth quarter. New Haven will have the edge as they have more experience and have the blue turf advantage.

Prediction: New Haven 34 St. Augustines 24

Stonehill (1-0, 0-0 NE-10) at Pace (0-1, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 10th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Pace leads the series, 8-7-0

My thoughts: The non-conference game last year played between these two teams features a lot of offense and was one of the more exciting games in the league.

Stonehill was solid in their opening win over D3 Curry. They got a number of new faces to get a little collegiate experience and will face a much bigger challenge this weekend. Justin Willis and Jermetrius Troy combined for 192 yards on the ground. New quarterback Neal Dotterer played a decent game as he made no major mistakes in the directing the Skyhawk offense. Jareed Gaines led the defensive attack with 10 tackles and two fumble recoveries. For Stonehill to be successful on the road, they are going to need to take care of the ball and score when they are in the red zone.

Pace opened the season with a 56-14 loss to East Stroudsburg. They won the time of possession battle but fell behind 42-0 before they were able to find the end zone. The Setters had a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball and will need to continue to get those players experience on the field. Jordan Raynor threw for 185 yards and also led the team in rushing. He will need to limit mistakes and get the ball into the hands of the right people at the right time.

Stonehill picked up two wins over Pace last year and looks to continue the success this year. If they are able to establish their running game, the Skyhawks should be able to win this game.

Prediction: Stonehill 24 Pace 10

Southern Connecticut (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) at West Liberty (0-1, 0-0 WVIAC)

When: September 10th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: West Liberty leads the series, 1-0-0

My thoughts: This is the type of game that Southern Connecticut needs to win if they are going to play deep into November.

The Owls played a solid second half but were not able to dig out of the hole they dug in the first half. Down 28-0 at the half, they scored 21 straight before an onsides kick was returned for a touchdown. But Southern Connecticut had proven to themselves that they can play with anyone. Kevin Lynch needs to limit mistakes and not give the ball to the defense. Rashaad Slowley needs to establish the running game and help Lynch stretch the field with their speedy receivers. The Owl defense will need to limit the big play capability of the West Liberty offense.

The Hilltoppers had some growing pains in their first game of the season, a 30-14 setback to Edinboro. A new core of quarterback, running back and receivers struggled to click in the season opener. They will need to find a way to be on the same page and move the ball down the field. The West Liberty defense seemed to lose steam as the game wore on and will need to find a way to slow down the Southern Connecticut receivers and run game.

Southern Connecticut will make the long trip to West Virginia worth while. They will click on both sides of the ball and establish the line of scrimmage early in the game. They will exact revenge for last years loss at home to West Liberty.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 31 West Liberty 24

Assumption (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) at Seton Hill (0-1, 0-0 WVIAC)

When: September 10th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My thoughts: Both teams did not start the season the way that they had hoped.

Assumption had five turnovers in a 28-7 loss to Bowie State. They used three different quarterbacks and had trouble getting the offense moving. The Greyhounds are young and are going to experience some growing pains this year. Matt Pedone was able to grind out 93 yards on the ground but Assumption is going to have to be able to stretch the field. Nick Diantonio was the defensive standout with 13 tackles, one and a half sacks and two pass breakups.

Seton Hill lost their opening game to Slippery Rock 51-14. After allowing the opening kickoff to be returned for a touchdown, they marched down the field to tie the game at seven. Then the Rock scored 41 straight points to take control of the game. The Griffins have some experience on the offensive side of the ball with quarterback DJ Lenehan. They will need him to make smart plays and get the ball into the hands of the playmakers.

Both teams need to bounce back from tough openers. Seton Hill has the more experienced team and the home field advantage. They should be able to control the game and send Assumption home with a loss.

Prediction: Seton Hill 24 Assumption 14