The first week of the NE-10 schedule is in the books and things went exactly as most people thought that they would. This week features four match-ups that have been completely one-sided over the years.

Will the trend continue?

Week 4 Capsules

St. Anselm (0-2, 0-1 NE-10) at Bentley (2-1, 1-0 NE-10)

When: September 23rd, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 10-0-0

My thoughts: If it stays dry on Friday night, look for another high scoring game.

St. Anselm stood toe to toe with Southern Connecticut last Saturday afternoon for the first 15 minutes of the game. Then they had trouble moving the ball and stopping Rashaad Slowley. The Hawks can score points in bunches but they also have trouble stopping the opposing offense. Senior Marc Wilson is a play maker when he touches the ball and he was dynamic in the opening quarter. He was the target of a 45 yard pass on the first play of the game and returned a kickoff for a score. Michael Pierce has a lot of offensive weapons and needs to limit turnovers if St. Anselm is going to be successful.

Bentley earned their win at Stonehill last Friday night. They were backed up inside the 10 yard line three times and calmly marched down the field. Running back Bobby Tarr had a breakout game, helping Bryant Johnson to move the ball up and down the field with ease. The Falcon defense also played well and will need to be on their toes with St. Anselm coming to town. The secondary will be tested with the vertical passing game of the Hawks. If Bentley is able to keep St. Anselm from moving the ball with ease, they will be on the good side of the scoreboard at the end of the night.

Bentley has the better defensive unit and will use their ball control offense to their advantage. The Hawks will score some points but Bentley will score more.

Prediction: Bentley 45 St. Anselm 27

Pace (1-2, 0-1 NE-10) at Southern Connecticut (2-1, 1-0 NE-10)

When: September 23rd, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 14-0-0

My thoughts: This match-up has been very one sided over the years.

Pace ran into the Merrimack offensive juggernaut in their game last Saturday. They had no answer for the Warriors and it amounted to a long game for the Setters. When your kicker was the leading rusher in the game, you know that things can only go up. Jordan Raynor is going to have to direct the offense and limit mistakes. The Pace defense is going to find a way to slow down the Southern Connecticut offense and keep them out of the end zone.

Southern Connecticut matched all of the scores that St. Anselm through at them and then throw their own haymakers to take the game. Rashaad Slowley visited the end zone often in setting a school record. Kevin Lynch helped to set up the running game with his down field targets and the big offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage. When the Owl defense finally slowed down the St. Anselm offense, Southern Connecticut took control of the game. They are going to have to do the same thing this weekend against Pace. They are going to have to control the line of scrimmage and punch the ball into the end zone when they have the opportunity.

Southern Connecticut is the more experienced team and should be able to take control of the game. Plus it is their home opener and the team will be amped up to play in front of the home fans.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 45 Pace 7

AIC (2-1, 1-0 NE-10) at Stonehill (1-2, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 24th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 14-0-0

My thoughts: Both teams appear headed in opposite directions with their young teams.

AIC was on the ropes Saturday afternoon before an injured freshman quarterback put the team on his shoulders and carried them to victory. Kevin Arduino has been superb in filling the shoes of four year starter Rob Parent. He broke off a 58 yard touchdown run on his ailing ankle just before the half. Plus Markell Rice has returned two picks for touchdowns in the first three games of the season. The Yellow Jackets will need to keep the momentum going this weekend and Arduino will need to get healthier. AIC has a solid defense and will need to stop the running game of Stonehill. They will be in good shape if Arduino is able to continue his magic.

Stonehill was in good position to hold the Bentley offense in check. They pinned them deep three times but could not hold them down. They allowed three drives of 90 plus yards and their fate was sealed in the match-up. Stephan Neville provided the Skyhawks with excellent field position each time but the offense was not able to produce many points. The no-huddle offense of Stonehill will need to find more scoring chances when they face the talented AIC defense. If they are able to establish the running game, it will help their passing game and stretch the defense. They will also need to get their defense off the field and let the offense do their thing.

AIC is the surprise of the league thus far and they will continue their role in the 2011 season. They will find the end zone when they need to and their defense will sure up when called upon.

Prediction: AIC 31 Stonehill 13

New Haven (2-1, 0-0 NE-10) at Assumption (1-2, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 24th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 2-0-0

My thoughts: This is the game that kick started New Haven to the NE-10 title last year.

New Haven nearly pulled a huge upset last Saturday night when they fought William & Mary for a full 60 minutes. They were able to limit the big play ability of the Tribe and had two drives in the fourth quarter with a chance to win the game. The Chargers will open their NE-10 schedule on the road and will need to continue their solid play. The offense will need to be effective and punch the ball into the end zone when they have the chance. Their defense will need to limit big plays and come up with big plays when called upon. New Haven has the talent to compete with any team in the conference but must execute flawlessly on the field each weekend.

Assumption was in full control of the game at AIC last Saturday when a turnover changed the game. AIC returned an interception for a touchdown and all of the momentum left the Greyhounds. For a young team, one play can change the complexion of the game and it did. Assumption will need to rebound against a very good opponent. They will need to play an error-free game and not let turnovers change momentum. If they are able to come up with big plays on both sides of the ball, they will have a chance to pull off the upset.

New Haven used their loss at home last year to start a long winning streak in the league. Since they lost last weekend, they will use that loss to kick off the NE-10 portion of their schedule in style.

Prediction: New Haven 34 Assumption 16