Two big games highlight the weekly slate in the NE-10. Four teams are undefeated right now and only two will emerge.

Let the games begin.

Week 6 Capsules

New Haven (4-1, 2-0 NE-10) at Southern Connecticut (4-1, 3-0 NE-10)

When: October 7th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 14-6-1

My thoughts: It is going to be a good one at Jess Dow Field.

New Haven enters the game after pulling away from Stonehill last Saturday afternoon. The Chargers had a slow start but were unstoppable on offense in the second half. They will need to play a complete 60 minutes on the road if they are going to defeat their cross-town rival. They will need to control the line of scrimmage and not let Ryan Osiecki get hit on every play. The defense will need to find a way to limit the big play capability of Southern Connecticut and not allow them to scamper 60 plus yards for touchdowns.

Southern Connecticut also started slow on the road against Assumption but was able to get things going in the second half. They outscored the Greyhounds 31-3 and again used the legs of Rashaad Slowley to get the win. The Owls will need to play mistake free and not get whistled for stupid penalties if they are going to knock off New Haven. Kevin Lynch will need to make the right reads at the line of scrimmage and have the time to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. Southern Connecticut will also need to find a way to slow down the speed of New Haven and not let them find the seams in the defense.

This game is a toss up in my mind. Both teams are extremely talented and pretty much even at all of the positions on the field. So it will come down to a player that gets little attention that makes a big play at a big junction of the game. I think that Southern Connecticut will grind out the win and have bragging rights for the next 364 days in the town of New Haven.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 24 New Haven 23

St. Anselm (0-4, 0-3 NE-10) at AIC (3-2, 2-1 NE-10)

When: October 8th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series:

My thoughts: Both teams limp into this game after rough showings last weekend.

St. Anselm was the latest victim of the Merrimack offense. They allowed 58 points and had no answer from their offense. The Hawks have been competitive at times this season but have yet to put together a long stretch of solid football. They will need to find a way to protect Michael Pierce and allow him to distribute the ball to his receivers. The St. Anselm defense will also need to find a way to slow down a big AIC offensive line. If they are able to hold their own in the trenches and not allow AIC to march up and down the field, it might be a good day for the Hawks.

AIC led at the half on the road at Bentley last Friday night but allowed a long punt return that changed the momentum of the game. The Yellow Jackets scored on their opening drive but were held in check the rest of the night. They will need to move the ball more consistently against St. Anselm if they are going to win the game. The AIC defense will also need to find a way to stop the passing game of the Hawks. The secondary will be busy in the game and need to find a way to prevent big plays.

AIC has a big size advantage and will use it to control the line of scrimmage. They also have the better defense and their offense should bounce back from a tough performance to stay in the NE-10 title hunt.

Prediction: AIC 35 St. Anselm 17

Assumption (1-4, 0-3 NE-10) at Pace (1-3, 0-2 NE-10)

When: October 8th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Pace leads the series, 11-7-0

My thoughts: Both teams have just one win but seem further apart.

Assumption had New Haven and Southern Connecticut visit the past two weeks and walked away with two losses. But the Greyhounds earn a lot of confidence as they were able to hang with both teams for most of the game. Assumption's defense was good against New Haven and even better against Southern Connecticut for the first 30 minutes. They had no answer for Rashaad Slowley in the second half and could not counter the Owls. They continue to be hit with the injury bug and hopefully more healing will occur this week. Assumption will need to continue playing solid defense and punch the ball into the end zone when they have the chance.

Pace enjoyed a much deserved week off after two straight blowout losses. The Setters needed a week of practice to help regain the confidence of the young team. Quarterback Jordan Raynor will need to be a big part of the offense if they are going to be successful against Assumption. He will need to limit mistakes and make good decisions against a good defense. The Setter defense will also need to make plays when called upon.

Assumption will be able to control the Pace offense and score when they need to. It will be a good confidence builder for the team if they are able to finally come out on the positive side of the scoreboard.

Prediction: Assumption 24 Pace 10

Bentley (4-1, 3-0 NE-10) at Merrimack (3-1, 2-0 NE-10)

When: October 8th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 8-6-0

My thoughts: Another battle of undefeated teams in league play.

Bentley showed some life at the right time against AIC last Friday night. A big punt return and a key goal line stand were the difference for the Falcons. They will face a much more talented offense this weekend and will need to slow down the high-powered Merrimack attack. Bentley will try to keep the Merrimack offense the field with their own ball control offense. Bryant Johnson has been a master at keeping opposing offenses off the field by making plays at key times and converting third downs to keep drives alive.

Merrimack has been putting up ridiculous offensive numbers in their victories this year. But this will be the first test in the league against a solid defensive unit. James Suozzo will need to play mistake free and not let Bentley goat him into making bad decisions. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal and should be able to score some points. It will also be a test for the Merrimack defense. They were able to handle St. Anselm last weekend and will need to continue to make plays when they need them.

This game will be another close one that can go either way. Both teams have solid offensive units but Bentley has a much better defense than Merrimack. That is going to be the difference in the game as the Falcons will get defensive stops when they need them.

Prediction: Bentley 34 Merrimack 27

Stonehill (1-4, 0-3 NE-10) at Bryant (3-2, 2-1 NEC)

When: October 8th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bryant leads the series, 8-1-0

My thoughts: Another former NE-10 match-up is renewed.

Stonehill looked good early at New Haven last Saturday. They held a 9-7 lead before the Chargers scored 31 straight points to take control of the game. The Skyhawks have lost four games in a row after their opening weekend victory over Curry. They have struggled to move the ball consistently and their defense has not been able to stop teams at key times of the game. Quarterback Logan Meyer will need to play a flawless game against a D1 FCS defense. If he is able to spread the ball around to his playmakers, Stonehill will be able to keep the game close.

Bryant lost a tough conference game on the road at Duquesne 31-28. They struggled in the first half to move the ball but their rally in the second half fell short. The Bulldogs are led on offense by quarterback Mike Croce and running back Jordan Brown. Both will need to be contained by the Stonehill defense despite their rough outing last weekend. The Bryant defense has been good at times this year and will need to slow down the no-huddle offensive attack of the Skyhawks.

Bryant is a bigger and faster team than Stonehill. AIC showed a couple of weeks ago that D2 teams are capable of hanging with Bryant but the Stonehill defense is not as strong as AIC. The Bulldogs will wear down Stonehill and take control of the game in the second half.

Prediction: Bryant 38 Stonehill 13