Another slate of pivotal games is on tap for the NE-10 this weekend. Teams are starting to separate themselves from each other and every game from here on out is important if you have league title aspirations.

Week 7 Capsules

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

When: October 14th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 12-3-0.

My thoughts: Can a good offense beat a good defense?

Merrimack made a statement last Saturday when they rallied to defeat Bentley and remain as one of two undefeated teams in league play. The Warriors used their backup quarterback to perfection as Joe Clancy provided a spark off the bench. He tossed the winning touchdown early in the fourth quarter and played mistake free during his tenure under center. James Suozzo also played well including running for a 38 yard touchdown as part of the rally. But the bigger story was that Merrimack pitched a shutout on defense in the second half. The Warriors intercepted three passes in the second half and held the usually dangerous Bentley offense to just 106 yards on seven drives.

Assumption finally grabbed their first league win over the weekend at Pace 41-10. The Greyhounds got an outstanding performance from freshman quarterback Kevin Bumpus as he ran for two scores and threw another one in the victory. The defense held Pace to zero net rushing yards and has been regularly slowing down offenses in the league. They will face another test Friday night as they will need to contain a very mobile quarterback and a lot of playmakers throughout the field.

Merrimack has more offensive talent than Assumption and should be able to score points when they need to. The Greyhounds will frustrate the Warriors at times but they don't have the offensive firepower that Merrimack possesses.

Prediction: Merrimack 35 Assumption 13

Pace (1-4, 0-3 NE-10) at Stonehill (1-5, 0-3 NE-10)

When: October 15th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Pace leads the series, 9-7-0

My thoughts: In season rematches are always tougher on the victorious team.

Pace dropped a tough game at home last Saturday to Assumption by the score of 41-10. The young Setters were credited with zero net rushing yards to go along with 253 yards through the air. Jordan Raynor continued to be the focal point of the offense with his air and legs. If he plays an error free game, Pace has a good shot to win. The Setters defense will need to find a way to slow down the no huddle offense of Stonehill. They will need to stop them on third down and not let any of their playmakers break off big plays.

Stonehill lost to former NE-10 member Bryant last weekend 42-7. The Bulldogs were able to rush out to a four touchdown lead before the Skyhawks were able to get on the board. Stonehill was forced to use backup quarterback Jesse Hunt who threw for 221 yards in the game. But the bigger Bryant offensive line dominated the trenches and wore down the defense. Stonehill will be looking for revenge as they dropped a game earlier in the season in overtime at Pace. The Skyhawks will need to find a way to limit mistakes and take advantage of Pace's miscues.

Stonehill has yet to defeat a Division II opponent and this weekend will prove the best chance for them. They should be able to take advantage of the Pace secondary and get their first league win of the season.

Prediction: Stonehill 24 Pace 16

AIC (4-2, 3-1 NE-10) at New Haven (5-1, 3-0 NE-10)

When: October 15th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 10-6-0

My thoughts: Both teams are known for being physical so let the big hits begin.

AIC bounced back from the Bentley loss in style with a 35-21 victory over St. Anselm. They pounded out 282 yards on the ground behind the legs of Terrell Williams and Kevin Arduino. The Yellow Jackets were very balanced in their offensive attack as they also threw for 230 yards in the win. They will need to continue that balanced attack against New Haven if they are going to be successful on the road. AIC's defense will also need to step up in all areas against the Chargers. They will need to find a way to slow down the passing game of New Haven and not let the Chargers have the long passes that they did against Southern Connecticut.

New Haven scored 42 points in the second half to rally over cross-town rival Southern Connecticut last Friday night. The Chargers made big plays when they needed to and established themselves as the team to beat in the league. Ryan Osiecki shook off some tough throws in the first half to be nearly flawless in the second half. He was able to stretch the field with his receivers and also called his own number at the right times for big rushing yards. New Haven will need to find that same offensive magic against the AIC defense. They have a lot of speed and size at all positions and will match up well against the Chargers.

New Haven will probably get out of the gate slow on Saturday but turn up the intensity to another notch in the second half. AIC will provide some challenges in the secondary but New Haven will find a way to escape with the win.

Prediction: New Haven 38 AIC 24

Southern Connecticut (4-2, 3-1 NE-10) at Bentley (4-2, 3-1 NE-10)

When: October 15th, 2:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 8-5-0

My thoughts: Is it too early for an elimination game in the NE-10?

Southern Connecticut was the latest victim of the New Haven buzz saw as they were not able to slow down the Chargers in the second half and fell 59-38. The Owls were looking good as they scored early in the third quarter for a 30-17 advantage. But a touchdown and a defensive touchdown gave the Chargers the lead in less than a minute and they were not able to rally. Rashaad Slowley continued his torrid assault on the touchdown record as he scored three more last Friday. Kevin Lynch will need to rebound from a tough outing and the defense will need to find a way to keep the Bentley offense on the sideline. Southern Connecticut is usually pretty good in the month of October and will need to find some of that magic on the road if they are going to grab an important league victory.

Bentley had a good first half and a disastrous second half in their 33-29 loss at Merrimack. The big blow was the injury to quarterback Bryant Johnson. His injury was too for the Falcons to overcome as they were held scoreless in the second half after his departure. If he is able to go against Southern Connecticut, the Falcons will need another one of his terrific performances. The defense will also need to find a way to slow down the Owls' attack. They will need to contain Slowley and force Lynch to make bad decisions with the ball.

If Johnson is able to go, Bentley will have a good chance in the game. If he is not able to go, the Falcons will need sophomore Danny Guadagnoli to step up big time. Either way, I think that Southern Connecticut will control the trenches and spoil homecoming for Bentley.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 38 Bentley 27

St. Anselm (0-5, 0-4 NE-10) at Stony Brook (2-3, 1-0 Big South)

When: October 15th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My thoughts: The last out of conference game for the NE-10 seems like a mismatch on paper.

St. Anselm fell last weekend at AIC and will need to make the long trek to New York for the non-conference game. The Hawks have shown some signs of good things at times but have not been able to put them together for long periods of time. Quarterback Michael Pierce will need to do his best to throw the ball under pressure against the bigger and stronger Stony Brook defensive line. Marc Wilson will need to break off a couple of big plays in the kicking game and his wide receiver position. St. Anselm will also need to find a way to slow down the Seawolves' offense if they are going to pull off the upset.

Stony Brook won their first Big South game of the season last weekend over Presbyterian 42-24. Kyle Essington was pretty good in his first start of the season as he threw for four scores and used his legs for another. The Seawolves enter the game on a three game winning streak and hope to continue the momentum against St. Anselm.

Stony Brook is using this game as a tune up for the rest of their league schedule. They are bigger and more talented than St. Anselm and should be able to win with ease.

Prediction: Stony Brook 56 St. Anselm 7