The NE-10 regular season schedule kicks in full force this weekend. Several quality match-ups highlight week three of the season.

Week 3 Capsules

Bentley (2-0, 1-0 NE-10) at Assumption (1-1, 1-0 NE-10)

When: September 14th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 32-7-1

My thoughts: This match-up is quickly becoming one of the better ones in the league.

Bentley made the long trip to West Virginia last weekend and came back with a big victory. Danny Guadagnoli and Jeff Hill combined for three touchdowns as the Falcon offense clicked in rainy conditions. The defense also was strong after they allowed 10 points in the first six minutes of the game. Bentley will need to control the line of scrimmage against the Assumption defensive line. If they are able to establish the running game, it will help them to move the ball up and down the field.

Assumption had been on both sides of late comebacks in the first two weeks of the season. A late touchdown at Bowie State ruined their season opener but they responded with a late touchdown against St. Anselm to win their NE-10 opener. Bobby Jordan rebounded from a tough first half to help lead the team to 21 second half points last Friday night. The Greyhound defense then clamped down after St. Anselm took a short lived lead in the fourth quarter. Assumption will need to find a way to move the ball more efficiently against the Bentley defense as well as limiting the receivers of Bentley.

Both teams have solid defenses and they will be on display in this game. The offenses will struggle to move the ball and the game will be decided late as Assumption will make a late drive to win the game.

Prediction: Assumption 17 Bentley 14

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

When: September 14th, 7:00 PM

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

My thoughts: It is the first game under the lights at Grappone Stadium.

Stonehill had one of the more impressive victories in school history last Saturday. They defeated Southern Connecticut for the first time in the program's history. The defense also pitched a shutout and was applying good pressure for the entire game. The offense moved the ball when they needed to and got points on the board when they were in the red zone. Stonehill will need to use the same formula on the road for the first time this year. They will need to pressure the St. Anselm quarterback and not allow them time to find open wide receivers.

St. Anselm rebounded from a tough opening game with a a close road loss at Assumption. After Keith Charles scored his second touchdown of the game with 6:50 left in the fourth quarter to regain the lead for the Hawks, the defense was not able to keep Assumption out of the end zone and allowed 10 points in the final several minutes of the game. For St. Anselm to grab their first victory of the season, they will need to move the ball more efficiently and not turn the ball over. The defense will also to find a way to slow down the many weapons that Stonehill puts on the field.

St. Anselm will be fired up for the first night game in school history and start the game fast. But Stonehill will weather the storm and establish their game after the initial Hawk surge. Stonehill will take control the game in the second half and grab another league victory.

Prediction: Stonehill 31 St. Anselm 17

AIC (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) at Merrimack (1-1, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 15th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 11-5-0

My thoughts: AIC has dominated this series for the past couple of years.

AIC struggled in their opening game at Shepherd last Saturday. They scored the first touchdown of the game but then allowed 34 straight points. They fumbled the ball six times and lost three of them. That is not a recipe for success for any team and the Yellow Jackets will need to clean up the mistakes. The defense also struggled but was also put in tough situations and short fields with the turnovers. For AIC to win on the road, they will need to play mistake free and get their defense to play the physical game that they are known for.

Merrimack won their first game of the season last weekend over Division III Rowan. The Warriors started slowly but found their stride in the second half. Joe Clancy continues to play well and will face another good defense this weekend. Merrimack will need to find a way to keep Kevin Arduino in check and not allow him space to make plays. If Merrimack is going to win the game, they will need move the ball efficiently and not allow AIC to dominate the line of scrimmage.

Both teams could use this victory as it will be important later in the season. AIC has the better defense and they will find a way to keep Merrimack guessing all game long.

Prediction: AIC 35 Merrimack 27

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

When: September 15th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 3-0-0

My thoughts: Two teams with very different goals for the season.

New Haven escaped North Carolina with a victory over Saint Augustine's 24-21. The big question is the health of quarterback Ryan Osiecki. He re-injured his throwing hand and is probably day to day for the game this weekend. The good news for the Chargers is that they have a capable backup in Ronnie Nelson. He has seen plenty of action over the past two years and the coaching staff is very confident in his ability to lead the offense.

Pace has struggled in both games this year. They allowed Stony Brook to score a touchdown on their first 10 possessions and had no answer for a nationally ranked Division I FCS team. The Setters had a decent first quarter against Bentley and has not been able to duplicate it since. Jordan Raynor will need to limit mistakes against New Haven and the defense will need to step up and find a way to slow down the explosive Charger offense.

New Haven is the better team with or without Osiecki starting at quarterback. The Chargers are bigger, deeper and more talented than Pace and should win the game with ease.

Prediction: New Haven 45 Pace 7

Saint Augustine's (1-1, 0-0 CIAA) at Southern Connecticut (0-2, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 15th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My thoughts: For the second straight week, it is a CIAA versus NE-10 match-up.

Saint Augustine's welcomed New Haven to town last week and was not able to beat a nationally ranked team. Now they travel north to take on another team based in New Haven, CT. The Falcons will try to move the ball through the air. Teddy Bacote runs the offense and will look to get the ball to his main target, Brian Richards. If Richards is covered, he will have several other options. On the defensive side, Chaz Robinson and Cartlon Butts will be all over the field making plays.

Southern Connecticut is in unfamiliar territory as they have struggled in the first two weeks of the season. The offense is not moving the ball with the usual ease and making too many mistakes. The defense rebounded against Stonehill to hold them to just 13 points and will need to have another solid effort for the Owls to grab their first victory of the season. The uncertainly of Jacob Jablonski is also a concern for Southern Connecticut as his presence under center will help bring some confidence to the offensive attack.

Southern Connecticut will get a big confidence boost by being able to play in front of their home crowd for the first time this time. It will help the Owls get an early lead but Saint Augustine's will withstand the initial surge to grab the win on the road.

Prediction: Saint Augustine's 24 Southern Connecticut 14