Welcome to October. Fall is officially upon us and football season is halfway done.

Week 6 Capsules

Stonehill (3-2, 3-1 NE-10) at AIC (3-1, 3-0 NE-10)

When: October 5th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 15-0-0

My thoughts: Second straight Friday night match-up for the Skyhawks.

Stonehill fought the weather and a tough Bentley team last Friday night but fell 17-7. The Skyhawks had five fumbles in the game, losing three of them which was part of the reason for their loss. For Stonehill to win on the road, they are going to have to play mistake free football and make plays when they have the opportunity. The team was obviously upset after the loss and the coaching staff will need to help put the tough game behind them. They have the talent to win at AIC but will need to play as a team to pull the upset.

AIC was on the ropes at Assumption but somehow rallied for 13 points in the final nine minutes to stay undefeated in the league. The Yellow Jackets struggled after an injury to Terrell Williams but quarterback Kevin Arduino put the team on his back. He finished with 152 yards through the air and 118 on the ground. He led scoring drives of 85 and 75 yards, respectively, in the fourth quarter. The AIC defense also played well in the final quarter as they shutdown Assumption and Markell Rice forced a fumble to seal the game for the Yellow Jackets. AIC will need more of the same this weekend as they will need to play a full 60 minutes to beat Stonehill.

Stonehill will play toe to toe with AIC under the lights. But AIC has a little more talent and will make plays down the stretch to stay undefeated in the league.

Prediction: AIC 27 Stonehill 21

Assumption (1-4, 1-3 NE-10) at # 7 New Haven (4-0, 3-0 NE-10)

When: October 6th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 2-1-0

My thoughts: One team has played New Haven tough year in and year out.

Assumption has given New Haven fits the past couple of years. They seem to step up their game against the perennial favorite in the NE-10. The Greyhounds will need to bring their A game and play a full 60 minutes if they are going to pull the upset. Bobby Jordan will need to direct the offense and limit mistakes on the offensive side of the ball. The defense will need to find a way to slow down the many weapons that the Chargers have. If Assumption is able to play a complete game, they might have the ability to knock off a nationally ranked team.

New Haven had the weekend off to relax and get ready for the rest of the season. They also used the time to get healthy as well. Quarterback Ryan Osiecki missed the past two games after getting injured at Saint Augustine's. He should be back under center for the Chargers and Ronnie Nelson will continue to see time at certain times during the game. New Haven will need to shake off of the rust early and use their various weapons to keep the Assumption defense on their heels. If they are able to move the ball offensively and create turnovers defensively, they will continue their success.

New Haven will fall behind early as usual but kick it into another gear as the game progresses.

Prediction: New Haven 38 Assumption 13

Southern Connecticut (1-4, 1-2 NE-10) at Pace (0-5, 0-4 NE-10)

When: October 6th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 15-0-0

My thoughts: Both teams have struggled this year but had some second half success last weekend.

Southern Connecticut was on the verge of starting the season 0-5 but Vaughn Magee had other ideas. He ran for 187 yards in the fourth quarter and rallied the Owls to their first win of the season. Jacob Jablonski also played well and was able to help Southern Connecticut light up the scoreboard. For the Owls to continue their success, they are going to have to open holes for Magee and let him do his thing. The defense will also need to play well and not let Pace make any big plays in the game.

Pace was not able to slow down the Merrimack offense and lost for the fifth straight time this season. They did have some bright spots as the offense scored 14 points in the second half behind the arm of Brian Beeker. He will need to continue that success against Southern Connecticut if Pace has eyes on an upset. The defense will also need to contain the Owl running game and force them to stay on the sidelines.

Southern Connecticut found their groove in the fourth quarter and should be able to continue the success on the road.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 42 Pace 14

Bentley (4-0, 3-0 NE-10) at St. Anselm (0-5, 0-4 NE-10)

When: October 6th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 11-0-0

My thoughts: Is this a trap game for Bentley?

Bentley has been very impressive in the first half of the season. They have won tough games on the road, in the rain and have taken care of business in general. Danny Guadagnoli has guided the offense in the first four games to perfection and has limited turnovers. The running game was strong in the rain last Friday night as they only fumbled the ball once in the very wet conditions. The heart of the Bentley team continues to be the defense and they have lived up to expectations thus far. Nobody has been able to move the ball consistently against them and they will need more of the same against the St. Anselm offense.

St. Anselm was on the verge of a huge game last weekend before Southern Connecticut rallied for the win. Andrew Murphy played very well at quarterback after a rash of injuries at the position. He was able to run their spread offense and get the ball into the hands of the playmakers. The defense struggled in the second half after getting good pressure in the first. They will need more of the same this weekend if they are going to pull the upset. The Hawks will need to find a way to contain the Bentley balanced offense and then make plays against their talented defense.

Bentley has more talent on both sides of the ball and should be able to control the tempo of the game. They will find a way to slow down the St. Anselm offense and move the ball up and down the field.

Prediction: Bentley 38 St. Anselm 13