The nation will get to see the NE-10 in action this week as the TV cameras descend on Easton, MA.

Week 8 Capsules

# 6 New Haven (6-0, 5-0 NE-10) at Stonehill (4-3, 4-2 NE-10)

When: October 18th, 8:00 PM

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

My thoughts: It is going to be a barn burner under the TV cameras.

New Haven passed their first NE-10 road test of the season when they won at Bentley last Saturday. The Chargers' defense was very strong and made a statement that they are ready to carry the team down the stretch. They allowed just six yards of rushing and were very dominant in the trenches. The offense struggled for the first time this year and might get quarterback Ryan Osiecki back. He was very close to seeing time at Bentley but is hoping to get the call at Stonehill. He will have to work off the rust early if he is ready to go as he will face a pumped up Stonehill defense.

Stonehill has been making waves all season long. They have played well and been competitive in each game, not matter the competition. They beat Merrimack last weekend and held one of the top offenses in the nation in check. The Skyhawks took advantage of late Merrimack mistakes to beat them for the first time ever at home. Stonehill will need more of the same magic as they host a national TV audience and a nationally ranked team this week.

New Haven will face another tough test on the road. They have a deeper and more physical team and should be able to take control of the game late.

Prediction: New Haven 34 Stonehill 21

Assumption (1-5, 1-4 NE-10) at Southern Connecticut (2-5, 2-3 NE-10)

When: October 139h, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 10-0-0

My thoughts: These two teams are in very unexpected territory right now.

Assumption had the weekend off after getting beat pretty well at New Haven two weeks ago. The Greyhounds had been in the all of the games prior to the New Haven game. They had not been able to close the deal on some of the game as they fell in the final minutes several times. Assumption will need to find their 60 minute performance if they are going to win on the road.

Southern Connecticut continued their struggles in their 34-7 loss to AIC last Saturday. They allowed 34 unanswered points after taking an early lead. The Owls are fighting the injury bug as well as the suspension bug. Several players broke team rules and were suspended for last week and this week's game. That group includes Vaughn Magee and Jerome Cunningham who will be on the sidelines this weekend again. For the Owls to win, they will need to find some new faces to play well and step up in big moments of the game.

Southern Connecticut has had their struggles this year but should be able to make enough plays to win this one.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 24 Assumption 14

St. Anselm (1-6, 1-5 NE-10) at Merrimack (3-3, 2-3 NE-10)

When: October 20th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 9-4-0

My thoughts: This match-up usually has a lot of points scored on both sides.

St. Anselm enters the game fresh off their first victory of the season over Pace. The Hawks had a lot of success running the ball as they had 267 yards on the ground. Keith Charles continued his success this year as he had 288 all-purpose yards and a couple of touchdowns for St. Anselm. Stephen Cuipa was back under center for the Hawks and play well in his return to the lineup. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they are going to have to find a way to slow down the Merrimack offense. They should be able to have some success offensively themselves but can not play from behind if they are going to win on the road.

Merrimack lost a tough game on the road at Stonehill last Saturday. The offense was not able to have its usual success but also had too many turnovers down the stretch to win the game. The Warriors will need to find a way to limit mistakes if they are going to win this weekend. Joe Clancy will also need to find a way to get the ball into his playmakers' hands and allow them to make plays.

The scoreboard operator will be a busy person as both teams will put up points early and often in this match-up. A shootout favors Merrimack as they have more weapons than most teams.

Prediction: Merrimack 45 St. Anselm 35

Bentley (5-1, 4-1 NE-10) at AIC (5-1, 5-0 NE-10)

When: October 20th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 9-8-0

My thoughts: This game will feature a lot of physical play from both sides.

Bentley lost their first game of the season last weekend to New Haven 17-13. The Falcons made a late charge after falling behind in the first half. But a missed PAT and a late New Haven scoring drive cost Bentley the win. They will need to put the loss behind them quickly as they face another undefeated league team this weekend. The Falcons also made too many mistakes to win the game as they fumbled many times including once inside the five yard line. For Bentley to win on the road, they are going to need to limit mistakes and also take advantage of AIC mistakes.

AIC continues to toy with teams in the first half and then completely dominant them in the second half. The last victim was Southern Connecticut. After being tied at seven at the half, they scored 27 points over the final 30 minutes to grab the victory on the road. Kevin Arduino continues his solid play as he used his arm and legs again to lead the Yellow Jackets. For AIC to stay undefeated in the league, they are going to need to move the ball against the tough Bentley defense and capitalize on mistakes when they have the chance.

This game features two of the best defenses in the league and they are going to make the opposing offense look bad the entire game. AIC will fall behind early but find a way again to come back in the second half to win the game.

Prediction: AIC 20 Bentley 14