I will be previewing all of the NE-10 football teams over the next 10 days. I will roll out each team in my preseason poll from # 10 to # 1. The NE-10 will release the coaches preseason poll towards the end of August.

The season starts on September 5th when American International travels to face PSAC opponent East Stroudsburg.

Here is the my pick for # 7 in the league in 2013:


Southern Connecticut State University Owls (3-8, 2-6 NE-10)

Coach: Rich Cavanaugh, 29th season (167-123-1)

Opening Game: September 7th vs. Indiana University of Pennsylvania

2013 Schedule

2012 Stats

2013 Roster

It was a nightmare season for Southern Connecticut last year. They had a losing record for the first time since 1993. The Owls struggled on both sides of the ball and that is not typical for a SCSU team. Hopefully 2012 is well in the rear view mirror.

The offense lacked the big play ability of years past. Except for senior running back Vaughn Magee's record setting day against St. Anselm, the offense had trouble moving the ball. Magee carried the team with 1,141 yards on the ground and eight scores. Senior quarterback Jacob Jablonski will be called upon to lead the offense and get them up and down the field with ease. He tossed for nearly 1,700 yards but only 10 touchdowns and was picked off nine times. His main target down the field will be senior wide receiver Cartlon Staggars. The Owls are always strong on the offensive line.

The defense struggled against everyone not named Stonehill in 2012. In the two games against the Skyhawks, they yielded just 23 points. In the nine other games, they allowed at least 24 points including giving up 40 plus points in consecutive losses to Assumption and New Haven. Senior Mwamba Williams will anchor the front half of the defense from his line position. Junior Lucas Tyler will be the focus of the linebackers as well as fellow classmate Mike Dunkley will anchor the secondary for the Owls.

Head coach Rich Cavanaugh put the 2012 campaign behind him last November and was looking forward to a new year right away. The Owls have talent on both sides of the ball and need to get back to playing solid, mistake free football. The tradition over the years has helped them become one of the top programs in the area. They will need to get back to basics and win the battle in the trenches to win the battle on the scoreboard.