Welcome to another football season. The NE-10 now has 10 teams playing football with the return of LIU-Post to the fold. Let's get the season started.

Week 1 Capsules

AIC (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) at East Stroudsburg (0-0, 0-0 PSAC)

When: September 5th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: ESU leads the series, 3-0-0

My thoughts: The preseason favorite for the NE-10 have a formidable challenge on the road to open the season.

AIC was the coaches pick to the win the league this year. They return a solid nucleus of players on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Kevin Arduino will lead the offense that features a strong running game and several receivers that can stretch the field. The Yellow Jacket defense is always swarming to the ball and playing physical.

East Stroudsburg was picked to finish fifth in the PSAC East. The Warriors return seven offense starters from last year including red shirt sophomore quarterback Matt Soltes. The offense is always exciting for ESU as they have the ability to put up points early and often. The defense will be anchored by PSAC East Defensive player of the year Bryan Thomson.

This game has the makings of a track meet. Both teams have the ability to move the ball up and down the field with ease. So it will come down to a late defense stop and I feel that AIC will be the team that makes the late stop to win on the road.

Prediction: AIC 38 ESU 34

Merrimack (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) at Wagner (1-0, 0-0 NEC)

When: September 6th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My thoughts: This is the first of two NEC/NE-10 match ups of the weekend.

Merrimack was picked fifth in the NE-10 coaches poll. Senior Joe Clancy returns to cement his legacy with the Warriors after a record breaking season in 2012. He has plenty of weapons to spread the ball around to and hopes to continue the success. The Warrior defense will be faced with a tough task against a Division I FCS offense that made a run in the playoffs last year.

Wagner won their opening game last weekend with a 28-21 comeback victory over Georgetown. Trailing 21-7 at the half, the Seahawks rallied for two fourth quarter scores to win the game. Running back Dominique Williams was the offensive star for Wagner as he rushed for 162 yards and found the end zone twice.

This will be the first-ever home night game for Wagner so they will be fired up for the event. They will come out of the gates early but Merrimack will rally late to make the game respectable.

Prediction: Wagner 45 Merrimack 28

Pace (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) at Alderson Broaddus (0-0, 0-0 Independent)

When: September 7th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My thoughts: This game will feature two teams that are looking to start the season on the right foot.

Pace was picked to finish last in the NE-10. They have several returning players including quarterback Jordan Raynor. The Setters will need to play mistake free and not turn the ball over on offense. The defense will need to find a way to limit the big plays on the road.

Alderson Broaddus played a club schedule in 2012 and finished with a 9-2 record. They will play their first varsity game since 1930 with a new stadium and plenty of optimism. They will play a Division II independent schedule as they transition from a club team to varsity.

This game will feature two teams that are looking to make a name for themselves. Pace needs to build confidence and Alderson Broaddus will have a big crowd for their first game in a long time.

Prediction: Alderson Broaddus 24 Pace 10

New Haven (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) at West Chester (0-0, 0-0 PSAC)

When: September 7th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 8-3-1

My thoughts: This will be a very physical and demanding game for both teams.

New Haven has a chip on their shoulder. They were picked to finish second in the NE-10 this year by the league coaches. They are accustomed to be on top but with a lot of new faces, the Chargers are not a known entity right now. Quarterback Ronnie Nelson and running back Mike DeCaro are known and will help New Haven move the ball. The defense has some play makers back and will look to stop the running game of West Chester.

West Chester was picked to finish third in the PSAC East and is looking to have more success than the past couple of seasons. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and are expecting big things in 2013. Running back Rondell White is a workhorse and will see a lot of carries and passes out of the backfield. Quarterback Sean McCartney is back to run an offense that he knows well. Ronell Williams and Mike Labor are top linebackers in the country and will be key to the success of the Rams.

This game will be very close and come down to the final minutes. West Chester has the advantage of being at home and will score later to win the game.

Prediction: West Chester 28 New Haven 24

Mercyhurst (0-0, 0-0 PSAC) at Bentley (0-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 7th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My thoughts: Another PSAC/NE-10 match up that will be a very physical game.

Mercyhurst was selected to finish second in the PSAC West behind IUP this season. Brandon Brown-Dukes will lead the offense after gaining nearly 1,300 yards on the ground last year. Anthony Vendemia is back as the signal caller for the Lakers. The offensive line sees three returners who have plenty of experience in moving the offense down the field. Pat Behm and Dustin Galich will be the focal point of the Mercyhurst defense.

Bentley was picked to finish third in the NE-10 for the upcoming season. The Falcons have a chip on their shoulder after coming up a bit short in 2012. Quarterback Danny Guadagnoli and receiver Jeff Hill form one of the best duos in the league. Lorenzo Warren will see ball out of the backfield. The Bentley defense will be back boned by linebacker Blaine Hopwood. The Falcons are always solid on defense and will need to contain the running game of Mercyhurst.

This is another toss up. Both teams are very good in the trenches. Bentley will stretch the field and use their passing game to win this game.

Prediction: Bentley 31 Mercyhurst 24

LIU-Post (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) at Millersville (0-0, 0-0 PSAC)

When: September 7th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 5-0-0

My thoughts: Old PSAC East teams renew their rivalry.

LIU-Post is now a member of the NE-10 and looking for big things in the league. They were picked fourth by the coaches but are looking for a lot more. Running back Jeff Mack will handle the ball out of the backfield. Steve Laurino is back under center to lead the offense. Rob Bright, David Sumter and Dillon Quinn will lead a very experienced defense for the Pioneers.

Millersville has a new coach and is slotted to finish seventh in the PSAC East. New head coach Greg Breitbach brings his winning ways to the Mauraders and turn around their fortune. Dominic Sanders will be the main target from his wide receiver position. David Coates will see a lot of action from his running back position. Reggie Slaton is the top defender for Millersville and will be a focus at the linebacker position.

These teams are no stranger to each other after matching up the past several seasons. Millersville has a new coach but the time is now for Post. They will control the pace of the game and win their first game of the season.

Prediction: LIU Post 24 Millersville 10

Stonehill (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) at Bloomsburg (0-0, 0-0 PSAC)

When: September 7th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bloomsburg leads the series, 1-0-0

My thoughts: Both teams surprised each other last year and are hoping for a better game this year.

Stonehill is hoping for better results in 2013 after being picked to finish seventh in the NE-10. Quarterback Logan Meyer has the experience to lead the Skyhawk offense. Justin Willis will be the focal point in the running game. Nate Robitaille and Gordon MacLeod will be the down field targets for Meyer. The defense will look to step up and stop the running game of Bloomsburg.

Bloomsburg was picked second in the PSAC East by the league coaches. The team will be led by running back Franklyn Quiteh. He was picked as the top player in Division II football and will again carry the Huskies offense. Tim Kelly returns as the quarterback and is capable of running the Bloomsburg offense with ease. Justin Shirk and Dylan Spangler will be the focal point of the defense from their linebacking position.

Bloomsburg is one of the better teams in the country and a much bigger, more physical team than Stonehill. They should win the battle in the trenches and on the scoreboard.

Prediction: Bloomsburg 35 Stonehill 10

IUP (0-0, 0-0 PSAC) at Southern Connecticut (0-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 7th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: IUP leads the series, 7-0-0

My thoughts:Prediction: IUP 35 Southern Connecticut 7

Assumption (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) at Bryant (1-0, 0-0 NEC)

When: September 7th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bryant leads the series, 9-0-0

My thoughts: This is the second of the NEC/NE-10 match ups of the weekend and an old NE-10 rivalry.

Assumption has a new coach and new hope. Bob Chesney will get his first taste of Division II football with a tough match up but in the same state that he had a lot of success with at Salve Regina. The Greyhounds will face a bigger tough opponent and need to play mistake free in order to keep it close.

Bryant opened their 2013 season with a thrilling 17-16 victory over Holy Cross. The Bulldogs kicked a field goal with 38 seconds left in the game to start the season on a positive note. They are no strangers to their opponent this weekend as they have owned them over the years. Bryant has had mixed success since moved to Division I FCS and hopes to continue their season on the right path.

Assumption faces a big challenge in playing up a division this week. They do not have the size and depth to match up with Bryant. They will gain a lot of experience and take as many positives as they can.

Prediction: Bryant 42 Assumption 3

Bowie St. (0-0, 0-0 CIAA) at St. Anselm (0-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 7th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My thoughts: This game will feature two teams with the ability to score early and often.

Bowie State makes their second trip to NE-10 country. They traveled to Assumption two years ago and escaped with a victory. The Bulldogs are looking for a big 2013 season. They have 16 starters back and hope to make some noise in the CIAA. Jared Johnston will be the quarterback and direct the offense. Keith Brown will look to stay healthy and see the majority of the carries. Delante White and Antoine Young will anchor the defense.

St. Anselm is looking to improve upon 2012 success. They are starting to build depth on the team and not becoming the doormat of years past. Andrew Murphy is back after an impressive freshmen campaign at quarterback. He has plenty of weapons on the offensive side of the ball and the Hawks should be able to move the ball up and down the field. The big question will be on defense. They return several starters but will need to make plays to stop the opposing offense.

St. Anselm has the ability to score points in bunches. But Bowie State has more depth at most positions. Points will be scored in an entertaining game.

Prediction: Bowie St 45 St. Anselm 35