Week 2 in the NE-10 features the first week of league match ups and there will be some good ones. The road to the NE-10 championship starts this weekend.


Merrimack (1-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ American International (0-1, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 13th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 12-5-0

My Thoughts: These teams have played some of the more entertaining games over the past couple of years.

Merrimack defeated D1 FCS member Wagner on the road last Friday night. Joe Clancy led the Warriors down the field for a 96 yard scoring drive in the final minute of the game. The defense allowed 41 points but came up with some big stops down the stretch when it looked like Wagner had the momentum. For the Warriors to win on the road, they will need to move the ball against the always tough AIC defense and find a way to slow down all of the offensive weapons on the other side of the ball.

American International lost a tough game on the road at East Stroudsburg. The Yellow Jackets were held scoreless in the second half after taking an early lead. Terrell Williams led the AIC offensive attack with over 100 yards on the ground and a score. The defense played well as they limited the ESU offense to just 21 points as they were capable of scoring more. For AIC to win the game, they will need to find some offensive rhythm and move the ball mistake free. The Yellow Jacket defense will have its hands full with an explosive Merrimack offense.

AIC has owned Merrimack over the past several seasons at home and on the road. This game will feature a lot of points and that type of game will favor the home team. The Yellow Jackets will find a way to score late to win the game.

Prediction: AIC 45 Merrimack 41


Assumption (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ Bentley (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 13th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 34-7-1

My Thoughts: Both teams saw opposite results in the opening weekend and are hoping to grab their first league victory.

Assumption lost to former NE-10 member and current D1 FCS member Bryant by the score of 34-7. The Greyhounds struggled on special teams as they allowed two punt blocks to be returned for scores. The offense was not able to move the ball against Bryant and will need to play more efficiently. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to more the ball without making mistakes. The defense will also need to make some plays and not allow the Bentley offense to control the clock.

Bentley started the season with an impressive 17-16 victory over Mercyhurst. The Falcons allowed a score on the opening drive and the last drive of the first half. That was the only time that Mercyhurst moved the ball with ease. Bentley also found a new weapon with running back Jet Kollie. He caught a touchdown and ran another one in after transferring from Layafette. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to play mistake free and take advantage of Assumption turnovers. The defense will also need to find a way to slow down the running game and not allow the big play.

Bentley made a statement last weekend that they are ready to compete for the league title. This is the type of game that they need to take care of business and not make mistakes. The Falcons will control the line of scrimmage and win their first league game of the season.

Prediction: Bentley 28 Assumption 10


Pace (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ New Haven (0-1, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 14th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 4-0-0

My Thoughts: Two teams that had very different results last week.

Pace traveled to face Alderson Broaddus and nearly pulled off the upset. The Setters played well and turned some heads. Delaney Wallace ran for nearly 100 yards and scored twice, once on the ground and once through the air. Brian Beeker anchored the offense as quarterback and helped them to accumulate 375 yards in the game. For Pace to win the game, they will need some of the same consistency against New Haven. They will need to move the ball without turning it over and find a way to stop the Charger running game if they are going to win on the road.

It is not often that you talk about a New Haven losing streak but they have lost consecutive games dating back to the playoff loss to IUP last November. The Chargers struggled in all facets of the game last week at West Chester. They allowed 35 consecutive points and never recovered. They will need to bounce back and get a chance to do so at home this weekend. For the Chargers to win the game, they will need to establish their running game and win the battle in the trenches. The defense will also need make some plays and not allow Pace to move the ball with ease.

New Haven will bounce back this weekend with a win but Pace will not be the usual walkover they have been in the past.

Prediction: New Haven 35 Pace 17


Southern Connecticut (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ LIU-Post (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 14th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 13-9-0

My Thoughts: This match-up is always a must watch and produced some great games before Post left for the PSAC.

Southern Connecticut hung tough against a nationally ranked team last weekend. The Owls were tied at the half with IUP but were unable to come up with the victory in the second half. The offense had some success moving the ball but will need to clean up some of the mistakes that they made. Jacob Jablonski was picked three times in the game and will need to play mistake free on the road. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, the Owls defense will also need to find a way to slow down all of the weapons that Post has on offense.

LIU-Post played very well in their lopsided victory over Millersville. Both sides of the ball controlled the game and the Pioneers looked like a team ready to dominate the league. Steve Laurino was flawless in charge of the offense and accounted for three touchdowns in the victory. For the Pioneers to win their league opener, they will need to continue to play mistake free and spread the ball around to all of their play makers. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and force Southern Connecticut in making bad decisions.

Post will play their first NE-10 since 2007 when they departed for greener pastures. But they are back and a favorite to win the league. They will force the Owls in many turnovers and take advantage of them by winning this match up.

Prediction: LIU-Post 38 Southern Connecticut 17


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

When: September 14th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Stonehill leads the series, 9-5-0

My Thoughts: It is the annual "Battle for the Ol' Bronze Hawk."

St. Anselm opened the season with a loss to Bowie State last Saturday. The usual high-powered offense of the Hawks struggled as they gained just 235 yards in the game. They scored their points off of turnovers in order to stay in the game. All of the play makers for St. Anselm were held in check and will need to find a way to make some more plays this weekend. For the Hawks to win the game, they will need to control the tempo of the game and not turnover the ball. If they are able to tire out the Stonehill defense, they will put up points early and often.

Stonehill struggled on the road against nationally ranked Bloomsburg last Saturday. They allowed over 600 yards of offense for the Huskies and were not able to control their solid running game. The Skyhawks were not able to move the ball on offense and made too many mistakes to win the game. If Stonehill is going to win the game, they will need to establish their plan early in the game. The offense will need to play smart and make the right read on each play. The defense will also need to limit the big play capability of St. Anselm.

This game has the potential to be a high scoring affair. Both offenses have plenty of weapons and could be on display for 60 minutes. But the difference is defense and Stonehill has the better unit. They will make some plays late in the game to win the game.

Prediction: Stonehill 45 St. Anselm 35