It is the last weekend of September and another slate of games that will help to shape who will play in the championship game. It has been a while since the league has been this wide open.


Southern Connecticut (1-2, 1-1 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (0-3, 0-2 NE-10)

When: September 27th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 11-2-0

My Thoughts: These are two teams headed in opposite directions right now.

Southern Connecticut won their first game of the season over Merrimack last Friday night. The Owls had a huge 18 play, 98 yard drive in the fourth quarter that was the difference in the game. Despite having their starting running back on the sideline with his ankle wrapped in ice, Southern Connecticut rose to the occasion and gutted out the victory. For the Owls to win on the road, they will need to play mistake free and make the plays when they have the chance.

St. Anselm stumbled for the third week in a row, this time to New Haven. They struggled defensively and allowed the Chargers to average over 10 yards per play. The Hawks will need to get back to basics and play fundamental football. St. Anselm has more talent on the field than they are showing right now. The players will need to make some plays and not feel sorry for themselves. For the Hawks to win the game, they will need someone to step up and make a big play. They will need to control the clock and convert when they have the chance.

Southern Connecticut has always handled St. Anselm with ease over the years. This game will be closer but the Owls will make more plays down the stretch to grab the road victory.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 38 St. Anselm 27

Assumption (1-2, 1-1 NE-10) @ American International (2-1, 2-0 NE-10)

When: September 27th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 14-2-0

My Thoughts: This game has the makings of a good battle.

Assumption was this close to being 2-0 in the league. They never trailed against Stonehill until the final score was posted. The Greyhounds had solid performances across the board but still ended up on the short end of the scoreboard. Bobby Jordan continues to play well at quarterback and Matt Pedone had a big night out of the backfield. For the Greyhounds to win on the road, they will need to find a way to stifle the AIC offense. They will also need to take advantage of turnovers and score when given the chance. There is a small error of margin when you are playing one of the top teams in the league.

AIC took care of business on the road at Pace last Saturday. It was not the prettiest victory of the season but they did enough to win on the road. The Yellow Jackets continue to get solid play from Kevin Arduino as he is anchoring the offense up and down the field. The big question is the injury to Terrell Williams. AIC has some depth at the position but he would be a big loss if he is out for an extended period of time. For the Yellow Jackets to win the game, they will need to play mistake free. They fumbled too many times against Pace and will need to take care of the ball.

AIC should be able to control the line of scrimmage and move the ball when they need to. It will not be a cake walk this week but they will win the game.

Prediction: AIC 35 Assumption 20

Pace (0-2, 0-1 NE-10) @ Merrimack (1-2, 0-2 NE-10)

When: September 28th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 12-0-0

My Thoughts: This has the makings of another one sided game.

Pace fell to AIC last Saturday but was able to find some success from the sloppiness of the Yellow Jackets. They outscored the visitors 27-21 after spotting AIC a 27-0 lead. Freshman Antwan Washington and Delaney Wallace have been carrying the offense for the Setters this year. For the Setters to win, they will need to find a way to contain the explosive Merrimack offense. They will also need to force them into turnovers and be able to take advantage of those mistakes with points.

Merrimack dropped their final game of a season opening three game road trip. They dropped their second straight league game as they were not able to overcome a late drive by Southern Connecticut. Joe Clancy has been solid at quarterback as he continues to move the offense up and down the field with ease. He has developed a solid rhythm with the receivers and it shows in the results. For the Warriors to win the game, they will need to continue their explosive offensive attack. The defense will also need to find a way to gain some confidence and make some stops when called upon.

Merrimack has the better team and should be able to move the ball with ease to celebrate their home opener with a victory.

Prediction: Merrimack 45 Pace 10

LIU Post (2-1, 1-1 NE-10) @ New Haven (2-1, 2-0 NE-10)

When: September 28th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: LIU Post leads the series, 4-0-0

My Thoughts: We get an early preview of a potential NE-10 championship game.

LIU Post was in control of the game last Friday at Bentley. But they let victory slip through their hands and lost their first game of the season. Steve Laurino kept the Pioneers in the game with his arm and legs but the defense allowed 21 consecutive points in the fourth quarter. Coming into the game, they had not allowed a point in the two previous games in the fourth quarter. For the Pioneers to win the game, they are going to have to put the loss behind them and focus on this game. They have the size to compete in the trenches with New Haven and will need to win those battles.

New Haven looks like a completely different team that the one that was crushed by West Chester two weeks ago. Yes, they have played the both teams in the league but they needed time to figure things out. Ronnie Nelson is playing like he did last year and Mike DeCaro continues to give fits to opposing defenses. For the Chargers to win the game, they are going to need to rely on their leadership to carry them to victory. This is the first test of the season for their crown and the experienced players will need to show the young ones what it means to be a Charger.

I picked these teams first and second in the league this year. I still see that happening by the time we hit mid-November. This game might help to determine home field for that game. The Chargers have a little more talent and will find a way to eke out the victory.

Prediction: New Haven 24 Post 20

Bentley (2-1, 1-1 NE-10) @ Stonehill (2-1, 2-0 NE-10)

When: September 28th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 33-9-1

My Thoughts: Another great match up this weekend that is a must game for both teams.

Bentley rebounded nicely last Friday night when they scored 21 straight points to defeat LIU Post 38-24. Danny Guadagnoli and Jeff Hill torched the Pioneers' secondary in the second half with big play after big play. The Falcon defense forced a turnover and avoided a 0-2 start in the league. Bentley finally saw their big names make some big plays and that will need to continue this weekend. For the Falcons to win on the road, they will need to continue to make big plays and not turn the ball over. The defense will need to find a way to contain Logan Meyer and not allow him to toss five touchdown passes.

Stonehill pulled out a victory last Friday at Assumption that they should not have won. That is a sign of a good team and they will need to be much better against a much better opponent this weekend. Logan Meyer has had consecutive games of five touchdown passes and is playing at a very high level right now. He is developing a great relationship with his receivers and his offensive line is giving him the time to pick apart the opposing secondary. For the Skyhawks to win the game, they will need to continue their offensive flow and move the ball up and down the field. The defense will also need to find a way to contain the Falcon's offense and make big stops when they need to.

This game will be a very close game between two rivals that are evenly matched on the field. Stonehill pulled out the improbable victory last weekend and I see a repeat this weekend. They will hang around most of the night and walk away with another victory.

Prediction: Stonehill 28 Bentley 27