It is amazing that we are at the halfway point of the season. It just seems like yesterday that two-a-days were going on.

Pace (0-4, 0-3 NE-10) @Southern Connecticut (2-2, 2-1 NE-10)

When: October 4th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 16-0-0

My Thoughts: Two teams with different feelings on the first weeks of the season.

Pace was the latest victim of Joe Clancy and fell to Merrimack last Saturday. The Setters allowed 66 points but seemed to find some offensive rhythm. They gained over 450 yards of total offense but were not able to get the ball into the end zone. Most of the yards were gained by the arm of Antwan Washington. He tossed 395 passing yards in completing 31 of 52 passes. For the Setters to win on the road, they are going to need to move the ball and score when they have the chance. Pace will also need to control the offensive attack of Southern Connecticut and not allow them to establish their running game.

Southern Connecticut won their second straight game in an impressive offensive display. They racked up 500 yards of total offense and averaged over seven yards per play. Two players crossed the 100 yard mark for the Owls and they are starting to look like the offense of years past. Southern Connecticut controlled the pace of the game with their running game and held the ball for 35 minutes in the game. For the Owls to win the game, they will need to control the line of scrimmage and move the ball on the ground. They will need to ensure that Pace does not have the time to throw the ball.

Southern Connecticut has more weapons on both sides of the ball and will be able to move the ball with ease.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 45 Pace 10

New Haven (3-1, 3-0 NE-10) @ Assumption (2-2, 2-1 NE-10)

When: October 4th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Series tied, 2-2-0

My Thoughts: A battle for first place is on the line under the lights.

New Haven has played very well the last three weeks with their latest victory over LIU Post being the most mpressive. The Chargers jumped out quickly, struggled and then ran away with the game. Ronnie Nelson and Mike DeCaro continue to slice up NE-10 defenses and show why they are top players in the league. The New Haven defense has also stepped up and is starting to gel by making big plays. For the Chargers to win on the road, they will need to avoid making mistakes on the road. The top players will need to make plays when they have the chance and not let the home team feel comfortable.

Assumption is one of the better stories thus far in the league. They defeated AIC on the road last Friday night when not too many picked them to win. The Greyhounds are playing solid football and are a play or two away from being undefeated in the league. Bobby Jordan continues to play well at quarterback and direct the offense. Matt Pedone is carrying the load out of the backfield and the defense is causing timely turnovers. For the Greyhounds to win the game, they are going to need to find a way to limit the New Haven offense. And also take some of the road magic that they have managed to generate and make some big plays when they have the chance.

If this game was on a Friday night in New Haven, I would pick Assumption to win. But this game is at Assumption and they have battled New Haven over the years. It will be a tough, physical game but the Chargers will find a way to eke out the victory.

Prediction: New Haven 35 Assumption 29

Merrimack (2-2, 1-2 NE-10) @ LIU Post (2-2, 1-2 NE-10)

When: October 5th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: LIU Post leads the series, 9-1-0

My Thoughts: Two teams that can not afford another league loss.

Merrimack finally played at home and defeated Pace 66-14. Joe Clancy continued his unbelievable play with another seven touchdown passes and is just carving up opposing defenses. His favorite target was Shane Ferguson but completed passes to eight different receivers. The defense had a bend but not break feel against Pace as they allowed some yards but only two scores. For the Warriors to win on the road, they will need to control the clock with their offense. Clancy will need to continue his outstanding play and the defense will need to step up to stymie the Post offense.

LIU Post fell on the road at New Haven last weekend. The Pioneers are in the middle of a tough stretch of their schedule and finally get a home game against a quality opponent. They will need to forget about the final 45 minutes of the game last weekend. Post battled back to take a lead against the Chargers but struggled the rest of the game. For the Pioneers to win the game, they are going to need to put the previous two performances behind them. They will need to play mistake free football and make some plays when called upon.

Merrimack is 2-0 against teams from New York. They won on the road and at home against NY based opponents. The Warriors are playing their fourth road game in five weeks and are facing a team struggling right now.

Prediction: Merrimack 45 Post 42

AIC (2-2, 2-1 NE-10) @ Stonehill (3-1, 3-0 NE-10)

When: October 5th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 16-0-0

My Thoughts: This game came out of nowhere to become the game of the week.

AIC lost a lead in the fourth quarter and fell to Assumption 26-23. The Yellow Jackets turned the ball over five times in the game and were not able to make a play when they needed to. Maurice Easterling had a solid game out of the backfield with 117 yards and two scores in place of the injured Terrell Williams. For the Yellow Jackets to win on the road, they are going to need to play disciplined football. They have turned the ball over too many times in the past several weeks and need to take care of it.

Stonehill played their best game of the season to date when they defeated Bentley 30-3. The Skyhawks were solid on both sides of the ball and completely frustrated their rival from the north. Logan Meyer was solid again and the running of Jamal Johnson continues to excel. Brian Harrington is making an early run for defensive player of the year with another 13 tackles. For the Skyhawks to win the game, they will need to force turnovers and push the ball into the end zone right after those plays. The offensive line will need to give Meyer time to throw the ball and open holes for the running game.

Stonehill is one of the hottest team in the NE-10 right now. AIC has been making a lot of mistakes over the past couple of games. This game will be close and I see the home team emerging at the end of the game.

Prediction: Stonehill 34 AIC 28

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

When: October 5th, 1:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Two teams that are in need of a victory.

St. Anselm has struggled in the first four weeks of the season. They have not been able to compete on either side of the ball and are getting over matched. The Hawks had hoped to take a step forward this year but it has not happened yet. For the Hawks to win on the road, they will need to find a way to get their offense going. The high tempo style needs to create first downs and keep the opposing defense on their heels. St. Anselm will need some players to step up and make a play when they have the chance.

Bentley was completely dominated last Saturday night in their loss to Stonehill. They made too many mistakes and that is not the sign of a typical Falcon team. They will need to clean up those mistakes and get back on track. The season is not lost at this point but Bentley has no margin for error from this point out. For the Falcons to win the game, they will need to start the game fast. They can't afford to let St. Anselm hang around. They need to make plays and play well for 60 minutes.

Bentley should be able to control the line of scrimmage and make some plays on the outside. They have a deeper talent pool and should be able to win this game.

Prediction: Bentley 40 St. Anselm 20