As the season flies by, the games continue to get bigger and bigger. Teams need to continue their winning ways if they are going to be hoisting the NE-10 championship trophy on November 16th.

New Haven (5-2, 5-1 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (3-4, 3-3 NE-10)

When: October 25th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 16-6-1

My Thoughts: This is the battle for bragging rights for Elm City.

New Haven lost their first NE-10 game since 2010 as they fell to Stonehill 29-26. The Chargers had a 12 point lead in the fourth quarter but were not able to finish the deal. Ronnie Nelson had a solid game as he spread the ball around to his play makers and nearly pulled off a game winning drive in the final minute. He got the team to the seven yard line but the final play fell incomplete. For the Chargers to win on the road, they will need play a complete game. Both the offense and defense will need to play 60 minutes and make plays when called upon.

Southern Connecticut dropped their second straight game as they fell on the road to Assumption 17-7. Freshman quarterback Brandon Basil looked impressive on the opening drive as he led the Owls to a touchdown. But he was not able to match the drive as his receivers had trouble holding onto the ball. One pass was deflected and intercepted that led to the winning drive for Assumption. For the Owls to win the game, they will need to find a way to stretch the field. They have a solid running game but will need to be able to throw the ball down the field to keep the New Haven defense honest.

New Haven will be on a mission in this game and show the rest of the league that last week was a fluke. They will unleash their weapons and win the game easily.

Prediction: New Haven 45 Southern Connecticut 14

LIU Post (3-4, 2-4 NE-10) @ Stonehill (5-2, 5-1 NE-10)

When: October 26th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 10-1-0

My Thoughts: Two teams in opposite positions right now.

LIU Post took care of business against Pace and stopped a four game losing streak. Steve Laurino accounted for five touchdowns in the victory and rebounded nicely from a couple of tough weeks. The Pioneers also played well on the defense side and did not allow Pace to find the end zone. For the Pioneers to win on the road, they will need to establish their offensive rhythm. The defense will also need to contain the Stonehill offense and not allow them to move the ball with ease.

Stonehill enters the game off of their biggest victory in program history. They stopped New Haven's 22 game winning streak with a 29-26 victory on the road. It was payback for last year's last second loss at home under the national TV lights. Logan Meyer was flawless on the winning drive as he hooked up with Nate Robitaille on a 50 yard bomb to get the ball into position for the winning touchdown. Colin Markus had a career game and Brian Harrington was all over the field per usual. For the Skyhawks to win the game, they will need to put the New Haven victory behind them. It is a big win but will not help them this week. Meyer and company will need to continue their magical run by moving the ball and scoring when in the red zone.

Post will take an early lead as Stonehill will still be in the clouds. But Stonehill will rebound as they have more talent on both sides of the ball. They will rally for the win.

Prediction: Stonehill 31 Post 24

Bentley (4-3, 3-3 NE-10) @ Merrimack (4-3, 3-3 NE-10)

When: October 26th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 12-7-0

My Thoughts: One of their teams will have a fourth league loss at the end of the game.

Bentley was manhandled by AIC last weekend and lost the game 42-14. The Falcons were not able to slow down the Yellow Jacket offense and turned the ball over too many times. That is not typical of a Bentley team and it shows in their record. They are great one minute and awful the next. For the Falcons to win the game, they will need to play 60 minutes of football. The defense will need to find a way to slow down the Merrimack passing game and not allow them to find openings down the field.

Merrimack took care of business on the road as they beat St. Anselm 51-9 last Saturday. Joe Clancy was Joe Clancy as he tossed six touchdowns and continues his torrid pace. The good news for the Warriors was that the defense stepped up and played well. They held the St. Anselm offense off balance and made plays when called upon. For the Warriors to win the game, they will need to move the ball down the field against the Bentley defense. If they spread them out and get one on one situations, the Merrimack receivers should be able to find the seams and move the ball.

This game is usually a tough, hard hitting battle. But the offenses will find some holes and points will be scored. That is a good sign for Merrimack as they enjoy high scoring affairs.

Prediction: Merrimack 38 Bentley 34

Assumption (4-3, 4-2 NE-10) @ Pace (0-7, 0-6 NE-10)

When: October 26th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Pace leads the series, 11-9-0

My Thoughts: Two teams headed in opposite directions.

Assumption won their second straight game as they handled Southern Connecticut 17-7. The Greyhounds were held in check in the first half but created a turnover early in the second half to take control of the game. Mike Bates picked off a pass and Eddy Frazier hauled in the touchdown pass that was the difference in the game. Assumption was not able to move the ball offensively as they had fewer than 200 yards in the game. For the Greyhounds to win on the road, they will need to play a mistake free game. The defense will need to limit Pace to three and outs and take advantage of their opportunities.

Pace dropped their seventh game of the season as they fell to LIU Post 58-0. The Setters only had three drives with six plays or more and the longest drive was 28 yards. As the offense was struggling, the defense had no answer for Post and allowed touchdowns on the first six drives. For Pace to win at home, they will need to move the ball consistently and not turn the ball over. The defense will also need to find a way to slow down the running game and not allow Assumption to shred them.

Assumption is the better team and should be able to establish their running game. They will be able to stop Pace and stay in contention for the NE-10 title.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Pace 7

St. Anselm (0-7, 0-6 NE-10) @ American International (5-2, 5-1 NE-10)

When: October 26th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 13-3-0

My Thoughts: Two teams headed in opposite directions as well.

St. Anselm lost their seventh game of the season as they fell to Merrimack 51-9. The Hawks allowed 21 points in a 90 second stretch early in the third quarter that broke open the game. They turned the ball over, missed a field goal and had no answer for Joe Clancy. For the Hawks to win on the road, they will need to play 60 minutes and find a way to generate consistent offense. The defense will also need to stop the suddenly hot AIC offense and not allow themselves to be pushed all over the field.

AIC won their third straight game with a 42-14 drubbing of Bentley. The Yellow Jackets took advantage of turnovers and moved the ball up and down the field the entire game. With Terrell Williams and Maurice Easterling out, Kevin Arduino called his own number frequently with a lot of success. For the Yellow Jackets to win the game, they will need to control the line of scrimmage and move the ball without making mistakes. The defense will need to continue their shutdown mode and not allow St. Anselm to feel comfortable.

AIC is on a mission right now and St. Anselm is a speed bump to their ultimate goal. They will handle them with ease and start to prepare for the battle next week.

Prediction: AIC 45 St. Anselm 13