Two weeks left in the regular season and every game gets bigger as the calendar changes to November.

LIU Post (3-5, 2-5 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (0-8, 0-7 NE-10)

When: November 1st, 7:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: The last Friday night game of the season features two teams that didn't figure to be in this position right now.

LIU Post dropped their fifth league game of the season last Saturday as they fell to Stonehill 38-28. The Pioneers figured that their return to the NE-10 would be much more successful. They have struggled against the top teams of the league and not as competitive as they hoped. For the Pioneers to win on the road, they will need to make plays on both sides of the ball. The defense will need to find a way to limit St. Anselm and the offense will need to move the chains.

St. Anselm played 30 minutes well and 30 minutes to forgot in their 41-21 loss at AIC. The first half saw them make big plays and they were tied at the half. But the second half saw them over-matched and pushed around the field. The Hawks have been very inconsistent this year and would love to end their home schedule with a win. For the Hawks to win the game, they will need to play 60 minutes without mistakes. The offense showed glimpses of their capabilities and need to show it for the entire game.

Post is bigger and stronger than St. Anselm. They should be able to establish their running game to grab the road victory.

Prediction: Post 35 St. Anselm 24

Pace (0-8, 0-7 NE-10) @ Stonehill (6-2, 6-1 NE-10)

When: November 2nd, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Series tied at 9-9-0

My Thoughts: The fortunes of these two programs have dramatically changed over the years.

Pace continued to struggle as they dropped their game against Assumption by the score of 55-21. Despite being tied at 14 early in the second quarter, their defense allowed 34 straight points and was not able to rebound. The Setters were paced by Delaney Wallace who scored twice in the game. Three turnovers also doomed Pace in the game. For the Setters to win on the road, they will need to find a way to move the ball consistently. Brian Beeker will need to move the offense and the defense will need to make some plays.

Stonehill continued to take care of business after a 38-28 victory over LIU Post. The Skyhawks are moving closer to an appearance in the NE-10 championship game but can't overlook this game. Despite the struggles of Pace, Stonehill needs to focus on this game and this game only. Logan Meyer and Brian Harrington will need to continue their stellar play and lead this team on and off the field. For the Skyhawks to win the game, they will need to move the ball and not turn it over. The defense will need to hold Pace to three and outs and not allow them to feel comfortable at any point in the game.

Stonehill is clearly the better team and will take care of business. They will be one step closer to their goal.

Prediction: Stonehill 45 Pace 10

Merrimack (5-3, 4-3 NE-10) @ Assumption (5-3, 5-2 NE-10)

When: November 2nd, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 13-4-0

My Thoughts: This match up is one of the more underrated rivalries in the league.

Merrimack escaped with a 40-34 victory over Bentley last Saturday afternoon. The Warriors finally had a strong running game as Quinn McDonough had 158 yards on the ground. As a team, Merrimack had 231 yards rushing to go along with the usual great passing numbers of Joe Clancy. For the Warriors to win on the road, they will need to keep their balanced offensive attack. Clancy can't win every game with his arm. The defense will also need to make stops when they are called upon.

Assumption continues to be one of the biggest surprises in the league this year after a 55-21 victory over Pace. The Greyhounds scored 34 unanswered points after the game was tied at 14 early in the second quarter. Bobby Jordan along with a strong running game were too much for Pace to overcome. For the Greyhounds to win the game, they will need to continue their balanced offensive attack. The defense will also need to slow down the aerial attack of Merrimack and not allow any big plays for the arm of Joe Clancy.

Recent match ups in this series have favored the home team. This game will be won by defense and Assumption has the better unit. They will find a way to slow down the Warriors and keep their title hopes alive.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Merrimack 33

American International (6-2, 6-1 NE-10) @ New Haven (6-2, 6-1 NE-10)

When: November 2nd, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 13-6-0

My Thoughts: The playoffs come two weeks in a highly anticipated game for both teams.

AIC is the hottest team in the league right now. They own a four game winning streak after beating St. Anselm 41-21 last Saturday. Since they lost at home to Assumption, they have dominated the last four games and are making statement to the rest of the league. Kevin Arduino is playing well and the defense is making plays all over the field. Despite the injuries to the running game, the Yellow Jackets continue to use their depth to grind out yards and win games. For the Yellow Jackets to win the game, they will need to control the New Haven offensive weapons. Arduino will need to smart decisions with the ball and get the ball into the hands of his play makers.

New Haven rebounded nicely from their first league loss in three years by retaining the Elm City Trophy with a win over Southern Connecticut 40-21. Two blocked punts returned for touchdowns set the tone for the Chargers. The offense and defense were outstanding in the first half as they opened up a 30-0 advantage. Ronnie Nelson played flawlessly and the swagger that New Haven had in their championship runs was back last Friday night. For the Chargers to win the game, they will need to have Mike DeCaro break out. He has struggled recently in the running game and New Haven will need to make plays in special teams.

This is going to be a close and physical game. Both teams know what is on the line and a loss puts them behind the eight ball in getting a chance to play for the NE-10 title. AIC is on a mission right now and will find a way to stun New Haven on the blue turf.

Prediction: AIC 34 New Haven 24

Southern Connecticut (3-5, 3-4 NE-10) @ Bentley (4-4, 3-4 NE-10)

When: November 2nd, 2:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 9-6-0

My Thoughts: Once prominent members of the league are both struggling down the stretch.

Southern Connecticut allowed 23 first quarter points on their way to a 40-21 loss against cross town rival New Haven. The Owls struggled in all phases of the game in dropping their third straight game. John Moscatel was one of the few bright spots as he rushed for 175 yards in the game. For the Owls to win on the road, they will need to establish the passing game in order to avoid Bentley putting eight defenders in the box to stop the run. Brandon Basil will need to stretch the field to keep the defense honest.

Bentley enters the game off of a frustrating 40-34 loss on the road to Merrimack. It is the second straight loss for the Falcons and drops them below .500 in the league. They put up over 500 yards of offense but turnovers again doomed Bentley. Two lost fumbles and an interception did not help the offense as they ran out of time on the final drive of the game. For the Falcons to win the game, they will need to keep the ball in their possession. Turnovers have killed them all season long and it reflects in their record right now. They need to force Southern to throw the ball and stop their running game.

This game is always a closely contested game whether the teams are in first place or tied for sixth. Bentley will make some plays late in the game to find a way to win.

Prediction: Bentley 27 Southern Connecticut 13