The NE-10 league schedule kicks into full swing this weekend. These are the games that are going to determine who plays in the championship game on November 15th.


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

When: September 12th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 33-10-1

My Thoughts: Early season test for both teams.

Stonehill struggled in their 24-7 loss to Bloomsburg. The defense was strong as they limited the Huskies to just 224 yards. But the offense had trouble getting the ball into the end zone. Joe Della Vacchia and Moe Regan split time at quarterback but were only able to convert 4 of 15 third down opportunities. The Skyhawks will need to find some better rhythm on offense if they are going to win on the road.

Bentley defeated Mercyhurst for the second consecutive season at home, this time 27-21. The Falcons rallied from a halftime deficit to win their first game under new head coach Bill Kavanaugh. Quarterback Danny Guadagnoli picked up where he left off in 2013 with a solid game. The Falcon defense held Merychurst to just 150 yards of total offense. For Bentley to win their NE-10 opener, they are going to need to continue the defensive effort and find a way to limit mistakes against a solid Stonehill defense.

This rivalry has always been one of the better ones in the NE-10. Both teams have solid defenses and points will be at a premium Friday night. But on the offensive side of the ball, Bentley is a little better than Stonehill and they will find a way to eke out a victory.

Prediction: Bentley 20 Stonehill 17


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

When: September 13th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 12-2-0

My Thoughts: Both teams need to start the league schedule on a positive note.

St. Anselm traveled to Maryland last Saturday and returned with a 23-22 victory over Bowie State. The Hawks rallied from a 15 point deficit to open the season with a victory for the first time since 2005. St. Anselm scored on two long drives in the second half but the story was their defense. They played well in allowing just 22 points and 370 yards of total offense. They are going to need more of that solid defensive play if they are going to win at Southern Connecticut on Saturday.

Southern Connecticut fell on the road to Gannon 23-7. The Owls had four turnovers and were not able to recover from those mistakes. Southern Connecticut was also without John Moscatel due to injury and that seemed to effect the offense. For the Owls to win the game, they will need to find that balanced offense that will keep the St. Anselm defense on their toes. And their defense will need to find a way to slow down the Hawks' offense and not let them control the temp of the game.

I would love to pick St. Anselm to win the game but I feel that the emotion of the home opener for Southern Connecticut will carry them to victory.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 35 St. Anselm 28


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

When: September 13th, 12:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Both teams struggled in their openers.

Merrimack hung tough in the first half before they fell to Bryant 40-14 last Saturday. The Warriors had some drives in the first half but were not able to punch the ball into the end zone. Luke Bakanowsky will look to bounce back and get the Merrimack offense moving up and down the field. The Merrimack defense also needs to bounce back and find a way to get three and outs and let their offensive counterparts due their job.

Pace fell to Alderson Broaddus 57-37 in their season opener. The Setters had an early lead but were not able to slow down the A-B offense in the second half. Pace pulled within six early in the fourth quarter after a pick six by Jamir Gee. But the defense was not able to come up with any other big plays down the stretch. For Pace to beat Merrimack, they will need to make those big plays on defense and not let the speed of the receivers hurt them down field.

Merrimack will establish their passing game early and it will be a long day for the Pace defense.

Prediction: Merrimack 45 Pace 14


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

When: September 13th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 4-1-0

My Thoughts: Both teams were on the verge of upsets last Saturday.

New Haven played the #11 team in the county toe to toe. But a lightning delay was too much for the Chargers to overcome as they lost to West Chester 35-30. On a positive note, they found their quarterback in Joey Bradley. He moved the offense well and had them in the game. The special teams of New Haven will spend a lot of time in the film room and on the practice field this week as they had two blocked punts and a bad snap that cost the Chargers valuable field position. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to clean up their special teams and continue to move the ball with Bradley under center.

LIU Post allowed 20 consecutive points in the fourth quarter and lost to East Stroudsburg 43-35. Down at the half, the Pioneers stormed out of the locker room and gained control of the game in the third quarter. But a weather delay zapped the momentum from Post and the upset was not meant to be. Steve Laurino led the Pioneers on a last second drive to the three yard line but two incompletions ended the hopes of Post. For the Pioneers to beat New Haven, they will need to play a 60 minute game. They need to make plays on both sides of the ball and limit their mistakes.

This game will be entertaining as both teams will showcase their talents. But New Haven will find a way to win the road game and give new head coach Chris Pincince his first victory.

Prediction: New Haven 38 LIU Post 30


American International (1-0, 1-0 NE-10) @ Stony Brook (0-2, 0-0 , CAA D1 FCS)

When: September 13th, 6:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: A tough match up for AIC.

American International defeated Assumption in the opener last Thursday night 27-25. But the status of quarterback Kevin Arduino is unknown. He suffered a MCL injury to his left knee. Shawn Brathwaite entered the game and led the Yellow Jackets on the winning score late in the fourth quarter. AIC was dinged up during the game and their depth will be tested against a D1 FCS opponent. For the Yellow Jackets to win, they will need to get a mistake free performance from the quarterback position and the defense will need to stand tall the entire game.

Stony Brook enters the game 0-2 after losses to Bryant and Connecticut. The Seawolves played well against Connecticut as they were in the game and limited them to just 223 yards of total offense. Stony Brook were picked to finish ninth in the very competitive CAA Division I FCS conference. For the Seawolves to win the game, they will need to have their offense click for the first time this year. They have the depth and experience to wear down AIC.

Stony Brook is a Division I school and has the depth and size to handle AIC. If the Yellow Jackets were healthier, the game would be closer.

Prediction: Stony Brook 35 AIC 7


Assumption (0-1, 0-1 NE-10) @ Sacred Heart (2-0, 0-0 NEC D1 FCS)

When: September 13th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Sacred Heart leads the series, 8-3-0

My Thoughts: Another D1 FCS match up for the NE-10.

Assumption showed some life in the second half before falling to American International 27-25 last Thursday. The Greyhounds were down 14-3 at the half and had trouble making plays in the first half. The second half saw a back and forth struggle before they allowed the decisive points in the final two minutes. Quarterback Trevor Vasey impressed at times with his arm strength and ability to move the offense. Matt Heriveaux broke off a nice 59 yard touchdown run and the defense made some plays. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to play a complete game and not turn the ball over.

Sacred Heart opened the season with victories over Marist and Lafayette. Their defense has allowed just 21 points in those two games and an average of 235 yards per game. The Pioneers are favorite again to win the NEC and make the D1 FCS playoffs for a second straight year. For Sacred Heart to win the game, they will need to continue their solid play on defense and the offense will need to score when they have the chance to.

Sacred Heart is another strong test for Assumption but the experience and size of a D1 FCS school will be too much for the Greyhounds.

Prediction: Sacred Heart 38 Assumption 10