It is Week 2 in the NE-10 and the race for the championship is officially on.


New Haven (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ Bentley (0-1, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 11th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 5-1-0

My Thoughts: Friday night lights.

New Haven enters the NE-10 league schedule off of a 39-13 defeat to Slippery Rock. The Chargers played well in the first half but struggled after halftime. The offense was able to gain over 400 yards but was held out of the end zone for the most part. The defense held a strong Slippery Rock team in check for the first 30 minutes but allowed 25 points in the second half. For New Haven to grab their first win of the season, they will need to find some rhythm in their offense and punch the ball into the end zone when given the chance. The defense will also need to come up with stops especially on third down.

Bentley dropped their opening game at Mercyhurst 35-20. The Falcons gave up 14 points early and was not able to recover. The defense allowed touchdowns on the first three drives of the game before settling down and allowing the offense to get going. A couple of late interceptions sealed the fate for Bentley and they dropped the game. For the Falcons to rebound, they will need to come out of the gates playing well on both sides of the ball. The defense will need to contain the New Haven running game and the offense will need to make some plays to extend drives.

Last year, the game was decided late and this year will be no different. Both teams will battle for 60 minutes but the New Haven defense will make a play late to sneak out of town with a victory.

Prediction: New Haven 24 Bentley 17


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

When: September 11th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 11-8-0

My thoughts: Friday night football is back in Merrimack for the first time in a while.

Stonehill was the talk of the league as they traveled to then # 14 Bloomsburg and dominated in a 27-10 victory. The Skyhawks were their usual swarming defense and wreaked havoc all over the field. The offense put together some solid drives and played a complete game. For the Skyhawks to win on the road, they will need to find a way to limit the Merrimack offense and not allow them to make the big play. The offense needs to play mistake free and wear down the defense with their mix of running and passing.

Merrimack fell short in their opening game to Bowie State 35-32. The Warriors came alive in the second half and move the ball with some consistency in the second half. After being held to just three points in the first half, they found their rhythm and scored some points. They unfortunately turned the ball over too many times and Bowie State took advantage. For the Warriors to win the game, they will need to move the ball and control the flow of the game. The offense will need to make plays on third down and keep the Stonehill defense on their heels. The defense will also need to stop the Stonehill ground game and force them into third and longs.

Stonehill has had Merrimack's number the past couple of years and this year will be no different. The defense will halt the explosive Warrior offense and win the game.

Prediction: Stonehill 27 Merrimack 14


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

When: September 12th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: St. Anselm leads the series, 11-6-0

My Thoughts: This game used to feature the only win for either team in the season.

St. Anselm traveled to D1 FCS member Sacred Heart and fell 43-19. The Hawks competed at times with a much deeper and stronger team. They were not able to get their usual ball control offense going and eating up yards and the clock. The defense played decent and only allowed 402 yards to a team that made the playoffs last year. St. Anselm only trailed by eight points late in the third quarter before a blocked and returned point after attempt seemed to chance the momentum of the game. For the Hawks to win on the road, they will need to move the ball and keep the chains moving. They will also need to find a way to limit the Pace running game and not get hurt in special teams.

Pace won their opening game 36-23 over NAIA member Ave Maria. The Setters took control of the game early when they returned a punt for a touchdown. The defense was able to make some plays and limited Ave Maria to only a couple of big plays. But it was the big play capability of Pace that changed the complexion of the game. For the Setters to win at home, they will need to slow down the St. Anselm offense and not allow them to control the game. The defense will need to make some plays on third down and then grind out yards on offense.

This game will feature a lot of big plays as both teams have the capability to break off long runs. St. Anselm will get their offense going and make enough plays on defense to escape Pace with a victory.

Prediction: St. Anselm 38 Pace 24


Assumption (1-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ LIU Post (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 12th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 9-2-0

My Thoughts: Can the game of the year occur in the second week of the season?

Assumption defeated Kutztown 41-37 and won yet another road game. The Greyhounds rallied from a 16 point halftime deficit to score 34 points in the second half. The defense also stepped up in the second half by making plays and limiting the big plays of Kutztown. Assumption found their rhythm and never looked back. They made plays and showed that they are capable of big things this year. For the Greyhounds to win, they will need to take the same attitude that they have for the past 10 road games. Keep the home crowd quiet by making plays on both sides of the ball and punching the ball into the end zone when given the chance.

LIU Post weathered a late start to rally for a 41-40 victory over East Stroudsburg. The Pioneers scored twice late in the fourth quarter to start their season on the right foot. Post was able to limit ESU late in the game as the offense rallied. For the Pioneers to win this game, they will need to move the ball and find some of the magic that propelled them late. The defense will also need to pressure Assumption and force them into bad decisions.

Both teams have high hopes for 2015 and I think that this is a preview of a game that will involve hardware in the middle of November. Post will find a way to stop Assumption and it will be a very good football game.

Prediction: Post 27 Assumption 24


Southern Connecticut (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ American International (0-1, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 12th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 31-24-3

My thoughts:Prediction: American International 16 Southern Connecticut 13