It is Week 4 in the NE-10 and we have the first huge match up of the season on Long Island.


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

When: September 25th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 18-6-1

My Thoughts: Friday night lights in New Haven.

New Haven has won their first two games in the league and has found their starting quarterback. The Chargers have rebounded nicely from a rough opening weekend to turn things around. The defense has been playing well and the offense has made the plays when they needed to. For New Haven to win on the road, they will need to play well right out of the gate and keep it going the entire game.

Southern Connecticut has not been able to break into the win column yet in 2015. They had a late lead against Bentley but were not able to hold on. The Owls have played well at times but not able to sustain that success for an entire game. For Southern Connecticut to win, they will need to play mistake free and put together a full 60 minute effort. The offense and defense will need to execute the game plan.

This rivalry is always hard hitting and close. But New Haven will find a way to take control in the second half in order to win the game.

Prediction: New Haven 31 Southern Connecticut 10


St. Anselm (1-2, 1-1 NE-10) @ American International (1-2, 1-1 NE-10)

When: September 26th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 15-3-0

My Thoughts: Both teams look to rebound from tough Week 3 performances.

St. Anselm had their opportunities to beat LIU Post but ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard again. Too many mistakes with penalties and fumbles cost the Hawks the victory and the huge upset. The status of quarterback Yianni Gavalas will not be known until the end of the week after he left with a shoulder injury. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to correct all of the mistakes from last week. The team will need to put the lose behind them and look forward. They will need to bring the same intensity from last weekend and execute their assignments.

American International has been a jekyl and hyde team in 2015. One week, they struggle. The next week, they are world beaters and then go back to struggling the ensuing week. The Yellow Jackets need to be more consistent team and use their experience to play better each week. For American International to win the game, they will need to move the ball on offense and use their receivers to step up the running game like they did against Southern Connecticut. The defense will also need to make plays and not let St. Anselm control the flow of the game.

American International has a lot of confidence at home and will be up to the challenge.

Prediction: American International 31 St. Anselm 24


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

When: September 26th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Series tied at 11-11-0

My Thoughts: Two teams going in opposite directions.

Pace struggled on the road against Stonehill and lost their second straight game. The Setters also suffered significant injuries in the game for a team that is not as deep as others in the league. For Pace to win the game, they will need to find some consistent play on both sides of the ball and make plays on third down in order to keep drives alive and stop the Assumption offense.

Assumption had their third straight nail biter and won their second game of the season. They rallied in a wild fourth quarter to defeat Merrimack but head coach Bob Chesney says that his team needs to start playing smarter. For Assumption to win the game, they will need from the start of the game and play until the final whistle. Moving the chains and making plays on defense will be the key to success.

Assumption will play a complete game and win for the second straight week at home.

Prediction: Assumption 35 Pace 10


Stonehill (2-0, 1-0 NE-10) @ LIU Post (2-0, 1-0 NE-10)

When: September 26th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 11-2-0

My Thoughts: Undefeated teams clash in New York.

Stonehill took care of business with a win over Pace last week. They dominated on both sides of the ball and are 3-0 to open the season. The Skyhawks moved the ball through a balanced attack on offense. The defense frustrated the Pace offense all game long and played a very complete game. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to move the ball and convert on third downs. The defense will also need to limit LIU Post and not allow them to move the ball with ease.

LIU Post escaped St. Anselm with a victory and are also 3-0 to open the season. The Pioneers made more plays down the stretch but still have a lot to fix in their play. The Post defense allowed too many rushing yards and struggled on kickoffs. The offense found their groove in the second half but was not the explosiveness that they showed in the first two games of the season. For LIU Post to win the game, they will need to make more plays on defense and not allow Stonehill to move the ball up and down the field. The offense will need to be the first team to solve the Stonehill defense and move the chains.

This game will be a tough, close match up and live up to the hype of two 3-0 teams. Post is the more experienced team and will make a play late to win the game.

Prediction: Post 24 Stonehill 20


Bentley (0-2, 0-1 NE-10) @ Merrimack (0-2, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 26th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 12-9-0

My Thoughts: Another solid rivalry over the years.

Bentley won their first game of the year last week as they rallied to beat Southern Connecticut. The defense stepped up in the fourth quarter and did not allow any big plays. The Falcons took advantage of a Southern Connecticut mistake to take the ball on the winning drive. For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to play a complete game. They have not played a full 60 minutes yet and will need to do that on the road. The defense will need to slow down the Merrimack offense.

Merrimack played well enough to beat Assumption but fell on the road. The Warriors found their offensive rhythm as they had over 500 yards offense in the game. They seemed to find their quarterback until Nick Davis left the game with an injury. He was a solid dual threat and did everything possible for his team but his status for this weekend is unknown. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need to find that offensive rhythm again and spread the ball around to their quick wide receivers. The defense will need to make plays on third down and get off the field to allow their offense to do their thing.

Merrimack has been close to breaking into the win column and this will be the week for the Warriors. They will make more plays than Bentley and grab that elusive victory.

Prediction: Merrimack 28 Bentley 17