This weekend marks the halfway point of the season. The season is flying by but hopefully we have the best to come.


Bentley (1-3, 1-2 NE-10) @ Pace (1-3, 0-3 NE-10)

When: October 2nd, 7:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: First night game ever at Pace.

Bentley lost at Merrimack by the score of 41-10. They had more total yards but were not able to get the ball into the end zone. The Falcons had too many turnovers to win the game and will need to clean up those plays. For Bentley to win on the road, they are going to need to play mistake free. The defense will need to make stops and the offense will need to punch the ball into the end zone when given the chance.

Pace struggled on the road for the second consecutive week and fell to Assumption 61-9. The Setters were not able to slow down the Assumption offense and fell for the third straight week. The offense was able to grind out some yards on the ground but it was tough to overcome that big of a deficit. For Pace to win at home, they will need to play well on defense and make stops on third down. The offense will need to find seams in the Bentley defense and move the chains.

Pace will use the first home night game to jump out to an early lead but Bentley will settle down and walk away with the victory.

Prediction: Bentley 24 Pace 10


Assumption (3-1, 2-1 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (2-2, 2-1 NE-10)

When: October 3rd, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 11-5-0

My Thoughts: First big game of October.

Assumption easily defeated Pace 61-9 last weekend. The Greyhounds moved the ball well and the defense was able to control the Pace ground game. Brendan Tobey was back under center and played well in his first start in two weeks. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to find a way to slow down the St. Anselm offense and not allow them to control the flow of the game. The offense will also need to move the ball and allow the defense to rest.

St. Anselm rallied for a 26-20 victory over American International. The defense had seven takeaways in the game and continues to play well. After limiting Post to 24 points two weeks ago, they held a bigger AIC team to just 20 points including zero in the second half. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need the defense to continue their stellar play. They will need to limit Assumption and stop them on third down. The offense will need to click early and help to move the chains.

This game used to be against two teams that were looking for a victory. Now it is a game that features two of the top teams in the league right now. This is going to be a track meet. Both teams can score points but Assumption will find way late to sneak out with the victory.

Prediction: Assumption 38 St. Anselm 34


LIU Post (3-1, 2-1 NE-10) @ American International (1-3, 1-2 NE-10)

When: October 3rd, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 16-13-0

My Thoughts: Rematch of the NE-10 title tilt.

LIU Post was stunned at home by Stonehill 40-37. Let's not relive the details as head coach Bryan Collins was already focused on AIC two seconds after the final whistle last Saturday. The Pioneers did have some bright spots as they have another running threat and the defense played well for the first 58 minutes. For Post to win on the road, they will need to play an entire 60 minute game. From the opening whistle to final buzzer, they will need to dominate on both sides of the ball.

American International was also stunned at home as they fell to St. Anselm 26-20. The Yellow Jackets were up 18 points at halftime but were held scoreless in the second half. They turned the ball over seven times in the loss and will need to do a much better job this week. For American International to win the game, they will need to find that winning formula that has carried them for the past five years. They need some leadership to step up and show that this team is much better than their record.

Post is the better team right now and will make more plays to walk out of Springfield with another victory.

Prediction: Post 31 AIC 13


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

When: October 3rd, 1:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Two teams with big wins last weekend.

Merrimack got their first win of the season after three close losses to open the season. The offense continued where it left off at Assumption two weeks ago. The defense allowed some yards to Bentley but picked the right times to step up and stop drives. For Merrimack to win on the road, they are going to need to continue their mistake free offensive attack and move the ball with ease. Long sustained drives against a good defense will be needed. And the defense will need to continue their opportunistic nature and not allow the New Haven running back to wear them down.

New Haven won their third straight with a come from behind victory at crosstown Southern Connecticut. The Chargers were completely dominated in the first half but halftime adjustments seemed to be what they needed. New Haven stormed out the locker room and had another solid second half. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to contain Nick Davis and not allow him to dominate the field. The Chargers will need to play 60 minutes and score the ball when given the chance.

This game will feature two dynamic quarterbacks who are capable of big things. But the difference will be the New Haven defense. They will make one crucial stop late to win the game.

Prediction: New Haven 30 Merrimack 24


Southern Connecticut (0-4, 0-3 NE-10) @ Stonehill (4-0, 3-0 NE-10)

When: October 3rd, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 17-2-0

My Thoughts: Two teams headed in opposite directions.

Southern Connecticut played well in the first half last week but struggled in the second half. They lost to New Haven 28-14 and showed that they are capable of being a solid football team. But they need to sustain the good play for an entire game. The Owls made some plays to open the game but could not sustain it for a full 60 minutes. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need to play an entire 60 minutes well. No let downs from start to finish.

Stonehill made an improbable rally as they defeated LIU Post 40-37. A Hail Mary at the end of the game sealed the win for the Skyhawks as they are the only overall undefeated team in the NE-10. It was not a perfect effort for Stonehill but they still found a way to grab the victory. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to control the Southern offense and not allow them to move the ball with ease. The offense will need to pick up where they left off last week and continue to click.

Stonehill will have some Hail Mary hangover but will play much better in the second half to win the game.

Prediction: Stonehill 34 Southern Connecticut 13