Welcome to Week 7 in the NE-10. The temperature is dropping and the games continue to get bigger. With the standings so close, it is very important for teams to be playing their best football over the next four weeks.


LIU Post (4-2, 3-2 NE-10) @ Pace (1-5, 0-5 NE-10)

When: October 17th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 20-3-0

My Thoughts: Battle for New York bragging rights.

LIU Post stopped their two game losing streak by defeating Merrimack 27-24. The Pioneer offense stormed out of the locker room in the second half and scored 20 unanswered points to take control of the game. The defense allowed a late touchdown to make it interesting but held on the final drive to seal the victory. For Post to win on the road, they will need to start early and play their game. Move the ball with their balanced offense and allow their defense to stop the Pace running attack.

Pace was not able to hold onto a second half lead and fell to Southern Connecticut 21-7. The Setters were the better team in the first half but struggled in the fourth quarter as they yielded three straight touchdowns. The usual strong running game was held to 45 yards and not able to control the game and clock like they are accustomed to. For Pace to win the game, they will need to establish the running game as well as moving the chains. The defense will need to slow down the Post offense and not allow them to move the ball with ease.

Post will come out of the gates fast and win the game on the road.

Prediction: Post 35 Pace 10


Stonehill (4-2, 3-2 NE-10) @ New Haven (3-3, 3-2 NE-10)

When: October 17th, 1:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: It is make or break time for these two teams.

Stonehill is in the middle of a two game losing streak. They fell to AIC 14-6 and are suddenly looking for a spark. The Skyhawks were not able to move the ball offensively and allowed two big plays that were the difference in the game. They also need to get healthy as key injuries are starting to pile up. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need a complete effort from whistle to whistle. The defense will need to continue their solid play and the offense will need to find the spark that helped them open the season with four straight wins.

New Haven fell on the road to Assumption 23-17 and also find themselves in the middle of a two game losing streak. The Chargers fell behind in the first half again and rallied but it was not enough. The defense played well and held Assumption in check the entire night. The offense moved the ball but was not able to find the end zone enough. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to start the game like it is the second half. The offense will need to punch the ball into the end zone and the defense will need to make plays.

This is a must win game for both teams. The winner stays in the hunt for the title game and the loser is on the outside. New Haven will make a late play to win on their home turf.

Prediction: New Haven 24 Stonehill 17


American International (3-3, 3-2 NE-10) @ Bentley (3-3, 3-2 NE-10)

When: October 17th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series, 11-9-0

My Thoughts: Another make or break match up between teams tied in the standings.

American International went on the road and defeated Stonehill 14-6. The defense played well and limited the Stonehill offense to nothing the entire afternoon. Two big runs were the difference in the game and the Yellow Jackets are right back in the middle of a crowded NE-10 playoff picture. For American International to win on the road, they will need their defense to continue their stellar play. The offense needs to make some plays and not rely on the defense to make them.

Bentley won their second straight, this time over St. Anselm 19-14. The Falcons scored in the final minute to win the game and are right in the middle of the title chase. The defense was solid all game long and allowed just one offensive touchdown on the opening drive of the game. The offense had 455 yards of offense and moved the ball the best all season long. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to find a way to crack the AIC defense and move the chains. The defense will need to limit the big play and get off the field on third down.

This game will be a defensive struggle as both offenses will have trouble finding the end zone. AIC will win the battle in the trenches and walk away with a tough road win.

Prediction: AIC 17 Bentley 13


St. Anselm (2-4, 2-3 NE-10) @ Merrimack (2-4, 2-3 NE-10)

When: October 10th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 12-5-0

My Thoughts: The loser of this game is out of the NE-10 playoff mix.

St. Anselm dropped another close game to Bentley 19-14. The offense struggled to score the entire game after a solid opening touchdown drive. The defense bent at the wrong times and allowed a late touchdown that was the difference in the game. The Hawks were not able to stretch the field as they had just 45 yards in the air. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they will need to be able to open up the field with their passing game and allow the running backs some room to run. The defense will need to contain the big play ability of the Merrimack offense and not allow them to move the ball with ease.

Merrimack fell on the road to LIU Post 27-24. The Warriors held Post scoreless in the first half but then allowed three unanswered touchdowns in the third quarter that proved to be the difference. They nearly rallied in the final seconds and missed a long field goal that would have tied the game. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need more of the same defensive effort that was solid in the first half. The offense needs to move the ball early and often.

Merrimack will be able to move the ball against St. Anselm and win this game to stay in contention.

Prediction: Merrimack 28 St. Anselm 17


Assumption (5-1, 4-1 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (2-4, 2-3 NE-10)

When: October 17th, 5:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 10-3-0

My Thoughts: Another game that has huge ramifications on the standings.

Assumption was not at their best against New Haven but still was able to grind out a 23-17 victory. The Greyhounds are in first place and have the target on their backs right now. The key play that propelled them to the victory was an interception return that was the difference in the game. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to play their typical game of solid football in all three phases of the game. The offense needs to click early as the defense is stopping Southern Connecticut.

Southern Connecticut won their second straight over Pace 21-7. The Owls scored 21 points in the final quarter to win the game and suddenly find themselves in the middle of the NE-10 logjam. Southern used their backup quarterback to help ignite the offense and avoid a second straight loss to Pace. The defense played well and was especially solid in the running game. For Southern Connecticut to win at home, they will need to play 60 minutes. The offense will need to continue their fourth quarter success and the defense will need to quiet one of the better offenses in the league.

Assumption is always solid on the road and this week will be no different.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Southern Connecticut 13