Two weeks left in the regular season for the NE-10. We have six teams over .500 in the league and the jockeying for position is in full throttle right now. Two teams will play for the championship on November 14th and the rest are trying to host a game that weekend.


Bentley (4-4, 4-3 NE-10) @ # 23 Assumption (7-1, 6-1 NE-10)

When: October 30th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 26-2-0

My Thoughts: Last Friday night game of the season.

Bentley enters the game off of a 21-14 setback to Stonehill. The Falcons were completely shut down in the first half before they mounted a comeback. But ill-timed penalties cost Bentley the game and a shot at a potential championship game appearance. For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to find some offensive rhythm early and move the ball with consistency. The defense will need to slow down the Assumption offense and not allow them to make third down conversions.

Assumption defeated American International 32-7 and is alone in first place in the league. The Greyhound broke open a tight game at the half with three second half scores and now are in the driver's seat for the championship game. They used their balanced offensive attack to score on the tough AIC defense and their own defense stepped up all afternoon long. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to move the ball on offense and punch the ball into the end zone when given the chance. The defense will need to make plays and not allow Bentley to move the ball.

Assumption will use their usual second half surge to win the game and clinch a spot in the championship game.

Prediction: Assumption 31 Bentley 13


Merrimack (4-4, 4-3 NE-10) @ American International (3-5, 3-4 NE-10)

When: October 31st, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 14-5-0

My Thoughts: Points are always flowing when these two teams play.

Merrimack easily defeated Pace 52-6 and has rebounded for a tough start of the season. The Warriors have won four of their last five games and easily could be in the championship game hunt if a play here or there went a different way in the first two weeks of league play. For Merrimack to win on the road, they will need to continue their solid offensive play and stretch the field. The defense will need to come up with stops on third down and pressure the AIC quarterback.

American International fell to Assumption 32-7 last Saturday. The Yellow Jackets were hanging tough in the first half before they were not able to keep up with the Assumption attack. They tried a new quarterback but the offense continued to struggle. The defense did play well at times and continues to be the strength of the team. For American International to win the game, they will need to find a spark on the offensive side of the ball. Someone needs to make some plays and put the unit on their back. The defense will need to slow down the Merrimack offense and not allow them to make big plays.

Merrimack is the better team right now and will be able to score enough points to win the game.

Prediction: Merrimack 27 American International 20


Pace (1-7, 0-7 NE-10) @ New Haven (5-3, 5-2 NE-10)

When: October 31st, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 6-0-0

My Thoughts: Two teams headed in opposite directions.

Pace enters the game off of a 52-6 loss on the road to Merrimack. The Setters got on the board first but were not able to duplicate that success the rest of the afternoon. They were able to stretch the field at times with their passing game but were not able to make enough plays to keep the game within reach. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to find a way to move the ball and convert on third down. The defense will need to slow down the New Haven rushing attack and not allow them to dominate the game.

New Haven continued their late season surge with a 63-16 victory over LIU Post. The Chargers were playing at another level last Saturday and have put themselves in position for the championship game. The rushing attack was unstoppable and the offensive line dominated the trenches. The defense continued their solid play and shut down one of the better offenses in the league. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to continue their rushing attack and control the flow of the game. The defense will need limit Pace to minimal gains and get off the field on third down.

New Haven is playing at another level and not too many teams can compete with them right now.

Prediction: New Haven 45 Pace 7


St. Anselm (2-6, 2-5 NE-10) @ Stonehill (5-3, 4-3 NE-10)

When: October 31st, 1:00 PM

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

My Thoughts:Prediction: Stonehill 24 St. Anselm 10


Southern Connecticut (3-5, 3-4 NE-10) @ LIU Post (5-3, 4-3 NE-10)

When: October 31st, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 15-10-0

My Thoughts: This game looked like a mismatch earlier in the year.

Southern Connecticut traveled north to St. Anselm and walked away with a 28-14 victory. The Owls put together several scoring drives and the defense stepped up when they needed to. This is a completely different team than we saw in the first month of the season. The team needed some good fortune and that has happened over the past four weeks. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need to move the ball and continue their balanced attack. The defense will need to slow down the quick strike ability of Post and not allow them to control the clock.

LIU Post was completely outplayed in their 63-16 loss at New Haven. The Pioneers fell behind early and never seemed to be in the game. It was a huge game for them as it was for second place and they struggled the entire game. For LIU Post to win the game, they will need to put that performance behind them and focus on Southern Connecticut. It is Senior Day and they need to play well for the players that helped them to all of the success over the past four years.

This game will come down to the final minutes and Post will make a play late to escape with the victory.

Prediction: LIU Post 27 Southern Connecticut 23