The beautiful thing about football is that you have a game next week. So if you have momentum and played well, you are looking forward to the next game. If you struggled and are not playing well, you are looking forward to the next game.

We enter league play this weekend and this is where teams will begin to separate themselves.


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

When: September 9th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 12-11-0

My Thoughts: Friday night lights.

Assumption opened the season with a strong 45-21 victory over Kutztown. The combo of Marc Monks and Ashton Grant were unstoppable and it opened up the running game for Alex Shain. The Greyhound defense did the job as well as it pressured the quarterback and held a good offense in check. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to repeat their week one performance. Move the ball and score and have the defense make stops on third down.

Pace fell on the road at Millersville 28-7. Specials teams were the star for the team as they blocked three kicks in the game. The offense moved the ball at times and the defense struggled to slow down the opposing offense early in the game. For Pace to win the game, they will need to control the explosive Assumption offense and limit the big play. The offense will need to move the chains and score inside the red zone.

Assumption will ruin the home opener for Pace as they are a solid road team.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Pace 10


Stonehill (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (0-1, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 9th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 18-2-0

My Thoughts: Friday night lights, part II.

Stonehill nearly rallied to defeat Bloomsburg last weekend but fell 24-20. The defense completely dominated the second half by allowing seven yards. Matt Foltz got the offense in position several times to take the lead in the second half but were not able to score those decisive points. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to play 60 minutes. The offense will need to move the ball through the air and ground as the defense is trying to replicate their second half performance.

Southern Connecticut lost to Gannon 31-9 on the road. The Owls started fast with an opening score but were not able to keep up that momentum. The combo of Rob Nittolo and Devante Jenkins were the lone offensive bright stop. But the defense was not able to control the Gannon rushing game as they averaged 7.5 yards per rush. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to move the ball and find the end zone. The running game will need to control the clock and the defense will need to pressure Foltz to make bad decisions.

This game will be close and come down to the final five minutes. Stonehill will make a late drive and escape with the win.

Prediction: Stonehill 24 Southern Connecticut 21


New Haven (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ LIU Post (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 10th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 5-2-0

My Thoughts: Game of the weekend.

New Haven fell to nationally ranked Slippery Rock 31-28. The Chargers held a late lead but were not able to hold onto it. Ajee Patterson tossed three touchdowns and Tyler Condit was credited with 13 tackles. The running game struggled but the defense had issues controlling the Rock's running game. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to establish their running game and that will help stretch the field for the passing game. The defense will need to find a way to control the Post offense and limit their ability to move the ball with ease.

LIU Post escaped Virginia Union with a 14-12 victory. The defense recorded two safeties and the offense put together a scoring drive that was good enough for the Pioneers to get the win. A late stopped two-point conversion and recovered onside kick sealed their first victory. For LIU Post to win the game, the offense will need to convert on third down and not turn the ball over. The defense will need to make plays and limit the New Haven offense.

Both teams have high aspirations this year and this game will be a major measuring stick. It will be a tough physical game and Post will find a way to walk away with the win.

Prediction: LIU Post 27 New Haven 17


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

When: September 10th, 4:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 15-1-0

My Thoughts: Two evenly matched teams.

Bentley fell to West Chester 31-24 last Saturday. The Falcons were on the cusp of the upset but surrendered 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Sam McDonald picked off two passes as he continues to move up the Bentley record book. The offense used a couple of big plays to take the lead but struggled on third down to extend drives. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to move the ball consistently and keep the defense off the field. The defense will need to make stops and not allow the St. Anselm offense to feel comfortable on the field.

St. Anselm opened the season with a 38-16 loss on the road at Wagner. The Hawks were tied at 10 at the half but were not able to stop the Wagner offense in the second half. The offense had nearly 400 yards in the game and moved the ball against a Division I FCS team. But the defense allowed 28 straight points in the second half and over 300 rushing yards. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to play solid defense and limit Bentley moving the ball. The offense will need to move the chains and not turn the ball over.

This game is a toss-up. Both teams are evenly matched and would like to start the league schedule on a positive note. St. Anselm will find a way to get Coach Joe Adam his first victory.

Prediction: St. Anselm 34 Bentley 28


American International (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ Merrimack (0-1, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 10th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series 14-6-0

My Thoughts: These teams always play exciting games.

American International lost to Shippensburg 16-9. The Yellow Jackets led the game late but were not able to hold onto the lead. The offense struggled to move the ball and were not able to convert enough on third down. The defense bent but did not break most of the game. For American International to win the game, the defense will need to limit the Merrimack offense and keep them out of the end zone. The offense will need to find a way to move the ball and keep their own defense on the sidelines.

Merrimack dropped their opening game to Bryant 41-20. The Warriors moved the ball but were not able to get enough points on the scoreboard. The defense allowed a number of long drives for scores. But Merrimack was called for 14 penalties in the game and that is something that will need to be cleaned up. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need to move the ball and score when they are in the red zone. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and limit the big play.

Merrimack will use their home opener to get their first win of the season.

Prediction: Merrimack 27 American International 10