It is Week 3 in the NE-10. We have first place on the line in both Friday night games and teams looking to get on track on Saturday.


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

When: September 16th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 13-10-0

My Thoughts: Nice rivalry match-up.

Merrimack enters the game off of a 16-13 comeback victory over American International. The Warriors scored the final 16 points of the game and the defense was solid the entire night. It took 36 minutes for the offense to find the end zone but then had no trouble after that. For Merrimack to win on the road, they are going to need to limit turnovers. The defense is also going to need to continue their momentum from last week and not allow Bentley to move the ball with ease.

Bentley grabbed their first win of the season over St. Anselm 35-21. The Falcons jumped out early and never trailed in the game. The offense was very efficient and scored when given the opportunity. The defense limited the big play for St. Anselm and did their job. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to find their offensive rhythm early again. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and force him into bad decisions.

This game is always tight and evenly matched. The game will be tied late but Merrimack will find a way to escape with the victory.

Prediction: Merrimack 27 Bentley 20


Southern Connecticut (1-1, 1-0 NE-10) @ #24 Assumption (2-0, 1-0 NE-10)

When: September 16th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 10-4-0

My Thoughts: More excitement under the lights.

Southern Connecticut won a thrilling 31-27 match up over Stonehill. Each time they trailed, they stormed back for a touchdown and their first opening league victory since 2011. The Owls played well in all three phases of the game especially in the kick return game. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to bottle that magic from Friday night and use it again this week. They will need to move the ball and not turn it over. And the defense will need to limit the big play ability of Assumption.

Assumption easily defeated Pace 59-16. The offense was unstoppable in the opening half and the defense did their job as well. The Greyhounds took advantage of all of the Pace mistakes and stayed undefeated on the season. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to move the ball like they have in the first two weeks. The defense will need to control the wide receivers of Southern Connecticut and not allow them to make any plays.

These teams played a barn burner last year and I expect it to start the same way. But Assumption has too many weapons on both sides of the ball and will control the game in the second half.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Southern Connecticut 24


Pace (0-2, 0-1 NE-10) @ American International (0-2, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 17th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 17-2-0

My Thoughts: Two teams in desperate need of a victory.

Pace fell to Assumption 59-16 last Friday. The Setters struggled in the first quarter and were never able to recover. The offense had trouble converting on third down and the defense had no answers for all of the Assumption weapons. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to move the chains and keep their defense off the field. The defense will need to make some plays and not allow the American International receivers any space in the open field.

American International lost a late lead and fell on the road at Merrimack 16-13. The Yellow Jackets were not able to capitalize on their defense's effort in the first half of the game and get some breathing room. The offense was held to just three points in the second half and the defense was not able to contain the Merrimack offense. For American International to win the game, they will need to continue their defensive effort and allow the offense to work out their kinks.

This game will be decided late and the American International defense will make a play that will be the difference in the game.

Prediction: American International 16 Pace 9


St. Anselm (0-2, 0-1 NE-10) @ New Haven (0-2, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 17th, 1:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Two teams in desperate need of a victory.

St. Anselm fell to Bentley 35-21 last Saturday. The offense moved the ball at times but the defense was not able to keep the Falcons out of the end zone. The passing game for the Hawks is fine but they will need to find a way to grind out yards on the ground. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they will need to move the ball and score when they have the chance. The defense will also need to make plays and not allow New Haven to control the clock.

New Haven lost on the road to LIU Post 43-20. A touchdown at the end of the first half from Ajee Patterson to Henry Adegunle was not enough for the Chargers to grab the momentum and mount the comeback. They were dominated in all phases of the game and need to bounce back. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to play solid football. Establish the run, set up the pass and make plays on defense. They are a talented team that has struggled in the second half two straight weeks.

Don't expect the miracle finish that occurred that last time that played in New Haven. The Chargers will right the ship and get their first win of the season.

Prediction: New Haven 35 St. Anselm 21


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

When: September 17th, 6:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Saturday night lights.

LIU Post was very dominant in their 43-20 victory over New Haven. The Pioneers clicked on the offensive side of the ball as they gained 459 yards. The defense struggled in the second quarter but bounced back nicely in the second half. For LIU Post to win on the road, they will need more of the same from the New Haven game. An offense that moves the ball with ease and a defense that makes play up front and in the secondary.

Stonehill was snake bitten again as they fell to Southern Connecticut 31-27. Three times in the fourth quarter, they grabbed the lead. And three times they allowed the Owls to score to regain the lead. The Skyhawks could easily be 2-0 right now and in a completely different state of mind. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to play 60 minutes, whistle to whistle. The offense needs to move the ball and the defense needs to make plays to get off the field.

This is the second straight revenge game for LIU Post. They lost to Stonehill on a Hail Mary pass last year and will look to finish the game strong this year.

Prediction: LIU Post 31 Stonehill 20