We are already at Week 4 in the NE-10. Plenty of solid match-ups once again this weekend.


American International (1-2, 1-1 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (1-2, 1-1 NE-10)

When: September 23rd, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 32-25-3

My Thoughts: Old time rivalry under the lights.

American International won a hard fought 3-0 over Pace last weekend. The Yellow Jackets did not find the end zone but their defense was solid. They have allowed just 32 points in three games and are playing at a different level right now. For American International to win on the road, they will need to continue their defensive dominance. And that will need to rub off onto the offense. They will need to move the ball and find a way to get into the end zone.

Southern Connecticut lost to Assumption 35-13 on the road. The Owls feel behind early and were not able to recover. Turnovers doomed them and when you play a good team, that is a recipe for disaster. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to take care of the ball and keep the American International defense on their heels. The defense will also need to pressure the quarterback and force him into making mistakes.

This will be an old fashion physical game between two schools that are rivals. But I see Southern Connecticut using their offensive weapons late to win the game.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 17 American International 7


Stonehill (0-3, 0-2 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (0-3, 0-2 NE-10)

When: September 24th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Stonehill leads the series, 13-5-0

My Thoughts: Battle for the Ol' Bronze Hawk.

Stonehill struggled in the second half and fell to LIU Post 51-20. The Skyhawks led 17-16 late in the first half before their defense had trouble controlling the Pioneer offense. A couple of turnovers and a defense giving up big plays were the difference at home. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to play a complete game. 60 minutes of solid football and keep the mistakes to a minimum.

St. Anselm fell on the road to New Haven 52-21. A late second quarter touchdown was not enough momentum for the Hawks to win consecutive games on the blue turf in New Haven. The offense moved the ball but could not find the end zone enough. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to play a complete game from whistle to whistle. The offense needs to move the ball and punch the ball into the end zone in the red zone. The defense will need to generate some turnovers and help the offense with solid field possession.

This game is a must for both teams who are looking for their first victory of the season. Stonehill has dominated this series and will find a way to win on the road.

Prediction: Stonehill 24 St. Anselm 21


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

When: September 24th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 7-0-0

My Thoughts: Two teams with different results last week.

New Haven finally cranked up their offense and beat St. Anselm 52-21. Ajee Patterson used all of this weapons in a career day. And the Charger defense was solid after a late second quarter gaff. New Haven used a solid mix of run and pass to grab their first victory of the season. For New Haven to win on the road, they will need to find that offensive mix again. The offense will need to move the ball and score in the red zone. The defense will need to force three and outs.

Pace fell to American International 3-0. The Setter defense was solid the entire afternoon especially up front with the defensive line. They were pressuring the quarterback all day as they kept the team in the game. For Pace to win the game, they will need that some defensive effort against a bigger team. The offense will need to find a way to move the ball and eat up some of the clock. They need to keep their defense off the field and capitalize on New Haven mistakes.

New Haven is the deeper and faster team. They will pull away in the second half for the win.

Prediction: New Haven 38 Pace 10


# 22 Assumption (3-0, 2-0 NE-10) @ Merrimack (1-2, 1-1 NE-10)

When: September 24th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 15-6-0

My Thoughts: Always an entertaining match up.

Assumption continues their dominance as they defeated Southern Connecticut. The offense clicked early and often. Marc Monks and Ashton Grant are having a solid season and the Greyhound defense continues to limit their opponents. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to continue their solid play and use all of their weapons on both sides of the ball. They will need to pressure Nick Davis and force him into bad decisions. And then the offense needs to take advantage of those mistakes.

Merrimack fell on the road to their rival Bentley 41-22. It was a tough six minute stretch for the Warriors as they allowed 28 points late in the first half and early second half. A blocked punt and two pick sixes were their demise. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need to play a strong defensive game against an explosive offense. Their own offense will need to take care of the ball and not turn it over.

Assumption is at a different level right now. They will force Merrimack to play in their hands and win this game.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Merrimack 21


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

When: September 24th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: LIU Post leads the series, 13-7-0

My Thoughts: This game used to be the marquee match-up in the league.

Bentley used a quick six-minute stretch to defeat Merrimack 41-22. The offense moved the ball with ease and the defense scored two picks sixes to help in the victory. The Falcons have won consecutive games and are currently tied at the top of the league. Not bad for a team that was picked for the bottom half of the league. For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to continue to play mistake free and capitalize on breakdowns of their opponents. The offense needs to control the clock and the defense needs to make stops.

LIU Post was unstoppable for the second straight second half and defeated Stonehill 51-20. The Pioneers trailed late in the second quarter before they shifted gears and walked away with the victory. Jeff Kidd was his usual strong self as he directed the offense up and down the field with ease. For Post to win the game, they will need to continue their solid play on both sides of the ball. The offense needs to score with ease and the defense needs to make plays and get off the field.

Post is the deeper team and will grind out another second half surge that will set up a huge match up the following weekend.

Prediction: LIU Post 34 Bentley 20