The calendar will change on Saturday and we will hit the half point of the season. Amazingly that we are already at Week 5 in the season. And we have a huge match up this weekend between undefeated teams.


American International (1-3, 1-2 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (0-4, 0-3 NE-10)

When: October 1st, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 14-1-0

My Thoughts: Offense vs Defense

American International fell on the road to Southern Connecticut 21-20 as they allowed a late touchdown. The Yellow Jackets caused five turnovers in the second half but were not able to find the end zone enough. The offense finally found some rhythm and will need to continue that success. For American International to win on the road, they will need to have some offensive success. Limiting turnovers and moving the chains are vital for the Yellow Jackets. And the defense will need to bring their typical effort.

St. Anselm fell at home to Stonehill 45-34. After falling behind 24 points, they rallied to make it a game late but were not able to get over the hump. The offense had 440 yards but converted just two of 11 3rd down tries. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to play a 60-minute game. They have had success but not for long stretches to win games. Both sides of the ball will need to play mistake free and pick up the other unit.

It is time for St. Anselm to get into the win column and they will use the hype of their homecoming crowd to win this match-up.

Prediction: St. Anselm 21 American International 17


LIU Post (4-0, 3-0 NE-10) @ # 20 Assumption (4-0, 3-0 NE-10)

When: October 1st, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: LIU Post leads the series, 10-2-0

My Thoughts: Game of the week.

LIU Post escaped with a 27-24 victory over Bentley as they kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired. Jeff Kidd was again the best player on the field. Either with his arm or legs, he is getting the Pioneers up and down the field with ease. For LIU Post to win on the road, they will need to have Kidd continue his dominance. He will need to spread the ball over to his play markers and the defense will need to find a way to slow down Assumption.

Assumption continued their roll as they crushed Merrimack 55-23. Even without two stars of offense, they racked up the yards and the points with ease. The depth of the team is incredible and everyone is contributing to their success right now. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to continue their magic and play well in all phases of the game. They will need to contain Kidd and not allow him to be creative in the open field.

This game pits two teams that are very good. They match up nicely at all positions and this game will be a hard fought victory for Assumption. They will avenge last year's lone loss in the NE-10.

Prediction: Assumption 34 LIU Post 27


Merrimack (1-3, 1-2 NE-10) @ Stonehill (1-3, 1-2 NE-10)

When: October 1st, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 11-10-0

My Thoughts: Rematch of a championship weekend game.

Merrimack fell to Assumption 55-23 and has struggled the past two weeks. The offense moved the ball at times but turnovers and lack of scores are hurting the Warriors. The defense was not able to slow down Assumption after a decent effort against Bentley. For Merrimack to win on the road, they will need to put the last two games behind them. Start fresh and focus on this week's opponent. Play a complete game.

Stonehill won their first game of the season on the road over St. Anselm 45-34. The Skyhawks had offensive success as Matt Foltz was solid. They struggled late in the third quarter but rebounded with a solid drive to seal the game. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to slow down the Merrimack offense and continue their own offensive success this past weekend. They will need to play 60 minutes and play mistake free.

This game will be close just like the two match-ups last year. But Merrimack will make plays in the second half to win this game.

Prediction: Merrimack 24 Stonehill 14


Southern Connecticut (2-2, 2-1 NE-10) @New Haven (2-2, 2-1 NE-10)

When: October 1st, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 19-6-1

My Thoughts: Battle for the Elm City Cup.

Southern Connecticut rallied for a hard fought 21-20 victory over American International last Friday night. The Owls overcame five turnovers and an injured starting quarterback for their second league victory. The defense made some plays down the stretch to help preserve the win. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need to find a way to match up with the bigger and stronger New Haven lines. The offense will need to move the chains and keep the ball away from New Haven.

New Haven won their second straight as they defeated Pace 48-21. The Chargers jumped out early and never looked back. The usual suspects of Ajee Patterson and Andre Anderson were the stars on the offensive side of the ball. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to continue their roll on both sides of the ball. The offense will need to move the ball and continue their big play capabilities. The defense will need to apply pressure to the quarterback and capitalize on mistakes.

This game features two teams that are natural rivals as they are separated by a mere four miles. But New Haven is the better team and will walk away with the trophy again.

Prediction: New Haven 30 Southern Connecticut 17


Pace (0-4, 0-3 NE-10) @ Bentley (2-2, 2-1 NE-10)

When: October 1st, 2:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 14-3-0

My Thoughts: Two teams headed in opposite directions.

Pace fell at home to New Haven 48-21. After falling behind 38-0, the Setters rallied in the second half and are hoping that this momentum translates to this week. The offense moved the ball and scored some points. Eight different receivers caught a pass and will look to stretch the field for the running backs. For Pace to win the game, they will need to bottle the second half up and use it for a full game. Moving the ball and eliminating turnovers will be key for Pace.

Bentley lost a tough game on the road to LIU Post 27-24. A last second field goal was the difference in the game and a tough loss for the Falcons. They played toe to toe with the Pioneers and in position for a solid run heading into October. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to continue to have their offense click and score when they are in the red zone. The defense will need to make plays on third down and get off the field when given the chance.

Bentley will take control early and win this game.

Prediction: Bentley 34 Pace 13