We have officially crossed the halfway point of the season. We have several teams in the hunt for the championship game and this week will start to separate the pack.


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

When: October 7th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 26-3-0

My Thoughts: Battle for second place.

Assumption fell at home to LIU Post 19-18. The Greyhounds were held in check on the offensive side and were not able to scored points with ease like the previous four weeks. Head coach Bob Chesney said that the loss was behind them right away and they were looking forward to the next game. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to put the loss behind them. They will need to spread the ball around their playmakers and not let Bentley move the ball easily.

Bentley blanked Pace 28-0 and continued their success this year. The defense and special teams set up or scored all four of the scores as they were very opportunistic once again. The Falcons were solid on defense and limited Pace to nothing in the win. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to continue to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes and play a strong defensive game.

Defense will once again be the name of the game. Offenses will have troubles but Assumption will make a late push to escape with the win.

Prediction: Assumption 24 Bentley 14


New Haven (3-2, 3-1 NE-10) @ Merrimack (1-4, 1-3 NE-10)

When: October 8th, 1:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Two teams headed in opposite directions.

New Haven used a well-balanced effort to defeat Southern Connecticut 38-20. The Chargers led the entire game and is starting to play like the New Haven team that most expected. They are scoring points and the defense is making stops. For New Haven to win on the road, they will need to continue their offensive attack and take what the defense is giving them. They will also need to pressure Merrimack and force them into bad decisions.

Merrimack dropped their third straight game as they fell at Stonehill 31-6. Things looked good early as they scored on their opening drive but it was downhill from there. The offense struggled to move the chains and the defense was not able to keep the Stonehill offense out of the end zone. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need to find their confidence again. They need to put the past three weeks behind them and focus on New Haven and playing toe to toe with them.

New Haven will control the clock and the flow of the game in earning revenge for the Merrimack victory on their home turf last year.

Prediction: New Haven 38 Merrimack 13


Stonehill (2-3, 2-2 NE-10) @ American International (2-3, 2-2 NE-10)

When: October 8th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 20-0-0

My Thoughts: Two teams that have rebounded nicely.

Stonehill scored 31 straight to defeat Merrimack by score of 31-6. The Skyhawks were solid on defense and completely frustrated Merrimack. The offense scored when they had the chance and they now have won two straight. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need more of the effort of the past two weeks. Solid defensive effort that aids the offense with good field possession and they punch the ball into the end zone.

American International won on the road at St. Anselm 30-10. The defense picked off four passes and the offense is finally starting to click. The Yellow Jackets have taken major steps forward over the past several weeks and look like a different team. For American International to win the game, they will need more of the same. Solid defensive effort that aids the offense with good field possession and they punch the ball into the end zone.

I keep picking Stonehill to beat American International for the first time in school history and I will stick to my guns again this year.

Prediction: Stonehill 20 American International 16


St. Anselm (0-5, 0-4 NE-10) @ # 22 LIU Post (5-0, 4-0 NE-10)

When: October 8th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: LIU Post leads the series, 12-0-0

My Thoughts: Top and bottom of the league.

St. Anselm fell to American International 30-10. The Hawks turned the ball over four times and were not able to control the Yellow Jacket offense. They have had stretches of good football but have not been able to piece them together for 60 minutes. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they are going to need to play 60 minutes. They will need to limit turnovers and stop Post on third down.

LIU Post escaped Assumption with a close 19-18 victory. The defense was the star of the afternoon as they held the Greyhounds in check and the offense put together a late drive for the difference. They are on top of the NE-10 and are the target of other teams for the rest of 2016. For LIU Post to win the game, they will need to put the Assumption victory behind them and focus on St. Anselm. The defensive line will need to continue to dominate and Jeff Kidd will need to play mistake free.

Post will have some hangover for the first 15 minutes but will then turn up the effort and win the game.

Prediction: LIU Post 34 St. Anselm 10


Southern Connecticut (2-3, 2-2 NE-10) @ Pace (0-5, 0-4 NE-10)

When: October 8th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 19-1-0

My Thoughts: Both teams need to bounce back.

Southern Connecticut fell on the road to New Haven 38-20. They moved the ball pretty well without starting quarterback Rob Nittolo but were not able to find the end zone enough. The defense struggled to contain the New Haven weapons and will be looking for a better effort this week. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need move the ball and punch the ball into the end zone regardless of who is under center. The defense will also need to make stops and get off the field.

Pace dropped their fifth straight game of the season on the road to Bentley 28-0. The Setters struggled to move the ball and their defense did a decent job. Bentley used their defense and special teams to set up the four scores. For Pace to win the game, they will need to play 60 minutes. The offense will need to control the clock and move the chains. The defense will need to slow down the receivers of the Owls.

This game will be a battle of defenses but Southern Connecticut will make a late drive for the difference.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 17 Pace 7