It is Week 8 in the NE-10. The games get bigger as the weather gets colder here in the Northeast.


Pace (0-7, 0-6 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (0-7, 0-6 NE-10)

When: October 22nd, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: St. Anselm leads the series, 12-6-0

My Thoughts: Someone will get their first victory of 2016.

Pace fell at home to Merrimack 35-21. For the Setters, they started fast with a touchdown in the first 1:14 of the game. But they allowed 35 straight points and fell for the seventh straight time. They were not able to slow down the running game of the Warriors. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to start fast and play solid the entire game. They will need to move the chains and slow down the St. Anselm offense.

St. Anselm fell on the road to Assumption 39-14. They fell behind early and were never able to catch up. The Hawks struggled to slow down the highest scoring offense in the league and were not able to generate consistent offense. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to move the ball and control the clock. They need to keep their defense off the field by making third down stops.

St. Anselm has dominated this series recently and Saturday will be no different.

Prediction: St. Anselm 35 Pace 24


American International (3-4, 3-3 NE-10) @ # 19 LIU Post (7-0, 6-0 NE-10)

When: October 22nd, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 17-13-0

My Thoughts: Rematch of 2014 NE-10 championship game.

American International lost at home to Bentley 5-3. The defense was outstanding again but the offense could not capitalize on their effort. A safety in the opening half was the difference as the Yellow Jackets continue to struggle to score points with their offense. For American International to win the game, they will need to slow down the Post offense and find a way to get their offense moving. If they fall behind early, it will be a long afternoon.

LIU Post escaped Southern Connecticut with a 30-23 victory to stay on top of the league. They overcame six turnovers in the game by erasing a second half deficit to remain undefeated on the season. The Pioneers finally got out of their own way and look to fix those mistakes. For LIU Post to win the game, they will need to crack the AIC defense. They will need to limit mistakes and get the ball into the end zone when they are given the opportunity.

LIU Post will grind out the victory as their defense will be the star of the game.

Prediction: LIU Post 27 American International 10


Assumption (6-1, 5-1 NE-10) @ New Haven (4-3, 4-2 NE-10)

When: October 22nd , 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 6-4-0

My Thoughts: Rematch of 2015 NE-10 championship game.

Assumption started fast last Friday night and never looked back in their 39-14 victory over St. Anselm. The offense scored early and often and is back to their usual dangerous attack. The defense is also playing at another level right now and that is key when they face a good team. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to play their usual game. Offense scores early. The defense shuts down the opposition and both sides have a lot of fun.

New Haven lost a tough road game to Stonehill 21-17 last Saturday night. The Chargers were not able to do much on either side of the ball in the second half and allowed a late drive that was the difference in the game. The defense bent most of the game but broke in the fourth quarter. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to get rid of the sour taste of the Stonehill loss quickly. They will need to refocus and get back to playing mistake free football.

This game will be hard hitting as usual but Assumption will take control of the game in the second half to continue their streak in this series.

Prediction: Assumption 29 New Haven 17


Stonehill (3-4, 3-3 NE-10) @ Bentley (4-3, 4-2 NE-10)

When: October 22nd, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 21-8-1

My Thoughts: Great rivalry game.

Stonehill used a late drive to defeat New Haven 21-17 last Saturday night. The combo of Matt Foltz and Andrew Jamiel were unstoppable and the Skyhawk defense completely smothered the New Haven offense in the second half. It was a huge confidence boast for Stonehill as they had struggled in those situations all season long. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need more of the late magic to continue. The offense will need to move the ball into the end zone and the defense will need to play like a brick wall.

Bentley defeated American International 5-3 in a defensive battle. The Falcons used a safety in the opening half as the difference in the game. The defense was outstanding as they limited American International all afternoon long. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to continue their defensive effort. The offense will need to feed off some of that stellar play. Plus a defensive touchdown does not hurt.

Another game that will feature solid defenses and not many points on the scoreboard. But a late defensive play by Bentley will lead to the win.

Prediction: Bentley 17 Stonehill 13


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

When: October 22nd, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 10-9-0

My Thoughts: These teams always play memorable games.

Southern Connecticut had LIU Post on the ropes but could not knock them out, ultimately falling 30-23. They lead in the second half but Post scored 16 straight to win the game. The Owls were not able to capitalize on six turnovers in the game as they fell on their home turf. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need to play a complete game. The defense will need to force turnovers and the offense need to punch the ball into the end zone.

Merrimack rebounded nicely on the road with a 35-21 victory at Pace. The Warriors fell behind early but rallied for five straight touchdowns to win the game. The running game was the difference and the defense played solid. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need a repeat of the Pace game. A solid running game and a defense that does not allow the big play.

Southern Connecticut will spoil homecoming for Merrimack.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 28 Merrimack 13