It is hard to believe that we are already at Week 9 in the NE-10. Two teams have a chance to finalize the location and participants in the NE-10 champiosnhip game. Plus other teams are scrambling for one final home game on championship weekend.


Merrimack (2-6, 2-5 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (1-7, 1-6 NE-10)

When: October 29th, 12:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Two teams that expected more this year.

Merrimack fell to Southern Connecticut 35-15 last week and the offense continued their struggles. The special teams and defense accounted for all 15 points with two touchdowns and a safety. For Merrimack to win on the road, they will need to move the ball and control the clock. The defense will need to make plays and not allow St. Anselm to do the same.

St. Anselm grabbed their first victory of the season over Pace 42-7. The Hawks played flawlessly on both sides of the ball as they executed their game plan to perfection. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to repeat their performance of last week. The offense needs to play mistake free and the defense needs to make third down stops.

This game is always a scoreboard operator's nightmare as both teams move quickly and score often. But St. Anselm will be the lone benefactor this time around.

Prediction: St. Anselm 35 Merrimack 17


# 25 Assumption (7-1, 6-1 NE-10) @ Stonehill (3-5, 3-4 NE-10)

When: October 29th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Stonehill leads the series, 20-8-0

My Thoughts: Another always exciting match-up.

Assumption defeated New Haven 38-24 last weekend and is looking to clinch a return spot to the championship game. The Greyhounds used a big second quarter to pull away from the Chargers as they continued their road dominance in the league. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to continue their solid play on the road by scoring early and often. The defense will need to make plays and let the offense control the clock.

Stonehill fell on the road to arch-rival Bentley 27-7. The Skyhawks made a couple of mistakes in the second quarter and Bentley capitalized on them with three straight scores. It was a departure from the previous weekend when Stonehill was the one that was capitalizing. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to play mistake free. The offense will need to move the ball and the defense will need to slow down the explosive Assumption offense.

Assumption is on a mission right now and no one will stand in their way.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Stonehill 14


Pace (0-8, 0-7 NE-10) @ # 16 LIU Post (8-0, 7-0 NE-10)

When: October 29th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 21-3-0

My Thoughts: Battle of New York.

Pace fell on the road to St. Anselm 42-7. The Setters were not able to slow down the Hawks and allowed them to move the ball up and down the field. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to play mistake free. The defense will need to force Post to turn the ball over and the offense will need to seize on those opportunities.

LIU Post defeated American International 22-7 to remain undefeated on the season. The Pioneers used their running game to compensate for the injured Jeff Kidd. The defense also played well as they frustrated the Yellow Jacket offense. For Post to win the game, they will need to continue their solid play on both sides of the ball. They will need to execute the game plan and not look ahead.

Post is the better team and will win this game.

Prediction: Post 38 Pace 7


New Haven (4-4, 4-3 NE-10) @ American International (3-5, 3-4 NE-10)

When: October 29th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 15-7-0

My Thoughts: Two teams that are not used to being .500 or below.

New Haven fell to Assumption 38-24. The Chargers struggled to slow down the Assumption offense and were not able to generate enough of their own. They have lost two consecutive games and eliminated from returning to the championship game. For New Haven to win on the road, they will need to get back to what helped them win four straight in the middle of the season. They will need to move the ball consistently and make plays on defense.

American International fell on the road to LIU Post 22-7. The defense held Post in check for the first half but they allowed too many rushing yards to win the game. The offense struggled most of the afternoon as they were not able to move the ball until the fourth quarter. For American International to win the game, they will need to control the New Haven offense and then find a spark with their offense.

New Haven will be the first NE-10 team to score a touchdown in Springfield but it will not be enough as American International will find a way to win the game.

Prediction: American International 13 New Haven 10


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

When: October 29th, 3:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 12-6-0

My Thoughts: Classic NE-10 match-up.

Bentley used their opportunistic ways again as they defeated Stonehill 27-7. They continue to find ways to create opportunities for themselves and win football games. They are not lighting up the stats but they are emerging with victories. For Bentley to win on the road, it will be the same formula again. Capitalize on opportunities and score more points than your opponent.

Southern Connecticut used a stifling defense to defeat Merrimack 35-15. The Owls also used their offense to the best of their ability and is above .500 this late in the season for the first time in five years. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to play mistake free. They can't let Bentley capitalize like they have in other games.

This game will be a memorable one and Bentley will once again find a way to win the game.

Prediction: Bentley 24 Southern Connecticut 21