It is finally football season. The preseason is over and it is time for the games to count.

The season opens on Thursday night.


St. Anselm (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ Wagner (0-0, 0-0 NEC)

When: August 31st, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Wagner leads the series, 1-0-0

My Thoughts: Thursday night football to kick off the season. Does it get any better?

St. Anselm was picked to finish ninth in the NE-10 coaches poll. The Hawks have several key members back and look to improve upon a tough 2016 season. They will need to move the ball against a Division I defense as well as slowing down a bigger defense.

Wagner was picked third in the Northeast Conference and picked up two first place votes. The Seahawks have several key players back and look to make some noise in their league this year.

Wagner is bigger and stronger and will open the season with an easy victory.

Prediction: Wagner 38 St. Anselm 10


Bentley (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ # 25 West Chester (0-0, 0-0 PSAC East)

When: August 31st, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: West Chester leads the series, 1-0-0

My Thoughts: NE-10 vs PSAC Part I

Bentley is looking to break out of the 5-6 season streak. They have played a lot of close games and ended up on the wrong side of the score. The Falcons will need to find some offensive rhythm and keep their defense off the field as much as possible.

West Chester is the preseason favorite to win the PSAC Eastern Division. They have a solid offense capable of putting up points with ease. The Golden Rams are always in the mix in the PSAC and it looks like 2017 will be no exception.

The game will be close early but West Chester will use their home field advantage to win the game.

Prediction: West Chester 31 Bentley 13


Assumption (0-0, 0-0 NE-10 @ Kutztown (0-0, 0-0 PSAC East)

When: September 2nd, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 2-0-0

My Thoughts: NE-10 vs PSAC Part II

Assumption has become a perennial NE-10 and Super Region One power and looks to continue their solid run of the past several years. They are loaded on both offense and defense and want to grab back the NE-10 title.

Kutztown is slated to finish second in the PSAC East in the preseason coaches poll. They made it to the PSAC championship game last year and are hoping to take it a step further this year. The Golden Rams have some skill players back on both sides of the ball.

Assumption and Kutztown have found a nice rivalry over the past couple of seasons. The Greyhounds will use a second half surge to open the season on a winning note.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Kutztown 27


Stonehill (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) @Bloomsburg (0-0, 0-0 PSAC East)

When: September 2nd 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bloomsburg leads the series 4-1-0

My Thoughts: NE-10 vs PSAC Part III

Stonehill has the most experienced quarterback in the NE-10 and will use his big frame to help carry the team in 2017. The Skyhawks are always solid on the defensive side of the ball and will look to stop the strong running game of Bloomsburg.

Bloomsburg was picked for fourth in the PSAC East and has been slightly off the past several years. They have had winning records but have that dominance that carried them to PSAC titles and playoffs has not been there.

This will be a close game as both teams have solid defenses and offenses that like to grind out the clock. I like Stonehill to grab the upset on the road.

Prediction: Stonehill 21 Bloomsburg 17


Gannon (0-0, 0-0 PSAC West) @ Southern Connecticut (0-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 2nd, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Gannon leads the series, 3-1-0

My Thoughts: NE-10 vs PSAC Part IV

Gannon finished fifth in the PSAC West preseason poll. They have numerous starters back and look to shake up an always competitive PSAC West. The defense is solid for the Golden Knights.

Southern Connecticut is looking to get back to where they were in the past, top of the NE-10. The Owls have several key players back and look to make some noise this year. If they can win in the trenches, they will have a solid season.

Home team advantage again as Southern Connecticut will have their fans behind them.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 24 Gannon 14


American International (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ Shippensburg (0-0, 0-0 PSAC East)

When: September 2nd, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Shippensburg leads the series, 1-0-0

My Thoughts: NE-10 vs PSAC Part V

American International will be strong on the defensive side but the offense still has several questions to be answered. They need to find a quarterback who limits mistakes and gets the ball into the hands of the play makers. If they can score unlike last year, they will have a chance.

Shippensburg was picked for third in the PSAC East. The Red Raiders have a solid defense as well and don't allow many rushing yards or points. They will need to find some offense just like their opponent.

Defensive coordinators will love this game as points will be at a premium. That always gives the advantage to the home team.

Prediction: Shippensburg 13 American International 6


New Haven (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ Shaw (0-0, 0-0 CIAA)

When: September 2nd, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: First Meeting

My Thoughts: NE-10 vs CIAA, Part I

New Haven lost some of their top players but they always seem to find a way to fill in those holes year after year. They have a deep roster that has a next man up mentality. The Chargers will need to play with confidence on the road early.

Shaw was picked for ninth in the CIAA and fourth in their division. They will look to improve upon their 208 season a year ago. The Bears have seven starters back on offense and need to find a way to move the ball.

New Haven is the better team and will find a way to win the game.

Prediction: New Haven 24 Shaw 10


Merrimack (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ Bryant (0-0, 0-0 D1 FCS NEC)

When: September 2nd, 3:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bryant leads the series, 7-6-0

My Thoughts: Former foes in the NE-10.

Merrimack has a very young team and needs to find their identity early. They need to play with confidence and not allow the bad plays to affect them. The Warriors must take it one play at a time.

Bryant is picked for the middle of the pack in the Northeast Conference. They have a new coach and players looking to make an impression on the field. The Bulldogs have risen to the task of playing Division I football.

Tough to go against a Division I school at home.

Prediction: Bryant 38 Merrimack 10


Virginia Union (0-0, 0-0 CIAA) @ # 19 LIU Post (0-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 2nd, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 1-0-0

My Thoughts: NE-10 vs CIAA, Part II

Virginia Union was picked to finish fourth overall in the CIAA but in third of the Northern Division. They have several skill players back from last year and will look to make some noise in the league. The Panthers look to improve upon their .500 record last year.

LIU Post has a lot of players back from a team that won their first 12 games of 2016. The biggest loss was their MVP quarterback but they have plenty of candidates to fill the shoes. The Pioneer defense will be their strength.

Post is locked and loaded for 2017.

Prediction: LIU Post 31 Virginia Union 13


Pace (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ Millersville (0-0, 0-0 PSAC East)

When: September 2nd, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Millersville leads the series, 1-0-0

My Thoughts: NE-10 vs PSAC Part VI

Pace is looking to get off on the right foot. They have their home crowd behind them for a Saturday night game. The Setters have taken steps forward and must get on the right side of the scoreboard.

Millersville is picking near the bottom of the PSAC East and in a very similar situation as Pace. They have nowhere to go but up. The Mauraders will need to start the season on a solid note if they are going to upset some of the PSAC foes.

Both teams need to get off on the right foot. Millersville will find a way to escape with the victory.

Prediction: Millersville 16 Pace 13