First week of the NE-10 regular season


Pace (1-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ Assumption (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 8th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 13-11-0

My Thoughts: Friday Night Lights.

Assumption opened the 2017 season with a 31-28 victory at Kutztown. The Greyhounds had their usual weapons making plays throughout the contest. The offense was balanced and the defense made plays when necessary. And special teams were solid as usual.

Pace saw a strong defensive effort that led to a 28-20 victory over Millersville. The Setters caused four turnovers and turned them into points. The defense was swarming all over the field and made big plays when necessary. The offense was balanced and moved the ball to find the end zone four times.

Assumption is the better team but Pace is much improved.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Pace 17


St. Anselm (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ Bentley (0-1, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 8th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 16-1-0

My Thoughts: Friday Night Lights, Part II

Bentley fell on the road to West Chester 51-9. The Falcons looked good on their opening drive as they completed a long pass and jumped out to the early lead. But it was short lived as West Chester controlled the rest of the game. The Falcons will need to forget about the struggles and focus on the next opponent.

St. Anselm lost on the road to Wagner 37-7. The Hawks stayed close early before the bigger FCS team took control of the game. The St. Anselm defense had no answers and struggled to hold their own in the trenches.

This game has become a close match up in the past several years. Both teams are well matched and neither wants to go 0-2. But one will.

Prediction: Bentley 28 St. Anselm 17


Merrimack (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ American International (0-1, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 9th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: AIC leads the series 14-7-0

My Thoughts: These teams always play exciting games.

Merrimack lost to Bryant 49-41 but showed that they are ready for 2017. The offense had over 500 yards and they found a quarterback capable of moving the ball. The Warriors struggled on defense in the second half allowing 39 points but focused a bunch of turnovers in the first half.

American International lost on the road to Shippensburg 41-7. The Yellow Jackets struggled on both sides of the ball and were not able to stay competitive in the game. They will need to find their defensive rhythm and hope that the offense is able to find theirs as well.

Merrimack has always found a way to put up big numbers in Springfield.

Prediction: Merrimack 20 American International 10


LIU Post (1-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ New Haven (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 9th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 6-2-0

My Thoughts: One sided again?

LIU Post opened with an impressive 42-13 victory over Virginia Union. The Pioneers played very well at home and showed why they are the favorites to repeat as conference champs. The offense was balanced and the defense played very well.

New Haven went on the road to grab a 31-20 victory over Shaw. Even though it was not a top team in the CIAA, the Chargers needed to have some young players get game experience. They showed that they are ready for college football as they moved the ball on offense and the defense did their thing.

This game has been one sided the past several years. The home team has dominated but it looks like the road team will be victorious this weekend.

Prediction: LIU Post 27 New Haven 10


Southern Connecticut (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ Stonehill (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 9th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 19-2-0

My Thoughts: Saturday Night Lights.

Southern Connecticut struggled in their season opening loss to Gannon 55-22. They shot themselves in the foot early and were never able to recover. The offense had trouble moving the ball consistently and the defense was unable to slow down the playmakers of Gannon.

Stonehill opened the season with an impressive 44-28 road victory at Bloomsburg. The Skyhawks jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The offense made the big plays and the defense did what they always do.

Stonehill has struggled against Southern Connecticut but this year will be different.

Prediction: Stonehill 24 Southern Connecticut 14