The first week of the NE-10 league play was unbelievable. Could it be topped?


Assumption (2-0, 1-0 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (1-1, 1-0 NE-10)

When: September 15th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 10-5-0

My Thoughts: Friday Night Lights.

Assumption won easily over Pace 56-0. They were dominated in all three phases of the game and made it look easy like usual. They started fast and never looked back. Everyone contributed to the victory and showed how deep the talent is there in Worcester. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to repeat their formula of success. Move the ball and score on offense, strong special teams and a suffocating defensive effort.

Southern Connecticut rebounded to beat Stonehill 45-26 on the road last Saturday night. It was an impressive turn of events for the Owls who struggled in Week 1 at home. After falling behind early, they used several big plays and a balanced offensive attack to win their first game of the season. For Southern Connecticut to win, they will need repeat the formula of the Stonehill victory. Balanced offensive attack, a defense that contains Assumption and key plays from special teams.

This game will feature two offenses that are not afraid to move the ball. I think that Assumption is a step above now and will find a way to win the game.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Southern Connecticut 27


American International (0-2, 0-1 NE-10) @ Pace (1-1, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 15th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 18-2-0

My Thoughts: Friday Night Lights, Part II

American International lost in their home opener to Merrimack 31-21. The Yellow Jackets struggled with their pass defense as Warrior receivers were behind the secondary most of the afternoon. The offense competed most of the game and scored over 20 points for one of the few times in the past two seasons. For American International to win on the road, they will need to make third down stops and allow their offense to continue their development.

Pace lost on the road to Assumption 56-0. The Setters fell behind early and were never able to catch up. They accumulated 299 yards of offense but could not find the end zone in the game. All of the good feelings from the opening night victory were lost quickly. For Pace to win the game, they will need to move the ball and not allow American International to spend all night in the backfield. The defense will need to repeat last year's performance.

This game will be a defensive struggle and those games always favor American International.

Prediction: American International 13 Pace 9


New Haven (1-1, 0-1 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (0-2, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 16th, 1:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Tough league losses for both teams.

New Haven lost a close game to LIU Post 35-34. The Chargers had a chance to win the game with a field goal at the end but it was missed. They led most of the game and never pulled off the victory. New Haven has a young team but they are being introduced to college football life very early. For New Haven to win on the road, they will need to come out of the gates fast. The offense need to move the ball and the defense needs to make tackles in the opening field.

St. Anselm lost on the road to Bentley 50-14. The Hawks struggled to slow down the passing game and just could not generate much offense the entire night. They were pushed around most of the night and had trouble making plays. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to make first downs and control the game clock. The defense will need to play well in the trenches against a much bigger team.

New Haven showed the league that the future is still bright for the Chargers. They can compete with anyone and need to take care of business week in and week out.

Prediction: New Haven 34 St. Anselm 10


Stonehill (1-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ # 13 LIU Post (2-0, 1-0 NE-10)

When: September 16th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 12-2-0

My Thoughts: Remember 2015!

LIU Post escaped New Haven with a 35-34 victory last weekend. The Pioneers rallied from two scores behind to win their second straight. They also weathered a missed field goal at the end of the game as the defense struggled on the final drive of the game. The offense was solid all day as Gavalas spread the ball around to 10 different receivers. For Post to win the game, they will need to sure up their defense and get off the field on third down. Give the ball to Gavalas and let him continue his stellar play.

Stonehill lost their home opener to Southern Connecticut 45-26. The Skyhawks struggled on the defensive side of the ball as they allowed too many big plays. They had some success on offensive but not enough to overcome giving up 45 points. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to remember their fourth quarter rally from 2015. Hit the open receivers and make plays on defense.

I don't see a repeat of 2015 as Post is at home and will continue their winning ways.

Prediction: LIU Post 31 Stonehill 17


Bentley (1-1, 1-0 NE-10) @ Merrimack (1-1, 1-0 NE-10)

When: September 16th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 14-10-0

My Thoughts: QB vs QB

Bentley defeated St. Anselm 50-14 behind the arm and legs of Mack Lowrie. He controlled the offense to perfection as he has several weapons to get the ball to. The defense made plays when necessary and pressured the opposing quarterback all evening long. For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to have Lowrie play mistake free and not allow Merrimack to control the clock with their quick strike offense.

Merrimack went on the road to defeat American International 31-21. The Warriors were solid on both sides of the ball as they picked up where they left off from nearly upsetting Bryant. CJ Scarpa is orchestrating the offense with ease. He is making plays and not looking back. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need to frustrate Lowrie and force him to make bad throws. The offense will need to move the chains and control the clock.

This game has the chance of being a high scoring affair. Both quarterbacks have something to prove and that will be at the mercy of the defenses. Scarpa will top Lowrie.

Prediction: Merrimack 38 Bentley 30