Three weeks down and top teams are starting to emerge.


Southern Connecticut (1-2, 1-1 NE-10) @ American International (0-3, 0-2 NE-10)

When: September 22nd, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 33-25-3

My Thoughts: Friday Night Lights.

Southern Connecticut lost to Assumption 25-8. The Owls held Assumption in check most of the evening but were not able to put any points on the scoreboard. They continued their week to week inconsistency and need to play much better. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need to get the offense moving early. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and get off the field on third down.

American International dropped their third straight last Friday night at Pace 24-23. The Yellow Jackets have found some offensive consistency but the defense allowed two touchdowns in the last five minutes. Both drives were short and aided by AIC penalties. For American International to win the game, they will need to play more disciplined. Penalties hurt them against Pace and they need to clean that up. The defense also need to make some plays.

This is a good old fashion rivalry of two teams that will play smash mouth football. The Owls will rebound to keep the Yellow Jackets winless.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 27 American International 13


Pace (2-1, 1-1 NE-10) @ New Haven (2-1, 1-1 NE-10)

When: September 23rd, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 8-0-0

My Thoughts: David vs Goliath

Pace won their second game of the season 24-23 over American International. They scored twice in the final five minutes of the game to finally get into the win column in NE-10 play. The Setters made more plays than their opponent and earned the victory. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to repeat their formula of offense and defense. The offense needs to move the ball and get points when they are in the red zone. The defense needs to pressure the quarterback and make tackles in the open field.

New Haven rebounded nicely with a 23-7 victory at St. Anselm. The Chargers overcame several turnovers in the first half to grab their first league victory of the season. The defense stepped up and did not allow long scoring drives. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to move the ball and take care of it. The defense will need to contain the Pace running game and not allow big plays.
New Haven likes the blue turf and will get the win.

Prediction: New Haven 31 Pace 10


Merrimack (1-2, 1-1 NE-10) @ Assumption (3-0, 2-0 NE-10)

When: September 23rd, 1:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Expect plenty of passing.

Merrimack lost to Bentley 17-7 last Saturday. The Warriors moved the ball well but five turnovers including three picks in the end zone doomed them. The defense did enough to win the game but the offense was not able to get into the end zone like the previous two weeks. For Merrimack to win on the road, they will need to find that offensive rhythm and get the ball into the end zone. The defense will need to slow down Assumption and not allow them to control the clock.

Assumption went on the road to Southern Connecticut and emerged with a 25-8 victory to stay unblemished on the season. The Greyhounds used a stellar defensive effort as the offense was not their usual big play making. They grinded out a victory on the road and that is always the hallmark of a good team. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to move the ball and get it into the end zone. The defense will need to continue their solid play and limit the Merrimack passing game.

This will be a busy day for defensive backs as both teams like to pass the ball. But Assumption is playing at a different level right now.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Merrimack 21


# 13 LIU Post (3-0, 2-0 NE-10) @ Bentley (2-1, 2-0 NE-10)

When: September 23rd, 2:00 PM

All-Time Series: LIU Post leads the series, 14-7-0

My Thoughts: Remember the good old days.

LIU Post easily defeated Stonehill 51-16. The Pioneers continue to play very well on both sides of the ball. The offense is scoring points with ease and the defense is making stops when called upon. Post is a very deep team and looking to keep the momentum going. For Post to win on the road, they need to use the same formula as the first three weeks. Let Gavalas get the ball into the hands of his many weapons and let the defense make stops.

Bentley used a solid red zone defense to defeat Merrimack 17-7. They allowed yards inside the 20 yard lines but were stellar in the red zone area, picking off three passes in the end zone. The offense did enough to support the defensive effort. For Bentley to win, they will need more of the same. The defense will need to focus turnovers and not allow Post to move the ball up and down the field. The offense will need to move the chains and keep the Post offense on the sidelines.

This rivalry was the one to watch years ago when both teams were at the top of the standings year in and year out. But Post is deeper and more talented right now.

Prediction: LIU Post 31 Bentley 14


St. Anselm (0-3, 0-2 NE-10) @ Stonehill (1-2, 0-2 NE-10)

When: September 23rd, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Stonehill leads the series, 14-5-0

My Thoughts: Prediction: Stonehill 34 St. Anselm 17