It has been a solid season for the NE-10 thus far. Close games and upstart teams highlight the first half of the season. There has been so much excitement that we will take a break next weekend.


New Haven (3-1, 2-1 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (1-3, 1-2 NE-10)

When: September 29th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 21-6-1

My Thoughts: Last Friday Night Lights of the season.

New Haven escaped with a 21-20 victory over Pace. The Chargers blocked an extra point after try in the fourth quarter and that was the difference in the game. They rallied from a 14-0 deficit and need to come out of the gate much quicker. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to start fast and continue to play at that level for 60 minutes. The defense will need to make plays and not allow long drives.

Southern Connecticut lost on the road 14-6 to American International. The Owls were not able to generate much offense the entire night and have scored 14 points in the past two weeks. The defense did their job but a blocked point after and punt return were enough to doom the Owls. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to use the game plan that they had in the game against Stonehill. The offense needs to find some consistency and the defense needs to make stops.

The Elm Cup Trophy is at stake and both teams want bragging rights. New Haven is the better team now and will grind out the victory.

Prediction: New Haven 21 Southern Connecticut 10


Bentley (3-1, 3-0 NE-10) @ Pace (2-2, 1-2 NE-10)

When: September 30th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 15-3-0

Bentley enters the game off a huge 40-21 victory over LIU Post. The Falcons dominated both sides of the ball and proved that they are ready to compete for the NE-10 title. Mack Lowrie threw five touchdown and the defense forced six turnovers. For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to put the upset behind them. Pace is better than they have seen in a while and need to continue their solid play on both sides of the ball.

Pace nearly defeated New Haven for the first time but a missed field goal late was the difference is a 21-20 loss. The Setters led early in the game but were not able to hang on. They have a new sense of confidence as they defeated AIC and played very well on the road for the first time this year. For Pace to win the game, they will need to play mistake free. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and not make turn in over themselves.

This game will be a close one. But Bentley will find a way to sneak out the victory.

Prediction: Bentley 24 Pace 16


St. Anselm (0-4, 0-3 NE-10) @ American International (1-3, 1-2 NE-10)

When: September 30th, 12:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Both teams need a win to close out the first half.

St. Anselm fell on the road to Stonehill 28-14. The Hawks were not able to sustain many drives and the defense struggled to stop Andrew Jamiel. They have lost four games in a row and need a spark to close out the first half. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they will need to get out the gates quickly. Playing with a lead will help to build confidence. They also need to make plays on defense and not allow long drives.

American International got their first win of the season 14-6 over Southern Connecticut last Friday night. The Yellow Jackets struggled most of the night but were able to make a play or two to grab the victory. A blocked point after and a punt return were the difference for AIC. The defense was back to their usual standards and frustrated the Owls all night long. For American International to win the game, they will need to continue their defensive dominance. The offense will need to make a enough plays to get points on the board.

American International will be able to control the line of scrimmage and frustrate St. Anselm all day long.

Prediction: American International 17 St. Anselm 13


Assumption (4-0, 3-0 NE-10) @ LIU Post (3-1, 2-1 NE-10)

When: September 30th, 1:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: NE-10 Championship game in September??

Assumption enters the game after a 56-7 victory over Merrimack. The Greyhounds were solid in all three phases of the game as they are taking care of business in the league. The offense is moving the chains, the defense is making plays and special teams have been outstanding. They might be the most complete team in the league at the moment. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to continue their solid play. The offense needs to move the chains, the defense needs to make plays and the special teams needs to cause chaos when they are on the field.

LIU Post limps in the game after a 40-21 defeat on the road at Bentley. The Pioneers had six turnovers and were never able to get out of their own way. The defense was pushed around the field and the offense never established a consistent rhythm like the first three weeks. For Post to win the game, they will need to put the tough loss in the past and clean up their mistakes. The offense needs to drive the ball up and down the field and the defense will need to get in the face of the quarterback.

This looked like the game of the season before Post fell last weekend. But both teams are still loaded and this game will be a good one. Post will find a way to right the ship and get the victory.

Prediction: Post 38 Assumption 34


Stonehill (2-2, 1-2 NE-10) @ Merrimack (1-3, 1-2 NE-10)

When: September 30th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Series tied at 11 wins apiece

My Thoughts: Saturday Night Lights.

Stonehill defeated St. Anselm 28-14 and finally got their first league victory. The Skyhawks finally put together a complete game and it showed in the final result. The offense moved the ball and made plays when necessary. The defense allowed some yards but tighten up late to make the stops that led to the victory. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to play 60 minutes. Offense will need to play mistake free and convert on third down. The defense will need to limit the big play and keep the Merrimack offense in check.

Merrimack dropped a tough one to Assumption by the score of 56-7. The Warriors had no answer on the defensive side and the offense never had a chance as they made too many mistakes. This will be the final game on the old field for Merrimack before they move into their new digs. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need to eliminate the mistakes of the past two weeks. The defense will also need to make plays and not allow Stonehill to control the clock.

It is the final game for Merrimack at the old stadium before they move into the new one. But it will be Stonehill that leaves the field victorious.

Prediction: Stonehill 28 Merrimack 17