The second half of the season is ready to go.


American International (2-3, 2-2 NE-10) @ Bentley (3-2, 3-1 NE-10)

When: October 14th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Series tied at 11-11-0

My Thoughts: Classic league rivalry.

American International rebounded at the end of September with two straight victories, the latest over St. Anselm 19-0. The Yellow Jackets got back to basics as they allowed just six points in the victories. They will need to continue their opportunistic ways. For American International to win on the road, they will need to have their defense create opportunities for the offense. The offense needs to convert third downs and keep drives moving.

Bentley ended the first half on a sour note as they lost to Pace 20-17. The Falcons had a chance to tie the game late but were not able to convert the field goal. They have been a top team in the league the first half and will need to get back on the winning side of the score. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to make plays on both sides of the ball. They will need to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers.

Bentley will play a complete game and get back to their winning ways.

Prediction: Bentley 27 American International 10


Pace (3-2, 2-2 NE-10) @ Merrimack (1-4, 1-3 NE-10)

When: October 14th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 16-0-0

My Thoughts: Two teams in reverse roles.

Pace is the surprise team of the league after defeating Bentley 20-17. The Setters have had a dream season and we are only halfway through it. They are playing with a lot of confidence and are not the doormat of previous years. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to continue their remarkable season and make plays that win games. They need to move the ball and score when given the chance.

Merrimack dropped their third straight of the year to Stonehill 45-21. The Warriors struggled in the final three games of September as they were not able to duplicate their first two offensive performances. They will need to find their game on both sides of the ball. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need to play mistake free and avoid turnovers in the red zone. The defense will need to make stops and not allow sustained drives.

Pace will find a way to grab their first road victory of the season in the first game of Warrior Stadium.

Prediction: Pace 24 Merrimack 20


Stonehill (3-2, 2-2 NE-10) @ New Haven (4-1, 3-1 NE-10)

When: October 14th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 7-1-0

My Thoughts: Key game for both teams.

Stonehill finished September with a 45-21 victory at Merrimack. The Skyhawks rebounded nicely from a two-game losing streak to win their final two games of the month. Both sides of the ball have stepped up their game. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to play mistake free on the road. The offense needs to move the ball and the defense will need to find a way to create turnovers.

New Haven won their third straight game in September with a 31-17 road over Southern Connecticut. The Chargers continue to find ways to win games and they are getting back to their roots. The young team has matured in the first half and have high hopes for the rest of the season. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to grind out yards and control the clock. The defense will need to find a way to make plays on third down and prevent long drives.

These teams are evenly matched but New Haven will find a way to win the game in the fourth quarter.

Prediction: New Haven 28 Stonehill 20


Southern Connecticut (1-4, 1-3 NE-10) @ LIU Post (3-2, 2-2 NE-10)

When: October 14th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Series tied at 13-13-0

My Thoughts: Somebody will right the ship.

Southern Connecticut fell to cross-town rival New Haven 31-17 for the ninth straight time. The Owls have not had the season that most people expected as they were supposed to be closer to competing for a championship. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to find consistency on both sides of the ball. The offense will need to control the game and move the chains. The defense will need to get stops and create turnovers.

LIU Post fell to Assumption 54-20 and finished the first half of the season on a two-game losing streak. The Pioneers were crushing opponents until they turned the ball over six times at Bentley and ran into the buzz saw known as Assumption. For LIU Post to win the game, they will need to get back to basics. Move the ball on offense and limit the turnovers. The defense needs to make plays and find their mojo again.

Post has the home field and will get back on the winning side of the scoreboard.

Prediction: Post 45 Southern Connecticut 24


# 21 Assumption (5-0, 4-0 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (0-5, 0-4 NE-10)

When: October 14th, 2:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 13-5-0

My Thoughts: Top vs bottom of the standings.

Assumption finished the first half of the season with an impressive 54-20 victory over LIU Post. The Greyhounds were the top team in September and look to their march towards the league championship. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to continue their dominance in all three phases of the game.

St. Anselm ended their September with a 19-0 loss at American International. It was a tough stretch for the Hawks as they had four of five games away from the Hilltop. They will need to regain their confidence with some home dates. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to play a perfect game. No turnovers and a game free of mistakes.

Assumption will pick up where they left off and continue their march through the league.

Prediction: Assumption 45 St. Anselm 14