As the leaves start to change colors, the games continue to get bigger.


LIU Post (4-2, 3-2 NE-10) @ American International (2-4, 2-3 NE-10)

When: October 21st, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 17-14-0

My Thoughts: Another hard-hitting game.

LIU Post got back on track with a 52-35 victory over Southern Connecticut. The Pioneers jumped out early and played with the lead most of the game. The offense took care of the ball and committed just one turnover. The defense bent but did not break. For Post to win on the road, they will need to take care of the ball. Limiting turnovers is key for them this year and then their defense will need to pressure the quarterback.

American International fell on the road to Bentley 28-10. The Yellow Jackets had the lead midway through the third quarter but allowed 21 consecutive points in the final stanza to drop the game. They struggled again offensively but lost the game on field possession. For American International to win the game, they will need to move the chains and control the game clock. The defense will need to force turnover and not allow easy yards.

Post will find a way to move the ball and escape Springfield with the victory.

Prediction: Post 34 American International 13


New Haven (5-1, 4-1 NE-10) @ # 16 Assumption (6-0, 5-0 NE-10)

When: October 21st, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 7-4-0

My Thoughts: Game of the Week

New Haven continued their late game heroics at home as they beat Stonehill 23-22. The Chargers scored with less than two minutes to go and pulled off another nail biter on the blue turf. A late interception sealed the game as the score changed hands twice in the final three minutes. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to play with the lead. The offense needs to set the tone early as the defense finds a way to slow down the explosive Assumption offense.

Assumption took care of business again as they defeated St. Anselm 55-10. The Greyhounds played another complete game as they maintained their top billing in the league. The offense was unstoppable and the defense once again stepped up to make plays. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to repeat their performance from the first six weeks. The offense moves the ball and ends drives with points. The defense causes havoc and makes plays.

This match-up is always close and physical. But Assumption is playing at a different level right now.

Prediction: Assumption 35 New Haven 17


St. Anselm (0-6, 0-5 NE-10) @ Pace (3-3, 2-3 NE-10)

When: October 21st, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: St. Anselm leads the series, 13-6-0

My Thoughts: Different roles this year.

St. Anselm dropped their sixth straight game of the season last Saturday to Assumption 55-10. The Hawks fell behind early and were never able to right the ship. They had no answer for the top team in the league as they will put that game behind them quickly. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they will need to play 60 minutes of football. The offense will need to find their rhythm early and the defense will need to make stops.

Pace fell on the road to Merrimack 44-10. The Setters had no answer early and were never able to catch up. The defense struggled to contain the Merrimack running backs and their own running game never caught fire like the previous games. For Pace to win the game, they will need to establish their offensive game plan of running the ball to set up the pass. The defense will need to tackle and not allow big plays for St. Anselm.

Pace is undefeated at home this year and that streak will continue this week.

Prediction: Pace 24 St. Anselm 17


Merrimack (2-4, 2-3 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (1-5, 1-4 NE-10)

When: October 21st, 3:00 PM

All-Time Series: Series tied at 10-10-0

My Thoughts: Both teams need the win.

Merrimack defeated Pace 44-10 to open their new stadium last Saturday. The usual pass happy Warriors won the game with 344 yards of rushing. The defense played strong and limited the rushing attack of Pace. For Merrimack to win on the road, they will need to find the offensive balance. The defense will need to make plays and force turnovers.

Southern Connecticut fell on the road to LIU Post 52-35. The nightmare of a season for the Owls continued as the defense was not able to slow down the weapons of Post. They saw spurts of offense in putting up their second best total of the season. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to find their mojo on both sides of the ball. The offense needs to sustain drives and score in the red zone. The defense will need to stop drives and pressure the quarterback into bad decisions.

This game could go a hundred different ways but I feel that Southern Connecticut will find a way to win.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 24 Merrimack 21


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

When: October 21st, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 22-9-1

My Thoughts: Solid rivalry.

Bentley exploded with 21 points in the fourth quarter to beat American International 28-10. The Falcons again were a very opportunistic team as they used short fields to score points. Plus a pick six always helps as well. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to continue to be Johnny on the spot. They need to make plays at the right time.

Stonehill lost a tough one at New Haven 23-22. The Skyhawks led with under three minutes to play but allowed the game winner and then were intercepted on the final drive. They played toe to toe with one of the better teams on the road but came up short. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to use the home crowd to their advantage. They need to make plays early on both sides of the ball and play with the lead.

Bentley will find a way to make a play late and escape Easton with the win.

Prediction: Bentley 24 Stonehill 23