Three weeks to go. If you want to contend, it is time to step up.


LIU Post (5-2, 4-2 NE-10) @ Pace (3-4, 2-4 NE-10)

When: October 28th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 22-3-0

My Thoughts: Battle of the Big Apple

LIU Post handled American International 70-21 last Saturday. The Pioneers scored early and often in winning their second straight game. Malik Pierre was the touchdown maker as he had three rushing scores and had a kickoff return for a touchdown. For LIU Post to win on the road, they are going to continue their flawless play. The offense needs to take care of the ball and the defense needs to make plays on third down.

Pace lost a heartbreaker to St. Anselm 35-34. The Setters scored on a long touchdown with just over a minute to play but were flagged for excessive celebration. That pushed the extra point attempt back and it was missed. They got the onsides kick but could not capitalize. For Pace to win the game, they will need to find a way to slow down the Post offense. The offense will need to establish their running game and control the clock.

Post is playing very well right now and will have an easy time of it.


Prediction: Post 38 Pace 14


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

When: October 28th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 12-7-0

My Thoughts: Solid rivalry.

Southern Connecticut won their second game of the season with a 28-9 victory over Merrimack. The Owls jumped out early and finally showed the effort necessary to win games. The offense scored when they had the chance and the defense did a nice job not allowing the big play. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to find their offensive rhythm. The defense will need to make plays and get off the field on third down.

Bentley lost a tough road game to Stonehill 41-35. They lead by 18 points in the third quarter but were not able to stop the Stonehill offense. They also might have found their quarterback in Stephen Sturm as the freshman had a solid game. The young Falcons have several key first year players emerging right now. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to contain their offensive resurgence. The defense will need to forgot the second half last week and make plays this week.

Bentley will use their youth to rebound nicely.

Prediction: Bentley 24 Southern Connecticut 13


Stonehill (3-3, 2-3 NE-10) @ # 15 Assumption (7-0, 6-0 NE-10)

When: October 28th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Stonehill leads the series, 20-9-0

My Thoughts: Another shot at the top team.

Stonehill rallied for a 41-35 overtime victory over Bentley. The Skyhawks saw a career day from Brian Kearns, Jr and recovered a fumble in overtime on the 1 yard line. They should some grit after a tough loss to New Haven on the road and gave their home crowd a nice boast. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to play a complete game. The offense needs to play mistake free and the defense will need to find a way to contain an explosive offense.

Assumption completely dominated New Haven 41-6. The Greyhounds scored early and used the return capabilities of Deonte Harris. He had two punt returns for scores and the defense picked off passes all day long. Assumption is excelling in all three phases of the game and clearly the best team in the league right now. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to repeat their game plan from the previous seven weeks. Start off fast, score often and cause turnovers on the defensive side. And return a kick for a score.


Prediction: Assumption 45 Stonehill 21


American International (2-5, 2-4 NE-10) @ New Haven (5-2, 4-2 NE-10)

When: October 28th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 16-7-0

My Thoughts: Old fashion rivalry

American International lost to LIU Post 70-21. The Yellow Jackets had their worst defensive showing in 23 years since they yielded 76 points to Bloomsburg in 1994. They allowed over 600 yards of offense including over 400 yards of rushing. It was a very uncharacteristic showing for AIC. For American International to win on the road, they will need to bury the previous game tape and find their defensive groove. The offense needs to move the ball and control the clock.

New Haven lost to Assumption 41-6. The Chargers fell behind early and were never able to keep up with the Greyhounds. They had no answer for anything that Assumption did and will also need to bury the game tape from last weekend. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to limit turnovers and allow their running backs time to move the chains. The defense will need to apply pressure and force turnovers.

Both teams need a victory to overcome last week but the home team will find a way to get one.

Prediction: New Haven 24 American International 10


St. Anselm (1-6, 1-5 NE-10) @ Merrimack (2-5, 2-4 NE-10)

When: October 28th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 13-6-0

My Thoughts: Plenty of offense on display.

St. Anselm escaped Pace with a 35-34 victory. The Hawks trailed early but rallied for their first victory of the season. They were able to use the arm and legs of Eric Fairweather to help them win the game. They also overcame a missing extra point and not recovering an onsides kick late to pull out the win. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to play a 60-minute game on the road. The offense will need to move the ball and the defense will need to prevent the big play.

Merrimack lost on the road to Southern Connecticut 28-9. The Warriors fell behind early and were not able to recover. They struggled to move the ball offensively and made too many mistakes to win the game. They will need to clean up those mistakes as they can't win games with them. For Merrimack to win the game, they will need to establish their offense early and often. The defense will need to make tackles and not allow the clock to work against them.

Merrimack will use the new stadium to their advantage again and win this game.

Prediction: Merrimack 34 St. Anselm 27