Out of conference struggles are out of the way. It is on to league play and it is now make or break time for all 10 teams.


Bentley (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 6th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 12-8-0

My Thoughts: Thursday night football.

Bentley was crushed by West Chester in their opener last Thursday night. The Falcons were not able to move the ball and their defense was not able to match the size and strength of the Golden Rams in the trenches. The injury bug also reeked its ugly head as Bentley was without their top wide receiver and then lost another during the game.

Southern Connecticut was impressive on the road in defeating Gannon 35-32. The Owls found an offensive groove that has only showed up at select times in the past couple of years. A late pick six was the difference as Gannon scored as the clock ran out. The running game of Southern Connecticut was solid and averaged six yards per touch.

Bentley was the preseason pick, but injuries have changed the complexion of the team going into week 2. If Austin Ryan plays, it is a close game. If not, Southern Connecticut wins the game.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 27 Bentley 17


American International (0-0, 0-0 NE-10) @ LIU Post (0-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 8th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 17-15-0

My Thoughts: Season opener for both.

American International has a lot of questions coming into the season. They have not seen much success in the past couple of seasons and have a young team. They need to find a consistent offensive flow and have their defense make plays and get off the field.

LIU Post is once again projected to be in the mix for the league title. They have a lot of playmakers back on both sides of the ball and have a Division 1 transfer expected to be under center. The Pioneers have become a regional power and are recruiting strong players year after year.

Post is the more experienced team and will defend their home turf.

Prediction: Post 38 American International 10


New Haven (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) @ Pace (1-0, 0-0 NE-10)

When: September 8th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 9-0-0

My Thoughts: Could this be the time?

New Haven fell on the road to Bryant 41-31. The Chargers were able to hang with a Division 1 FCS team for most of the game and that is a good sign for the team. They have some playmakers and will need to win games in the league. They need to play solid for 9 straight weeks in league play.

Pace was very impressive in their 23-10 road win over Millersville. The Setters were good on both sides of the ball and seem like they are ready to make some noise in the league. The defensive line was strong in the trenches and the defense even had a pick six. The offense might have found a quarterback who is able to distribute the ball all over the field.

Pace nearly upset New Haven on the blue turf last year and seems to be a little better this year. But New Haven has also upped their game and will find a way to win on the road.

Prediction: New Haven 28 Pace 17


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

When: September 8th, 6:00 PM

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

My Thoughts:Prediction: Stonehill 24 St. Anselm 14


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

When: September 8th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 15-8-0

My Thoughts: Big game for both teams.

Assumption struggled in the first half and nearly pulled off a comeback but ultimately fell to Kutztown 32-28. The Greyhounds fell behind 26-0 and looked like they were going to be blown out. But the offense found their groove and scored on three straight drives. The defense overcame their early struggles but were penalized too much to win the game.

Merrimack lost on the road to Bloomsburg 30-16. The Warriors started a number of true freshman and were pleased with the results. They found a quarterback capable of stretching the field with the fast wide receivers. And the defense kept them in the game to give the Warriors a chance to win on the road.

This game is critical to both teams as neither wants to start 0-2 on the season. But I think that Assumption will make a late play to take the game.

Prediction: Assumption 34 Merrimack 30