The first week of league play was off the charts. What can this week do to top it?


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

When: September 14th, 7:00 PM

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

My Thoughts: Friday Night Lights

St. Anselm lost a tough three overtime game to Stonehill 57-54. The Hawks had the lead several times in the game but were not able to hang on. Eric Fairweather tossed five touchdown passes and ran for another as he helped to move the offense up and down the field. They will need Fairweather to play mistake free on the road.

Assumption won their first game of the season by defeating Merrimack 49-19. The Greyhounds fell behind 7-0 but then scored 42 straight points. The offense was clicking on all cylinders and the defense contained the big play. They will need their balanced offense to click again and make plays on defense.

Assumption will continue their solid play and win under the lights.

Prediction: Assumption 45 St. Anselm 24


Southern Connecticut (1-1, 0-1 NE-10) @ New Haven (1-1, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 15th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 22-6-1

My Thoughts: Battle of Elm City

Southern Connecticut lost to Bentley 24-22 last Friday afternoon after a weather issues moved the game back a day. The Owls were unstoppable in the first half but didn't realize that the game was two halves. They struggled to move the ball and could not stop Bentley from scoring. They will need to forget that game and realize that this is a huge game against their neighbor.

New Haven played a solid all-around game in their 36-10 victory on the road at Pace. The Chargers used the arm of Ajee Patterson to propel them to the win. The defense forced a couple of turnovers and the offense capitalized each time. They will need to continue their offensive output and stop the ground game on defense.

New Haven has dominated this series in recent memory and it will be more of the same.

Prediction: New Haven 24 Southern Connecticut 13


Pace (1-1, 0-1 NE-10) @ American International (0-1, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 15th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 18-3-0

My Thoughts: Both teams need the win.

Pace lost to New Haven 36-10 but the game was closer that the final score. The Setters had opportunities to score the ball, but turnovers and miscues hurt them all day long. They were not able to slow down the Charger passing game and will need to play better defense. They will need to convert those drives into points on the road.

American International hung with LIU Post for 40 minutes but were not able to stay with them in a 33-8 loss on the road. The Yellow Jackets limited Post to just three points in the first half and most of the third quarter. But then mistakes cost them for the rest of the game. They did have a long touchdown but that was the only offensive highlight. They will need to move the chains and make third down stops.

Pace used this game last year to fuel a strong first half of the season and they will find a way to win on the road.

Prediction: Pace 24 American International 19


Merrimack (0-2, 0-1 NE-10) @ Bentley (1-1, 1-0 NE-10)

When: September 15th, 2:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 15-10-0

My Thoughts: Rivalry game.

Merrimack lost to Assumption 49-19 in their home opener. The Warriors jumped out to a 7-0 lead after the opening drive but then allowed 42 straight points. The team is young and still learning to play at the collegiate level. They were not able to string together enough plays to beat a good Assumption team. They will need to use their weapons and have the young players step up and play beyond their years.

Bentley made a dramatic comeback in the second half to defeat Southern Connecticut 24-22. The Falcons were delayed a day and they seemed to forget that the game started at 2 PM. After a pathetic first half, they inserted a new quarterback and the comeback was on. They will need more of the same as they need to ride the momentum into this weekend.

Bentley will use the momentum of the victory to win at home.

Prediction: Bentley 24 Merrimack 10


LIU Post (1-0, 1-0 NE-10) @ Stonehill (1-1, 0-1 NE-10)

When: September 15th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 13-3-0

My Thoughts: Always a memorable game.

LIU Post was sluggish in the opening half but emerged late in the third quarter to defeat American International 33-8 last Saturday. The Pioneers were not able to generate much offense in the first half but found the rhythm late in the third quarter. The defense was solid all game long. The offense needs to get off to a better start especially on the road.

Stonehill won an epic 57-54 three overtime thriller on the road at St. Anselm. The Skyhawks were down several times in the game including twice in overtime. The team rallied for the victory after a tough opening weekend loss. They slept well on Saturday evening after the game. They will need to ground and pound again to limit the opportunities for the Post offense.

Post will take some time to get going but they will earn the road victory.

Prediction: Post 38 Stonehill 17