Third week of the league season and things are starting to sort themselves out.


Assumption (2-1, 2-0 NE-10) @ Pace (2-1, 1-1 NE-10)

When: September 21st, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 14-11-0

My Thoughts: Friday Night Lights

Assumption took care of business in their 66-3 victory over St. Anselm last Friday night. They were strong on both sides of the ball and looked like a team that still has a lot to prove. The Greyhounds need to play mistake free on the road and also swarm the ball on defense.

Pace had an impressive fourth quarter to defeat American International 27-7. After trailing for 15 seconds, they returned the ensuing kickoff for a score and the start of 21 straight points to have their second straight 2-1 start to the season. The Setters will need to find a way to slow down the Assumption offense and also grind out the clock with their rushing game.

Assumption will continue their solid play with another night road victory.

Prediction: Assumption 38 Pace 16


Bentley (1-2, 1-1 NE-10) @ LIU Posts (2-0, 2-0 NE-10)

When: September 22nd, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 14-8-0

My Thoughts: Always a good game.

Bentley lost to Merrimack 35-30 in their homecoming game. The defense was not able to stop the rushing attack of the Warriors and a late strip sack for a score was the difference. The Falcons are going to need to play mistake free and stretch the field for their running game. The defense will need to play well for 60 minutes.

Post went on the road and defeated Stonehill 27-7. The offense clicked in the second half as they scored three touchdowns in the final 30 minutes and the defense was once again solid. The Pioneers will need to jump out a little quicker and score early and often. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and cause some turnovers.

Post is looking for revenge from last year and will find it.

Prediction: Post 24 Bentley 7


American International (0-2, 0-2 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (0-2, 0-2 NE-10)

When: September 22nd, 2:00 PM

All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 17-1-0

My Thoughts: First victory on the line.

American International lost their home opener to Pace 27-7. The defense was solid for three quarters but struggled in the final 15 minutes. They took a quick lead but then surrendered 21 straight points. The Yellow Jackets will need to find their offensive rhythm and control the clock. The defense will also need to make some plays.

St. Anselm had a forgettable trip to Worcester and lost 66-3 to Assumption. They moved the ball early in the game, but a turnover changed the course of the game in the wrong way. The Hawks will need to duplicate their offensive output two weeks ago against Stonehill. The defense will need to make third down stops and not allow any big plays.

St. Anselm will have a winning drive late in the fourth quarter to win the game.

Prediction: St. Anselm 20 American International 16


New Haven (2-1, 2-0 NE-10) @ Merrimack (1-2, 1-1 NE-10)

When: September 22nd, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 6-3-0

My Thoughts: Road teams dominate this matchup.

New Haven scored 30 straight points to defeat Southern Connecticut 38-17 last weekend. They used the arm of Ajee Patterson once again to help propel them to their second win of the season. The Chargers will need more of their balanced attack on the offensive side of the ball and the defense will need to continue making plays.

Merrimack rallied on the road to defeat Bentley 35-30. They scored 21 straight points to take the lead and then used a fumble recovery for a score to seal their first victory of the season. The Warriors will need to continue to pound the ball on the ground and control the clock. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and cause some takeaways.

New Haven is the hot team at the moment and will continue their winning ways.

Prediction: New Haven 38 Merrimack 21


Stonehill (1-2, 1-1 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (1-2, 0-2 NE-10)

When: September 22nd, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 20-2-0

My Thoughts: Always a memorable game.

Stonehill fell to LIU Post 27-7 last Saturday night. The defense kept them within striking distance, but the offense was not able to generate enough points to win the game. The Skyhawks will need to regain their running game from earlier in the season to control the clock. The defense will also need to cause some turnovers for the offense to have a couple of short fields.

Southern Connecticut lost to New Haven 38-17 as they were not able to take advantage of solid field position early in the game. The Owls will need to regain their mojo from the Gannon road win. The offense needs to score in the red zone and the defense will need to come up with some big stops.

Southern Connecticut will get off the mat and get their first league victory.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 23 Stonehill 13