8 weeks into the season and we have the biggest game of the season to date on the Blue Turf.


Merrimack (2-4, 2-3 NE-10) @ St. Anselm (1-4, 1-4 NE-10)

When: October 20th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series: Merrimack leads the series, 14-6-0

My Thoughts: Always plenty of points in this matchup.

Merrimack started the second half of the season with a 38-24 defeat of Stonehill. The offense exploded for nearly 550 yards of offense and connected on several long plays that resulted in touchdowns. The Warriors will need more of the same offensive output and the defense will need to limit the big play ability of the Hawks.

St. Anselm lost to LIU Post 37-6 for the 15th straight time. They got on the board first with a field goal but were not able to find a way to slow down the Post offense or crack their defense. The Hawks need to play mistake free and get pressure on the Merrimack quarterback. The offense will need to convert on third down and extend drives.

Merrimack will find a way to make more plays and win on the road again.

Prediction: Merrimack 34 St. Anselm 24


Stonehill (1-5, 1-4 NE-10) @ Bentley (1-5, 1-4 NE-10)

When: October 20th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 22-10-1

My Thoughts: Two teams that do not get along.

Stonehill fell to Merrimack 38-24 last Saturday night. They were not able to slow down the Merrimack offense despite another solid rushing attack. The Skyhawks need to find a way to make plays on the defensive side and then grind out the yards when they have the ball. They need to play with confidence on the road.

Bentley's nightmare season continued as they let a 20-0 disappear and fell to Pace 23-20 in overtime on their home turf. The first half was great, and the second half was one to forget. The Falcons need to find their groove on offense and eat up the clock with long drives. The defense needs to stuff the run and not allow big plays.

This game will be a defensive battle and the home team will make one more field goal to win the game.

Prediction: Bentley 13 Stonehill 10


Assumption (5-1, 5-0 NE-10) @ New Haven (5-1, 5-0 NE-10)

When: October 20th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 8-4-0

My Thoughts: Game of the weekend.

Assumption escaped with a 26-20 overtime victory over Southern Connecticut. They allowed a late touchdown and two-point conversion but were able to make a huge defensive stand in overtime. It was a close game that showed how the Greyhounds would react in a tight game after all of the blowouts. The Greyhounds need to find a way to limit the Charger offense and then keep their defense off balance with their pass run option.

New Haven overcame a slow start to defeat American International 33-13. They were not as crisp as the games in the first half but made enough plays to win on the road. Except for a couple of long touchdowns and short fields, the offense struggled and did not look like themselves. The Chargers will need to find a way to move the ball consistently and not allow the big play from the Greyhounds.

This game will be close and come down to the final couple of minutes before Assumption makes a big play to win the game.

Prediction: Assumption 34 New Haven 31


Pace (4-2, 3-2 NE-10) @ # 18 LIU Post (6-0, 5-0 NE-10)

When: October 20th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: Post leads the series, 23-3-0

My Thoughts: Last battle of the Big Apple.

Pace rallied to defeat Bentley 23-20 in overtime over Bentley. They scored all their points in the second half and then overtime. They also dominated the stats as they were able to move the ball and overcame their mistakes. The Setters will need to play mistake free against a solid Post team and continue their confident play.

LIU Post easily defeated St. Anselm 37-6 last Saturday. The Pioneers gave up an early field goal and then the offense started to click. They moved the ball and got the ball into the end zone often. The defense was also able to rebound after a tough week on the road at Shippensburg. The Pioneers need to move the ball and contain the rushing attack of the Setters.

Post will win the game, but these Setters are getting better every week.

Prediction: Post 34 Pace 20


American International (0-5, 0-5 NE-10) @ Southern Connecticut (3-3, 2-3 NE-10)

When: October 20th, 3:00 PM

All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 33-26-3

My Thoughts: Classic rivals.

American International lost at home to New Haven 33-13 last Saturday. They led the game early but allowed too many points down the stretch. The offense had some early success but was not able to sustain enough drives. The Yellow Jackets will need to stuff the running game of the Owls and find a way to keep their offensive drives on track.

Southern Connecticut lost a heartbreaker to Assumption 26-20 in overtime. They were inside the 5 yard line in overtime but came away with zero points and then allowed the winning touchdown. They did rally in the final minute to tie the game with crucial fourth down conversions. The Owls will need to put the Assumption game behind them and come out of the gates ready to go. They need to establish the run and punch the ball into the end zone.

Southern Connecticut will find a way to run the ball and win the game.

Prediction: Southern Connecticut 27 American International 10