October 26th, 2022 4:00am
Big game on Saturday to decide first place.
Southern Connecticut (1-7, 1-4 NE10) at American International (0-7, 0-4 NE10)
When: October 29th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 35-27-3
My Thoughts: Used to be a game to circle on the calendar.
Southern Connecticut fell on the road to Bentley 24-3. The Owls were not able to generate much offense in the game as they struggled to move the ball with consistency. The defense did a good job until the fourth quarter when they allowed a couple of touchdowns and could not recover. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need to play with the lead. The offense needs to start the game fast while the defense does its job by pressuring the quarterback and not allowing big plays.
American International fell to Assumption 24-7. The Yellow Jackets were not able to generate much of an offensive attack and the defense did keep them within distance for most of the game. The defense has struggled most of the season but was much better last weekend. For American International to win the game, they will need to play 60 minutes. The offense needs to find a spark to move the ball up and down the field. The defense needs to create some opportunities for the offense and not allow the game to get out of hand.
This game used to feature both teams with opposite records and a potential playoff position in limbo. Both teams could use a win to pick themselves up from a subpar season. Southern Connecticut will make some plays down the stretch and walk away with the victory.
Prediction: Southern Connecticut 17 American International 7
Saint Anselm (5-2, 2-2 NE10) at Pace (5-3, 3-2 NE10)
When: October 29th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Saint Anselm leads the series, 16-8-0
My Thoughts: Used to be a game that one of the teams got their first win of the season.
Saint Anselm escaped with a 24-20 victory over Post last Saturday night. The Hawks nearly gave the game away down the stretch, but the defense made some plays to win the game. They didn’t play as crisp as they have in the previous weeks as they were coming off their bye week. For Saint Anselm to win on the road, they are going to need to play a mistake-free game. The offense needs to complete passes and move the chains. The defense will need to contain Aiken and not allow him to light up the scoreboard.
Pace enters the game from their 50-7 victory over Franklin Pierce. The Setters scored 43 consecutive points from late in the second quarter to the final whistle to win their fifth game of the season. The offense took some time to get going and once they did, they were unstoppable. For Pace to win on their home turf, they will need to let Carlton Aiken be Carlton Aiken. He runs the offense and gets the ball into the hands of his playmakers. The defense will need to make tackles in the open field and not allow big plays.
This game has the ability to see a lot of points. This will favor Pace as they will score late to win the game.
Prediction: Pace 38 Saint Anselm 30
Franklin Pierce (1-7, 1-5 NE10) at Post (0-7, 0-0 Independent)
When: October 29th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
My Thoughts: Look in the mirror.
Franklin Pierce fell to Pace 50-7 last Saturday. The Ravens were in the game at the half but allowed 35 second-half points. They had no answer for the Setter offense and dropped their final home game of the season. For Franklin Pierce to win on the road, they will need to find some consistency on both sides of the ball. The offense will need to establish themselves and score when given the chance. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and get off the field on third down.
Post fell to Saint Anselm 24-20 last Saturday night. The Eagles had a couple of chances in the fourth quarter to take the lead but were not able to take advantage. They had a wide-open receiver that hit the ground that might have secured their first program victory. For Post to win on their home turf, they will need to take the good points from this game and repeat them. They will need to forget about the mistakes and learn from them, so they are not repeated.
Post is in the same situation that Franklin Pierce was in 2019. They are a young team that is taking its lumps but starting to build a program. The Ravens will win this game in the second half.
Prediction: Franklin Pierce 28 Post 13
# 25 New Haven (6-1, 4-0 NE10) at Assumption (5-2, 4-1 NE10)
When: October 29th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 8-7-0
My Thoughts: Game of the Week.
New Haven enters the game off their bye week. The Chargers defeated Post 67-20 two weeks ago for their sixth straight win as they dominated the young Eagles team. They enter the weekend with a 16-game winning streak in the NE10. For New Haven to win on the road, they will need to jump out early and take control of the game as they have in previous weeks. The offense needs to score early and the defense needs to make stops and not allow Assumption to run the ball with ease.
Assumption defeated American International 24-7 on the road last weekend. The Greyhounds jumped out early and never looked back. They rebounded nicely from their loss to Bentley, and it was once again the defense that dominated the day. The offense did their job by grinding out yards in the running game. For Assumption to win on their home turf, they will need to contain all the offensive weapons for New Haven. The offense will need to control the clock and score when they are in the red zone.
This game will be a physical battle in the trenches. Both teams are built to battle at the line of scrimmage. New Haven has some more playmakers and will walk away with the victory.
Prediction: New Haven 24 Assumption 10