November 2nd, 2022 6:00am
Welcome to November.
Assumption (6-2, 5-1 NE10) at Saint Anselm (5-3, 2-3 NE10)
When: November 5th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 17-6-0
My Thoughts: Offense versus defense.
Assumption defeated New Haven 14-13 to jump into first place in the league. The Greyhounds held one of the better offenses in check and earned their first victory in five years against the Chargers. They are in a good position to grab some hardware and play some additional games this month. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to repeat their game plan. Let the defense dominate the opposing offense and then the offense will make enough plays to give them a lead.
Saint Anselm lost a tough one on the road to Pace 17-14. The Hawks were without their starting quarterback but were able to stay close. They had a chance late to win the game but ran out of time. For Saint Anselm to win on their home turf, they will need to spark their offense again. They will need to move the chains and not turn the ball over. The defense will also need to stop the Assumption running game.
This game will be won in the trenches and that is good news for Assumption.
Prediction: Assumption 24 Saint Anselm 14
American International (0-8, 0-5 NE10) at Bentley (6-2, 4-1 NE10)
When: November 5th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 15-12-0
My Thoughts: Two teams headed in opposite directions.
American International lost a heartbreaker to Southern Connecticut 23-22 in overtime. The Yellow Jackets remain winless on the season as it might have been their best chance to get into the win column. They had some offensive productions but struggled in the kicking game. For American International to win on the road, they will need to play a perfect game. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and cause some turnovers. The offense will need to move the ball and score in the red zone.
Bentley enjoyed their bye week after defeating Southern Connecticut two weeks ago. The Falcons had a dominant October as they scored points with ease and their defense was a brick wall. They had the time off to refresh and finish out how to finish the season in style. For Bentley to win on their home turf, they will need to continue their solid play on both sides of the ball. The offense needs to move the ball and put-up points. The defense needs to continue its dominance and not allow any space for the opposing offense.
Bentley is the better team and will win this game easily.
Prediction: Bentley 31 American International 3
Post (0-8, 0-0 Independent) at Southern Connecticut (2-7, 2-4 NE10)
When: November 5th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
My Thoughts: New Rivalry?
Post fell to Franklin Pierce 42-19 last Saturday at home. The Eagles threw seven interceptions and that was the difference in the game. They put their defense in tough positions and were not able to make the necessary stops to win the game. For Post to win on the road, they will need to play a complete 60-minute game. The offense will need to limit turnovers and control the clock. The defense will need to limit the big play and force some turnovers.
Southern Connecticut defeated American International 23-22 in a thrilling overtime game. The Owls scored first in overtime and then survived a missing extra point to escape with their second win of the season. They also returned a point after attempt for two points that helped to put the game into overtime. For Southern Connecticut to win at home, they will need to dominate the line of scrimmage and move the ball down the field. The defense will need to pressure and force Post into bad decisions.
Southern Connecticut will win this game in the second half.
Prediction: Southern Connecticut 31 Post 14
Franklin Pierce (2-7, 1-5 NE10) at New Haven (6-2, 4-1 NE10)
When: November 5th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 3-0-0
My Thoughts: Challenge for both teams.
Franklin Pierce defeated Post 42-19 on their trip to Connecticut last weekend. The Ravens picked off seven passes and used those great field positions to score a program-record number of points. They have been able to win two games on the road and are not intimidated by the opposing crowds. For Franklin Pierce to win on the road, they will need to establish their running game and allow it to open up the passing game. The defense will need to make plays again and give the offense some opportunities.
New Haven dropped a tough one to Assumption by the final of 14-13. The Chargers had a couple of chances to grab the lead but were not able to overcome the deficit. They have struggled to score points in the second half as they seem to jump out early in the game. For New Haven to win on the blue turf, they will need to play a complete game. The offense needs to move the ball consistently and score when given the chance. The defense will need to force a lot of three and punts.
New Haven will bounce back on their home turf.
Prediction: New Haven 38 Franklin Pierce 17