November 9th, 2022 4:00am
The final weekend of the regular season.
Bentley (6-3, 4-2 NE10) at Pace (6-3, 4-2 NE10)
When: November 12th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 18-5-0
My Thoughts: 3rd place on the line.
Bentley fell to American International 12-10 last Saturday afternoon. The Falcons were slow out of the gate and were never able to recover. They had a couple of chances to take the lead, but penalties and a good Yellow Jacket defense were the difference. For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to get their offense on track early. The defense will need to contain the Pace offense and limit their big play ability just like in Week Two of the season.
Pace is coming off of a bye and enters on a three-game winning streak. The Setters’ last victim was Saint Anselm two weeks ago. The defense was solid and didn’t allow big plays. For Pace to win on their Senior Day, they will need to contain the Bentley running game and not allow them to control the clock. They will also need to move the ball and score in the red zone.
This game will be a close one and Bentley will make a winning drive late in the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Bentley 24 Pace 20
New Haven (7-2, 5-1 NE10) at Southern Connecticut (3-7, 2-4 NE10)
When: November 12th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 26-6-1
My Thoughts: Elm City Trophy is on the line.
New Haven easily defeated Franklin Pierce 50-6 last weekend. The Chargers came out and asserted their offense early by throwing the ball downfield. The defense did its job and limited the Ravens. For New Haven to win on the road, they will need to be focused and don’t let the distractions of the playoffs interfere. They need to move the ball on offense and not allow the Owls to make the ball when they have it.
Southern Connecticut took care of business with Post by the score of 44-7. The Owls have now won three of their last four games as they have established their running game. For Southern Connecticut to win on its Senior Day, it will need to jump out of the gates quickly. They need to create turnovers and capitalize on all of the Chargers' mistakes.
New Haven will dominate in the trenches and win this game.
Prediction: New Haven 34 Southern Connecticut 14
Saint Anselm (5-4, 2-4 NE10) at American International (1-8, 1-5 NE10)
When: November 12th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 17-4-0
My Thoughts: Could be a defensive battle.
Saint Anselm lost to Assumption 21-12 last Saturday afternoon. The Hawks moved the ball but were not able to find the end zone and settled for four field goals. The defense held the Greyhounds in check but not getting into the end zone cost them the game. For Saint Anselm to win on the road, they will need to score in the red zone. The defense needs to limit the Yellow Jacket offense and not allow them to make big plays down the field.
American International defeated Bentley 12-10 last weekend. It was the first win of the season for the Yellow Jackets as they jumped out to an early lead and let their defense win the game in the second half. They played their best all-around game of the season. For American International to win on Senior Day, they will need to replicate the effort at Bentley. They need to score early and let their defense make some plays.
This game is a toss-up. Both teams could use a victory to end the season on a high note. I picked Saint Anselm to surprise the league this year and go with them in the season finale.
Prediction: Saint Anselm 21 American International 13
#25 Assumption (7-2, 6-1 NE10) at Post (0-9, 0-0 Independent)
When: November 12th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
My Thoughts: Another winless team with an upset?
Assumption won the NE10 title with a 21-12 victory over Saint Anselm last weekend. The Greyhounds once again won the game because of their defense. They held the Hawks to four field goals and were solid in the red zone. The offense did their usual work to put enough points on the board on a windy afternoon. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to win this game in the first quarter. The defense needs to make stops and the offense needs to score points. If they allow Post to stay close and not build an early lead, they might be in for a fight.
Post lost to Southern Connecticut 44-7 last Saturday. The Eagles have struggled the past five weeks by playing some of the bigger teams in the NE10 and have not been able to match up well. They have been a better team at home and played their opponents closer on their turf. For Post to win on their home turf, they will need to play a 60-minute game. The offense will need to move the chains and control the clock. The defense will need to find a way to stop the ground attack of Assumption.
Assumption has the playoffs in its sights and will not entertain any upsets right now.
Prediction: Assumption 35 Post 7