NE10 Preview Week Eight

October 23rd, 2019 9:00am

NE10 Preview Week Eight

Franklin Pierce (1-6, 0-5 NE10) @ American International (2-4, 1-3 NE10)

When:  October 26th, 11:00 AM

All-Time Series:  First Meeting

Thoughts:  Early start again.

Franklin Pierce fell to St. Anselm 50-10 on their home turf.  The Ravens were their own worst enemies as they allowed short fields for the Hawks and not able to keep them out of the end zone.  The defense allowed points but not a ton of yards after the opening quarter.  For the Ravens to win on the road, they will need to correct their mistakes.  The offense needs to move the ball and the defense needs to make stops.

American International lost to Assumption 28-14.  The Yellow Jackets started strong but were stuffed on a fourth and goal from the two-yard line.  They allowed a long scoring drive and played from behind the rest of the afternoon.  For the Yellow Jackets to win on their home field, they will need to move the ball with ease and score in the red zone.  The defense will need to swarm the ball and make plays.

American International is a more physical team and it will show in the second half.

Prediction:  American International 27 Franklin Pierce 10

 

Southern Connecticut (2-5, 2-3 NE10) @ St. Anselm (2-5, 2-2 NE10)

When:  October 26th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series:  Southern Connecticut leads the series, 16-3-0

Thoughts:  Someone gets their third win.

Southern Connecticut lost to cross-town rival New Haven 23-20.  The Owls battled back from a 16-point deficit and nearly tied the game in the final minutes.  It was the third time this year that they rallied late but were not able to pull out the victory.  For the Owls to win on the road, they will need to start fast and not look back.  The offense needs to click early and the defense needs to make stops.

St. Anselm defeated Franklin Pierce 50-10 in a battle of the Granite State.  The Hawks used short fields and the arm of Eric Fairweather to win on the road for the first time this year.  The defense was solid and didn’t allow a touchdown on the afternoon.  For the Hawks to win on their home turf, they will need to bring the magic of the past two victories.  The offense needs to contain to move the ball and the defense will need to make plays when called upon.

Southern Connecticut will finally score late and steal a win on the road.

Prediction:  Southern Connecticut 24 St. Anselm 21

 

Bentley (2-4, 2-2 NE10) @ Pace (4-2, 3-1 NE10)

When:  October 26th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series:  Bentley leads the series, 15-5-0

Thoughts:  Always an entertaining game.

Bentley defeated Stonehill 30-27 on a last-second field goal.  The Falcons lead the entire afternoon until Stonehill tied the game with three minutes to play.  But a fake punt conversion kept the ball in the hands of the Falcon offense, and they drove down to win the game.  For the Falcons to win on the road, they will need to replicate their game plan against Stonehill.  Get on the board early and often and take the pressure off of the defense. 

Pace had the week off following their thrilling 35-32 victory over Assumption.  The Setters earned a week off and needed some time to heal some typical bumps and bruises over the course of a season.  For the Setters to win on their home turf, they will need to find their rhythm early on the offensive side.  They need to mix the pass and run to keep Bentley defense on their heels. 

Pace will use their week off to formulate a winning game plan.

Prediction:  Pace 28 Bentley 17

 

Stonehill (4-2, 3-1 NE10) @ Assumption (5-2, 4-1 NE10)

When:  October 26th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series:  Stonehill lead the series, 21-10-0

Thoughts:  First Place on the Line.

Stonehill lost a tough game to Bentley 30-27.  It was the first conference loss for the Skyhawks, and they face a couple of huge games over the next couple of weekends.  They tied the game late but allowed a winning drive in the final three minutes.  For the Skyhawks to win on the road, they will need to rebound and play a full 60 minutes.  The offense needs to move the ball against a good defense and their own defense needs to make plays and get off the field.

Assumption walked away with a 28-14 victory over American International.  The Greyhounds started with a huge goal-line stand and scored on the next drive.  They did what was necessary to win on the road and rebounded from a tough loss the week prior.  For the Greyhounds to win on their home turf, they will need to continue to move the ball and grind out first downs with their backs.  The defense will need to control the line of scrimmage and wrap up the ball carriers.

Assumption will grind out the victory.

Prediction:  Assumption 31 Stonehill 23