October 3rd, 2019 9:00am
Welcome to October!! The leaves are changing, and the games get bigger.
Franklin Pierce (1-3, 0-2 NE10) @ Southern Connecticut (0-4, 0-2 NE10)
When: October 5th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
Thoughts: New vs Old
Franklin Pierce lost to Assumption 53-6 last Saturday. The Ravens fell behind early and were never able to recover. They made too many mistakes to win a game on the road against a quality opponent. For the Ravens to win on the road, they will need to minimize mistakes and play with confidence. The defense needs to get off the field with third-down stops and the offense needs to grind out first down.
Southern Connecticut fell to American International 19-13. The Owls were one yard away from tying the game but were not able to get that crucial yard. It has been a tough month for Southern as they have been in all four games with no wins to show for it. For Owls to win on their home turf, they will need to execute and put the previous struggles behind them. The offense needs to move the ball and their defense needs to make plays.
Southern Connecticut will take care of business on their home turf.
Prediction: Southern Connecticut 34 Franklin Pierce 7
Bentley (1-2, 1-0 NE10) @ Assumption (2-1, 1-0 NE10)
When: October 5th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 36-11-1
Thoughts: First Place on the line.
Bentley was very impressive in their 31-14 victory over New Haven last Friday night. The Falcons took the first play of the game to the end zone and never looked back. All three phases of the game were solid, and it showed the benefits of an extra week to prepare and focus the team. For the Falcons to win on the road, they will need to repeat their performance of last Friday night. The defense needs to cause turnovers, the offense needs to control the clock and moved the chains. And the return team needs to set up short fields for the offense.
Assumption jumped out quickly to easily defeat Franklin Pierce 53-6. The Greyhounds scored four times in the opening quarter and never looked back. Their special teams set up short fields and the offense did the rest. Their defense continues to play better after a tough opening weekend. For the Greyhounds to win on their home field, they will need to be opportunistic when they have the ball. The offense needs to score in the red zone and the defense needs to corral all of the playmakers for Bentley.
This game will be close and come down to the final minutes. Austin Ryan owned this field two years ago and will make another big play for a big road victory.
Prediction: Bentley 34 Assumption 31
American International (2-2, 1-1 NE10) @ Stonehill (2-1, 1-0 NE10)
When: October 5th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 22-1-0
Thoughts: Two surprise teams thus far
American International staged a huge goal-line stand in the final seconds to defeat Southern Connecticut 19-13. The Yellow Jacket defense made huge plays all day long inside the red zone to grab their second victory of the season. The offense was not as productive as weeks past but made the necessary plays when they had to. For the Yellow Jackets to win on the road, they will need to play defense like they always do. They need to get off the field and allow the AIC offense time to move the ball.
Stonehill enjoyed a bye week after defeating St. Anselm two weeks ago. The Skyhawks used the extra time to work on their weaknesses and tie up their loose ends from the first three weeks. For the Skyhawks to win on their home turf, they will need to repeat their offensive and defensive efforts in their two victories. A balanced offense and a defense that doesn’t allow big plays and gets off the field when needed.
American International dominates their series but it is finally time for Stonehill to win on their home turf.
Prediction: Stonehill 24 American International 14
St. Anselm (0-4, 0-2 NE10) @ Tiffin (3-1, 2-0 GMAC)
When: October 5th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
Thoughts: Non-Conference Fun
St. Anselm lost on the road to Pace 42-21. The Hawks jumped out to an early lead but were not able to slow down the Pace offense who scored the next five touchdowns. Eric Fairweather cracked the 4,000-yard mark for passing yards in his career and continues to move up the charts in program history. For the Hawks to win on the road, they will need to play a 60-minute game. They need to limit turnovers and find a way to make big plays.
Tiffin pulled off a huge comeback win over Ohio Dominican 41-31 last Saturday afternoon. The Dragons trailed four different times in the game but hung tough and rallied each time. Nearly 600 yards of total offense will help you win many games and Tiffin used a pretty balanced attack to win their third game of the season. For the Dragons to win at home, they will need more of the same. Throw the ball to their skilled wideouts and then allow their star running back grind out the rest.
Tiffin is a solid team and will win the game.
Prediction: Tiffin 45 St. Anselm 14
Pace (2-1, 1-0 NE10) @ New Haven (2-2, 1-1 NE10)
When: October 5th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 10-0-0
Thoughts: Can this be the year?
Pace used a second-half surge to defeat St. Anselm 42-21 last Saturday. Carlton Aiken was a dual-threat and continues to make plays when the ball is in his hands. The Setter defense allowed points early and then tightened up for their third straight victory. For the Setters to win on the blue turf, they will need to play with confidence. They need to play 60 minutes and make smart decisions when they have the chance. Pressuring the quarterback and scoring in the red zone will be the difference.
New Haven lost on the road to Bentley 31-14. The Chargers were good in the opening five minutes as they had two scoring drives but struggled the rest of the evening. The offense was not able to generate much, and the defense had no answer for the Bentley offense. For the Chargers to win on the blue turf, they will need to get back to basics. The offense needs to move the chains and establish the running game. The defense needs to get to the quarterback and cause bad decisions that result in turnovers.
This game has the makings of the game of the weekend. Both teams need to win to stay in contention for the league title. The defense might be the difference and New Haven has a slight advantage there.
Prediction: New Haven 24 Pace 23