September 25th, 2019 7:00am
Another week of league play and the games seem to get bigger each week. Plus a nationally televised game in the league Friday night.
New Haven (2-1, 1-0 NE10) @ Bentley (0-2, 0-0 NE10)
When: September 27th, 7:05 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 8-2-0
Thoughts: Friday Night Lights
New Haven defeated American International 37-7 last Saturday afternoon. The offense was balanced for the Chargers and the defense continues to play well. For the Chargers to win on the road, they will need to take the last two weeks and just repeat it. Strong offensive game plan and a defense that swarms the ball and makes tackles.
Bentley enjoyed a much-needed bye week in the third week of the season. They are coming off tough losses at West Chester and American International to open the season. The Falcons were in both games and could easily be undefeated right now. For the Falcons to win on their home turf, they will need to move the ball against a good New Haven defense and not allow the Charger offense to eat up time and yards with their running game.
New Haven will find a way to grind down the Bentley defense.
Prediction: New Haven 27 Bentley 17
Franklin Pierce (1-2, 0-1 NE10) @ Assumption (2-1, 1-0 NE10)
When: September 28th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
Thoughts: First road game for Franklin Pierce.
Franklin Pierce lost to Pace 52-7 last Saturday night. The Ravens were in the game and showed a lot of fight during the game. The offense was able to move the ball but not able to punch it in the red zone. The defense gave up some big plays and also was backed up with special team issues. For the Ravens to win on the road, they will need to play a full 60 minutes. The offense needs to move the chains and score in the red zone. The defense needs to make stops and get off the field on third down.
Assumption defeated Southern Connecticut 19-7 to open league play in style. Their defense was dominating as they recorded eight sacks and did not allow the Southern Connecticut offense to feel comfortable. For the Greyhounds to win on their home turf, they will need to move the ball and punch it into the end zone when given the opportunity. The defense will need to continue with their pressure and forcing turnovers.
Assumption will continue to bring the defense and then the ground game will control the clock.
Prediction: Assumption 34 Franklin Pierce 10
St. Anselm (0-3, 0-1 NE10) @ Pace (2-1, 1-0 NE10)
When: September 28th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: St. Anselm leads the series, 14-7-0
Thoughts: Teams headed in different directions.
St. Anselm lost to Stonehill 35-6 last Saturday. They fell behind early and never were able to recover. The Hawks were not able to stop all of the weapons of Stonehill and then their own offense was not able to generate much in the first half. For the Hawks to win on the road, they will need to play 60 minutes. The offense needs to find their rhythm and move the chains. The defense needs to contain all of the Pace weapons.
Pace defeated Franklin Pierce 52-7 last Saturday night. The offense was able to take advantage of short fields and open receivers to win the game. The defense struggled between the 20s but tightened up in the red zone. For the Setters to win on their home turf, they will need to play better defense. The offense needs to move the ball and get the ball into their playmakers’ hands.
Pace will continue their dominance in this series.
Prediction: Pace 34 St Anselm 10
Southern Connecticut (0-3, 0-1 NE10) @ American International (1-2, 0-1 NE10)
When: September 28th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 34-26-3
Thoughts: Classic rivals.
Southern Connecticut lost its third straight game to open the season, 19-7 to Assumption. The Owls continued to struggle in the turnover game as they lost three fumbles in the game and having trouble sustaining drives. The defense kept them in the game but will need some help from the other side of the ball. For the Owls to win on the road, they need to hold onto the football. They can’t afford to turn the ball over and give up precious field possession.
American International fell to New Haven 37-7 on the road last Saturday. The Yellow Jackets were not able to slow down the Charger offense and not able to repeat their offensive output of a week earlier. For the Yellow Jackets to win on their home turf, they will need to move the ball and control the clock. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and force bad decisions that result in turnovers.
Which team are you going to get on both sides? The home team will find a way to win this game.
Prediction: American International 20 Southern Connecticut 17