October 30th, 2019 8:00am
Welcome to November football. It is time to separate the contenders from the pretenders.
Three weeks of football left to decide who is going to win the league title.
American International (3-4, 2-3 NE10) @ Pace (4-3, 3-2 NE10)
When: November 2nd, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 18-4-0
Thoughts: Always a memorable matchup.
American International defeated Franklin Pierce 34-12 last Saturday. The Yellow Jackets turned up the defensive intensity as they allowed just 106 yards of total offense. Their own offense used a solid running game to grind out the victory. For the Yellow Jackets to win on the road, they will need to contain the Pace weapons. The offense will need to make plays and score when they are in the red zone.
Pace lost to Bentley 28-21 on their home turf. The Setters rallied from 20-7 to take a brief lead before Bentley put up the winning points. Their offense was solid on the opening drive and then quiet until the fourth quarter. For the Setters to win on their home turf, they will need to play a 60-minute game. The offense needs to move the ball each time it has the chance and the defense will need to play strong for the entire game.
Pace will find a way to bounce back.
Prediction: Pace 27 American International 16
St. Anselm (3-5, 3-2 NE10) @ Bentley (3-4, 3-2 NE10)
When: November 2nd, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 18-1-0
Thoughts: Two hot teams colliding.
St. Anselm has a three-game winning streak courtesy of their 25-24 victory over Southern Connecticut. The Hawks are finding ways to win games as they used an early fourth-quarter drive to seal the victory. For the Hawks to win on the road, they will need to repeat the game plan of the previous three weeks. Let Eric Fairweather make plays. The defense will need to make stops late in the game.
Bentley won their second straight tight road contest by besting Pace 28-21. The Falcons completely dominated the game except for a stretch in the fourth quarter. They moved the ball with ease and completely bottled up the opposing quarterback. For the Falcons to win their homecoming game, they will need to pretend it is another road game. They need to keep their offense moving and having their defense continue to make plays for 60 minutes.
Bentley will drive late to win the game.
Prediction: Bentley 28 St. Anselm 24
Franklin Pierce (1-7, 0-6 NE10) @ New Haven (4-3, 3-2 NE10)
When: November 2nd, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
Thoughts: New Foes.
Franklin Pierce fell on the road to American International 34-12. The Ravens struggled to move the ball with any consistency as their defense held their own for as long as they could. They were eventually worn down in the second half. 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 the defense will need to make plays on third down to get off the field.
New Haven enjoyed the weekend off. They defeated cross-town rival Southern Connecticut two weeks ago and had plenty of time to rest up for the final stretch of the season. For the Chargers to win on the blue turf, they will need to start fast and get their offense on track early. The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and cause turnovers.
New Haven will win the game with their running attack.
Prediction: New Haven 38 Franklin Pierce 10
Southern Connecticut (2-6, 2-4 NE10) @ Stonehill (4-3, 3-2 NE10)
When: November 2nd, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 21-2-0
Thoughts: Both teams need a win.
Southern Connecticut fell on the road at St. Anselm 25-24. The Owls had another chance to win the game with a late drive but were stopped. The offense had over 500 yards in the game, but a couple of turnovers were the difference in the game. For the Owls to win on the road, they will need to play consistently for 60 minutes. The defense will need to make third-down stops and the offense needs to continue to rack up the yardage through the air.
Stonehill lost a heartbreaker to Assumption 40-37 in double overtime. The Skyhawks were in control in the first half but not able to control the Greyhound offense in the second half and overtime. It is the second straight week that they lost on the final play of the game. For the Skyhawks to win on their home turf, they will need to find a way to put the last two weeks behind them. The offense needs to move the ball and score when they are in the red zone. The defense will need to stop the opposing game and get off the field on third down.
Stonehill will drive late to win another close game.
Prediction: Stonehill 31 Southern Connecticut 27