October 20th, 2021 12:00pm
As we get closer to the end of October, the games seem to get bigger and bigger.
New Haven (5-1, 4-0 NE10) at Stonehill (5-1, 3-1 NE10)
When: October 23rd, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 10-2-0
My Thoughts: Heavyweight battle.
New Haven took control of the game late and defeated American International 30-14. The Chargers converted on turnovers in the second half to win their fifth straight game. The defense was solid all day while the offense took a little longer as they stalled a couple of times in the red zone. For New Haven to win the game, the offense will need to be crisp and on target from the first snap. The defense will need to contain the Stonehill running game and not allow them to dominate the time of possession.
Stonehill retained the Ol’ Bronze Hawk trophy with their 31-22 victory over St. Anselm. The Skyhawks scored 21 straight points in the third quarter to overcome a halftime deficit and take control of the game. The running game has a new back grinding out long runs and finding the end zone. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to play flawlessly. The offense needs to run the ball and find the end zone when insight. The defense needs to prevent the big play from New Haven and not allow them to move the ball in big chunks.
This game will live up to the hype. Both teams will play well but the home team will make a play late to get their title hopes alive.
Prediction: Stonehill 34 New Haven 31
Southern Connecticut (3-4, 2-3 NE10) at Franklin Pierce (0-6, 0-4 NE10)
When: October 23rd, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 1-0-0
My Thoughts: Another overtime game?
Southern Connecticut lost at home to Bentley 34-20 last Saturday. The Owls allowed a couple of late touchdowns in the first half and just were never able to recover. The defense had no answer for the Bentley weapons while the offense was not able to gain any momentum with their quarterbacks. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to find some magic on the offensive side of the ball. The defense will need to get stops and allow their own offense time to work out their game plan.
Franklin Pierce fell on the road in two overtimes to Pace 39-31. The Ravens fell in the second straight game in the extra session and are getting so close to breaking into the win column. They scored first in overtime but were not able to stop the Pace offense. It was a tough bus ride home for a team that continues to make strides each week. For Franklin Pierce to win the game, they need to continue to play as they have in the last two games. The offense needs to continue to move the ball while the defense needs to make tackles in the open field.
Southern Connecticut will win an ugly game.
Prediction: Southern Connecticut 23 Franklin Pierce 19
American International (3-4, 1-4 NE10) at Assumption (3-3, 3-1 NE10)
When: October 23rd, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 15-8-0
My Thoughts: Teams headed in opposite directions.
American International lost their fourth straight game, this time to New Haven 30-14. The Yellow Jackets did have a lead in the third quarter, but mistakes cost them a chance to win the game. The offense was not as solid as at the beginning of the season and the defense was backed up all day long. For American International to win on the road, they need to play a complete game. The offense needs to move the ball and not give the ball away. The defense needs to pressure the quarterback and make some plays.
Assumption had the weekend off after defeating Franklin Pierce 35-28 in overtime two weeks ago. The Greyhounds needed the week off to rest and recoup from the first six weeks of the season. The defense has played well and gotten better as the season has progressed. The offense is always capable of scoring quickly.
Assumption used the break to rest their legs and it will be their legs that will win the game.
Prediction: Assumption 30 American International 10
Pace (1-5, 1-3 NE10) at St. Anselm (1-5, 1-4 NE10)
When: October 23rd, 2:00 PM
All-Time Series: St. Anselm leads the series, 14-8-0
My Thoughts: Good rivalry game.
Pace survived a two-overtime game to defeat Franklin Pierce 39-31. The Setters tied the game late in regulation and then scored on both of their possessions in overtime. Carlton Aiken returned from injury and willed Pace to the win with his arm and damaged legs. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to play the same way that they did in overtime and repeat it for 60 minutes. The offense moves the ball with ease while the defense brings the hammer on the opposing quarterback.
St. Anselm lost to Stonehill 31-22 on the road. The Hawks were the better team in the opening 30 minutes but were not able to sustain the momentum in the second half. The defense allowed 21 straight points in the third quarter and that was the difference in the game. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will need to excel on their short passing game and move the ball with yards after the catch. The defense will need to contain the Pace offensive weapons and not allow them to make any big plays.
This game will a high-scoring affair and that will benefit the home team.
Prediction: St. Anselm 38 Pace 30