November 10th, 2021 1:00pm
It is the final week of the season and one team has ended their season earlier than anticipated. We have determined a champion but there is still a lot to be decided. Seniors will be dressing up for the final time of their career and it will be an emotional day.
Pace (2-7, 2-5 NE10) at American International (3-6, 1-6 NE10)
When: November 13th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 19-4-0
My Thoughts: A lot has changed since September.
Pace defeated Southern Connecticut 18-16 last Saturday. The Setters fell behind in the first half but used a couple of big plays to change the momentum and grab the victory. Both sides of the ball contributed to the win, but it was the defense that played their best game of the season. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to repeat the game plan of last weekend. The defense will need to apply pressure and not allow the opposing offense to find any rhythm. And the offense will need to make plays and find the end zone.
American International had last weekend off and it came at the right time. The Yellow Jackets have struggled since September and needed to re-focus to finish the season on a positive note. They have dropped six straight after winning the first three games of the season. For American International to win the game, they will need to find the magic of the first three weeks of the season. The offense needs to move the ball with ease, and their defense needs to wreak havoc in the backfield.
Pace will make a play late in the game to end the season on a positive note.
Prediction: Pace 20 American International 16
Assumption (5-4, 5-2 NE10) at #24 Bentley (8-1, 6-1 NE10)
When: November 13th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 37-12-0
My Thoughts: Revenge game.
Assumption defeated St. Anselm 44-35 last weekend. The Greyhounds once again dominated in the run game as they had two different people amass over 100 yards in the game. The defense did enough to win the game as they made some plays down the stretch. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to control the clock with their running game. They need to move the chains and find the end zone. The defense will need to be aggressive and make some plays to limit the Bentley weapons.
Bentley fell on the road to New Haven 31-14. The Falcons were pushed all around the field and struggled to overcome their own mistakes. It was not the way that they played in the previous eight games, and it came out at the wrong time. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to put the New Haven game behind them quickly and get back to what made them a top team this year. The offense needs to make big plays and the defense needs to be strong.
These teams were in the same position in 2017 and could this game be a repeat. The answer is no as Bentley will bounce back to solidify their playoff hopes.
Prediction: Bentley 38 Assumption 24
Stonehill (7-2, 5-2 NE10) at Southern Connecticut (4-5, 3-4 NE10)
When: November 13th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 21-4-0
My Thoughts: Always a hard-hitting game.
Stonehill easily defeated Franklin Pierce 34-7 last Saturday. The Skyhawks started fast and never looked back. The running game was the key to the victory as they had over 250 yards on the ground. The defense was just as strong as they limited Franklin Pierce all day long. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to repeat their last couple of weeks on the defensive side of the ball. Pressure the quarterback and not allow the opposing running backs to find any holes. And then give the ball to their backs and allow them to grind out the yards.
Southern Connecticut lost to Pace 18-16. The Owls jumped out quickly but were not able to play a full game. They allowed a couple of big plays in the third quarter and that was the difference in the game. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to play a complete game. The defense will need to contain the run and their own offense will need to move the ball and find the end zone.
Stonehill is the better team and will take the game.
Prediction: Stonehill 28 Southern Connecticut 10
#23 New Haven (8-1, 7-0 NE10) at Franklin Pierce (0-9, 0-7 NE10)
When: November 13th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 2-0-0
My Thoughts: Upset special?
New Haven won the regular season NE10 title with a 31-14 victory over Bentley last weekend. The Chargers were strong for 60 minutes and left no doubt that they are the top team in the league. They were on a mission to win the league and the team focused on that goal the entire season. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to play like the game is for the NE10 title. They will need to come out strong and take care of business on both sides of the ball.
Franklin Pierce fell on the road to Stonehill 34-7. The Ravens were never able to establish their running game and had trouble slowing down the running game of Stonehill. They have one final shot to grab their first NE10 victory before time runs out. For Franklin Pierce to win the game, they will need to play a game like they have not played in 2021. The offense will need to be perfect, and the defense will need to be in the right place all game long.
New Haven will have a small hangover from last Saturday but will quickly take control of the game.
Prediction: New Haven 38 Franklin Pierce 13