September 28th, 2022 3:00am
Two undefeated teams highlight another great weekend of football.
Post (0-4, 0-0 Independent) at Pace (2-2, 1-1 NE10)
When: October 1st, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
My Thoughts: Battle of the short college names.
Post lost on the road at Northern Michigan 42-14 last Saturday. The Eagles were in the game at halftime but were not able to slow down the Wildcat offense in the second half. They allowed nearly 500 yards per game. For Post to win on the road, they will need to establish their running game and control the clock. The defense will also need to get third down stops and get off the field.
Pace lost to Assumption 26-14 last Saturday afternoon. The Setters fell behind early and were never able to overcome that deficit. The offense clicked for some quick scoring drives in the third quarter but was not able to score anything else together for the rest of the game. For Pace to win on their home turf, they will need to jump out early and score points. The defense will need to control the line of scrimmage and limit the running attack of Post.
Pace will establish their offense early and win this game.
Prediction: Pace 45 Post 10
Assumption (2-1, 1-0 NE10) at Southern Connecticut (0-4, 0-2 NE10)
When: October 1st, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 11-9-0
My Thoughts: Two teams headed in opposite directions
Assumption won on the road at Pace by a score of 26-14. The Greyhounds jumped out to an early lead and their defense did the rest. The defense has allowed just 14 points against Division II opponents and will look to improve this weekend. For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to repeat their game plan against Pace. Score points early, control the clock, and the defense gets off the field quickly.
Southern Connecticut fell on the road to Saint Anselm 21-14. The Owls were in the control for nearly three quarters but were not able to close the game out. It has been an all too familiar scenario for Southern Connecticut as they have not been able to play well for 60 minutes. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to play a full 60 minutes. The offense needs to move the ball and score when in the red zone. Their defense will need to stuff the running game all afternoon long.
This will be a physical game and one that is well suited for Assumption to grind out yards to win this game.
Prediction: Assumption 27 Southern Connecticut 13
Bentley (2-2, 0-1 NE10) at Franklin Pierce (1-3, 1-1 NE10)
When: October 1st, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 2-0-0
My Thoughts: Upset special?
Bentley fell at home to New Haven 21-13 last Friday night. The Falcons were poised to take the lead, but a costly fumble was returned for a score. They had all the momentum but were not able to seize the lead to win the game. For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to look back at their two victories and get their offense going. Moving the ball with ease and getting into the end zone. The defense will need to clog up the middle and not allow Franklin Pierce to move the ball easily.
Franklin Pierce defeated American International 7-3 in Springfield for their first victory in the NE10. The Ravens put together an outstanding defensive effort and found the end zone just enough to win on the road. It was a huge day for the program, and it was a day that most people saw coming sooner than later. For Franklin Pierce to win at home, they will need to play another outstanding defensive game and not allow Bentley to score points at will. The offense will need to continue to improve and find the end zone multiple times.
It will be an electric atmosphere in Rindge to celebrate the team, but Bentley will be the team that wins the game.
Prediction: Bentley 28 Franklin Pierce 10
New Haven (3-1, 2-0 NE10) at Saint Anselm (4-0, 2-0 NE10)
When: October 1st, 3:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 9-3-0
My Thoughts: First place on the line.
New Haven won the road over Bentley 21-13 last Friday night. With the Chargers’ offense struggling, it was the defense that stepped up and scored a touchdown. That cut the momentum of Bentley and allowed New Haven to sneak out of town with the victory. For New Haven to win on the road, they will need to play much better on the offensive side of the ball. They need to establish the running game and then stretch the field with their speedy receivers. The defense will need to make open-field tackles and limit big gains from Saint Anselm.
Saint Anselm came back to defeat Southern Connecticut 21-14. The Hawks trailed most of the game but intercepted a pass in the red zone and then drove the field to win the game with a spectacular catch. The offense made too many turnovers to win the game, but it was once again the underrated defense that made the big play to allow the offense to win the game. For Saint Anselm to win on their home turf, they need to limit the turnovers and not play from behind the entire game. The defense will need to overcome a bigger offensive line to limit the New Haven rushing attack.
This game could see a lot of points scored as both offenses can put up some serious numbers. So that means the defense will rule the day. New Haven will use their experience and size to escape with the victory.
Prediction: New Haven 27 Saint Anselm 19