NE10 Week Four Preview

September 23rd, 2021 4:00am

NE10 Week Four Preview

It is rivalry week in the NE10.  Bragging rights are on the line for the next 365 days as you never want to lose to your rival. 

 Bentley (3-0, 1-0 NE10) at American International (3-0, 1-0 NE10)


When: September 25th, 12:00 PM

All-Time Series:  Bentley leads the series, 14-12-0

My Thoughts:  Only one will stay undefeated

Bentley enters this game off a 24-14 victory over Stonehill.  The Falcons were not explosive on the offensive side of the ball but did enough to win the game.  The defense was the difference maker with a pick-six and consistent pressure on the quarterback.  For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to move the ball better and punch it into the end zone.  The defense will also need to contain DeMild and not allow him to stretch the field with their big receivers.

American International is fresh off a 38-19 victory at Franklin Pierce.  The Yellow Jackets continued their aerial assault as they are playing with a lot of confidence on both sides of the ball.  The defense was able to control the Raven offense and not allow them to make any big plays.  For American International to win their home opener, they will need to play a complete 60 minutes.  The offense needs to take care of the ball and the defense will make stops and not allow the big-play capability of the Falcons.

This game is always close and physical.  Bentley is the more experienced team and will pull away late in the game.


Prediction:  Bentley 27 American International 17 

 

Franklin Pierce (0-3, 0-1 NE10) at St. Anselm (0-2, 0-1 NE10)
 

When: September 25th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series:  St. Anselm leads the series, 1-0-0

My Thoughts:  NH bragging rights on the line.

Franklin Pierce enters the game after falling to American International 38-19.  The Ravens continue to make strides and are looking better each week.  The offense is moving the ball and the defense is not overpowered in the trenches.  For Franklin Pierce to win on the road, they will need to find a way to control the clock and score in the red zone.  The defense will need to contain the weapons of St. Anselm and not allow big plays.

St. Anselm lost a heartbreaker 34-31 on the road to Southern Connecticut.  The Hawks rallied from 14 points down late in the fourth quarter before losing in the final seconds.  The defense struggled to contain the passing game of Southern Connecticut.  For St. Anselm to win their home opener, they will need to execute on each drive.  The offense needs to move the chains and not get off the field quickly.  The defense will need to contain the playmakers of Franklin Pierce and not allow them to be in the game in the second half.

St. Anselm will use their home crowd to grab their first victory of the season.

 

Prediction:  St. Anselm 38 Franklin Pierce 16

 

Southern Connecticut (2-1, 1-0 NE10) at New Haven (1-1, 0-0 NE10)
 

When: September 25th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series:  New Haven leads the series, 24-6-1

My Thoughts:  City bragging right on the line.

Southern Connecticut won a last-second field goal 34-31 to defeat St. Anselm last Friday night.  The Owls were in full control before they allowed a couple of late scores to set up the dramatic ending.  The offense used two different quarterbacks to set up six scoring drives.  The defense was clicking until the final minutes of the game.  For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to move the ball and not turn it over.  The defense will need to make some big plays and not allow New Haven to dictate the pace of play.

New Haven fell at home to Bowie State 27-13.  The Chargers struggled most of the afternoon to move the ball and find the end zone.  The defense struggled in the second half and was not able to slow down a ranked opponent.  For New Haven to win on the blue turf, they will need to play a complete game.  The offense needs to move the chains and punch the ball into the end zone.  The defense needs to pressure the quarterback and force him to make some bad decisions.

When the Elm City Trophy is on the line, it seems like the New Haven Chargers step up their game.


Prediction:  New Haven 27 Southern Connecticut 23

 

Assumption (1-2, 1-0 NE10) at Stonehill (2-1, 0-1 NE10)


When: September 25th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series:  Stonehill leads the series, 21-11-0

My Thoughts:  Always a fun game when they play.

Assumption won their first game of the season 32-21 over Pace last week.  The Greyhounds used a strong offensive attack to score two touchdowns in the second half to get into the win column.  The defense was locked in during the second half and picked off a pass that led to the eventual difference in the final score.  For Assumption to win on the road, they will need to control the game with their running backs.  That will open the field for their receivers to stretch the field.  The defense will also need to find a way to contain the Stonehill backfield.

Stonehill stumbled on the road to Bentley 24-14.  The Skyhawks looked good early but a pick-six by Bentley changed the momentum of the game.  The offense moved the ball, but it was not consistent enough to win on the road in front of a big homecoming crowd.  For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to put that performance behind them and get back to what worked in the opening two weeks.  Justin Felder needs to control the line of scrimmage and the defense needs to make big plays.

Stonehill will start fast and never look back.


Prediction:  Stonehill 34 Assumption 21