October 27th, 2021 3:00pm
It is the final weekend of October. It is put up or shut up time in the season.
Stonehill (5-2, 3-2 NE10) at Pace (1-6, 1-4 NE10)
When: October 30th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Stonehill leads the series, 15-10-0
My Thoughts: Always a competitive game.
Stonehill struggled in their 42-20 loss to New Haven last Saturday. The Skyhawks were overmatched in all phases of the game as they had a chance to make a major statement. They made the final score respectable as they scored the final 20 points of the game. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to get back to running the football. They have several backs capable of putting up big numbers and need to get back to grinding out yards.
Pace fell on the road to St. Anselm 24-16. The Setters fell behind early and were just never able to recover. The offense was one-dimensional but not able to dig out of the early hole. For Pace to win the game, they will need to play a full game. The offense needs to move the ball early and often. The defense will need to contain the playmakers of Stonehill and not allow them to have open space to make plays.
Stonehill will bounce back to win on the road.
Prediction: Stonehill 35 Pace 14
American International (3-5, 1-5 NE10) at St. Anselm (2-5, 2-4 NE10)
When: October 30th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 18-2-0
My Thoughts: Teams going in different directions.
American International fell on the road at Assumption by the score of 42-21. The Yellow Jackets have lost five straight games and have lost the magic of the first three weeks of the season. They have struggled on both sides of the ball and have just not been able to make enough plays. For American International to win on the road, they will need to play a complete 60-minute game. The offense needs to click early and move the chains. The defense needs to find a way to slow down the passing game of St. Anselm and make tackles in the open field.
St. Anselm defeated Pace 24-16 to grab their second victory of the season. The Hawks used their defense to frustrate the Setter offense to win the game. They pressured the quarterback all day long and allowed nothing from the Pace running backs. For St. Anselm to win the game, they will dial up the same defensive plan as last weekend. Limit the run and not allow big plays in the passing game. And let their offense do their thing and move the chains to set up scoring opportunities.
This game will come down to a late turnover and the home team will find a way to celebrate.
Prediction: St. Anselm 24 American International 20
Franklin Pierce (0-7, 0-5 NE10) at # 15 Bentley (7-0, 5-0 NE10)
When: October 30th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 1-0-0
My Thoughts: Opposite end of the standings.
Franklin Pierce fell at home to Southern Connecticut 43-24. The Ravens just had no answer for the Owl offense as each time they cut a deficit in the game, they allowed a score and were never able to dig out of the hole. For Franklin Pierce to win the game, they will need to slow down the playmakers of Bentley. The defense needs to get off the field while giving their own offense a chance to make plays.
Bentley enjoyed their bye week after winning at Southern Connecticut two weeks ago. The Falcons used their off weekend to rest up for the stretch run as they are in a position to defend their league title. Injuries were starting to mount for Bentley but a weekend without football couldn’t have come at a better time. For Bentley to win the game, they need to continue their script from the first seven weeks of the season. An offense that moves the ball and finishes drives with scores. A defense that is all over the field and doesn’t allow any big plays.
Bentley is the better team and will take control of the game early.
Prediction: Bentley 38 Franklin Pierce 10
Assumption (4-3, 4-1 NE10) at New Haven (6-1, 5-0 NE10)
When: October 30th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 8-6-0
My Thoughts: Game of the weekend.
Assumption easily defeated American International 42-21 to stay in position for a league title opportunity. The Greyhounds used a couple of running back to grind out nearly 300 yards. They continued their solid play as they excelled on both sides of the ball. For Assumption to win on the road, they are going to need to establish their running game. They must play mistake-free on both sides of the ball and not allow big plays from the New Haven offense.
New Haven dominated Stonehill 42-20 to stay undefeated in league play. The Chargers blocked two punts and took advantage of every Stonehill mistake in the game. The defense applied pressure all day long and the offense used their short field opportunities to win the game. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to continue their game plan from the first seven games of the season. The offense puts the ball into the end zone. The defense flies around and wreaks havoc on the opposing offense.
This matchup is always hard-hitting and very physical in the trenches. New Haven is playing well right now and will bottle up the Assumption offense.
Prediction: New Haven 31 Assumption 13