October 14th, 2021 2:00pm
Welcome to the middle of October. Teams are starting to hit their stride or are still trying to find that groove to finish the season strong.
New Haven (4-1, 3-0 NE10) at American International (3-3, 1-3 NE10)
When: October 16th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 19-7-0
My Thoughts: Teams headed opposite ways
New Haven easily defeated St. Anselm 56-7 last Saturday. The Chargers were in control the entire afternoon as they scored on both sides of the ball. The offense moved the ball easily while the defense recorded six interceptions and took two back for scores. For New Haven to win on the road, they need to stick to their game plan. Having the offense move the chains and find the end zone. The defense needs to make some plays and harass the opposing quarterback.
American International fell for the third straight time, this time to Stonehill 25-0. The Yellow Jackets were not able to find any momentum in the game and have scored just seven points in the last two games. The defense has not been bad as they held Stonehill to three field goals in the opening half and just 50% in the red zone. For American International to win their homecoming game, they will need to find the formula of the first three weeks of the game. The offense needs to stretch the field and allow the backs some space. The defense needs to tighten up and make third-down stops.
New Haven is the better team right now and will control the game.
Prediction: New Haven 35 American International 10
# 20 Bentley (6-0, 4-0 NE10) at Southern Connecticut (3-3, 2-2 NE10)
When: October 16th, 2:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 13-9-0
My Thoughts: Upset brewing?
Bentley took care of business in their 26-0 victory over Pace. The Falcons allowed a mere 146 yards of offense to the Setters while their own offense was grinding out yards on the ground. They won the game in trenches and took on the next challenge without looking ahead. For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to play the same game that they have played for six straight weeks. The offense controls the game clock and punches the ball into the end zone. The defense continues to play well and doesn’t allow any big plays.
Southern Connecticut lost last weekend at Assumption 26-0. The Owls struggled on both sides of the ball as they fell behind early and just never recovered. The offense that seemed to be able to move the ball was completely bottled up and not able to do much. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to control the clock with their running game. The Owls will also need to limit the big-play capability of Bentley and not allow them to find the end zone with consistency.
Southern Connecticut will make this game close, but the experience of Bentley will prevail in the end.
Prediction: Bentley 27 Southern Connecticut 22
Franklin Pierce (0-5, 0-3 NE10) at Pace (0-5, 0-3 NE10)
When: October 16th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Pace leads the series, 1-0-0
My Thoughts: Someone wins their first game of the season.
Franklin Pierce enters the game fresh off their bye week. The Ravens fell to Assumption in overtime the last time on the field and are starting to impress. The offense got a boost from a new quarterback, and they scored the most points in their two years against NE10 competition. For Franklin Pierce to win on the road, they will need to win the line of scrimmage. The offensive line will need to give the quarterback time to find his playmakers. The defense will need to pressure the opposing quarterback and get off the field on third down.
Pace struggled on the road in falling to Bentley 26-0. The Setters were never able to gain any traction in the game and fell for the fifth straight time this year. Both sides of the ball were not able to slow down Bentley. For Pace to win the game, they will need to find some consistency. The offense needs to play as they did in the first half of the New Haven and do it for 60 minutes. The defense needs to play as they did in the second half against East Stroudsburg and do it for 60 minutes.
Both teams are desperate for the first W in their win column, and I think that Pace will grab it.
Prediction: Pace 24 Franklin Pierce 14
St. Anselm (1-4, 1-3 NE10) at Stonehill (4-1, 3-1 NE10)
When: October 16th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Stonehill leads the series, 17-5-0
My Thoughts: Ol’ Bronze Hawk on the line.
St. Anselm fell on the road to New Haven 56-7. The Hawks struggled as they were picked six times and had no answer for the Charger offensive attack. They had some momentum heading into halftime, but it was quickly taken away. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they will need to play a complete game. The offense needs to move the ball via the air and control the clock. The defense will need to bottle up all of the weapons for Stonehill and not allow them open space to make big plays.
Stonehill defeated American International 25-0 on the road last Saturday. The Skyhawks were in control of the game from whistle to whistle and are on a three-game winning streak in the league. Both sides of the ball executed their game plans to perfection, and it showed in the final score. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need a repeat performance of last Saturday. Frustrate the opposing offense and make them turn over the football. Let their own offense move the ball up and down the field to put points on the scoreboard.
Stonehill will continue their winning streak and retain the trophy.
Prediction: Stonehill 38 St. Anselm 24