October 5th, 2022 3:00am
We have an extra day of games this weekend.
Saint Anselm (4-1, 2-1 NE10) at Bentley (3-2, 1-1 NE10)
When: October 8th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 20-1-0
My Thoughts: Game of the Week
Saint Anselm enters the game off a 21-10 loss to New Haven. The Hawks were not able to generate much offense, but their defense kept them in the game. They slowed down one of the better offenses over the course of the final three quarters. For Saint Anselm to win on the road, they will need to find some offensive spark again. They need to mirror the success of the first couple of weeks of the season and then let their defense do their job.
Bentley defeated Franklin Pierce 41-0 on the road. The Falcons took control of the game early and never let up the entire afternoon. The offense moved the ball with ease and their defense forced turnovers to help set up solid field possession. For Bentley to win on their home turf, they will need to let Mark Waid create opportunities for his weapons. If he can spread the ball around and find the end zone, it will be a good day.
This game will be a close one and come down to the final minutes. Saint Anselm will make a late defensive stand to win for the first time ever in Waltham.
Prediction: Saint Anselm 28 Bentley 24
# 2 Grand Valley State (5-0, 1-0 GLIAC) at American International (0-4, 0-2 NE10)
When: October 8th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
My Thoughts: Tough out of conference opponent.
Grand Valley defeated Saginaw Valley 29-10 last Saturday night. The Lakers used their balanced offense to defeat their third-ranked opponent of the season. The defense has been strong over the past three weeks as they have limited the opposition to big plays. For Grand Valley to win on the road, they will need to play their game. The offense needs to move the ball up and down the field while the defense gets off the field on third down.
American International comes into the game off a bye week. The Yellow Jackets lost on their home turf two weeks ago to Franklin Pierce 7-3. It was a good week for the team to get back to basics and make sure that they are ready to go for the final six weeks of the season. For American International to pull the upset, they are going to need to play a perfect game. They need to limit the mistakes and find a way to slow down one of the top teams in the country.
Talk about a trap game for Grand Valley. Two games with ranked teams in a strong conference with American International in the middle on the road. I just don’t see it happening.
Prediction: Grand Valley 45 American International 7
Pace (3-2, 1-1 NE10) at New Haven (4-1, 3-0 NE10)
When: October 8th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 12-0-0
My Thoughts: Two experienced quarterbacks.
Pace took care of business as they defeated Post 45-6. The Setters jumped out early and didn’t let the young Post team play with any confidence. They were able to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to make some big plays on both sides of the ball. The offense needs to find a way to slice up the New Haven defense while the defense needs to force mistakes of the Charger’s offense.
New Haven defeated Saint Anselm 21-10 on the road last weekend. The Chargers jumped out to an early lead and let their defense rule the day again. For the second weekend in a row, it was their defense that won the game as they held a good quarterback in check. For New Haven to win on the blue turf, they will need to repeat their defensive performance of the past two weeks and let their offense establish itself by moving the ball and scoring points.
New Haven will again let their defense dominate the game.
Prediction: New Haven 24 Pace 10
Southern Connecticut (0-5, 0-3 NE10) at Bryant (1-4, 0-1 D1 FCS Big South)
When: October 8th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 6-4-0
My Thoughts: Former NE10 rivals.
Southern Connecticut lost at home to Assumption by the score of 28-14. The Owls had some momentum in the third quarter before a couple of special teams’ mistakes cost them a chance to win the game. They have yet to play a complete game and it showed in their record. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they are going to need to play better in all phases of the game. The offense needs to move the chains, the defense needs to make tackles, and the special teams unit needs to play flawlessly.
Bryant lost their Big South opener to North Carolina A&T by the score of 24-13. The Bulldogs have played a lot of close games in the opening weeks against better teams and have not been able to secure as many victories as they should have. For Bryant to win on their home turf, they will need to establish their offense early and not allow any big plays from Southern Connecticut.
Bryant will dominate the line of scrimmage and win this game going away.
Prediction: Bryant 38 Southern Connecticut 10
Franklin Pierce (1-4, 1-2 NE10) at Assumption (3-1, 2-0 NE10)
When: October 9th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 2-0-0
My Thoughts: Should be a great setting for a game.
Franklin Pierce lost at home to Bentley 41-0. The Ravens were not able to continue their winning ways from their first NE10 victory two weeks ago. They once again struggled on the offensive side of the ball as they have not been able to generate many points this year. For Franklin Pierce to win on the road, they will need to find some offensive spark against a good defense. And then the defense will need to stop a good running attack and not play from behind the entire afternoon.
Assumption defeated Southern Connecticut for the 10th consecutive time by a score of 28-14. The Greyhounds took advantage of some special team issues to take control of the game. The defense has been solid from the beginning of the season and will need to repeat its previous performances. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to have the defense continue their brick-wall mentality. The offense will need to grind out the yards and score in the red zone.
This game went into overtime last year but Assumption should be able to take the game in regulation.
Prediction: Assumption 21 Franklin Pierce 6