October 6th, 2021 5:00pm
We are crossing the halfway point of the season. Each week, the games get bigger, and the importance of winning is heightened.
Southern Connecticut (3-2, 2-1 NE10) at Assumption (2-3, 2-1 NE10)
When: October 8th, 7:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 11-8-0
My Thoughts: Friday Night Lights
Southern Connecticut defeated American International 23-7 last Friday with an impressive defensive effort. The Owls gave up a first-quarter touchdown and then shut down the AIC offense the rest of the evening. The offense was led by the ground game and just pushed forward all night long. For Southern Connecticut to win the game, they will need to repeat their Friday Night magic. A strong defensive effort and an opportunistic offense when they have the ball in the red zone.
Assumption escaped Franklin Pierce with a 35-28 overtime victory. After allowing a last-minute touchdown to send the game to overtime, the Greyhounds scored first, and they held the Ravens out of the end zone after a first and goal on the seven-yard line. The ground game was strong again by Assumption and the passing game converted when needed. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to stop the ground game of Southern Connecticut and let their own rushing attack control the clock. Their defense will need to get third-down stops and allow the offense to move the chains.
If it is Friday night, it is the night of the Owls and time to stop their losing streak to Assumption.
Prediction: Southern Connecticut 24 Assumption 17
Stonehill (3-1, 1-1 NE10) at American International (3-2, 1-2 NE10)
When: October 9th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 22-2-0
My Thoughts: Huge game for both.
Stonehill had the week off after an exciting comeback victory over Assumption two weeks ago. The Skyhawks stormed back in that game and made the off week a little better for the team. They have played well in the first month of the season and hope to keep it going for the rest of the season. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to get space for Justin Felder to run the ball and control the clock. The defense will also need to limit the passing game of American International and not allow them to convert big plays.
American International lost last Friday at Southern Connecticut 23-7. The Yellow Jackets scored first but were not able to find the end zone again. The defense played well enough to win but had trouble with the multiple backs of Southern Connecticut. For American International to win the game, they will need to find the offense that they had in the first four weeks. Moving the chains via the air and grinding out the yards on the ground. The defense will also need to make a play or two to get the offense solid field position.
This game will be physical and come down to the final minute. Stonehill will have the ball and score late to enjoy their bus ride home.
Prediction: Stonehill 29 American International 24
Pace (0-4, 0-2 NE10) at # 23 Bentley (5-0, 3-0 NE10)
When: October 9th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 16-5-0
My Thoughts: Two teams headed opposite ways.
Pace enters the game off a 28-14 loss to New Haven. The Setters held the Chargers in check most of the day but allowed two late scores that were the difference in the game. The offense moved the ball at times but just couldn’t find the end zone enough to win the game. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to play 60 minutes and be mistake-free. The offense needs to move the chains and find the end zone. The defense needs to slow down all the weapons of Bentley and not allow them to control the game.
Bentley defeated St. Anselm 34-21 on the road last weekend. The Falcons were in control early in the third quarter before the Hawks stormed back and nearly stole the game. They used their air attack to build the lead and a big run at the end to seal the victory. For Bentley to win the game, they will need to repeat the game plan against St. Anselm. Score early and limit the opposing offense to nothing of substance. Let Sturm control the game and put the ball into the hands of the players that will make plays.
Bentley is the better team and will control the game.
Prediction: Bentley 38 Pace 14
St. Anselm (1-3, 1-2 NE10) at New Haven (3-1, 2-0 NE10)
When: October 9th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 8-3-0
My Thoughts: Upset time?
St. Anselm fell to Bentley 34-21 last Saturday. The Hawks had their chances to make an unbelievable comeback after digging themselves an early hole. But too many mistakes in the red zone in the second half cost them from knocking off the top team in the league. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they will need to fix those mistakes and score in the red zone. The defense will need to make plays against the always tough New Haven offense and not allow them to control the pace of the game.
New Haven defeated Pace 28-14 last weekend to stay undefeated in the NE10. The Chargers were not at their best all game long but did enough to win the game. The offense struggled at times but put together a couple of drives in the fourth quarter to win the game. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to have their offense score early and often. The defense needs to control the St. Anselm offense and not allow them to convert on third down.
St. Anselm has won in the past on the blue turf, but New Haven will take control in the final quarter to win a shootout.
Prediction: New Haven 38 St. Anselm 29