November 3rd, 2021 3:00pm
It is the biggest week of the season in the league. Two undefeated teams will play each other. Not to diminish the other three games but all eyes will be in West Haven.
Southern Connecticut (4-4, 3-3 NE10) at Pace (1-7, 1-5 NE10)
When: November 6th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 23-4-0
My Thoughts: Always a good match-up.
Southern Connecticut enters the game off of their bye week. The Owls defeated Franklin Pierce 43-24 two weeks ago as they were led by the arm, legs, and hands of Tyler Papallo. They were able to move the ball and were aided by a bunch of big plays as the defense controlled the Raven offense. For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need to control the clock with their running game. That will keep their defense fresh and when they are on the field, they will bottle up the weapons of Pace.
Pace fell to Stonehill 19-8 last weekend. The Setters struggled to contain the Skyhawk offense and had their own struggles when they had the ball. They are still breaking in some new quarterbacks, and it will be a matter of time before they are able to move the chains. For Pace to win the game, they will need to play mistake-free and not allow Southern Connecticut to make big plays. The offense needs to grind out yards and control the clock.
Southern Connecticut will be hungry coming off their bye week.
Prediction: Southern Connecticut 24 Pace 10
Franklin Pierce (0-8, 0-6 NE10) at Stonehill (6-2, 4-2 NE10)
When: November 6th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Stonehill leads the series, 1-0-0
My Thoughts: Upset weekend?
Franklin Pierce fell on the road to Bentley 24-14. The Ravens were the better team in the opening half but trailed as they headed to the locker room. They continue to make strides week after week and it is a matter of time before they are able to claim their first league victory. For Franklin Pierce to win on the road, they will need to play a complete game and not turn the ball over. The offense needs to find the end zone and the defense needs to control the backs of Stonehill.
Stonehill defeated Pace 19-8 last Saturday. The Skyhawks jumped out early and held the Setter offense in check the entire day. They were able to get their running game going once again after a couple of weeks of struggles. For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to establish their ball-control offense. The defense will need to control the Franklin Pierce offense and bring pressure on the quarterback.
Stonehill will use their running game to take control late.
Prediction: Stonehill 27 Franklin Pierce 16
St. Anselm (3-5, 3-4 NE10) at Assumption (4-4, 4-2 NE10)
When: November 6th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 16-6-0
My Thoughts: Always plenty of points.
St. Anselm won another close game at home, this time 21-16 over American International. The Hawks took control of a back-and-forth affair in the second half to grab their third league victory of the season. It was once again the defense that stepped up late to win the game. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they will need to find a way to bottle up the Assumption running game. The offense will also need to make plays in the opening field and not go three and out right away.
Assumption lost a tough one to New Haven 16-10. The Greyhounds were their own worst enemy as they turned the ball over four times and were not able to overcome those mistakes. They stood toe to toe with New Haven on the road but didn’t get the result that they hoped for. For Assumption to win the game, they will need to establish the run early and control the clock. Their defense can’t let the St Anselm offense feel comfortable and move the ball with ease.
Both teams have the capability of scoring points early and often. So, it will come down to defense late and that will favor the home team.
Prediction: Assumption 34 St. Anselm 28
# 15 Bentley (7-0, 5-0 NE10) at New Haven (6-1, 5-0 NE10)
When: November 6th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 8-3-0
My Thoughts: Game of the year.
Bentley looked sluggish in their 24-14 victory over Franklin Pierce. The Falcons started slow but were able to score a couple of touchdowns in the third quarter to gain control of the game. The defense made a couple of key plays to keep Bentley undefeated. For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to establish the run and allow Sturm to make plays. The defense will need to defend the long pass capability of New Haven and not allow them to get easy points.
New Haven defeated Assumption 16-10 in a hard-fought game. The Chargers moved the ball on the ground, but the rain kept their passing game in check. They came up with the big plays when they needed to and turned them into points. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to pressure Sturm and force him to make mistakes. Their offense is the best when mistakes are made and will need to score on those turnovers.
This game will be physical in the trenches as both teams like to hit their opponents. But it will be New Haven that will make a play late to win the game.
Prediction: New Haven 21 Bentley 20