September 14th, 2022 6:00pm
Let the league schedule begin along with a non-conference game.
Post (0-2, 0-0 Independent) at Bentley (1-1, 0-0 NE10)
When: September 16th, 6:00 PM
All-Time Series: First Meeting
My Thoughts: Non-conference tilt.
Post lost to former NE10 member Stonehill 76-0. The Eagles are in their first season at the Division II level and are expected to have some growing pains, like the Stonehill game last weekend. For Post to win on the road, they will need to pressure the Bentley quarterbacks and force them to make mistakes. And then the offense will need to convert and not play from behind.
Bentley defeated Pace 41-20 last Saturday afternoon. The Falcons were very good on the defensive side as their front four dominated the line of scrimmage. The offense took advantage of each opportunity and scored when they have the chance. For Bentley to win on their home turf, they will need to replicate the game plan of the Pace game. Solid defense and an offense that scores when they have the chance.
Bentley is the better team and will take care of business on their home field.
Prediction: Bentley 45 Post 7
Pace (1-1, 0-0 NE10) at Southern Connecticut (0-2, 0-0 NE10)
When: September 16th, 7:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 23-5-0
My Thoughts: Friday Night Lights
Pace lost on the road to Bentley 41-20. The Setters had no answer for the Bentley front and didn’t allow their quarterback any time to make plays. The defense also struggled to limit the big play and was not able to stop the Bentley running game. For Pace to win on the road, they will need to play a complete game. The offense needs to move the ball and gets points on the scoreboard. The defense needs to limit the big play and make the stops when called upon.
Southern Connecticut fell to crosstown rival New Haven 31-26. The Owls came out of the gates strong but struggled in the middle part of the game. They allowed too many big plays and were not able to answer with any of their own until it was too late. For Southern Connecticut to win under the lights, they will need to play a 60-minute game. They need to convert on third down on the offensive side and get those stops when they are on defense.
Both teams need this win to get some momentum for the league part of the schedule. It will be a close game, but Southern Connecticut will get a late field goal to win the game.
Prediction: Southern Connecticut 23 Pace 20
American International (0-2, 0-0 NE10) at New Haven (1-1, 0-0 NE10)
When: September 17th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 20-7-0
My Thoughts: Expect a hard-hitting game.
American International lost on the road to Saint Anselm 56-7. The Yellow Jackets had no answer for the offensive firepower of the Hawks and dropped their second straight game. For the second consecutive season, they open the season with three straight road games. For American International to win the game, they will need to slow down the big play capability of New Haven. The defense will need to make plays and help give short fields for the offense.
New Haven defeated Southern Connecticut 31-26 to grab their first win of the season. The Chargers struggled in the opening quarter but seemed to find their groove in the middle of the game to take a lead that would not be overtaken. For New Haven to win on their blue turf, they will need to cause some turnovers and take advantage of those plays. The offense needs to play consistently and put points on the board.
New Haven will score early and often.
Prediction: New Haven 38 American International 10
Saint Anselm (2-0, 0-0 NE10) at Franklin Pierce (0-2, 0-0 NE10)
When: September 17th, 6:00 PM
All-Time Series: Saint Anselm leads the series, 2-0-0
My Thoughts: Battle of the Granite State.
Saint Anselm had quite the day in their 56-7 victory over American International. The Hawks showed the rest of the league that they are a team that is for real. They can score points with ease and the defense is also making plays to keep the opponent off the scoreboard. For Saint Anselm to win on the road, they will need to repeat their first two games. Move the ball up and down the field to light up the scoreboard. The defense needs to make stops and just slow down the opposing offense.
Saint Anselm is playing at another level and will rein in the state for another year.
Prediction: Saint Anselm 34 Franklin Pierce 13