September 15th, 2021 5:00am
It is the first week of league play for the NE10. Plus we have a huge non-conference game. Things are starting to heat up for the NE10 and it is still only September.
St. Anselm (0-1, 0-0 NE10) at Southern Connecticut (1-1, 0-0 NE10)
When: September 17th, 7:00 PM
All-Time Series: Southern Connecticut leads the series, 17-4-0
My Thoughts: NE10 opener for both.
St. Anselm had a bye last week after an opening weekend loss to Merrimack. The Hawks were even with Merrimack for the first 28 minutes of the game and then the Warriors took over. The defensive line was causing havoc and the offense was able to move the chains before a disastrous second half. For St. Anselm to win on the road, they will need to get pressure on Southern Connecticut and not allow them to have time to throw the ball. The offense will also need to move the chains and control the clock.
Southern Connecticut lost on the road to Stonehill last Saturday 54-21. The Owls fell behind early and were never able to recover. Jackson Ostrowsky continued to move the ball through the air, but the Owl defense had no answer for the Stonehill offense. For Southern Connecticut to win their home opener, they will need to find a way to play better on the defensive side of the ball. They need to force three and outs while giving their own offense time to move the ball and find the end zone.
This game will come down to a late drive and leave the home fans happy.
Prediction: Southern Connecticut 27 St. Anselm 22
Pace (0-2, 0-0 NE10) at Assumption (0-2, 0-0 NE10)
When: September 18th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: Assumption leads the series, 15-12-0
My Thoughts: NE10 opener for both.
Pace lost their second straight game last weekend in falling to American International 40-33. The Setters were up 26-6 in the third quarter before they relinquished the lead and the game. The defense for Pace has struggled to stop their opponents and it is a big reason why they are 0-2 at the moment. For Pace to win on the road, their defense needs to play 60 minutes. They need to slow down the Assumption offense and not play from behind. The offense is capable of scoring but if the defense struggles, it will be a long afternoon.
Assumption fell to Bentley 40-28 to also fall to 0-2. The Greyhounds went tied at the half but their defense also struggled in the second half. They were not able to slow down the balanced attack of Bentley while their offense struggled to move the ball at times. For Assumption to win the game, they need to play better on both sides of the ball. The defense needs to contain the duo of Aiken and Tann-Davis while the offense needs to move the chains and score in the red zone when given the chance.
This looks like a shootout on paper with defenses struggles but my guess is that both defenses play better and a late drive by Assumption is the difference.
Prediction: Assumption 24 Pace 17
#22 Bowie State (1-1, 0-0 CIAA) at New Haven (1-0, 0-0 NE10)
When: September 18th, 1:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 3-0-0
My Thoughts: Huge non-conference game.
Bowie State won their first game of the season last weekend, 28-19 over Saginaw Valley. The Bulldogs used a strong passing game and plenty of defensive pressure to win their home opener. They will bring a big, physical, ranked team north this weekend. For Bowie State to win the game, they will need to move the ball through the air like their first two games. The defense will need to get stops on third down and not let the crowd motivate the New Haven offense.
New Haven is coming off a bye week after an opening weekend victory over Franklin Pierce, 30-14. The Chargers were able to move the ball on offense with a balanced attack. The defense was able to get stops when they needed to, and an extra week of preparation should help them. For New Haven to win the game, they will need to slow down the passing attack of Bowie State and control the clock. Moving the chains will be key to knocking off a nationally ranked team.
This game will be a good one. Both teams have plenty to prove and solid non-conference wins help when November rolls around.
Prediction: Bowie State 28 New Haven 24
Stonehill (2-0, 0-0 NE10) at Bentley (2-0, 0-0 NE10)
When: September 18th, 2:00 PM
All-Time Series: Bentley leads the series, 37-14-1
My Thoughts: NE10 opener for both.
Stonehill defeated Southern Connecticut 54-21 last Saturday night. The Skyhawks again used their strong backfield to control the game and win their second straight. Their defense also has been stepping up to the plate and allowing the offense to spend a lot of time on the field to put up points. For Stonehill to win on the road, they will need to have their offensive line win in the trenches. If they can open holes and allow their talented backfield to continue their torrid pace, it will be a good result for Stonehill.
Bentley continued their dominance in a 40-28 victory at Assumption. The Falcons were tied at the half but a solid third quarter was the difference in the game. The offense clicked at the end of the first half and just continued to sizzle in the third quarter. The defense also scored a touchdown on a fumble, so it was another solid performance for the entire team. For Bentley to win, they will need to continue doing what they have been doing. An offense that is balanced and moves the ball up and down the field. A defense that makes stops and doesn’t allow any big plays. A special teams unit that is solid and has a chance to break a big play each time on the field.
This game has the makings for a classic NE10 battle. Two good teams that are rivals and looking to make a statement. But the difference will be Justin Felder as nobody has been able to contain him.
Prediction: Stonehill 38 Bentley 31
American International (1-0, 0-0 NE10) at Franklin Pierce (0-1, 0-0 NE10)
When: September 18th, 6:00 PM
All-Time Series: American International leads the series, 1-0-0
My Thoughts: NE10 opener for both.
American International pulled off an improbable comeback last Friday night over Pace 40-33. The Yellow Jackets were down 26-6 before they rallied and absolutely dominated the final 15 minutes. The offense played at a level not seen in years and the defense made plays when they needed to. For American International to win on the road, they will need their offense to move the ball on the ground to open the passing game. The defense will need to make plays and not allow any large gainers.
Franklin Pierce dropped their home opener 31-20 to Lake Erie. The Ravens scored on their first two possessions but then struggled to find the end zone consistently after that. They struggled to slow down the passing game. For Franklin Pierce to win the game, they will need to play 60 minutes. They have shown glimpses of being a competitive team but need to put it together for an entire game. Run the ball to move the chains and not allow the opposing offense to move the ball and find the end zone.
American International is in a zone right now and will continue its amazing run.
Prediction: American International 35 Franklin Pierce 14