NE10 Week Two Preview

September 8th, 2021 12:00pm

NE10 Week Two Preview

One week in the books.  What did we learn?  Expect the unexpected as we have several non-league matchups once again this weekend. 
 

American International College (1-0, 0-0 NE10) at Pace (0-1, 0-0 NE10)


When: September 10th, 7:00 PM

All-Time Series:  American International leads the series, 18-4-0

My Thoughts:  Always a close game.

American International defeated Millersville 14-9 to open the season.  The Yellow Jackets moved the ball when needed and the defense was solid on night long.  For AIC to win on the road, they will need to find a way to contain the Pace offense and all its weapons.  The offense will need to convert on third down and not handle the ball back each drive to the Pace offense.

Pace fell on the road at East Stroudsburg 35-14.  The Setters fell behind 21-0 in the opening quarter and were never able to recover.  The offense showed some signs of life over the final three quarters as well as the defense forcing turnovers to give the offense a chance.  For Pace to win the game, they will need to protect their quarterback to allow him to make plays.  Their defense will need to get off the field on third down and not allow any big plays.

This game will be close in the first half, but Pace will get their offense going in the second half to take the victory.


Prediction:  Pace 24 American International 16

 

Lake Erie (1-0, 0-0 GMAC) at Franklin Pierce (0-1, 0-0 NE10)
 

When: September 11th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series:  First meeting

My Thoughts:  Teams picked at the bottom of their leagues.

Lake Erie defeated Clarion 31-26 to open the season.  The Storm was able to move the ball through the air with two solid receivers.  Their quarterback is a dual-threat and will look to make big plays on each drive.  For Lake Erie to win on the road, they will need to move the ball through the air.  They will need to find a way to control the weapons of Franklin Pierce and play with the lead on the road.

Franklin Pierce lost on the road to New Haven 30-14.  The Ravens had some success on the offensive side of the ball that they struggled in 2019.  The defense was not able to contain the big-play capability of the Chargers and that was the difference in the game.  For Franklin Pierce to win the game, they will need to find a way to slow down the passing game of Lake Erie.  They have a strong two-way quarterback and can’t let him dominate the game.  The Raven offense needs to move the chains and find the end zone.

This game will be a close one.  Lake Erie will make a late drive to steal a road victory.

Prediction:  Lake Erie 27 Franklin Pierce 21

 

Bentley (1-0, 0-0 NE10) at Assumption (0-1, 0-0 NE10)
 

When: September 11th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series:  Bentley leads the series, 36-12-0

My Thoughts:  Should be a fun one.

Bentley dominated West Chester 41-17 last Friday night.  The Falcons clicked early and often as the offense was solid.  Special teams got on the scoreboard and the defense was flying all over the field.  For Bentley to win on the road, they will need to play mistake-free.  The offense needs to continue to move the chains and the defense will need to contain the Assumption weapons.  And it will not hurt for the special teams to stay involved as well.

Assumption struggled on the road, losing to Kutztown 19-0.  The Greyhound offense was not able to move the ball and will need to find their groove this week.  The defense gave up some yards but was able to tighten up in the red zone.  For Assumption to win the game, they will need to put week one behind them and play like they are capable of.  The offense needs to find some consistency and move the ball up and down the field.  The defense will need to make some plays and contain the Bentley weapons.

This matchup is always close, but Bentley is at a different level right now.


Prediction:  Bentley 38 Assumption 17

 

Southern Connecticut (1-0, 0-0 NE10) at Stonehill (1-0, 0-0 NE10)


When: September 11th, 6:00 PM

All-Time Series:  Southern Connecticut leads the series, 21-3-0

My Thoughts:  Early season showdown.

Southern Connecticut defeated cross-state rival Central Connecticut 28-21.  The Owls hung tough all night long and were able to make plays when it mattered to pull off the upset of their Division I foe.  The offense made the necessary plays at the right time and the defense chipped in with pressure and a pick-six.  For Southern Connecticut to win on the road, they will need to bottle up the success of last week and repeat it.  The offense needs to move the ball, and the defense needs to find a way to contain the Stonehill running game.

Stonehill won 35-16 over Bloomsburg to open their season with a victory.  The Skyhawks pulled away in the second half as they controlled the flow of the game on both sides of the ball.  The running game was strong and showed up as advertised.  The defense made plays and let their offense do their thing.  For Stonehill to win the game, they will need to establish the running game and that will open up the field.  The defense will need to pressure the quarterback and not allow the Owls to throw the ball downfield.

Both teams have good offenses and points could be scored with ease under the lights.  Stonehill will find a way to score late to win the game.


Prediction:  Stonehill 37 Southern Connecticut 30