College Sports Journal Northeast Conference Previews And Streaming Links: Week of 10/12/2019

 

This week’s games feature a couple of challenges vs. the Ivy League, LIU still trying to win their first game in the NEC, and a good old-fashioned western Pennsylvania rivalry game.

BYE: Duquesne, Wagner

Fearless Predictions

Robert Morris (1-4, 0-0) at Saint Francis (PA) (3-2, 2-0), Saturday October 12th, 12:00 PM, DeGol Field, Loretto, PA, NEC Front Row

I’ve always thought that Robert Morris, St. Francis (PA) and Duquesne, all NEC schools in western Pennsylvania, should make a trophy for the winner of their in-state series yearly. (Call it the Steel Girder trophy.) What is definitely true is that this is a rivalry game, and it’s going to be closer than you think, as Robert Morris has improved. Even so, I think St. Francis takes a step closer to having NEC football fans pay attention to their chances of winning the NEC once again. St. Francis (PA) 28, Robert Morris 27

LIU (0-4, 0-3) at Bryant (1-5, 0-1), Saturday October 12th, 1:00 PM, Beirne Stadium, Smithfield, RI, ESPN College Extra, ESPN3 (subscription req’d)

The Sharks have found life in Division I a whole lot harder than Division II as they still look for their first Division I win as a D-I program. The Bulldogs, who just won their first game of the year last weekend vs. Merrimack, seem like they are back on the right track and should make it two in a row. Bryant 27, LIU 17

Central Connecticut State (4-1) at Columbia (1-2), Saturday October 12th, 1:00 PM, Kraft Field at Wien Stadium, New York, NY, ESPN+ (subscription req’d)

The Blue Devils have established themselves as one of the top contenders in the NEC, and they’ll face off against a Columbia squad that gave Princeton pause in the first half last week. The Lions don’t have a consistent enough offense to win this game. Central Connecticut State 27, Columbia 13

Sacred Heart (3-2) at Penn (1-2), Saturday October 12th, 1:00 PM, Franklin Field, Philadelphia, PA, ESPN+ (subscription req’d)

The Pioneers’ NEC title hopes got a sharp dose of reality after Central Connecticut State walloped them last week. Penn never really got close to Dartmouth last week, but should do well in a get-right spot for the Quakers. Penn’s losses have come to 3-0 Dartmouth and nationally-ranked Delaware. Penn 34, Sacred Heart 21