NEC Week 1: What We Think We Know

There’s just not that many data points to go on in Week 1, but we have more than FBS has. So, let’s go with what we know!

LIU

It might seem strange on first glance to put LIU here, but after going down 42-0 at the half to North Dakota the Sharks changed directions and Luca Stanzani got more involved. The Sharks subsequently scored 21 unanswered and finished the game with a far more respectable 42-21 margin. The question, of course: was North Dakota coasting? Or are the Sharks just picking up speed? Another challenge game against Kansas lies ahead tonight.

RMU

You have to be impressed by the Colonials after the first game in NEC play. The defense pitched a shutout (Wagner only scored on a pick six) and Galen Combs not only caught two touchdown passes, but blocked a punt and returned it for another score. Wagner came into the year as a team to watch in the league. The Colonials didn’t wipe out that reputation at all, but it answered a lot of questions about the Colonials, who look to be talented and gelling better already than they did last season.

New Haven

The Chargers took down Marist at home in what was a come from behind effort despite looking like the better team throughout much of the game. A.J. Duffy might be the best quarterback in the NEC, and he’s got a receiver corps to match his arm along with the return of workhorse running back Zaon Laney. If the defense continues to take steps forward, the Chargers are going to be dangerous in league play. They take on Stonehill tomorrow.

CCSU

The Blue Devils went up 7-0 and then were unable to hang in a buy game. They played two quarterbacks which implies that at this early stage in the season the competition is not yet settled. I don’t think this is any time to doubt their chances of winning the league for a third consecutive year, but more data is needed.

Duquesne

Speaking of data, the Dukes have not yet played and travel to Air Force on Saturday to kick off their season. Carson Camp will be one of the best quarterbacks in the NEC this season and Ness Davis leads a running back room that should be the best in the league.

Wagner

Wagner’s defense looked stout. With one of the touchdowns coming off of a special teams mistake, the Seahawks only gave up 21 points. Now the question comes down to offense. There are receivers here and a stable of running backs, but can Wagner score more points moving forward? That will determine the direction this season takes.

Mercyhurst

The Lakers went to the Ice Castle and faced off against a top 10 Penguins team while breaking in a new head coach, quarterback, and defensive coordinator. While there were good signs for league play (discussed on the Mercyhurst Football Podcast), the result wasn’t favorable for the Lakers who now travel to New Mexico State to take on the Aggies. You can listen to the live radio broadcast on NECBlitz.com.

Stonehill

The Skyhawks threw the ball well but were unable to get into the end zone, and defensively the wheels fell off late as the game was actually closer than the final score indicated at home versus Bryant. Shane Eason looks like a stud at running back for Shovel Town.

Chicago State

Chi State lost in their inaugural home game versus Roosevelt and will need to regroup and limit turnovers this season. They do not play any NEC teams, which will make any comparative ranking all season long difficult.