Last week:
Dan: 9-7-0 (.563)
Chris: 11-5-0 (.688)
This Week’s Picks:
Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 16
Canisius at Army
Dan: Army proved last week that their defense is capable of earning wins if they get tough. Canisius proved they could hang with the big boys in a split with Western Michigan. I think this is going to be a fun weekend, but the Griffs are slightly better at this stage of the game. Canisius sweeps.
Chris: The past two seasons, Canisius won big against Army the first night of this series and then was shut out by the Black Knights the following day. I don’t think history will repeat. Canisius sweeps.
American International at Holy Cross
Dan: Both teams hung tough with their opponent last weekend. That’s a great sign for AIC, who had a lead over the defending national champions. It also means reports of Holy Cross’ demise are greatly exaggerated, at least early on. I’m calling for a split, but since I try to avoid picking weekends that way, I’m going with an AIC sweep.
Chris: This is an intriguing matchup and I’m tempted to pick the Yellow Jackets to win at least one of these meetings. But I’m going with Holy Cross, which gave Merrimack all it could handle last weekend. Holy Cross sweeps.
Niagara vs.Robert Morris
Dan: The two storylines coming out of last week? RMU’s looking like a defending champion, and Niagara’s looking like a MASH unit. Colonials sweep.
Chris: Friday’s game is at Robert Morris, with Niagara hosting Saturday. Niagara is already decimated by injuries and the Colonials looked like they haven’t skipped a beat since winning it all in Rochester last March. RMU sweeps.
Bentley vs. Sacred Heart
Dan: Sacred Heart is one of those teams that always gives Bentley fits, and they haven’t lost since the second game of their 2-30-4 season. In fact, SHU went 1-1-1 against the Falcons that year and swept them with three wins last season. I can’t see that happening to start the year. But I also can’t figure out how this would split, and we usually don’t pick weekends that way anyways. Bottom line, I’m going with Bentley to sweep.
Chris: Sacred Heart has played well against Bentley recently and I think are a better team this season than last, while the Falcons may have lost a step. SHU hosts on Friday; Bentley on Saturday. I’m going with the home team in each game. Sacred Heart wins Friday; Bentley wins Saturday.
Friday, October 17
Air Force at Alaska
Dan: I used to work for a guy during my undergrad days who did sports info work for Alaska. He once told me that everyone, once in their lives, needs to live in Fairbanks for at least a full calendar year and experience what it’s like. New to the rankings this week, I’m using zero hockey analysis to pick the Nanooks.
Chris: On consecutive weekends to open the season, Alaska (the school in Fairbanks) and Alaska-Anchorage take turns hosting tournaments. This weekend. Air Force is participating in the Alaska Gold Rush, held in Fairbanks. The schedule is per-determined, with Air Force and Penn State each taking on the Alaska schools. I’m going with the teams from The Last Frontier. Alaska wins.
Saturday, October 18
Boston College at Rochester Institute of Technology
Dan: I have immense respect and love for both of the programs in this game. I grew up watching games at BC and BU, and I’ve learned to love RIT from my time spent with Chris. One thing I’m really hoping for is a tremendous hockey game in front of some great fans at Blue Cross Arena. But I think the difference is Thatcher Demko in net for BC, a position the Eagles are substantially better at. BC wins a closer one than expected.
Chris: This is RIT’s annual “Brick City” game at downtown Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena, which is again a sellout. Despite 10,000 orange clad maniacs cheering them on, the Tigers are heavy underdogs for a reason. Boston College wins.
Air Force vs. Alaska-Anchorage
Dan: I can’t see Air Force going north and not coming away with at least one win. Since I think they’ll lose to Fairbanks, I’m picking them to beat the Seawolves on Saturday. Air Force wins.
Chris: See my pick for Friday. I think the Falcons go 0-2 in the 49th state. Alaska-Anchorage wins.
