Last week:
Dan: 9-2-1
Chris: 8-3-1
On the season:
Dan: 25-8-2 (.743)
Chris: 20-13-2 (.600)
This Week’s Picks
Thursday, October 24 and Friday, October 25
Rochester Institute of Technology at Air Force
Chris: It’s cliche, but you really can throw out the records when these teams meet. RIT is 3-1 and Air Force 0-4 but I’m thinking the Falcons come away with at least a split.
Dan: It’s incredibly difficult to win in the altitude, and RIT’s seen its share of issues out west in the past. I think last year was the first time since joining D1 that the Tigers didn’t travel to Colorado. I’m going with an Air Force sweep, but I think one of these games goes to the 3-on-3 overtime.
Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26
Sacred Heart at Niagara
Chris: These teams are expected to finish first and (tied for) third by the league’s coaches, and I tend to agree. I’m going with the homestanding Purple Eagles, who put a scare into Minnesota twice last weekend. Niagara sweeps.
Dan: You know, there’s something about Sacred Heart that I kind of like in this series. Coming off the AIC loss, the Pioneers still looked pretty good. I’m taking a split here.
Ohio State at Mercyhurst
Chris: The Buckeyes lead the all-time series between the schools 8-2-1 including 1-0-1 at the MIC. I think THE Ohio State adds to that record with a sweep.
Dan: Ohio State’s going to lose this weekend, but it’s going to be on Saturday afternoon to Wisconsin. Sorry, Buckeye fans. I hope this is a good consolation prize. #OnWisconsin. Ohio State sweeps.
Friday, October 25
Army West Point at Bentley
Chris: I envy Dan getting to see this one, which should be a dandy. Army comes in an impressive 3-1 including a split with Robert Morris last weekend, while Bentley is coming off a 3-2 overtime win against New Hampshire last Friday. I’m going with the home team here on a hunch. Bentley wins.
Dan: I remember a time when Army coming to Bentley favored the Black Knights because they were better suited for the JAR, and the Falcons were better suited to win at Tate Rink. For some reason, I still have no idea how that plays out at the Bentley Arena, so I’m going with the home team here. Bentley wins.
Robert Morris at Penn State
Chris: Penn State has won the last four meeting between the schools and is coming off an ugly loss to Alaska. I don’t think the Nittany Lions will take RMU lightly. Penn State wins.
Dan: Penn State’s offense is built to score goals in bunches, so getting into a track meet against the Nittany Lions rarely works out well. I just have a bad feeling here. Penn State wins.
St. Lawrence at Holy Cross
Chris: The Saints have scored zero goals in their last two games, and while I expect them to get on the scoresheet, I don’t think it will be enough against the Crusaders, who have already recorded a win against Providence and a tie with Northeastern. Holy Cross wins.
Dan: After talking to David Berard this week, I’m feeling like the Holy Cross defense is starting to really develop something special. Facing a struggling offense is usually a recipe for a classic #RubinJinx, but I’m holding my ground. Holy Cross wins.
American International at Massachusetts
Chris: Recent rounds of the battle of Springfield haven’t disappointed, and I expect this to be another barn burner. But I like the favored Minutemen to prevail. UMass wins.
Dan: I would love to see AIC walk out of this one with a win, but logic and rationale won’t let me. I do think this is going to be closer than people might think, and I think people think it’s going to be pretty close. UMass wins.
Saturday, October 26
St. Lawrence at Bentley
Chris: The SLU road show against AHA teams continues, and I think the result will be the same as on Friday. Bentley wins.
Dan: I’ve held the same line about SLU since the season started. I think the coaching staff will be fine, but the program needs to slowly build. It’s not going to be an overnight change. Bentley wins.
