NEC Blitz Week 11 Power Rankings
Duquesne (6-2, 3-0 NEC)
The Dukes remain firmly at the top after a hard-fought 31-24 win over Mercyhurst, extending their winning streak to six games. With the league’s most balanced attack, led by quarterback Darius Perrantes and running back JaMario Clements, Duquesne has displayed both firepower and resilience. Their offense leads the NEC with 29.6 points per game, and the defense has consistently generated takeaways, proving why they are the team to beat in the NEC. With a critical matchup against RMU on the horizon, the Dukes will look to cement their hold on first place. On the other hand, the game against Mercyhurst, where the Dukes had to narrowly escape with a win, either showed weakness or a team looking ahead. We’ll find out on Saturday.
RMU (6-3, 3-0 NEC)
RMU’s impressive season continues as they notched their second consecutive shutout, blanking Merrimack 6-0. The Colonials' defense is the best in the conference, allowing just 18.1 points per game and showcasing playmakers like Keon Freeman and Jamar Shegog. Quarterback Anthony Chiccitt has also been a steady force, leading his team to a four-game win streak. This week’s game against Duquesne could define the season for RMU, with the NEC title and a potential playoff spot at stake.
LIU (2-7, 2-2 NEC)
The Sharks showed resilience with a much-needed 24-21 win over CCSU prior to this bye week. Quarterback Ethan Greenwood has energized their offense, making big plays in crucial moments. However, their defensive inconsistencies remain a concern. With two wins in NEC play, LIU has demonstrated growth. The problem is that they’ve now lost to both RMU and Duquesne, and so the Sharks- as improved as they’ve been- are out of the title hunt.
Central Connecticut (4-5, 2-1 NEC)
The Blue Devils scored a solid 24-14 victory over Wagner. Despite an inconsistent season, CCSU’s defense stepped up, while their offense found enough rhythm to secure an important win. With a 2-1 record in conference play, CCSU remains in the hunt for the NEC crown. A win against their next opponent will be critical for their title aspirations. At this point, CCSU doesn’t actually need any help to win the title- but they do have to go undefeated against Stonehill, RMU, and finally Duquesne.
Wagner (4-6, 2-2 NEC)
After a strong start in NEC play, Wagner has hit a rough patch, suffering a 24-14 loss to CCSU. Their offense, led by Ricky Spruill, struggled to break through, and while their defense held strong, Wagner will need to regroup quickly to keep pace in the NEC race. With two losses in a row, the Seahawks' hopes are fading, but they can still make a statement with a strong finish to the season.
Saint Francis U (3-6, 1-4 NEC)
The Red Flash snapped a three-game losing streak with a dominant 34-0 win over Stonehill. Their offense, which had been struggling, finally came alive, while their defense posted a shutout to regain some momentum. Although they’re out of title contention, Saint Francis U can still build on this win and end their season on a positive note.
Mercyhurst (2-7, 0-0 NEC)
The Lakers put up a strong fight against Duquesne, falling 31-24, but they’re still in search of their first conference win. Despite a struggling offense, they’ve shown flashes of promise, especially in non-conference play. With only a few games left in their inaugural NEC season, Mercyhurst will focus on gaining experience and potentially pulling off an upset.
Stonehill (1-7, 0-4 NEC)
Stonehill’s tough season continued with a 34-0 loss to Saint Francis. While the Skyhawks have displayed offensive potential, their defense has been unable to contain opponents. With only one win this season, Stonehill’s focus will likely remain on building for the future. We knew before the season that this would be a young team, but there’s plenty of time for the Skyhawks to become contenders in future seasons.
Final Thoughts
The NEC title race has narrowed to a showdown between Duquesne and Robert Morris, with this week’s clash set to have major implications for both teams. Central Connecticut remains a dark horse- and will make the playoffs if they win out- while Wagner, LIU, and Saint Francis aim to end on a high note. Mercyhurst and Stonehill continue to look for growth in challenging seasons. As the season winds down, the stakes are higher than ever in the NEC.
