NEC Blitz Week 9 Power Rankings

1. Duquesne (4-2, 2-0 NEC)

Duquesne holds strong at No. 1 despite a bye week, maintaining control of the NEC standings. With an undefeated record in conference play and an overall resume that includes a four-game winning streak, the Dukes are still the class of the NEC. Their balanced attack and stingy defense will be tested in the coming weeks, but Duquesne remains the team to beat. They’ll look to extend their winning ways when they take on Stonehill next. Of course, it would be logical to rank Duquesne if they beat Stonehill, but no one seems to want to take my advice on that one.

2. Robert Morris (4-3, 2-0 NEC)

The Colonials improved their position to No. 2 with a hard-fought 45-31 win over LIU. RMU’s defense had its struggles, especially in the fourth quarter when they trailed, but Anthony Chiccitt’s steady play under center helped them reclaim control. The offense, led by Chiccitt’s three touchdowns, proved capable of stepping up when needed. RMU now turns its focus to a critical matchup against Saint Francis, looking to stay undefeated in NEC play and keep pace with Duquesne.

3. Central Connecticut (3-4, 1-0 NEC)

CCSU stays near the top despite a 20-16 non-conference loss to Dartmouth. The defense once again showed its strength, but the Blue Devils couldn’t find enough offense to pull out the win. They remain undefeated in NEC play, and their upcoming clash with LIU will be crucial in determining whether they can stay in the title hunt. CCSU’s potent rushing attack will need to come alive for them to keep their standing.

4. Wagner (4-4, 2-1 NEC)

Wagner’s 14-0 shutout win over Saint Francis boosts them up the rankings. Their defense was spectacular, completely shutting down the Red Flash offense. Ricky Spruill remains the key piece on offense, but it’s the defense that gives Wagner a real chance to make noise in the NEC. Unapologetically, I love this team and the journey the program has gone through to get to this point. With a major test coming up against UMass, Wagner has an opportunity to prove themselves against an FBS opponent. Don’t count out the Seahawks pulling off an upset.

5. LIU (1-7, 1-2 NEC)

LIU continues to improve despite the record. The Sharks led RMU in the fourth quarter before ultimately falling 45-31, with Ethan Greenwood showcasing his explosive playmaking ability. LIU’s offense has found its rhythm, but the defense needs to step up if they’re going to close out games. They face a critical test against CCSU this week, where another strong offensive showing could lead to an NEC upset.

6. Saint Francis (2-5, 0-3 NEC)

The Red Flash’s offense sputtered in their 14-0 loss to Wagner, but the defense continues to keep them in games. SFU’s biggest challenge remains finding consistency on offense. Their defense has proven it can be a force, but until the offense starts contributing, they’ll struggle to climb back up in these rankings. This week’s matchup against RMU offers an opportunity for a much-needed turnaround. Rivalry games seem to bring out the best in teams. Let’s see if Saint Francis has what it takes to get up for this one.

7. Mercyhurst (2-5, 0-0 NEC)

Mercyhurst comes off their bye week looking to regroup and get back on track. Adam Urena and the offense will need to find their form quickly as they face Sacred Heart. The Lakers are still searching for their first D1 win, and with the season winding down, they’ll need to play their best football in these final weeks to make an impact in their inaugural NEC campaign.

8. Stonehill (1-6, 0-2 NEC)

Stonehill’s tough season continues, as they fell to Merrimack 48-28. The Skyhawks’ defense has struggled to contain opposing offenses, and while their own offense has shown flashes, it hasn’t been enough to keep them competitive in NEC play. With Duquesne up next, Stonehill will need a near-perfect performance to avoid dropping further in the standings. This young team will look to build for the future as they gain more experience.