Week 10 NEC Blitz Power Rankings

1. Duquesne (5-2, 3-0 NEC)

Duquesne solidified its place at the top of the rankings with a dominant 48-34 victory over Stonehill, extending their win streak to five games. Darius Perrantes was in full command, further proving why the Dukes remain the class of the NEC. Aside from their struggles against FBS teams, their offense has shown both firepower and consistency. Duquesne’s defense continues to step up, forcing timely turnovers to keep opponents at bay and a solid effort all around, although they’ll want to clean up their second half performance against Stonehill as they move forward with a game against Mercyhurst. With an unblemished record in conference play, the Dukes maintain their grip on the No. 1 spot. They’ve yet to lose a game to FCS competition.

2. Robert Morris (5-3, 3-0 NEC)

The Colonials remain hot on Duquesne’s heels, picking up their third straight win with a 17-0 shutout over Saint Francis. Their defense held strong, recording their first shutout of the season, while their offense continues to make timely plays. Quarterback Anthony Chiccitt has been steady, guiding his team to key wins in NEC play. RMU’s defense, which forced two turnovers, is becoming a hallmark of their success. However, their earlier losses to non-conference opponents keep them from challenging Duquesne for the top spot—at least for now.

3. Wagner (4-5, 2-1 NEC)

Wagner actually climbs slightly after a tough 35-7 loss to FBS opponent UMass. It wasn’t as much about Wagner’s play so much as giving them the edge after Central Connecticut slipped up in conference play to LIU. These two teams match up this week to help give us some clarity in the conference picture. The Seahawks have relied on their defense to keep them in games, and they’ll need to regroup quickly. Ricky Spruill remains the offensive engine, but their NEC matchup against CCSU this week will be crucial in determining whether they can stay in the title hunt.

4. LIU (2-7, 2-2 NEC)

LIU rises in the rankings after a thrilling 24-21 win over Central Connecticut. The Sharks’ offense, led by Ethan Greenwood, continues to find its stride, showcasing the potential for big plays. In this past game, Greenwood even caught a touchdown pass from Luca Stanzani- the QB he replaced- to further suggest that the proper adage should be that if you have two quarterbacks, you have two quarterbacks. Greenwood’s ability to extend drives and score when it matters has been critical, but their defense still needs improvement to close out games more comfortably. After a shaky start to the season, LIU is showing signs of growth, making them a dangerous team as the season winds down.

5. Central Connecticut (3-5, 1-2 NEC)

CCSU drops a spot after their narrow loss to LIU. Despite showing flashes of their typical defensive strength, the Blue Devils have struggled to find consistency on offense. Their potent rushing attack, which was a staple early in the season, has slowed down, putting more pressure on their defense. With Wagner up next, CCSU has a chance to bounce back and remain in contention, but they’ll need to shore up their offensive issues to stay competitive.

6. Mercyhurst (2-6, 0-0 NEC)

Mercyhurst had a tough outing against Sacred Heart, falling 31-14. The Lakers are still searching for their first Division I win, and with Duquesne looming on the schedule, they’ll need to find solutions quickly. Adam Urena’s offense has struggled to maintain momentum, but there are glimpses of promise with the level of talent the offense has. There’s players on that side of the ball in Erie that can play at the next level. As they continue their inaugural season in the NEC, Mercyhurst will focus on building toward the future while trying to pull off a late-season upset. Want to be remembered forever? Then knock off Duquesne this week- especially if they finally get that elusive ranking.

7. Stonehill (1-6, 0-3 NEC)

Stonehill’s season continues to spiral after a 48-34 loss to Duquesne. The Skyhawks have shown flashes of offensive capability, but their defense has struggled to contain opponents. Despite strong individual performances, Stonehill has not been able to translate them into victories. With four consecutive losses, their young team is focused on gaining experience as they look ahead to next season.

8. Saint Francis (2-6, 0-4 NEC)

Saint Francis is in freefall, dropping their third straight game with a 17-0 shutout loss to Robert Morris. Their offense has been nearly nonexistent, failing to score in two of the last three games- and only scoring one touchdown in that contest. The defense continues to do its best, but without offensive support, it’s an uphill battle. At 0-4 in NEC play, the Red Flash have struggled to find any rhythm, and their inability to score consistently has left them at the bottom of the rankings. The Kent State victory, unfortunately, seems a long time ago. With a game against Stonehill coming up, Saint Francis has a good opportunity to get some momentum to close out their season on a positive note.

Final Thoughts:

The race for the top of the NEC standings is heating up, with Duquesne and Robert Morris leading the charge. Wagner remains a strong contender despite their loss to UMass, while LIU and CCSU will battle to stay relevant in the title hunt. Mercyhurst and Stonehill continue to build their programs, while Saint Francis faces significant challenges on offense.

Duquesne, with their consistent play, has earned their No. 1 ranking yet again this week. Will anyone be able to knock them off their pedestal in the weeks to come? Only time will tell.