WALTHAM, Mass. – For the first time in more than a month, the Bentley football team kicks off at home when the Falcons take on Pace Saturday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m., during Falcon Weekend.

Sal's world

Salvatore Lupoli Jr. recorded 23 tackles during Bentley's game at St. Anselm last week (Oct. 7), and he earned three weekly awards for his efforts. Lupoli received the Gold Helmet for top NCAA D-II / D-III player in New England, he was named the Northeast-10 Defensive Player of the Week, and he received D2football.com National Defensive Player of the Week. Lupoli's 12.8 tackles per game leads the country. He also has the second-most tackles for a loss in the NE10 (6.5).

Team effort

Bentley's defense leads the NE10 in fewest yards allowed (238.6), and it ranks second in scoring defense (15.4). The Falcons have been especially staunch stopping the run, allowing just 69.8 rushing yards per game. Every other team in the NE10 allows at least 95 rushing yards per game.

My cousin Vinnie

Vinnie Holmes continues to lead the NE10 in rushing by a wide margin. He is averaging 125.6 yards per game, and no other NE10 player is averaging more than 85. Holmes most recently ran for 88 yards on 19 carries at St. Anselm (Oct. 7).

Abel to Reid

Nayvon Reid leads Bentley in receptions with 16, and Abel Lopes Jr. is the team leader in receiving yards with 194. Reid had a season-high six catches at St. Anselm last week (Oct. 7). Lopes also had a season-best performance last week by totaling 88 yards on three catches – including his touchdown of the season.

Setting the table

Tajon Vassar ranks as the conference's second-leading kickoff returner, averaging 31.7 yards per return. He set a school record when he returned a kick 98 yards for a touchdown at home against New Haven (Sept. 9).

Scouting Pace (2-4, 1-2 NE10)

The Setters have won two of their last three games. The wins were against American International (Sept. 23) and Post (Oct. 7) – the loss came against nationally-ranked Assumption (Sept. 30). Pace has the most rushing yards in the conference, totaling 1,155 in six games. On a per game basis, however, Pace is narrowly ahead of Bentley for yards on the ground, 192.5 to 189.2. Nasir Robinson averages 80.4 rushing yards per game – a mark that trails only Vinnie Holmes. The Setters' defense is allowing 33.3 points per game – the worst mark in the NE10. Still, the defense has forced 14 turnovers this season (10 interceptions, four fumble recoveries). Jalen Johnson has two picks, and eight different Setters each have one.