In somewhat stunning fashion given how the NEC landscape looked just a few weeks ago, Merrimack can clinch the league title this weekend and an automatic berth into the FCS playoffs for the first time.

Thanks to Stonehills’s upset of Duquesne last weekend coupled with the Warriors’ home victory over CCSU, a Merrimack win at home Saturday against the Dukes would give Dan Curran’s squad the title outright and a spot in the FCS postseason in the team’s first official year or eligibility.

A major reason why Merrimack is in this spot is because of quarterback Malakai Anthony, who was named the NEC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.

Anthony was extremely efficient, going 11-15 for 190 yards and three touchdowns in the win over the Blue Devils. He also didn’t turn the ball over and since taking over for an injured Gavin McCusker has kept the Warriors in contention despite the lack of starting experience.

The award meant quite a bit to him as well as was portrayed in a tweet earlier in the day.

“Truly blessed!” he wrote. “Thank you to the man above (prayer emoji). Shoutout to the big dawgs up front protecting me and the playmakers around me making plays! #ShootersShoot”