Fast starts have not been one of Northeastern’s strengths in recent years. But that changed this season when the Huskies, under second-year coach Jim Madigan, won their first two contests, against Merrimack and defending national champion Boston College. It is the first time the team has begun 2-0 since the 1999-2000 season.

Nothing is won in October, of course, but Madigan said the plan has been to concentrate on the first 10 games and go from there.