Patriot League Pick 'Em - Week 11

[DFW HOYA]

Lehigh (5-3, 2-1) at Holy Cross (4-5, 3-0), 12:00 pm
Lafayette (4-5, 1-3) at Colgate (2-7, 1-2), 1:00
Fordham (1-8, 1-3) at Bucknell (4-5, 2-1), 1:00

[crusader11]

Holy Cross can all but wrap up the league this weekend with a win over Lehigh and Fordham win over Bucknell.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Lots of "suddenly Rams" fans in Bethlehem this week.

[bonarae]

HC
Lafayette
Bucknell

[ngineer]

Laughyette on the tundra may have an odd feel to the game as both now facing disappointing seasons and determining how they will end. 'pards just seem to be better despite their recent problems. Raiders seem to be 'swirling the porcelain bowl'. LC 27-16

Fordham has a shot at a winning streak! Bucky has been playing with house money. They have benefitted by opponents' mistakes more than physically outplaying them. I sense an upset by the Rams, as BU's kicking game fails. FU 23-21.

And, while mentioning upsets, how about the nee Engineers starting to rear their head as a team to be reckoned with? Lehigh's running game has been stunning. One has to go back many years to recall a team that was this dominant on the ground. What has also helped is the rise of the defense. The rebuilt secondary has been electric with good man coverage and more INTs than ever I can recall in one season. The kicking game has been stellar. I am wondering when Cahill decides to start with Johnson as the offense seems to get more juice when he's at the controls. I understand Perri's experience and, perhaps, Johnson as a frosh is more comfortable getting a feel for the opponent from the sideline for a quarter before hitting the field. Getting the ball into Green's hands in space has to be a priority. The OL has remained relatively healthy so far and has created some nice lanes for him and Yoder, but they need to pass a bit more to keep the D from closing in. I feel the momentum and look forward to a lively, nail biting finish with Lehigh grabbing a 31-27 win to keep PL title hopes alive.

[Wolffan]

Holy Cross (Post-dynasty still strong enough to run the table in PL)
Lafayette (Very disappointing year for Laffy)
Bucknell (Fordham can make the game interesting)

[JimKLU72]

Laughingyet 28 Raiders of The Chenango Valley24

Bucky 31 Bronx Bombers 17

B & W Hawks 34 The Cross. 31

Lehigh winning is an optimistic prediction as Holy X is still loaded. Despite that, I have the Waze app at the ready, and am looking forward to the 5 hour drive from Allentown to a cheap Red Roof Inn south of Worcester for Friday night. Then the biggest game so far this year on Saturday. Safe travels to all those on the road this weekend as the season heads down the stretch!

[NY Crusader 2010]

Lots of "suddenly Rams" fans in Bethlehem this week.

And Worcester. But, as of now the only two teams that currently control their own destiny are Holy Cross and Bucknell.

- - - Updated - - -

Holy Cross
Lafayette
Bucknell

Are Bucknell fans even aware that they have a football team competing for a league title?

[Wolffan]

One thing HC and Lehigh have in common is zero quality wins. I guess Lehigh’s win over 2-5 Princeton (in a game 4 v game 1 matchup, no less ) is their best win. And beating PL basement dweller Lafayette was HC’s best win.

So it’s not exactly a clash of the titans but it could be a close game.

[ngineer]

And Worcester. But, as of now the only two teams that currently control their own destiny are Holy Cross and Bucknell.

- - - Updated - - -

Holy Cross
Lafayette
Bucknell

Are Bucknell fans even aware that they have a football team competing for a league title?

xlolx xbowx Good one!

[ngineer]

I was hoping to make the trip to Woostah, but a prior commitment to my granddaughters to go hiking up on Hawk Mountain takes precedence. At the time, I did not see this week's game as being so meaningful! My problem is being able to watch it later. I have ESPN+, but is there away to archive the game, i.e. "taping it"? Thanks for any suggestions.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

One thing HC and Lehigh have in common is zero quality wins. I guess Lehigh’s win over 2-5 Princeton (in a game 4 v game 1 matchup, no less ) is their best win. And beating PL basement dweller Lafayette was HC’s best win.

So it’s not exactly a clash of the titans but it could be a close game.

There's still value in dominating "inferior" competition. Lehigh held a 42-0 halftime lead against a 4-6 Wagner team with 2 FBS losses. They have a meaningful game after their bye against Duquesne. Lehigh also controlled Princeton from the start as well. The last two weeks they've outscored Fordham and Georgetown (5-4 Hoyas) 55-3 in the first half. That's not easy to do....

[RichH2]

Go to our board Bison 137 has the answer for you.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Lehigh 27, Holy Cross 24 (https://www.college-sports-journal.com/lehigh-at-holy-cross-11-9-2024-mountain-hawks-next-challenge-is-to-defeat-defending-champions-on-the-road/)
Lafayette 31, Colgate 7
Fordham 27, Bucknell 21

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I was hoping to make the trip to Woostah, but a prior commitment to my granddaughters to go hiking up on Hawk Mountain takes precedence. At the time, I did not see this week's game as being so meaningful! My problem is being able to watch it later. I have ESPN+, but is there away to archive the game, i.e. "taping it"? Thanks for any suggestions.

I hear ya Ngineer!

I would have liked to gone up but driving back at night just doesn't appeal to me nor does paying for a hotel in Worcester/Hartford for the night. Plus, I'm headed to Kansas next week for the K-State vs Arizona State game so I really don't want to give up two straight weekends as we reach the stretch run of the semester.

Despite our absences, I think there will be a strong Lehigh turnout based on social media banter.

[DFW HOYA]

Despite our absences, I think there will be a strong Lehigh turnout based on social media banter.

Hoe do PL fans of a certain age rank the size of the respective fan bases, traveling and otherwise? Here's a guess to start.

1. Lehigh
2. Holy Cross
3. Colgate
4. Lafayette
5. Fordham
6. Bucknell
7. Georgetown

[crusader11]

Lehigh does travel fairly well, as I recall. Given that, I'm expecting 10K - 12K tomorrow. It looks to be a beautiful fall day for football -- high 40s and sunny skies.

I'm obviously biased, but I think HC has developed into the strongest fan base in the PL. Home crowds have been, by far, the largest in the league going back to 2018 or so. HC also travels very well.

[Go...gate]

Must admit my heart is not in it this week.

Holy Cross 27, Lehigh 16

Colgate 23, Lafayette 20

Bucknell 26, Fordham 24

Bonus Pick: Dartmouth 45, Princeton 20

[DFW HOYA]

I'm obviously biased, but I think HC has developed into the strongest fan base in the PL. Home crowds have been, by far, the largest in the league going back to 2018 or so. HC also travels very well.

It's really, really difficult for Georgetown to build a fan base. No culture of winning, basketball is in the ditch, poor facilities, lack of any players in the NFL.

[crusader11]

Holy Cross -10.5

Bucknell -1.5

[RichH2]

Gate over Pards.
Bison take Rams
Lehigh outlasts Crusaders.
Admit I have no confidence in any of my picks this week 🤣🤣
Lehigh should have a slight edge early on with Cross coming off a Bye week. We are a run O centric team going against a very good run D. Hunt needs to open up the pass game for Johnson and he must excel for us to win.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lafayette 37 Colgate 20: 'Pards playing tough, but can't close. They'll put the Raiders to bed without too much resistance..
Bucknell 27 Fordham 23: The Rams have a shot, but the Bison have a little mojo working. I think the Bison manage to finish at least 6-6....

And finally, just a copy and paste from the Lehigh board.....

This is easily the most excited I've been for a Lehigh game since Villanova to start the 2017 season. Obviously, there were critical games along the way that year en route to a PL Title and playoff berth but given the circumstances at hand the team never achieved its potential. The 2019 game against Holy Cross could have changed the trajectory of Gilmore's tenure but the Crusaders took control in the second half and Lehigh hasn't had a meaningful league game (outside of Lafayette) since.

I know it's not a profound a revelation but the key to tomorrow's game will be how the QBs play. Assuming Perri starts, he can't make mistakes/miss throws that turn into early momentum for Holy Cross and/or lost opportunities for Lehigh. I also don't want a scenario where Johnson has to come in to be a savior of sorts and/or he is forced to play catch up. Holy Cross is built very similar to Yale imo in terms of physicality and quality athletes at key positions With that said, the Crusaders will not "out talent" Lehigh tomorrow. IMO, Lehigh's, talent level, while young, is "Top 25 good".

I also like the coaching match up for a change. Curran is a solid coach who is still trying to elevate himself and his teams to a next level. Chesney he is not. I trust Cahill and company will have Lehigh prepared to win. The only caveat to that is Hunt can't be too stubborn with the run/possession passing game. Take some shots, a wise (not desperate) trick play etc. will go a long way to open up the offense. 10-12 play drives against Holy Cross given Lehigh's propensity to make mistakes is not a wise approach for 60.

Defensively, I think it comes down to red zone and forcing a turnover or two. Holy Cross is going to move the ball. This is either the second or third most talented offense Lehigh has faced so tackling/defending space will be critical. Overall, I think if Lehigh can keep HC in the 27-30 point range I like their chances.

Limit the mistakes, play a consistent (doesn't have to be perfect) 60 minutes and I think Lehigh's team speed/talent and preparation will win the day.

Lehigh 34 Holy Cross 27

[bonarae]

It's really, really difficult for Georgetown to build a fan base. No culture of winning, basketball is in the ditch, poor facilities, lack of any players in the NFL.

OK, so in which sports are the Hoyas strong in now? I'm afraid the nearest parallels are post-football lives of ex-FCS schools who dropped the sport... xsmhx

[Wolffan]

Lehigh’s weak FCS schedule may have them ill prepared for a game v Holy Cross in Worcester. I’m still trying to figure out their most impressive win thus far this year. 2-6 Princeton in Princeton’s opener? Georgetown (Massey 94th ranked)?

It’s true HC’s best win is unimpressive Laffy (Massey 73rd ranked), but their close losses to decent teams (URI, UNH, Harvard, Yale…by a total of 12 points) suggest they clearly are the better team. Even if the HC roster is light years from last year.

[Wolffan]

It's really, really difficult for Georgetown to build a fan base. No culture of winning, basketball is in the ditch, poor facilities, lack of any players in the NFL. Completely agree. I have no expectations Georgetown will grow its football fan base. At the same time, I don’t think that is a goal or objective at the school or athletic department.

[NY Crusader 2010]

Unfortunately, there really are no "impressive wins" by PL teams this year.

Only way the Patriot League has a fighting chance of getting a team in the final Top 25 is if Holy Cross wins out and wins at least one playoff game. Even then, that would put us at 8-6.

[NY Crusader 2010]

Lafayette 37 Colgate 20: 'Pards playing tough, but can't close. They'll put the Raiders to bed without too much resistance..
Bucknell 27 Fordham 23: The Rams have a shot, but the Bison have a little mojo working. I think the Bison manage to finish at least 6-6....

And finally, just a copy and paste from the Lehigh board.....

This is easily the most excited I've been for a Lehigh game since Villanova to start the 2017 season. Obviously, there were critical games along the way that year en route to a PL Title and playoff berth but given the circumstances at hand the team never achieved its potential. The 2019 game against Holy Cross could have changed the trajectory of Gilmore's tenure but the Crusaders took control in the second half and Lehigh hasn't had a meaningful league game (outside of Lafayette) since.

I know it's not a profound a revelation but the key to tomorrow's game will be how the QBs play. Assuming Perri starts, he can't make mistakes/miss throws that turn into early momentum for Holy Cross and/or lost opportunities for Lehigh. I also don't want a scenario where Johnson has to come in to be a savior of sorts and/or he is forced to play catch up. Holy Cross is built very similar to Yale imo in terms of physicality and quality athletes at key positions With that said, the Crusaders will not "out talent" Lehigh tomorrow. IMO, Lehigh's, talent level, while young, is "Top 25 good".

I also like the coaching match up for a change. Curran is a solid coach who is still trying to elevate himself and his teams to a next level. Chesney he is not. I trust Cahill and company will have Lehigh prepared to win. The only caveat to that is Hunt can't be too stubborn with the run/possession passing game. Take some shots, a wise (not desperate) trick play etc. will go a long way to open up the offense. 10-12 play drives against Holy Cross given Lehigh's propensity to make mistakes is not a wise approach for 60.

Defensively, I think it comes down to red zone and forcing a turnover or two. Holy Cross is going to move the ball. This is either the second or third most talented offense Lehigh has faced so tackling/defending space will be critical. Overall, I think if Lehigh can keep HC in the 27-30 point range I like their chances.

Limit the mistakes, play a consistent (doesn't have to be perfect) 60 minutes and I think Lehigh's team speed/talent and preparation will win the day.

Lehigh 34 Holy Cross 27

You guys got the best of Curran last year.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Mistake number one to Lehigh, terrible late hit extends the HC drive....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Unfortunately, there really are no "impressive wins" by PL teams this year.

Only way the Patriot League has a fighting chance of getting a team in the final Top 25 is if Holy Cross wins out and wins at least one playoff game. Even then, that would put us at 8-6.

Not even close to being accurate. Look at Duquesne as a barometer. An 8-3 Lehigh team would be ranked heading into the playoffs....

[CHIP72]

Lehigh with the stop, forcing the Holy Cross punt.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh is not going to win this game in a phone booth. They need to stretch the field to create open space...

[crusader11]

Not even close to being accurate. Look at Duquesne as a barometer. An 8-3 Lehigh team would be ranked heading into the playoffs....

Debatable.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Debatable.

I'll rely on attrition and human tendencies.

[CHIP72]

I think it is dumb lining up in the shotgun on 4th and 1/2 yard, but Lehigh converts to keep the drive alive.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh 0 Holy Cross 0 End 1Q

Fast moving first quarter as each team has only had the ball once. Lehigh will have a 3rd and 8 from the Crusader 18 or so to start 2Q....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

TD Lehigh! Great throw on the run by Perri and snag by Humphrey in the corner of the EZ. A 3 and out by the defense would really start to set the tone for the game...

Lehigh 7 Holy Cross 0 14:51

[CHIP72]

Nice touchdown pass by Lehigh to strike first. They lead 7-0 early in the 2nd quarter.

Very impressive, 80+ yard drive by the Mountain Hawks on their first possession.

[crusader11]

Very very impressive opening drive for Lehigh. Their OL pushed HC around. 7-0 Lehigh.

What was with the short kick on the kickoff, giving HC the ball at the 40?

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Big answer by HC and 3rd and goal from 10. Both defenses have had chances to make plays in the RZ yet the offense found a way....

[crusader11]

After Lehigh gives HC a short field to work with, HC converts on 3rd and goal from the ten for a TD.

7-7 midway through the second.

[CHIP72]

Holy Cross responds to the Lehigh touchdown drive with one of their own. The Crusaders tie the game at 7-7.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Perri remains in at QB

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Perri o no!!

- - - Updated - - -

Brutal helmet to helmet hit...knocked completely out...ugh...

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Perri up and walking around...that was ugly....

[CHIP72]

Tough spot (4th and 1 1/2 yards) to put in a QB cold.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh decides to punt on 4th and 1 then completely botches pinning HC inside the 10 or 5. Got way too greedy...

[crusader11]

HC got screwed on that punt. Very clearly a touchback.

[CHIP72]

Lehigh decides to punt on 4th and 1 then completely botches pinning HC inside the 10 or 5. Got way too greedy...

I'm surprised the officials ruled the ball was downed inside the 1 yard line; it looked like a touchback to me.

[Pards Rule]

Review? Challenge?

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh defense steps up after HC gets out of harms way. Big sequence coming up to close out the half with Lehigh getting the ball to start the final 30...

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

If I'm Lehigh 7-7 is ok. They need to regroup on offense after the Perri injury. The game plan in terms of situational play calling and such is out the window. Need to come up with a good plan for Johnson....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

HC just got their makeup call, Lehigh OL pancakes a HC DB and they call holding on a first down....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

HC lined up for a 55 or so yard FG to close out the half....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Opt against a FG after a Lehigh timeout, fails to convert on 4th down...that will conclude the first half....

1991 in the making? Not likely....

[CHIP72]

Probably the right call by Holy Cross to not try the 55 yard FG.

Lehigh/Holy Cross goes to halftime tied at 7-7.

[crusader11]

What terrible game management and timeout usage by Curran at the end of the first half.

[RichH2]

Heck of a half between 2 very evenly matched teams. Who comes out on fire after halftime?

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Probably the right call by Holy Cross to not try the 55 yard FG.

Lehigh/Holy Cross goes to halftime tied at 7-7.

I was having memories of Lehigh-Lafayette 2005 and the infamous "Big Hurt" play after Lembo took a timeout to counteract the Pards lining up for a FG....

[CHIP72]

What terrible game management and timeout usage by Curran at the end of the first half.

That run play on 3rd and 1 with about 45 seconds left was a head scratcher.

- - - Updated - - -


Heck of a half between 2 very evenly matched teams. Who comes out on fire after halftime?

It may depend on whether Perri is able to come back into the game at quarterback for Lehigh.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

That run play on 3rd and 1 with about 45 seconds left was a head scratcher.

- - - Updated - - -



It may depend on whether Perri is able to come back into the game at quarterback for Lehigh.

Perri is definitely out the remainder of game, I wouldn't expect him to play next week either...

[CHIP72]

Ugh, lining up in the shotgun on 3rd and 1 is just stupid IMO.

Lehigh does kick a field goal to take a 10-7 lead over Holy Cross about halfway through the 3rd quarter. An excellent throw and catch on 3rd down was the key play for the Mountain Hawks.

[Lehigh'98]

Hunt’s vastly improved the run game, but he’s not the most creative play caller. LU settles for FG 10-7.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Nice drive, but it only nets a FG. HC defense comes up with a huge play on 3rd and 1. Can they get the ball back to force HC's defense back on the field?

Lehigh 10 HC 7 7:47 3Q

- - - Updated - - -


Hunt’s vastly improved the run game, but he’s not the most creative play caller. LU settles for FG 10-7.

Yup, this is like watching Colgate circa 2008....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh gets their 3 and out! No mistakes offense....

[CHIP72]

It looked there was a facemask by Holy Cross on that LU punt return, though no flag was thrown.

Lehigh will have good field position near midfield after stopping the Crusaders 3 and out.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh has HC's defense playing on their heels. Can they get a TD?!?!

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

And there's the Lehigh turnover....unbelievable...only way they were going to be stopped I think...

[CHIP72]

Holy Cross forces a huge Lehigh turnover inside the HC 20 yard line. The quarterback/running back handoff exchange wasn't clean.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Holy Cross forces a huge Lehigh turnover inside the HC 20 yard line. The quarterback/running back handoff exchange wasn't clean.

Lehigh has had horrible turnovers this year. Both in terms of protection and situation. They've directly cost them or resulted in points for the opponent...

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh stops HC, offense needs to make amends!

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh is just doing dumb things, #3 running his mouth getting a 15 yarder. Mistakes have cost Lehigh greatly today...

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh 10 Holy Cross 7 End of 3Q

Lehigh will have a 3rd and 3 or 4 at their own 37/38 to start the 4th quarter.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Where was the offensive PI there? and I don't think it was targeting, I think he caught the ball too...

[crusader11]

Where was the offensive PI there? and I don't think it was targeting, I think he caught the ball too...

This crew has had a tough day on both sides.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Upon a second look #16 for HC definitely launched at the receiver...but no targeting is called

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh forced to punt, pins HC at the 2...big possession here.....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

So Lehigh had to repunt? What the heck is going on?

[crusader11]

Do Lehigh had to repunt? What the heck is going on?

A total cluster*****.

Awful crew for a game of this significance.

[Southsider]

LU passing game is awful. No creativity. However, best D we’ve had in many years!

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh had a chance at ann INt but no dice. That Lehigh fumble is proving to as big as I thought. HC on the move and time is ticking...

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Huge sack by Lehigh! Makes the FG quite a bit tougher....

[CHIP72]

Huge sack by Lehigh, may have forced Holy Cross out of field goal range.

EDIT: tack on 15 more yards against the Crusaders on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh ball, 1st and 10 at the HC 5....

Lehigh 10 Holy Cross 7 5:34 4Q

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Huge sack by Lehigh, may have forced Holy Cross out of field goal range.

EDIT: tack on 15 more yards against the Crusaders on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

I can't keep track of the penalties at this point...

[crusader11]

Lehigh is tough enough up front and have a strong enough ground game they can put this game away here with a few first downs.

Perplexing offensive play calls by Dresner (HC OC). Very predictable today.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

The "other" freshman QB comes up and gets a huge first down and some wiggle room. No bleeping mistakes!!

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Too much time to play passive....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Yuck, who can be more conservative?

HC will control their fate on offense......

[CHIP72]

Tremendous punt by Lehigh after Holy Cross gets the defensive stop, pinning the Crusaders inside their own 15 yard line.

There's 2:24 remaining and HC has two timeouts left.

[CHIP72]

I don't understand Holy Cross running on 1st and long down 3 points with less than 2 minutes remaining in regulation.

[Go...gate]

Colgate 10, Lafayette 7, Halftime.

[crusader11]

I don't understand Holy Cross running on 1st and long down 3 points with less than 2 minutes remaining in regulation.

No one does besides Curran and Dresner.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

It will come down to a long FG to force OT. HC's kicker has the leg!

[CHIP72]

Holy Cross' play calling and clock management on this final possession to try to tie the game has been very questionable IMO.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Blocked!! Lehigh wins!!

[Southsider]

Awesome win!!!

[CHIP72]

Lehigh with the blocked FG, the Mountain Hawks will win 10-7.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

This game played out kinda, sorta how I expected outside of the points. Lehigh controlled the play and HC just didn't have the game plan, situational aptitude to win against a good team. It's who they've been all year...

[CHIP72]

Holy Cross still has games vs Bucknell and at Georgetown. I think a split is the most likely outcome for the Crusaders.

[Southsider]

Bucky just went up on FU 21-13 mid 3rd

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

You guys got the best of Curran last year.

Curran is now 0-3 against Lehigh including losing to a Gilmore led Lehigh team. That takes a certain type of skill....

I've been telling Crusader fans to be cautious of Curran since he was hired. The natives are already starting to get restless...

[crusader11]

Congratulations to Lehigh. Beat us on the field and on the sidelines.

Very disappointing by HC, but particularly our coaches. I thought Cahill ran circles around Curran, and did so without Perri for most of the game.

- - - Updated - - -


Holy Cross' play calling and clock management on this final possession to try to tie the game has been very questionable IMO.

Yes. Incredibly puzzling. I posted on the HC board and will share here —

There were four immediate problems that come to mind on that final drive —

1) Allowing the clock to run down to the two minute timeout, rather than running a play. We lost a chance to run a play and get a “free” timeout.

2) Running the ball on 1st and 16 was peculiar. Didn’t have much urgency, either. Very content playing for three.

3) Spiking the ball after picking up a first down was very, very dumb. We saved, maybe a few seconds? Clock stops on a first down. By doing this, we forced ourselves into kicking a 52 yard field goal maybe when we didn’t have to. We basically traded a down for a couple seconds saved.

4) I’d have to look at the play by play, but is it possible the game ended with one timeout in Curran’s back pocket? The score bug had us with one timeout remaining, but not sure how accurate it was. OH MY IF THAT WAS THE CASE!

There are many little things that contributed to this loss, but maybe the most concerning is that Kevin Cahill totally outcoached Curran / Dresner. That was disappointing, especially after coming off a bye week with a chance to all but wrap up the league on our home turf.

[Southsider]

Great win. D did their job when they had to. LU passing scheme needs work. No TE, little to nothing across middle. Bring on Colgate!!

[RichH2]

Wow. What a game. Exhausting and exhilarating. Cahill and staff did a superb job LU defense was stalwart This team is maturing

[Go...gate]

Great win by the Engineers!

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Fordham with a FG...

Bison 21 Rams 19 0:43 3Q

[Lehigh'98]

Good game. Both teams gave great effort. Everyone played 60 minutes hard. Refs were not very good, but HC also had some obvious critical PI penalties. Cahill coached much better, but offensive playcalling could use some creativity. HC playcalling just looked lost down the stretch. Very happy to see LU playing meaningful games again, but still think they are a year away from being competitive in playoffs. Definitely on right track though.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Colgate 17 Lafayette 7 End 3Q

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Good game. Both teams gave great effort. Everyone played 60 minutes hard. Refs were not very good, but HC also had some obvious critical PI penalties. Cahill coached much better, but offensive playcalling could use some creativity. HC playcalling just looked lost down the stretch. Very happy to see LU playing meaningful games again, but still think they are a year away from being competitive in playoffs. Definitely on right track though.

I think all of the CAA teams present an opportunity for a "competitive" appearance. I wouldn't shy away from any of them including Villanova this year. Not saying Lehigh wins but I would expect a competitive game.

Long way to go from now until then.....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Colgate adds a FG...

Raiders 20 'Pards 7 10:18 4Q

[crusader11]

Lehigh wouldn’t embarrass themselves against anyone in the CAA, IMO.

Defense and a strong OL/running game travels in the playoffs.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Relying on a Conlin coached team is rarely a wise option. Bucknell has a chance to put the game away on their current drive...

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Not being talked about - Cross wasting time letting the clock tick to the 2 minute warning. In isolation, maybe no big deal, but they maybe let 2, possibly 3 downs go.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Fordham forces a punt then goes right down the field and scores a TD!! 2 pt try is good C'mon Rams, close this out!!

Fordham 27 Bucknell 21 4:18 4Q

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

TD Bison on 3rd and 10...that didn't take long

Bucknell 28 Fordham 27 2:35 4Q

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Rams break a big run before the Fordham QB takes a horrible sack (plenty of time to get rid of the ball) at the 2 minute warning...

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Bucknell stuffs Fordham on 4th and 2. Bison will remain in control of the PL race.....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lafayette has stormed back against Colgate

Lafayette 21 Colgate 20 2:24 4Q

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Colgate fumble, Lafayette recovers....play under review, looks like it should stand as a fumble...

[CHIP72]

Colgate's production on these ESPN+ broadcasts is pretty bad. The majority of D2 games I've watched have better production. (It also makes me appreciate the quality broadcasts Lafayette and Lehigh have had for years. I'll add Holy Cross' broadcast today, including their announcers, was very solid IMO.)

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lafayette 21 Colgate 20 Final

[CHIP72]

Lafayette breaks their three game Patriot League game losing streak, coming back to edge Colgate in upstate New York, 21-20.

[Pards Rule]

PARS WIN 21-20!!!

[Pards Rule]

Bucknell wins by 1

[Pards Rule]

Bucknell is ahead on tie breakers

[Southsider]

Relying on a Conlin coached team is rarely a wise option. Bucknell has a chance to put the game away on their current drive...

Conlin’s play selection on the last drive was a head scratcher. Bucky had trouble defending pass, but they chose to run. Guess that’s why they are 1-9

[Go...gate]

Dreadful loss for Colgate on Senior Day.

[ngineer]

Man, this is the year you can throw a blanket over the entire PL. So many games down to the wire and within a few points. Lehigh's defense has really gelled this year. The secondary has improved immensely. Tackling has improved over the season and pressure up front. I love the solid ground game, but the pass game needs to pick it up in order to prevent upcoming defenses from jamming the LOS. I agree as noted by someone that the TE needs to get involved to open it up. Maybe there is more concern about QB protection, but relying solely on Jameil and Humphrey and an occasional other WR won't work forever. Game balls to the Poole, Garrido, and the entire D. That 4th quarter punt was stupendous. Garrido's FG was at a difficult angle with a cross wind, and the D was overall exceptional. Other than some boneheaded errors that could have been damaging, this was a sound game. Three straight games, now, with everything on the line and they look like they are looking forward to the challenge. Bring on the Raiders...and GO 'Saders (next weekxsmiley_wix)!!

[crusader11]

12,910 at Fitton this afternoon. Great crowd.

[ngineer]

12,910 at Fitton this afternoon. Great crowd.

That is a nice crowd. Have they switched the sides (home/away)? I wasn't able to make the drive, but got to watch on ESPN+ and it seemed that sides were reversed from what I remember. I thought ESPN+ did a nice job. Long range forecast may actually have the east coast getting some rain next weekend.

[crusader11]

Not being talked about - Cross wasting time letting the clock tick to the 2 minute warning. In isolation, maybe no big deal, but they maybe let 2, possibly 3 downs go.

There were a lot of snafus from Curran today, but this was definitely one of the biggest.

He smartly used his first timeout at 2:36, to prevent Lehigh from being able to run the clock down to the two minute timeout.

But, after the punt, return, a run to the outside that was negated due to holding, they ended up not running their first down play (it was 1st and 16) until 2:00. Essentially, that timeout that was used was done in futility.

Had they run the 1st down running play before the two minute timeout, it would have been 2nd and 11 with just under two minutes remaining. Clock is stopped. Instead they don't snap the ball until 1:39 when the clock is running.

That's maybe 20 seconds that was just deleted. If you get that time back, maybe you don't burn a down by spiking the ball with :21 remaining later in the drive.

[crusader11]

That is a nice crowd. Have they switched the sides (home/away)? I wasn't able to make the drive, but got to watch on ESPN+ and it seemed that sides were reversed from what I remember. I thought ESPN+ did a nice job. Long range forecast may actually have the east coast getting some rain next weekend.

Yes, they now have the home fans sitting on the I-290 side of the stadium.

This has come with mixed reviews. I think more don't like it than do like it.

One of the big reasons it was done was for TV purposes. The crowd "shows" a lot better with more fans on the old visitor's side.

[NY Crusader 2010]

Not even close to being accurate. Look at Duquesne as a barometer. An 8-3 Lehigh team would be ranked heading into the playoffs....

You're 100% right. I honestly forgot you guys were 5-3 heading into yesterday's game. Congrats on the win -- minus us winning out and you guys losing to Lafayette to end the season, I would most like to see an 8-3 Lehigh represent the league and hopefully get an NCAA WIN. 8-3 Lehigh wouldn't necessarily be ranked heading into the playoffs but definitely a good chance...a playoff win and for sure PL ends the season in the rankings in that case.

NOW, we can say for sure that Lehigh is the only PL team with a CHANCE to get ranked (minus a 6 loss Holy Cross or 5 loss Bucknell getting to the semis or something beyond crazy).

[Pards Rule]

Yes, they now have the home fans sitting on the I-290 side of the stadium.

This has come with mixed reviews. I think more don't like it than do like it.

One of the big reasons it was done was for TV purposes. The crowd "shows" a lot better with more fans on the old visitor's side.

I always loved seeing I-290 in background. But what about press/coaches box. They place them usually away from afternoon sun glare. UNH one does face sun though on home side (keeps home crowd warmer). I havent been to game at HC since 1991 (bad game, 48-14 with schollies still on board) so time for an almost 35 year revisit? Though up there for work work I did drive around campus two years ago.

[Pards Rule]

Ray Bucknell. Im rooting for them (with my ties to BU) and win PL first time since 1996 and first playoff appearance. Where are the BU posters this year when its going well?

[ngineer]

Ray Bucknell. Im rooting for them (with my ties to BU) and win PL first time since 1996 and first playoff appearance. Where are the BU posters this year when it's going well?

They don't exist. It's absolutely pathetic at Christy Mathewson Stadium with the visitors out-numbering the home attendance and total attendance not reaching 1,000 on frequent games. IF I weren't a Lehigh football alum, I'd likely be rooting for them, too, given their horrendous drought from their last championship. However, despite my brown tinted contacts, I just don't see them beating Holy Cross, and toss up with Colgate. "On paper" we should beat Colgate this week setting the table for Rivalry #160, which we all know is a championship game in and of itself. Lehigh certainly does not have an easy route to the title, but its path is there and can be completed. Plus...my daughter is a Bucknell grad (as well as her husband, as that is where they met), so there will be certainly be intra-family interest in the outcome. IF both Lehigh and Bucknell run the table and end up tie for the championship, I think Lehigh would stand a fair chance of getting an away playoff game with an 8-3 record, which would be better than Bucknell's 7-5 despite the tie-breaker.

[DFW HOYA]

They don't exist. It's absolutely pathetic at Christy Mathewson Stadium with the visitors out-numbering the home attendance and total attendance not reaching 1,000 on frequent games.

Home attendance through Week 11, Bucknell's last two home games drew 808 and 881, respectively. Its largest turnout was 2,474 versus Marist.

Holy Cross: 12,266
----------------
Lafayette: 4,176
Lehigh: 4,142
Georgetown: 3,369
Fordham: 2,471
Colgate: 2,338
----------------
Bucknell: 1,470