The first month of the season went about as poorly as it possibly could have for the Patriot League. Last week saw the league bottom out with a 0-5 record in non-conference play. For the season, the Patriot League is an abysmal 4-19 overall in non-conference games. The only team in the league with a winning record, Colgate, has a favorable matchup this week against a struggling William & Mary team. A Raider win would give themselves and the Patriot League a second win against the vaunted CAA. In a season that’s been as ugly as this one, any bit of positivity must be accentuated.
The Games
In honor of Nirvana’s “Nevermind” being released nearly 27 years ago to the day, September 24, 1991, we’re going to give this week’s Patriot League picks a proper “grungy” angle.
Georgetown (1-3) at Brown (0-2) 1 P.M. Brown Stadium Providence, RI
Live Streaming: ESPN+
The Pick: “With the lights out it’s less dangerous; Here we are, entertain us; I feel stupid and contagious; Here we are now, entertain us”. Arguably the worst team in the Ivy League, Brown, hosts one of, if not the worst squad from the Patriot League, Georgetown. As the old cliché goes, something has to give when these two butt heads Saturday afternoon in Providence. Both offenses have struggled to start the year. With that in mind, whichever team can scratch and claw to 20 points will win. In Hoya QB Gunther Johnson we trust to provide the entertainment.
Georgetown 20 Brown 17
Bucknell (0-4) at Holy Cross (1-3, 0-1) 1 P.M. Fitton Field Worcester, MA
Live Streaming: Patriot League Network
The Pick: “I’m so happy because today; I’ve found my friends; They’re in my head; I’m so ugly, but that’s okay, ‘cause so are you”. The Bob Chesney era at Holy Cross has gotten off to a rough start. The Crusaders are coming off an ugly 34-14 loss to Dartmouth in which they failed to notch a first down during the opening 30 minutes of play. Bucknell’s season so far has been a complete disaster a narrow loss to William and Mary to start the season. The 2018 campaign reached its peak of ugliness (so far) last week when the Bison were run off the field in the first half against Villanova.
Holy Cross 24 Bucknell 10
Central Connecticut State (2-2) at Lafayette (0-4, 0-1) 6 P.M Fisher Field Easton, PA
Live Streaming: Patriot League Network
The Pick: “One baby to another says “I’m so grateful to meet you”; I don’t care what you think unless it’s about me; It’s now my duty to completely drain you”. The Blue Devils head to Lafayette off a victory over fellow winless Patriot League member Fordham. Central Connecticut State used big plays on offense, defense and special teams to escape the Bronx with a win. Meanwhile, Lafayette was completely outclassed in all 3 phases last week in their 45-0 blowout loss to Colgate. The Leopards offense continues to be among the most inept units in FCS. Unless former Lafayette greats Tom Kirchoff and Erik Marsh have some eligibility left the Leopards “O” will continue to circle the drain.
Central Connecticut State 30 Lafayette 13
Colgate (3-0, 2-0) at William & Mary (1-3) 6 P.M. Zable Stadium Williamsburg, VA
Live Streaming: Stretch Internet
The Pick: “Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be; As a friend, as a friend, as and old enemy; Take your time, hurry up, the choice is yours, don’t be late”. The Raiders appear to be the best team in the Patriot League by a decent amount through the first few weeks of the season. The only knock against Colgate to this point is the suspect competition they’ve faced. Things don’t appear to get any tougher this week with the offensively challenged Tribe on deck. The last Patriot League team to beat two CAA teams in the same season? Colgate in the 2015 FCS playoffs (New Hampshire & James Madison). The last Patriot League team to beat two or more CAA teams in the same regular season? It’s never happened. Colgate has been eagerly waiting for this one since the Furman game was postponed two weeks ago.
Colgate 31 William & Mary 14
