With Colgate off enjoying the fruits of their 6-0 start, upstart Georgetown takes over the spotlight for the weekend as the Hoyas host Lehigh in a game that’s already sold out. Georgetown appears to be Colgate’s biggest threat after notching back-2-back wins to start Patriot League play. A Hoya win over Lehigh would setup a showdown with the Raiders next weekend in a turning frosty Hamilton, NY. In other league action this weekend, Bucknell hosts Lafayette in a battle of 1 win teams while Fordham, another 1 win team, welcomes NEC member Bryant to the Bronx.
Lafayette (1-5, 0-2) at Bucknell (1-6, 1-1) 12 P.M. Christy Matthewson Stadium Lewisburg, PA
Live Stream: Patriot League Network
The Pick: It’s never good to be sitting on 1 lonely win in mid to late October but that’s where the Bison and Leopards find themselves as the two meet at High Noon Saturday. Lafayette heads to Lewisburg off an ugly home loss to now surging Georgetown. ‘Pard QB Sean Malley was picked off 3 times and the rushing attack managed a paltry 33 net yards in the “L”. Outside of the CCSU game, O’Malley has been stuck in a miserable sophomore slump. It might be time for Head Coach John Garrett to give Cole Northrup a few more meaningful snaps in attempt to jump start the offense (10.7 ppg, 124th in FCS). Coach Susan’s decision to switch to Logan Bitikofer jumped started the offense in their win over Holy Cross. Since then, Bitikofer has played “OK” in losses against two quality opponents (Monmouth and Colgate). If the Bison QB can avoid mistakes, a “C” type game should be good enough to generate the precious few points that will be needed to beat Lafayette. A loss would secure the Leopards 9th straight losing season.
Bucknell 17 Lafayette 10
Bryant (4-2) at Fordham (1-5, 1-1) 1 P.M. Jack Coffey Field Bronx, NY
Live Streaming: Patriot League Network
The Pick: Fordham will look to build off their emphatic 43-14 road win over Lehigh last week as they return to the “Big Apple” to host Bryant from the NEC. The Rams headed to Bethlehem last week having scored a mere 47 points on the year but exploded for 43 against the Mountain Hawks. Fordham racked up 189 yards on the ground (Tyriek Hopkins 117 yards) which was easily their highest total of the year. Given the breakout on offense against Lehigh, Fordham should be confident in their ability to keep it rolling against a Bryant defense that gives up an average of 37 ppg (T100 in FCS). The Bulldogs surrendered a staggering 662 yards (442 rushing) in their shocking 48-14 blowout loss to Central Connecticut State last Saturday. Bryant quarterback Price Wilson (268 ypg 15 TDs 6 INTs) and the rest of the offense (30 ppg) will also be looking to bounce back after ugly performances. Fordham will be riding a wave of positive momentum while Bryant comes in a little bruised and battered. Last year Bryant won a 45-40 shootout in Providence. Another high-scoring affair seems likely.
Fordham 38 Bryant 35
Lehigh (1-5, 0-1) at Georgetown (3-4, 2-0) 2 P.M. Cooper Field Washington D.C.
Live Streaming: Patriot League Network
The Pick: Georgetown seeks their first win over Lehigh (17 straight losses by an average of 25 points) in the Patriot League era as the two collide on Family Weekend in our nation’s capital. The last time the Hoyas beat Lehigh was all the way back in 1925. Not only is Georgetown looking to avenge their Mountain Hawk demons, they’re also trying to keep pace with Colgate in the Patriot League race. The Hoya’s “D” has to like how they matchup with the struggling Lehigh offense (16. 7 ppg 116th in FCS). Even the stagnant Georgetown offense led by QB Gunther Johnson (172 ypg 6 TDs 4 INTs) should gain some traction against a Lehigh defense that is surrendering a whopping 40 ppg. The Mountain Hawks seem to have hit rock bottom the last two weeks with terrible play in all three phases. It’s been a shocking collapse this season for the Patriot League’s winningest program. At this point it would be an upset if Georgetown didn’t exorcise their Lehigh demons.
Georgetown 27 Lehigh 17