I still remember the first time I watched Colgate University football team play back in 2018 - they were underdogs then, but something about their gritty defense caught my eye. Fast forward to today, and we're witnessing what I believe is one of the most remarkable transformations in collegiate football. Having followed their journey closely, I've seen this program evolve from a middle-of-the-pack team to genuine contenders, and I'm excited to share my perspective on their rise and what we can expect this season.
The transformation began subtly around three seasons ago when Coach Dan Hunt implemented what I like to call the "Maroon Doctrine" - a philosophy centered on defensive discipline and clock management. Last season alone, the Raiders held opponents to under 17 points per game, ranking them among the top 15 defensive programs nationally. What's particularly impressive is their third-down conversion defense - they successfully stopped opponents 68% of the time, a statistic that would make even professional teams envious. I've studied game tapes from their 2022 season, and their defensive coordination reminds me of well-oiled machines - each player understanding their role while maintaining exceptional situational awareness.
Their offense has shown remarkable growth too, though I'll admit it's been a slower development than I initially predicted. Quarterback Michael Brescia returns for his senior season after throwing for 2,341 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. What makes Brescia special isn't just his arm strength - it's his decision-making under pressure. I've noticed he rarely forces throws into coverage, something young quarterbacks often struggle with. The running game, while not explosive, has been consistently effective, averaging 4.2 yards per carry last season. They might not have the flashy 50-yard runs that make highlight reels, but they control the tempo beautifully, which is exactly what you need in tight games.
Looking at their upcoming schedule, I'm particularly intrigued by their non-conference matchups. The game against Villanova on September 16th will be the true test of how far this program has come. Villanova's offensive scheme presents unique challenges that will stress Colgate's defensive structure in ways Patriot League opponents typically don't. Personally, I think this game will tell us everything we need to know about their championship potential. If they can contain Villanova's spread offense while maintaining their offensive efficiency, we could be looking at a special season.
The international football landscape provides interesting parallels to Colgate's situation. Take the Philippines national team's recent 1-0 loss to world No. 9 Iran - their second consecutive defeat. Much like Colgate in previous years, the Philippines team shows promise but struggles to convert that potential into results against elite competition. The narrow margin against a top-tier opponent like Iran demonstrates growth, similar to how Colgate's close losses to stronger programs in past seasons ultimately built the foundation for their current success. Both cases illustrate how programs can use narrow defeats as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.
What truly excites me about this Colgate team is their depth - something that was conspicuously absent during their rebuilding years. They return 16 starters from last year's squad, including eight on defense. The secondary, led by senior cornerback Owen Goss, has developed into what I consider the strength of this team. Having watched Goss since his freshman year, his progression from a raw athlete to a technically sound defender has been remarkable. He recorded 11 pass breakups last season while allowing only 42% completion rate when targeted - numbers that would be impressive even at the FBS level.
The Patriot League landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, and I believe Colgate is positioned perfectly to capitalize. With traditional powerhouses like Holy Cross undergoing transitional phases, the door is open for a well-structured program like Colgate to dominate. Their recruiting has noticeably improved too - last year's freshman class included three players who earned starting positions by mid-season, something almost unheard of in collegiate football. I've spoken with several high school coaches in the region who confirm that Colgate's renewed commitment to football is making them a more attractive destination for local talent.
As we approach the new season, I'm predicting at least nine wins for the Raiders, with potential upsets in two of their tougher matchups. Their success will hinge on maintaining defensive excellence while developing more consistency in their passing game. The special teams unit, often overlooked, needs to improve their field position battles - last season they ranked in the bottom third of FCS in average starting field position. But these are manageable challenges for a program that has demonstrated such remarkable growth.
Watching Colgate's rise has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my years covering collegiate football. They've built their success not through flashy recruiting or gimmicky schemes, but through fundamental excellence and program culture. While they may not have the national recognition of Alabama or Ohio State, they represent what I love about college sports - programs that build success through development and cohesion rather than simply outspending competitors. This season promises to be their most successful in recent memory, and I for one can't wait to see how this story unfolds.
