College Sports Journal Patriot League Previews: Week of 9/14/2019

Last week, Holy Cross stunned many with their 13-10 upset of New Hampshire, the Patriot League’s first win over a CAA school this season. This week Colgate hopes to make it a second when they face William and Mary on the road. NEC, Big Sky, and even a D-III opponent graces the Patriot League schedule this week.

BYE: Holy Cross

Fearless Predictions

D-III Catholic (0-1) at Georgetown (1-1), Saturday September 14th, Noon, Cooper Field, Washington, DC, Patriot League Network

The Hoyas are going to romp in this game after pulverizing Marist last week. It is technically a rivalry between Catholic DC schools. Georgetown 56, Catholic 0

Sacred Heart (1-1) at Lafayette (0-2), Saturday September 14th, 12:30pm, Fisher Field, Easton, PA, Lafayette Sports Network, Patriot League Network

The Leopards are 0-2, but they seem a lot closer to figuring things out after narrow losses to William and Mary and Monmouth. The Pioneers will be a really good test of where they are at. At home, they do finally get their first win Lafayette 24, Sacred Heart 21

Fordham (0-2) at Bryant (0-2), Saturday September 14th, 1:00pm, Bulldog Stadium, Smithfield, RI, NEC Front Row

Like Sacred Heart/Lafayette, this is a battle between a couple of teams that will be a litmus test to where they are at. Bryant’s offense will score more than the 13 they’ve scored in two games, but Fordham’s development is further along and should win handlily. Fordham 45, Bryant 27

Villanova (2-0) at Bucknell (0-2), Saturday September 14th, 6:00pm, Christy Matthewson Stadium, Lewisburg, PA, Patriot League Network

Villanova will extend the pain of their Patriot League opponents to central PA this weekend. After tonight, the Wildcats’ three victories will be against Patriot League opponents (Colgate, Lehigh, Bucknell). Villanova 42, Bucknell 10

Colgate (0-2) at William & Mary (1-1), Saturday September 14th, 6:00 pm, Zable Stadium, Williamsburg, VA, FLO Sports ($$/subscription req’d)

The Tribe looks to be a different team than last year, but Colgate will be ready after their bye week to give the Tribe a heavy does of reality. Colgate 31, William & Mary 14

Lehigh (0-2) at UC Davis (1-1), Saturday September 14th, 10:00pm, UC Davis Health Stadium, Davis, CA, Pluto.TV

You can read an extensive preview of the game here. Lehigh makes a rare trip to the West Coast this weekend to take on the No. 4 team in the nation. In many ways, Davis’ offense is where Lehigh’s wants to be, but the Aggie defense isn’t nearly as fearsome as the brick wall the Mountain Hawks faced last week at Villanova. Expect more positive strides for the Mountain Hawks to take out of their West Coast adventure. UC Davis 37, Lehigh 28