CSJ’s 2018 Week 1 Game Preview: Holy Cross at Colgate

Holy Cross at Colgate
When: Saturday, September 1st, 1:00 PM EDT
Where: Andy Kerr Stadium, Hamilton, NY
TV/Streaming Coverage: Stadium (online stream)

Holy Cross: CSJ’s 2018 Preview Capsule

The Bob Chesney era begins at Holy Cross, and it couldn’t start out in a more important or challenging way than a trip against the preseason Patriot League favorite in Colgate.

Key Player:The new Holy Cross offense will undoubtedly be built on top of the efforts of Pujals’ top target last season, WR Blaise Bell, who caught 46 passes for 601 yards and 8 TDs. How Bell and whomever emerges as the Crusaders’ opening-day QB will be critical in moving things forward for Holy Cross offensively in 2018.

Fantasy Bonus Baby: QB Elliott Clifford won the preseason battle for the starting role at quarterback, and with Bell as a target he could put up some good numbers this week.

Colgate: CSJ’s 2018 Preview Capsule

Head coach Dan Hunt is known for giving his team big-time games early in the season, and what could be bigger than facing off in the home opener against one of the top teams in the conference?

Key Player:DE Nick Wheeler had a breakout year, notching 15 1/2 tackles for loss and making life miserable for Colgate’s opponents, keeping Raider opponents out of the end zone for the final 15 quarters of last season. If he’s the same disruptive force he was last season, watch out.

Fantasy Bonus Baby: RB James Holland returns to the Colgate offense and will be a powerful running punch alongside QB Grant Breneman.

Fearless Prediction: While Holy Cross has the element of surprise, with a new head coach and essentially a brand-new cast of characters – Colgate should have too much returning to give up the upset at home. It will be closer than some think, but in the end, a Raider victory. Colgate 34, Holy Cross 30.