CSJ Patriot League Power Rankings, Week 8
Here is the College Sports Journal’s Patriot League Power Rankings for the week of 10/25/2016. (Last week’s ranking in parenthesis.)
1. (1) Lehigh 6-2, 3-0
This week: Lehigh 46, Holy Cross 14
After falling behind 7-0, Lehigh went to work, scoring the next 46 points behind a tremendous offensive and defensive effort. QB Brad Mayes was the starter this week, notching 20 of 30 completions for 3 TDs, while RB Dominick Bragalone ran up 151 rushing yards and 2 TDs.
A huge game this weekend vs. the other Patriot League team undefeated in conference play, Fordham, looms at home at Murray Goodman Stadium.
Next up: Saturday vs. Fordham, 12:30 PM
2. (2) Fordham 5-2, 2-0
This week: Fordham 17, Georgetown 14
It wasn’t pretty, but it was enough for the Rams to get the critical conference win at home. RB Chase Edmonds carried a career-high 37 times for 179 yards, bringing his career total to 4,730 yards and making the junior Fordham’s career rushing yardage leader. The defense, though, is what sealed the deal on Saturday, forcing six Hoya turnovers.
The Rams travel to Bethlehem this weekend in a game that could determine the eventual Patriot League champions.
Next up: Saturday at Lehigh, 12:30 PM
3. (4) Colgate 2-4, 1-1
This week: BYE
Colgate was off last week, and will face off against the Crusaders at home to keep their dream of a Patriot League Championship alive.
Next up: Saturday vs Holy Cross, 1:00 PM
4. (5) Bucknell 3-5, 2-1
This week: Bucknell 42, Lafayette 17
After the Leopards closed the score to 21-17, the Bison dealt three straight touchdowns to keep upset-minded Lafayette at bay. WR Will Carter and RB Chad Freshnock ran for two rushing touchdowns apiece, while RB Joey DiFloria also ran for 130 yards and a touchdown in an impressive ground effort.
A trip to Charleston, South Carolina, and the No. 9 team in the country, Charleston Southern, awaits the Bison this week.
Next up: at No. 9 Charleston Southern, 11:45 AM
5. (3) Holy Cross 3-5, 1-2
This week: Lehigh 46, Holy Cross 14
After surprise starting QB Blaise Bell helped the Crusader offense drive the length of the field to start the game, Holy Cross quickly got overwhelmed by the Lehigh juggernaut 46-14. WR Jake Wieczorek had 4 catches for 76 yards, and had two big returns, one a potential touchdown, called back due to block in the back penalties.
The Crusaders will try to get things right in Hamilton against Colgate.
Next up: Saturday at Colgate, 1:00 PM
6. (6) Georgetown 3-4, 0-2
This week: Fordham 17, Georgetown 14
Few had the Hoyas fighting until the very end against league-leading Fordham, but the Hoya defense did a phenomenal job holding RB Chase Edmonds for about three quarters, allowing 95 of his 179 yards in the final quarter of the game. An ineffective offense didn’t have enough firepower to trigger the upset; Goergetown only had 167 total offensive yards on the afternoon.
Next up: Saturday at Lafayette, 12:30pm
7. (7) Lafayette 1-7, 0-3
This week: Bucknell 42, Lafayette 17
After scoring two touchdowns in the span of a minute – a 65 yard TD pass to WR Joey Chenoweth, an interception, and touchdown run by RB Mike Dunn – the Leopards seemed to be very close to earning their second win of the year. But a 4th quarter interception by QB Drew Reed turned into a flood of 21 points for the Bison instead.
Next up: Saturday vs. Georgetown, 12:30pm
Chuck has been writing about Lehigh football since the dawn of the internet, or perhaps it only seems like it. He’s executive editor of the College Sports Journal and has also written a book, The Rivalry: How Two Schools Started the Most Played College Football Series.
Reach him at: this email or click below:
