As I sit down to reflect on Colgate University's 2023 football season, I can't help but draw parallels to that fascinating international match where the Philippines lost 1-0 to world No. 9 Iran. There's something compelling about watching underdog teams face powerhouse opponents, and honestly, that's exactly what made Colgate's season so memorable to me. When I first saw their schedule back in August, I remember thinking they'd need nothing short of a miracle to compete against some of these established programs. The Raiders entered this season with something to prove, carrying the weight of previous disappointing campaigns while facing opponents who'd consistently dominated them in recent years.
What struck me most about this team was their resilience. They opened the season against Army West Point, and let me tell you, watching them hold their own against a military academy known for its physical style was nothing short of inspiring. The final score might show a 28-14 loss, but those who actually watched the game saw something special developing. The defense, particularly the secondary, showed flashes of brilliance that would become their trademark throughout the season. I've followed Colgate football for about seven years now, and this was the first time I genuinely felt they had the personnel to compete at a higher level than their traditional Patriot League standing would suggest.
The turning point came during their October stretch, when they strung together three consecutive victories against Lafayette, Georgetown, and Lehigh. That Georgetown game in particular stands out in my memory - the way they mounted that fourth-quarter comeback reminded me of how the Philippines kept pressing against Iran despite being outmatched on paper. Sometimes in sports, the final score doesn't tell the whole story, and Colgate's 24-21 victory over the Hoyas demonstrated a mental toughness I hadn't seen from this program in years. Quarterback Michael Brescia's development throughout this stretch was remarkable to witness - his completion percentage jumped from 58% in September to nearly 65% during October games, and his decision-making showed significant improvement.
Now, I'll be honest about their November performance - it broke my heart a little. Losing those close games to Fordham and Holy Cross by a combined 10 points felt particularly cruel. The Holy Cross game specifically reminded me of that Philippines-Iran match where one crucial moment decided everything. With just under three minutes remaining and trailing by four, Colgate drove to Holy Cross's 15-yard line before an interception sealed their fate. That's the nature of competitive sports - sometimes you execute perfectly for 57 minutes only to have everything unravel in the final three. What impressed me though was how the team responded the following week, absolutely dominating Bucknell 31-10 in their season finale. That showed character, and as someone who's watched countless college teams fold after heartbreaking losses, I have to give credit where it's due.
The statistical improvements from last season were actually quite remarkable when you look at the numbers. Their scoring offense increased from 17.1 points per game to 23.8, while their defense trimmed nearly a touchdown off their points allowed average. The rushing attack specifically saw dramatic improvement, jumping from 112 yards per game to 167 this season. These aren't just numbers on a page - I saw this transformation play out on the field every Saturday. The offensive line's development under Coach Chmiel was particularly noticeable, creating running lanes that simply didn't exist last season.
What really gets me excited about this program's future is the young talent they've developed. Sophomore running back Jaedon Henry emerged as a legitimate offensive weapon, averaging 4.8 yards per carry despite facing stacked boxes for much of the season. The receiving corps, led by junior Treyvhon Saunders, showed flashes of brilliance that should make Patriot League defensive coordinators nervous next year. And defensively? The emergence of first-year linebacker Tyler Flick was one of my favorite storylines to follow - his instinctual play and tackling efficiency reminded me of some of the great Colgate linebackers I've watched over the years.
As someone who's been critical of Colgate's recruiting in the past, I have to admit they've found some gems in their last two classes. The coaching staff's ability to identify and develop under-the-radar talent has clearly improved, and it showed in their depth throughout the season. Unlike previous years where injuries would decimate their roster, this team actually got stronger as the season progressed, with younger players stepping up when called upon. I counted at least seven first-year players who made significant contributions in crucial moments, which bodes extremely well for the program's future.
Looking back at the entire 2023 campaign, I'd rate it as a qualified success. Sure, their 5-6 final record doesn't jump off the page, but context matters in college football. They were competitive in every single game, with their largest margin of defeat being 17 points against an FBS opponent. For a program that suffered through multiple blowout losses in recent seasons, this represents meaningful progress. The culture change under this coaching staff is palpable - you can see it in how players carry themselves, in their fourth-quarter resilience, and in their ability to bounce back from adversity. While they fell just short of a winning season, they've built a foundation that should make them legitimate Patriot League contenders next year. The 2023 Colgate football team may not have achieved all their goals, but they won something equally important - the belief that better days are ahead, and frankly, I find myself believing right along with them.