As I sit down to analyze Colgate University's football prospects this season, I can't help but draw parallels to that fascinating international soccer match where the Philippines narrowly lost to world No. 9 Iran 1-0. Having followed collegiate athletics for over fifteen years, I've seen how seemingly small margins can determine championship outcomes, much like that single goal decided the Philippines' fate against a globally-ranked opponent. The Raiders enter this season with what I believe is their most talented roster since their 2018 championship run, and the question on every Patriot League follower's mind is whether they can reclaim that throne.
Looking at Colgate's recent performance, they finished last season with a 5-6 overall record and 4-2 in conference play, placing them second in the Patriot League standings. What struck me most during my film review was how their defense consistently kept them competitive, allowing just 21.3 points per game while their offense struggled to find consistency. The Philippines' performance against Iran demonstrated how a disciplined defensive approach can keep you in games against superior opponents, and I see similar potential in Colgate's defensive unit this year. Their returning defensive starters include what I consider to be three potential all-conference players, particularly linebacker Tyler Flick, who recorded 87 tackles last season despite missing two games with a minor shoulder injury.
The quarterback situation presents what I view as the biggest variable in Colgate's title aspirations. Michael Brescia returns for his junior season after completing 58.7% of his passes for 1,342 yards and 9 touchdowns last year, but what really excites me about him is his dual-threat capability – he added another 482 rushing yards. However, I've noticed he tends to struggle against complex blitz packages, similar to how the Philippines found themselves overwhelmed by Iran's strategic pressure in that narrow defeat. If Brescia can improve his decision-making under pressure, which I'm told he's been working on extensively during offseason training, Colgate's offense could take the significant leap needed to compete for the championship.
What truly separates title contenders from the rest of the pack, in my experience, is depth and the ability to win close games. The Philippines' 1-0 loss to Iran perfectly illustrates how narrow the margin can be between victory and defeat at high levels of competition. Colgate went 3-2 in games decided by one score last season, and I've calculated that if they had flipped just one of those losses – specifically that heartbreaking 24-21 overtime defeat against Lafayette – they would have finished with a winning conference record. Their special teams unit returns intact, including placekicker Spencer Biscoe who converted 14 of 18 field goal attempts last season, a crucial asset in tight contests.
The Patriot League landscape has shifted significantly during the offseason. Holy Cross, the defending champions, lost their star quarterback to graduation, while Fordham returns what I consider the conference's most explosive offense. Having attended multiple Colgate spring practices, I was particularly impressed with their incoming recruiting class, which includes several players who could contribute immediately. The development of their offensive line, which allowed 28 sacks last season, will be critical – in my assessment, they need to reduce that number to under 20 to have a legitimate shot at the title.
When I look at Colgate's schedule, I see three pivotal games that will likely determine their championship fate: the October 14th matchup against Holy Cross, the November 4th contest versus Fordham, and what I'm calling the "sleeper game" against Lafayette on November 11th. The Holy Cross game particularly reminds me of the Philippines facing Iran – the established powerhouse against the ambitious challenger. Colgate hasn't beaten Holy Cross since 2019, having lost the last three meetings by an average margin of 17 points. To bridge that gap, they'll need what I like to call "championship-level execution" in all three phases of the game.
From my conversations with coaching staff and players during preseason, there's a palpable sense of optimism surrounding this team that I haven't felt in several years. The coaching staff, led by head coach Stan Dakosty who's entering his 18th season, has implemented what players described to me as a more aggressive defensive scheme and a more creative offensive approach. Having observed Patriot League football for nearly two decades, I can usually sense when a team has that special combination of talent, coaching, and chemistry that produces champions, and this Colgate squad has several of those ingredients.
Ultimately, I believe Colgate can absolutely compete for the Patriot League title this season, though I'd place their chances at around 35-40% as of today. They have the defensive foundation, an experienced quarterback, and what appears to be improved depth at skill positions. However, they'll need to overcome their recent struggles against Holy Cross and navigate what I project to be a highly competitive conference schedule. Much like the Philippines demonstrated against Iran, sometimes the difference between championship contention and another respectable season comes down to executing in critical moments against top competition. If Colgate can win those close games that slipped away last season, I'm confident we'll see them playing meaningful football in late November with championship implications on the line.