Patriot League Preseason Poll [Archive]

Go Lehigh TU owl

July 27th, 2017, 11:49 AM

Preseason First Team

2017 Patriot League Football Preseason All-League Team

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Edmonds, RB, Fordham (Sr.)

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Pat Afriyie, DL, Colgate (Sr.)

Offense
QB: Kevin Anderson, Fordham (Gr.)

RB: Chase Edmonds, Fordham (Sr.)

RB: Dom Bragalone, Lehigh (Jr.)

WR: Austin Longi, Fordham (Jr.)

WR: Troy Pelletier, Lehigh (Sr.)

WR: Gatlin Casey, Lehigh (Sr.)

TE: Dylan Wadsworth, Lafayette (Sr.)

OL: Ryan Paulish, Colgate (Sr.)

OL: Anthony Coyle, Fordham (Sr.)

OL: Ben Hartman, Fordham (Sr.)

OL: Zach Duffy, Lehigh (Sr.)

OL: Tim O’Hara, Lehigh (Sr.)

Defense

DL: Abdullah Anderson, Bucknell (Sr.)

DL: Pat Afriyie, Colgate (Sr.)

DL: Manny Adeyeye, Fordham (Gr.)

DL: Tyler Cavenas, Lehigh (Sr.)

LB: Ben Richard, Bucknell (Sr.)

LB: J’V’on Butler, Georgetown (Jr.)

LB: Nick McBeath, Holy Cross (Sr.)

LB: Brandon Bryant, Lafayette (Sr.)

DB: Bryan Marine, Bucknell (Jr.)

DB: Tyler Castillo, Colgate (Jr.)

DB: Abu Daramy, Colgate (So.)

DB: Caleb Ham, Fordham (Sr.)

Special Teams

PK: Ed Mish, Lehigh (Jr.)

P: Ed Mish, Lehigh (Jr.)

RS: Gatlin Casey, Lehigh (Sr.)

Non-Specialist Player: Khristian Tate, Georgetown (So.)

LUHawker

July 27th, 2017, 12:27 PM

Would be nice to see 2 PL schools make the playoffs this year.

RichH2

July 27th, 2017, 12:46 PM

LUHawker

July 27th, 2017, 01:04 PM

[QUOTE=LUHawker;2501776]Would be nice to see 2 PL schools make the playoffs this year.[/QULUHawk

Possible if both LU and Rams get some D. Dont count out Cross. A true longshot but if Pujols can stay healthy possible.

Holy Cross has a couple off difficult OOC games with UConn and UNH (Monmouth no gimme either), so only way they get in, IMO, is to win the PL and I think those are low odds. Their O not as strong as either LU or FU and D not so much better than others that is the difference. Certainly can't so they can't win it, but odds are low. Colgate has better chance than HC.

DFW HOYA

July 27th, 2017, 01:53 PM

I know the leadership in Center Valley doesn't want to advertise it, but it's Lehigh and Colgate until sometime in the 2020's. HC and Fordham figure to drop off beginning next year, Lafayette and Bucknell don't have the horses, and Georgetown doesn't have the budget to consider looking into horses.

Lehigh Football Nation

July 27th, 2017, 02:48 PM

[QUOTE=RichH2;2501779]

Holy Cross has a couple off difficult OOC games with UConn and UNH (Monmouth no gimme either), so only way they get in, IMO, is to win the PL and I think those are low odds. Their O not as strong as either LU or FU and D not so much better than others that is the difference. Certainly can't so they can't win it, but odds are low. Colgate has better chance than HC.

Holy Cross has a hugely challenging schedule: starting with UConn and UNH in the first three weeks, then eight straight games ending at Fordham and at Lehigh. Yes, eleven straight with the bye week on the final weekend. That's not easy.

Go Lehigh TU owl

July 27th, 2017, 03:22 PM

Would be nice to see 2 PL schools make the playoffs this year.

Does anyone know any CONCRETE info regarding Lehigh's ability to host playoff games moving forward?

Getting two in is nice but if they don't perform the narrative will stay the same. I think it would be an embarrassment if Lehigh would be willing to send an undefeated or Top 10 team on the road rather than pony up and reward the student athletes. Goodman would be a great playoff venue....

LUHawker

July 27th, 2017, 03:24 PM

Go Lehigh TU owl

July 27th, 2017, 03:41 PM

Why is Fordham going to drop off next year? Graduation of Chase Edmonds? Anything else?

I think Fordham will remain a force. They've been a pretty steady force in the league for close to 20 years. The old, terrible Rams are long gone at this point. Fordham athletics in general aren't great but they've somehow figured out football.

I'm curious to see how Colgate fairs in the long run. Biddle built a great thing by developing a strong identity for Raider football. Hunt nailed it two years ago but I'm interested to see if he can maintain it. The schedules won't be doing him any favors....

bison137

July 27th, 2017, 04:09 PM

I think Fordham will remain a force. They've been a pretty steady force in the league for close to 20 years. The old, terrible Rams are long gone at this point. Fordham athletics in general aren't great but they've somehow figured out football.
..

Except for two years in the early 2000's (2001 and 2002), Fordham only became a "pretty steady force" when they became the only program with scholarships. From 1997-2009, their overall PL record was 35-46 with mostly losing records. From 2010-15, they had very good records as the only full scholarship program. Maybe they can sustain it - but it is far from certain.

Go Lehigh TU owl

July 27th, 2017, 04:16 PM

Except for two years in the early 2000's (2001 and 2002), Fordham only became a "pretty steady force" when they became the only program with scholarships. From 1997-2009, their overall PL record was 35-46 with mostly losing records. From 2010-15, they had very good records as the only full scholarship program. Maybe they can sustain it - but it is far from certain.

They've won the league/made the playoffs with 3 different head coaches. I believe the Rams went 7-4 in 2001 when the triplets were sophomores. That was followed by a PL title team and quarterfinalist in '02 and then a 9-3 team in '03. The PL easily could have had 3 playoff teams in 2003. From that point on they've been pretty good. They've certainly had some down years (especially under Masella) but so has everyone else. Fordham has also had several guys make into NFL camps. They haven't figured out much athletically on Rose Hill but for whatever reason football has succeeded relative to their PL peers.

Lehigh is, and will remain, on average, the best program in the league so long as Sterrett and the administration are on the same page.

CFBfan

July 27th, 2017, 04:29 PM

Sader87

July 27th, 2017, 07:27 PM

Holy Cross football has pretty much been a dumpstah fire since we became non-scholarship in 1992...I do think HC could be a player in the PL and FCS with scholarships back now.....we shall see

Go Green

July 27th, 2017, 07:29 PM

[QUOTE=RichH2;2501779]

Holy Cross has a couple off difficult OOC games with UConn and UNH (Monmouth no gimme either),.

2016 Results:

Dartmouth 35
Holy Cross 10

And that game was in Worcester. 2017 is in Hanover.

DFW HOYA

July 27th, 2017, 07:37 PM

Masellla recruited very well but couldn't coach them, moorehead came in and won immediately with tom's guys it's ALL about COACHING!!

No, it's about talent. Nick Saban could show up in Washington tomorrow but it wouldn't drive Georgetown to the top of the standings.

Fordham is better in 2016 than in Masella's years because the talent reflects it.

carney2

July 27th, 2017, 07:43 PM

Does anyone know any CONCRETE info regarding Lehigh's ability to host playoff games moving forward?

Are lights and the ability to play later in the day a requirement for hosting playoff games, or just the frosting that makes the cake?

carney2

July 27th, 2017, 07:45 PM

Prediction: Lafayette will not finish last, tied or otherwise.

Bill

July 27th, 2017, 10:23 PM

Prediction: Lafayette will not finish last, tied or otherwise.

Carney...the optimist? I love it!!xnodx

Lehigh Football Nation

July 27th, 2017, 11:41 PM

Are lights and the ability to play later in the day a requirement for hosting playoff games, or just the frosting that makes the cake?

In years past, no, but suddenly new rules for certain kickoff times essentially made them a requirement.

Go Lehigh TU owl

July 27th, 2017, 11:52 PM

In years past, no, but suddenly new rules for certain kickoff times essentially made them a requirement.

So it's your belief that Lehigh is not capable of hosting? So they could play a top shelf OOC schedule, go undefeated, earn a top 2 seed and be sent on the road? That would be a travesty. Goodman should absolutely be capable of hosting postseason football. Start the donation drive now!

van

July 28th, 2017, 06:17 AM

well if seeded they get a home game, unless they change that rule

PAllen

July 28th, 2017, 06:18 AM

So it's your belief that Lehigh is not capable of hosting? So they could play a top shelf OOC schedule, go undefeated, earn a top 2 seed and be sent on the road? That would be a travesty. Goodman should absolutely be capable of hosting postseason football. Start the donation drive now!

If that happens (which isn't in the foreseeable future based on our OOC schedules), then I'm done with the playoffs. This isn't about Lehigh not stepping up and supporting the program. Goodman is one of the better facilities in all of FCS. I see it as plainly a power grab by a few schools to ensure that certain "power teams" always have home games in the playoffs.

RichH2

July 28th, 2017, 06:31 AM

In years past, no, but suddenly new rules for certain kickoff times essentially made them a requirement.
ESPN wanted late starts for the games so NCAA gave it to them. A one off? Pretty sure it depends on ESPN scheduling.

Go Green

July 28th, 2017, 07:01 AM

ESPN wanted late starts for the games so NCAA gave it to them. A one off? Pretty sure it depends on ESPN scheduling.

This.

There is no other reason why UNH should be hosting night games in mid-to-late December.

Go Lehigh TU owl

July 28th, 2017, 07:55 AM

well if seeded they get a home game, unless they change that rule

I know when Colgate was seeded in 2003 they opted to play their semifinal game against FAU on the road. Not sure if Lehigh would be forced to in that situation. Either way, if Lehigh can't host then I don't think they should participate in the playoffs....

RichH2

July 28th, 2017, 11:34 AM

van

July 28th, 2017, 11:35 AM

BucBisonAtLarge

July 28th, 2017, 12:31 PM

Holy Cross at Bucknell, week 2-- an indicator on how the middle of PL might play out.

RichH2

July 28th, 2017, 01:23 PM

Agree. Will Susan find a QB.to get O into the endzone with more frequency. Last year Bison could move the ball but too often could not score. Cross should be a good test.

TheValleyRaider

July 28th, 2017, 01:43 PM

I don't see why Lehigh wouldn't get a seed if they went unbeaten (and given the PL's reputation, it would probably take that). Unless someone can point to where the rulebook actually says otherwise, I don't think a guarantee of lights is officially part of a bid.

Now there might have to be some post-announcement negotiating with Lehigh, the NCAA, and ESPN over time slots and temporary lighting for those games, but none of that is necessarily an unsolvable problem. It might become more of an issue if Lehigh were to be hosting later in the tournament, as those time slots are more rigid, but again, temporary lights can be had, and have been done in other circumstances (I think Montana had to bring them in, with ESPN's help, in 2006 or so).

This doesn't strike me as something to be concerned about. I have seen no suggestion that Lehigh would not get seeded simply because Goodman doesn't have lights.

TheValleyRaider

July 28th, 2017, 01:47 PM

I know when Colgate was seeded in 2003 they opted to play their semifinal game against FAU on the road. Not sure if Lehigh would be forced to in that situation. Either way, if Lehigh can't host then I don't think they should participate in the playoffs....

Colgate chose not to bid on that semifinal well in advance. I was watching some clips recently from the WIU quarterfinal game, and the announcers were already talking about the winner going on the road to face FAU or Northern Arizona.

I have heard a number of stories as to why that happened, but as I understand it, the school didn't bid on the semifinal because they a) didn't want to guarantee the money; and b) didn't think they'd be playing at home that round anyway. I have also heard that the administration didn't want to bid on even the quarterfinal round, but alumni pressure and donations made that happen. Some of the older, more-plugged-in 'Gate posters will have to confirm that story.

TheValleyRaider

July 28th, 2017, 01:51 PM

I know the leadership in Center Valley doesn't want to advertise it, but it's Lehigh and Colgate until sometime in the 2020's.

LU and CU are probably the most likely to be near the top, but I would not be surprised to see Lafayette or Fordham up there as well. Fordham's a roller coaster (title contender or dreadful, with no in between), and we'll learn a bit about how much coaching has held back the Pards in recent seasons. The others may be more consistent, but Lafayette has the resources and Fordham the will to be
part of that conversation.

RichH2

July 28th, 2017, 01:51 PM

[QUOTE=TheValleyRaider;2502361]I don't see why Lehigh wouldn't get a seed if they went unbeaten (and given the PL's reputation, it would probably take that). Unless someone can point to where the rulebook actually says otherwise, I don't think a guarantee of lights is officially part of a bid.

Now there might have to be some post-announcement negotiating with Lehigh, the NCAA, and ESPN over time slots and temporary lighting for those games, but none of that is necessarily an unsolvable problem. It might become more of an issue if Lehigh were to be hosting later in the tournament, as those time slots are more rigid, but again, temporary lights can be had, and have been done in other circumstances (I think Montana had to bring them in, with ESPN's help, in 2006 or so).

This doesn't strike me as something to be concerned about. I have seen no suggestion that Lehigh would not get seeded simply because Goodman doesn't have lights.QUOT

Seeding much more an issue of overcoming PL perception by committee. Lights became a 2ndary issue once ESPN set their 1st round schedule.
Temporary lights even to include the LU parking area are not exorbitantly expensive.

TheValleyRaider

July 28th, 2017, 06:31 PM

Seeding much more an issue of overcoming PL perception by committee. Lights became a 2ndary issue once ESPN set their 1st round schedule.

Definitely. I think an unbeaten or 1-loss PL champ could get a Top 8 slot, depending on the OOC slate and who that 1 was. We might also need another quarter/semifinal run as well to further justify what being "Patriot League Champion" says on a national level.

Jacksonville State is a good comparison in some ways. The OVC is nothing to get excited about as a conference, but the Gamecocks win big OOC games, and get themselves into the top 8. It's not always about the conference...

Of course, there are also 8 home games for unseeded teams in the first round as well, and while lights wouldn't be required, it would be something to keep in mind when planning for a bid.

van

July 28th, 2017, 06:44 PM

unseeded PL team usually gets sent to unseeded CAA team in round 1

Gangtackle11

July 28th, 2017, 07:17 PM

unseeded PL team usually gets sent to unseeded CAA team in round 1

PL winner is going to UNH. Book your travel now.

RichH2

July 28th, 2017, 08:55 PM

PL winner is going to UNH. Book your travel now.
:) Yeah does seem to be the recurring plan.

Sader87

July 28th, 2017, 11:00 PM

The FCS playoffs are the most over-rated institution going......NO ONE CARES......I couldn't care less if Holy Cross made the FCS playoffs...I care more about the Harvard, UNH, BC games.....

cx500d

July 28th, 2017, 11:07 PM

The FCS playoffs are the most over-rated institution going......NO ONE CARES......I couldn't care less if Holy Cross made the FCS playoffs...I care more about the Harvard, UNH, BC games.....

Makes sense if you are an alum of a school that doesn't have a football team like your school.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bisonoline

July 28th, 2017, 11:09 PM

The FCS playoffs are the most over-rated institution going......NO ONE CARES......I couldn't care less if Holy Cross made the FCS playoffs...I care more about the Harvard, UNH, BC games.....

Since you dont make the playoffs and arent relevant Im not surprised by your attitude.

Sader87

July 28th, 2017, 11:13 PM

Makes sense if you are an alum of a school that doesn't have a football team like your school.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
??? Does that even make sense?
It is what it is...most Holy Cross alumni would rather play the Ivies, BC, Navy, Army etc....we couldn't care less about playing the directional, lower-tier schools that make up what is most of the FCS-level today.

ngineer

July 28th, 2017, 11:28 PM

So it's your belief that Lehigh is not capable of hosting? So they could play a top shelf OOC schedule, go undefeated, earn a top 2 seed and be sent on the road? That would be a travesty. Goodman should absolutely be capable of hosting postseason football. Start the donation drive now!

They could certainly get portable lights for one game. The main concern of the University is the lighting of the surrounding areas. However with 2 p.m. start time, the game will be over by 6 p.m. at the latest, should there be OT, the lighting issue around the stadium in the parking areas (fields) should not be a major concern. A game with a 7 or 8 p.m. start is the real lighting concern. But would not be an issue for a playoff game.

Sader87

July 28th, 2017, 11:32 PM

They could certainly get portable lights for one game. The main concern of the University is the lighting of the surrounding areas. However with 2 p.m. start time, the game will be over by 6 p.m. at the latest, should there be OT, the lighting issue around the stadium in the parking areas (fields) should not be a major concern. A game with a 7 or 8 p.m. start is the real lighting concern. But would not be an issue for a playoff game.

NO ONE CARES.....seriously, James Madison at Lehigh??? WHO CARES????

ngineer

July 28th, 2017, 11:35 PM

NO ONE CARES.....seriously, James Madison at Lehigh??? WHO CARES????

That was one great game in the playoffs. Seven shots from the one yard line...smh

Sader87

July 28th, 2017, 11:40 PM

citdog

July 29th, 2017, 12:10 AM

Point being, the FCS playoffs are so over-rated....Lehigh-Lafayette is a great game every year....no one gives a hoot about Lehigh against Sam Houston St....no one cares and it's foolishness for them to even play.....

Then get to D-III where your talent level is. It's a shame that my GGG-Grandaddy didn't shoot yours when he invaded our land. Yours was probably a coward.

Sader87

July 29th, 2017, 12:20 AM

Then get to D-III where your talent level is. It's a shame that my GGG-Grandaddy didn't shoot yours when he invaded our land. Yours was probably a coward.

NO ONE CARES (at Holy Cross anyway) about the FCS playoffs....it is what it is....we care more about games against Harvard, Yale, BC etc....you know, schools that are actually schools, not places like the Citadel :)

citdog

July 29th, 2017, 12:45 AM

Sader87

July 29th, 2017, 12:53 AM

Then get to Div-III with le high where you belong.

It must be sad for you to always have to look up to Patriot League schools like West Point and Annapolis.....Holy Cross' Navy ROTC also is actually probably more distinguished militarily than your sad, little military school....it's ok, it's not your fault....you can cry

citdog

July 29th, 2017, 12:59 AM

It must be sad for you to always have to look up to Patriot League schools like West Point and Annapolis.....Holy Cross' Navy ROTC also is actually probably more distinguished militarily than your sad, little military school....it's ok, it's not your fault....you can cry

You are funny. You should be telling jokes like that on a stage for money.

Sader87

July 29th, 2017, 01:09 AM

You are funny. You should be telling jokes like that on a stage for money.

I've tried ovah the years, people don't seem to like my blue (not grey) material....

cx500d

July 29th, 2017, 08:42 AM

??? Does that even make sense?
It is what it is...most Holy Cross alumni would rather get whooped by the Ivies, BC, Navy, Army etc....we couldn't care less about playing the directional, lower-tier schools that make up what is most of the FCS-level today.

FYP

cx500d

July 29th, 2017, 08:44 AM

It must be sad for you to always have to look up to Patriot League schools like West Point and Annapolis.....Holy Cross' Navy ROTC also is actually probably more distinguished militarily than your sad, little military school....it's ok, it's not your fault....you can cry

I spent 28 years in the Military and I can't recall one person that graduated from Holy Cross NROTC. I knew a LOT of people that graduated from The Citadel.

Just sayin...

RichH2

July 29th, 2017, 09:52 AM

Lehigh Football Nation

July 29th, 2017, 10:22 AM

Playoff game times have been something I have constantly complained about ever since the playoffs expanded. IMO, ESPN's handling of playoff game times in general have been mis-planned, with loads of games kicking off up at the same time as events like the Iron Bowl, or just lumped together at the same time giving the impression that ESPN does not care about the product they are broadcasting. As an FCS football fan, I'm very interested in watching some or all of the other playoff games, but ESPN and FCS doesn't give me much of an option. If Lehigh is kicking off at 2PM, and like six other games are kicking off between 3-4PM, sorry, I'm watching Lehigh, and the other games won't get watched.

This is an easily resolvable situation. Have eight kickoff times spanning all the time zones. You could start the earliest kickoff at 11:00 AM or noon EDT, and stagger the kickoffs every 90 minutes.

11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 10:30 PM.

Most years, the playoff games would all neatly into these time zones. A central time zone team kicking off at 2:00PM/1:00PM central is ideal. A west coast game kicking off at 7:30 PM PDT is perfect. A place like Goodman without lights slides neatly into an 11:00 AM time slot. If Jacksonville State doesn't want to have their home game start against the Iron Bowl, work it out so that they're starting at 2:00 EDT, and a different team like, say, Montana State hosts at 6:30 EDT/4:30 MDT.

But ESPN, for reasons unknown to me, made the requirements such that the earliest possible kickoff was 2:00 PM. In terms of broadcasting college football, this is an asinine time for all east coast teams, and while the motivation might not have been to make teams require lights, they essentially required it for teams on the east coast. Furthermore, with the 2:00 kickoffs, it pretty much guaranteed 4-6 games kicking off at the same time. If there is a better way to diminish your viewership for the FCS playoffs, I'm not sure I can figure it out.

Fordham

July 29th, 2017, 12:01 PM

I think sader got into the hooch again last night and came here looking to peck a fite ...

https://nypdecider.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/the-rock.gif (https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwja3u3O_K7VAhWEbz4KHWaHCU8QjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdecider.com%2F2014%2F09%2F18%2Fmy-first-time-braveheart%2F&psig=AFQjCNGvbocDPHar3dt9ZwzdVDVom6OozA&ust=1501434051283100)

cx500d

July 29th, 2017, 12:12 PM

oh, so he's known to be a heavy tippler...

I think sader got into the hooch again last night and came here looking to peck a fite ...

https://nypdecider.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/the-rock.gif (https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwja3u3O_K7VAhWEbz4KHWaHCU8QjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdecider.com%2F2014%2F09%2F18%2Fmy-first-time-braveheart%2F&psig=AFQjCNGvbocDPHar3dt9ZwzdVDVom6OozA&ust=1501434051283100)

BucBisonAtLarge

July 29th, 2017, 01:55 PM

NO ONE CARES (at Holy Cross anyway) about the FCS playoffs....it is what it is....we care more about games against Harvard, Yale, BC etc....you know, schools that are actually schools, not places like the Citadel :)

Someone does. The Holy Cross AD is a VP of the FCS Athletic Directors. (So is the AD from Lafayette. Bucknell's AD just joined the Executive Committee. I just saw a presser.) There's that.

Lehigh Football Nation

July 29th, 2017, 02:18 PM

One more thing about the FCS playoff times and ESPN. ESPN has to pay to broadcast the FCS playoffs anyway on ESPN3. The rage these days for networks like ESPN are cheap studio shows that cost nothing/little to produce. How much could it possibly cost to have a studio show, aired on ESPNews, and run it all day on FCS playoff Saturday? It could run really long during Round 1 and Round 2 with 8 games apiece, and run shorter as a preview show when it comes to the quarters, semi's and finals.

What I'm describing basically fulfills ESPN's mission, creates decent content during football season, and can be done on the cheap.

RichH2

July 29th, 2017, 03:31 PM

A weeklyvshow on the U would be great. Again a low cost production which fans would watch. May even build a bit more fan base for playoffs.
Remember back when ESPN first started one of the best shows was a weekly wrestling show during the season.

DFW HOYA

July 29th, 2017, 08:46 PM

Sader
We all know your yearning for the past glories of Cross football. You blow that bugle often enough. Time , I think, to put that into your hope chest of times gone by and try to enjoy the present. This is the arena we are all in now. For me, you strive to be the best you can be wherever you are.

Well, isn't that the problem?

The Patriot League shows little motivation in driving its teams to compete at the highest levels and this has hurt Holy Cross as much as anyone. But HC has also fallen into the trap of not expecting any more out of football, either.

HC couldah, shouddah been in the Big East, but over the last 25 years is a combined 111-168.

CFBfan

July 30th, 2017, 09:05 AM

Well, isn't that the problem?

The Patriot League shows little motivation in driving its teams to compete at the highest levels and this has hurt Holy Cross as much as anyone. But HC has also fallen into the trap of not expecting any more out of football, either.

HC couldah, shouddah been in the Big East, but over the last 25 years is a combined 111-168.

HC keeping Gilmore at the helm is reminiscent of LC sticking with Frank for so long Tom Gilmore = losing seasons

Lehigh'98

July 30th, 2017, 09:43 AM

I've heard Lehigh is missing 4 days of camp this year because it didn't fit into the budget. Shame when they open with biggest test of year.

RichH2

July 30th, 2017, 10:27 AM

I've heard Lehigh is missing 4 days of camp this year because it didn't fit into the budget. Shame when they open with biggest test of year.

A shuffle really. Moved testing to this week so as not to eat up camp time. Still would rather have as much prep as possible for Nova. One upside Oline has been on campus most of the summer with Zach and Short getting all up to speed. Short noted that more players were on campus than ever in his time at LU.

Lehigh'98

July 30th, 2017, 12:19 PM

A shuffle really. Moved testing to this week so as not to eat up camp time. Still would rather have as much prep as possible for Nova. One upside Oline has been on campus most of the summer with Zach and Short getting all up to speed. Short noted that more players were on campus than ever in his time at LU.

I think all camps are shortened now by rule as you can't have two full practices on same day anymore. Makes each day even more critical now. At least they are doing something though, but I thought the issue was no housing for the players, if they are there might as well practice.

RichH2

July 30th, 2017, 01:59 PM

I think all camps are shortened now by rule as you can't have two full practices on same day anymore. Makes each day even more critical now. At least they are doing something though, but I thought the issue was no housing for the players, if they are there might as well practice.

Frosh get housing. Upperclass have been staying at off campus aptments. LU does have a housing squeeze. From what I gather its not money so much as availability. Campus not as empty or quiet as when you were there and certainly not when I was.

Go Green

July 30th, 2017, 02:32 PM

The Patriot League shows little motivation in driving its teams to compete at the highest levels and this has hurt Holy Cross as much as anyone. .

Well, you guys *did* go scholarship a few years ago.

Go...gate

July 30th, 2017, 09:10 PM

Does anyone know any CONCRETE info regarding Lehigh's ability to host playoff games moving forward?

Getting two in is nice but if they don't perform the narrative will stay the same. I think it would be an embarrassment if Lehigh would be willing to send an undefeated or Top 10 team on the road rather than pony up and reward the student athletes. Goodman would be a great playoff venue....

If darkness is an issue, Lehigh can start the playoff game at 12:00 noon. I believe LU did this when they hosted Hofstra in 2001.

Go...gate

July 30th, 2017, 09:19 PM

Colgate chose not to bid on that semifinal well in advance. I was watching some clips recently from the WIU quarterfinal game, and the announcers were already talking about the winner going on the road to face FAU or Northern Arizona.

I have heard a number of stories as to why that happened, but as I understand it, the school didn't bid on the semifinal because they a) didn't want to guarantee the money; and b) didn't think they'd be playing at home that round anyway. I have also heard that the administration didn't want to bid on even the quarterfinal round, but alumni pressure and donations made that happen. Some of the older, more-plugged-in 'Gate posters will have to confirm that story.

You are correct. In addition, after the failure of Dave Roach and the administration to bid on a home game in 2012, I believe it is doubtful that Colgate will fail to bid on a home playoff game in the future. Wagner had a very fine club and, IMO, still would have beaten us, but the game should have been in Hamilton.

Go...gate

July 30th, 2017, 09:27 PM

Well, isn't that the problem?

The Patriot League shows little motivation in driving its teams to compete at the highest levels and this has hurt Holy Cross as much as anyone. But HC has also fallen into the trap of not expecting any more out of football, either.

HC couldah, shouddah been in the Big East, but over the last 25 years is a combined 111-168.

Colgate certainly goes out of its way to compete at the highest levels....

- - - Updated - - -

Well, you guys *did* go scholarship a few years ago.

Not all of us.

crusader11

July 31st, 2017, 09:19 AM

[QUOTE=LUHawker;2501786]

2016 Results:

Dartmouth 35
Holy Cross 10

And that game was in Worcester. 2017 is in Hanover.

Fair enough, but it is worth mentioning that this was the game Pujals was injured in. When he left the game, I believe HC was down just one score.

How is Dartmouth supposed to be this season? They're coming off a last place finish in the Ivy in 2016.

Go Green

July 31st, 2017, 09:43 AM

[QUOTE=Go Green;2501970]

How is Dartmouth supposed to be this season? They're coming off a last place finish in the Ivy in 2016.

We should be fine. I thought we were going to continue our winning ways in 2016 and we got off to a great start beating UNH and HC (and eventually Towson). But a lot of things went wrong in the league games. We lost our best defensive lineman to injury, and our running backs couldn't seem to stay healthy enough to develop a rhythm. Some new receivers got nervous and dropped some passes in critical situations. And we lost several games by less than a score. There seemed to be a sense that if we just showed up against teams like Yale, Columbia, Brown, and Princeton (all of which we had winning streaks against going into 2016), they'd roll over and die. Unfortunately, it didn't happen.

Other than our best linebacker (who is now on the Rams), we should be bringing back everyone. Our QB led the Ivy in passing, and we're getting a transfer QB who was on scholarship at Illinois before a coaching change left him in a bad situation. Assuming good health and good grades, we should be solid at every position. Offensive line is probably our weakest link, but both last year's class and this year's class had OL recruits who were offered FBS scholarships. If they grow up quickly, we should be competitive

carney2

July 31st, 2017, 10:15 AM

If darkness is an issue, Lehigh can start the playoff game at 12:00 noon. I believe LU did this when they hosted Hofstra in 2001.

If you've been reading the posts to this thread you would now understand that this MAY no longer be an option.

Go...gate

July 31st, 2017, 12:34 PM

If you've been reading the posts to this thread you would now understand that this MAY no longer be an option.

carney2, I did read them but did not realize that the NCAA and/or ESPN had foreclosed this option. How about this - could the Engineers play a home game at Lafayette, which has lights?

RichH2

July 31st, 2017, 01:05 PM

van

July 31st, 2017, 02:12 PM

Lehigh Football Nation

July 31st, 2017, 02:58 PM

carney2, I did read them but did not realize that the NCAA and/or ESPN had foreclosed this option. How about this - could the Engineers play a home game at Lafayette, which has lights?

You misspelled "Princeton"

For whatever reason this isn't possible. I think it's based on the quick turnaround of the playoffs - it's hard enough to plan for an uncertain outcome (host or not) and then to involve another school, all in the span of one week.

Go...gate

August 1st, 2017, 06:02 PM

You mean to tell me that the two schools would not help each other out in such a situation? Seriously?

- - - Updated - - -

must be a troll comment, laughable

Not at all.

LUHawker

August 2nd, 2017, 10:58 AM

You mean to tell me that the two schools would not help each other out in such a situation? Seriously?

There would be outrage on both sides. Lehigh gets in the playoffs, gets a home game, but then tells the team and fans, "hey, we're going to play this game at Lafayette." No way.

ngineer

August 2nd, 2017, 10:05 PM

There would be outrage on both sides. Lehigh gets in the playoffs, gets a home game, but then tells the team and fans, "hey, we're going to play this game at Lafayette." No way.

Agreed. NFW Laughyette wants or lets us have a playoff game on their turf, and NFW Lehigh would step foot in Fisher as a 'home' team.

Go...gate

August 3rd, 2017, 01:55 AM

SMH.

Then Lehigh needs to get lights. Then they can host playoff games.

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 3rd, 2017, 08:19 AM

SMH.

Then Lehigh needs to get lights. Then they can host playoff games.

Or a plan to bring temporary ones! The uncertainty regarding Lehigh's ability to host drives me crazy.

LUHawker

August 3rd, 2017, 10:30 AM

SMH.

Then Lehigh needs to get lights. Then they can host playoff games.

Very few Lehigh posters disagree with this sentiment (although I'm sure there is at least one).

Lehigh Football Nation

August 3rd, 2017, 10:47 AM

Then Lehigh needs to get lights

Many, MANY of us have been beating the drum on this.

DFW HOYA

August 3rd, 2017, 12:15 PM

Many, MANY of us have been beating the drum on this.

Think of this: if this place can afford lights, surely Murray Goodman can.

https://blogs.commons.georgetown.edu/jour-200-fall2015/files/field_4-1-634x372.jpg

LUHawker

August 3rd, 2017, 12:58 PM

Think of this: if this place can afford lights, surely Murray Goodman can.

https://blogs.commons.georgetown.edu/jour-200-fall2015/files/field_4-1-634x372.jpg

If Goodman was a tiny facility in the middle of a campus, you're right, they can afford it. Affordability aside (which, of course, Lehigh has plenty of money), the pat response is that they have to light all the parking lots and fields surrounding the stadium. Personally, I think it is a weak answer, but that is the issue.

DFW HOYA

August 3rd, 2017, 01:03 PM

If Goodman was a tiny facility in the middle of a campus, you're right, they can afford it. Affordability aside (which, of course, Lehigh has plenty of money), the pat response is that they have to light all the parking lots and fields surrounding the stadium. Personally, I think it is a weak answer, but that is the issue.

Disagree. Notre Dame has huge parking lots and fields surrounding the stadium that aren't lighted (including a golf course), yet they've hosted night games.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

Go Green

August 3rd, 2017, 01:08 PM

Disagree. Notre Dame has huge parking lots and fields surrounding the stadium that aren't lighted (including a golf course), yet they've hosted night games.
.

Ditto for UCLA (at least last time I was at a night game).

Go...gate

August 4th, 2017, 12:09 AM

Colgate brought in portable lights for a game with Holy Cross way back in 1982.

Go...gate

August 4th, 2017, 12:13 AM

Disagree. Notre Dame has huge parking lots and fields surrounding the stadium that aren't lighted (including a golf course), yet they've hosted night games.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

Rutgers has similar challenges at the Busch Campus and they have hosted night games for years.

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 4th, 2017, 09:07 AM

The FCS Wedge's PL Team Previews so far...

Bucknell
http://thefcswedge.com/a-look-at-what-is-happening-around-the-country/patriot-league-bucknell-preview/

Georgetown
http://thefcswedge.com/a-look-at-what-is-happening-around-the-country/patriot-league-preview-georgetown/

Lafayette
http://thefcswedge.com/a-look-at-what-is-happening-around-the-country/patriot-league-preview-lafayette/

RichH2

August 4th, 2017, 09:33 AM

TheValleyRaider

August 4th, 2017, 12:04 PM

Or a plan to bring temporary ones! The uncertainty regarding Lehigh's ability to host drives me crazy.

Is there actual uncertainty though, at least surrounding the requirements? I realize no one on here seems to know, but I suspect the idea of hosting a playoff game has crossed the AD's mind in the recent past. Surely there are some contingencies in place should Lehigh get a seed, either to negotiate with the NCAA/ESPN, get lights, rent another facility, something.

Unless the NCAA actually has a rule somewhere, possibly in that ESPN contract, that a school without lights cannot host a game, then it seems the uncertainty is more on whether Lehigh is willing to do what it needs to do (in terms of bidding, lights, negotiating, finding other facilities, what have you) to get a home game.

This feels, to me, like a different question than what most people are discussing here xtwocentsx

Lehigh Football Nation

August 4th, 2017, 12:19 PM

Is there actual uncertainty though, at least surrounding the requirements? I realize no one on here seems to know, but I suspect the idea of hosting a playoff game has crossed the AD's mind in the recent past. Surely there are some contingencies in place should Lehigh get a seed, either to negotiate with the NCAA/ESPN, get lights, rent another facility, something.

Unless the NCAA actually has a rule somewhere, possibly in that ESPN contract, that a school without lights cannot host a game, then it seems the uncertainty is more on whether Lehigh is willing to do what it needs to do (in terms of bidding, lights, negotiating, finding other facilities, what have you) to get a home game.

This feels, to me, like a different question than what most people are discussing here xtwocentsx

ESPN dictated the 2PM start time, and AFAIK it was a new requirement that was set in 2016.

Pard4Life

August 5th, 2017, 05:55 PM

RichH2

August 5th, 2017, 06:54 PM

The brain trust at Lehigh built their palace in a mud pit away from parking and civilization. Their fake athletic complex (did you hire the same planners who designed the now dead-beat malls?) quality aligns nicely with the likelihood of a Lehigh home game...

Missed you P4L :)
Goodman campus is fantastic. Moving Taylor not a good idea. Very shortsighted. Assumed LU would never expand campus into South Bethlehem. Guess what we did.
By the way LU has hosted playoff games.

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 5th, 2017, 07:11 PM

Missed you P4L :)
Goodman campus is fantastic. Moving Taylor not a good idea. Very shortsighted. Assumed LU would never expand campus into South Bethlehem. Guess what we did.
By the way LU has hosted playoff games.

Goodman Campus is a tremendous asset for a school like Lehigh. Nothing wrong the stadium or location.

Lehigh hasn't hosted in 13 years; things change. Until something more concrete is said I'm going to assume Lehigh can't host given the new time format.

Gangtackle11

August 5th, 2017, 07:21 PM

Vegas opens up with Villanova -6 1/2 over Lehigh.

van

August 6th, 2017, 06:14 AM

Vegas opens up with Villanova -6 1/2 over Lehigh.

seems about right, each team returns a lot and Nova won last year

Go...gate

August 6th, 2017, 07:09 PM

Goodman Campus is a tremendous asset for a school like Lehigh. Nothing wrong the stadium or location.

Lehigh hasn't hosted in 13 years; things change. Until something more concrete is said I'm going to assume Lehigh can't host given the new time format.

What would it cost to equip Goodman Stadium with lights?

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 6th, 2017, 07:56 PM

What would it cost to equip Goodman Stadium with lights?

In truth not much.

ngineer

August 6th, 2017, 10:47 PM

What would it cost to equip Goodman Stadium with lights?

It's not just the stadium...it's everything around it. Not like Colgate where the stadium is on the academic/residential campus. Too many fields, woods, etc. that hold all sorts of liability issues with drunken alums and students cavorting around. I think we'll see a video board before we see lights. I can see them bringing in temporaries for a late afternoon game that would be over before nightfall.

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 6th, 2017, 11:00 PM

It's not just the stadium...it's everything around it. Not like Colgate where the stadium is on the academic/residential campus. Too many fields, woods, etc. that hold all sorts of liability issues with drunken alums and students cavorting around. I think we'll see a video board before we see lights. I can see them bringing in temporaries for a late afternoon game that would be over before nightfall.

Ngineer that "reasoning" or "excuse" the folks at Lehigh have been using holds ZERO water. They simply don't want to spend the modest amount of money to get lights or a donor has stepped up yet.

Anyone who's been to a major college venue or a night NASCAR race knoww most of the lots are not lit and if they are it's only because there's a few temporary light stations parked here and there. Got to a PSU game at night. Literally 10x as many people leaving the middle of nowhere in the pitch black. I should have taken pics of the Kentucky Speedway lot when I was at a NASCAR race there last month. The only light was coming from the track lights. All the drunks made it out to the best of my knowledge.

The Stabler lots are already lit. Next to nothing would need to be done infrastructure wise. The whole thing is maddening....

Lehigh Football Nation

August 6th, 2017, 11:37 PM

Vegas opens up with Villanova -6 1/2 over Lehigh.

Why wasn't it more? You know Lehigh doesn't stand a chance.

Gangtackle11

August 7th, 2017, 08:03 AM

Why wasn't it more? You know Lehigh doesn't stand a chance.
Find a quote where I have written that. I've only stated a loss to Lehigh will not be good for Villanova playoff chances given we play @ Temple, @JMU, @Albany, Richmond, & possibly a revitalized Delaware.

RichH2

August 7th, 2017, 08:06 AM

Ngineer that "reasoning" or "excuse" the folks at Lehigh have been using holds ZERO water. They simply don't want to spend the modest amount of money to get lights or a donor has stepped up yet.

Anyone who's been to a major college venue or a night NASCAR race knoww most of the lots are not lit and if they are it's only because there's a few temporary light stations parked here and there. Got to a PSU game at night. Literally 10x as many people leaving the middle of nowhere in the pitch black. I should have taken pics of the Kentucky Speedway lot when I was at a NASCAR race there last month. The only light was coming from the track lights. All the drunks made it out to the best of my knowledge.

The Stabler lots are already lit. Next to nothing would need to be done infrastructure wise. The whole thing is maddening....

Did getvan estimate for Goodman last year. IIR it was about $35000 for Goodman. Additional portable spots for parking areas add a few thousand. Alone not a lot but Joe has to figurevon NCAA guarantee also. Depending on timing of 1st round, students might not be on campus. Not sure but dont think we've ever even come close to breaking even on playoff games.

DFW HOYA

August 7th, 2017, 08:14 AM

Investing in permanent lights offers the opportunity of higher profile opponents and even moving the Lafayette game to an evening kickoff every few years. You wouldn't do it every year but like Yankee Stadium, could become an event.

van

August 7th, 2017, 08:54 AM

evening game in Sept would be welcome, late Nov, not so much

RichH2

August 7th, 2017, 09:47 AM

evening game in Sept would be welcome, late Nov, not so much

Agree. But if like last year woyld be 2pm start. Dress warm :)

LUHawker

August 7th, 2017, 10:42 AM

Find a quote where I have written that. I've only stated a loss to Lehigh will not be good for Villanova playoff chances given we play @ Temple, @JMU, @Albany, Richmond, & possibly a revitalized Delaware.

Well GT11, you fell for LFN's bait, hook, line and sinker. ;) Good job, LFN.

Gangtackle11

August 7th, 2017, 10:44 AM

Well GT11, you fell for LFN's bait, hook, line and sinker. ;) Good job, LFN.

Yeah ok. Whatever you want to believe. GL on 9/2.

Lehigh'98

August 7th, 2017, 10:56 AM

Yeah ok. Whatever you want to believe. GL on 9/2.

How long until the official game thread gets started?

TheValleyRaider

August 7th, 2017, 04:17 PM

Did getvan estimate for Goodman last year. IIR it was about $35000 for Goodman. Additional portable spots for parking areas add a few thousand. Alone not a lot but Joe has to figurevon NCAA guarantee also. Depending on timing of 1st round, students might not be on campus. Not sure but dont think we've ever even come close to breaking even on playoff games.

I don't think anyone does on those 1st round games. 1 week turnaround with Thanksgiving always hurts attendance. It wouldn't surprise me if there are a few schools that take a hit on those later rounds as well.

Pard4Life

August 7th, 2017, 09:22 PM

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 7th, 2017, 10:02 PM

There is no viable excuse why Lehigh doesn't have lights except $ or there are some very powerful neighbors who don't want the commotion (laughable being next to an interstate).

They don't want to solve the problem.

Which is the most frustrating thing. It grand scheme of things it's such a trivial issue. Just add the damn things! xprayx

Sader87

August 7th, 2017, 10:47 PM

Again, lights or no lights, the FCS playoffs are sooooo ovah-rated.....

Go...gate

August 8th, 2017, 12:29 AM

Did getvan estimate for Goodman last year. IIR it was about $35000 for Goodman. Additional portable spots for parking areas add a few thousand. Alone not a lot but Joe has to figurevon NCAA guarantee also. Depending on timing of 1st round, students might not be on campus. Not sure but dont think we've ever even come close to breaking even on playoff games.

Neither has Colgate, but are you telling me that Sterrett is looking at the bottom line so strictly that he would stand in the way of home games foe $35,000 and additional security personnel (LU absolutely does NOT have to light the parking areas outside the ballpark)?

Lehigh, like Colgate, has some $$ in its coffers. Spend the $$.

LUHawker

August 8th, 2017, 09:22 AM

the FCS playoffs are sooooo ovah-rated.....

Says the fan from the team that has only made the post-season once in the PL playoff-era.

LUHawker

August 8th, 2017, 09:23 AM

Neither has Colgate, but are you telling me that Sterrett is looking at the bottom line so strictly that he would stand in the way of home games foe $35,000 and additional security personnel (LU absolutely does NOT have to light the parking areas outside the ballpark)?

Lehigh, like Colgate, has some $$ in its coffers. Spend the $$.

100% agree. If Lehigh puts in lights and has a few night games (6pm-ish starts) in Sept./Oct., Goodman would be packed.

RichH2

August 8th, 2017, 09:40 AM

If itvwere up to Sterrett odds are lights would already be installed. But, at Lehigh all construction goes through the University. AD falls pretty far down the current agenda. Top of the list right now are rehab and modernization of a number of older buildings; construction of a new dorm; new baseball field and stadium etc. Number 1 is the construction of the new School of Health Sciences. Lights a good way down the wish list. Temporary lights an ideal solution , if necessary this year, but likely needs one of our deep pockets to pay for them.

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 8th, 2017, 09:48 AM

RichH2

August 8th, 2017, 09:56 AM

So you don't believe Lehigh will host this year regardless of their record?

Didnt say that owl. Hope we do but my priority is Nova and this season. Until we win the season playoffs are pure speculation. My point is that if lights are again a prerequisite for 1st round, a deep pocket will be needed to pay for it.

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 8th, 2017, 10:18 AM

Didnt say that owl. Hope we do but my priority is Nova and this season. Until we win the season playoffs are pure speculation. My point is that if lights are again a prerequisite for 1st round, a deep pocket will be needed to pay for it.

I hear you but IMO the Villanova game is rather meaningless if Lehigh can't host. That game only matters if building a resume matters. Otherwise, focus on winning the league and prepare to be shipped to wherever. I'd honestly rather Lehigh go 7-4 or 8-3 and end up on the road rather than go 10-1 or 11-0 and be sent on the road. Be an easier pill to swallow.

PAllen

August 8th, 2017, 10:22 AM

100% agree. If Lehigh puts in lights and has a few night games (6pm-ish starts) in Sept./Oct., Goodman would be packed.

We all can dream, but no it wouldn't, unless Penn State was coming to town.

Go Green

August 8th, 2017, 10:22 AM

I hear you but IMO the Villanova game is rather meaningless if Lehigh can't host. That game only matters if building a resume matters.

If Lehigh beats Nova and runs the table, they should get themselves another Lambert Cup.

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 8th, 2017, 10:25 AM

If Lehigh beats Nova and runs the table, they should get themselves another Lambert Cup.

I'm pretty JMU is still in the geographic area that's eligible for the Lambert Cup. Lehigh did win it in 2011....

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 8th, 2017, 10:37 AM

We all can dream, but no it wouldn't, unless Penn State was coming to town.

Packed no, improved attendance absolutely! I think Lehigh could easily get 12k for an early season night game against a quality opponent.

Could you imagine an early season fireworks display too?

RichH2

August 8th, 2017, 10:43 AM

Packed no, improved attendance absolutely! I think Lehigh could easily get 12k for an early season night game against a quality opponent.

Could you imagine an early season fireworks display too?

Agree owl. An early season 7PM.would likely get 8000 to 10000. A quality draw brings in 12000+. Basic assumption is we have an exciting team. Fireworks would be fun ;:)

PAllen

August 8th, 2017, 10:48 AM

Packed no, improved attendance absolutely! I think Lehigh could easily get 12k for an early season night game against a quality opponent.

Could you imagine an early season fireworks display too?

Maybe we could do a money drop too.

Sorry, couldn't resist, At some point, you're just paying to try to get a few thousand more at best in the seats if that. Admittedly I haven't been a student on campus in a while, but I can't imagine much of the student body giving up an evening on the hill for a game at Goodman. There used to be significant student attendance as tailgating was a prelude to cocktails which led directly into parties. When they cracked down on tailgating the student attendance dropped off. I think a night game would see even fewer students come over the mountain. The dream of getting the folks in Allentown and Bethlehem to turn out in large numbers for an FCS game is never going to come true.

Go Green

August 8th, 2017, 10:56 AM

The dream of getting the folks in Allentown and Bethlehem to turn out in large numbers for an FCS game is never going to come true.

Only time I was at Goodman was 1991. You can take a pretty good guess for which game. :)

Stands looked packed to me.

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 8th, 2017, 11:06 AM

Only time I was at Goodman was 1991. You can take a pretty good guess for which game. :)

Stands looked packed to me.

Didn't Jay Fiedler through a pick at the end of the game to seal the win for Lehigh? That game was on my birthday and still remember it well!!

RichH2

August 8th, 2017, 11:07 AM

Maybe we could do a money drop too.

Sorry, couldn't resist, At some point, you're just paying to try to get a few thousand more at best in the seats if that. Admittedly I haven't been a student on campus in a while, but I can't imagine much of the student body giving up an evening on the hill for a game at Goodman. There used to be significant student attendance as tailgating was a prelude to cocktails which led directly into parties. When they cracked down on tailgating the student attendance dropped off. I think a night game would see even fewer students come over the mountain. The dream of getting the folks in Allentown and Bethlehem to turn out in large numbers for an FCS game is never going to come true.

Just a caveat there is virtually zero parties on the Hill any more. Parties need to be sanctioned, no kegs just cases and strictly limited numbers. Social has moved into Town. Finally , LU has started to address the demise of social activities on the Hill. When Admin cracked down on parties on the Hill, they moved into town. The days ofvHouseparty Hill crawls are gone.Of course the parties continue in Town with all the obvious dangers and consequences. LU requires fr and so to live on campus. New proposal is to add jrs once new dorms are complete.
Tailgating rules have been loosened and hours expanded a bit. A night game where kids can party before and after will be successful.

LUHawker

August 8th, 2017, 11:11 AM

Agree owl. An early season 7PM.would likely get 8000 to 10000. A quality draw brings in 12000+. Basic assumption is we have an exciting team. Fireworks would be fun ;:)

I used the word "packed' more loosely than you word-smithers out there. I think with a few night games we could see these types of numbers more regularly. With all of the tailgating possibilities that a 6 or 6:30pm start time offer, a night game could turn into more of an "event".

Go Green

August 8th, 2017, 11:28 AM

Didn't Jay Fiedler through a pick at the end of the game to seal the win for Lehigh? That game was on my birthday and still remember it well!!

If so, it was a Hail Mary pass in Dartmouth territory with a few seconds left.

Game really came down to a Fiedler bomb earlier and the Dartmouth receiver caught it and landed perpendicular to the ground. Ref ruled that the part of his body that landed OB hit the ground first, and called an incomplete pass. I was pretty close to where the receiver landed and was just about trampled by the Dartmouth coaching staff running over to argue the call. Game film replays were inconclusive. :(

We had an All-American kicker who would have easily made the FG. Instead we lose something like 30-28. Heck of a game, though. Was proud to be a part of it.

Tried to see if the play was on YouTube, but it isn't. Here's the writeup in the Morning Call.

http://articles.mcall.com/1991-10-06/sports/2833370_1_dartmouth-lehigh-s-kempa-glenn-kempa

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 8th, 2017, 11:43 AM

If so, it was a Hail Mary pass in Dartmouth territory with a few seconds left.

Game really came down to a Fiedler bomb earlier and the Dartmouth receiver caught it and landed perpendicular to the ground. Ref ruled that the part of his body that landed OB hit the ground first, and called an incomplete pass. I was pretty close to where the receiver landed and was just about trampled by the Dartmouth coaching staff running over to argue the call. Game film replays were inconclusive. :(

We had an All-American kicker who would have easily made the FG. Instead we lose something like 30-28. Heck of a game, though. Was proud to be a part of it.

Tried to see if the play was on YouTube, but it isn't. Here's the writeup in the Morning Call.

http://articles.mcall.com/1991-10-06/sports/2833370_1_dartmouth-lehigh-s-kempa-glenn-kempa

There's actually highlights of this game on the "Top 20 Games at Goodman" DVD!

PAllen

August 8th, 2017, 12:38 PM

Just a caveat there is virtually zero parties on the Hill any more. Parties need to be sanctioned, no kegs just cases and strictly limited numbers. Social has moved into Town. Finally , LU has started to address the demise of social activities on the Hill. When Admin cracked down on parties on the Hill, they moved into town. The days ofvHouseparty Hill crawls are gone.Of course the parties continue in Town with all the obvious dangers and consequences. LU requires fr and so to live on campus. New proposal is to add jrs once new dorms are complete.
Tailgating rules have been loosened and hours expanded a bit. A night game where kids can party before and after will be successful.

That's just sad. No wonder alums of mine and my brothers generations aren't coming back. All things change, but LU no longer resembles the school I went to in so many ways.

RichH2

August 8th, 2017, 01:29 PM

That's just sad. No wonder alums of mine and my brothers generations aren't coming back. All things change, but LU no longer resembles the school I went to in so many ways.

Very true. Still enjoy going back for various sports when I can. Very shortsighted plan by LU some years back. Finally getting around to changing it. IIR ngineer noted a while back that there were only 3 sanctioned paries on the hill last year. IMO, college students will always find ways to party. Much safer if they do so on campus. Admittedly back in the early 60s we didnt have binge drinking but we survived keg parties most every weekend. :)

Doc QB

August 8th, 2017, 01:46 PM

Only time I was at Goodman was 1991. You can take a pretty good guess for which game. :)

Stands looked packed to me.

Go Green, I was a frosh QB on sideline for that game. Stands were full that game, as they were that year for Dartmouth, HC, William and Mary, and they added seats for Laff. We had great attendance that year, great weather, great offense to watch with Kempa at the controls, 9-2 squad. I still have it on VHS. I remember big Harry Wright, the LB, #95 I think, we game planned around him some to make him get back in coverage more (he was a better run stopper). Fun memories.

Go Green

August 8th, 2017, 03:52 PM

I'm pretty JMU is still in the geographic area that's eligible for the Lambert Cup.

I looked it up and you are correct. They'll be tough to beat. :)

Go Green

August 8th, 2017, 03:53 PM

Go Green, I was a frosh QB on sideline for that game. Stands were full that game, as they were that year for Dartmouth, HC, William and Mary, and they added seats for Laff. We had great attendance that year, great weather, great offense to watch with Kempa at the controls, 9-2 squad. I still have it on VHS. I remember big Harry Wright, the LB, #95 I think, we game planned around him some to make him get back in coverage more (he was a better run stopper). Fun memories.

We probably shook hands after the game! And you are right that it was a gorgeous day, and that Kempa was a heck of a QB. Harry Wright (our captain that year) was the best LB I ever played with--and I've played with some good ones.

Fun memories, indeed! Again, would have preferred to drive back to Hanover as victors, but it was a heck of a game!

Lehigh Football Nation

August 8th, 2017, 11:38 PM

I used the word "packed' more loosely than you word-smithers out there. I think with a few night games we could see these types of numbers more regularly. With all of the tailgating possibilities that a 6 or 6:30pm start time offer, a night game could turn into more of an "event".

Asking for a night-game sellout is probably a bit much. However, tell me moving this 9/2 Saturday 12:30 game against Villanova, the weekend of Labor Day, to 8/31 Thursday night wouldn't get more students (who barely have started classes, if they've even really started) and locals (who could watch the game and then go away on Labor Day to the beach). More importantly, we don't know the answer to that question because it hasn't been tried.

Lehigh Football Nation

August 8th, 2017, 11:41 PM

We probably shook hands after the game! And you are right that it was a gorgeous day, and that Kempa was a heck of a QB. Harry Wright (our captain that year) was the best LB I ever played with--and I've played with some good ones.

Fun memories, indeed! Again, would have preferred to drive back to Hanover as victors, but it was a heck of a game!

My dad, a Dartmouth grad, came down for that game to visit me. It was glorious.

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 18th, 2017, 02:11 PM

RichH2

August 18th, 2017, 03:33 PM

Hero Sports Patriot League Preview

http://herosports.com/fcs/patriot-league-football-2017-preview-lehigh-colgate-fordham-ajaj

The FCS Wedge Holy Cross Preview
http://thefcswedge.com/a-look-at-what-is-happening-around-the-country/patriot-league-preview-holy-cross/
Pretty hard for Cross to exceed 5 Ws. Schedule gives them precious few breaks. If D can climg to mediocre vs the pass 5 even 6 is definitely possible.Pujols can win some almost by himself. If OL cant establish a run game even odds Pujols will face severe pressure.

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 18th, 2017, 03:57 PM

Pretty hard for Cross to exceed 5 Ws. Schedule gives them precious few breaks. If D can climg to mediocre vs the pass 5 even 6 is definitely possible.Pujols can win some almost by himself. If OL cant establish a run game even odds Pujols will face severe pressure.

Colgate and Holy Cross both have brutal schedules. If I had to pick one to scratch out a winning season it would be Holy Cross. I think they can go 3-0 against Dartmouth, Monmouth and Yale.

RichH2

August 18th, 2017, 04:28 PM

Colgate and Holy Cross both have brutal schedules. If I had to pick one to scratch out a winning season it would be Holy Cross. I think they can go 3-0 against Dartmouth, Monmouth and Yale.
Agree on MU and Y, Dartmouth gets their QB back. Expect a shootout. Dont have much expectation for Purple 2ndary.

DFW HOYA

August 18th, 2017, 04:43 PM

Colgate and Holy Cross both have brutal schedules. If I had to pick one to scratch out a winning season it would be Holy Cross. I think they can go 3-0 against Dartmouth, Monmouth and Yale.

To be fair, "brutal schedules" and "Patriot League" don't always go together. Dartmouth, Monmouth and Yale isn't exactly Youngstown State, Richmond, and James Madison.

RichH2

August 18th, 2017, 06:39 PM

To be fair, "brutal schedules" and "Patriot League" don't always go together. Dartmouth, Monmouth and Yale isn't exactly Youngstown State, Richmond, and James Madison.

:) True DFW but it is tough for Cross. If Cross D improves a good bit the games may not be so tough. That remains to be seen

Go Lehigh TU owl

August 18th, 2017, 06:50 PM

:) True DFW but it is tough for Cross. If Cross D improves a good bit the games may not be so tough. That remains to be seen

Where are the weapons on offense? There might be talent there but for the most part its unproven. Holy Cross has lacked the skill guys Lehigh, Fordham and Colgate have gotten over the years.

RichH2

August 19th, 2017, 06:59 AM

Where are the weapons on offense? There might be talent there but for the most part its unproven. Holy Cross has lacked the skill guys Lehigh, Fordham and Colgate have gotten over the years.
They do have Pete and Guild back. Lost their TE and WRs. Key tho is OL. Cross needs a run game. Gilmore has improved his skills on O and D. But most of that talent is in so and fr classes. Over last 5 yrs the major issue for Cross on D was lack of speed. Well coached units but painfully slow. He has brought in speed. We' ll see if they are football players.

TheValleyRaider

August 19th, 2017, 09:51 AM

To be fair, "brutal schedules" and "Patriot League" don't always go together. Dartmouth, Monmouth and Yale isn't exactly Youngstown State, Richmond, and James Madison.

Nor is it Cal Poly/Richmond/Buffalo, for that matter. Both schedules will be tough, but that is relative to where both programs are currently

Sader87

August 19th, 2017, 05:28 PM

To be fair, "brutal schedules" and "Patriot League" don't always go together. Dartmouth, Monmouth and Yale isn't exactly Youngstown State, Richmond, and James Madison.

No, but UConn, UNH and say, Harvard are probably comparable to the 3 you or ValleyRaider mentioned.

Go...gate

August 20th, 2017, 01:46 AM

To be fair, "brutal schedules" and "Patriot League" don't always go together. Dartmouth, Monmouth and Yale isn't exactly Youngstown State, Richmond, and James Madison.

For Colgate. Cal Poly, Buffalo, Richmond and Furman are certainly no slouches, and Cornell is always a tough game because it is an annual major rival.

Go Green

August 21st, 2017, 10:32 AM

To be fair, "brutal schedules" and "Patriot League" don't always go together. Dartmouth, Monmouth and Yale isn't exactly Youngstown State, Richmond, and James Madison.

Dartmouth hasn't lost to a PL school in a while.

LUHawker

August 21st, 2017, 10:42 AM

Dartmouth hasn't lost to a PL school in a while.

Dartmouth also hasn't played any of the better teams, either in a while.

Go...gate

August 21st, 2017, 06:56 PM

Dartmouth hasn't lost to a PL school in a while.

Dartmouth, along with everyone else in the Ivy save Cornell and Yale, doesn't play Colgate anymore.

crusader11

August 22nd, 2017, 10:42 AM

Dartmouth hasn't lost to a PL school in a while.

I think they've only played HC, Georgetown, and Bucknell since 2013. They've won four straight, but lost to HC in Hanover in 2013. Just providing some context to your statement, Green.

Since you in Hanover on the 23rd!

Go Green

August 22nd, 2017, 04:39 PM

I think they've only played HC, Georgetown, and Bucknell since 2013. They've won four straight!

Four straight against the PL!
Three straight against the NEC!
Two straight against the CAA!
Two straight against the PFL!

Now if we could just do better against the Ivy....

:)

If Puljas is healthy, HC should be one of the better teams we face this season. If he's not, then Dartmouth should go 3-0 OOC again.

Go...gate

August 23rd, 2017, 12:23 AM

Go Green, do the Indians figure to be in thick of the Ivy League race?

Go Green

August 23rd, 2017, 07:44 AM

Go Green, do the Indians figure to be in thick of the Ivy League race?

I think so. Penn and Princeton would be the favorites if they were returning intact. But they are not.

Dartmouth had some injury issues last year. I know that we went 1-6 in league play, and that sucked. But the Dartmouth faithful think last year was a bad luck aberration.

Dartmouth opens up league play against Penn in (our) week 3. That will tell us pretty quickly whether Dartmouth will be part of the Ivy race or not.

Go Green

August 23rd, 2017, 10:31 AM

Should also add that anyone who cares, the Ivy race could be a complete roll of the dice in 2017. Among the other teams...

Brown should be ok.

Columbia isn't the automatic "W" that they used to be, but probably not strong enough to be a real factor.

Cornell -- same as Columbia.

Harvard -- plenty of talent, but returning QB is injury-prone.

Princeton -- unsure whether their best player can go in 2017

Penn -- lots of negativity with expected starters transferring and/or dropping off team without explanation

Yale -- can't quite seem to put it together, and their transfer from NC State apparently quit the team recently.

Lehigh Football Nation

August 23rd, 2017, 10:52 AM

Penn -- lots of negativity with expected starters transferring and/or dropping off team without explanation

Yale -- can't quite seem to put it together, and their transfer from NC State apparently quit the team recently.

If what you say is true, that's good news for Lehigh fans.

Go Green

August 23rd, 2017, 11:26 AM

If what you say is true, that's good news for Lehigh fans.

At this point in time, I believe that Lehigh should expect to win both games.

DFW HOYA

August 23rd, 2017, 01:13 PM

Yale -- can't quite seem to put it together, and their transfer from NC State apparently quit the team recently.

Georgetown's transfer from the University of Texas dropped off the roster last week. That might have been a worth a couple of Patsy Points right there.

Gater

August 23rd, 2017, 01:16 PM

That Yale transfer from NC State had one of the best individual games I have seen against Colgate in recent memory. Don't know what happened but that's a real loss.

Go Green

August 23rd, 2017, 02:22 PM

That Yale transfer from NC State had one of the best individual games I have seen against Colgate in recent memory. Don't know what happened but that's a real loss.

Whatever happened, it came as a surprise to the Yale football staff and media. This article came out just nine days ago: http://www.courant.com/sports/college/hc-yale-football-bo-hines-feature-0815-20170814-story.html