Patrick Grudberg ‘24
Sports Section Editor
With the spotlight on games like Texas vs. Alabama and Ole Miss vs. Tulane, we thought it would be worthwhile to shine light on teams from around the Northeast and see how they fared this past weekend. From Patriot League foes to FBS independents, here is a roundup of everything Northeast college football.
Of course, the biggest headline was Holy Cross’ thrilling yet heartbreaking loss to Boston College. We’ve got you covered elsewhere for that one, so go check out Ben Kuchipudi’s article to hear more about it! Here is how the rest of the games went:
Conference rival Fordham upset FBS opponent Buffalo, joining Holy Cross as the second Patriot League to shock the Bulls in two years. After losing star quarterback Tim DeMorat, most analysts expected some regression from the Rams offense. That was not the case on Saturday as new quarterback CJ Montes threw for 309 yards and five touchdowns. While not as spectacular as Sluka’s hail mary to Jalen Coker, Fordham left it late with a go-ahead touchdown with 2:30 remaining.
Colgate lost in embarrassing fashion to Villanova 42-19, dropping to 0-2 on the year. The Raiders were picked third in the Patriot League Preseason Poll, but after two ugly losses (Syracuse trounced them 65-0 in week one), Coach Stan Dakosty has plenty of unanswered questions. Nonetheless, they are at home vs. Penn this weekend before traveling to Fitton Field for Holy Cross’ homecoming weekend.
After entering the season with serious expectations and hype, UConn football laid an egg at Georgia State, losing 35-14. Ta’Quon Robertson threw for 216 yards and two TDs, leading the offense to 326 total yards. But two turnovers plus a missed field goal left much to be desired. Perhaps the bar was set too high for Jim Mora’s club after a somewhat impressive 6-7 season (for UConn’s standards). The Huskies have another manageable opponent this weekend in FIU before hosting an emerging ranked Duke team.
UMass dropped to 1-2 on the year after losing 41-28 at home vs Miami (OH). After only trailing 31-28 with eleven minutes to go, the Minutemen defense let up a one play, 70 yard drive and never recovered. If you thought UConn’s past five seasons were bleak, how about UMass’ three total wins from 2019 to 2022. The Minutemen did beat fellow independent New Mexico State in week 0, but Don Brown’s squad now seems back to their losing ways. The Minutemen travel to Eastern Michigan this weekend in search of a rebound.
How about we go really local to the team that Coach Chesney got his start at? The Assumption Greyhounds improved to 2-0 after defeating Southern Connecticut State 42-29. Senior Quarterback Jake Cady showed out with 334 yards and five touchdowns, and senior wideout Baley Collier leading receivers with five catches and 74 yards. After last year’s impressive 8-3 season and an NE10 conference title, the Greyhounds hope to keep the momentum going deeper into the season. This weekend they travel to Michigan where they will face Division II #7 Grand Valley State.
Looking ahead to this weekend, Holy Cross travels down to New Haven to take on the Yale Bulldogs at the historic Yale Bowl. This is Yale’s season opener, and they will be hoping to start off right after claiming a share of the Ivy League last season. We know after the weekend our Crusaders had at Boston College, they will be ready to dominate the Ivy League opponents and get back to their winning ways.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of The New York Times
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