When: Saturday, September 7 at 6 p.m.
Who: Colgate (0-1, 0-0 Patriot) vs. No. 5 Villanova (1-0, 0-0 CAA)
Where: Andy Kerr Stadium, Hamilton, N.Y.
TV: ESPN+ 
Live Stats
Tickets

Open up the gates and dig out the cardinal-colored sweaters. Colgate football (0-1,0-0 Patriot) is coming back to Hamilton for its home-opener against No. 5 Villanova (1-0, 0-0 CAA). 

Before getting settled in Andy Kerr Stadium, here are three things to know before the high-ranked, under-the-lights game. 

Big-time matchup

For the first time in seven years, Colgate is hosting a top-10 FCS program. Villanova slid up to No. 5 in this week's FCS national poll, making the Wildcats the highest ranked program to visit Andy Kerr Stadium since upsetting No. 6 James Madison in the 2018 FCS Playoffs. 

It's no accident either. Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach Stan Dakosty intentionally created a difficult schedule to begin the season, wanting to see what the Raiders could do early on. 

Colgate held a winning record at home for two of the last three seasons, and scored at least three touchdowns in four of last year's five home games. The Raiders' trio of quarterbacks, senior Michael Brescia, junior Zach Osborne and sophomore Jake Stearney, all have scored at least one touchdown at home last season as well. 

Top it all off, Saturday's night game is one of the first night games in Colgate's program history. 

Villanova coming in hot

The Wildcats are early contenders for a trip to Frisco, Texas later this year. Villanova was voted as top dog in the CAA preseason poll this year, after making it to the FCS Quarterfinals last year. 

Wildcats' head coach Mark Ferrante has helped lead Villanova to 17-straight FCS regular season non conference wins, going back to 2016 — when Ferrante was still an assistant coach. This streak includes two wins over the Raiders, one in 2019 and the other last season. 

Villanova brings two CAA Football Players of the Week: senior linebacker Richie Kimmel (Defensive Player of the Week) and freshman running back Isiah Ragaland (Rookie of the Week). Kimmel had a career-high 10 tackles, a fumble recovery and interception last week, while Ragaland rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown. 

Bringing energy in the trenches

Colgate has to be physical on the line of scrimmage. The Raiders like to run the ball, and by having a veteran center like Bardyl Gashi among others in the trenches, it's going to give Colgate the ability to find holes and extend plays. 

On the defensive side, Villanova also has an experienced center, making it a challenge to stop the Wildcats' run game. But it's not impossible, especially after senior defensive lineman Andrew Taddeo had a career day in Week 1. 

Energy is key — if the weather isn't ideal, Colgate can amp up the pace themselves by setting the tone with physical, clean and energetic play. 

Players to Watch

Michael Brescia – Sr. – QB – Colgate
Brescia paced the Raider offense with 4.4 yards per carry in the season-opening loss at Maine. He has worked his way into the top five for most touchdowns by a quarterback in program history after rushing for a touchdown against the Black Bears.

Cole Kozlowski – Jr. – LB – Colgate
Kozlowski earned a Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honorable mention after he led the Raiders with a career-high 14 tackles in his first-ever start last Friday night. Kozlowski and fifth year linebacker Christian Sweeney form a potent duo at the interior of Colgate's defense, and they will be key in stopping the Wildcats run game. 

Connor Watkins – Gr. – QB - Villanova
CAA Preseason Player of the Year Connor Watkins racked up almost 200 yards of total offense and two touchdowns in Villanova's win against a ranked Youngstown State squad last week. He is the catalyst of the Wildcats' offense and will have to be the focus of Colgate's defensive efforts on Saturday evening. New this season, Colgate Athletics will be transitioning to new digital programs to help enhance fans' gameday experience. The digital programs will deliver impactful content in a new way and provide deep engagement opportunities that go beyond the game itself. The digital programs will be accessible to all fans in attendance and can be viewed by scanning a QR code which will be presented throughout each athletics venue on game days. For more information on the new programs, click here.