Three Things to Know: Colgate Hosts Lafayette
When: Saturday, November 9 at 1 p.m.
Who: Colgate (2-7, 1-2 Patriot) vs. Lafayette (4-5, 1-3 Patriot)
Where: Andy Kerr Stadium, Hamilton, N.Y.
Now fully into November, Colgate football has its final home game of the regular season. The Raiders end their year on a two-game road trip, making Saturday's matchup against Lafayette the last chance to see this year's squad at Andy Kerr Stadium.
It's also a farewell to the class of 2025, who'll play their final home game in a Colgate uniform against the Leopards.
Here's a brief look at what to expect before the Raiders and Leopards kick off.
TADDEO'S CAREER DAY
Senior defensive lineman Andrew Taddeo found his way into the Colgate record books last weekend, recording three — nearly four — sacks against Fordham last week.
It's the most by a Raider since Nick Wheeler's ('19) logged four sacks back in 2018.
Taddeo's performance gives the Raiders some additional life on defense, alongside junior linebacker Cole Kozlowski's 100 tackles this season. It also provides some explosiveness on the edge Colgate needs against Lafayette on Saturday afternoon.
"I think it just comes down to every single week, going in with an attack mindset," Taddeo said. "And that's what comes out of it."
CURTIS IS COMING
The Leopards' star to watch is the same running back that took the league by storm in 2023: Jamar Curtis. Now a junior, Curtis was the Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and is averaging 92.8 rushing yards per game. He's found the end zone nine times this season, and his longest burst was a 32-yard sprint.
Curtis is an athletic and mobile running back, who's capable of weaving through any gap created by his linemates. Lafayette's offensive line has excelled in creating space for him to run through, allowing the Leopards to lean on Curtis throughout the majority of this season and last year.
The goal for Colgate's defense? Stop the run. Stop Curtis from running the ball.
"He's really shifty," Taddeo said. "He's quick. So I think we have to be really good in the run game to try and shut him down, then we make them kind of one dimensional."
SENIOR DAY CELEBRATION
With Saturday being the final home football game for the Raiders, it's time for Colgate to recognize its senior class.
There's 24 seniors and fifth years that will have a moment to shine during a pregame ceremony. The players will have family and friends join them on the field as they're honored for their on field and off-the-field achievements.
Dakosty said most of the senior class were all recruited through Zoom, during the Covid-19 pandemic, and stepped foot on Colgate's camps for the first time during the July summer workouts in 2021. Four years later, those same seniors have a chance to wear 13 at Andy Kerr Stadium one final time.
"They've kept fighting for this place," Dakosty said. "I'll always be thankful for that. And they've done a lot of really good things here on and off the field."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chris Gee — So. — RB — Colgate
One of the younger Raiders making an impact this season, Chris Gee has helped with Colgate's offense on the ground over the last few games. He's averaging 42.5 yards per game, with 259 rushing yards this season — good for second in the running back room behind Marco Maldonado.
Jamar Curtis — Jr. — RB — Lafayette
Curtis' performance, last season and throughout this year, makes him a must-watch player for Colgate. His numbers speak for themselves, and finding a way for the Raiders to stop him early on in the game will be a key part of Colgate's defense.
Asauni Allen — Sr. — DB — Colgate
Asauni Allen's ability to make key tackles has helped get the Raiders' offense back on the field in multiple scenarios throughout this season. Last week, he had four tackles against Fordham, and has recorded 43 total tackles this season.
Players Mentioned
Players Mentioned
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