Lehigh Football Nation

Here's my predictions of other games today, released right before we head to Goodman to see Lehigh play Monmouth. Patriot League Fordham at Rhode Island, 1PM. Win or lose, this will be an intriguing view into Fordham's squad this year. If they beat this lower-echelon Atlantic 10 team, they will be sending a message to the Patriot they're for real. I think they do in a very close game. Fordham 35, URI 31. Sacred Heart at Holy Cross, 1PM. Mid-major Sacred Heart may think they have a shot, but they won't have a chance in this one. HC 45, SH 3. Central Connecticut St. at Colgate, 1PM. No need to sweat, Colgate fans - the Devils will be handled easily. Colgate 56, CCSU 10. Georgetown at Bucknell, 6PM. The first Patriot League game of the year, both the Hoyas and Bison hope to get the season off on the right foot. I see Bucknell as a strong title contender, and I see them defeating Georgetown despite a gallant effort. Bucknell 35, G'Town 28. Lafayette at

Hot off the presses. I have just learned from Jeff Tourial (Lehigh's Sports Information Director) that Lehigh's graduate student senate will have a collection table for folks who would like to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. They will be outside the stadium tomorrow morning beginning at 11:30 am. All proceeds will benefit the Red Cross hurricane disaster relief fund. So if you want to help, stop by at the collection table. A few notes on Thursday's I-AA games. No really major surprises, aside from the mild upset of Northwestern St. over I-A Lousiana-Monroe. I should have picked the UMass/Richmond game (since UMass was indeed ranked), but it's a good thing I didn't since I would have definitely got it wrong. Furman and Jacksonville St. played an absolute barn-burner, with Furman QB Ingle Martin completing a TD pass with the clock expiring to secure a 37-35 victory (and also preserving my pick). The press roundup comes in today from far and wide. There is

Since we have a lot of games this Thursday, my regularly-scheduled predictions are going to be here a little early... for the Thursday games only involving members of the Any Given Saturday Consolidated Top 25 rankings. For my Saturday picks, tune in on Saturday morning. Top 25 Bacone College (NAIA) at #T18 Sam Houston St. Sammy Bearkat may be suiting up by the time this one is over. And the coaches may be eyeing Samantha Bearkat as well. SHS 70, Bacone 0. #11 William & Mary at Marshall (I-A). Some think that a Marshall team that is retooling may be tested by the Tribe, but I don't think so - it's not the right time for William & Mary to be breaking in a new QB. Marshall 35, W&M 17. #7 Southern Illinois at SE Missouri St. SEMO may not be in the same class as Southern Illinois, but last I checked they're a full-scholarship team, and will keep things relatively close. SIU 31, SEMO 20. West Virginia Tech (D-II) at #T5 Western Kentucky. Attention WKU fans: br

3 days until opening day. All the waiting is just about over. And as promised, here is your Lehigh/Monmouth preview. It's the only home game Lehigh will be playing in September, where the weather should be sunny and nice. It's also going to be Kid's Day... and as of right now, I am tentatively planning to be there with my wife & child. I am greatly looking forward to it! I really enjoy going to games in September in warm weather, while sitting on Goodman's grassy bowl area. The plan is to be podcasting at the end of each quarter with updates, in case you can't make it! Injury Report To those fans who have just discovered this blog, it's my policy to only report the Lehigh injuries that are "questionable" and above. "Questionable" means there's a 50/50 chance they play. DT Josh Cooney (back, questionable) CB Calvin LaMont (groin, questionable) CB Brannan Thomas (quad, questionable) It's always great to see relatively few injuries

Can you believe we're only 5 days away from Monmouth/Lehigh? I can't wait ! There's a real buzz in the air this season that maybe, just maybe, Lehigh is poised for great things this season. It all starts with a good win against Monmouth this weekend; and it's the only thing to be concerned about this week. On Wednesday I will be posting my Lehigh/Monmouth preview and breakdown, so look for that later this week. [8:58 8/30 Missed Will Mitchell - revised.] Last year I started the tradition on speculating about who coach Lembo will be picking for his 2-deep on opening day. This year, I'm happy to continue the tradition by picking who I think will be on the squad for 2005. Many of the faces are the same as 2004. Rath, Borda, Walker, Graziani, Morgan, Cardwell - you don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that they are the starters. But there are a few surprises. On offense , QB Sedale Threatt to me is the unquestioned #2 QB, solidifying his hold on that after a