RFC Summer Semester: Patriot League Preview (FCS)

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2012 Final Standings

Looking back:  Despite struggling in non-conference play (3-3 during the regular season), Colgate managed to capture the 2012 Patriot League crown.  Meanwhile, despite a 10-1 overall record, Lehigh found itself on the outside looking come Selection Sunday for the FCS playoffs.

Looking ahead:  While the membership of most conferences continues to change seemingly, the Patriot League continues to be among the most stable heading into the 2013 season.

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. Lehigh (10-1):  Mountain Hawks look to punch their playoff ticket after that lone loss to Colgate cost them a trip to postseason play last year.

2. Colgate (8-4):  Red Raiders face a tough non-conference slate which includes games against Air Force, Albany (N.Y.), and New Hampshire.

3. Holy Cross (2-9):  Head Coach Tom Gilmore returns 43 letterwinners and 22 starters from a team that finished in a three-way tie for third place in the Patriot League last season.

4. Georgetown (5-6):  Hoyas also to be a serious contender for the Patriot League title after a 2-3 finish in conference play last year.

5. Lafayette (5-6):  Leopards look to claim their seventh Patriot League crown, but their first since 2006.

6. Bucknell (3-8):  Bison face an uphill battle in bouncing back from a winless season (0-5) in conference play.

Not eligible for Patriot League title

Fordham (6-5):  Rams face a tough task in improving on last year's won-lost mark.

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