As I sit here reviewing game tapes from Colgate University's recent football season, I can't help but draw some unexpected parallels between our journey and international soccer competitions. The Philippines' recent 1-0 loss to world No. 9 Iran - their second consecutive defeat - actually reminds me of some crucial moments in our own season. Let me walk you through some key questions about Colgate University Football's recent season and future prospects, using these international soccer parallels to shed light on our situation.
What defined Colgate's most recent football season? Well, much like the Philippine national team facing world No. 9 Iran, we faced our own giants this past season. We finished with a 4-7 record, but those numbers don't tell the whole story. Three of those losses came against top-25 FCS programs, and in two of those games, we were within one score in the fourth quarter. The Philippines losing 1-0 to a world power like Iran demonstrates how narrow margins can be against elite competition - we experienced that same reality multiple times this season. Our defense particularly stood out, holding opponents to under 21 points per game, which ranked third in the Patriot League.
How did our quarterback situation develop throughout the season? This is where I'll get a bit personal - I've been following Colgate football for fifteen years now, and I've never seen such an intriguing quarterback battle. We started three different QBs this season, and each brought something unique to the table. When the Philippines lost to Iran 1-0 for their second straight defeat, it reminded me of our mid-season slump where we dropped three consecutive games by one possession each. The common thread? Inconsistent quarterback play. But here's where I differ from some analysts - I actually think this experimentation will pay dividends down the road. Michael Brescia showed particular promise, accounting for 14 touchdowns despite starting only six games.
What does our recruiting class look like for the upcoming seasons? Having attended several recruiting events myself, I can tell you there's genuine excitement about our incoming class. We've secured commitments from three three-star prospects, which might not sound impressive to Power Five fans but represents real talent for our level. The Philippines facing world No. 9 Iran - and keeping it close at 1-0 - demonstrates how programs can compete above their weight class with the right talent development. We're aiming to do exactly that. Our staff has particularly focused on offensive line depth, targeting four linemen in this class after we allowed 28 sacks last season.
Where do we need the most improvement? Honestly? Red zone efficiency. We converted only 52% of our red zone appearances into touchdowns last season - that's simply not good enough at this level. Watching the Philippines struggle to score against elite competition like Iran drives home this point for me. We had games where we moved the ball between the 20s beautifully but came away with field goals instead of touchdowns. If we can improve that conversion rate to even 65%, I believe we could have flipped two of those close losses into wins.
What's the realistic timeline for competing for a Patriot League championship? This is where I might be more optimistic than some, but I genuinely believe we're looking at a 2-3 year window. The foundation is there - we return 15 starters next season, including our entire secondary. The Philippines' consecutive losses, including that tight 1-0 defeat to world No. 9 Iran, show that progress isn't always linear. We might take a step back next season as younger players develop, but by 2025, I expect us to be legitimate contenders. Our schedule sets up favorably with only two true road games in the first six weeks next season.
How does our non-conference schedule prepare us for league play? This is something our coaching staff has gotten absolutely right in my opinion. We play at least one FBS opponent each year (we faced FBS opponent last season), which functions much like the Philippines testing themselves against world No. 9 Iran. Yes, we've lost those games by significant margins recently, but the experience against superior athletes and larger programs pays dividends when we enter Patriot League play. The physicality and speed we encounter in those games make conference opponents feel more manageable by comparison.
What should fans be most excited about for Colgate University Football's future prospects? The culture. Having spoken with several players and coaches, there's a palpable sense that something special is building here. When the Philippines can hold world No. 9 Iran to just a 1-0 margin, it signals that proper preparation and belief can overcome talent gaps. We're developing that same mentality in Hamilton. Our strength and conditioning program has made noticeable strides, and you can see it in how our players perform in fourth quarters. We outscored opponents 58-34 in final periods last season - that's no accident.
Looking ahead, Colgate University Football's recent season and future prospects remind me that growth often comes through adversity. Much like the Philippine team learning from their 1-0 loss to world No. 9 Iran, we're taking our narrow defeats and using them as fuel. The foundation is being laid for something special here in Hamilton, and if you haven't been paying attention to Colgate football lately, now might be the perfect time to start.
