Some thoughts after Georgetown's 50-47 win over Bucknell:
1. (Whew.) I've watched and/or listened to nearly every Georgetown football game over the past 25 or 26 seasons and this game was one of a kind--not only in the score, but in the sheer number of ways this team held it together, As such, the outcome was more a relief than of exultation, because it was a little like getting out of the dentist's chair after four hours.
Don't kid yourself--after a slow start, Bucknell came to play. Ralph Rucker may be the best quarterback in the league once Matthew Sluka graduates, and while the Bison can struggle as much as the Hoyas do, they may be one of the best three-win teams anywhere. But in a game that featured 13 touchdowns, a field goal, and one safety (almost two) between the teams, four plays stand out as absolute game changers:
1. 13:08, 3rd quarter: The beginning of Bucknell's offensive momentum had just begin, with Rucker leading the Bison on a five play, 65 yard drive to close to 23-15. A Bucknell stop and this gets real tight, real quick. Instead, Naiteitei Mose makes the special teams play of the decade by alertly picking up a wayward onside kick and returning it untouched. 23-15 becomes 30-15 and the Bison's climb back is a little steeper as a result.
2. 5:00, 3rd quarter: Bucknell stands with a first down on the Georgetown two. David Ealey forces a fumble that, one Georgetown play later, results in a 95 yard touchdown pass. A potential 30-23 jumps back to 37-15.
3. 1:25, 4th quarter: After an epic drive that ties the score at 44, Bucknell advances to midfield, but the Hoyas break up consecutive passes that forces a punt into the final minute of regulation.
4. Overtime: Tyler Knoop's run to the end zone was fraught with peril--a fumble while stretching out the ball for the score would have been worth years of anguish--but an earlier play helped set it all up: an 11 yard run by Naieem Kearney that put GU in position to win, not merely tie.
There will be plenty to review on the 2023 season after next week but Saturday's game was a master class by the coaching staff in not letting the team get too high or too low following the rapid turn of events. Losing a 22 point second half lead would have sank many Georgetown teams of the past, and did, but the 2023 team has a sense of grit and determination that has held together the first 10 games of the season.
Earning a winning season on Fitton Field may be elusive, but the fact that the Hoyas are even this close is a momentum builder heading into the off-season.
2. Around the PL: Saturday's game appear to have stabilized the PL title possibilities and the playoff race.
If Lafayette wins over Lehigh, they win the title. A win by Holy Cross, despite a stellar season, would be a coin-flip for an at-large bid A loss to Georgetown, and they are out of both scenarios.
A Lafayette loss and a Holy Cross win sends a fifth PL title to Holy Cross, while a three way tie between Lafayette (losing to Lehigh), Colgate (defeating Fordham), and Georgetown (defeating Holy Cross) at 4-2 sends the title to Colgate, as the Red Raiders defeated both Lafayette and Georgetown.
Last week's results:
Lafayette 24, Fordham 16: Jamar Curtis and the Lafayette running game solidified the Leopards' hold on the PL lead before 4,256 at Fisher Stadium, ending any post-season options for the Rams. Lafayette QB Dean Denobile was a quiet 16 of 21 for 137 yards but Curtis' 204 yards on the ground was all the difference. A trip to South Mountain and the 159th game with Lehigh is next for the Leopards, while Fordham travels to Colgate.
Army 17, Holy Cross 14: A solid game for the Crusaders despite the score, as Holy Cross battled back from a 14-0 fourth quarter score to fall short before 30,602 at Michie Stadium. HC quarte4rback Matthews Sluka passed for 156 yards and ran for 171 in the loss.
Colgate 37, Lehigh 21: The early game struggles continue for the Engineers as the Red Raiders continued their late season run before 2,-031 at Andy Kerr Stadium. Colgate led this game 30-0 in the third before the Lehigh comeback, closing to 16 but no further. It's the fifth win in the last six games for Colgate, the seventh loss in the last eight for Lehigh.
