Lehigh Mountain Hawks
Patriot
Lehigh was not supposed to compete for a Patriot League title this season, but Coach Andy Coen and company had other plans. However, early in the year it looked like Lehigh was going to have a very tough season. They lost their first two games against Monmouth and Villanova and had a long way to go to reach the playoffs. The 58-37 win over Fordham was a huge win for the Mountain Hawks and that was the game that effectively clinched the Patriot League’s automatic bid to the playoffs.
2016 Record: 9-2, 6-0
Coach: Andy Coen
Big Wins: 9/24 Princeton (42-28), 10/29 Fordham (58-37)
Bad Losses: 9/3 Monmouth (21-23), 9/10 at Villanova (21-26)
Strengths:
There was little doubt about the capability of the Lehigh offense. Nick Shafnisky is a big time passer and sophomore Brad Mayes has stepped into a few games and done very well too. With Troy Pelletier and Derek Knott joining big play receiver Gatlin Casey, Shafnisky has plenty of proven targets to work with. Dominick Bragalone picked up right where he left off during his great freshman season of 2015. He again eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark and it is the threat that Bragalone offers that gives Shafnisky time to operate the fifth most potent passing game in the FCS.
Weaknesses:
The development of the defense is why Lehigh was able to make the playoffs, but it is still the weak spot on this team. The unit is especially susceptible on the ground where they ranked sixth in the seven team Patriot League in rush defense, allowing over 200 yards per game on the ground. Colton Caslow, Evan Harvey and Pierce Ripanti are three very experienced senior linebackers and lead the team in tackles, but the front line needs to get a better push so the trio of linebackers can do better against the run. The secondary has been solid, although not spectacular. The team as a whole will intercept quite a few passes, but there has not been a player in the secondary that has turned into a consistent ball hawk who can make big plays on a regular basis.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Dominick Bragalone, RB, 1,106 yards
Passing: Nick Shafnisky, QB, 2,448 yards
Receiving: Troy Pelletier, WR, 1,140 yards
Tackles: Colton Caslow, LB, 72
Sacks: Tyler Cavenas, DL, 4.0
Interceptions: Four tied with 2
2016 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 160.3 (52nd in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 329.4 (5, 1)
Total Offense: 489.7 (8, 2)
Scoring Offense: 40.0 (8, 2)
Rushing Defense: 203.2 (94, 6)
Pass Defense: 187.5 (27, 2)
Total Defense: 390.7 (64, 5)
Scoring Defense: 23.8 (35, 3)
Turnover Margin: 0.90 (17, 2)
Sacks: 2.20 (40, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 1.70 (44, 2)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2011 Second Round Defeated Towson
2011 Quarterfinals Lost to North Dakota State
2010 First Round Defeated Northern Iowa
2010 Second Round Lost to Delaware
2004 First Round Lost to James Madison
2001 First Round Defeated Hofstra
2001 Quarterfinals Lost to Furman
2000 First Round Defeated Western Illinois
2000 Quarterfinals Lost to Delaware
1999 First Round Lost to Hofstra
1998 First Round Defeated Richmond
1998 Quarterfinals Lost to Massachusetts
1980 First Round Lost to Eastern Kentucky
1979 First Round Defeated Murray State
1979 Championship Lost to Eastern Kentucky
*all team stats through 11/12
