Preview: Merrimack looks to extend win streak against Colgate

Merrimack football hosts Colgate on Saturday at Duane Stadium. With a win against the Raiders (2-5), the Warriors can bring their overall record back to .500. Merrimack enters this contest 3-4 (3-2 in FCS play).

Merrimack vs. Colgate

Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN+
Venue: Duane Stadium (4,000)
Location: North Andover, Mass.

Scouting the Raiders

The Raiders beat Georgetown (4-3) 38-28 last week to earn their second win of the year. Colgate rushed for 272 yards last week and four rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Jake Stearney was 14 for 23 for 195 yards and a touchdown.

Stearney will give way to other quarterbacks, but when that happens, it’s usually a signal that a run is coming.

The Raiders protected the football last week, which had been an issue in their first six games. They have thrown eight interceptions (Stearney has 6) on the season.

Colgate’s rushing attack has been split between Marco Maldonado (56-267) and Chris Gee (44-240). Quarterback Michael Brescia, who saw in every game until Sept. 21, has 51 carries for 211 yards.

Treyvhon Saunders is Colgate’s best weapon at receiver. He has 51 catches for 452 yards. Brady Hutchison (26-361) is another top target, especially in the red zone, where he has four touchdowns.

“They are a Patriot League team that’s traditionally been a good football team,” Mike Gennetti told The Eagle Tribune. “Regardless of record, those guys are going to be ready to play and we’ve got to be ready to play. They are not coming here to lay down for us so I know we have to be ready.”

Three Keys for the Warriors

1. Keep the ball away from Tymir Wynn

Wynn has been on fire for the Raiders. He had two interceptions last week against Georgetown and another pick against Holy Cross two weeks ago.

Merrimack hasn’t been a pass-heavy team with Ayden Pereira under center, and the sophomore has taken care of the football when he’s been there (0 interceptions).

2. Find a way to pound the run

Find a way? You might ask.

Colgate has been pretty good against the run. Opponents are averaging 114.0 yards per game and 4.0 yards per carry against the Raiders this season.

Of course, they haven’t faced Jermaine Corbett yet.

The Raiders have been leaky against the pass, allowing 287.0 yards per game and 20 touchdowns through the air (only 5 allowed on the ground).

We gave Merrimack’s offensive line a lot of credit last week, and that group (which includes Cole Birdow, Brandon Smith, AJ Urbaniak, and Amir Johnson) will have to be good again to open up holes and keep Pereira protected.

3. Win the kicking battle

The Warriors are listed as a 4.5-point favorite, so this is expected to be a one-possession game. It could come down to the kickers.

Lliam Davis has been excellent for Merrimack. He’s 10 for 12 on the season, including 2 for 3 from 50+ and 3 for 4 from 40-49 yards. Davis’ longest field goal this season is 53 yards.

Luke Vogeler has been just as good for Colgate. He’s 7 for 9 on the season with a long of 51 yards. He’s also 3 for 3 from 40-49 yards and that 51-yarder is the only attempt he’s had from 50+ yards.