Jordan Scott
Hoya fans might remember Colgate’s Jordan Scott.
It was still a week before Thanksgiving when the Raiders invaded the Hilltop last November, but the freshman tailback feasted early, rushing for a Colgate school record 257 yards on an astronomical 47 carries. Scott also added three scores in a 34-7 Colgate victory on Nov. 19.
It was a happy homecoming for Scott, who hails from the D.C. area and played his high school ball at DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Md. The 5-foot-11, 200 pound pinball went on to be named a third-team all-American after rushing for 1,364 yards in a brilliant freshman campaign.
Head Coach Dick Biddle, who has seen his share of talent during his decade-long tenure in Hamilton, claims that Scott is the main cog of the Raider offense this season.
“[Scott] is our main offensive weapon,” Biddle said. “He is our primary offensive playmaker.”
So far this season, Colgate’s success has been contingent on its sophomore stud. What is particularly impressive about No. 30 is how he excels in big games. His stunning effort against Georgetown last year sealed a conference championship for the Raiders, and Scott eclipsed the 200-yard mark again in a Division 1-AA playoff game against New Hampshire.
It is no coincidence that Scott’s lone 100-yard effort this season coincided with the Raiders’ only victory. The Hoyas’ defense has undoubtedly felt their stomachs turn this week in the film room as the grainy images of Scott’s romp flickered across projector screen.
In order for Georgetown to have any chance against the Raiders on Saturday, Scott must be held in check.
Mike Gallihugh
Although Colgate linebacker Mike Gallihugh plays rough on the field, he has been notably smooth in transition. After playing his first two college seasons in the defensive backfield, the junior made the switch to linebacker and has seen considerable success at his new spot.
Gallihugh leads his team in tackles with 38, including two for a loss. The next closest Raider is fellow linebacker senior David Wesley, who has 23 on the season. Gallihugh appears to be the latest in a long line of stellar `backers for Colgate, who won the 2003 Division I-AA National Championship with stingy defense.
Coach Biddle moved Gallihugh out of the secondary in order to enhance team speed at the linebacker position and has been pleased with the results so far. “Mike’s a real fast kid, he can run and he has really turned it on this year,” Biddle said. “He has kept us in games this year, and I see him as our top defensive playmaker.”
Those who saw Gallihugh as a standout wide receiver at Blair Academy in New Jersey might not recognize the 5-foot-11, 195 pound middle man now, but the Georgetown offensive linemen must do their best to keep their eyes on the Crimson blur in the middle on Saturday, or else the Hoya offense will be in for some serious trouble.
