The 2016 Colgate Raiders football team represented Colgate University during the 2016 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Patriot League, the Raiders entered the campaign with high expectations after an outstanding 2015 season that saw them win the Patriot League championship and advance to the NCAA FCS quarterfinals.

Although they were unable to replicate the previous year’s postseason success, the 2016 Colgate Raiders football team remained one of the Patriot League’s strongest defensive squads, finishing with a respectable 5-5 overall record and 4-2 conference record, good enough for third place in the league standings. Under head coach Dan Hunt, the 2016 Colgate Raiders football team continued to establish itself as a consistent contender in NCAA FCS football while developing several standout players who earned conference and national recognition.

2016 Colgate Raiders Football Team Overview

The Raiders played all home games at Crown Field at Andy Kerr Stadium in Hamilton, New York, one of the historic venues in FCS football.

Expectations Entering the 2016 Season

The Raiders entered 2016 carrying tremendous momentum.

The previous season had been one of the greatest in school history. Colgate recovered from an 0-3 start in 2015 to capture the Patriot League title, win two NCAA playoff games on the road, and finish ranked among the nation’s Top 20 FCS teams.

Because of that remarkable run, Colgate was selected as the preseason favorite to win the Patriot League. Coaches and sports information directors throughout the conference expected the Raiders to repeat as champions thanks to an experienced roster and one of the league’s best defenses.

Coaching Staff

Head coach Dan Hunt entered his third season leading the program.

Following the successful 2015 campaign, Hunt focused on maintaining Colgate’s identity:

• Strong defensive football
• Physical rushing attack
• Disciplined special teams
• Low turnover margin

His coaching philosophy continued to produce one of the Patriot League’s toughest defensive units despite significant personnel changes from the previous season.

2016 Schedule

The Raiders faced one of the tougher schedules in the Patriot League, including several strong non-conference opponents.

The early non-conference portion featured difficult road trips against Syracuse (ACC), Yale (Ivy League), and nationally respected Richmond from the CAA.

Season Performance

The Raiders experienced an uneven start.

Playing three consecutive road games against quality opponents proved challenging, and the offense struggled to generate consistent production early in the year.

However, once Patriot League play began, Colgate regained momentum.

The defense carried the team through conference play by consistently limiting opposing rushing attacks while forcing negative plays.

Although the Raiders ultimately finished behind Lehigh and Bucknell in the standings, they remained competitive throughout conference competition.

Their 4-2 Patriot League record demonstrated the team’s resilience despite the disappointing overall record.

Defensive Excellence

Defense became the defining characteristic of the 2016 Colgate Raiders.

Throughout the season, the Raiders ranked among the nation’s elite defensive units.

Some of their most impressive achievements included:

• National leader in rushing defense
• One of the nation’s leaders in sacks
• Outstanding tackles for loss
• Excellent red-zone defense

The defense frequently kept games close even when the offense struggled to sustain drives.

By season’s end, Colgate had established itself as one of the toughest defenses in FCS football.

According to season statistics, the Raiders allowed only 69.4 rushing yards per game, leading the entire FCS while also ranking second nationally in sacks per game.

Offensive Challenges

Unlike the previous season, offensive consistency proved difficult.

Several factors contributed:

• Offensive line adjustments
• Inconsistent quarterback play
• Difficulty converting third downs
• Limited explosive passing plays

Despite these challenges, the offense showed flashes of efficiency during conference games, particularly in the running game.

The coaching staff emphasized ball control and field position rather than high-scoring shootouts.

Standout Players

Pat Afriyie

The biggest individual star on the roster was linebacker Pat Afriyie.

His impact included:

• Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year
• Multiple All-America selections
• National leader in tackles for loss
• Elite pass rusher

Afriyie became one of the premier defensive players in all of FCS football.

His combination of speed, strength, and football intelligence allowed him to dominate opposing offenses throughout the season.

Defensive Leaders

Beyond Afriyie, several defenders contributed significantly.

The Raiders consistently generated:

• Quarterback pressures
• Forced turnovers
• Goal-line stands
• Dominant run defense

The defensive front seven was particularly effective against Patriot League opponents.

Special Teams

Special teams remained another strength.

Reliable kicking, disciplined coverage units, and solid field position often gave Colgate advantages in close games.

Those hidden-yardage battles helped compensate for offensive inconsistencies.

Patriot League Competition

The Patriot League was highly competitive during 2016.

Key contenders included:

• Lehigh
• Bucknell
• Colgate
• Fordham
• Holy Cross

Lehigh eventually captured the conference championship thanks to one of the nation’s highest-scoring offenses.

Meanwhile, Colgate countered with arguably the league’s strongest defense.

Conference statistics reflected this contrast, with Colgate ranking among the top teams defensively while finishing third in conference scoring.

Statistical Highlights

Several numbers illustrate the Raiders’ identity during 2016.

Team Statistics

• Overall Record: 5-5
• Patriot League Record: 4-2
• Conference Finish: 3rd
• National Leader in Rushing Defense
• Second Nationally in Sacks Per Game
• Multiple All-Patriot League Selections

These statistics reinforce that defense remained the foundation of the program.

Home Field Advantage

Andy Kerr Stadium continued to provide one of the Patriot League’s most traditional football environments.

The Raiders enjoyed strong fan support throughout the season, especially during conference matchups against:

• Lafayette
• Georgetown
• Holy Cross

The atmosphere reflected the university’s proud football tradition.

Awards and Honors

Several Raiders earned postseason recognition.

Among the biggest honors:

• Pat Afriyie
  • Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year
  • ECAC Defensive Player of the Year
  • Multiple FCS All-America Teams

Additional Raiders received All-Patriot League honors for outstanding performances on both sides of the football.

Areas for Improvement

While the defense excelled, several issues prevented another playoff appearance.

These included:

• Offensive inconsistency
• Limited passing production
• Tough non-conference schedule
• Close-game execution

Improving offensive efficiency became the program’s primary objective entering the following season.

Legacy of the 2016 Team

Although the 2016 Raiders did not return to the NCAA playoffs, the season helped maintain Colgate’s reputation as one of the Patriot League’s premier football programs.

The team’s defensive accomplishments remain among the finest in school history.

The success of players like Pat Afriyie also elevated the national profile of Colgate football.

Perhaps most importantly, the Raiders demonstrated that the remarkable 2015 campaign was not an isolated achievement but part of a sustained period of excellence under head coach Dan Hunt.

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Conclusion

The 2016 Colgate Raiders football team may not have repeated its championship success from the previous year, but it remained one of the Patriot League’s toughest competitors. Finishing 5-5 overall and 4-2 in conference play, the Raiders showcased an elite defense that ranked among the best in the FCS while continuing to develop future stars.

Led by Dan Hunt and anchored by the dominant play of linebacker Pat Afriyie, the season reinforced Colgate’s reputation for disciplined, physical football. Although offensive struggles limited the team’s postseason aspirations, the Raiders laid the groundwork for continued competitiveness in the Patriot League and preserved the program’s tradition of excellence.