After two consecutive road losses the Georgetown football team (2-6 overall, 0-4 PL) returns to Harbin Field this Saturday hoping to end its current losing streak against ninth ranked Lehigh (7-1 overall, PL 3-0).
Junior defensive end Michael Ononibaku’s 30-yard interception return for a touchdown on the first play of the game against Fordham last week was Georgetown’s only score in a 36-6 rout. The Hoyas’ offense failed to put any points on the board in a game that embodied the team’s offensive struggles this year. Fordham held Georgetown below 100 yards passing and rushing. They have averaged just 96 yards passing and 138 yards rushing thus far this season.
Georgetown’s defense has been its best offensive weapon, scoring four of their 12 touchdowns this season. It’s a strength that will be tested by an effective Lehigh offense.
“Our offense will have a great challenge on their hands with Georgetown’s multiple, pressure oriented defense,” Lehigh Head Coach Pete Lembo said. “I am really impressed with how those guys pursue and rush the passer.”
The Mountain Hawks are on a six game tear, beating last season’s Patriot League Champion Colgate 21-14, and are undefeated in the conference. The Hoyas will have their hands full with junior quarterback Mark Borda, who has been named Patriot League Player of the Week three times this year.
Lehigh’s defense has also been stellar. The Mountain Hawks have held opponents to an average of 15 points per game, and have yet to let a team score over 24 points.
The Hoyas do not have a favorable history against Lehigh. Georgetown has lost in three of the last four meetings, and although they lead the all time series five to four, none of those victories has come since 1925.
The uphill battle this week requires that the Hoyas accomplish what has been a constant concern all year: the need for the offense to step up, and great play from the defense. The one thing Georgetown has going for it this week is the hope that the home field will treat them better than the road.
Georgetown plays Lehigh this Saturday, Nov. 6 at 12:30 p.m. on Harbin Field.
