2022 season: 4-7, 3-3 in the Patriot League (3rd in Patriot League)
Head coach: John Troxell (2nd season)
Lafayette, which plays in the Holy Cross-dominated Patriot League, is looking to improve on a mediocre year that saw its offensive average just 12.6 points per game. While the Leopards are returning a number of skill position players on that side of the ball — including quarterback Ah-Shaun Davis, running back Jamar Curtis and first-team All-Patriot League tight end Mason Gilbert — they will have to improve upon their 225.6 yards per game average from a year ago.
Not a single receiver caught more than two touchdowns, and Troxell experimented with two other quarterbacks alongside Davis in hopes of upping efficiency. Lafayette did seem to improve on the offensive end as the season went on, scoring more than 20 points in three of its last five games after only doing so once in its first six. Curtis also showed a flash of explosiveness, breaking off for a 71-yard touchdown in the team’s final game.
Despite their struggling offense, the Leopards bring back a solid defense that kept them competitive a year ago. Led by preseason All-Patriot League linebacker Marco Olivas, the defense combined for 22 sacks and 15 forced fumbles.
If the offense can step up to the level of the defense, Lafayette can look to be more competitive in the Patriot League. While Holy Cross, who finished the regular season undefeated last year, will likely again dominate, the rest of the conference is wide open. The Blue Devils are the sole FBS opponent for the Leopards, and Duke will provide a major test early in the season for the status of the Lafayette offense.
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Dom Fenoglio is a Trinity sophomore and a sports managing editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.