Colgate University

After Colgate beat Holy Cross 24-17 in the first game of the 2018 season, the Raiders coaches noticed a small problem while reviewing defensive film.

On both Holy Cross touchdowns (each of which came on a fourth down), Raiders players got burned by their over-enthusiasm and trying to do too much.

Head coach Dan Hunt stressed to his players to relax, worry about holding up only their 1/11th end of the bargain and trust the player next to each other.

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Colgate University

Colgate head coach Dan Hunt

Seems like the Raiders have listened.

Since then Colgate has allowed two field goals total in seven games. The Raiders (8-0) have locked down another Patriot League title and have climbed to No. 8 nationally in the FCS division.

"They are staying in the system and doing their jobs, and hopefully they realize the results speak for themselves,'' Hunt said.

Here's a by-the-numbers look at Colgate's suffocating defensive effort this season.

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Yvonne Landis

Linebacker T.J. Holl

2.9

Number of points per game the defense is allowing this season, fewest in the FCS.

The Raiders operate out of a base 3-4 defense whose first priority is to pulverize the run.

After that, Colgate wants to take away as many obvious passing options for the opposing quarterback as possible.

"Once the snap comes, all hell breaks loose and you don't know where the rush is coming from,'' Hunt said. "They are quite relentless. They are not giving up easy keys, letting the offense check to easy plays.''

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Colgate University

Linebacker Nick Ioanilli

57.8

Rushing yards allowed per game, fewest in the nation.

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Defensive back Alec Wisniewski

83.88

The Raiders' pass efficiency defense, best in the country.

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Colgate University

Linebacker Dillon Deiuliis

194.6

Total yards allowed per game, fewest in the nation. That figure includes a total of minus-50 to Fordham in a Patriot League-clinching win last week.

Hunt said many of his defensive players were recruited by no one else besides Colgate. He said when looking at potential recruits for his defense he doesn't lock in on size or stats but how frequently they show up around ball carriers on film.

Hunt said his players like to describe themselves as "runners and hitters'' and pride themselves on being the most physical defenders in the conference.

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Yvonne Landis

Defensive lineman Nick Wheeler

3

Current streak of consecutive shutouts posted by the Raiders.

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Colgate University

Colgate linebacker John Steffen

1961

The last time Colgate produced three straight shutouts (Bucknell 13-0, Harvard 15-0, Princeton 15-0).

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Brian Foley

Defensive back Tyler Castillo

5

Number of shutouts overall this season, tying a FCS record set by South Carolina State in 1978.

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Colgate University

Defensive lineman Caleb Fell

1935

The last time Colgate produced more than five shutouts in a season. That squad had either six or seven shutouts, depending on how you interpret a ''Triangular Game'' against both St. Lawrence (31-0) and Amherst (12-0) that consisted of two quarters against each opponent.

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Yvonne Landis

Defensive lineman Chuck Moore

60-0

Combined margin by which Colgate has outscored foes in the first quarters of games this season.

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Colgate University

Defensive back Ben Hunt

168-3

Combined margin by which Colgate has outscored foes in the first half this season.

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Colgate University

Colgate defensive back Abu Daramy-Swaray (with ball)

93

Total number of points the Raiders have cashed in on from their 20 caused turnovers this season.

Hunt said as defensive film review has progressed this season, the staff still finds some mistakes despite the near-perfection suggested by the numbers. The coaches want the players to enjoy their accomplishments but also realize that a technique error that doesn't cost anything in the regular season could surrender points against much tougher playoff competition.

"That's the mindset of our coaches. You have to be getting better,'' Hunt said. "I don't go out there and demand our players be perfect. But if their goal is to not make mistakes, and to strive toward that every week, that's OK.

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Vernon Bryant | Associated Press

Colgate is one of three undefeated teams left in the FCS, along with defending national champion North Dakota State (pictured) (9-0) and Princeton (8-0).

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Colgate University

The Raiders close their Patriot League schedule on Saturday with a trip to Lehigh. This season's league title is the school's 10th overall and third in the last four years. Colgate ends its regular season by visiting Army on Nov. 17.

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Colgate University

The 24-team FCS playoff field will be announced Nov. 18. The top eight teams will get a bye and host a second-round game.

Hunt said while his players appreciate how big a step up in competition that will be from their Patriot League games, they are also eager to see how they might compare against the best teams from better conferences.

"One of the things we always say here is we'll fight where we're told and we'll win where we fight,'' he said. "I'm sure these guys say, 'Hey, we want to test ourselves against the best,' which is what they should do.''