FCS-CFB Game Preview: Columbia Lions (0-0) vs. Lafayette Leopards (2-1)

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Venue & Logistics

Venue: Fisher Stadium, Easton, Pennsylvania

Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM ET

Broadcast: ESPN+

Competition: NCAA Football, Week 4

Weather Forecast (Easton, PA)

Conditions: Clear skies, mild evening

Temperature: ~72°F (22°C) at kickoff, cooling to 65°F (18°C) by the fourth quarter

Winds: 5–8 mph from the northwest

Precipitation:

Impact: Ideal football weather; no disruptions expected

Injury Report

Columbia Lions:

QB Chase Goodwin – Probable (minor shoulder soreness)

RB Joey Giorgi – Questionable (ankle)

WR Marcus Libman – Healthy, starting

Lafayette Leopards:

QB Dean DeNobile – Healthy, starting

RB Kente Edwards – Probable (hamstring tightness)

WR Carson Persing – Healthy, starting

Key Player Matchups

Dean DeNobile (LAF QB) vs. Columbia Secondary – DeNobile has 534 passing yards and 3 TDs through three games. Columbia’s defense must pressure him early.

Kente Edwards (LAF RB) vs. Columbia Front Seven – Edwards is averaging 141 yards per game with 4 TDs. His ability to control tempo is critical.

Chase Goodwin (COL QB) vs. Lafayette Defense – Goodwin threw for 879 yards and 6 TDs last season. He’ll need to avoid turnovers against an aggressive Leopards defense.

Bryson Canty (COL WR) vs. Lafayette Corners – Canty had 760 yards and 9 TDs in 2024. He’s Columbia’s most dangerous deep threat.

Series History

All-Time Meetings: Rare matchup; Columbia and Lafayette have met only a handful of times historically.

Most Recent: This is their first meeting in over a decade, making it a fresh non-conference test for both programs.

Betting Trends

Lafayette is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 home games.

Columbia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 non-conference games.

The Over has hit in 4 of Lafayette’s last 5 games.

Columbia games have gone Under in 3 of their last 4.

Historical Betting Results

Columbia has historically been a strong Ivy League ATS performer but struggles in early-season non-conference play.

Lafayette has covered in 2 of its last 3 September home games.

Game Odds

Columbia Lions                 47.5

Lafayette Leopards          – 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, September 18, 2025

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NCAAFB Editor
Profile: A dedicated college football analyst with a deep understanding of the sport’s tactical complexity, recruiting landscape, and conference‑wide dynamics. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage of the NCAA football season, blending film study, statistical insight, and historical context to explain how programs evolve from Week 1 through bowl season and the College Football Playoff. Background: With extensive experience covering Division I football, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on coaching trends, roster construction, and player development. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term program trajectories across all major conferences. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and tactical matchups Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Recruiting analysis, transfer‑portal movement, and roster‑building strategy Coaching philosophies, scheme evolution, and conference‑wide trends Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes, advanced metrics, and recruiting data into insights that resonate with both long‑time college football fans and new followers of the sport. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the tradition, passion, and unpredictability that define NCAA football.