Game Details
Who: Colgate (0-2, 0-0 Patriot) at Akron (0-2, 0-0 MAC)
When: Saturday, September 14 at 6 p.m.
Where: Summa Field in InfoCision Stadium in Akron, Ohio

Colgate's on the road again, this time heading to Akron, Ohio to take on the Zips. It's the only FBS opponent the Raiders face this season, and the second time these two programs go head-to-head. 

This week is filled with the classic FBS versus FCS battle, and Colgate will be using some brand new technology for the first time. 

Before Saturday's kickoff, here are three things to know about what this Week 3 matchup will entail. 

LOOKING FOR FIRST WIN
Akron and Colgate are both trying to avoid an 0-3 start for the second-straight season. It all increases the urgency to avoid an early losing streak and get the first tally in the win column. 

After the loss to Villanova last week, Colgate's leaders decided to display "execute, 1-0" on the board during practices. It's meant to be a constant reminder for the Raiders during practice — making sure every bit of practice is executed with maximum effort.

"The biggest word that came up was execution," junior linebacker Cole Kozlowski said. "So if we take care of the execution, we execute what we need to execute, it's gonna be a good time."

AKRON'S TOUGH SCHEDULE
Akron's schedule through the first four weeks of this season is filled with top-quality, non-conference opponents. No. 2 Ohio State and Rutgers kicked off the Zips' season, and now the MAC program heads home for its lone FCS matchup before heading back on the road to face SEC's South Carolina. 

Colgate is sandwiched between multiple Power 4 matchups. The Raiders' visit is also the only home game Akron has in the month of September, with its next home game not until facing Bowling Green on Oct. 5.

"I think that that adds to the preparation and the mindset of a great chance to have a signature win," Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach Stan Dakosty said. "But at the end of the day, our guys are just searching for a win."

The Zips' treacherous start puts the spotlight on their game against the Raiders. It's a golden opportunity for Akron to get its first win before finishing out the juggernaut of non-conference opponents waiting.

It's also an opportunity for Colgate to enter InfoCision Stadium and steal the Zips' home opener.

"They're looking at us as a must win, for sure," Dakosty said. "And you know, it just adds on to the preparation and the chip on the shoulder to try to get it done."

TALK THE TALK
Saturday's game is the first time Colgate has the chance to use new in-game helmet communications. The NCAA approved the new communications for all FBS programs this season, and FCS programs have the chance to use it during any games against FBS opponents. 

This will be the only time the Raiders have a chance to use the new technology this season. 

If head coach Stan Dakosty elects to use in-helmet communications on Saturday, Colgate players and coaches can communicate until there's 15 seconds left on the play clock or until the ball is snapped — whichever happens first. NCAA rules allow one offensive player and one defensive player to use the communication system per game. 

Colgate's quarterbacks will wear the communication helmet on offense and while linebackers Mike Slivka and Cole Kozlowski will sport the green dot on defense. 

"I think it could definitely help us stay on our toes a little bit more," Kozlowksi said. "Kind of make sure everything's going the right way."

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cole Kozlowki — Jr. — LB — Colgate
The junior linebacker started his season with double-digit tackles in back-to-back games. He picked up his first tackle-for-loss against Villanova in Week 2, and is closing in on 10 career TFLs and 100 tackles. 

Michael Brescia — Sr. — QB — Colgate
Brescia has led the Raiders' offense through the first two games of the season, picking up 314 yards through the air and 118 yards on the ground. He leads Colgate's rushing attack through two games, picking up a touchdown on the ground against Maine in Week 1.

Bryan McCoy — Jr. — LB — Akron
McCoy was named one of the Zips' captains for the second-straight year, after starting in all 12 games last season. He had 11 tackles against Rutgers last week, placing him second for total tackles thus far this season with 14 total. McCoy was an All-MAC third team selection in 2023.