Lehigh Remains Undefeated, Punches First-Round Bye In FCS Playoffs. Rivalry Still Brings Out the Finger.

Make no mistake about it, if you think FCS football lacks the fire of a random Penn State Big Ten Saturday, look no further than a middle-aged Lehigh fan throwing dual birds during Lafayette’s attempt to honor one of their past soccer champs. The 161st meeting of the most-played rivalry in college football delivered in spades: explosive offenses and unapologetic hatred between two very proud, very smart institutions. And thank God Lehigh won, because had Lehigh lost, this person might have snapped entirely and kept those middle fingers raised until the first spring football practice.

Photo Credit: Prepare the Floats Staff

Lehigh's Luke Yoder ran absolutely wild- 19 carries for 234 yards and 4 touchdowns in what was one of the most entertaining Lehigh vs Lafayette games in recent memory as Lehigh knocked off their rival 42-32 in front of a sold out crowd of over 13,000 in Easton, PA. Yoder's performance earned him game-MVP honors and Patriot League player of the Week, cementing Lehigh's perfect 12-0 regular season and securing the Patriot League Championship trophy. Make no mistake about it, this rivalry is alive and well and it remains one of the crown jewels of FCS football.

Photo Credit: Prepare the Floats Staff

Lehigh’s victory earned them a first-round bye in the 2025 FCS Playoffs, and they’ll host the winner of the Harvard Crimson vs. Villanova Wildcats game in Bethlehem at Goodman Stadium on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at noon.