EASTON, Pa. – A dominant home-opening victory over Marist on Saturday gave the Leopards a boost in the national rankings. Lafayette jumped up four spots in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll to No. 14 following the 56-14 final at Fisher Stadium. The Leopards also moved up one spot in the Stats Perform Poll to No. 18.
 
Lafayette showed its ability to affect the game in all phases in the Marist win, scoring on a blocked punt (Gianlucca Tiberia) and return (Xavier Johnson) for touchdown, a 58-yard punt return for TD (Mason Kuehner), a defensive lineman interception return for TD (Jaylon Joseph) and five offensive scores.
 
Jamar Curtis churned out 88 rushing yards on his way to three touchdowns, while Dean DeNobile hit Chris Carasia for a four-yard touchdown toss that was set up by a 34-yard completion to Elijah Steward. Nahjee Adams added a late score on a six-yard run. Defensively, the Leopards limited Marist to 170 yards of offense and just 43 on the ground.
 
In 2023, Lafayette appeared in the top 25 polls and peaked at No. 16 on Oct. 30, then the Leopards' highest ever ranking in the Patriot League era.
 
Lafayette heads into week four matchup on Saturday with Columbia, a team that is opening its 2024 season.