What Is 2010 Lehigh Mountain Hawks football

Overview

The 2010 Lehigh Mountain Hawks football team represented Lehigh University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) during the 2010 season. Competing in the Patriot League, the team was led by head coach Andy Coen in his fifth year at the helm.

Playing their home games at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the Mountain Hawks posted a solid 7–4 overall record but fell short of qualifying for the FCS playoffs. The season featured notable performances on both offense and defense, showcasing the team's competitive spirit.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 7–4 overall record, reflecting a winning but non-playoff campaign.
• Head Coach: Andy Coen, in his fifth season, continued to build the program with consistent Patriot League competitiveness.
• Stadium: All home games were held at Goodman Stadium, a 16,000-seat venue on Lehigh’s campus.
• Conference: As members of the Patriot League, the Hawks faced rivals like Colgate and Lafayette annually.
• Key Game: The 2010 Rivalry Game against Lafayette ended in a 31–28 loss, a pivotal moment in the season.

Season Performance

The 2010 campaign was marked by offensive consistency and defensive resilience, though the team struggled in key conference matchups. Despite strong individual performances, the Mountain Hawks were unable to secure a postseason berth.

• Offensive Output: Lehigh averaged 27.5 points per game, ranking among the top half of the Patriot League in scoring.
• Quarterback Play: Senior QB Chris Lum threw for 2,389 yards and 18 touchdowns during the season.
• Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Ed Mish recorded 98 total tackles, leading the team in defensive stops.
• Special Teams: Kicker Brandon Lechtenberg made 10 of 13 field goals, maintaining a 76.9% success rate.
• Non-Conference Play: The team started 3–1 in non-league games, defeating teams like Duquesne and Monmouth.
• League Record: Lehigh went 4–2 in Patriot League play, finishing third in the conference standings.

Comparison at a Glance

Lehigh’s 2010 season compared closely with recent years in terms of record and conference performance. The table below highlights key metrics across three seasons.

The 2010 season was a transitional year between the successful 2009 playoff run and the dominant 2012 campaign. While the team maintained a winning record, the loss to Lafayette and a lack of depth in close games ultimately prevented a postseason bid.

Why It Matters

The 2010 season exemplifies the competitive nature of FCS football and Lehigh’s consistent presence in the Patriot League. Though not a championship year, it contributed to the program’s long-term development and recruiting momentum.

• Player Development: Quarterback Chris Lum’s performance helped pave the way for future offensive schemes under Coen.
• Rivalry Impact: The loss to Lafayette extended a streak of close, high-scoring games in the nation’s most-played college football rivalry.
• Recruiting: Solid individual seasons helped attract talent for the 2011 and 2012 recruiting classes.
• Coaching Stability: Andy Coen’s leadership during this period established him as one of Lehigh’s longest-tenured coaches.
• Program Growth: Consistent winning seasons like 2010 helped maintain strong attendance and alumni engagement.
• Foundation for 2012: The experience gained in 2010 contributed to Lehigh’s 11–1 record and deep FCS playoff run in 2012.

While the 2010 Lehigh Mountain Hawks did not achieve postseason success, the season played a vital role in the broader arc of the program’s resurgence in the early 2010s.