What Is 2017 Holy Cross Crusaders football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Holy Cross Crusaders football team represented the College of the Holy Cross during the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 10–3 record and winning the Patriot League championship. They advanced to the FCS playoffs, winning their first-round game before being eliminated. Head coach Tom Gilmore led the team to its first conference title since 2009.

Key Facts

The 2017 Holy Cross Crusaders finished the season with a 10–3 overall record
They won the Patriot League championship with a 6–0 conference record
Head coach Tom Gilmore led the team to its first title since 2009
They defeated Albany 38–28 in the first round of the FCS playoffs
The team was led by quarterback Brad Seymour and linebacker Donnie Corley

Overview

The 2017 Holy Cross Crusaders football team represented the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, during the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Patriot League, the team achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history under head coach Tom Gilmore, who was in his second stint leading the program.

The Crusaders posted a 10–3 overall record and a perfect 6–0 mark in conference play, securing the Patriot League title and an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs. Their season culminated in a first-round playoff victory, marking a significant turnaround from previous years and reestablishing Holy Cross as a dominant force in the conference.

Record: The team finished with a 10–3 overall record, the best since 2009 and one of the best in school history.
Patriot League Title: Holy Cross went 6–0 in conference play, winning its first outright league championship since 2009.
Head Coach: Tom Gilmore returned in 2016 and led the team to its first title in eight years during his second tenure.
Playoff Appearance: The Crusaders earned an FCS playoff berth and defeated Albany 38–28 in the first round.
Key Players: Quarterback Brad Seymour and linebacker Donnie Corley were instrumental in the team’s offensive and defensive success.

Season Performance

The 2017 campaign was defined by consistency, strong defense, and timely offensive execution. Holy Cross started the season with a win over Georgetown and never lost a Patriot League game, dominating rivals such as Lafayette and Lehigh.

Offensive Output: The Crusaders averaged 33.5 points per game, ranking among the top in the FCS for scoring offense.
Defensive Strength: They allowed just 18.2 points per game, showcasing one of the stingiest defenses in the conference.
Home Dominance: Holy Cross went 6–0 at Fitton Field, maintaining an undefeated home record all season.
Rivalry Wins: They defeated archrival Lafayette 35–3 and Lehigh 27–7, sweeping the Patriot League’s top contenders.
Playoff Victory: In the FCS first round, they beat Albany 38–28, advancing for the first time since 2009.
Season End: Their playoff run ended with a 49–27 loss to North Dakota State, the eventual national champion.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2017 season compared favorably to recent Holy Cross campaigns, especially in terms of wins, conference dominance, and postseason success. The table below highlights key metrics:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Patriot League Title	FCS Playoff Result
2017	10–3	6–0	Yes	First Round Win
2016	4–7	3–3	No	Did not qualify
2015	6–5	4–2	No	Did not qualify
2014	5–6	3–3	No	Did not qualify
2013	6–5	4–2	No	Did not qualify

The 2017 team significantly outperformed its predecessors, doubling the win total from 2016 and achieving a perfect conference record. This turnaround highlighted improved coaching, player development, and program stability under Tom Gilmore’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a landmark year for Holy Cross football, symbolizing a return to national relevance in the FCS. It elevated the program’s profile and set a new standard for future teams.

Program Revival: The title marked the first since 2009, signaling a resurgence after years of mediocrity.
Recruiting Boost: Success on the field enhanced Holy Cross’s ability to attract top-tier FCS talent.
Conference Prestige: Dominating the Patriot League reinforced Holy Cross as the league’s premier program.
Player Development: Quarterback Brad Seymour’s growth exemplified the coaching staff’s ability to develop athletes.
Alumni Engagement: The season revitalized fan interest and increased attendance and donations.
National Recognition: The playoff win over Albany earned Holy Cross respect beyond regional confines.

Ultimately, the 2017 season served as a blueprint for sustained success, combining disciplined coaching, strong defense, and conference excellence. It remains a benchmark for future Crusader teams aiming to compete at the highest level of FCS football.