The St. Lawrence University Saints narrowly eked out a 14-7 victory over the struggling Norwich Cadets in a rivalry game that left fans with mixed emotions. While their first win of the season secured the Hoffman Cup for the Saints, it also raised concerns about their performance against an opponent that, frankly, has been struggling in the 2023 campaign. 

Quarterback Danny Lawther ‘25 had a noticeable improvement, putting on his best display of the season by going 12 of 22 for 144 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. This performance showed glimpses of the potential that fans have been hoping to see from Lawther. His precision passing and ability to lead the offense were encouraging signs, but the interception serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. 

The rivalry game against the Norwich Cadets has long been a highly anticipated showdown that carries historical significance for both teams. Winning the Hoffman Cup was undoubtedly a momentous occasion for the Saints, who hadn’t missed out on this coveted award in over a decade. However, the narrow margin of victory against a team like Norwich has raised eyebrows among fans and alumni alike. 

The stark reality is that the Cadets, who now sit at 0-2 on the year after a 28-14 loss to the Husson Eagles, are not considered a formidable opponent this season. The Saints will need to address their offensive woes, as they currently find themselves at the bottom of the Liberty League in terms of offensive production. 

Coach Dan Puckhaber seemed to have better control over the team this week, and there was a noticeable improvement in their execution. Nevertheless, the Saints need to play with more intensity and consistency, as barely scraping by a struggling team like Norwich doesn’t instill confidence in their league title aspirations. 

In the coming weeks, St. Lawrence must focus on shoring up their offensive line and finding more creative ways to move the ball down the field. A stronger ground game and better protection for Lawther will be crucial if they intend to compete with the top teams in the Liberty League. 

While the Hoffman Cup victory is a cause for celebration, the Saints and their fans understand that there’s still a long and challenging season ahead. The win over Norwich was a step in the right direction, but it also highlighted the urgency of addressing their offensive struggles. If the St. Lawrence Saints are serious about a league title, they must continue to improve and prove that they can dominate on both sides of the ball, regardless of the opponent.