Ever wonder why two schools separated by 400 miles of I-95 seem to have such a persistent, underlying beef? It's the kind of thing where you look at the schedule and think, "Oh, these guys again." If you’ve followed the Patriot League or the history of East Coast Jesuit athletics, you know the Holy Cross vs Georgetown matchup is way more than just a box score. It’s a connection that dates back to the 1800s. Honestly, it’s a story of shared DNA, missed opportunities, and a football series that has recently turned into a bit of a lopsided affair.
The Gridiron Reality: Holy Cross vs Georgetown Football
Let’s get the elephant out of the room. If you were at Fenway Park in November 2025, you saw exactly where this rivalry stands right now on the football field. Holy Cross basically took over "America’s Most Beloved Ballpark." They didn't just win; they dismantled the Hoyas 42-7.
It was a defensive clinic. Five takeaways? Two pick-sixes? That’s the kind of performance that makes a long bus ride back to D.C. feel even longer. Eli Thompson had a 94-yard interception return that basically sucked the air out of the stadium. It marked the 10th straight victory for the Crusaders over Georgetown. Think about that. The last time Georgetown beat Holy Cross in football, it was 2014.
The gap isn't just about one game. It's about the trajectory. Holy Cross has become a perennial power in the Patriot League, while Georgetown is still trying to find its footing after decades of facility issues and shifting conference identities. Even when Georgetown put up a fight—like that heartbreaking 32-31 loss in 2018—the Crusaders always seem to find a way to snatch the win.
The Basketball "What If" That Changed History
While football is played annually, the basketball side of Holy Cross vs Georgetown is a ghost of a rivalry. But man, it’s a fascinating ghost. Back in the late 40s and 50s, Holy Cross was the king. They won the NCAA title in 1947. They had Bob Cousy. They were the "it" school for Jesuit basketball in the Northeast.
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When the Big East was being formed in 1979, the founders actually looked at Holy Cross. They were unsure whether to invite the Crusaders or Boston College. This is the moment that changed everything. Holy Cross President John Brooks, S.J., famously said the college "was not in the entertainment business" and passed on the invitation. Boston College jumped at it.
Georgetown went on to become a global brand under John Thompson Jr. Holy Cross, meanwhile, eventually moved to the Patriot League and faded from the national spotlight. The annual series ended in 1980 because Georgetown’s new Big East schedule didn't have room for a non-conference game against a school that didn't want to play at their level.
We finally got a taste of it again in November 2023. Holy Cross walked into Capital One Arena and stunned the Hoyas 68-67. It was a classic "trap game" for Georgetown, but for Holy Cross fans, it was a reminder that the history still pulses.
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More Than Just a Game: The Jesuit Connection
The schools are basically cousins. In 1843, when Holy Cross was founded, it was actually staffed by Jesuits from the Baltimore Province—many of whom were Georgetown alumni or former teachers. In fact, because the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was being difficult about granting Holy Cross a charter to issue degrees, the first few classes of Holy Cross graduates actually received Georgetown diplomas.
Even the cheers are similar. The Holy Cross "Hoiah" and the Georgetown "Hoya" are homophones. It's the same root, the same tradition, just a different color of purple or blue.
Stat Check: Breaking Down the Series
If you're a numbers person, the historical record tells two different stories.
Football Series Highlights:
- Overall Lead: Holy Cross leads 25-11 (per recent athletic records).
- Recent Dominance: 10 consecutive wins for Holy Cross.
- Biggest Hoya Win: A 34-16 victory back in 1999.
- Venue Variety: They've played at Fitton Field, Cooper Field, and even Fenway Park.
Basketball Series Highlights:
- Historical Lead: Holy Cross leads 11-9 in the "modern" era of the series (1948–present).
- The Cousy Factor: Bob Cousy led #1 Holy Cross to a 77-51 win over the Hoyas in 1950.
- The Turnaround: Georgetown’s 105-78 win in 1980 was the last time they played regularly before the 2023 reunion.
Why You Should Care Today
Looking ahead, the Holy Cross vs Georgetown matchup serves as a barometer for the Patriot League. For Georgetown, beating Holy Cross is the benchmark for becoming a serious contender again. For Holy Cross, the Hoyas represent a historical rival that keeps them connected to their Jesuit roots in the Mid-Atlantic.
If you’re planning to attend a future game, keep an eye on the defensive schemes. As we saw at Fenway, the Crusaders’ ability to capitalize on turnovers is their signature. Georgetown, on the other hand, is building around younger talent like Savion Hart, who managed to be a bright spot in a tough 2025 finale with over 140 all-purpose yards.
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Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Venue: Georgetown home games are often at Cooper Field, which is intimate (only 3,750 seats). Buy tickets early.
- Watch the Turnovers: In the last five meetings, the team that won the turnover battle won the game 100% of the time.
- Look for Neutral Sites: The success of the Fenway Park game suggests we might see more "destination" games for these two.
- Basketball Scheduling: Keep an eye on the early November non-conference schedules; after the 2023 thriller, don't be surprised if these two schedule more home-and-home sets.
The rivalry might be lopsided on the scoreboard lately, but the weight of the history ensures that every time these two meet, there's more at stake than just a "W" or an "L." It's about a 180-year-old family feud that isn't going away anytime soon.
Next Steps:
To stay ahead of the next matchup, you should monitor the Patriot League official site for the 2026 football schedule release, usually finalized in late spring. Additionally, check the Georgetown Athletics ticket portal in August for early-bird access to the annual Holy Cross game, as these tickets often sell out to alumni traveling from New England.