Three years ago, Lafayette came to Memorial Field to face an inexperienced Dartmouth squad that was winless on the season. With strong defense and just enough second-half offense, the Big Green earned a come- from-behind victory to defeat the Leopards, 14-7. To say that Dartmouth was able to build on that victory is an understatement. The Big Green then proceeded to go 24-1-1 in its next 26 contests,
The scenario is much the same for these two squads when they kickoff their seventh career meeting tomorrow at noon. After two tough losses to Penn and Maine, the Big Green seem poised to make a breakthrough against the winless Leopards (0-3). In fact, if Dartmouth is to be a contender for the Ivy League title this year, this is a must-win game for the Big Green.
"We have to get a win," Big Green Head Coach John Lyons said. "I saw a lot of improvement last week against Maine, and we've played well in spurts in both games. But we need to take that next step, eliminate the mistakes and put everything together."
Dartmouth has been impressive after the first quarter, outscoring opponents 17-10. But the first quarter has been downright dismal for the Big Green, as they have been shut out, 21-0. There is good news for Dartmouth though. In the second half, Lafayette has been outscored by their three opponents, 46-7. The Leopards have blown halftime leads in the last two games, eventually losing by two points to both Buffalo and Brown.
"They've played some close games and the breaks haven't gone their way," Lyons said. "Lafayette could very easily be 2-1 instead of 0-3 given the way they have played."
While Lafayette will attack the Big Green defense with an option attack, Dartmouth's offense, ranked last in Division I-AA for the second straight week, should be able to take advantage of a generous Leopard defense that gives up over 400 yards per game. Lyons does not think that Dartmouth is that far away from being able to execute their offensive game plan.
"If we can eliminate the offensive penalties, the simple mistakes, then I think we should be able to get a good offensive attack going," Lyons said. "Mike [Coffey '99] made major improvements last week, but to be the offensive team we want to be, we must be able to run the ball."
Quarterback:
The Big Green got a strong and efficient performance from Coffey last week. Coffey showed increased poise and confidence, and the offense benefitted from his play, moving the ball up and down the field. Against the Leopards, Coffey needs to combine efficiency with the play-making ability he showed in the second half of the Penn game. Lafayette's defense should give him plenty of opportunities to win the game.
Leopards quarterback Mike Palos is known more for his running than his passing, but the Dartmouth defense needs to be aware of both. On the ground, he is averaging more than 30 yards per game in leading the Leopards option attack. His passing numbers are not strong, but he can be dangerous throwing the deep ball off of play-action.
Advantage: Even
Running Back:
For the first time all season, Dartmouth's backfield enters the game relatively healthy. Reggie Belhomme '00 has been cleared to play and should add some needed depth to a rushing attack that ranks last in the nation, averaging just 12 yards a game. Bob Bunn '00 will start at fullback and will focus on opening up holes for both Eric Davis '99 and Belhomme. This contest is a golden opportunity to fix the running game as Lafayette gives up 227 yards per game on the ground.
Lafayette's running game is the focus of their offensive attack. The Leopards use a true triple-option attack and run inside more than most option teams, but enter this week slightly banged up. Fullback Tom Williams will get the bulk of the carries as starting tailback Leonard Moore nurses a sprained ankle suffered in the loss to Buffalo. Williams has been solid all season, averaging six yards per carry on the ground. Moore, who has over 200 yards on the season and three touchdowns, will still see action.
Advantage: Lafayette
Wide Receiver:
One of the Big Green's biggest question marks coming into the season, this group has developed into one of the offense's strong points. Damon Ferrara '98 continues to be a big play threat, while tight end Adam Young '99 had a career day last week with seven catches for 109 yards. Look for the coaching staff to try and mix speedster Mike Poncy '00 into the mix this week on screen's and short passes.
Although they don't throw very often, Lafayette uses the passing game very effectively to move the football down the field. Wideout Phil Yarerbough has been the main weapon in the passing game, averaging almost 20 yards per catch. The Big Green secondary must pay attention to him at all times to prevent the Leopards from gaining big yardage downfield.
Advantage: Dartmouth
Offensive Line:
As much as the wide receivers have been a surprise, the Dartmouth offensive line has been a disappointment to date. With the running game struggling and Coffey often forced to scramble for his life, the front five must pick up their level of play for the Big Green to win tomorrow. Aside from giving Coffey time to throw the ball, the line must open up holes for the running backs to allow Dartmouth to move the ball and keep the defense off of the field.
Lafayette's offensive line opens holes for the Leopards rushing attack. The strength of the line is in the middle, where All-Patriot League center Damien Wroblewski returns to anchor the line. All five starters return from last season, but will be tested by the Dartmouth front seven.
Advantage: Lafayette
Defensive Line:
The Big Green's defensive line passed a big test last week against Maine. Despite losing the contest, Dartmouth's defensive line proved it could play against the large, physical offensive line of Maine. Kyle Schroeder '00 has been the best of the bunch, racking up three quarterback pressures and one sack to go along with his 18 tackles on the season. On the opposite side, Adam Kane '99 is responding very well to his move to end in place of the injured Greg Dietrick '99.
The Leopoards defensive line is led by pre-season Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year pick John Green. But the nosetackle, like the rest of the front three, has been disappointing in the Leopards new 3-4 scheme that was instituted at the beginning of the year. Lafayette has only one sack on the season in three games, compared to Dartmouth's four and a half in two games.
Advantage: Dartmouth
Linebacker:
It seems every week praise is heaped on linebackers Jon Gibbs '99 and Steve Varney '00. And every week the two go out and make plays. Gibbs and Varney lead the Big Green in tackles, with 24 and 22 respectively. While Gibbs has provided solid run-stopping defense in the middle, Varney has been all over the place, leading the team with three tackles for losses. However, Varney must stay disciplined against the Lafayette option attack while remaining aggresive enough to go sideline to sideline to make tackles.
Ryan Hiles has been a bright spot on a Leopard defense that is giving up 428 yards per game. Hiles opened the season with a strong 14 tackle performance against Northeastern, but has had little support from the rest of the linebackers, who were a question mark heading into the season.
Advantage: Dartmouth
Secondary:
Dartmouth's secondary more than held their own against Maine's standout quarterback, Mickey Fein. Brad Verber '99 and Tom Reusser '99 continue to do a good job at cornerback while new starting safety Brad Eissler '00 has been the big play man on defense, intercepting a pass in each game. Even though Dartmouth will roll up to the line of scrimmage to play the option, the secondary must protect against the deep ball from Palos.
Lafayette's secondary is led by captain Angel Colon, an all-league pick at free safety last seaon. Along with cornerback Brian Tuma, this is Lafayette's most experienced defensive unit. But Coffey and the Dartmouth offense should test the newest secondary member, freshman Kenya Allen who will make his first start this week because of injuries.
Advantage: Dartmouth
Special Teams:
This is the matchup that will decide the outcome of Saturday's game. If the Big Green can consistently keep Lafayette in its own end of the field, then Dartmouth should win the contest. What that means is punter Wayne Schlobohm '00 and the return men must win the field-poistion battle. Dartmouth must improve one of the nation's worst kickoff return units.
Brian Menecola has already missed one game-winning field goal this year to add to the kicking woes for the Leopards. But the return units are solid and could test Dartmouth's coverage, which was much improved against Maine.
Advantage: Even
Prediction:
Lafayette provides the biggest litmus test for Dartmouth so far. While the Leopards are a hard luck 0-3, this is a team the Big Green should be able to beat.
The key for Dartmouth is its ability to run the football, allowing the defense to rest. The Leopards have already given up four touchdowns of over 30 yards this season. To win, the Big Green need at least one big play on offense and at least 75 yards rushing.
Defensively, Dartmouth is the toughest unit Lafayette has faced to date. If Dartmouth can limit the Leopards to two or three yards on first down, that should stymie the Leopard offense, which has been terrible on third-down conversions because of their inability to throw the ball short.
In the end, the Big Green should win a close battle if they can avoid turnovers or mistakes on special teams.
Final Score: Green 16, Lafayette 13