Once again, Dartmouth football will look to achieve a first in eight years. This time it may not be as noteworthy as a season opening win, but rather the more modest goal of a victory over Ivy League perennial power Penn this Saturday. Since 1997, the Quakers dominated the Big Green inside and out. Dartmouth, still recovering from last weekend's walloping at the hands of No. 1 ranked New Hampshire, must return to the form it found against Colgate two weeks ago.
If recent history is an indicator of what is to come this weekend, Dartmouth fans may want to cover their eyes. Following the Big Green's 23-15 win over Penn in 1997, Penn has plainly belittled Dartmouth with seven consecutive victories. The Quakers have outscored the men in green 220-88 over that span, including a 35-0 thumping last season.
The Big Green certainly has not been Penn's only regular victim of late, however. The Quakers have trounced Ivy League competition during the last few seasons, prevailing in an astonishing 21 of their last 22 conference bouts. Nevertheless, Dartmouth needs not run for the hills quite yet. Penn (1-1) is coming off a disappointing loss last weekend to Villanova. Carrying a 24-14 lead into the fourth quarter of their televised home game, the Quakers squandered their advantage, giving up 14 unanswered points to lose 28-24.
Penn can take solace in an outstanding performance from senior quarterback Pat McDermott, who completed 25 of 37 passes for 334 yards. Junior running back Joe Sandberg also put up career-best numbers with 104 rushing yards and 99 receiving yards.
Dartmouth should not count on Penn's spirits being down heading into Saturday's match-up. In games immediately following the Quakers' past two losses to Villanova, Penn has shut out its opponents, including last year's blanking of the Big Green.
"They're very talented and were the preseason pick to win the Ivy League, and deservedly so," Dartmouth head coach Buddy Teevens told reporters Thursday. "They're athletic, physical, and play hard. They had a tough loss last week, so we better be ready to play."
This weekend's contest will come down to whether or not Dartmouth's improved defense can promptly reach its potential and contain the ever-volatile Quaker offense. Demonstrating their promise, Big Green defenders forced four turnovers against the Raiders of Colgate, which unquestionably led to their victory. According to Teevens, however, the key for Dartmouth's defense will be the simple, fundamental act of bringing down the Quaker ball-carriers.
"The biggest improvement I'm looking for is tackling," he said. "We had a lot of first contacts against New Hampshire that we did not get the guy on the ground. This week it's absolutely critical that we tackle securely."
The play of Charlie Rittgers '06 will also be a determining factor. The senior quarterback has been solidly consistent throughout Dartmouth's first two games, but it will take more than just consistency to outlast Penn. A surprising, high-powered offensive output combined with tough defense may be enough to spell victory for the Big Green.
While it is nice to dream of a blowout, such a result is unrealistic for the unproven Big Green. Dartmouth's best chance to defeat a team that has taken the Ivy League title two of the past three seasons is simply to stay close. If the Big Green's defense can keep its offense within striking distance, victory is possible. However, if Dartmouth finds itself more than one score down heading into the fourth quarter on Saturday, the prospects of a major upset will be minimal.
Dartmouth is in a position to prove that their week one victory over Colgate was no fluke by, at the very least, staying competitive with the Quakers. Another pounding like the one last week will only bring back sour memories of a season past.
Saturday's game will be held at Memorial Field. Dartmouth fans can follow the live action in person or on WFRD 99.3 FM or WDCR 1340 AM. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.
