Despite starting the season with two losses, including a crushing defeat at home last weekend against No. 5 UNH (4-0), Dartmouth football still has reason for hope this season.
As the team heads into Penn to begin conference play this Saturday, the team is entering the most evenly matched Ivy League in recent memory, and their dismal start may just have sharpened the weapons they need for success this fall.
While the Big Green's (0-2, 0-0 Ivy)first two games exposed a number of holes in both the team's offense and defense, they also highlighted the team's resilience and potential. It's important to note that Dartmouth has already faced one of the best teams in the FCS (formerly Division 1-AA) in UNH, as well as one of the best running backs in the nation in Colgate's Jordan Scott, and will face little competition of that caliber in the Ivies.
Because of this, the heartbreaking Colgate loss, and even the UNH disaster, could become a blessing in disguise for the team this season. The players have had the opportunity to test themselves against the best in the FCS in two games that will have no consequence on their chances for an Ivy League title. Now they can move into the conference schedule with more confidence and a greater awareness of their abilities.
On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Alex Jenny '10 has shown potential for great performance, if not consistency. Against Colgate, he passed for 343 yards and a touchdown, showcasing a surprisingly strong arm, connecting downfield on deep strikes on several occasions.
Faced with the constant pressure of the UNH defense, however, Jenny's stats dropped severely, as he passed for just 130 yards, and completed only 56.25 percent of his throws. While the onus falls partly on the offensive line for their inefficient pass protection, Jenny needs to find more poise in the pocket.
Jenny will have no shortage of targets this season. Phil Galligan '09 showcased his ability against Colgate, notching 146 yards receiving on 10 catches. Eric Paul '09 has shown similar ability, with 10 catches for 120 yards in two games, while Tim McManus '11 has proved himself to be a consistent target as well.
The running game has also been consistent, spearheaded by co-captain Milan Williams '09, who is averaging 69 yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry. The team lacks depth at the back position, however; the team's second-leading rusher is Jenny with 49 total yards this season.
In preparation for this week, co-captain Alex Rapp '09 has praised the team for its commitment and effort.
"We've had our best week of practice since camp started," Rapp said. "I really can't wait. We leave tomorrow at 9:15, and I feel very confident in our ability to walk away with a win."
Although morale is high on the team, the defense is currently ranked last out of 118 FCS teams in rushing defense and next to last in total defense. The Big Green has given up an average of 298.5 rushing yards per game and 488 total yards per game.
While Dartmouth did face off against the best rusher in FCS history in Jordan Scott, as well as the top-tier Wildcats, they will continue to face strong backs in the Ivy season, such as senior running back Mike McLeod of perennial favorite Yale. To succeed, the team will need to stop the run more efficiently.
Much of the defense's problems have been attributed to inefficient tackling. Head coach Buddy Teevens stated last spring that the team had been substituting faster players at positions traditionally played by larger, slower players on defense, to improve overall team speed.
As he said, "This is all geared toward getting guys who can make plays in space. We have to be able to get a guy in position who can make a play in the open field and bring an opponent to the ground."
So far, Teevens' strategy seems to be stalling, as the team has given up an average of 6.6 yards per rush, 9.5 yards per pass and 13.1 yards per catch -- almost a first down every time the ball is thrown. In order to succeed in the Ivies, the defense will need to play consistently and prevent the huge gains that have plagued the team thus far.
Penn has also begun the season 0-2, after close losses to Villanova and Lafayette. Dartmouth won last year's contest in Hanover, 21-13.
"Penn is always known for its physical play," Teevens has said, "and they do some nice things on offense. Yards won't come easy against that defense, either. Simply put, we need to play well against a good football team."
"Our team is more pumped up for this game than we have been yet this year," Rapp added. "I think we'll move the ball down the field well, but the key this week, when we get to the red zone, is to finish drives with six points, and not three."
The Big Green will have the honor of playing the 800th game at Penn's Franklin Field this Saturday. In a conference where favorites Harvard and Yale have already lost, a win against the Quakers will place Dartmouth squarely in contention for the Ivy League. With a loss, fans will have cause to wonder if this is destined to be yet another disappointing season for Dartmouth football.
