Relax and stop fretting. The Dartmouth football team did indeed lose the Homecoming game. Yes, it was a brutal game and at times, it seemed like Harvard was scoring out of nowhere. However, take it easy. Compared to two years ago, the team is doing phenomenally. And don't forget that the Dartmouth football team is still in its first season of running the plays from new coaches Jim Pry and Don Dobes. There is a bright future, and nobody said the process was going to be an easy one.
Now that you have relaxed, I can tell you that the team is definitely a feel-good story. Dartmouth has a football team it can feel proud of. No one is talking about win-less seasons now our football team almost has the same amount of chatter that the NFL does. As a matter of fact, let me show you how closely the Big Green's top stories relate to those of the NFL's.
- The Brett Favre saga continues
We've all read the stories and voiced our opinion about Favre. He's old, selfish and has a supernatural way of healing, a la Wolverine. But that's what makes him so intriguing whether it's a broken ankle or a sex scandal, Favre laces up his cleats, goes out there and manages to play on the biggest stage. He's football's version of Cal Ripken minus the whole Jenn Sterger issue. Which by the way, I hope everyone knows by now that she came to Dartmouth four years ago and partied it up. Maybe someone out there knows Favre through the theory of transitivity...
Regardless, the Big Green has shown its own version of resiliency. In every win so far this season, Dartmouth has been down at halftime, but made a comeback in the second half. Sixty-four percent of the team's points have come in the third and fourth quarters, and the defense has only allowed 51 total points after halftime, compared to 116 in the first half. This team plays till the last whistle, much like Favre does, but I'm sure we all wish the Big Green wouldn't make us wait 30 minutes before the offense wakes up.
- Randy Moss, c'mon, really?
Moss has shown to the world that he's pretty much a clown. The postgame interview this past Sunday was phenomenal and wildly entertaining. However, unlike New England Patriots fans, not everyone thought his words were music to their ears. The Minnesota Vikings staff and higher-ups couldn't believe what he said and waived him on Monday. Everyone in the sports world was asking themselves, "Really? Another team already?" But that's what happens when someone continually disappoints you even though you've invested so much faith in them.
The Big Green defense is much like Randy Moss. Although the team has come up with several gritty defensive stops throughout the season, there have also been many plays that have hurt them. Dartmouth ranks 99th in the Football Championship Subdivision in total yardage allowed per game with over 400 yards. I may not be a future defensive coordinator, but those short dump passes that go for long yardage are a problem that should be addressed.
- Phillip Rivers going for passing record
The San Diego chargers have one of the top offenses in the league, but somehow have a 3-5 record. Rivers has been responsible for much of this "high-powered" offense. With nearly 2,700 passing yards, Rivers is on pace to obliterate Dan Marino's passing record of 5,084 passing yards in a season. However, because of the Chargers weak record, Rivers sometimes goes under the radar when thinking about MVP candidates for this NFL season.
Conner Kempe '12 has brought the passing game back to Dartmouth football. Including his season-high 242 passing yards this past Saturday, Kempe now has now eclipsed the 3,000 passing yard mark for his career. Kempe's spectacular season has been overshadowed by Nick Schwieger's '12 breakout year Schwieger is ranked fifth in the FCS with an average of 130 rushing yards per game. We should remember, however, that Kempe has a legit arm and has been one of the bright spots of the Dartmouth offense. Don't let Kempe fly under the radar anymore.
- Cheer team needs a T-shirt launcher
I don't know if they do this at NFL games, but they should, just like it should be done at Dartmouth football games. The cheer team does a great job of teasing everyone with the shirt prizes that is until they continuously throw the shirts to the first five rows. A T-shirt launcher would give more fans a chance to grab one of these much-coveted shirts.
Don't fret kids, Dartmouth football is back and here to stay. That winless season? Never happened.
