Original Article: http://dartreview.com/archives/2004/10/04/ivy_league_football_preview.php
Monday, October 4, 2004
Brown
Record Last Year: 4-3 league, 5-5 overall
Place Last Year: Tied for Second
Returning Starters: 15
The Bears return the nation's leading rusher, Nick Hartigan, who last year averaged almost 180 total yards per game, or over 40 percent of Brown's total yardage. They also return all of the offensive linemen who blocked for him last year, as well as seven defensive players from last year's stingy unit. The Bears, however, will suffer from relative inexperience at the quarterback position, and will also miss the services of all-Ivy wide receiver Lonnie Hill, who's taking a year off from his collegiate studies. If Brown can develop a better passing game to divert pressure from Hartigan, they could be one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league this season. Still, barring any surprises, they won't be in the hunt for a championship.
Columbia
Record Last Year: 3-4 league, 4-6 overall
Place Last Year: Sixth
Returning Starters: 18
The Lions surprised many last season with wins over Harvard and Princeton. However, they may face some difficulties in further improving this season, though they return 18 starters. Columbia loses significant game experience at key positions, including two key wide receivers, especially problematic in an offense heavily dependent on a strong passing game. The Lions do, however, return an experienced quarterback and one of the league's stronger tight ends in Wade Fletcher. On the defensive side, the team should be fair, though the secondary will likely be the weakest link. The preseason coaches' poll picked Columbia to finish seventh; while they may finish a place higher, they will not be in the league's top half.
Cornell
Record Last Year: 0-7 league, 1-9 overall
Place Last Year: Eighth
Returning Starters: 18
Things aren't looking very bright in Ithaca. Last year, the Big Red had the league's worst turnover ratio, worst offense, and awful showings in most defensive categories. This year's coaches' poll again predicted that Cornell would finish last in the Ancient Eight. Nevertheless, new coach John Knowles hopes he can turn around the team's recent mediocre play. It won't be easy; though 18 starters return, including several All-Ivy selections, losses at key positions and a lack of depth on both sides of the ball will prove difficult to overcome. It will take at least another year or two for Cornell to return to the top half of the league.
Dartmouth
Record Last Year: 4-3 league, 5-5 overall
Place Last Year: Tied for Second
Returning Starters: 19
Dartmouth loses much of its receiving power with the graduation of Jay Barnard and Casey Cramer. Nevertheless, the team returns 19 starters including the dangerous combination of quarterback Charlie Rittgers and receiver Andrew Hall. Add in running back Chris Little, and it is clear that the Indians' offensive cupboard will be far from empty. Dartmouth's defense, inconsistent in recent seasons, was excellent in a season-opening loss to #12 Colgate, only surrendering 240 yards to one of the most potent offenses in Division I-AA.
Through the season's first two games, Dartmouth has shown its ability to play tough with top opponents, combining a strong offensive presence with a defense that is sound, despite an occasional wont to give up big plays. Still, the Indians have been their own biggest problems. From a missed extra point in a narrow loss to Colgate to a momentum-shifting interception returned for a touchdown by the UNH Wildcats, Dartmouth's miscues have cost them games. If the team can play sharply for the full 60 minutes, they could do some damage in league play. Despite their fifth-place finish in the preseason poll, they should finish in the top half.
Harvard
Record Last Year: 4-3 league, 7-3 overall
Place Last Year: Tied for Second
Returning Starters: 10
The Crimson looks to be a dangerous team this year, as they return quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the league leader in passing efficiency, 1000-yard rusher Clifton Dawson, and an excellent receiver in Brian Edwards. Harvard started its season with a 35-0 thrashing of Holy Cross, in which Dawson ran for 184 yards and three touchdowns; expect more of the same the rest of the season. With Fitzpatrick, who averaged 61 rushing yards per game last season, thrown into the mix of offensive weapons, opponents will be seeking to shut down Harvard's ground game. If they can succeed, there's a very good chance they'll wind up victorious.
Defense could be more of a problem down the stretch. Though early results show few problems, the loss of seven defensive starters from last season (most on the defensive line and in the linebacking corps) could become more apparent as the year goes on. Despite this potential issue, Harvard should handily finish in the league's top half.
University of Pennsylvania
Record Last Year: 7-0 league, 10-0 overall
Place Last Year: First
Returning Starters: 12
Penn, one of the favorites to win the Ivy League title this year, seeks its third straight league crown this season. This is a testament to the Quakers' depth—they lost 11 All-Ivy players to graduation, including nine on offense. Nevertheless, because the two offensive returnees are both first team All-Ivy selections (receiver Dan Castles and running back Sam Mathews), it shouldn't be a surprise that the Red and Blue dismantled San Diego in a convincing offensive display in Week 1, winning 61-18. The Penn defense will likely be just as formidable, as they return five All-Ivy players from the defense which allowed the fewest points, total yards, and rushing yards in the Ancient Eight.
Penn's incredible depth at most positions should make up for the team's substantial personnel losses and will make a win over the Quakers the most coveted (but most difficult) upset of the year for all other Ivy League schools.
Princeton
Record Last Year: 2-5 league, 2-8 overall
Place Last Year: Seventh
Returning Starters: 19
After a disappointing 2003 campaign, the Tigers started off the 2004 season by defeating Lafayette 35-18. Princeton does have a strong returning contingent, which is joined by three former All-Ivy players who were academically ineligible last season. While the linebacker and cornerback corps should be reasonably solid, the defensive line is an area for concern. The biggest problem for Princeton will be putting games away—last season, they lost two games in overtime and one on a last-second Hail Mary pass. While they should improve this season, they will be hard-pressed to finish above the middle of the league's pack.
Yale
Record Last Year: 4-3 league, 6-4 overall
Place Last Year: Tied for Second
Returning Starters: 19
Last year, the Elis had the league's most potent scoring offense, based on an explosive passing game that averaged over 300 yards per game. This year, picked to finish third in the Ancient Eight, Yale looks to continue that tradition. Led by one of the league's finest passing quarterbacks, Alvin Cowan, and possessing experienced players at wide receiver and running back, the offense should have few problems. Yale's defense, however, while decent and brimming with experience, is not particularly high-caliber. If the Bulldogs want to challenge for the league title, their defense must rise to the challenge. Look for the Elis to finish in the top half of the Ivy League.