Tiger Turnover

Roger Hughes has grown into the job at Princeton (CREDIT: IvyLeagueSports.com)


The last time Princeton won back-to-back Ivy titles was 1963-64. Rumor has it the upper stands at Palmer Stadium were actually structurally stable back then, but I doubt that.

Of course, now the Tigers play in the fabulous Princeton Stadium, which still looks brand new as it begins its 10th season of service. More importantly, Princeton now has a top-notch coaching staff which has proven for two years running that you can make something out of what looks like nothing.

After his first four seasons at Old Nassau, I was one of Head Coach Roger Hughes biggest detractors. I thought Princeton was a weak team that was overrated because of some lucky wins over even weaker teams in the league. But the 2005 season changed all that, and the co-championship last season proved to me that Hughes may be the best coach in the Ivies right now.

How else can you explain winning a Ivy championship last season despite starting an entirely new offensive line? How else can you explain winning an Ivy championship with two leading rusher who failed to average even four yards a carry?

That's why despite the loss of an extremely "clutch QB" in graduated Bushnell Cup winner Jeff Terrell, I still think Princeton will make a decent run for the title in 2007.

Strengths

Columbia was a close second, but Princeton's defense was the best in the Ivies last year, and some of the key players, especially in the crucial linebacking corps, are coming back.

The 2006 Tigers gave up just 148 first downs, and 185 yards passing per game. Opponents converted only 27% of their third downs, and all those "three and outs," led to a better than four-and-a-half minute time of possession cushion.

Senior linebackers John Stem, Tim Boardman and Doori Song are all back for 2007 and while the defensive line loses All-Ivy Jake Marshall, veterans like juniors Pete Buchignani, Tom Methvin and Matt Koch look strong.

The other big strength is at wide receiver where first team All-Ivy senior Brendan Circle returns and rising junior star Adam Berry is ready for his close-up.

Weaknesses

Princeton's secondary was off-the-charts effective last season. It was the #1 reason why the Tigers beat the pass-heavy Lions last year and it kept them from ever getting too far behind in any game. But graduation has left this unit with only one clear star left in senior Kevin Kelleher. I'm not sure it will be easy to pass on the Tigers this season, but I feel confident it will be easier than it was in 2006.

Another weakness could be the kicking game, where reliable junior placekicker Conor Louden is recovering from surgery and may not be 100% and four-time All-Ivy punter Colin McDonough has graduated.

And while I think incoming starting QB Bill Foran, a senior, will be a star, there's certainly no guaranteeing that. I also think the running game is still not going to be stellar behind an offensive line that did well blocking for Terrell, but not so well with run blocking.

GAME BY GAME


Sept 15: LEHIGH

I think Lehigh will be an even better team this year and they're high-powered offense will give the Tigers some trouble. Ultimately, this is still a game Princeton should win.


Sept 22: at Lafayette

Super tough game at Lafayette's new showplace stadium. But there's a lot of turnover on the Leopards roster. A win.


Sep 29: COLUMBIA

This game will be closer than last years' 19-6 Tiger win, but I still think home field advantage will work out for Princeton by game's end.


Oct 6: HAMPTON

This game could get ugly, a potential blowout loss.


Oct 13: at Brown

Unless there's still a tough hangover from the Hampton game, the Tigers should be able to win this one.


Oct 20: at Harvard

I don't expect Harvard to be too strong this season, but the Crimson will get this one to avoid being swept in the Big Three.


Oct 26: CORNELL

The Big Red usually plays the Tigers tough at Princeton Stadium, but I think they will be out of steam by the time this game rolls around.


Nov 3: at Penn

Toss-up of a game right now, but Penn has to be favored at home.



Nov 10: YALE

Biggest challenge of the year, but a good matchup for a team like Princeton with a weaker secondary against the pass-challenged Bulldogs.



Nov 17: at Dartmouth

Dartmouth actually seems to play Princeton tougher on the road than they do at home. The Big Green just don't look ready yet to win a game like this.


Predicted Final Won-Loss Record: 7-3, 5-2 Ivy. Third place.


BUT ALL BETS ARE OFF IF: Foran doesn't live up to his advance billing and opposing QB's light up the young secondary.