Sprint football falls to Cornell in second match-up

Optimism was high for the sprint football team heading into Friday's game against Cornell (2-2 overall). Buoyed by the implementation of four new plays and the fact that every player made weight and was therefore available to add offensive and defensive depth, the team was primed to end its 26-game losing streak. However, at the end of the game, the reality was a 47-8 thrashing, an even greater disparity than the first game.

Cornell's dolorous defeat of Princeton (0-4) at Schoellkopf Field in Ithaca, N.Y., a game in which two Big Red running backs combined for more rushing yards than the entire Tiger offense could muster in the game (204 to 203), was yet another disappointing episode in a season that has failed to deliver an end to the prolonged stretch of losses.

"We came in feeling pretty good about the game, and we felt like we were without a doubt going to win," sophomore wide receiver Cleland Welton said. "We felt like we had improved since the last game, and the coaches did a good job scouting their offensive and defensive sets. But looking back on it, we were overconfident and didn't come out ready for a fight."

In the first game against Cornell, special teams' play, especially mistakes with punting, was a major factor in Princeton's defeat. Accordingly, these issues were a focus of pre-game practice. However, this weakness continued to vex the Tigers as it again forced them to play from behind.

Sloppy play

Sloppy play impaired any chances for the Tigers to establish an offensive rhythm. Princeton turnovers, many of which were deep in its own territory, resulted in scores for the Big Red. Cornell defensive lineman Ryan Walker blocked a punt in the first quarter, which led to the first Cornell touchdown. Another touchdown, this one from seven yards out, was the result of a fumble in the first half.

Princeton's offense relied on its passing much more this game than in previous contests, but its receivers were plagued by an inability to complete the play. Dropped passes, often by receivers open downfield, negated what were otherwise well-designed plays.

"We felt coming in that we might be able to take advantage of their secondary a little bit," Welton said. "We were able to do that to some extent, but every time we got something going, it seemed like a fumble or a penalty would shut us down. Mistakes have killed us all year."

Junior quarterback Dennis Bakke never appeared to have enough time to fully set up and control the play. While the option worked well, much of the Tiger offense was severely compromised by the offensive line's inability to stem the rush of the Cornell defense.

Junior running back Matt Worley led Princeton with 79 yards rushing and scored their lone touchdown of the night on a 57-yard breakaway in the third quarter. Junior wingback Adam Farren converted a pass from Bakke for the two-point conversion to cap Princeton's scoring on the night. Sophomore tight end Dave Gilbert and Welton each were credited with three receptions.

One cannot completely fault the defense for the lopsided final score. Its strategy of blitzing linebackers virtually every play appeared to initially disrupt Cornell's game plan. However, the offense was on the field for so little time that it forced the defense to try to do too much. It was only a matter of time before Cornell wore down the defensive corps. They were also placed in the unenviable role of coping constantly with Cornell's superior field position.

Given Princeton's relatively impressive showing against Army last week, this loss is especially disheartening.