Tigers stretch win streak to three

NEW YORK — Football is seldom a game of perfection, and the level of play by the Princeton football team on Saturday certainly proved that point. Still, despite plenty of mistakes, Princeton eked out a 27-26 overtime victory in front of Columbia's homecoming crowd, keeping the Tigers' record spotless after three games.

Columbia (0-3 overall, 0-1 Ivy League) and its vocal fans hungered for what they hoped would be a second straight victory over Princeton (3-0, 1-0). After defeating the Tigers on a Hail Mary pass last year, the Lions' play through 58 minutes seemed to preclude the necessity of similar heroics. Starting on their own 10-yard line with 7:31 left in the game, Columbia used forceful runs up the middle and took advantage of Princeton penalties. The 90-yard touchdown drive with just over two minutes remaining left the Tigers in a 20-17 hole.

"The one thing we worked really hard on in the off-season and fall camp is making plays to win games," head coach Roger Hughes said. "And I have told our team all along that no other team is as prepared to go through the last few minutes of the game and win."

On the ensuing kickoff, junior wide receiver Greg Fields motored from the seven-yard line to the 33, providing a glimmer of hope. That ray dimmed as the Lions' defensive corps stuffed the Tiger drive on three straight plays and forced Princeton to go for it on fourth and six from its own 37. Columbia came with a double blitz, but the Tigers adjusted and gave senior quarterback Matt Verbit time to look downfield. He found junior wide receiver Jay McCareins — primarily a defensive back — on a crossing pattern for the 14-yard completion to the Lions' 49.

After yet another inopportune penalty, Princeton again faced the prospect of a stalled, last minute drive and a disappointing loss. With the clock stopped at 36.4 seconds, the Tigers needed to convert on third and six. McCareins sprinted down the left sideline and made a spectacular leaping catch at Columbia's 24-yard line while sandwiched between two defenders. After Verbit spiked the ball to stop the clock at 27 seconds, he again found McCareins on the left, who barely got his feet in bounds at the 17-yard line. A Lions penalty moved the Tigers to the 8, and although Princeton could not secure the game-winning TD, junior place kicker Derek Javarone made a 21-yard field goal with five seconds left to knot the game at 20.

In overtime, Columbia had the ball first. Quarterback Jeff Otis handed the ball to Rashad Biggers. Biggers, who finished with 137 rushing yards, scored his second touchdown of the game from 17 yards out. He bounced like a pinball through the Tiger defense, and stumbled into the end zone. The Lions' enthusiasm faded, however, as McCareins blocked the ensuing extra point attempt.

Princeton was again forced to assume the role of comeback kid with its possession in overtime. After three straight handoffs to Veach for a net gain of five yards, the Tigers needed to capitalize on fourth and five from the 20. Verbit dropped back, looked downfield, and found all his receivers covered. His offensive line provided what seemed like eons for him to scramble. Verbit sprinted towards the opening on the right side, easily captured the first down, and was finally corralled at the two. Two plays later, Veach's second effort propelled him to the game-tying touchdown. Javarone's decisive extra point was good. As Princeton ran onto the field in exuberant celebration, the stunned Columbia homecoming crowd dejectedly exited Wien Stadium.

"Games come down to the end all the time," Veach said. "You need people to step up and make the big plays. And we have guys that make those plays and who want to make those plays."

Although the Tigers did escape with the win, their execution left much to be desired. Princeton turned the ball over three times and donated 101 charitable yards on penalties, many of which extended Lion drives.

"I thought we did things to keep Columbia in the game," Hughes said. "I don't feel like we escaped [with the win], but I do feel like clearly we could have played much better."

The Tigers looked flat in the opening quarter. They had difficulty establishing an offensive rhythm, punting on two of their first three drives and fumbling to end the other. Fortunately for Princeton, Columbia suffered from a similar offensive malaise. Its best opportunity was a missed field goal by Lion place kicker Nick Rudd from 43 yards out.

After Verbit was intercepted to start the second quarter, Columbia started at the Princeton 31-yard line. The Lions stalked to the 15 before the Tiger D stalled the drive. Eager to put up the first points, Columbia sent out the field goal unit. But place kicker Alex Smith did not count on McCareins' speed, who flew in around the left end to block the kick.

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Princeton's offense responded to that defensive stop with a touchdown from senior tailback Branden Benson on the next drive to take a 7-0 lead with 8:14 remaining in the half. A Columbia touchdown — with a missed extra point — left Princeton with a 7-6 edge heading into the half. The two teams alternated scores late in game, setting up the exciting conclusion.

The player of the game was undeniably McCareins. Playing on both sides of the ball, he appeared to factor into almost every possession. He finished the game with 42 receiving yards, 55 yards from kickoff returns, three tackles, one blocked field goal and one blocked extra point.

"He's a big time playmaker," Hughes said, "and clearly today we look like pretty smart coaches using all those plays."