According to Cornell legend, Henry Schoellkopf, Class of 1901, once rescued a drowning dog by diving down 70 feet into one of Ithaca's gorges. Perhaps his never-say-die spirit lives on in the field that bears his name, as the Cornell football team (2-4 overall, 0-3 Ivy League) has taken on a new demeanor each time playing on its home turf.
The No. 15 Tigers (6-0, 3-0) head to Ithaca for Saturday's 1 p.m. game with tremendous momentum after last weekend's thrilling 31-28 homecoming victory over Harvard, but head coach Roger Hughes knows to be wary of the threat the Big Red poses at home.
"[Cornell's 28-7 loss to Brown] was at Brown," Hughes said. "You tend to see a different team at Cornell."
Though 0-3 on the road, including last weekend's embarrassing loss to Brown, Cornell has posted impressive wins at home over a Colgate team that the Tigers needed overtime to edge and then-No. 23 Albany. Over the last two seasons, the Big Red has outscored its opponents 158-39 at home in the first half alone.
Princeton travels to Schoellkopf field with the hottest quarterback in the Ivy League in senior Jeff Terrell, who is ranked eighth nationally with his 250.8 total yards per game.
Princeton has thrived offensively on its passing, with the sure hands of Brendan Circle accounting for the greatest chunk of Terrell's passing yardage. Against the Cornell defense, getting the Tigers' run game going will be one of the keys to victory. The Big Red's passing defense is ranked second in the Ivy League, giving up just 166.5 yards per game.
"Their defense is a little more conservative," Hughes said. "They force you to take four and five yard chunks."
Offensive line rookies
Sophomore R.C. Lagomarsino and junior Rob Toresco are Princeton's leading rushers, but the Tigers are also starting two freshmen on the offensive line in Mark Paski and J.P. Makrai. Hughes says their lack of game experience can sometimes hinder their ability to get up to the speed of the game.
"I think our run game is going to be based on how well we can handle the two inside guys," Hughes said, "and frankly how well and how quickly we get up to their game speed."
Defensive linebackers Ryan Blessing and Doug Lempa lead the Big Red in tackles — Lempa tallied 13 in last week's loss to Brown alone. Cornerback Colin Nash has tallied three interceptions and three pass breakups on the season for the Big Red and is the leader of Cornell's secondary.
"They are physical up front, they preach toughness," Hughes said. "They can move people around."
Siwula carries attack
On offense, Cornell relies heavily on running back Luke Siwula, who has rushed for over 100 yards three times this season. During one drive against Colgate, he ran the ball for 10 straight plays.
Cornell's somewhat erratic performance can be attributed to the youth of its offensive unit, led by sophomore quarterback Nathan Ford. Ford tossed for 309 yards against Harvard but against Brown managed just 117. His major targets have been classmates Zac Canty and Jesse Baker.
Princeton faces Penn
On Nov. 4 the Tigers will return to Princeton Stadium to take on Penn (4-2, 2-1). The Quakers face Brown at home this weekend after last Saturday's heartbreaking loss to Yale, in which Penn fell 17-14 in overtime after the teams traded field goal attempts. Yale's was good; Penn's 37-yard attempt by Derek Zoch hit the right upright.
That loss was the Quakers' first in league play and, if Penn wins against Brown this Saturday, the team will arrive at Princeton hungry to reenter the Ivy League title hunt.
Penn brings the top pass defender in the nation in cornerback Greg Ambrogi, who has two interceptions and 11 passes defended this season.
Against Yale, quarterback Robert Irvin was forced out of the game with an injury, and though Bryan Walker served as a capable replacement, whether or not Irvin returns to top form will determine the Quakers' level of play. Running back Joe Sandberg is currently riding a three-game streak with over 100 rushing yards.
Though the student community may already be looking ahead to Princeton's Nov. 11 match-up at Yale and the possibility of a bonfire, the Tigers know they have work to do before. A single loss will jeopardize their chance to claim the team's first Ivy League title since 1995.
But with the way Princeton is playing, Penn or Cornell will need a Herculean effort similar to the lore of Schoellkopf's dramatic rescue to top the Tigers.
Read More
No. 7 women’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals against No. 1 UNC
Hayk YengibaryanWith the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
With the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
No. 3 men’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals after 19–18 loss to No. 5 Syracuse
Hayk YengibaryanWith the win, Syracuse advances to the final four for the first time since 2013. For the Tigers, their season ends along with the career of senior standout attacker Coulter Mackesy.
With the win, Syracuse advances to the final four for the first time since 2013. For the Tigers, their season ends along with the career of senior standout attacker Coulter Mackesy.
Preview: No. 3 men’s lacrosse plays No. 5 Syracuse in NCAA quarterfinals
Hayk YengibaryanShould the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Should the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.