Football: Camera-shy Tigers fall 14-9 to Penn on ESPNU

Princeton (3-5 overall, 2-3 Ivy League) saw its third appearance in as many years on ESPNU go to waste, as Penn (5-3, 4-1) wore the Tigers down in a physical 14-9 slugfest. As was the case in Princeton’s most recent home contest against Harvard, failure to execute at crucial junctures in the game cost the Tigers.

“They executed when they needed to, and we didn’t,” head coach Roger Hughes said.

Down 14-3 early in the fourth quarter, the moribund Tigers seemed to find some life. Starting from its 23-yard line, Princeton drove to midfield before senior quarterback and tri-captain Brian Anderson fired a bomb down the middle of the field for senior wideout Will Thanheiser. The Tigers’ leading receiver made a highlight-reel catch between two defenders, falling down at the one-yard line.

Junior running back Jordan Culbreath punched it in for his ninth touchdown of the season on the next play. Princeton elected to go for two to narrow the deficit to a field goal, but Anderson’s pass fell incomplete.

The Tiger defense quickly forced a three-and-out, and it appeared that Princeton was ready to take control of the game. Consecutive first-down carries by Culbreath on the ensuing drive coupled with a Penn personal foul had the Tigers on their own 44-yard line.

“We thought we had them back on their heels,” Hughes said.

Mindful that just more than six minutes remained, Princeton opted to eschew the run. Anderson threw three straight incompletions, however, and the Tigers were forced to punt.

It did not appear that all was lost as Penn took over possession. At this pivotal juncture, however, Quaker quarterback Keiffer Garton took matters into his own hands. Garton carried for seven yards on second and six then completed a 22-yard pass to tight end Josh Koontz to convert a crucial third down. Garton put the game away two plays later with an eight-yard keeper on third and seven that ensured Penn could run out the clock.

“We knew they were going to run, but we just couldn’t stop it,” Hughes said.

Third-down efficiency was the most telling statistic in the game. The Quakers finished eight of 13, well above their season average of 33 percent. Princeton, on the other hand, performed below its average of 42 percent, converting only three of 10 third downs. The ability to sustain drives allowed the Quakers to hold the ball for more than 34 minutes. During the second half, the difference was even more pronounced, as Penn possessed the ball for 21 minutes, 18 seconds. Princeton managed a meager 8:42.

Perhaps the most telling play of the second half came on the last play of the third quarter. On third and 11, the average-sized Garton carried up the middle for 29 yards, breaking six tackles and dragging two Tiger defenders with him before being taken down. Though the Quakers would punt four plays later, Garton had set the tone for the game-winning drive.

The first half was highlighted by strong defensive play and shaky offense from both sides. Penn forced a three-and-out on the first possession of the game then methodically marched 84 yards on 13 plays before Garton scored on a six-yard keeper. It would be the only touchdown before halftime.

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Princeton picked up one first down on its next possession before punting. Penn then made its first mistake of the day, as Garton flung a deep pass high and short. Senior cornerback Barry Newell positioned himself in front of the receiver and pulled down his first career interception. Princeton was unable to capitalize on the turnover, however, as Anderson was sacked on third and nine from the Penn 13, and junior placekicker Ben Bologna’s 35-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide right.

Princeton forced a three-and-out on Penn’s next possession before regaining the ball on its own 39-yard line. Three plays later, on third and 11, Anderson completed a pass to Culbreath, who was on his way to a long gain before being hit by three Penn defenders simultaneously. Culbreath fell to the ground and appeared to roll over once before letting go of the ball, which the Quakers recovered. The referees ruled the play a fumble, though replays left little doubt that the runner was down by contact before the ball came loose.

Culbreath appeared to severely strain his hamstring during the play and lay on the field writhing in pain as trainers sprinted to his aid. Thankfully for the Tigers, their star tailback eventually walked off the field unassisted.

Princeton forced a three-and out-on Penn’s next possession. With sophomore running back Meko McCray filling in for the Ivy League’s leading rusher, the Tigers put their first points on the board when Bologna knocked home a 32-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining in the half.

Culbreath was back in action for the second half, but the defense surrendered a 14-play, 71-yard drive that lasted 8:06 and ended with a third-down Garton touchdown pass. Princeton was ultimately unable to overcome the resulting 14-3 deficit despite several promising opportunities.

Anderson finished 15 of 25 for 204 yards, throwing no touchdowns or interceptions. He also rushed seven times for 31 yards, complementing Culbreath’s 57 yards on 13 carries. Culbreath led all receivers with five receptions for 52 yards. Thanheiser continued his stellar senior campaign with four catches for 86 yards, while senior wide receiver and tri-captain Adam Berry also reeled in four balls for 64 yards. Defensively, Princeton was led by two inside linebackers: junior Scott Britton and sophomore Steven Cody, who notched 10 and nine tackles, respectively. Newell had seven tackles to go along with his interception.

Out of contention for the Ivy League title, Princeton next faces both a tough road trip to Yale and the challenge of staying focused despite being out of the race.

“We’ve got to lick our wounds, get up and go,” Hughes said.