Everything Wrong With US Media Coverage

The Scoffayette

Everything Wrong With US Media Coverage

The Scoffayette

Everything Wrong With US Media Coverage

The Scoffayette

Game #5: Lafayette vs. Princeton University

By Michael Kelley ’14

Lafayette football (3-1, 1-0 PL) begins a two game stretch against Ivy League opponents, starting tomorrow evening against Princeton University (1-2) at Fisher Stadium. Princeton has dominated the series recently, winning the last five matchups.

Coming off their first loss of the season against Robert Morris University, Lafayette will look to rebound against a team that is separated from a 3-0 record by just four points.

In their opener, Princeton lost to Lehigh University 17-14 and then lost 21-20 against Georgetown University on a game-winning field goal. And just last week, they defeated Columbia University 33-6 in their Ivy League Opener.

Leading Princeton is their defense featuring two all-Ivy League defensive linemen, seniors Mike Catapano and CaraunReid. The duo has combined for five sacks and will put pressure on quarterback Andrew Shoop ‘13 all game.

“Princeton has an outstanding defensive line,” Shoop said. “But I’m confident in my guys up front that they’ll execute their plan and give me as much time as they possibly can.”

Freshman cornerback Anthony Gaffney won Ivy League Rookie of the Week and the National Co-Freshman of the Week award for his performance against Columbia in which he returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and then intercepted two passes.

But when Gaffney was brought up in an interview, Princeton Head Coach Bob Surace could only talk about the Lafayette secondary.

“I don’t know if he’s quite like the Lafayette backs who have 11 interceptions,” Surace said, laughing. “Eleven picks in four games is unbelievable. We’re going to have to make good decisions all game long because we know what we’re up against.”

Making those decisions for Princeton are two quarterbacks who split time. Connor Michelsen ‘15 is the starter, but QuinnEpperly ‘15 has appeared in all three games and can throw and run. The dual-quarterback threat has given Lafayette problems this season, namely against Bucknell (76 yards) and Robert Morris (94 yards).

“When you have quarterbacks that are elusive, it creates a problem,” Head Coach Frank Tavani said at Tuesday’s media luncheon. “It’s a double edged sword when the quarterback’s legs are going to hurt you.”

On offense, Lafayette has averaged just 2.2 yards per carry and the problem starts up front with the offensive lineman, a group that features no seniors.

“We’re certainly not playing consistent football upfront,” Tavani said. “If it was just one problem, it’s an easy fix. But it’s a lot of problems that makes you inconsistent.”

Offensive lineman Luke Chiarolanzio ‘15 explained how they’re trying to fix the problem.

“We’re changing how we use our skill set. We’re trying to spread out, use our quickness, our speed, and get a lot of one-on-one blocks and reaching. We really stress confidence and knowing what we’re doing all the time and that comes back to us being a young group.”

In the aerial attack, Lafayette has thrived this season. Last week, Shoop threw for 268 yards, 151 of which went to receiver Mark Ross ‘14. Surace compared Shoop to NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

“He’s similar to Roethlisberger in that he’ll throw the ball sidearm if he’s pressured,” Surace said. “He’s kind of a magician back there.”

Since taking over as head coach in 2010, Surace holds a 3-20 record and has gone 1-9 in each of the past two seasons.

“We’ve had some trouble changing the culture since we’ve come here but we’ve had a lot of progress that I’m very pleased with,” Surace said.

But after losing to Princeton five straight times, Tavani is not taking the game lightly whatsoever. “We certainly have nothing to feel terrific about. We have to play better and smarter.”

Injury Update: Offensive lineman Maxim Ngolla ‘15 and defensive lineman James Coscia ‘15 (shoulder) are doubtful. Safety Kyle Sakowski ‘16 (ankle) and backup quarterback Zach Zweizig ‘15 (foot) are probable. Linebacker Matt Gill ‘15 is out (shoulder).

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