Princeton Football: Tigers Put Together Total Effort to Defeat Lafayette, 35-14
The Princeton Tigers amassed 262 yards on the ground on their way to 405 total yards and a solid 35-14 victory over Lafayette on Saturday, Oct. 6.
In his third season as head coach, Bob Surace's team now has as many victories after just four games in 2012 as they had in the previous two seasons combined.
The Leopards, who came into the contest with a 3-1 record, were soundly outplayed in the game and could not muster enough offense for a score until the fourth quarter. By that time, Princeton had a commanding 29-0 lead and were on their way to their second win of the season.
On offense, Princeton rolled up 405 total yards in the contest, 262 of which came on the ground where once again, Akil Sharp led all Tigers' rushers with 60 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns.
The Tigers also got 143 yards through the air, where both Connor Michelsen and Quinn Epperly again split the quarterback duties for the second straight week.
Most importantly, Princeton avoided penalties and protected the ball, winning the turnover game by never surrendering possession, while collecting two key interceptions in the game. One of the two interceptions—by DB Phillip Bhaya in the third quarter—was returned 32 yards for a Tigers touchdown. Additionally, the Tigers committed just two penalties in the contest.
After two close, stinging losses to Lehigh and Georgetown, the Tigers appear to have found the missing ingredient in the recipe for winning: sophomore quarterback Quinn Epperly. The success of the young QB, who is a threat to run as well as pass, may have sparked the beginnings of a Princeton quarterback controversy.
Now 2-2 on the season and 1-0 in Ivy League play, The Tigers return home next weekend to host the rival Brown Bears (3-1) on Oct. 13.
