Princeton vs. Georgetown: Home Opener for Tigers Affords Chance at First Win

The Princeton Tigers made a valiant effort last week against Lehigh but came up a little short, dropping a 17-14 decision to the Mountain Hawks. Looking to change their fortunes, head coach Bob Surace's team returns to New Jersey for their home opener in a Friday night battle with visiting Georgetown. The Hoyas (2-1) are coming off a tough loss themselves, having been beaten at home by Yale, 24-21.

Georgetown is averaging 23 points a game this season, with running back Nick Campanella (216 yards) and quarterback Aaron Aiken (198 yards) powering the running attack.

Aiken (37 of 84, two touchdowns) is struggling somewhat, having thrown three interceptions so far this season. To his credit, Aiken has spread the ball around in the first three games, with no less than 12 different players chalking up receptions this year. Leading receiver Kevin Macari has seven receptions this season and is also the team's punt returner.

The Tigers started their season later than other schools, and it showed last week against Lehigh. In a statement after last week's contest, Bob Surace admitted [as quoted by Stephen Wood of The Daily Princetonian on DailyPrincetonian.com]: “Early in the game, we looked like a team that hadn’t played, and they looked like a team that’s a playoff team...It took us some time.”

Princeton quarterback Connor Michelsen struggled early in last week's contest, but played well down the stretch as the Tigers attempted to mount a comeback. Undoubtedly the bright spot of the game was the performance of running back Akil Sharp, who scored two touchdowns in the losing effort.

“It’s just nice to see him getting stronger as the game went on,” Surace said of Sharp, who was an integral part of the Tigers' second-half surge.

“I think we’re just coming together as a team,” Sharp said, “We came back in the second half and seemed to really believe." With the absence of star running back Chuck Dibilio this season, Sharp may well be only viable option for the Tigers' ground attack against the Hoyas.

Game Time: 7:00pm (ET), Friday, September 21.

Princeton Stadium, Princeton, NJ.

Television: ESPNU.