After a tough loss at Jacksonville last week, the San Diego Toreros (1-1, 0-1 PFL) return home to take on the Princeton Tigers (0-0) this Saturday in a 1:00 p.m. meeting at Torero Stadium. This will be the season opener for the Tigers, who are coming off an 8-2 record and a share of the Ivy League title.
"They're a very good football team," said Dale Lindsey, who is looking for his 10th win as USD's head coach.
"They're talented and have a lot of returning players. You don't [win the Ivy League] without good players who are disciplined and tough."
Princeton leads the all-time series 2-0 and will be trying to break their streak of seven straight season-opening losses. The Toreros are 2-8 against Ivy League programs."They're talented and have a lot of returning players. You don't [win the Ivy League] without good players who are disciplined and tough."
"I have a great respect for the teams in the Ivy League," Lindsey added. "I think it's an undervalued league and most people don't realize how good it is."
San Diego Offense vs. Princeton Defense
With just two career starts under his belt, sophomore quarterback Keith Williams will be looking to redeem himself after throwing three interceptions last week. Redshirt sophomore Jonah Hodges totaled 208 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his first two games as a Torero.
The receiving corps is led by it's usual suspects, seniors Reggie Bell and Brandon White, and the offensive line has allowed just two sacks so far. You could also credit that to Williams' mobility.
The Tigers return a loaded defensive backfield featuring cornerback Anthony Gaffney, a two-time First Team All-Ivy League selection. Senior linebacker Mike Zeuli, who led the team with 72 tackles last season, will help anchor the front seven.
The receiving corps is led by it's usual suspects, seniors Reggie Bell and Brandon White, and the offensive line has allowed just two sacks so far. You could also credit that to Williams' mobility.
The Tigers return a loaded defensive backfield featuring cornerback Anthony Gaffney, a two-time First Team All-Ivy League selection. Senior linebacker Mike Zeuli, who led the team with 72 tackles last season, will help anchor the front seven.
San Diego Defense vs. Princeton Offense
In the first two games of the season, the Toreros allowed an average of 439 yards per game. Last week they gave up 447 yards of total offense, including 297 yards on the ground.
"This past game was a little bit rough," said USD nickel back Troy McClelland, who finished with 10 tackles (1.5 for loss) and a forced fumble. "We had guys playing in different positions and a lot of new guys making their first starts, but we're just looking to work and get better everyday."
Senior linebacker Una Hamala leads the defense with 21 total tackles, while the return of sophomore cornerback Jamal Agnew should boost the secondary.
Senior linebacker Una Hamala leads the defense with 21 total tackles, while the return of sophomore cornerback Jamal Agnew should boost the secondary.
They face a Princeton offense that set new Ivy League records for total yards and scoring last season. They'll be led by senior quarterback Quinn Epperly, who earned Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year honors after finding the end zone 43 times. His 25 passing touchdowns tied the school's single-season record, while his 18 on the ground missed the mark by one.
He'll be targeting a senior-laden group of receivers led by Matt Costello, Seth DeValve, and Connor Kelley.
He'll be targeting a senior-laden group of receivers led by Matt Costello, Seth DeValve, and Connor Kelley.
Did You Know?
On November 6, 1869, Princeton faced Rutgers in the first college football game ever played in the United States. While Rutgers won by a score of six goals to four, Princeton won the rematch 8-0 the following week.
"They have a great tradition at Princeton," said Lindsey. "We're very proud to have them on our campus."
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