Lehigh seeks 3-0 start as Princeton visits Goodman Stadium Saturday
Posted: 09/11/2012 | Last updated: September 11, 2012 at 11:16 AM
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - After opening the season with two wins over Northeast Conference foes, No. 13/16 Lehigh returns to Goodman Stadium on Saturday to face the Princeton Tigers. The Mountain Hawks moved to 2-0 for the first time since 2003 beating Central Connecticut State 35-14 last Saturday in New Britain, Conn. Lehigh ‘s offense has started fast in both of its games this year as the Mountain Hawks have raced out to 14-0 first quarter leads in both games. The Mountain Hawks defense has allowed just 31 points in the two games, while forcing seven turnovers.
The nation’s oldest college football program, Princeton opens its 144th season Saturday looking to bounce back from consecutive 1-9 seasons. The Tigers return seven starters on defense, including captains Mike Catapano and Andrew Starks plus All-Ivy defensive tackle Caraun Reid. The Tigers will be breaking in new starters at quarterback and running back with the graduation of three-year starter Tommy Wornham and the loss of Lehigh Valley native Chuck Dibilio to a stroke.
With all the losses to graduation on the front seven, Lehigh’s secondary was expected to be an area of strength in 2012, and the Mountain Hawks have not disappointed. Lehigh has allowed an average of just 119 yards per game through the air in its first two games, good for 13th in the nation. The Mountain Hawks also rank 13th nationally in pass efficiency defense, allowing quarterbacks to post a rating of just 91.14. Senior cornerback Gabe Johnson has led the charge with 15 tackles, a pass breakup, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Senior quarterback Mike Colvin had his share of ups and downs in his first road start of the season at Central Connecticut State. Colvin led Lehigh to 21 first half points against the Blue Devils, but also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. He bounced back nicely in the second half, completing 8-of-11 passes for 126 yards, while rushing for a touchdown and throwing for another. Colvin finished at 19-for-31 for a career-high 249 yards. He is averaging 268.5 yards of total offense per game.
Lehigh meets Princeton for the 56th time on Saturday with the Tigers leading the series 39-14-2. The Mountain Hawks have won ten of the past 13 matchups, including last year’s 34-22 win in New Jersey. These two teams met for the first time in 1887. This marks the third straight season and the fifth time in the last seven years that Princeton will open its season against the Mountain Hawks.
Saturday’s game kicks off just after 12:30 on Community Day at Goodman Stadium. Tickets are still available, and may be purchased in one of three ways: by visiting the Lehigh ticket office located in Stabler Arena, by calling (610) 7LU-GAME, or on-line anytime at Lehighsports.com.
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Date:
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September 15, 2012
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Opponent:
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Princeton Tigers
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Kickoff:
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12:37 p.m.
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Stadium:
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Goodman Stadium/16,000/Natural Grass
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Location:
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Bethlehem, Pa.
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Tickets:
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Tickets can be purchased by calling (610) 7LU-GAME, or on-line via the link above
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Lehigh’s Record:
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2-0 overall, 0-0 Patriot League
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Princeton’s Record
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0-0 overall, 0-0 Ivy League
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Series:
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Princeton leads 39-14-2
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Television
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Service Electric 2 Sports live with Mike Zambelli, Mike Yadush ’93 and Al DiCarlo
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Radio
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ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 AM with Matt Kerr, Lance Haynes ‘94 and Matt Markus beginning at 11:30 a.m.
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Internet Broadcast:
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Lehighsports.com
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Key Stats:
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• Lehigh’s defense has allowed an average of 113 passing yards in its first two games.
•The Mountain Hawks have forced seven turnovers in their first two games.
•Michael Colvin was 10-for-14 for 128 yards and a TD versus Princeton in 2010 as he came off the bench to rally the Mountain Hawks to a 35-22 win.
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Behind Enemy Lines:
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