Princeton football, Week 4

Princeton (2-1) at Colgate (3-2)

Oct. 11, 1 p.m. -- Andy Kerr Stadium, Hamilton, N.Y.

History

Princeton's game against Hampton last year forced the first break in the Princeton-Colgate series since Roger Hughes became the Tigers' coach in 2000. The Tigers won the last meeting, at Hamilton in 2006, but Hughes is just 2-5 against the Raiders. Colgate head coach Dick Biddle, now in his 13th year, is 29-8 against Ivy League teams.

This year

Hughes said he wants a team that's "built to win the fourth quarter," and last week, his Tigers answered the call, edging Columbia, 27-24, with a late touchdown and a key defensive stand. Colgate has won its last two games (vs. Dartmouth Sept. 20 and at Fordham Sept. 27) and received an unexpected rest last weekend when their game at Georgetown was postponed due to an outbreak of a gastrointestinal virus at the Washington, D.C., campus.

Players to watch

Princeton punt returner Matt Ransom ’11

With an average of 11.2 yards per punt return, Ransom has consistently pushed Princeton in the right direction and improved field position for the Tigers' offense. "He's giving us a hidden first-down every time he touches the ball," Hughes said. Ransom has yet to break through for a long return (his best is a modest 14 yards), but he could have opportunities this week: Colgate ranks 113th among the 118 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams in punt-return defense, allowing 17 yards per return.

Colgate senior tailback Jordan Scott

With more than 5,000 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns in his career, Jordan Scott may be the best runner in the FCS. He has averaged more than 200 yards per game this year, and after watching game tapes, defensive back Cart Kelly ’10 called Scott's combination of power and agility "dynamic." He has a knack for finding open space but also likes to drop his shoulders and run over two or three defenders, as he did on one memorable play against Dartmouth, Kelly said.

Honoring No. 42

Heisman Trophy winner Dick Kazmaier ’52 and fellow No. 42 Bill Bradley ’65 will be honored at a special ceremony Oct. 24, during which the University will retire No. 42 for all sports (ticket information at princetonvarsityclub.com).

Final quote

On the balance of power between Patriot League and Ivy League teams: "I think right now they have better players than the Patriot League. ... Top to bottom, I think they have better players."

-- Dick Biddle, Colgate head coach