Last weekend, the Penn run defense shut down Jordan Davis and Columbia, allowing just 28 yards the entire game. But the Quakers will be facing a much more powerful opponent tomorrow in Yale running back Mike McLeod.
The sophomore has broken out this year, running for 198 and 204 yards in his previous two games, to bring his league-leading average to 148.2 yards per game.
The Penn front seven will have to continue their dominating play tomorrow if they hope to contain McLeod.
"We're going to try to get some penetration upfield early and stop him before he gets started because he is a downhill runner," senior defensive tackle J.J. Stanton said. "He likes getting through the line quick and getting up to the secondary. We're going to try to stop him before he starts."
However, McLeod is not the only runner the
Quakers defense will have to watch out for. Junior quarterback Matt Polhemus can also run the ball, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 42.0 yards per game.
"They present more problems than just McLeod," Penn coach Al Bagnoli said. "If it was just him then you can figure out ways to get eight guys in the box. It's not that simple because their quarterback's getting better, and they've got two really good receivers."
Yale senior receiver Chandler Henley is third in the Ivy League with 27 receptions and fourth with 70.0 yards per game receiving. And although Polhmeus ranks second-to-last in passing yards per game with 172.6, he has completed 56.1 percent of his passes, good enough to be in the top half of the league's passers in accuracy.
Stanton said that Penn has been watching Polhemus and is well aware of his speed.
"We're going to try to stay in our pass rush lanes, close that pocket as quickly as possible, make him make a decision before he wants to, and hopefully, he runs right into us," Stanton said.
On the offensive side of the ball, Penn is going to have to be more consistent this week, as they never truly got into a rhythm against Columbia.
Quakers quarterback Robert Irvin threw for 185 yards, but looked hesitant to throw the deep ball. He did complete one deep pass - a 49-yard toss to senior Matt Carre - but also threw an interception that nearly allowed Columbia back in the game.
This week, however, Penn will have its entire offensive line healthy again when left tackle Marko Grzan rejoins the starting lineup, according to Bagnoli.
Irvin said that Columbia presented the Quakers with a defensive scheme that the team had trouble assessing before the snap, which presented problems.
"Coming into this week, Yale gives us more of a consistent look and not as much pressure [as Columbia did], so we're going to have a little more time to sit back and look down field and not just dump the ball off," Irvin said.
The sophomore stressed that the offense would try to be more aggressive this time around.
"We definitely want to throw the deep balls and we're just going to look for the opportunity," Irvin said.
Penn beat Columbia with a strong defense and special teams, but against a tough Yale squad, the Quakers offense will have to step up as well.
"Defense and special teams are a huge part of this team," Stanton said. "It's just a matter of time before our offense starts blowing up, and hopefully this is the week."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.