Graphic preview of Penn football vs. Dartmouth

Five-Point Forecast 1. PAST PRECEDENT. Will Dartmouth capitalize on its first flawless start since 1997? Or will Penn — which allowed a considerably weaker Dartmouth squad to come within six points of a major upset last year — keep its focus after a tough loss to Villanova?

2. THE GOLDEN RUSH. Calling Dartmouth’s rush offense much improved would be an understatement. From seventh in the League last season to the top this year, the Big Green are tearing up the turf. All-Ivy junior Nick Schwieger is a menace, and when he was sick last week, freshman Dominick Pierre rolled to two touchdowns and 110 yards. But the Big Green will face the No. 1 overall defense at Penn, which gives up a stingy 88 yards per game rushing.

3. A TALE OF TWO HALVES. In both of Dartmouth’s wins this season, the team clawed its way back from behind. Most notably, the Big Green responded to an 11-point deficit in their first game with a 34-point scoring outburst. Penn, meanwhile, has had a tough time sealing the win in the first half this season. In both of their matches, the Quakers have entered halftime facing a deficit.

4. SPECIALTIES. Dartmouth has blocked an extra point attempt in each of its opening two games. On the other side of the field, Penn’s Andrew Samson has yet to miss an extra point attempt in his collegiate career and has the fifth-most field goals in Ivy history.

5. FILLING THE VOID. With senior Keiffer Garton returning from injury, Penn could be rotating through three QBs on Saturday. Sophomore Billy Ragone has been effective, but turnovers remain a concern. The Quakers also face uncertainty at running back after sophomore powerhouse Lyle Marsh’s season-ending injury. The Dartmouth defense is equally shaky, ranking second-to-last in the League in overall.

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