Tartans Entertain Colorado College in an Evening Affair

Sept. 28 - (PITTSBURGH, Pa.) - After another impressive victory last weekend at Gesling Stadium, only 2-1 Colorado College stands in the way of a perfect first half of the season for the Carnegie Mellon University football team.

The Tartans employed the big play in week four to defeat Franklin & Marshall 34-14 and pushed their record to 4-0. Four of the offense's five scoring drives ended with touchdowns of more than 20 yards, and Tartans Head Coach Rich Lackner attributes the big-play success to a total team effort.

"I think [quarterback] Kevin Mulkern (Springfield, Pa./Springfield) is making good decisions." said Lackner. "Anytime you have a passing game where you're able to throw a long ball, you have to have protection. So it's a team game. Our running game has set up our play-action attack. The receivers are doing a good job of catching the ball and running good routes. If any of those things break down, there goes your chance for the big play."

Carnegie Mellon's big-play ability may be advantageous in this Saturday's 7 p.m. showdown with an equally dangerous Tigers squad.

Over their first three games, Colorado College has amassed prolific offensive numbers aided by the return of several skill players from last season's 2-8 team. Senior quarterback Chris Neil averages 267 yards per game with more than half of that production coming from the tight end position. Junior Nolan Swett leads the Tigers' pass-catchers with 21 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns.

"Their receivers are tall, and they catch the ball well," said Lackner. "Their quarterback makes good decisions; they’re a very explosive offense."

While the passing game has certainly factored into Colorado College's 38 points per game attack, a consistent running game, led by sophomore Justin Alexander's 340 yards and four touchdowns, has provided the Tigers with much needed balance.

"Their running back is very good with great vision and quickness. He's excellent," Lackner added. "And their offensive line is big and strong."

The Tigers defense has done their share in supporting their offensive teammates by taking the ball from opponents and putting it in the hands of their high-powered attack. Nine interceptions and three fumble recoveries have highlighted Colorado College's opportunistic defense in their three games thus far this season.

"Turnovers are critical," Lackner said. "Their defense has given up some points but they are causing turnovers. This past week they held Lewis and Clark College to three points so we need to be at the top of our game."

During the four game winning streak the Carnegie Mellon defense has been at the top of their game, limiting opponents to just 6.5 points per game and just 217 yards per game.

"Or defense has a great deal of pride," said Lackner. "Our players are very proud and very particular; they don't like to give up scores so they're focused on doing their job every play."

Last season, Carnegie Mellon traveled to Colorado College in week five and left Colorado Springs with a 63-28 victory over the Tigers. Three rushing touchdowns by running back Travis Sivek (Traverse City, Mich./St. Francis) propelled the Tartans to a 35-7 advantage late in the second quarter. Although the Tigers cut Carnegie Mellon's lead in half at 42-21 early in the second quarter, four more second-half rushing touchdowns by the Tartans backfield helped the offense rack up 547 yards in the victory.

In this season's match up Carnegie Mellon's goal will be to hold the Tigers in check from the opening kickoff and not allow Colorado’s vaunted offensive attack to get back in the game.

"If you're fortunate enough to get up on a team like that what you have to do is control the football and take time off the clock," Lackner said. "Because at that point, the clock is your friend and their enemy. And again, the defense must take pride in keeping the opponent out of the end zone."