Tufts lost at Bates on Saturday. The streak extended to 25 games. A loss is a loss.
But this one felt different.
The Jumbos played better than they have in three years, and for much of the game, they were the better team.
Ultimately, the Bobcats drove 96 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown with 42 seconds left to win, 20-16. With one more break, Tufts would have prevailed. There have not been many times since Sept. 25, 2010 when you could say that.
I think we definitely took a step in the right direction," fifth-year tight end Nick Kenyon said. "There are no moral victories, but I think you could take a lot away."
Junior Jack Doll broke a school record for completions in his third career start, converting 46 of 67 passes for 397 yards. In the third quarter, Tufts outscored Bates 10-0 to pull within one point, 14-13, as Doll led successive drives of 94 and 71 yards.
After struggling in the Jumbos' 52-9 defeat at Wesleyan in Week 1, Doll proved Saturday that he's the right man for the job. He hit Kenyon seven times for 97 yards, junior Greg Lanzillo seven times for 84 yards, sophomore Jack Cooleen nine times for 69 yards and freshman Mike Rando seven times for 37 yards.
Any questions about Doll's ability to lead the offense were answered.
"He works tirelessly during the week," head coach Jay Civetti said of his quarterback. "His energy, effort and focus are beyond expectation. It was great for him to get a little bit back."
Doll, ever humble, credited his teammates.
"We have so many good receivers and so many guys that can catch the ball," he said. "It doesn't matter who it is
