Stats don't tell the story of the game

Coach Bill Samko of the Tufts football team has a saying, "Statistics mean nothing." His mantra was proven on Saturday as the Jumbos lost to Middlebury 10-6 despite dominating the game statistically.

Tufts out gained the Panthers by 137 yards, but mistakes prevented the team from capitalizing on its strong offensive performance. Penalties and turnovers by the Jumbos allowed Middlebury to squeak by with the victory.

Tufts was penalized eight times for 60 yards, in several instances ending drives that could have provided much needed points. Middlebury, on the other hand, lost just ten yards due to penalties. By keeping their mental mistakes to a minimum, the Panthers were able to take advantage of the few drives that they moved the ball well on.

Penalties have plagued the Jumbos all season. The team committed 52 in eight games, and averaged nearly 56 penalty yards per game. Too often false starts, holds, and other penalties killed important Tufts' drives, as was the case in the Middlebury game.

Turnovers have also been a situation of feast and famine for Tufts this year. The team had a plus-13 turnover ratio in its five wins, and a minus-5 ratio in its three losses. In Saturday's game, turnovers ended two Jumbo drives in the red zone and another led to the field goal that gave Middlebury a four point lead.

An offense is ultimately judged on the points it scores. Yardage is a good indication of how well an offense is playing, but when mistakes prevent it from putting up points, all the yardage in the world means nothing. What appeared to be a good offensive day statistically for the Jumbos did not translate into results on the scoreboard.



A Tale of Two Halves

Tufts seemed to be in a good position going into halftime. Not only did the team have a 3-0 lead, but it had also accomplished its goal of controlling the ball on offense. Through the first 30 minutes of the game, Tufts had a commanding 20:06 to 9:54 lead in time of possession. Unfortunately the second half brought a new story, as the time of possession was almost reversed and the teams finished the game nearly even in that category.

Middlebury tailback Matt Wolf ran wild in the second half, gaining 90 yards and helping the Panthers control the ball. Wolf's running kept the clock running and repeatedly moved the chains for first downs.

He was especially effective on the opening drive of the second half, when Middlebury marched 70 yards on 9 plays before scoring on a run by Wolf, and on the last possession of the game when the Tufts defense was trying to stop the Panthers to get the ball back. Wolf was able to pick up a first down on that drive, allowing his team to run out the clock and come away with the victory.

By controlling the ball in the second half, Middlebury was able to keep the Tufts offense, which had been moving the ball effectively all game long, off the field.



Senior Contributions

It was fitting that on Senior Day, several seniors would step up and make big plays for Tufts. Tim Mack finished up a tremendous season with 103 yards rushing and another 39 receiving. Mack spent the majority of his career at Tufts as a wide receiver, but was spectacular in his last four games as a running back, averaging 111 yards per game.

Defensive back Mark Tilki wrapped up a dazzling career Saturday. Tilki intercepted five passes for Tufts this year, returning two for touchdowns. He scored another touchdown on a 96-yard kick off return, and finished the season tied for the team lead with three TDs. Tilki was also among the nation's leaders in return yardage.

Receiver Ed Casabian picked an appropriate game to have the best performance of his career. Casabian came into yesterday's game with three career receptions for 23 yards. Against Middlebury he more than doubled his career numbers with three catches for 58 yards.

The senior-dominated defensive line played well against Middlebury, repeatedly getting into the backfield to make tackles for losses and put pressure on the quarterback. Seniors Reid Palmer, Matt Keller, Caleb Hudak, and Jay Hirsh are all starters on that line.

Senior linebacker Matt DePaolis may have been the defensive player of the game for Tufts, as several times he made big hits on Middlebury players to finish the season with 45 tackles.

Senior kicker Marcellus Rolle continued his great season with two more field goals against the Panthers, bringing his total up to ten on the season to break an 18-year old Tufts record for most field goals in a season. Rolle will be missed not just for his kicking, but also for his animated sideline presence.