Before the start of the 2005 season, Penn stopped to consider its defense in 2004.
"We looked at last year's film," senior linebacker Ric San Doval said, "and for the first time since I've been here ... people could run the ball against Penn."
Under the guidance of San Doval and others, this is not the case anymore.
The Quakers' consistently strong performances on defense culminated in last weekend's win at Columbia, during which the team held the Lions to an average of less than one yard per carry.
Penn's rushing defense has earned a spot at the top of not only the Ivy League but of all of Division I.
"Our run defense has been good," head coach Al Bagnoli said. "We've been able to get run out in front of people we've been able to get some quarterback sacks we've been able to get some negative plays. So if we can continue to do that, that will put us in decent shape."
Run game heating up
As Penn's defense continues to stifle opponents' ability to run the ball, the Quakers are developing a powerful running game of their own.
Hindered by a shoulder injury, Senior running back Sam Mathews had been held to 34 yards on 14 carries against Bucknell two weeks ago.
But at Columbia, Mathews emerged healthy and ready to lead the Penn rushing campaign. He carried the ball for 155 yards on 21 carries and recorded two touchdowns against the Lions.
"At the beginning of the season I got banged up a little bit, and I think that may have hurt my confidence as far as being as physical of a runner as I'd like to be," Mathews said.
"But at the same time, the O- line has been doing an excellent job all year. They really got a lot of push and movement in that Columbia game and I just tried to follow what they were doing. I felt good for the first time in a while ... Everything just kind of came together in the running game."
Mathews joined efforts with junior running back Joe Sandberg to help earn Penn's 44-16 victory over the Lions. It was the first time the two were healthy and on the field together since the start of the 2005 season.
"We needed a shot in the arm with our running game, and we are a whole different team if we have [Mathews and Sandberg] healthy," Bagnoli said. "As long as they stay healthy, I think we have a legitimate threat to run the football."
Doctor's chart
While Mathews and Sandberg are enjoying full health, two other Quakers are currently battling injuries.
Center Greg Williams suffered a knee injury on Saturday at Baker Field. The senior has not yet received the results of his MRI, but hopes to play this weekend.
"We are cautiously optimistic, but I can't say for certain whether or not he's going to be able to play on Saturday," Bagnoli said.
Senior defensive end Al Wawszczyk sat out Saturday's game at Columbia due to back spasms. Wawszczyk seems to be recuperating, though; he has been practicing all week and will be on the field to face Yale this Saturday.
