Behind Enemy Lines: Princeton quarterback Quinn Epperly

Before this season, Princeton was picked to finish fifth in the Ivy League standings. But the Tigers have surprised everyone, reeling off four wins to begin Ancient Eight play. They sit in sole possession of first place in the Ivies and junior quarterback Quinn Epperly is the talk of the conference, having set an FCS record by completing his first 29 passes in a 53-20 win over Cornell. Thanks in large part to Epperly’s play, the Tigers also lead the Ivy League in points per game and scoring offense. We go behind enemy lines with the talented signal-caller.

Daily Pennsylvanian: You’ve won six games in a row in almost every way possible, from blowouts to heart-stopping finishes. Have you ever been a part of a team this hot?

Quinn Epperly: I don’t think I’ve been on a team that is this hot and putting up points the way our offense has. It has been exciting to be a part of.

DP: Princeton has lost six games in a row to Penn, a streak that dates back well before you first stepped on campus. How important is ending that streak to you and your teammates?

QE: Winning this week is everything. I don’t think we will be as focused on the streak as much as just trying to get an important win for this season. To accomplish the goal of winning an Ivy League championship, we need to win out, and that starts with Penn this weekend.

DP: Your connection with [senior wide receiver] Roman Wilson may be one of the best in the FCS. How have you two been able to develop such a level of chemistry?

QE: I think a lot of it comes from just working hard in practice. We were also up in Princeton for most of the summer training and working on our timing. He is a fantastic wide receiver and really helps to make a quarterback look good.

DP: Everyone’s talking about the record-breaking completions streak against Cornell. In the heat of the moment, were you even aware it was happening?

QE: I honestly had no idea. I didn’t even know what the previous record was. They announced the record over the loud speaker after our first incompletion, but I tried not to pay attention to it and was focused on just trying to score a touchdown on the drive.

DP: Was there an extra thrill seeing your name featured on SportsCenter?

QE: Yes, it was definitely an honor and fun experience to have. But while it was fun, it is important to me to stay humble and realize that my teammates helped me out a lot to accomplish such honors.

DP: Penn has a very deep and experienced secondary. How do you want to attack the Quakers on Saturday?

QE: I think a lot of it will be just sticking with our game plan. We need to play fast and physical in our pass and run game. I think if we do that and take care of the ball, our offense can perform well.