Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks look to bounce back under the lights at Princeton
9/13/2011 10:57:00 PM | Football
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - No. 16/19 Lehigh looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season as the Mountain Hawks make the short trip to New Jersey Saturday night to face the Princeton Tigers. The Mountain Hawks are coming off a heartbreaking 48-41 overtime loss to New Hampshire that saw Lehigh erase an 18-point second half deficit before falling in the extra session. Senior Chris Lum had another career day with 401 passing yards and a school record-tying six touchdowns but it wasn't enough to lead the Mountain Hawks past the Wildcats.
Princeton opens its season on Saturday, the Tigers' second under head coach Bob Surace. The Tigers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-9 campaign a year ago that concluded with an eight-game losing streak. Tommy Wornham returns from injury to lead the Tigers at quarterback. Wornham threw for 392 yards against Lehigh last season, but suffered a season-ending injury in week five.
The Mountain Hawks' passing game has been firing on all cylinders early in the 2011 season. With senior Lum leading the way, the Mountain Hawks lead the Patriot League and rank fifth nationally in passing offense at 373.5 yards per game. Lum has received plenty of support from his wide receivers as senior Jake Drwal has caught 19 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns, and junior All-American Ryan Spadola has 11 grabs for 218 yards and three scores. Junior tailback Zach Barket also has three touchdown receptions out of the backfield. Eleven different Mountain Hawks have caught at least one pass this season.Lehigh's revamped offensive line has performed well in the Mountain Hawks first two games, helping Lehigh rank high nationally in a number of major categories. The offensive line should get an additional boost with the expected return of tackle Troy McKenna, who suffered a foot injury early in preseason camp. Lehigh lost junior Mike Vuono to an injury in the UNH game, but with McKenna's anticipated return, the Mountain Hawks will be able to start three seniors on the line: McKenna, center Jim Liebler, and Keith Schauder, who will likely move to guard. McKenna started Lehigh's final 12 games at right tackle last season.
Lehigh meets Princeton for the 55th time on Saturday with the Tigers leading the series 39-13 (there have also been two ties). The Mountain Hawks have won nine of the past 12 matchups, including last year's 35-22 win at Goodman Stadium. These two teams met for the first time in 1887.
Saturday's game kicks off just after 6 p.m. from Princeton Stadium in New Jersey. The game will be televised live by WFMZ-TV as well as Fox College Sports Atlantic. Live video will also be available at Lehighsports.com.
Prior to the game, the Lehigh Football Partnership and the Lehigh Club of Central New Jersey welcome all alumni, family and friends for a pre-game tailgate as they cheer on the Brown & White. The cost to attend the tailgate is $25 per adult and $10 per child (ages 12 and under). For more information or to register please visit the following link: http://mylehigh.lehigh.edu/princeton2011
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Date:
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September 17, 2011
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Opponent:
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Princeton Tigers
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Kickoff:
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6:07 p.m.
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Stadium:
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Princeton Stadium/27,800/FieldTurf
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Location:
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Princeton, N.J.
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Tickets:
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Tickets can be purchased by calling Princeton at (609) 258-4TIX
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Lehigh's Record:
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1-1 overall, 0-0 Patriot League
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Princeton's Record
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0-0 overall, 0-0 Ivy League
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Series:
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Princeton leads 39-13-2
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Television
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WFMZ-TV and Fox College Sports Atlantic Live with Steve Degler and Mike Yadush '93
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Radio
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ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 AM with Matt Kerr, Matt Markus and Steve Lomangino beginning at 5 p.m.
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Internet Broadcast:
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Lehighsports.com
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Key Stats:
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• The Mountain Hawks gained over 500 yards of total offense in back-to-back games for the first time since 2002.
•Lehigh is ranked in the top six nationally in total offense, passing offense and scoring offense.
•Chris Lum ranks second in the nation in total offense, averaging 397.5 yards per game.
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Behind Enemy Lines:
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Lehigh Sports Central: Football
Tuesday, December 02
MHT EP6 - Football
Thursday, November 20
Brown & Flight - Episode 4
Friday, November 14
Football Blitz
Friday, October 31
