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Penn opens Ivy League play Friday against visiting Dartmouth

The Quakers want to start conference play on the right foot as they face the undefeated Big Green.

Penn's Karekin Brooks (right) is brought down by Columbia's Ryan Gilbert (31) in 2018. Penn won the game, 13-10.
Penn's Karekin Brooks (right) is brought down by Columbia's Ryan Gilbert (31) in 2018. Penn won the game, 13-10.Read more
    by Sam Britt
    Published 

When: Friday, 7 p.m., Franklin Field

TV/Radio: ESPNU; PennAthletics.com/Audio; WatchESPN App

Records: Penn, 1-1 overall, 0-0 Ivy League; Dartmouth, 2-0 overall; 0-0 Ivy League

Coaches: Penn, Ray Priore (27-15, 5th season); Dartmouth, Buddy Teevens (98-92-2, 20th season)

Last Meeting: Sept. 29, 2018, Dartmouth, 37-14

Series: Penn leads, 48-36-2

Things to watch

Penn secured its first win of the season Saturday, beating Lafayette, 28-24, in a back-and-forth affair. Once again, running back Karekin Brooks was the Quakers’ star, racking up 202 yards on 29 carries. Through two games this season Brooks is averaging 180 yards per game, best in the country. If the Big Green are to be dealt their first loss of the season, it will take another monumental effort from Brooks. Defensively, Penn is going to look for more of the same from its d-line that leads the FCS with 5 sacks per game.

Dartmouth is coming off two blowout victories. So far, the Big Green hasn’t had to break a sweat, outscoring opponents, 73-9. Their defense has been stingy, allowing only one touchdown over two games and limiting opposing teams to an average of 287 yards per game. The offense has relied on a committee of running backs led by New Jersey native Dakari Falconer to get the job done. Friday night may come down to which backfield can control the pace of the game.