Around the Ivy: A look at CORNELL

CORNELL

Last year: 4-6 (2-5 Ivy League)

About the Big Red: Of course when anyone thinks of Cornell, they think of QB Jeff Mathews. Entering his senior season, Mathews is a preseason All-America pick, he’s looking to become the Ivy League’s all-time leading passer and he’s drawing plenty of attention from NFL scouts.

“Jeff has had some really productive seasons,” first-year coach Dave Archer said. “But he means more to us off the field. He’s a great leader and a three-time captain.

Though the Big Red has Mathews and a another All-America candidate in WR Grant Gellatty, Archer insists Cornell will have a more balanced attack.

You have to have balance,” he says. “Jeff obviously makes throws. But you have to continue to drive the ball and put it in the end zone, and you need a balanced attack.”

Cornell also has RB Luke Hagy. He was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award last season, which is given to the top freshman in the FCS. They return three starters on the OL and two more with starting experience.

Whether on the ground or through the air, Cornell has one of the top offenses in the league. They also return 10 starters on defense.