Princeton to Face Brown in Crucial Ivy League Clash

Princeton University is set to face Brown University in a significant Ivy League football matchup on Friday, October 18, at 7:00 PM at Powers Field in Princeton, New Jersey. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU, adding to the anticipation surrounding the contest.

This encounter marks a reunion of sorts for Princeton head coach Bob Surace and Brown head coach James Perry, who previously collaborated when Perry served as Princeton’s offensive coordinator. Both coaches have a history of success at their alma maters, with Surace entering the match with four Ivy League championships under his belt.

Brown arrives with a 2-2 record, notably securing a dramatic 31-28 victory over Harvard earlier in the season. The Bears rallied from an 18-point deficit in the third quarter, eventually clinching the win with a last-second touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Wilcox to Mark Mahoney. Princeton, on the other hand, stands at 1-3, having recently lost to Columbia and a closely contested battle with Top-10 team Mercer.

“Brown has played terrific football this year,” noted Surace. “They have always excelled in the passing game, and their strength and physicality on both lines have been pivotal in their current form.”

The historical rivalry between Princeton and Brown dates back to 1896, with Princeton leading the series 60-29. Princeton also boasts a strong Friday night record, having won 10 of their 15 games played since the 2000s.

The game promises a competitive matchup, pitting Ivy League’s top-ranked passing offense, Brown, against Princeton’s highly-ranked passing defense. Jake Wilcox, Brown’s quarterback, has consistently thrown for high yardage, while Princeton’s defense has allowed only one opposing quarterback to surpass 200 yards this season.

Additional highlights for Princeton include senior wideout AJ Barber, who requires 17 more receptions to reach a milestone of 100 career catches, and impressive performances from underclassmen, such as a standout linebacker who recently earned Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors for his display against Mercer.

Following the encounter with Brown, Princeton is scheduled to face Harvard next weekend, a rivalry with a storied history beginning in 1877. The Tigers currently lead their series against Harvard with a slender 60-48-7 advantage, having won their last six meetings.