Desire a Factor
Another factor which makes Crimson backers expect the Tiger to have a much tougher go than forecast, is that desire has been so much of a factor in the performances so far.
Dartmouth, a team which the Crimson really wanted to beat, found itself completely out of the ball game mid-way in the third period as soon as the varsity began to find itself and combined an intense desire to win with its superior ability.
There is no doubt that the varsity feels the same way about Princeton, perhaps more so, since the Tigers have been its chief tormentors in recent years.
This same determination has been seen rarely at Soldiers Field this year, the team beating Springfield, Washington U. and Davidson on the basis of sheer physical superiority.
Against Colgate, the varsity flashed some of the raw desire shown against Dartmouth, but its blinding early success served to lull it.
End Hank Rate, who had been hurt the week before against Springfield, was joined on the sidelines by outside tackle Bob Stargel, who developed an car infection.
Today, Rate is expected to see extensive action for the first time since his injury. Physically, the varsity is in very good shape, although linebackers Bob Hardy and Rob Messer took it easy most of the week because of various brumps.
Desire its impressive record, most observes do not rate the present Princeton team with Tiger teams of recent years because Coach Charlie Caldwell has not found anyone to replace Dick Kazmaier as the offensive sparkplug.
This Crimson team, on the other hand, is far and away better than any of its immediate predecessors.
Green to begin, the power-laden Crimson has come along fast and is particularly tough when it really is set on winning.
This may be such an afternoon.