The varsity football team will open its 1955 season on Saturday afternoon against the University of Massachusetts without one sophomore in the starting lineup.

With Matt Botsford at tailback, the eleven will be entirely composed of veterans of last year's squad. Captain Bill Meigs at guard will bolster a strong forward wall, but line reserves will still be in doubtful quantity and quality, according to coach Lloyd Jordan.

In a press conference yesterday afternoon, Jordan said that his team would not be overconfident in taking on the state university. "This Massachusetts team is a well-rounded ball club with well-integrated running and passing games," Jordan said.

In its two-hour practice session yesterday, two varsity units worked against reserve players in both offensive and defensive drills. Botsford ran from tailback, and Jim Joslin and Walt Stahura alternated at tailback and wing.

While the starting team has been named by Jordan, the second unit, particularly a second line, is still uncertain, and the first team may have to be rearranged if wingback John Simourian is still bothered by a muscle pull at game time. The starting lineup:

Ends: Bob Morrison and Ted Kennedy; Tackles: John Maher and Orville Tice; Guards: Captain Bill Meigs and Ted Metropoulos; Center: Jan Meyer; Quarterback: Leo Daley; Tailback: Matt Botsford; Wingback: John Simourian; Fullback: Tony Gianelly.