The more things change the more they stay the same. Once again, for the third straight year, the quest for the Ancient Eight crown appears to be a two-team race.

Princeton and Dartmouth have too much talent for all the rest. Each has a high-powered offense with one dominant star who will battle for Player of the year honors. But a stronger defense gives Dartmouth the edge in the tight fight, likely to come down to their November 20 game at Memorial Field in Hanover, N.H.

Of course, in the highly unpredictable Ivy League, anything can happen. Cornell and Pennsylvania could make a surprise run for the title. Columbia may finally make a bid for a place in the top half of the division. And in this year, the 25th anniversary of the 29-29 Harvard win, who knows if Restic or Cozza can turn back the clock and capture another title.

Here's one sportswriter's look at the rest of the Ivy League.

A discussion ofDartmouthfootball begins and ends with one player: Senior quarterback Jay Fiedler.

Last year, Fiedler tore apart the Ancient Eight secondaries on his way to a record-setting season and Ivy league Player of the Year honors.

On the other side of the ball, the Big Green returns eight starters from the league's third-ranked defense. Linebacker George Neos and defensive tackle Gerry LaMontagne will lead the way.

Ultimately the season will come down to two tough contests: opening day at Penn and the final game against Princeton. But look for Dartmouth to capture its fourth straight championship.

For two straight years head coach Steve Tosches andPrincetonhave lost the big game: the season finale against Dartmouth.

This year, the Tigers' hopes fall squarely on the shoulders of the Ivy League's top running back, Keith Elias.

On defense the buzzword is inexperience. Despite a talented defensive line, Princeton returns only five starters. The Tigers will have three new linebackers and two new defensive backs in their opening day starting lineup.

If the defense can grow and come together, Princeton could walk away with the crown.

Pennsylvaniadoesn't have one dominant offensive force, but when you have the best defense in the league, sometimes it doesn't matter.

The defense, ranked number one in the league and fifth in the nation last year, returns six starters.

On offense the battle will be won or lost in the trenches. Penn lost four of its five starting offensive lineman to graduation.