Football

Coach Bob Blackman has analyzed the situation in this month's "Coaches' Corner," and we urge you to read his report before proceeding further. There are two things we would point out in connection with his report: (1) it was written three days before the Boston College game, and (2) on the day after it was written another key player, end Carter Strickland, underwent an operation for a torn tendon in his finger which kept him out of the B.C. clash and may keep him out of the Harvard game.

Dartmouth's statistics reflect the record of three losses and one tie. In four games the Indians have achieved only 34 first downs, and have gained a total of 186 yards on the ground (an average of 47 yards per game) and 422 yards through the air. They have completed 39 out of 85 passes, which is not a bad average, but have scored only three times. Dartmouth's rushing yardage would be better if the Big Green quarterbacks had not been thrown for considerable losses in attempting to pass. It is also true that Dartmouth did not have possession of the ball nearly as often as the opposing teams.

Two bright spots have been the fine play of Dartmouth halfback Jake Crouthamel, who is averaging 3½ yards every time he totes the ball, and the superb punting of quarterback Jack Kinderdine, whose kicks have averaged just over 40 yards in 20 tries.

This is Coach Blackman's fifth season at Dartmouth and the only losing season he's had was his first year (1956) when Dartmouth lost six games and won three. This fall, based on performance to date, the Big Green will have to go all out to win even three games. At this writing a number of key players are still out of action, team morale is shaky, and Dartmouth simply does not look like a good team. However, the potential is still there and the Indians were more aggressive against Boston College than in any previous contest. It may well be that if Dartmouth can get by Harvard, the team will come to life and make a strong bid to climb out of the league cellar.

Jake Crouthamel, top ground-gainer for the Big Green, shown in action against Brown.