Around this time last season, the Jumbos walked off Zimman Field helmets in hand, after a humiliating 37-7 loss to Wesleyan in their season opener.
This Saturday, the squad will be relying on a matured offense to avoid another disaster in this year's season-opening rematch.
The 30-point margin was the largest defeat in the history between the two teams. Tufts put together only two drives of over 25 yards the entire game. This low output would foreshadow much of the rest of the season, as Tufts went on to rank among the lowest in all offensive categories in the NESCAC.
This season, the Jumbos hope to turn things around on offense. The team is putting its confidence, and the football, in the hands of senior quarterback Casey D'Annolfo. Offensive coordinator Mike Daly is also relying on a supporting cast of returning players to jump-start the team's offense for 2005.
"I think we're in great shape so far," Daly said. "We've got great competition at our positions from top to bottom. Everyone is a year older and a year better and we're just focusing on winning."
Tufts ranked last in total touchdowns (nine), total points (75), and average points scored per game (9.4) in the NESCAC last season. In the air, the team was not much better, ranking second to last in passing offense and passing efficiency.
D'Annolfo started four games for the Jumbos in 2004. The veteran threw for 531 total yards, including three touchdowns, and amassed a 45.6 completion percentage. According to his coaches, D'Annolfo is ready to take on the leading role full-time.
"We are very confident in him," coach Bill Samko said. "He has put a lot of focus on playing the position."
"I've been playing in the system for four years now," D'Annolfo said. "I know my receivers and I'm comfortable with the guys around me."
The Jumbos' running game was average at best last season, ranking seventh in the NESCAC. With the return of some experienced backs, Tufts looks to climb in the ranks this season. The backfield will be anchored by senior Scott Lombardi, junior Brian Cammuso, and sophomore Christopher Guild, who made the transition from defensive back to running back this season. At the fullback position, Tufts will look to sophomores Kevin Anderson and Matt Gaylord.
At receiver, the team has some speed and consistency on its roster. Juniors Steve Menty and Ryan Hanofee, along with sophomore J.B. Bruno will anchor the position while sophomore Kevin Gleason will see time at tight end. Daly is confident in the wide range of talent between the receiver, running back, and fullback positions.
"We've got a lot of tough, steady, and fast guys at the [receiver] positions and I think we're very good in the backfield," Daly said. "Our goal is to win, and we'll do whatever it takes to win a ball game. We'll run the ball to try and control the clock and we have confidence in [D'Annolfo]."
Tufts' most daunting challenge will be filling the holes in its offensive line. The Jumbos lost significant experienced talent to graduation and will have to fill some positions with players who have not seen consistent action in the past. According to Samko, the offensive line will dictate the momentum of every game this season, and is the team's primary concern on offense.
"We've got some guys returning who will be strong for us, but depth is going to be an issue," Samko said. "[The team will] play as well as [the offensive line] plays."
