Dartmouth's defense was ranked tenth nationally last year, and should still be strong if a replacement for New York Jet rookie Gregg Robinson can be found. The linebackers, led by All-League aspirant Jell Hickey are strong in the Dartmouth tradition, the secondary experienced. And, as is always the case, if Dartmouth can beat Harvard for the first time in half a decade, its entire season will be justified.
7) CORNELL: Everyone was waiting for Coach Bob Blackman to work that Ol' Blackman magic last year in his first season with the Big Red, but Cornell's problems need more than a little hocus-pocus to solve themselves.
The Big Red has 16 of 22 starters back, including Jim Hofher and Mike Tanner, who have shored quarterbacking duties the past two seasons. But linebacking supreme Terry Lee is gone, along with lacrosse star Craig Jaeger, last season's two best all-around players.
It's basically the same sad club of a year ago, and rumors are that Blacman will hock his magic wand for a couple of blue-chip recruits. Sophomore Dick Clasby, namesake of Harvard's halfback star of the fifties, could be one.
8) COLUMBIA: Ivy League football is tradition above all else, so why buck history and pick Columbia higher than last?
Coach Bill Campbell, who would probably reside permanently in a padded locker room if he didn't have the Big Apple to play in after Lion losses, does have All-Ivy receiver Artie Pulsinelli and Fred Sullivan returning, but nobody to throw to them. He also has top-flight linebacker Mike McGraw back, but nobody to help him out. What he does have is a rather large number of rather large but inexperienced bodies to fill in both lines and assorted other positions. Speculation that grotesque Baker Bowl won't be painted for another 20 years doesn't help things much either.
Well, at least they won't laugh during hockey season, as the Lions don't field an ice squad.
Every year the experts say that the season will be decided on the first Saturday when Yale meets Brown, this season in Providence. This year will be no exception--the experts will be el wrongo and the season will some down to the final week with at least two teams in contention. Throw all the names in a hat, pick two and you'll be as close as anyone.