The Jeffs opened up the 2007 season in impressive and dominant fashion, blanking the Bobcats of Bates College 24-0 on their own home turf. The Jeffs used a stifling defense and a balanced offensive attack to open the season with a shutout victory. Although the victory was a complete team effort, sophomore running back Aaron Rauh stole the show, rushing for all three of the Jeffs' touchdowns.
Amherst was hungry from the get go, forcing a three and out in the Bobcats' opening drive. Starting their first drive at their own 38, the Jeffs marched down the field in 11 plays. Amherst used the running combination of junior Eric NeSmith and Rauh to keep the Bobcats off balance. Rauh and NeSmith have proven to compliment each other very well. Sophomore quarterback Lucas Loeffler, making his first collegiate start, did not feel the pressure and competed a key pass to tri-captain fullback Chris Gillyard '08 for a 27-yard gain on fourth and four to bring the Jeffs to the Bobcats' one-yard line. Rauh then scored his first touchdown on second and goal.The rest of the game continued in similar fashion, as the Jeffs' defense forced Bates to punt seven times and also caused three turnovers. Every Bobcat possession ended on a punt or turnover. The strong defensive unit, which was one of the top in the nation last season, held Bates to just 25 yards on 25 rushes and only 106 passing yards. Overall, the Jeffs compiled 302 offensive yards and limited Bates to a measly 131.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Jeffs were led by defensive lineman Jon Attridge '08 and defensive back Chris Mottau '08, each of whom forced a fumble. Defensive lineman M.J. Smith '09 had the lone interception for Amherst and linebackers Guy Matisis '09 and Mike Taylor '11 each recorded a sack on the day. Offensively, the Jeffs continued to run all over Bates as NeSmith amassed 85 yards on 17 carries, Rauh added 46 yards on 16 carries, and junior running back Anthony Fuller accumulated 45 yards on 11 carries. Late in the fourth quarter Fuller had a long run of 18 yards, nearly breaking the run for a 60-yard score. "Our offensive line physically dominated Bates," said Rauh.
Coming into the game, the Jeffs' running game was never really a question. The passing attack, with a sophomore quarterback, was a little bit more of an unknown. However, Loeffler stepped up big in his first career start, and had plenty of help from his receivers, both new and old. On the day, Loeffler finished 13-23 for 132 yards and just one interception.
His favorite target was first-year wide receiver Andre Gary, who gained 58 yards on four catches in his collegiate debut, including a 25-yard reception. His strong play earned him NESCAC Rookie of the Week honors. Despite a hand injury, senior wide receiver Mike Myers caught three passes and sophomore wide receiver Brandon Bullock caught two passes for 28 yards. Overall, the Jeffs executed when they needed to. They scored in three of their four red-zone chances and prevented the Bobcats from scoring in their only visit to the red-zone. The most telling stat of the day may have been the time of possession, as the Jeffs controlled the ball for 38:13, compared to 21:47 for the Bobcats.
The home opener this Saturday has the makings of an amazing game. The Jeffs take on Bowdoin College, who upset Williams College last week by a 28-14 score. Williams had owned a 14-game winning streak entering that game. "We want to take things one step at a time," said NeSmith. "This Saturday we think our run game can be key for us. They are a little undersized on defense this year and we feel we can take advantage of that. We have to be disciplined with our blocks and finish each play. The key will be not turning the ball over. Their defense is very opportunistic. If we win the turnover battle, we will win this game."