4-Down Friday

Here is this week’s edition of 4-down Friday, a look at four things to keep an eye on heading into Saturday’s game against Brown...

1. Running wild: When talking to Tony Reno this week, it didn’t sound promising that QBs Eric Williams or Derek Russell would be ready for Saturday’s game against Brown. So expect to see more of RB Tyler Varga and the wildcat. Varga rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns out of the formation against Columbia. But how will the Bulldogs fare against a Brown defense that’s prepared and allows just 97.4 rushing yards per game?

2. Turnovers: They have killed the Bulldogs this season. Yale has 20 on the year (12 INTs, 8 fumbles lost). Looking to run the clock out, Varga fumbled late in the game and Columbia capitalized with a touchdown to steal a win from Yale last week. At some point Yale has to start taking care of the ball. Maybe it starts against Brown.

3. A boost: Senior FS John Powers will return for Yale after missing the last three games with a broken forearm. He may not be a huge factor in his first game back, but his presence is certainly a big boost for a struggling Yale defense.

4. Matchup problem: Keep an eye on Bears WR Tellef Lundevall. At 6-4, 210, he has good size and will be a tough test for Yale’s secondary. Lundevall is QB Patrick Donnelly’s top target and ranks No. 10 in the nation at 7.43 receptions per game. He has 513 yards and three touchdowns on 52 receptions.