After a disappointing loss to Case Western Reserve at Homecoming last Saturday, the Maroons (4–4, 0–1 UAA) are looking to break above the .500-mark on the season against Carnegie Mellon (5–3, 0–1 UAA) this weekend.
“I think the best thing we could do as a team is forget about the Case game and move on,” fourth-year wideout Dee Brizzolara said.
With that mentality in mind, the South Siders will be taking on a worthy UAA opponent in the Tartans. The game is the second conference match-up for both teams, and the middle contest in three-straight UAA face-offs for both as well.
Though Carnegie dropped their first UAA game this past Saturday, 15–3 to Wash U, Chicago can’t afford to rest on its laurels.
“Carnegie will be tough and we need to give it our best,” third-year quarterback Vincent Cortina said.
The Maroons are still harboring hopes that they can split or win the UAA title, and avoiding a 0–2 start in conference play is a crucial step along the way.
“We should win out. We can still win or split the UAA title. Also, we play Wash U for the Founders Cup as our last game,” Brizzolara said. “There’s a lot left to play for.”
The road will not be easy. The Tartans have featured a high-scoring offense throughout the year, putting up single-digits only once—in last week’s loss to Wash U. In fact, prior to the Wash U game, the lowest points total Carnegie had accumulated, in a win or a loss, was 23.
Chicago’s defense will need to bear down early on Saturday. Surrendering a quick lead to the Tartans could put the Maroons in a hole too deep to dig their way out of.
The offense will need to emerge strong right out of the gate as well.
“I’m really hoping our offense will showcase our talents,” Cortina said. “We have a lot of potential, and I’m looking forward to making it all work.”
After Carnegie, the Maroons return home for a showdown with the Bears.
“[I’m] looking forward to heading to Pittsburgh. It’s always fun traveling with the team,” Cortina said of the team’s vibe during away games.
The South Siders will be hoping that the “fun” translates into a positive attitude and a win in Pittsburgh. Otherwise, those league title hopes will have to wait another year.
Kickoff in Pittsburgh is set for noon (EST) on Saturday.
