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Princeton Tigers Single Wing Offense (1969) - Jack McCandless

Under the leadership of first-year head coach Jake McCandless, the Tigers clawed their way to a respectable 6-3 record, more importantly claiming the Ivy League co-championship alongside Dartmouth. This shared title marked a significant achievement for the program, especially considering a tough non-conference schedule that included losses to Rutgers and Colgate.

As head coach, McCandless instilled a new philosophy in the Tigers' game. He moved away from the traditional Princeton single-wing offense, which prioritized ground attacks with minimal passing, and embraced a more modern approach incorporating the forward pass and open formations. This new style, while slightly unorthodox for Princeton at the time, proved to be highly effective, adding flexibility and explosiveness to the Tigers' offense.

The 1969 Tigers were a team of balance. Their offense, averaging 27.6 points per game, leaned on a potent rushing attack led by fullback Bob Zawadzki (the grandson of the 1940 Tigers player of the same name!) and quarterback Ellis Moore. Moore also proved adept at finding open receivers like Bob Hollands and Jim Miller for key conversions and touchdowns.

Though they didn't sweep the competition, the 1969 Tigers delivered some memorable moments. Their decisive 42-0 victory over Pennsylvania showcased their offensive firepower, while their 51-20 thrashing of Harvard cemented their dominance within the Ivy League.

Beyond the wins and losses, the 1969 Tigers represented a transition point for Princeton football. Coach McCandless brought a fresh perspective to the program, emphasizing speed and a more open offensive style. This laid the groundwork for future Princeton teams to compete on a national level.

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