New-York tribune., 1909-10-18

The coaches at Pennsylvania appear to he I'M
decided as TO the best place TO use Captain Miller.
who carved his name in the football hall of fame
in such brilliant fashion in the Cornell game last
fall, when he took Keinath's place at quarterback
His work impressed so favoraby that
casion that gave him place my all-America
team, and. I said week ago. ii strikes me that
he belongs in the position he filled so well, when
ever the opportunity presented, last season.
have been told that Thsyer is playing a strong
game at quarterback, and for that reason the
coaches feel that Miller will be Of more service
OF the ends 10 bolster up weak spot, but
If this is the case II Is hard 10 understand why he
should be used at end in the scrimmage on Mon
day and at halfback in the practice on Tuesday
and the game Saturday Miller has had some
experience end rush; in fact, he earned his
p in that position in 1901. Further than that he
was candidate for the same position last year,
until the coaches felt the need CT capable sub
stitute for Keinath who was injured in one of the
early games Miller is natural FOOTBALL player,
and is bound 10 shine in almost any position IL he
devotes his full time and attention TO it, II is
just possible, however, that he may lose his full
effectiveness II he is constantly changed about
from quarterback TO end 10 halfback. II Thayer
is up the standard then Miller. no doubt, will
be Of more service the end Of the line, as
good man is badly needed there 10 I'LL the shoes of
Scarlet, of the best ends of recent years, or
at halfbaek. where his ability as open field
runner Will count
Cornell has set an example in the football prac-
dce this year which might he followed 10 good
advantage at the other leading colleges and uni
veTsities. The coaches at Ithaca have decided 10
hold regular game on Wednesday Of each week
between the hrst and second elevens. with set
playing time and officials. This is done not only
break UP the dulness of the usual practice
scrimmage for the players by providing real con-
test. but to arouse added interest In the team
among the undergraduates and give them chance
10 judge for themselves 20 the development of
the eleven from week 10 week. The scrub at most
nf er0a sFEF FFTTafo L. aaa
rule. 10 give the varsity hard struggle than
some Of the minor college elevenE, with which
regular games scheduled. The practice Is open
the undergraduates each cay, except for such
time the coaches believe that secret drill is
necessary, but there is vast difference between
a practice scrimmage. in which one team or the
other may have the ball for unlimited number
OF OF downs for the ne sake OF emphasizing some par
lar practice game, In which the element OF real
coaches have made wise a' move The Under
graduates, who do not play but are expected to
cheering and are blamed If they do not respond
readily, are deserving of some consideration.
II is not always fair just criticse fullback
for a failure to get his punts off quickly, too
much ceerty in this respect ofentimes defeats the
purpose OF the play by giving the opposing backs
chance TO run the ball back before the ends can
/ the kick A fullback, make his punts
thoroughly effective, must take enough time TO
give his eLds chance 10 get well started down the
field and himself 10 place the ball with some degree
Of precision To accomplish this the forwards must
/ ne properlv-eoached TO block of their opponents
I and the punter must be further protected i'm the
secondary line. Quick, haphaZard punting is not
only dangerous, but indicates that the player and
the coaches employing this method have failed 10
realize the importance Of what may be a strong
offensive play and not necessarily defensive one
Those who the Carlisle Indians play last year
and heard them talk and shout in the heat of con-
hict must feel amused al the charge OF undue
rouehness and bad language made b. the team
against the Pennsylvania state players in the game
Of 0cfober e Perhaps the Indians have turned over
= new leaf and II is hoped that this may be the
case HERBERT.