James had been anxiously awaiting the start of the 1874 season. It was going to be Ephraim's first full collegiate year, and although James didn't think he'd see much playing time, he was happy to see his oldest boy playing the game he loves at the next level.
As had become the standard, the local press had put out their preseason predictions for the 1874 season.
James was shocked, to say the least. The defending champions were getting no love. Yale in last place? Princeton not making the playoffs? There was a lot of games to be played, so he guessed that only time would tell.