Princeton had to come from behind to win a 35-33 heartstopper against Louisburg in the second round of the 2A East playoffs last week. The reward? A road date with one fewer day to prepare for an unbeaten team that’s playing on normal rest (the Eagles won last Thursday against Holmes).

If that were the only obstacles, that would be one thing. But as you might hear at a game show, “but wait, there’s more.”

The Eagles are dynamic offensively, with Trevaris Jones at quarterback (2,676 passing yards, 62.4 percent completions, 34 TD) and running back Tyselle Spencer (2,021 rushing yards, 15,7 YPC and 28 TD). With stats like that, it’s not hard to see why Northeastern averages 51.6 points per night.

Of course, Princeton has its own impressive offensive stats in the person of Austin Lewallen. The sophomore running back is 18th in the nation with 2,486 rushing yards to go with his 27 touchdowns.

It’s an impressive offense, but it isn’t one that comes with a plan B. The Bulldogs’ route to victory will be ground and pound — and a concerted effort to bleed clock and keep that potent Eagle offense off the field.

The Massey Ratings don’t love Princeton’s chances, making it an 19.5-point underdog. But, the Bulldogs have been off the Massey number — positively and negatively — all season long.

Perhaps they’ll find a way to beat the machine once again.