Estes Out
The Providence Journal is reporting the Brown Head Coach Phil Estes is leaving the program.
This is not a complete shocker, but Estes still is the most successful coach in Brown history by far. I often wanted Columbia to hire him away from Brown to see if he could work some magic here.
I hope someone out there gives Estes another chance... in fact, he would make a great assistant/consultant for our Head Coach Al Bagnoli right now.
Bagnoli Watch
In four years as Columbia's head coach, Bagnoli is now 19-21. He's reached 19 wins 33 games faster than Ray Tellier. He will not likely be voted Ivy coach of the year as he was in 2017, but considering the injuries that devastated this team he truly deserves it. It's hard to believe any other Ivy team this year could go 6-4 without its top three QB's, top three RB's. top LB, and top all-around player, (in Columbia's case that was WR Josh Wainwright).
Top 10
Longtime readers of this blog know I keep a running list, at least in my head, of the best Columbia games of each decade. With one season left before we finish the super-eventful 2010-2019 decade in Lions history, Saturday's win over Cornell may have cracked the top 3. I still put the win over Penn last year as #1 and the victory at Princeton also last year at #2.
Here's hoping 2019 will bring us lots more contenders for the top 10.
Next Year
For those of you wondering about next year, the Lions begin it on September 21 at St. Francis. The other non-conference games will both be at home, versus Georgetown in week two and CCSU in week four.
Monday, November 19, 2018
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Magic Mike
Columbia 24 Cornell 21
Why Columbia Won
Columbia's backup, freshman kick returner Mike Roussos scored on a highly improbable 87-yard squib kickoff return for a TD with 45 seconds left to stun the Big Red. Roussos also had a 91-yard punt return for a TD earlier in the contest as the Lion special teams once again made the biggest difference in the game.
Why Cornell Lost
The Big Red couldn't cash in on enough scoring opportunities, despite out-gaining Columbia by 225 total yards. Cornell also had a disastrous day on special teams allowing two long TD returns and failing on two field goal attempts, the second from about extra point distance.
Key Turning Points
-With Columbia leading 10-0 and 13:57 left in the 2nd quarter, Lion RB Ryan Young pounded out a 33-yard run for an apparent 1st and goal at the Big Red 5 yard line. But the play was called back on a questionable illegal formation penalty and three plays later, QB Ty Lenhart threw the first of his two interceptions to give Cornell the ball back at the Columbia 49. The Lion offense wouldn't get back into a groove until the 4th quarter.
-With Columbia leading 10-7, Lenhart threw his second pick of the game to set the Big Red up again at the Lion 49. Four plays later, RB Harold Coles sprinted 31 yards untouched into the end zone for the first Cornell lead of the game at 14-10.
-On the ensuing Columbia possession, the Lions faced a 3rd and 14 at their 21 when Lenhart threw a pass to WR Kaleb Pitts, who was triple covered. But Pitts somehow came up with the ball for an improbable 25 yard gain. Lenhart would complete two more passes to convert two more 3rd and long plays during the drive before WR/QB Kyle Castner gave Columbia the lead back with a two yard TD run with 6:46 left in the game.
-Facing a 1st and 10 at the Big Red 22 with 2:50 to go, Cornell QB Dalton Banks completed his best play of the game by finding WR Owen Peters open in the middle of the field for a 48-yard completion. It took seven more plays for the Big Red to score, but Banks did grind it into the Lion end zone for a 21-17 lead with 58 seconds to go.
-On the ensuing kickoff, Cornell opted to go with a squib kick, even though kicker Zach Mays had previously booted the ball out of that same end zone for a harmless touchback earlier in the game. Roussos picked the kick up off the ground and somehow wove his way through traffic directly in the middle of the field for a miraculous TD.
Columbia Positives
-Once again, the Lion special teams stepped up to make the difference. In addition to the two incredible Roussos returns, kicker Chris Alleyne had another perfect day with a field goal and three PATs, and punter Drew Schmid had a number of excellent boots, averaging over 41-yards for the day and putting two kicks inside the 20. It was also Alleyne who made a huge tackle to stop Cornell's final kickoff return which otherwise may have ended with the Big Red in field goal range.
-Columbia got three sacks against a Cornell O-line that was one of the best in the league.
Columbia Negatives
-Lenhart has a lot of raw talent, and he was brilliant in Columbia's 75-yard scoring drive in the 4th quarter, but Cornell could have easily added to the two interceptions it snagged in the game.
-Columbia's pass defense was stellar all game long, until that 48-yard completion with 2:50 left. It was a rough time to finally give Banks an open man deep down the middle of the field.
-Lion play calling was a bit mystifying at times. While not spectacular, Columbia was having consistent success running the ball right up the middle. That made the occasional plays where Lion RB's were sent on sweeps and sideways runs seem strange when they consistently failed. Also, Lenhart's passes were almost all to the more dangerous middle of the field when he had a successful screen to Castner early in the game.
Columbia MVP
Obviously, this goes to Mike Roussos, who pulled off what was the most miraculous Lion win I've seen in all my 30-plus years of following this team every week. Yes, Columbia has come back from bigger deficits and against better teams. But the odds against this win with 58 seconds to go were massive. Just for context in our new sports analytics world, Cornell was 95% likely to win the game according to the ESPN/538.com meter after the Big Red scored its final TD. So returning a squib kickoff to win was likely the most improbable Lion victory scenario in team history.
Why Columbia Won
Columbia's backup, freshman kick returner Mike Roussos scored on a highly improbable 87-yard squib kickoff return for a TD with 45 seconds left to stun the Big Red. Roussos also had a 91-yard punt return for a TD earlier in the contest as the Lion special teams once again made the biggest difference in the game.
Why Cornell Lost
The Big Red couldn't cash in on enough scoring opportunities, despite out-gaining Columbia by 225 total yards. Cornell also had a disastrous day on special teams allowing two long TD returns and failing on two field goal attempts, the second from about extra point distance.
Key Turning Points
-With Columbia leading 10-0 and 13:57 left in the 2nd quarter, Lion RB Ryan Young pounded out a 33-yard run for an apparent 1st and goal at the Big Red 5 yard line. But the play was called back on a questionable illegal formation penalty and three plays later, QB Ty Lenhart threw the first of his two interceptions to give Cornell the ball back at the Columbia 49. The Lion offense wouldn't get back into a groove until the 4th quarter.
-With Columbia leading 10-7, Lenhart threw his second pick of the game to set the Big Red up again at the Lion 49. Four plays later, RB Harold Coles sprinted 31 yards untouched into the end zone for the first Cornell lead of the game at 14-10.
-On the ensuing Columbia possession, the Lions faced a 3rd and 14 at their 21 when Lenhart threw a pass to WR Kaleb Pitts, who was triple covered. But Pitts somehow came up with the ball for an improbable 25 yard gain. Lenhart would complete two more passes to convert two more 3rd and long plays during the drive before WR/QB Kyle Castner gave Columbia the lead back with a two yard TD run with 6:46 left in the game.
-Facing a 1st and 10 at the Big Red 22 with 2:50 to go, Cornell QB Dalton Banks completed his best play of the game by finding WR Owen Peters open in the middle of the field for a 48-yard completion. It took seven more plays for the Big Red to score, but Banks did grind it into the Lion end zone for a 21-17 lead with 58 seconds to go.
-On the ensuing kickoff, Cornell opted to go with a squib kick, even though kicker Zach Mays had previously booted the ball out of that same end zone for a harmless touchback earlier in the game. Roussos picked the kick up off the ground and somehow wove his way through traffic directly in the middle of the field for a miraculous TD.
Columbia Positives
-Once again, the Lion special teams stepped up to make the difference. In addition to the two incredible Roussos returns, kicker Chris Alleyne had another perfect day with a field goal and three PATs, and punter Drew Schmid had a number of excellent boots, averaging over 41-yards for the day and putting two kicks inside the 20. It was also Alleyne who made a huge tackle to stop Cornell's final kickoff return which otherwise may have ended with the Big Red in field goal range.
-Columbia got three sacks against a Cornell O-line that was one of the best in the league.
Columbia Negatives
-Lenhart has a lot of raw talent, and he was brilliant in Columbia's 75-yard scoring drive in the 4th quarter, but Cornell could have easily added to the two interceptions it snagged in the game.
-Columbia's pass defense was stellar all game long, until that 48-yard completion with 2:50 left. It was a rough time to finally give Banks an open man deep down the middle of the field.
-Lion play calling was a bit mystifying at times. While not spectacular, Columbia was having consistent success running the ball right up the middle. That made the occasional plays where Lion RB's were sent on sweeps and sideways runs seem strange when they consistently failed. Also, Lenhart's passes were almost all to the more dangerous middle of the field when he had a successful screen to Castner early in the game.
Columbia MVP
Obviously, this goes to Mike Roussos, who pulled off what was the most miraculous Lion win I've seen in all my 30-plus years of following this team every week. Yes, Columbia has come back from bigger deficits and against better teams. But the odds against this win with 58 seconds to go were massive. Just for context in our new sports analytics world, Cornell was 95% likely to win the game according to the ESPN/538.com meter after the Big Red scored its final TD. So returning a squib kickoff to win was likely the most improbable Lion victory scenario in team history.
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Last Test
The Lions hoist the Empire State Bowl trophy in 2012
Cornell Big Red (3-6) at Columbia Lions (5-4)
November 17, 2018
Kickoff Time: 1:00pm
Robert Kraft Field at Wien Stadium
Game Time Weather Forecast: 46 degrees and partly sunny
The Line: Columbia is favored by 5 points
TV/Radio: The game will be broadcast live on the SNY Network, ESPN+, with an audio feed available on GoColumbiaLions.com.
Columbia Game Notes
Cornell Game Notes
Leading Story Lines
1) Columbia and Cornell meet in the season finale for the first time since 1904, thanks to a reshuffling of the Ivy schedule that began this year. This is the 106th meeting between the teams, who began their rivalry in the 1880s and have played each other every year since 1920. Ending the season against the Big Red adds a bit more drama to the Empire State Bowl, as the game was officially named in 2010.
2) Columbia is going for its first back-to-back winning seasons since 1961-62. Achieving a 6-4 record with a win today would be a strong team statement after losing its top three QB's, best WR, best LB, and many more to injuries this season. Cornell is looking to leap the Lions in the Ivy standings with its third Ivy win of the season.
3) This is the final game for some remarkable players. For Columbia, DB and two-time captain Landon Baty will be in the spotlight. For the Big Red, talented QB Dalton Banks will go under center for the last time.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Week 10 Picks
I went 5-1 straight up and 4-2 against the spread last week to bring my current totals to 48-14 SU and 34-27-1 ATS)
CCSU +1 vs. Duquesne
CCSU will win.
Marist +12 vs. San Diego
I'd pick Marist to win if the weather were colder, but I just think they'll cover in 45 degree and sunny conditions.
Harvard -4 1/2 vs. Yale
The Crimson are poised to win by about a TD.
Holy Cross -9 1/2 at Georgetown
The Crusaders finish strong
Penn +27 1/2 at Princeton
The Tigers will win, but not but 25-plus.
Dartmouth -34 1/2 vs. Brown
The Big Green will make a final week statement.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Crucial Finale
Yeah, this weekend's game is in NYC, but this program from the game at Cornell in 1965 is just too cool not to share
A big part of me doesn't want to write this post.
There's something about having to remind or inform fans about why a particular game or moment is potentially so important that feels like it's jinxing the process.
But the fact that Columbia needs to win Saturday to clinch a winning record Saturday is just too important to leave alone.
Let's start by putting this in perspective for program history.
The Lions have enjoyed just four winning seasons over the past 47 years. That's not a typo. It's just four: 1971, 1994, 1996, and 2017. By math alone, clinching a fifth winning season this coming weekend is almost a once-in-decade occurrence. You don't have to be a longtime Columbia fan to appreciate the enormity of that.
But a win on Saturday against Cornell would also clinch CU's first two consecutive winning seasons since 1961-62... 56 years ago.
Now let's look at what going 6-4 will mean for this group of players and coaches in particular.
Remember, we're talking about a team that's be so decimated by injury it's been forced to start four different QB's, play six different QB's, lost its 1st Team All Ivy wide receiver, lost it's 2nd best WR for a few games, is down to its fourth string running back, lost its top linebacker, lost its top cornerback, and played a significant amount of time without several other starters.
This is a team that even when healthy, was playing with a first time starter at QB, and without its top CB and DL lost to graduation.
This is a team that has already come from behind in three games to win.
Beating Cornell would not only achieve that historic winning season, but it would be a victory over a team that's generally played well most of the season. The Big Red can boast wins over Harvard and Brown, with very competitive losses to Dartmouth and Yale.
This game already got some extra meaning added to it when the league changed the schedule for this season to make the Columbia-Cornell in state Ivy contest the season finale from now on. The fact is, the Columbia-Cornell game over the past 30 years or so has been the most likely contest in the Ivies to be decided by one score or less. Granted, neither team has been very good over that period, (Cornell does have two shared Ivy titles since 1988), but the games have been exciting and have achieved rivalry status.
Cornell always does a pretty good job of turning out big numbers of their fans on visitor side thanks to a marching band parade they do in Midtown Manhattan the evening after the game ends. So, the game usually has more of a throwback feel to way things used to on Ivy football Saturdays.
On the Columbia side, this is a chance to honor a bunch of seniors who truly bridged the journey from a Lion team that lost 24 in a row to one that is on the verge of back-to-back winning seasons.
This is a big one in Lion Land.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Off the Mat
Columbia 42 Brown 20
Why Columbia Won
The Lions shook off three big-play Brown TDs in the first half and used a dominant 2nd half to pull away from the host Bears. Senior WR Kyle Castner had a career day playing several snaps as a wildcat QB in addition to his receiving duties. The Columbia defense registered a team record 10 sacks.
Why Brown Lost
The Bears had just six 1st downs on offense, and allowed 515 yards on defense. Other than three big plays for scores in the 1st half, Brown had no answers on either side of the ball.
Key Turning Points
-After Brown scored on a long pass to take a 14-0 lead with 1:37 left in the 1st quarter, Columbia came right back with a Ty Lenhart to Ronald Smith pass that went for 48 yards and set the Lions up at the Bear 27. Six plays later, Castner found TE Rory Schlageter with a two yard TD pass and the Lions were finally in the game.
-Leading 20-14 at the start of the 2nd half, Brown got the ball first in the 3rd quarter, got one 1st down, but then had to punt after an Ogonna Oraedu sack pinned them back at their own 26. The ensuing punt went just 27 yards to the CU 47, and five plays later the Lions scored on a Castner two-yard run to take the lead for good.
Columbia Positives
-Castner had shown a good ability to excel at the wildcat role on a few given plays this year, but he was even better doing the double duty throughout this game.
-The freshman QB Lenhart had a fantastic game in his second start, completing 28 of 42 passes for 298 yards and only throwing one near interception. Lenhart could well be developing into a high quality passer.
-The Lion pass rush was stifling in the 2nd half, led by DL Daniel DeLorenzi's 2.5 sacks. DeLorenzi now holds the CU record for sacks in a single season with one more game to play.
-WR Ronald Smith finally looked 100% healthy for the first time since perhaps week two. His 112 yards receiving on nine catches made Columbia's offense much harder to defend.
-While only averaging 3.6 yards a carry, RB Ryan Young still had a standout game and showed a great ability to shed tacklers.
Columbia Negatives
-The big plays allowed in the 1st half clearly had Head Coach Al Bagnoli infuriated, as it looked like the Lions were repeating all the same mistakes they made against Harvard.
Columbia MVP
-Kyle Castner is the easy choice here as his performance yesterday was one of the great individual efforts in Columbia history.
Why Columbia Won
The Lions shook off three big-play Brown TDs in the first half and used a dominant 2nd half to pull away from the host Bears. Senior WR Kyle Castner had a career day playing several snaps as a wildcat QB in addition to his receiving duties. The Columbia defense registered a team record 10 sacks.
Why Brown Lost
The Bears had just six 1st downs on offense, and allowed 515 yards on defense. Other than three big plays for scores in the 1st half, Brown had no answers on either side of the ball.
Key Turning Points
-After Brown scored on a long pass to take a 14-0 lead with 1:37 left in the 1st quarter, Columbia came right back with a Ty Lenhart to Ronald Smith pass that went for 48 yards and set the Lions up at the Bear 27. Six plays later, Castner found TE Rory Schlageter with a two yard TD pass and the Lions were finally in the game.
-Leading 20-14 at the start of the 2nd half, Brown got the ball first in the 3rd quarter, got one 1st down, but then had to punt after an Ogonna Oraedu sack pinned them back at their own 26. The ensuing punt went just 27 yards to the CU 47, and five plays later the Lions scored on a Castner two-yard run to take the lead for good.
Columbia Positives
-Castner had shown a good ability to excel at the wildcat role on a few given plays this year, but he was even better doing the double duty throughout this game.
-The freshman QB Lenhart had a fantastic game in his second start, completing 28 of 42 passes for 298 yards and only throwing one near interception. Lenhart could well be developing into a high quality passer.
-The Lion pass rush was stifling in the 2nd half, led by DL Daniel DeLorenzi's 2.5 sacks. DeLorenzi now holds the CU record for sacks in a single season with one more game to play.
-WR Ronald Smith finally looked 100% healthy for the first time since perhaps week two. His 112 yards receiving on nine catches made Columbia's offense much harder to defend.
-While only averaging 3.6 yards a carry, RB Ryan Young still had a standout game and showed a great ability to shed tacklers.
Columbia Negatives
-The big plays allowed in the 1st half clearly had Head Coach Al Bagnoli infuriated, as it looked like the Lions were repeating all the same mistakes they made against Harvard.
Columbia MVP
-Kyle Castner is the easy choice here as his performance yesterday was one of the great individual efforts in Columbia history.
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Last Rhode
Columbia Lions (4-4) at Brown Bears (1-7)
November 10, 2018
Kickoff Time: 12:00pm
Brown Stadium
Game Time Weather Forecast: 48 degrees, 30% chance of rain
The Spread: Columbia is favored by 10 points
TV/Radio: The game is on ESPN+ and free audio on the Columbia website.
The Game Last Year: Columbia 24 Brown 6
Columbia Game Notes
Brown Game Notes
Leading Story Lines
1) This is Brown's last realistic chance to win a league game and you have to expect the Bears to put their best effort forward. This is also their final home game and senior day.
2) Columbia still has a chance to post a winning season despite the unusual amount of injuries that have plagued the team. But it's hard to know just where the Lions' strengths and weaknesses truly are with all the backups starting. One problem that is clear is pass defense, which has to have Brown's generally effective passing offense feeling hopeful.
3) Dissent is growing among the Brown faithful as the Bears have now posted five disappointing seasons in a row. If Brown loses today, look for serious calls for Head Coach Phil Estes to step down.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Week 9 Picks
(I went 3-1 straight up and 1-3 against the spread. My season totals now are 43-13 straight up and 30-25-1 ATS)
CCSU -6 at St. Francis
CCSU is due for a road win.
Georgetown -9 vs. Bucknell
The Hoyas are pretty good at home.
Princeton -14 1/2 at Yale
The Tigers will get back to pounding opponents this weekend.
Harvard -3 1/2 at Penn
The Crimson are finishing strong, but this will still be a close game.
Dartmouth -20 1/2 at Cornell
The Big Green are still laser focused.
Marist +14 at Drake
The Red Foxes continue to improve.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Ivy Power Rankings
1) Princeton
The Tigers gutted out a tough defensive battle and won the game of the year. Do they win the game if it were played in Hanover? Maybe not. But "maybe" doesn't count.
2) Dartmouth
The Big Green proved they are one of the best teams in recent Ivy history, but they just didn't have enough to beat Princeton
3) Harvard
The Crimson have now played three impressive games in a row and seem to have found a solid QB. But the chasm between them and Princeton and Dartmouth is wide,
4) Yale
The Elis might have found a new QB, but beating Brown does not tell us much.
5) Penn
Penn keeps finding a way to win games they should win.
6) Columbia
The Lions will creep back up to the middle of the pack after they get to play Brown and Cornell.
7) Cornell
The Big Red laid a real egg at home vs. Penn.
8) Brown
The Bears last shot to win an Ivy game is this weekend vs. Columbia.
Crimson Fried
Harvard 52 Columbia 18
Why Harvard Won
The Crimson attacked the Columbia secondary with a series of bold strikes down the field that led to early touchdowns. The Harvard defense gave up chunks of yards most of the day, but generally kept the Lions out of the end zone and off the scoreboard.
Why Columbia Lost
The Lion defense was unprepared for the Crimson passing game, and could not overcome a series of turnovers in key moments. In his first career start, freshman QB Ty Lenhart was able to move the offense, but couldn't convert enough scoring opportunities.
Key Turning Points
-On the first play from scrimmage from their own eight yard line, Crimson QB Tom Stewart hit WR Jack Cook in stride for a stunning 92-yard TD.
-With the score 21-12 Harvard late in the 2nd half, Columbia had two opportunities to make the score closer before the half. But Lenhart was intercepted to end both Lion possessions and Harvard added another late TD off the second pick to seal the win.
Columbia Positives
-The Lions ran the ball relatively well and Lenhart also got into a groove passing the ball at times. WR Emerson Kabus was the best skill player on the day with five receptions for 103 yards.
-Mike Roussos did an excellent job on several returns.
Columbia Negatives
-The turnovers killed what could have been a competitive game and ultimately doomed the Lions even more than the three long passes that burned the secondary.
-That said, the secondary is starting to look like a serious liability. Injuries are certainly contributing to that, but it can't all be blamed on injuries.
Columbia MVP
-Kabus stood out and showed he can be a good weapon as a "run after the catch" receiver.
Why Harvard Won
The Crimson attacked the Columbia secondary with a series of bold strikes down the field that led to early touchdowns. The Harvard defense gave up chunks of yards most of the day, but generally kept the Lions out of the end zone and off the scoreboard.
Why Columbia Lost
The Lion defense was unprepared for the Crimson passing game, and could not overcome a series of turnovers in key moments. In his first career start, freshman QB Ty Lenhart was able to move the offense, but couldn't convert enough scoring opportunities.
Key Turning Points
-On the first play from scrimmage from their own eight yard line, Crimson QB Tom Stewart hit WR Jack Cook in stride for a stunning 92-yard TD.
-With the score 21-12 Harvard late in the 2nd half, Columbia had two opportunities to make the score closer before the half. But Lenhart was intercepted to end both Lion possessions and Harvard added another late TD off the second pick to seal the win.
Columbia Positives
-The Lions ran the ball relatively well and Lenhart also got into a groove passing the ball at times. WR Emerson Kabus was the best skill player on the day with five receptions for 103 yards.
-Mike Roussos did an excellent job on several returns.
Columbia Negatives
-The turnovers killed what could have been a competitive game and ultimately doomed the Lions even more than the three long passes that burned the secondary.
-That said, the secondary is starting to look like a serious liability. Injuries are certainly contributing to that, but it can't all be blamed on injuries.
Columbia MVP
-Kabus stood out and showed he can be a good weapon as a "run after the catch" receiver.
Friday, November 2, 2018
Crimson Ride
Columbia Lions (4-3) at Harvard Crimson (3-4)
November 3, 2018
Kickoff Time: 12:00pm
Harvard Stadium
Game Time Weather Forecast: 63 degrees, windy, 30% chance of rain
The Line: Harvard is favored by 10 points
TV/Radio: You can watch live on ESPN+ and hear the audio for free on GoColumbiaLions.com
The Game Last Year: Harvard 21 Columbia 14
Columbia Game Notes
Harvard Game Notes
Leading Story Lines
1) Harvard seems much improved after playing the two best teams in the Ivies close on back-to-back weekends. The Crimson seem poised for a win, especially now that their QB situation finally seems settled with Tom Stewart at the helm. Columbia is still a walking orthopedic and neurology ward with more injuries to deal with week after week. But at least the team is on an emotional high after surprising Yale at home last Saturday.
2) Columbia Head Coach Al Bagnoli has defeated every other Ivy team since switching over to Columbia in 2015... except Harvard. Similarly, the current Lion seniors have defeated every other Ivy team but Harvard in their careers. Columbia hasn't beaten the Crimson since 2003 and hasn't defeated Harvard at Harvard Stadium since 1995.
3) Columbia freshman Ty Lenhart will get the start at QB after an impressive three quarters two weeks ago against Dartmouth before he went down with a concussion. Lenhart is known as a good runner, but he went 12-14 passing against the Big Green and completed an impressive long bomb to WR Kaleb Pitts before going down. On defense, the Lions will be tasked with shutting down explosive RB Aaron Shampklin and the running of the QB Stewart.
November 3, 2018
Kickoff Time: 12:00pm
Harvard Stadium
Game Time Weather Forecast: 63 degrees, windy, 30% chance of rain
The Line: Harvard is favored by 10 points
TV/Radio: You can watch live on ESPN+ and hear the audio for free on GoColumbiaLions.com
The Game Last Year: Harvard 21 Columbia 14
Columbia Game Notes
Harvard Game Notes
Leading Story Lines
1) Harvard seems much improved after playing the two best teams in the Ivies close on back-to-back weekends. The Crimson seem poised for a win, especially now that their QB situation finally seems settled with Tom Stewart at the helm. Columbia is still a walking orthopedic and neurology ward with more injuries to deal with week after week. But at least the team is on an emotional high after surprising Yale at home last Saturday.
2) Columbia Head Coach Al Bagnoli has defeated every other Ivy team since switching over to Columbia in 2015... except Harvard. Similarly, the current Lion seniors have defeated every other Ivy team but Harvard in their careers. Columbia hasn't beaten the Crimson since 2003 and hasn't defeated Harvard at Harvard Stadium since 1995.
3) Columbia freshman Ty Lenhart will get the start at QB after an impressive three quarters two weeks ago against Dartmouth before he went down with a concussion. Lenhart is known as a good runner, but he went 12-14 passing against the Big Green and completed an impressive long bomb to WR Kaleb Pitts before going down. On defense, the Lions will be tasked with shutting down explosive RB Aaron Shampklin and the running of the QB Stewart.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Week 8 Picks
(I went 5-1 straight up and 4-2 against the spread last week putting my totals to 40-12 SU and 29-22-1 ATS)
Cornell +1 1/2 vs. Penn
The game comes down to home field advantage. I think the Big Red will win ugly.
Marist -11 1/2 vs. Valparaiso
Marist is turning it around.
Dartmouth +7 at Princeton
I think the Tigers will win it by 4.
Brown +24 at Yale
The muck at the Bowl will keep the score down and the Elis will win by 20, but not 24.
Ivy Power Rankings
1) Princeton
The Tigers reclaim the top spot with a simply stunning 66-0 win in terrible conditions over Cornell. The fact that this weekend's game of the century is also at Princeton Stadium speaks well for Old Nassau.
2) Dartmouth
Should Big Green fans be concerned that Dartmouth's last two wins weren't as impressive as their first five? I don't think it's any reason for panic, but it does make one wonder if Princeton is peaking while the Big Green is coming a little closer back to earth.
3) Penn
Picking the #3 team in the Ivies right now feels like a fool's errand. But let's go with Penn simply because of their record and the fact that the Quakers aren't so completely gutted by injuries.
4) Harvard
The Crimson have put together two good games in a row, considering the competition.
5) Yale
The Elis offense wasn't all that bad last week without Rawlings. And they will bounce back big against Brown Saturday.
6) Columbia
It's a team game and the Lions are playing like a team that can overcome anything. They certainly don't win every game, but they seem to fight harder with a lot less. If Columbia can somehow beat Harvard Saturday, they can make a claim to the #3 spot.
7) Cornell
The Big Red was badly exposed on Saturday at Princeton. A loss to Penn this weekend will erase a lot of what Cornell accomplished in its win over Harvard.
8) Brown
The Bears still show no real signs of life.
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