Real Test

Princeton Tigers (2-0) at Columbia Lions (2-0)

October 1, 2022

Kickoff Time: 1:00pm

Robert K. Kraft Field at Wien Stadium

Game Time Weather Forecast: 56 degrees and cloudy

The Line: Princeton is favored by 2 points

TV/Radio: The game is on the SNY network with Lance Medow doing play-by-play and Sal Licata as the analyst. You can also watch it on ESPN+.

Columbia Game Notes

Leading Story Lines

1) Defending co-champ Princeton and the promising Lions are both trying to prove they are for real after wins over soft non-conference teams. Both teams face the likelihood of not being taken seriously if they lose this game. 

2) The two best, or close to the best, wide receivers in the Ivies will be on display in this game with Princeton's Andre Iosivas and Columbia's Bryson Canty... or will they? The strong chance of rain before the game and likely during the game could hinder some of the passing opportunities. But judging by the way most Ivy games have been played in the rain in recent years, the chances are we'll still see a lot of aerial action. 

3) Both teams seem to have left a lot off the table in their first two games and will likely bring some new looks into this contest. Be ready for surprises. 

3 Columbia Players to Watch (other than Canty... see above)

-RB Ryan Young is not listed on the two-deep, but he will likely start. In rainy weather, Young has been superb in the past and this could be the best atmosphere for him.

-DE Justin Townsend could be the biggest beneficiary if Columbia blitzes effectively. So far this season, CU has held off on heavy QB pressures and blitz packages, presumably in hopes of not tipping off Princeton. The Tigers O-line has had some pass protection issues so far; giving up a total of seven sacks in the first two games. 

-DB Seth Parker will likely be the defender most tasked with trying to shut down Iosivas and some of the other talented Tiger wide receivers, like Dylan Classi. If Princeton avoids Parker, look for numerous balls thrown Bryan Bell-Anderson's way.

3 Princeton Players to Watch (other than Iosivas)

-QB Blake Stenstrom is a transfer from the University of Colorado who has shown fine talent so far, but the jury is still out. Columbia will need to pressure him. 

-LB Joseph Bonczek will lead Princeton's efforts to contain Ryan Young, and the rest of Columbia's multi-faceted running attack. 

-TE Carson Bobo is a huge target in the passing game and a great blocker with a chip on his shoulder after not being offered by any other Ivy team. If Stenstrom is effectively rushed, Bobo will still likely be available as an emergency option through the air or on screen passes.

Week 3 Picks

I went 4-2 straight up last week and  2-4 against the spread, bringing my season totals to 10-5 straight up (.666 winning percentage) and 7-8 ATS (.466)

Dartmouth -11 1/2 over Penn

I'm just not sold on the idea that Penn is all that much better than last year. So I like the Big Green to win and cover. 

Howard +24 at Yale

The Elis will win by 17 points or so.

Cornell +2 1/2 at Colgate

I like the Big Red to win this one.

Holy Cross -2 1/2 at Harvard

The Crimson have been living a bit of a charmed life so far. The Crusaders will be primed to end that and cover.

Brown +14 1/2 at Rhode Island

The Bears will make this close and cover, but lose.

Georgetown +25 at Fordham

Georgetown will stay within 20 points or so, but still lose. 

Wagner + 54 1/2 at Syracuse

The Orangemen will probably win by something like 48 points. 

St. Thomas -6 at Marist

Marist got a win last week, but this will be a tougher game and they will not cover. 

The Fan's Guide to Game Day at Columbia: 2022

 

.Remember this train!

The football home opener is THIS SATURDAY AT 1PM!

Time to start planning NOW!

I am here to help.

Every year, I publish my guide to getting to the Columbia home games at Kraft Field at Wien Stadium at the Baker Athletic Complex.

Every year, the top tip is the same: if you are coming to the game from Manhattan, TAKE THE SUBWAY!

If you are still dead set on driving...

Getting around New York City, and Manhattan in particular, is all about your state of mind. If you're an overly aggressive or too passive driver, you will either drop dead of a tension-induced stroke or become the victim of a panic attack, respectively. The city is fraught with double-parkers, Kamikaze cabs with no regard for life and limb, and people who routinely make right turns from the left lane.

But fear not! The road to the Baker Athletics Complex is filled with special advantages and other options that can make the whole experience livable, decent, and even fun.

The key to avoiding disappointment, dyspepsia, and dismemberment is to LEAVE YOURSELF A LOT OF TIME.

Other than the Homecoming game which starts at 1:30 this year, the Columbia home games will begin at 1pm this season. Hopefully, last years COVID restrictions will be lifted and the usual pre-game activities will be back in the work. That could mean free beer and soda and even free hot dogs! 

Inwood or Morningside:  Make Your Choice Now

Before we talk about getting to the actual game by car, ask yourself where you'd really like to keep your gas-guzzling SUV for the day. Do you want to park it up at the very tip of Manhattan, or do you want to keep it near the Columbia campus where you can spend a very pleasant late afternoon/evening before and after the game? This is not exactly a rhetorical question, as there ARE things to do and see not far from Wien Stadium... but it's not exactly a culinary hotbed, in fact it's quite residential, (in the Baker Field neighborhood of Inwood there are actually a few houses... detached houses in Manhattan!). There are new choices lately. And just over the Broadway Bridge north of the stadium there's a strip mall with an Applebee's and a Starbucks!

Parking

You can park very close to the stadium at many of the parking garages within 1-6 blocks of Baker. Most of them are on 10th Avenue between 205th and 215th Streets. I usually use the garage right at the corner of 10th Ave. and 215th.

If you want to try free parking on the streets, just be SUPER CAREFUL and read the signs to make sure you will not be ticketed and towed. (More on this below)

You can also park the car near the Columbia campus, which is only 100 blocks or so from Baker Field, There is still more to do, see, and definitely eat around there.





A path in Inwood Hill Park... yes, this IS Manhattan!

BUT definitely choose one game, and check out Inwood and its environs during the season. Parts of Inwood Hill Park are the only pieces of Manhattan that still look as they did in 1524 when the Dutch explorers arrived.

A few blocks South of Inwood is Washington Heights a very resurgent neighborhood with lots of interesting Latin restaurants and shops.

The Cloisters... an excellent "Marital Bargaining Unit" if I say so myself

One Washington Heights highlight about 30 blocks South from Baker Field is the lovely Cloisters. Most Columbia students get sick of the Cloisters after a few years, (some classes make you go there too many times), but it's a great place for the uninitiated. It's also not a bad date spot. So, if you have a wife or girlfriend who's none too pleased about being dragged to a football game, the Cloisters can be your olive branch. No need to thank me if your lady ends up thinking you're a romantic genius; like Billy Flynn, "All I Care about is Love."


But How Do We Get to Neverland?

The directions provided by the athletic department are very good. You can use them with confidence... but don't ignore the key section of those directions for people coming from Queens, Long Island, Eastern Brooklyn via the Belt Parkway, and that includes JFK Airport and La Guardia. If you are one of those people, I'm about to save you anywhere from 45 minutes to 7 hours by urging you to never, never, even if you're a Penn fan, NEVER take the Cross Bronx Expressway!


The Cross Bronx Expressway... dear Lord, why us?

The Cross Bronx Expressway was designed by Robert Moses a brilliant but evil man whose disdain for ordinary people was well documented by Robert Caro in The Power Broker. If you live in New York, drive in New York, or are thinking about driving in New York, you owe it to yourself to read this book. One great section details how the Cross Bronx Expressway was poorly designed from the outset, destroyed good middle class neighborhoods like East Tremont, and virtually guarantees traffic jams at the drop of a hat. And the kicker is, a lot of other urban planners in the 40's, 50's and 60's emulated this man and his designs. Robert Moses is a big reason why driving in America sucks.

So avoid the Cross Bronx, take the Grand Central Parkway to the Triboro Bridge, (now named the "RFK Bridge," presumably to honor the old home of the Redskins ;) ), follow the signs to MANHATTAN, (DON'T MAKE The Bonfire of the Vanities mistake), and THEN take the Harlem River Drive North. Take the HRD to the 10th Avenue/Dyckman Street exit. Do NOT take the ramp going up to the George Washington Bridge, stay in the far right lane. Take the HRD to the end and  make the first right at the first light that will take you onto 10th Avenue. If you stay straight, (you'll be driving under an elevated subway track). 10th Avenue runs parallel to Broadway and will take you straight up to 215th Street, 218th Street, or wherever you want to go in the Baker Complex vicinity.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Harlem River Drive is officially a parkway, so if you're driving a U-Haul or a big bus of people, you can't take it. Otherwise, you and your sedan, SUV, pickup truck, etc. can enjoy it. IF YOU'RE TAKING A CAB FROM THE QUEENS AIRPORTS... MAKE SURE YOU TELL THE CABBIE TO TAKE THE TRIBORO/RFK BRIDGE TO THE HARLEM RIVER DRIVE. DON'T LET THE DRIVER TAKE YOU INTO MIDTOWN MANHATTAN!!!

Parking: The Odyssey

Option 1: Donate to CU!

Now if you're going to park near Baker Field, your options are limited, but there ARE options. Your first option is to send a fat check to the athletic dept. and grab one of the sweet spots in the Baker Field complex itself reserved for generous donors. Seriously, I can think or worse ways to spend your money, and having a spot at Baker Field is like being a shareholder in Berkshire Hathaway during "Buffettstock, you get to enjoy your investment in a party atmosphere!

Option 2: Parking Garages Ahoy! 

They are all around the stadium now, especially on 10th Avenue. FYI: in the past, parking has cost fans about $15 for the whole game.

Option 3: Street Parking, or "The Hunt"

Of course, you can try being really sneaky and try to park for free on the residential streets around the area. This is really something for early-birds, as the spots fill up fast. In fact, there aren't a lot of spots to begin with because Inwood is really residential and the local folks like to keep their spots for the weekend. BUT, the eagle-eyed among you may be able to find a nice spot and enjoy knowing that you're a winner even before kickoff by saving a few bucks with a free spot. There are a couple of important pitfalls to avoid:

a) If you aren't really good at parallel parking, don't even think about parking on the streets of Inwood. The hilly terrain makes even seasoned parkers a little nervous, and all those scratched bumpers and fenders on the parked cars are proof of the "goofs" people make from time to time.

b) Inwood is not really a high-crime area, especially during the day, but you should never tempt fate. Lock your cars. DO NOT keep any packages or valuables in plain sight in your car, and you probably should leave them out of the trunk too if you can. This is especially true if you are driving a car with out-of-state plates.

c) Make sure to check the street signs to see if you're parking in a legal spot. Saturdays are usually immune from alternate side of the street parking rules, but not always. You cannot park within six feet, either way, of a fire hydrant, and you also need to give a lot of space for bus stops. You cannot block any driveways. And if there's a yellow stripe painted on the curb, you can't park there either. A good M.O. is to eye every open spot with EXTREME SUSPICION, the chances are more than likely that the spot is there because it's not a legal spot.

d) You may be hampered even further in your quest for free parking if the NYPD blocks 218th Street at Broadway which they often do on game days. To be safe, just find your way to Seaman Avenue, which runs parallel to Broadway on the WEST and start looking for spots there. You might consider printing out a Google Map of Inwood, NY to learn to navigate the local streets better. Remember to look out for one-way streets and the occasional street fair which often pops up and further kills parking opportunities on the weekends.

TIME OUT! WHY IS THIS SO HARD?

Manhattan is a great and unique place. One of the things that makes it so unique is that every inch of land is super-valuable and the chances of any institution setting aside lots of space for occasional parking is not likely or even sane. Most sensible people living in all parts of Manhattan do so without a car, regardless of their economic stature. A day or two driving around here will tell you why.

That's why we have the best, (but still too expensive), public transportation system in the world. And luckily, there are a number of more relaxing and reliable ways to get to Baker Field.

Public Transportation Option 1: From Columbia Campus

*NOTE: Masks are no longer required on all NYC public transportation at this time 

You can ditch your car at one of the many parking garages near the Columbia campus, or try to find free street parking, (it's not much easier than Inwood, but doable), and then take public transportation.

To get the subway somewhat direct to the stadium you can 1) catch the uptown #1 train at 116th Street all the way to 215th Street. Easy. 

Take the UPTOWN A train anywhere in Manhattan to 207th street and walk from there. 

I love taking the A train from start to finish.

Getting the A directly is a lot easier from Midtown Manhattan, where most hotels are located anyway. From the Columbia campus, you can also take the #1 DOWNTOWN to 59th and then get on the A train UPTOWN from there. It's not too terrible to do that actually.

If you're in Midtown Manhattan, I recommend taking the A at the 59th Street and Broadway station. It is a VERY short ride, (less than 20-25 minutes), from there. The A train runs on the far West side of Manhattan, through Brooklyn, past JFK airport, and all the way to a neighborhood where I did a lot of my growing up called Far Rockaway. The uptown or Manhattan bound A takes you to the 207th Street stop, which is the last stop. Exit at the 211th Street exit and then you can either walk the seven blocks along Broadway, (about 35% of a mile), to Baker Field or better yet, enter Isham Park on your left and enjoy a nicer trip that will take you to Seaman Avenue along the left side of the park and you will see Wien Stadium right in front of you at the end of the avenue. This is a more scenic walk and will give you a better idea of what Inwood is like.

To ride the NYC subway you will need a Metrocard or a smartphone that has a service like Apple Pay, etc.. Just tap your smartphone at the turnstile, or to buy a Metrocard, go to the ticket booth at the station or the automated Metrocard machines and buy a two-trip card. The machines take cash, credit and debit cards. 

When you get to the platform, again make sure that you are on the UPTOWN side awaiting the UPTOWN train.

FREE BUSES! (maybe)

If the subway isn't for you, for the last several years Columbia has been running free shuttle buses to and from Baker Field on game days. They usually run from the 116th Street and Broadway entrance, but ask the security guards at the gate to be sure. I'm not sure how long it takes for these buses to reach the stadium, but they will always be slower than the subway. (There is no faster way to get around Manhattan than the subway... none).

A number of NYC buses, (not free, you need a Metrocard or a smartphone that can make payments), run to the Baker Field area, but I really don't recommend using them. They are extremely slow, (what do you call it when you have sex on a NYC bus? "Joining the 3-mile-an-hour club"), and erratic on the weekends. BUT if there ever is a fire on the subway or something, it's good to know they're there.

The Marble Hill Station on Metro North

One of the most beautiful ways to get to a Columbia game is on the Metro North commuter railroad. Take the HUDSON RIVER LINE to the Marble Hill stop and simply walk over the footbridge to Baker Field. The views of the Hudson that you will get if you're coming from the North, (if you're looking to go this way from Grand Central Terminal or 125th Street, it's not a terrible idea. Just get a MetroNorth CityTicket from Grand Central or 125th St that is $5, very good deal.  Just be sure to select "CityTicket" on the app or at the ticket kiosk. WWW.MTA.info is the website to find the schedules for Saturdays from Grand Central to Marble Hill. Note the reliable 19-20 minute travel time and the many, many options you have for trains all the way through game time. If you are staying on the East Side of Manhattan, this is a GREAT option.

Cab Anyone?

You can always try to hail a yellow cab and tell the driver to take you to WEST 218th and Broadway, (don't say "Baker Field," there's a very good chance he won't know what you're talking about), and go that way. I expect the trip will cost about $18-$20 in cab fare not including tip... but it varies.

You can do Uber of course too. 

What if I'm coming from New Jersey, and I want to take Public Transportation?

New Jersey Transit trains take you to Penn Station where you can get the A or ! trains, or a cab. I'm not sure about the reliability of NJT trains or buses on weekends, but perhaps some of my readers would like to chime in about that in the comments section.

Isn't the Subway Dangerous?

Not really. It's dirtier than it should be, but in general it's fine. Basically, keep your wallets and valuables secure, try to ride with or near larger groups of people, and try not to telegraph the fact you're a tourist by pulling out a map every two seconds. It's okay to ask fellow riders directions; most New Yorkers like proving they know the City.

I'm Coming from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Airport. What should I do?

A cab from Newark directly to Baker Field is actually not that terribly expensive. But from the other major airports, I suggest you get into Manhattan via a cab and then take the subway, unless you have lots of bags which will make the whole day a pain. In that case, try to get to your hotel first, dump the bags and then follow the directions above.

What if I get Lost?

Go into almost any store you see and ask for help. Store owners can sometimes seem surly, but they'll probably help you. Cops on the street will be good too.

Can't I Just Come with You?

I'd love the company, but I don't think that will work. I am with you in spirit, I promise.

NOW LET'S EAT!

I now turn the podium back over to Inwood resident "Inwood Tiger", who knows the neighborhood really well and is a big Ivy football fan. Here are his comments for 2022:  

Long a landmark of the W218th St corner, Twin Donut finally sold for future redevelopment.   No more stale donuts, but we'll always have memories of that time they played a Dunkin on SNL.  This site will soon join many other sites around Inwood that are sprouting new buildings.

Here are some notable spots to eat between the A train at 207th and the stadium, listed in terms of proximity to Baker Field:

1. INWOOD FARM - Beloved coffee shop / restaurant / bar at 218th St and Indian Road.    Excellent coffee, food and craft beers, but people really go for the atmosphere.  Terrific live music and other programming. Outdoor seating.  Highly recommend.

2. PARK TERRACE DELI - The quintessential New York deli experience, on 218th St near Broadway.  They have everything you need and a great sandwich bar. 

3. FOOD UNIVERSE - Full supermarket located at Broadway north of 215th St in case you need snacks, drinks or prepared foods.

4. AMORES - cafe in the former Carrot Top space, Broadway and 214th.  Outdoor seating. 

5. MAMA TACO - Terrific Mexican restaurant, on Broadway at 214th St.  Outdoor seating.  Highly recommend.

6. LIFFY II - At Broadway and 213th, the sole survivor of Inwood's once-numerous Irish bars.  Take the kids and show them what old guys drinking in a dark New York bar used to look like.  Outdoor seating.

7. CHOC NYC - Much-heralded bakery/chocolate shop with tons of gourmet treats made on premises. Located on Broadway just south of 212th St.  Highly recommend.

8. SERRANO SALSA - Outstanding burritos in a tiny spot next to the exit from the A train on Broadway just north of Isham.  Outdoor seating.  Highly recommend.

9/10. GRANDPA'S BRICK OVEN & PIZZA HAVEN - Dueling pizza places on either side of Broadway near Isham Street.  Both are super for a NY slice before or after the game.  Grandpa's has outdoor seating.

11. INWOOD FARMER'S MARKET - One of the best greenmarkets in Manhattan, this runs every Saturday on Isham Street west of Broadway and is a scene.  Stop by before the game for pastries, cookies, real apple cider and other direct-from-the-farm goodies.  Highly recommend.

12. GARDEN CAFE - An Inwood standard for a local meal, especially on their back patio. On Broadway south of Isham St.  Outdoor seating.

13/14. DUNKIN' & BRUNNI COFFEE - Dueling coffee places on either side of Broadway north of 207th.  One is hipster, the other is... Dunkin'.  

15. YUMMY THAI - I can faithfully report that Inwood's only Thai outpost is in fact yummy.  On Broadway south of Isham St.  Outdoor seating.

16. DICHTER'S - On Broadway north of 207th.  The epicenter of all Inwood life, Manny runs a traditional pharmacy/general store complete with ice cream counter, bagels and sandwiches.  Terrific prices and friendly atmosphere.  Stop in and say hello.  

17. TUBBY HOOK - Perfect pub for pre- or post-game while checking out the scores.  On Broadway north of 207th.  Outdoor seating.  Highly recommend.

18/19. CAPITOL & G's - Two classic diners for a quick bite, near Broadway and 207th.  While you're in the area, you can get your hair cut the proper way at Ray's Barbershop, next to G's and now in its third generation.  They don't make places like these anymore.

20. CHICK-FIL-A - Opening later this fall, Chick-Fil-A has appeared on W225th St just north of the stadium over the Broadway Bridge in the Bronx.   Get your fix on 225th St, just east of Broadway.


Farther afield, there are more concentrations of restaurants along Dyckman Street and on Broadway just south of it.  At the west end of Dyckman Street, the Hudson NYC is also an excellent casual place with outstanding river views that will be open until the season ends in October.  Happy eating!

The Princeton Story

Bob Surace

When Princeton Head Coach Bob Surace took over the Tiger program in 2010, he really seemed out of his depth. 

His public speaking efforts were awkward, on top of the fact that Princeton was 1-9 in his first two seasons. 

Boy have things changed.

Since the 2012 breakout season for PU, Surace has pretty much led a championship contending team every year. 

I think Surace and his staff's best work has actually come over the last three years or so, as the Tigers have remained a top team despite the graduation of generational talent QB John Lovett after the 2018 season and the loss of offensive coordinator James Perry, now the head coach at Brown. 

Since those first two 1-9 seasons, Surace's W-L record at Princeton is 65-35 with four Ivy championships (with one solo title from the 10-0 undefeated 2018 season).

Surace has helped Princeton remain a lethal team on offense, but the defense has stepped up considerably. 

Columbia's last two meetings and losses to the Tigers have certainly been due to that defense, with the Lions mustering only 10 points in 2019 and just seven points in the game last year. 

In addition to the good recruiting and development that crafted those good defenses, the Princeton coaching staff made some smart play calling decisions that impacted the wins over CU.

Last year, the strategy that was most interesting was having then-starting QB Cole Smith run the ball an eye-opening 20 times when he hadn't really run with the ball at all in the first two games of the season. Columbia adjusted pretty well to Smith's runs after a while, but the damage in the early part of the game was done by the surprise move. 

The Lions haven't beaten Princeton since the dramatic 28-24 win in 2017, which was the most exciting win of a Columbia season filled with exciting victories en route to an 8-2 finish. That game was at Princeton, as were the last two meetings with the Tigers because of the 2020 COVID season cancellation. CU hasn't played the Tigers at Wien Stadium since 2018 and hasn't beaten Princeton at home since 2010. 

It's hard to get a read on how good Princeton is after two games against weak opponents, (same story as Columbia in many ways), but the Tigers were not as impressive in weeks one and two as they were last year. But that's not saying much, as Princeton outscored its first two 2021 opponents by a combined score of 95-0! 

We do know that the Tigers are once again featuring a brand new starting QB in a program that has seamlessly inserted new starting QBs for three seasons in a row now. The latest example is current starter Blake Stenstrom, who has thrown for an average 273 yards per game, holds a 71% completion percentage, and has three TD passes vs. two INTs. 

PU has arguably the best WR in the Ivies in Andrei Iosivas, who already has 13 catches, 199 yards receiving, and three TDs. I say "arguably" because he should continue to get a run for his money for that "top WR" title from CU's Bryson Canty, who only trails Iosivas by 14 receiving yards so far. 

But Princeton has two other receivers who have already broken the 100 yards receiving mark in Dylan Classi and Jo Jo Hawkins. Interestingly, only Iosivas has any TD grabs in 2022. 

The top rushers are doing okay despite limited carries. Freshman Ryan Butler from Bergen Catholic has 96 yards on 17 total carries and sophomore John Volker has 61 yards on 17 carries.  

The stats still seem to yield some questions about Princeton's offensive line. The Tigers are averaging just 3.2 yards a carry and they've allowed seven sacks so far this year. Unlike Cole Smith last year, Stenstrom has been running a lot in the first two games of this season. He has 17 net yards on 23 carries, the low yardage being the result of all those sacks. 

The big question is will the Tiger defense be up to 2019 and 2021 standards? So far, it looks darn good. 

Opponents are rushing for just 1.4 yards per carry. Overall they've managed just 25 1st downs against the PU defense as well. But passing has been easier against Princeton, with opponents completing about 64% of their passes, for 211 yards per game and a hefty 6.9 yards per attempt. 

The Tiger kicking game remains at the top of the league, with PK Jeffrey Sexton a perfect four for four on field goals (with a long of 46 yards) and an almost perfect six for seven on PATs.  Punter Will Powers is the best in the Ivies, averaging 45.3 yards a boot.

AND ONE MORE THING...

Not everyone in the Surace family is wearing Princeton orange this year. Bob's daughter Alison Surace is a freshmen on the Columbia Lacrosse team!

Setting the Stage for Princeton: Vegas Weighs In

The betting lines for this weekend's slate of Ivy Football games is out, and Columbia is set as a two-point underdog at home vs. Princeton.

The other lines are:

Dartmouth -11 1/2 at home over Penn

Yale is a 24 point favorite at home vs. Howard

Colgate is a 2 1/2 point favorite at home vs. Cornell

Harvard is a 1 1/2 point favorite at home vs. Holy Cross

Rhode Island is a 14 1/2 point favorite at home vs. Brown

Other Games of Note

Syracuse is a 54 1/2 point favorite at home vs. Wagner

Fordham is a 25 point favorite at home over Georgetown  

Marist is a 6 point favorite at home vs. St. Thomas

Individual Shout Outs

It's worth just one more post looking back on the 42-6 win over Georgetown, especially to note some standout performance other than WR Bryson Canty's amazing day:

-Sophomore Safety Aaron Brebnor had a fantastic game, including one series where he made a tackle for a two-yard loss and then snagged an interception just four plays later. 

-LB Rocco Milia's 93-yard pick six was a nice read on a Pierce Holley pass in the middle of the field. It was the longest pick-six in CU history. 

-RB Malcom Terry's 40-yard TD run was made possible at first by a missed tackle, but then Terry did a nice job of outrunning a defender the rest of the way. It must have felt great for Terry, a D.C. native, to get that score in his hometown. 

BONUS POINT

-With his Steelers off for the weekend after the Thursday night loss to the Browns, it looked like Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin was in attendance at the game Saturday to see his son, Safety Mason Tomlin play. The younger Tomlin did get into the action late in the game, and he made two tackles.  

Added Thoughts and "Around the Ivies"

 Some other points from Saturday's game that are important to note:

1) Columbia ran the ball at least 5 times on "3rd and medium" (which, in my book is anything between 3rd and 7 and 3rd and 3, inclusive), and was successful in getting the 1st down on each of those runs, including one TD. 

2) CU was officially 14 for 18 on 3rd down conversions, but it was really 14 for 17 because the last 3rd down play was a kneel down. 

3) The crowd at Georgetown's well-located, but tiny Cooper Field was at worst a 50/50 split between CU and Hoya fans, but it felt more like 60-40 in favor of Columbia. There have long been plans to expand Cooper Field into a much larger stadium, but it's hard to believe the team could draw much of a crowd as long as it stays at the FCS level. 

4) The last time Columbia scored 40+ points in a game was week 9 at Brown in 2018 with a 42-20 win over the Bears. 

Around the League

-The big shocker Saturday was Sacred Heart's comeback to beat Dartmouth in OT. I had noted in the preseason that the Big Green's graduation/transfer losses on defense were more of a challenge than anything else in Hanover. But Dartmouth may be hosting Penn at just the right time next week as the Quaker offense seems mostly listless (see below). 

-Harvard's 35-28 win over Brown marked the second straight week that the Bears scored TD's in bunches late in a game that seemed over at the start of the 4th quarter. If Brown's defense can get something going, this team could pull off some wins. 

-Cornell predictably disappointed at home against Yale. For the second week in a row. Eli freshman RB Joshua Pitsenberger was the biggest offensive weapon for Yale. (Yes, Columbia offered him last year). 

-Penn's offense started slowly last week against Colgate, woke up in the second half, and mostly went back to sleep all day in a close win over Lafayette. The Quaker defense has played better than most expected, but the opposing offenses really aren't formidable.

-Princeton's win over Lehigh followed a similar script as the Tiger win over Stetson in week one: slowish start, and then a strong finish. It's too early to really evaluate much of the Princeton strengths and weaknesses right now. 

Destroyed Ya'

Columbia 42 Georgetown 6

Why Columbia Won

The Lions defense contained the Hoyas in the early going while the CU offense took a while to warmup. Once Columbia's "O" woke up late in the half, the Lions were mostly in complete control the rest of the way.

Why Georgetown Lost

The Hoyas couldn't run the ball on offense, forcing them to take their chances throwing the ball most of the game with mediocre results. The defense was inconsistent, but was consistently bad on 3rd downs, allowing the Lions to convert an incredible 14 of 18 3rd down chances.

Key Turning Points

-After CU QB Joe Green threw an interception on Columbia's first drive, Georgetown was set up at their own 30 with 9:25 left in the 1st quarter. But the Lions defense promptly forced a three-and-out and Georgetown's chance to cash in on the turnover was lost. 

-Columbia's next drive ended with a 50-yard FG miss by Alex Felkins, and the Hoyas began an impressive drive on their ensuing possession with 2:39 left in the 1st quarter. But after getting as far as the CU 29, Georgetown QB Pierce Holley threw an ill-advised pass under heavy pressure that was athletically picked off in the end zone by safety Aaron Brebnor.

-After Columbia executed an impressive 13-play, 90-yard TD drive to take a 10-0 lead with 0:59 left in the half, the Hoyas took over at their 25 with three time outs still remaining. But after getting one 1st down, Holley threw a ball over the middle that LB Scott Valentas made an acrobatic play on to get CU's second interception of the game. That set up Felkins for a 35-yard field goal to give the Lions a 13-0 halftime lead. 

-After Georgetown finally scored to make it 20-6 with about 5:15 left in the 3rd quarter, Columbia was forced to punt on its ensuing possession. That punt was badly shanked by Cameron Burt, and GU took over at the Lion 38 and with a chance to really swing momentum fully in their favor. But on 4th and 1 from the Lion 29, Valentas stuffed Hoya RB Joshua Stakely for no gain and the Hoyas never really threatened again. 

Columbia Positives

-The Lions defense held Georgetown to 0 net rushing yards, greatly narrowing GU's window of opportunities all day. 

-WR Bryson Canty, who was kept mostly under wraps last week after his early TD vs. Marist, was targeted much more frequently, and the result was 8 catches for 139 yards and TD. One of those catches was an absolutely circus-like one handed grab for 42 yards, which Canty snared despite being interfered with. 

-The Lions once again ran the ball by committee, enjoying 206 rushing yards on 4.3 yards per carry. 

-The CU offensive line was again strong, opening up big holes for every Lion rusher. 

Columbia Negatives

-The Lions zone pass defense allowed too many completions and yards, despite doing well to make sure those completions rarely led to serious scoring opportunities. 

-Columbia's kick coverage needs to improve, as does the punting game. These are two areas of the game that have been strong for CU throughout the Al Bagnoli era until now. 

MVP 

-Canty's dazzling plays were amazing enough, but he also helped other Lion receivers get open because of all the attention he understandably drew from the Hoya defenders. 

Capital Clash

Cooper Field

Columbia Lions (1-0) at Georgetown Hoyas (1-2)

September 24, 2022

Kickoff Time: 12:30

Cooper Field

Game Time Weather Forecast: 73 degrees and sunny

The Line: Columbia is favored by 12 1/2 points

TV/Radio: The game is available on ESPN+ with additional audio on the Columbia website

Columbia Game Notes

Leading Story Lines

1) Georgetown has always played Columbia tough in every game in the Bagnoli era. Often, the game serves as a good prognostication of how the Lions will play the rest of the season.

2) Columbia will be without RB Ryan Young for the second week in a row, meaning there will be a lot of eyes on Joey Giorgi and the offensive line to see if they can repeat their dominant performance against Marist last week. 

3) Georgetown brings back the same QB (Pierce Holley) and multiple wide receivers who torched CU for more than 400 yards in the air in last year's 35-24 Lion win over the Hoyas at Wien Stadium.  

3 Columbia Players to Watch

-CB Bryan Bell-Anderson: Faced with a choice to pick on him on his fellow CB Seth Parker, Holley will probably try to see if Bell-Anderson is the better target. It's tough choice, considering both CBs are very good.

-RB Joey Giorgi: Georgetown was burned badly on the ground by the Lions last year. But without both starters at RB from that game this time around, Giorgi will be under pressure to get similar results.on 

-WR Bryson Canty remains a potential game-breaker on almost every play for the Lions offense. Columbia used him sparingly last week against Marist, but will they use him a bit more this time?

3 Georgetown Players to Watch

-QB Pierce Holley is talented and experienced, he will attempt to pick the Columbia defense apart. 

-WR Joshua Thomas has become Holley's favorite target, especially with short passes meant to get him out in space.    

-DE Ibrahim Kamara is the best Hoya pass rusher and will try to improve on the zero sacks Georgetown registered against Columbia last year. 

Week 2 Picks

 

Flying blind as we all do in week one, I went 6-3 straight up and 5-4 against the spread

Harvard -14 1/2 at Brown 

No, I was not all that impressed by Harvard in week one, and I was impressed by Brown's comeback against Bryant. But I've learned from all too much experience that the Crimson usually pound the Bears in this game.

Yale -4 1/2 at Cornell

I'm feeling similarly about this game as I do about Harvard-Brown. Elis should bounce back, but if they don't... look out!

Lafayette + 9 1/2 at Penn

Going for the split decision here, as I like Penn to win but Lafayette to cover.

Dartmouth -16 1/2 at Sacred Heart

This shouldn't be too much of a heavy lift for the Big Green. But I do wish the spread were about two points smaller. Oh well, I'll take it. 

Lehigh +24 at Princeton

The Tigers will just barely miss covering the spread in this one. 

Drake -10 vs. Marist

It's hard to pick Marist after what it's done so far this year. 

Lance Medow

SNY Games Added

Based on the SNY logos I know see on the Columbia Football Schedule webpage, it looks like that regional sports channel will be showing the week three home opener against Princeton and the Homecoming game against Dartmouth.

That's in addition to the national ESPNU broadcast of the week seven home contest Friday night October 28, and any other games that may sneak onto a TV schedule depending on how the season goes for the Lions.

No doubt the play-by-play man for the SNY games will be the indefatigable Lance Medow, who already does the audio broadcasts for Lion Football that you hear via the team website. He's also the host of the pre and postgame shows for NY Giants games on WFAN radio and hosts shows on Sirius XM Mad Dog Radio. 

Respect?

No longer the team mascot?

The betting lines for this weekend's game are out, and Columbia is a 12 1/2 point favorite at Georgetown, marking the first time in my memory that the Lions have been favored by double-digits two weeks in a row. 

The other notable lines are:

Yale is favored by 4 1/2 points at Cornell

Harvard is favored by -14 1/2 at Brown

Dartmouth is favored by 16 1/2 at Sacred Heart

Penn is favored by 9 1/2 vs. Lafayette 

Princeton is favored by 24 vs. Lehigh

Marist is a 10 point underdog at Drake

Book Selection

I think I'll be buying the latest from "Friday Night Lights" author Buzz Bissinger titled The Mosquito Bowl about an unusual football game played by our troops in the Pacific Theater in World War II. One of the players was a standout from Brown named John McLaughrey. 

In Memoriam: Greg Pollowitz '92

Noting the deaths of Columbia Football players is never easy, but it's always a little harder when it's also one of my college classmates.

Sadly, that list got longer this weekend with the passing of Greg Pollowitz '92 due to cancer. 

His former co-worker at The National Review published these memories about him today. 

We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

First Week Thoughts

I think it's too early to post my Ivy Power Rankings before all the Ivy teams have played at least one league game, but here are some probably not-fully-cooked thoughts after week 1:

-I watched the Harvard-Merrimack game in its entirety and Harvard showed good killer instinct to get back into that game, but Merrimack's abysmal clock management sure helped. I was also not impressed by the Crimson's offensive line, and starting QB Charlie Dean was off the mark way too often with his passes. RB Aiden Borguet was contained almost all night until the Merrimack defense finally faltered in the 4th quarter. His stats were impressive, but I was still surprised to see him win the Ivy Offensive Player of the Week award. I was very impressed by Harvard's defensive line's ability to totally shut down the run. 

-Cornell's win over VMI was a nice victory and a possible sign that the Big Red has a workable two-QB attack going. But a much bigger test comes in five days against Yale at Schoelkopf. 

-Speaking of Yale, the Elis looked listless much of the time against a very, very good Holy Cross team. One thing to note: RB Josh Pitsenberger, a freshman who was not even listed on the Yale two-deep, was the biggest contributor on offense. He may be surprise weapon. 

-Brown came to life very late to pull off a big comeback win over Bryant. But like Cornell, the much bigger test comes vs. Harvard at Brown Stadium this Saturday. Based on the way both teams played in week one, this could be quite the battle. In other words, I would no longer be shocked if Harvard loses. But I'd still be surprised. 

-Dartmouth looked very efficient in its win over Valparaiso, especially after some serious injuries and other surprise emergency needs from the O-line to the kicking game. But like Columbia after it's easy takedown of Marist, it's a bit hard to judge just where the Big Green are after beating an opponent like Valpo.

-Penn started out looking terrible but finished strong making three Ivy teams that followed that pattern Saturday, (Harvard and Brown being the others). One great piece of good news I was not aware of for the Quakers is that WR Rory Starkey is still a serious weapon.

-Princeton's offense was fine and there's no way really to judge its defense right now after a slow start but stronger finish against Stetson.

More Columbia Thoughts

-PK Alex Felkins' 35-yard FG attempt miss late in the game clearly cost him the Ivy Specia Teams Player of the Week award. It was still tough to see him not mentioned for anything more than the "honor roll" when he broke a school record with an earlier 53-yard FG... which also made him the first Ivy League kicker to boot three 50-plus yard field goals in a career. 

-I certainly do not mean to take any credit away from RB Joey Giorgi and his amazing 103-yard performance in his first-ever varsity game. But my priority was to note how dominant the offensive line was, and no one can hold much of a candle to how much this O-line has been snubbed and ignored over the last seven months or so.

-Head Coach Al Bagnoli's Columbia record is now 30-31. My expert math research team tells me that if the Lions beat Georgetown this Saturday, he will be 31-31. That would make him the first CU head coach to have a career record (through at least 10 games) at or above .500 since Lou Little, who still retired with a losing record overall at CU. This is almost a century in the making.

Pushing 'em Around

Columbia 38 Marist 3

Why Columbia Won

The Lions controlled the offensive line of scrimmage for 60 minutes, shut down the Marist running game from the start, and made almost no mistakes in a game that was essentially over before the end of the first quarter.

Why Marist Lost

The Red Foxes had no answers for the Columbia offensive line, and its own offense couldn't put together any consistency. 

Key Turning Points

-The very first play from scrimmage really set the tone for the game as emergency starting RB Joey Giorgi burst through a giant hole for 12 yards and a 1st down. Giorgi and the other Lion backs feasted on the O-line's dominant play all night. 

-Six plays after the first Giorgi run, QB Joe Green found WR Bryson Canty well behind his cover man for an easy 44 yard TD pass and the Lions had the lead they would never give up.

-With Columbia still leading 7-0 and about 7:30 left in the 1st quarter, Green was pressured and he threw an INT to Marist's Clayborne Fields about one yard deep in the end zone. But the play was called back because of a roughing the passer penalty on Kyle Coffindaffer. Two plays later, it was 14-0. 

Columbia Positives

-The veteran and talented O-line did not disappoint, as Columbia racked up 226 rushing yards on 5.1 yards per carry and gave up no sacks. 

-Giorgi, Ty'son Edwards. Malcom Terry, etc. not only ran well through the holes, but ball security was excellent for the entire team. That included a great job of holding on to a catch by WR Wills Meyer, who took a hard shot from Fields on Columbia's first pass of the game.

-The most consistent aspect of the Lion defense was the quick response to Marist runs, especially the ones that attempted to sweep and then turn the corner. Marist finished with just 55 yards on the ground on a 2.5 yards per carry average. 

-Columbia's receivers consistently got open and were generally sure-handed all night. When they weren't wide open, Green still had numerous throws that beat the coverage, especially the TD pass to Marcus Libman that was a perfect throw. 

-PK Alex Felkins had a near-perfect night, capped off by his school record 53-yard FG to end the 1st half. He was also 5-5 on PATs and sharp on kickoffs from the out-of-conference 35-yard line (we kick from the 40 in the Ivies).

-The Lion secondary contained the Red Foxes with some key pass breakups and quick tackles when passed were completed. Bryan Bell-Anderson's first career interception turned into an easy-looking pick six. 

-A big number of Columbia backups got some key game experience, most notable backup QB Caden Bell who moved and threw nicely.

-Punt returner Connor McFadden was extremely sure-handed and he made a nice return on one of Marist's punts early in the game. 

Columbia Negatives

-The Lions didn't get consistent pressure on Marist QB's, but there were times in the game when that almost seemed by design. Next week, Columbia will probably need a different strategy against Georgetown's much more seasoned and talented QB. 

-While Bell-Anderson and fellow starting CB Seth Parker had excellent games, it's clear opposing teams will use WR height advantages against the Lions to at least complete short passes almost at will. Columbia will have to make adjustments.

-Felkins is still struggling with a bit of inconsistency, as he followed up his record-breaking 53-yard FG with a miss from 35 yards out.  

-Columbia's nine penalties were too much, including a blocking out of bounds flag against safety Mason Tomlin that led to the Lions losing the shutout. But for a first game, fewer than 10 penalties is not a disaster. 

Not Terrible, but...

-Columbia's punters had a mixed night. Cameron Burt split the punting with significant time at WR and got off a great first boot, but also a bad kick later in the game. Andrew Donovan had one good punt and one subpar boot. 

-Marist only kicked off deep once the entire game and KR/WR Ernest Robertson let it slip through his hands. Robertson was focused enough to pick up the ball in the end zone for a touchback, but the status of the kickoff return team is still a mystery.

Columbia MVP

We expected the CU offensive line to dominate this game, and it did not come close to disappointing anyone. The entire O-line gets the MVP nod for this game for putting on a clinic on how great front line play can make this game look easy. 

Poughkeepsie Push

A bird's eye view of Marist

Columbia Lions (0-0) at Marist Red Foxes (0-1)

September 17, 2022

Kickoff: 6:00 PM

Tenney Stadium

Game Time Weather Forecast: 74 degrees and sunny

The Line: Columbia is favored by 21 points

TV/Radio: The game is available on ESPN3 and via the Columbia Athletics Website

Columbia Game Notes

Marist Game Notes

Leading Story Lines

1) Columbia begins its 2022 season with higher expectations than at any time in recent memory. Many will be looking to see if the Lions can play a complete game against a heavy underdog.

2) Marist was mauled by Georgetown in its first game, 43-12. Its program will be looking to show some signs of life. 

3) How will the new starters and replacements for injured starters perform at a number of key positions for Columbia? The biggest subset of this question is the Columbia running game and how it will perform with 5th year co-captain RB Ryan Young out for the game. That goes for yards gained and especially ball security.

3 Columbia Players to Watch

-QB Joe Green looks to improve on his Ivy Rookie of the Year campaign in 2021 with a newly bulked up frame and a more pass-happy playbook.

-WR Bryson Canty looks to cash in on a stellar training camp and make a run at being a top WR in the Ivies. 

-CB Seth Parker can make his case for being Columbia's first truly shutdown corner since Cameron Roane '18

3 Marist Players to Watch

-Freshman QB Brock Bagozzi had a tough opening game against Georgetown, he will need to bounce back.

-Senior safety Teddy Wright may be Marist's best player. 

-Senior WR Scott Scherzer will likely be the man testing the Columbia secondary.