Salt in the Wounds

Dartmouth 28 Columbia 12


Why Dartmouth Won

The Big Green didn't consistently move the ball, but on their scoring drives the Dartmouth offensive line totally commanded the field. The Big Green defense wasn't as dominant as it had been in previous weeks, but it was good enough to stop the Lions on a number of possessions, especially ones where Columbia began in great field position.


Why Columbia Lost

The already badly injured Lion squad lost its first and second strong QB's, its top running back, and more during the course of the game. But even during moments of relative health, Columbia could not stop the Big Green on a couple of key drives.


Key Turning Points

-The Lions put together a brilliant opening drive with a mix of runs, passes, and trick plays that ended in an apparent TD pass from QB Josh Bean to TE Rory Schlageter. But the score nullified on an illegal substitution penalty and Columbia had to settle for a Chris Alleyne field goal.

-With one minute left in the half, Dartmouth ahead 7-6, and backup freshman QB Ty Lenhart in for the re-injured Bean, Lenhart marched the Lions all the way down to the Big Green 19 yard line. But on the next play, he forced a pass that Dartmouth's Ryan Roegge intercepted at the four yard line and preserved the Big Green lead into halftime and essentially for the rest of the day.


Columbia Positives

-When they were at relative full strength, the Lions held their own against what could be the best team in the Ivies right now. The defense did especially well through most of the game on 3rd down plays.

-Lenhart showed he had more abilities than just running the ball into the end zone from inside the 5. Putting the interception aside, he made some good completions.


Columbia Negatives

-RB Dante Miller was lost for the season with a knee injury. Bean and Lenhart's status are questionable after they were hit badly.

-Columbia's ability to stop the Dartmouth offense suddenly disappeared at key moments in the game. It's possible the Big Green was just not running at 100% the full game.


Columbia MVP

-WR Kaleb Pitts stepped into the role of top receiver with so many of the starters out of the game.