Hitting the Wall

Harvard 26 Columbia 6

Why Harvard Won

The Crimson played their best defensive game of the year, especially when the Lions got into Harvard territory. The offense played mistake-free football and eventually wore down Columbia's defense.

Why Columbia Lost

The Lions couldn't finish drive after drive, thanks to turnovers and inconsistency. The defense played as well as any team has against the Crimson all year, but finally wilted without the support it needed from the offense. 

Key Turning Points

-After Harvard scored a FG thanks to a punt return that set them up at the Lion 12, Columbia responded with an impressive drive that spanned 53-yards and brought CU a 1st and 10 at the Crimson 20. But on that play QB Cole Freeman forced a pass into double coverage in the end zone that was intercepted. Harvard then responded with an 80-yard TD drive and a 10-0 lead. 

-With the score still 10-0 Harvard and about 10 minutes left in the half, Freeman apparently completed a 44-yard bomb to WR Ethan Hebb to the Crimson 10 yard line. Replay video seemed to confirm Hebb made the grab, but the referees stuck with their incomplete pass ruling. Five plays later, Freeman threw his second interception of the game.

Columbia Positives 

-Columbia's linebackers put on a show, especially Jack Smiechowski and Charlie Newton who had 14 and 10 tackles, respectively. 

-WR Marcus Libman had five catches for 109 yards.

-Freshman QB Caleb Sanchez hit the field for the first time and looked impressive in CU's one scoring drive. 

Columbia Negatives

-The Lions almost never put pressure on Harvard QB Jaden Craig, which was a shame because every time he was forced to move in the pocket his passes were woefully off the mark.

-Harvard's defense hasn't had a very strong season, but they looked like the Crimson of old for most of this game. Columbia's mistakes helped make that happen. 

Columbia MVP

While there were so many defenders who had standout games against Harvard, Jack Smiechowski stood out the most.