Another game, another long list of turnovers: Three fumbles and three interceptions, several at crucial times, doomed the Lions to another Ivy league loss, 34-14 to Harvard. 

The Crimson (now 5-0 in Ivy play) sprinted out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, but not without help: first, Columbia (1-4 Ivy, 2-6 overall) fumbled on its own 12 during a punt, and then first-year quarterback Sean Brackett was intercepted to set up the third Harvard scoring drive. Columbia approached the Harvard end zone twice more in the first half, only for Brackett and running back Leon Ivery to also fumble the ball. Only after Harvard’s lead had reached 34 points did Columbia score twice in the fourth quarter to salvage some pride.

Being down early, the Lions went pass-happy almost from the start, and as a result only generated 53 total yards on the ground. Sophomore Jerry Bell, who replaced Brackett midway through the 2nd quarter, threw for 226 yards and a late touchdown, but was only 22-42, and was intercepted twice. Columbia looks for its second win in Ivy play next week at Cornell.

Photo by Columbia University Athletics