Yesterday, we pointed out that the last time Columbia won its opening Ivy League game of the season was at Princeton, six years ago. That game was a close 33-27 win; this time, the Lions sent a message to the rest of the Ivy League with a 38-0 stomping of the Tigers, in Princeton. 

The contest remained close during the first half, with Columbia’s two longest drives ending on downs. But crucial fumbles by Princeton in each quarter gifted Columbia a 9-0 lead going into the halftime break. Then, five minutes into the third quarter, cornerback Jared Morine picked off Princeton’s Tommy Wornham, and returned the interception 51 yards for a touchdown and (with a two-point conversion) a 17-0 lead. From then on, it was showtime for Columbia’s offense, which put together three successive drives ending in touchdowns, providing the rest of the 38-point margin.

On the stat sheet, quarterback Millicent Olawale was 14 of 27 for 207 yards and two touchdowns, and Olawale and running back Ray Rangel led a Lions rushing attack that provided 183 yards on the ground. The defense held Princeton’s quarterback to just 135 yards (and only 11-36 on attempts), and also had its first Ivy shutout since 1998. More sports results to follow later, but for now, strike up the fight songs!