Columbia-Harvard Keys to the Game

It would be nice to keep that drum silent today


1. Score First

Yale's first score last week really took the air out of Columbia's sails. That doesn't mean the Lions would have won if they had gone up 7-0 or 3-0, but they certainly would have held on to the momentum much longer.


2. Run Away from the Middle

Harvard's big d-linemen will shut down running plays up the gut every time, so the Lions must use Ray Rangel on the edges more without committing holding penalties. If Columbia can execute more sweeps and traps, they could get a serious running attack going.


3. Use the Wind

The windy conditions need to favor CU and not the road team. The Lions need to take a "this is our house, no matter what" attitude.


4. Don't be Afraid to Challenge the Secondary

Despite the Crimson's 17 interceptions and extreme talent in the defensive backfield, Harvard has given up chunks of passing yards to teams like Brown and Holy Cross. Craig Hormann needs to throw the ball more accurately and provide the Crimson with a true test.


5. Bottle up the Middle

Cheng Ho will simply try to take it up the gut all day. Phil Mitchell can't let him get away with that.