The Return of the King
Olawale flipped the game on its head
Columbia 30 Cornell 20
Why Columbia Won
The Lions intercepted six Big Red passes and begining with the first play from scrimmage, Columbia used big running play after big running play to put points on the board. And co-captain M.A. Olawale returned to the field after missing two-and-a-half games due to injury to spark the Lions to victory.
Why Cornell Lost
The Big Red shot themselves in the foot with all the interceptions, and they blew a chance to get permanent control of the game late in the first half when they came up empty after a first and goal at the Lion 5, and rolled snake eyes again after starting the ensuing possession in Columbia territory. Penalties also helped neutralize most of Bryan Walters' dangerous kick return game.
Key Turning Points
-Leading 20-16 with 9:20 left in the first half, Cornell took over at their own 25 and drove all the way down to the Lion 5 for a first and goal. But a false start, a short run, and two incomplete passes forced a 27-yard field goal attempt that Brad Greenway missed wide right.
-Columbia went three-and-out on its next possesion and a short punt set the Big Red up at the Lion 46 with 1:42 left in the half. But the Lions forced a crucial three-and-out of their own and dodged yet another bullet.
-The second half began with both teams turning the ball over on multiple occasions. But after Andy Shalbrack intercepted Ben Ganter at the Lion 42 and returned it all the way back to the Big Red 21, Olawale finally came into the game and settled the Lions offense down. Olawale scored the go-ahead TD with one yard plunge one play after a brilliant seven yard scamper.
Columbia MVP
Once again, I have to go with co-MVP's for this game. Olawale gets one nod for his two TD's and his 95 yards on just 11 carries. Augie Williams, who played most of the game at outside linebacker gets the other nod as he had 10 tackles, one pass breakup, and the game-clinching interception and 26-yard return.
posted by Jake @ 9:44:00 AM
11 comments
11 Comments:
This was a great all-around effort by a Columbia Football Team that dominated Cornell on both sides of the ball in the second half. M.A. Olawale is indeed the King of Lion Football and he was the catalyst of this very important victory for the Columbia Football Program. It certainly was nice to see the Lions rebound from all their many injuries and adversity to win this game.
This Williams kid had a great freshman season once he broke into the starting line-up at safety about half-way through the season. I think he had about 40 to 50 tackles in 5 games.
I see now they have him playing at linebacker. Even though the kid may be under-sized, he's got a great motor and hopefully they let him play more next season.
Right you are, Jake, that Columbia came up with one big running play after another throughout the game. Kourouma was great, Ivery looked good, and the offensive line earned an A+ grade. Also, you might want to note that Mike Stephens made several key receptions. Go Lions!
This had to be one of the guttiest wins in years. It is first and foremost a tribute to our staff in getting our guys up to play on the road after the heart-breaking season we've had. But let's be honest; MA was like a man against boys. Cornell had no answer foer him. They were blitzing all day until he came in and immediately went into their standard defense. If only we were healthy this year.
Great to see Olawale come off the bench and put a fork in it, especially when Columbia has had so many heartbreaking moments this year in close games. This program is learning how to win and Saturday was a big step. Let's have a focused week in practice and finish with a doubling of our actual win production over last year.
Perhaps I'm being a bit optomistic, but I believe the Lions have become a complete football team and quite capable of knocking off Brown next Satuday at Baker Field. On offense, we have three good quarterbacks, two breakaway runners, a big powerful offensive line and a couple of outstanding receivers. On defense, we are big and strong up front, the linebackers are tackling well and the secondary made six, that's right "6" interceptions against Cornell. Finally, the kicking game has improved dramatically with the new place kicker as well as an excellent freshman kickoff specialist/punter.
Ditto on the Augie Williams. This guy shows heart and a lot of passion for the game. Let's find a way to see him more. I remember him from 07 too and I thought he showed big time promise. Maybe he had injuries we don't know about but I think the kid can play at a high level.
Was Augie Williams playing the Alex Gross LB position? I'd like to see him take the Shalbrack slot next year. The real story was the CBs. Amazing performance by our #s 3 and 4 corners. Any explanation for why AK had such a quiet day? Was he doubled?
Much better effort by the team yesterday. It was fun to watch. Love the Senior leadership by MA. Nice game for Augie Williams. Way to go. Lou had a good game. For some of theunderclassmen who got some PT, nice game. Good one to build on for next week. If I am not mistaken, I think Andy Shalbrack played all four positions in the defensive backfield yesterday. I hope Coach K allows Andy to line up on either or Farnum and Sewall all day next Saturday.
The Neckman
I think beyond #16s return and spark to the offense, the MVP should go to the corners/safetys covering the hot reciever from Cornell. He did make some great catches, but, almost everytime the coverage was there and tight. That was a big improvement and they should get credit for a great game.
Lou Miller is just a great player. He came up big when needed. He is an all Ivy and perhaps even POY candidate.
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