Holden Lombardo

The instant impact felt by this first-year class is atypical. Usually, newcomers spend their time on the bench, proving themselves through practice reps or special teams play. But this year, the Lions have trotted out numerous first-year starters on offense. While the early ascendancy may be surprising, they have spearheaded an offense ranked No. 10 in the Football Championship Subdivision in yards per game.

With the win in Poughkeepsie, New York, the Lions secured a perfect 3-0 record in nonconference play. With the win in Poughkeepsie, New York, the Lions secured a perfect 3-0 record in nonconference play. The Light Blue (3-1, 0-1 Ivy) traveled to Poughkeepsie, New York, to take on the Red Foxes (3-3) in Columbia’s final nonconference game of the season. The Lions looked to bounce back after a crushing defeat against Princeton (3-1, 1-0 Ivy) the week before.

Columbia opened Ivy League play with its first loss of the season at home. Columbia opened Ivy League play with its first loss of the season at home. The Light Blue (2-1, 0-1 Ivy) started its first drive marching down the field, relying heavily on the run game behind senior running back Griffin Johnson. But the Tigers (2-1, 1-0 Ivy) began to stuff the rush and forced a fourth-and-1 deep in Princeton territory.