In a matchup that had Ivy League fans on edge, Princeton managed a narrow victory over Columbia last Friday night at Powers Field. The Tigers pulled ahead 26-22, capping off a game filled with momentum swings and defensive stands that kept the score tight until the final whistle. For Princeton, this win marks a solid start to conference play, especially after a mixed bag in non-conference games—a close loss to San Diego followed by a gritty 38-28 triumph over Lafayette.
Columbia, coming off their own 19-10 upset against Georgetown, showed fight but couldn't quite close the gap. The Lions' quarterback Chase Goodwin threw for 210 yards and a score, but turnovers proved costly, including a pair of interceptions that Princeton capitalized on. Indeed, the Tigers' rushing attack, led by three different backs finding the end zone earlier in the season, continued to grind out key yards, though their passing game struggled at times with Blaine Hipa managing just 164 yards through the air.
However, it's worth noting how these teams have traded blows in recent years. Last October, Columbia stunned Princeton 34-17 on their home turf, a result that still stings for Tiger faithful. This time around, Princeton's defense stepped up, forcing three turnovers and holding Columbia to under 300 total yards. Moreover, the game highlighted ongoing challenges for both squads: Princeton's secondary looked vulnerable on deep balls, while Columbia's run game, powered by Joey Giorgi’s 157 yards last year, faltered without consistent blocking.
The atmosphere at Princeton Stadium was electric, with a crowd of around 15,000 braving the cool autumn air. Coaches on both sides praised the effort—Princeton's Bob Surace called it a "team win born from preparation," while Columbia's Jon Poppe lamented missed opportunities. These Ivy clashes always carry weight, and this one was no different, underscoring the parity in the league.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this early test—what does it mean for the Ivy title race ahead?