Columbia Lions Off to a Roaring Start

Let's put it this way, for the Columbia Lions to have plastered the Princeton Tigers 38-0 this past weekend is more than a historic achievement. I don't have the patience to check the history of Lions football but it could the first time in a very long time Columbia has won an Ivy League game that convincingly.

Usually, it is the reverse with the Lions looking like they don't belong out there.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves.  We know that M.A. Olawale is an excellent QB.  The guy has speed when he is on the move and he can throw with accuracy.  That has been an issue for the Lions in years past is having a versatile QB that can make plays rather than hurt his team. 

It seems when they do have a good QB they don't have the offensive line to help him out.  This year is a vast improvement from last year's horrid O-line issues.

Columbia's defense finally looked legitimate.  I can't remember the last time that was the case.  Though, I knew this was not the same Columbia team from year's past when they beat Fordham to open the season.

Fordham has turned the corner and is stocked with talent.  I am still skeptical Columbia has that sort of stockpiled talent and I am also skeptical the Columbia coaching staff are mastermind game planners. 

Still, to beat Fordham is monumental and then to follow it up with a hammering of Princeton (in between a loss to Central Connecticut State).  I have to raise a toast and cheer.

It almost makes me want to forget too many years of Columbia football inadequacy from a turnstile of coaches.  Too many years of lackluster performances.  Just a few key players have helped manage a handful of wins over too many years of frustration.

Despite the Lions having lost to Princeton for five consecutive seasons, it does seem that Columbia beats Princeton when they really need to.  It was Princeton, if you recall, that was the victim of Columbia when they ended their 40 something game loss streak way back when.

So there is some mojo there.

Also, Princeton has always been a middle of the road program it seems.  They have had some solid runs to a title but more often than not, they are beatable.

This game showed how beatable Princeton really is but gives Columbia hope they have the wheels to stay on track.

I'll be less skeptical if they beat traditional power Harvard and tough nuts Yale and Brown.  Penn has looked vulnerable thus far this season.  Cornell is improved.  What has happened to the Dartmouth program?  A shame they are a doormat.

Next weekend, the Lions face powerhouse Lafayette and then Penn the following week.  This will be a true test and one that I will be looking forward to.

If Columbia finishes with a winning record that will be at least better than what we are used to seeing from them.