Excitement builds for the upcoming Friday Night Football showdown as Columbia University faces Dartmouth in Hanover, New Hampshire. The match is set for October 24 at 6 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
Matchup Overview
- Columbia Lions: 1-4 overall, 0-2 in the Ivy League
- Dartmouth Big Green: 4-1 overall, 1-1 in the Ivy League
Columbia’s Recent Performance
Columbia is looking to break a three-game losing streak. Their last match resulted in a 35-21 loss to Penn during Homecoming weekend. Notably, Justin Townsend is the standout player, leading the Ivy League in sacks with four and tackles for loss at 8.5.
Historical Context
This game marks the 95th meeting between Columbia and Dartmouth, a rivalry dating back to 1899. Dartmouth leads the series 73-20-1, including three consecutive victories. Columbia’s last win against Dartmouth was a 19-0 shutout on October 22, 2021.
Dartmouth’s Recent Success
In their last game, Dartmouth secured a 30-13 victory over Fordham. The Big Green’s offense is currently averaging 422 yards per game. They have an impressive rushing game, with D.J. Crowther contributing significantly, ranking second in the Ivy League with seven rushing touchdowns.
Key Players to Watch
- D.J. Crowther: Key to Dartmouth’s rushing attack with 93.8 yards per game.
- Grayson Saunier: Quarterback contributing 281 passing yards in the last game.
- Justin Townsend: Columbia’s leader in sacks and tackles for loss.
What’s at Stake
A win for Columbia would end their losing streak and mark their first Ivy League win of the season. Additionally, they aim to achieve their first victory in Hanover since 2021, bringing added pressure to perform.
Looking Ahead
As both teams prepare for this crucial match, all eyes will be on the strategies employed by the coaching staff and the key players’ performance on the field. This Friday night showdown promises an exciting clash between the Lions and the Big Green.
