NEW YORK -Football is a game of opportunity. Opportunities abounded for both Penn and Columbia at the Lions' homecoming game at Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium, but the Quakers proved far more successful at taking advantage of theirs in rallying to defeat Columbia 27-13.
Trailing 13-7, Penn scored 20 consecutive points in a turnover-plagued game to deal the Lions' their first Ivy League loss.
Penn opened scoring when they recovered a fumbled snap at the Columbia 19 and Keiffer Garton found Matt Tuten for a 15-yard touchdown two plays later.
Despite two fumbles and three interceptions in the first 15 minutes between the two teams, Penn only led 7-0 at the end of the first.
Columbia got back on the board when M.A. Olawale hit Andrew Kennedy in the right endzone for a 28-yard touchdown. Greg Guttas' extra point was good.
The Lions scored again three minutes later when Olawale found Austin Knowlin for a 68-yard touchdown pass. The point after was blocked and Columbia led 13-7.
With time running down in the second, Penn got its lone long drive of the game, going 52 yards in 11 plays which resulted in a Garton to Matt Hamscher 11-yard touchdown, giving the Quakers the 14-13 lead. Penn did not trail again.
A Columbia turnover gave Penn the ball at the Lions' 14 and four plays later Penn scored on a two-yard rush by Luke DeLuca.
Neither team scored in the third quarter but in the fourth, Penn capitalized on turnovers and field position to put up two field goals for the final 27-13 margin.
Knowlin broke the 100-yard mark for the second time this season with 109 yards on five receptions. He led all receivers for both teams.
Lou Miller was named the John Toner Columbia Football Homecoming Player of the Game with 10 tackles, five for a loss with 2.5 sacks. His brother, Evan Miller, finished with 10 tackles, as did Adam Mehrer.
Garton finished with 11-of-19 with two interceptions and 104 yards. Olawale went 14-of-26 for 192 yards and three interceptions.
Columbia (2-3, 1-1) travels to Dartmouth next weekend for a 1:30 kickoff.
