What proved to be the game-winning score came on Cornell's first possession of the game, when kicker Zach Mays sent a 35-yard field goal through the uprights, giving the Big Red a 3-0 lead. The field goal capped a 13-play, 73-yard drive that ate up 7:04 of game time.
Aside from Cornell's first quarter scoring drive, all nine of the other combined first half possessions ended in a punt, as both defenses looked stout.
After a short punt into the brisk wind at the end of the second quarter, the Lions got the ball back at midfield with 17 seconds remaining until the half. Quarterback Anders Hill picked up 11 yards on a first down run, but only enough time remained for a Hail Mary attempt, which was batted away by the Big Red defense.
Columbia's defense kept the Lions in the ballgame, forcing two straight three-and-outs to open the second half. The offense was unable to capitalize, as Cornell's defense forced three second half turnovers on crucial drives.
After a Cornell interception return gave them a first down in Columbia territory, the defense again held strong to keep the Lions in the game. On a 38-yard field goal attempt by Mays, Niko Padilla provided great pressure up the middle, and Dominic Perkovic came through with a blocked kick, keeping the lead at 3-0.
The Lions started from their own 26 on their opening drive in the fourth quarter and leaned on Molina to get them down the field. The senior kept the chains moving, running the ball seven times on the drive before needing a breather after a first down rush to the Cornell 37. Alan Watson got a carry on the next play and scampered down the sideline for 29 yards before finally being brought down at the eight yard-line.
On third and goal from the six, Hill scrambled to his left and dove into the end zone for a touchdown, only to have the play wiped away by a holding penalty. Hill was then sacked all the way back on the 26, setting up a long field goal into the stiff breze for Cameron Nizialek. The 44-yard attempt that would have tied the game got held up by the wind and went wide to the right, giving Cornell the ball back with 5:07 to play.
The Big Red were able to put the game away, picking up four first downs and eating away at the clock, as Cornell earned its first win of the season, 3-0.
Brock Kenyon led the defensive effort with eight tackles and one for a loss, while Jared Katz had three tackles and four pass breakups on the day. Keith Brady added six tackles and two for a loss, while Perkovic and Toba Akinleye combined for a sack.
The wind proved to be troubling for the Columbia passing game, as Hill and Skyler Mornhinweg combined to complete just 5-of-17 passes for 42 yards.
The Lions will close out the season this upcoming Friday at home against Brown at 7:30 p.m. on NBCSN.
