NEW YORK — Dartmouth built an early lead and held off a fourth-quarter surge from Columbia to secure a 24-21 victory Saturday at Robert K. Kraft Field to spoil the Lions' Homecoming game.
The Big Green (6-0, 3-0 Ivy League) jumped to a 24-7 advantage early in the second half. Running back Q Jones led the charge with 182 rushing yards on 19 carries, including a 35-yard touchdown run. D.J. Crowther added another rushing touchdown to extend Dartmouth's lead.
"I think we ran into a buzz saw a little bit with how they're coached and how their running backs and offensive line played," said Patricia and Shepard Alexander Head Coach of Football Jon Poppe. "(Q Jones) is talented and we didn't execute the right way or put our guys in the right position to adjust in the second half when some of those big runs took place."
After trailing most of the way, Columbia (4-2, 2-1 Ivy League) found momentum late. Quarterback Cole Freeman led the charge with two touchdown passes to senior wide receiver Bryson Canty, who caught eight passes for 90 yards. The Lions' offense pulled within three points after Canty's 7-yard touchdown reception with 34 seconds remaining, capping a 58-yard drive.
Columbia attempted an onside kick, but Dartmouth recovered, allowing the Big Green to run out the clock.
"I thought our guys pressed in the first half," Poppe said. "In the second half, we relaxed and got back to who we are and doing what we do. I'm really proud of how they finished. I couldn't be more proud to represent them and what they ended up almost doing."
Dartmouth's defense recorded three interceptions, but only scored three points off the turnovers. Kicker Owen Zalc contributed with a 35-yard field goal in the second quarter, helping the Big Green stay perfect on the season.
Freeman finished with 173 passing yards, while Canty had eight catches for 90 yards and two scores. Canty's performance earned him John Toner Homecoming Player of the Game honors. The Lions outgained Dartmouth through the air, with 252 passing yards compared to Dartmouth's 70.
The Lions will host Yale in a Friday night matchup on ESPNU. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Tickets start at just $13.
Click here to purchase seats, or call 888-LIONS-11.
FOLLOW THE LIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For the latest on the Columbia football team, follow @CULionsFB on Twitter and
Instagram, on
Facebook and the web at
GoColumbiaLions.com.
POSTGAME NOTES
- William Hughes set a program record with an 80-yard punt in the first quarter, breaking the previous mark of 77 set by Bill Reed at Dartmouth on Nov. 7, 1970. Hughes finished the day, averaging 49.8 yards on five attempts.
- Chase Goodwin exited the game at halftime due to injury.
- The Lions allowed a season-high 271 rushing yards.
- Columbia was held without a defensive turnover for the first time since week two at Georgetown.
- Columbia announced a crowd of 12,642, the highest attendance at Wien Stadium since 2017 (13,081).
