NEW YORK — The Jon Poppe era started with a bang after Columbia football topped No. 14/18 Lafayette, 31-20, on Saturday afternoon at Robert K. Kraft Field at Wien Stadium. The victory was the Lions' first win over a ranked opponent since 2019 and the first against a top-15 team since 1995.

"I'm really happy for our program," Poppe said. "People have supported us throughout this short journey so far, and we're excited about (our offense) and how (offensive coordinator Seitu Smith) and the offensive coaches developed these guys through the preseason and spring and got them prepared to play against an awesome opponent."

The Lions (1-0) set the tone early, taking their opening drive 75 yards in five plays to take a 7-0 lead. Chase Goodwin, who made his first career start, connected with Braden Dougherty for a 20-yard touchdown pass just 2:13 into the game. After a stop by the defense, Hugo Merry converted from 43 yards to make it a two-possession game with 5:54 left in the first quarter.

Lafayette (2-2) answered on its next possession after a 31-yard grab from Chris Carasia. Ayden Baker proceeded to block the extra point to keep it 10-6 with less than a minute left in the opening frame.

In the second, Carter McFadden's interception gave the ball back to the Lions on their 20 to set up another scoring drive. Bryson Canty made a 20-yard grab to start things off and capped things off with a TD reception from nine yards out in the right corner of the endzone to extend the advantage to 17-6 with 8:02 before halftime.

Columbia tried to add to the advantage with time winding down in the second, but Goodwin's arm was hit as he threw, which led to a Lafayette interception deep in the Lions' territory. However, the defense held firm to hold the Leopards to a 34-yard field goal with 13 seconds remaining in the frame.

Lafayette added another field goal to start the third quarter before Columbia answered later in the period. Malcolm Terry II ripped off a 53-yard run to make it 1st and goal at the Leopards' 7. On the next play, Cole Freeman threw a fade to Ethan Hebb for a score on the junior's first career reception to bring the margin back up to 24-12 with 3:54 left in the third.

The Lions' defense came up with a key stop on fourth down at the beginning of the fourth quarter to give the offense the ball back near midfield. After Joey Giorgi converted on a 4th and 1, Columbia went play action, and Canty made a fantastic catch in the back of the endzone to put the Lions up 31-12 with 11:42 to play.

The Leopards scored on their next drive and had a successful two-point try to make it a two-possession game with 10:27 on the clock. From there, Columbia's defense forced a missed field goal and a fumble on Lafayette's final two drives to ice the game.

"(Defensive coordinator Justin Stovall) and the defense did a great job holding (Lafayette) when it counted," Poppe said. "Holding that offense to 20 points. It's exciting to work with people that prepare our young men the right way."

Canty finished with six catches for 95 yards and two scores to lead the offense. Goodwin was 16-of-19 on the day with 180 yards through the air and a pair of touchdowns. Hayden McDonald led the defense with 10 tackles.

For Lafayette, Dean Denobile passed for 272 yards, completing 23-of-35 passes. Jamar Curtis rushed 25 times for 105 yards.

The Lions are back in action at Georgetown on Saturday, September 28 in the annual Lou Little Cup contest. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. on ESPN+.

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