The scoring drive lasted 8:02 and was typicalof Columbia's possessions. Although the Lions didnot break many big plays, they faced 17 third-downconversion opportunities, which demonstrates howmany offensive plays they ran.
However, when Columbia salted the game away inthe third quarter, it was with two quick drives.The Lions drove 61 yards in only four plays and1:36, ending when quarterback Paris Childressrolled left and found a wide-open Mark Cannan atthe 5-yard line. Cannan walked in for thetouchdown when senior free safety Derek Yankoffrushed forward at Childress instead of droppingback.
Linden's second interception, a pass intendedfor sophomore Josh Wilske that went straight toColumbia linebacker Paul Roland, set up the lastscore of the day. Roland returned the ball 35yards to Harvard's 1-yard line, and Hayes punchedthe ball in on the next play for the final score.
The symbol of Harvard's frustration might havecome in the fourth quarter, when Columbia punterRyan Kiernan's punt rolled 40 yards despite beingpartially blocked by linebacker Clint Kollar. WhenHarvard took over at its own 45-yard line, itcommitted holding penalties on consecutive plays,resulting in a first-and-40 situation. Sloppinesswas just another one of Harvard's problems, as theCrimson committed eight penalties for 70 yards.
Next week, Harvard travels to Colgate, whichmay be the toughest team on Harvard's schedule. Ifthe Crimson offensive and defensive lines do notimprove their performances next week, Harvardfaces the unwelcome possibility of being 0-2 andresembling the 1994-96 teams that were 10-20 moreclosely than the 1997 team that was 9-1.
"We go from the proverbial frying pan into thefire," Murphy said. "We'd better be ready to strapit on."