"We've simplified the package," Patterson said. "We probably will have more short routes early to develop a rhythm, but by the fourth quarter we should be working a five-step and seven-step drop and throwing all over the field, working in [tight end and captain] Chris Eitzmann."

The offensive line is not the only unit with green players. The wide receiving corps will rotate in three freshmen. Patterson, the fleet senior flanker and third on the Crimson's all-time receiving list, will command the bulk of the attention of Columbia secondary.

The Lions though may have difficulty staying with Patterson, as it graduated three defensive backs, including the versatile safety Chris Tillotson.

"I guess I will be double-teamed during the game, as I was for most of last year," Patterson said. "But I expect the young guys to perform and be able to take the pressure off."

If inexperience should hamper the Harvard offense, the experience of the defense ought to stifle Columbia's attack. While Harvard returns many of the players that had difficulty stopping the run last year, it now boasts eight seniors in the starting lineup. Moreover, the Crimson has changed its scheme to have the defensive linemen stay with the offensive line a little longer to free up room for the linbackers to plug any holes. The Lions' runners should have difficulty finding daylight.

"This team wasn't as big and strong on defense, and we didn't play as hard," Murphy said. "Now the kids are veterans. I'm confident we will have a much better defense this year."

Columbia does have talented backs. If Harvard's run defense has not improved, sophomore halfback Johnathan Reese and First Team All-Ivy fullback Kirby Mack could again help the Lions gain near 200 yards on the ground.