"The first few minutes of this game reminded me of the Columbia game last year [which Columbia won 24-0], but our kids just came back later today and kept their poise," Harvard Coach Tim Murphy said.

Jones's first four carries went for 72 yards, and he ended with 83 yards on 10 carries. He looked fast and elusive, making two defenders miss on his trip to the end zone.

"Having Troy back is such a huge bonus for us because he's just an exceptional football player," Murphy said.

Columbia went three-and-out, and Harvard took over at its own 41. Jones broke off a 40-yard run to get to the Lions' 10-yard line, and he barreled in for a five-yard touchdown two plays later. Harvard then led 14-7 and would never relinquish the lead.

"Harvard was sharper and crisper than we were," Columbia Coach Ray Tellier said. "They tackled better than we did, and they blocked better. They just made more big plays today than we did."

Despite the inexperience on Harvard's offensive line and in the receiver corps, the Crimson kept its composure after the rough start.

"My biggest concerns coming into the game were a young, inexperienced offensive line and playing three freshmen in the receiving corps, and I thought that both groups did a pretty decent job for their first shot at it," Murphy said.

Wilford, in his newly appointed role as the Crimson's starting quarterback, completed 12-of-22 passes for 190 yards and even rushed for 71 yards during the game.