Junior center John Kadzielski knocked out the only potential tackler at the 10-yard line, allowing Patterson to cut towards the middle into the end zone.

The score was 24-7, and with Columbia sticking to its failing rushing strategy, the game for all intents and purposes was over.

"I initially was going to dump the ball to Troy," said Wilford of his scramble. "But then I got selfish and [Jones] made a great block."

The most unexpected part of Harvard's big-play offense was that Wilford, Menick, Patterson and Jones all had the time they needed. Harvard unveiled a new offensive line Saturday with junior left tackle Mike Clare the only returning starter.

Three of the starting linemen spent most of last season playing junior varsity football. Despite boasting one of the Ivy's top linebackers in Kevin Wright, Lions defenders sacked Wilford only twice.

By the fourth quarter, the only big play missing was a deep throw by Wilford, who replaced Linden as the starter in part because of his arm strength. On third-and-11, Wilford lofted one down the right side to freshman wideout Carl Morris.

Morris outstretched his arms for the 49-yard catch and a first down that allowed the Crimson to run another minute off the clock. He also began to show that Wilford would have other targets this year besides Patterson

"Our biggest questions going into today was our youth and inexperience," Murphy said. "For a new offensive line and playing three freshmen wideouts, both groups did a decent job for their first shot at it."