Yale 41, Columbia 0

Keeping pace with the Crimson atop the Ivy League, Yale (6-1, 3-1) pounded Columbia (3-4, 1-3) on the strength of its run defense and without the help of star tailback Rashad Bartholomew.

Columbia tailback Jonathan Reese entered the game with an Ivy League leading 14 touchdowns. Yale's defense held Reese to a mere 86 yards and more importantly kept Reese out of the Elis' endzone. Yale safety Ryan LoProto did his part on the defensive end, returning two interceptions for touchdowns.

On a day with wind gusts up to 45 mph, Yale's balanced offense took over. Elis quarterback Peter Lee threw for only 169 yards on 15-of-20 passing, but connected for four touchdowns on the day.

The weather certainly played a part in the game's development, and the Elis were the first to benefit.

On the first Lion possession, the Yale defense pinned Columbia back at its own 12-yard line. Facing fourth down, Columbia punted for a mere 16 yards. Yale made the most of its opportunities, going the requisite 28 yards on three plays, with wide receiver Eric Johnson pulling down the touchdown pass.

But the wind also worked against Yale during the day. After its first touchdown, Yale was unable to convert an extra point thanks to the gusting wind. But three downs later the wind set up an Elis touchdown when the Lions could only manage a 14-yard punt.