Harvard's streaking football squad takes the field for its last game tomorrow against Columbia, confident in its ability against the wounded Lions (3-4, 1-3 Ivy).

With the Ivy League title in its sites, Harvard approaches each Saturday contest as though its season depended on it. Sure, the Crimson (4-3, 3-1) has two opponents left after tomorrow's game, including Penn and Yale with all the trimmings of The Game as the true finale just before Thanksgiving. But don't tell the team that.

"There's no doubt that we're focused on this game and only this game," said junior quarterback Neil Rose. "Every week is a one-game championship."

Harvard's intense focus on this week's opponent may seem a bit excessive, considering Columbia's dismantling at the hands of Yale last week and the Lions' generally lackluster Ivy play. Columbia was destroyed at the blustery Yale Bowl, 41-0, and enjoys a better record only than winless Dartmouth.

The Crimson's recent past could not be any different.

Harvard's dominant play against the Big Green allowed it to roll to a 49-7 victory, giving it a share of first place in the Ivy with four other teams. But the Crimson still isn't convinced that its explosive offense and stingy defense will prevail.

"We are not preparing for Columbia based on their game against Yale," said Harvard Coach Tim Murphy. "They're a much better team than that. If you look at the stats, Columbia had the advantage in several key areas last week. They held Yale to a season low on offense."

Columbia held the advantage over the Elis in first downs, 18-16. The Lions also controlled the ball for almost 10 more minutes than Yale.