More uncertain is the state of the defense. Against the Big Green, the secondary conceded 296 passing yards over the final three quarters, allowing Dartmouth to wriggle out of a 14-0 hole to force late-game drama.

Columbia marks a major test for this unit—not only as a chance to erase memories of last week but also as preparation for next weekend’s matchup at Penn. Tied for first in the Ivy League, the Quakers possess a star duo in senior quarterback Alek Torgersen and junior wideout Justin Watson.

The Lions sport fewer downfield threats. Senior Scooter Hollis and freshman Josh Wainwright lead the receivers, but those two have combined for fewer than 80 yards per game.

Junior Anders Hill will quarterback the attack. The Boulder, Colo. native began the season as a backup to Florida transfer Skyler Mornhinweg (senior), but Hill took the reins in week three. Since then he has tossed for four touchdowns and four interceptions.

Columbia’s rushing attack is hardly more intimidating. Although the Lions run nearly 40 times a contest, the team averages three yards per outing—and now must face a powerful Crimson line.

“Our workload has been alleviated by the amazing play of the D-line,” sophomore linebacker Anthony Camargo said. “They make the jobs of the linebackers and the defensive backs a lot easier.”

Recent history suggests that viewers should expect a blowout on Saturday. Here are the scores of the Harvard-Columbia games from 2012 to 2014: 69-0, 34-0, and 45-0.

Last year, though, the Lions erased a 24-3 deficit to force a one-score contest. And given the tight championship, the Crimson has no margin for error.

“Think about this,” Murphy said. “We have seven practices left in our career as the 2016 Harvard football team…. You’ve got to have a sense of urgency.”

—Staff writer Sam Danello can be reached at sam.danello@thecrimson.com.