Harvard to Battle Columbia

Today's game between Harvard and Columbia marks the 33rd meeting between the Ivy League rivals. Ho hum. The hapless Lions have beaten the Crimson only once in the last 12 years, and that win was by default. The Columbia contest is traditionally the warm-up game for Harvard's ensuing Ivy League schedule, and Crimson teams almost always end up trouncing the Lions. Last year it was 57-0.

Today's contest should be no exception. Columbia is even worse than usual and seems headed for a perfect 0-9 record. Princeton trounced the Lions 40-6 last week, and if the weak Tigers can win by 34, then Harvard should have about as much trouble handling Columbia as Batman had with the Joker.

The Crimson will have ace quarterback Milt Holt pitching to All-American candidate Pat McInally, and if these two don't have a field day against the porous Columbia secondary, they never will.

Even the Harvard running attack might do well against Columbia, whether or not leading rusher Neal Miller overcomes his nagging ankle and assorted other injuries to play the game.

The Harvard defense shouldn't have too much to worry about, except for tight end Mike Telep, who is among the best in the nation. But if the Crimson had half of its defense keying on Telep, then the rest should take care of the remaining Columbia attack.

In short, Harvard should not--or let's say, better not--have any problem with Columbia. If the Crimson does, it will be a long, long season.