Harvard Football Remains Undefeated After Win Over Columbia
Xaviah Bascon rushed for two touchdowns, and Seamus Gilmartin caught two touchdown passes from Jaden Craig as Harvard defeated Columbia 31-14 on Friday. This victory brought Harvard to an 8-0 overall record and a perfect 5-0 in Ivy League play.
Season Highlights
- Harvard has started 8-0 for the first time since 2015.
- The team is 5-0 in conference games for the first time since 2016.
- The Crimson have won seven straight road games, extending the nation's longest current streak.
Game Summary
Bascon opened the scoring with a 1-yard rush, concluding a 10-play, 80-yard drive. He scored again with 11 seconds remaining in the first half. In the second quarter, Craig threw two touchdown passes to Gilmartin.
“The first came following an interception by Columbia’s Chase Goodwin that Jack Donahoe secured and returned to the Columbia 2-yard line.”
Columbia’s offense struggled after an early missed field goal, with most drives ending in punts, interceptions, or the half-time break. Their first points came early in the fourth quarter on a touchdown pass from Goodwin to Titus Evans, followed by another touchdown and a successful two-point conversion later in the quarter. Their late onside kick attempt failed.
Columbia's Performance
- Record fell to 1-7 overall and 0-5 in Ivy League.
- Struggled to maintain possession with multiple punts and interceptions.
- Scored only in the fourth quarter after an early interception return set up Harvard's second score.
Summary: Harvard's decisive offensive execution and strong defense extended their undefeated streak, underscoring their position as Ivy League leaders and showcasing a potent combination of rushing and passing threats.