Luke Yoder is averaging 116 yards rushing per game
Lehigh Mountain Hawks (6-0) vs. Columbia Lions (1-2)
October 11, 2025
Robert K. Kraft Field at Wien Stadium on the Baker Athletic Complex
New York, NY
Kickoff Time: 12:00pm
Game Time Weather Forecast: 67 degrees and cloudy
The Line: Lehigh is favored by 11 1/2 points
TV/Radio: The game will be streamed on ESPN+
Coach Jon Poppe weekly interview with Lance Medow
Leading Story Lines
-It’s a big story of contrasts as the Lehigh is riding a multi-year high as a program at 6-0 and ranked #7 in the FCS, while Columbia is going through a disappointing start. The fact that the point spread is only 11 1/2 has some of us scratching our heads.
-Columbia will be forced to start its third string QB in junior Xander Menapace but it could be a bit of a revolving door under center by design.
-Lehigh has already defeated Penn and Yale, and is looking to sweep its Ivy slate tomorrow.
3 Lions to Watch
-Junior LB Charlie Newton #11 will be tasked with much of the work to stop standout Lehigh RB Luke Yoder #6.
-Freshman QB Xander Eschelman #2 should get into the game for a number of snaps, where he will be expected to run with the ball… but a pass or two could cross up the somewhat questionable Mountain Hawk pass defense.
-Junior TE Braden Dougherty #86 would be the logical safety valve for the inexperienced Lion QB’s.
3 Mountain Hawks to Watch
-Senior WR Geoffrey Jamiel #9 is just 5-8, but he’s racking up big yards this season, and can be elusive.
-Senior DL Matt Spatny #11 is an edge rusher with a quick move who must be salivating at the prospect of facing such a green QB corps for the Lions tomorrow.
-Junior DB DJ Brown #20 is a great pass defender who will likely draw the job of covering CU WR Titus Evans #85.
