Josh Pitsenberger
Columbia Lions (1-5) at Yale Bulldogs 4-2
November 1, 2025
Kickoff Time: 12:00pm
Game Time Weather Forecast: 52 degrees and partly sunny
The Line: Yale is favored by 20 1/2 points
TV/Radio: The game is on ESPN+
Head Coach Jon Poppe pregame interview with Lance Medow
Leading Story Lines
-Yale is looking to stay very much in the thick of the Ivy race, while Columbia is trying to refocus after the team’s worst loss in years last week. Once again, it’s a far cry from a year ago when the Lions beat the Bulldogs on national TV for CU’s biggest win of the year.
-After being sidelined by injury for the last three games, Columbia junior QB Chase Goodwin will get the start.
-The elephant in the room is that many people are not only expecting Yale to win, but to pummel the Lions in the same way Dartmouth manhandled them last week. Sometimes that kind of expectation can induce one or both teams to lose a little focus. Columbia hasn’t won in New Haven since 2015.
3 Lions to Watch
-Injury replacement LT Ahmari Owens #70 had his trial by fire last week in Hanover, he will be under fire again from a Yale defense eager to rattle Goodwin all day.
-Junior LB Charlie Newton #11 had his breakout game last year against the Elis, and will be focusing on stopping All-Everything Bulldog RB Josh Pitsenberger.
-Sophomore DB Carter McCray #3 will be busy defending the Yale passing game, which is improving by the week.
3 Bulldogs to Watch
-Junior QB Dante Reno #2 is having a number of games where he plays very well most of the time, but can also make some mistakes. His comfort, or lack thereof, early in the game will be critical.
-Senior RB Josh Pitsenberger #7 is having a dream season He’s well on the pace for 1,000 yards on the ground, and he’s still a threat as a receiver out of the backfield.
-Junior DB Abu Kamara #4 could be the best player in the Ivies. He makes things happen from his position, period.
