It took one week for an Ivy League program to enter the FCS Power Rankings. What a debut for Columbia coach Jon Poppe, a former assistant coach under legendary coach Al Bagnoli from 2015-2017, who returned to Manhattan to help continue the program’s most successful era in history.
A win over Lafayette (No. 16 in last week’s rankings) was led by running backs Joey Giorgi and Malcolm Terry II, who, combined with QB Chase Goodwin, rushed for more than 200 yards. The Lions forced two turnovers and built a a 31-12 lead midway into the fourth quarter.
It’s just one game, but it is an important one for Poppe, the Lions and the rest of the FCS: even though its teams may not participate in the FCS playoffs, Ivy League football is as strong and competitive as any at this level.
