Football to Face Nascent Columbia in Opener

In sports, the implication of the term "doormat" is not just a team at the bottom or a team that is struggling. No, the implication of the term "doormat" is a team at the bottom of the standings seemingly forever. Doormats are not stepped on just once, but a thousand times. Doormats rarely pick themselves up.

For years, the quintessential Ivy League doormat has been the Columbia football team. Not anymore.

After posting 14-consecutive losing seasons, the Lions roared back onto the Ancient Eight football scene in 1994. Loath to be underfoot anymore, Columbia posted an eye-opening 5-4-1 record (3-4-1 Ivy).

The surprising thing about Columbia football is that the 1995 team suggests that 1994 was not an aberration. Ivy League football wags have projected Columbia to finish fourth this season.

Columbia and the Crimson kick-off their seasons together at 1:30 p.m Saturday at The Stadium, but both teams have very different agendas.

Columbia must prove themselves all over again. On Saturday, Columbia is looking to end 16 years of frustration against a Harvard squad that has out-powered, out-quicked and out-though the Lions for nearly two decades. In 1994, the Lions made the suggestion that they are out of the gutter; in 1995, Columbia must bear the burden of proof.

Harvard also has something to prove, but the Crimson must prove it to themselves. Coach Tim Murphy and captain Justin Frantz, along with the other players, must demonstrate that the 1995 season is a step forward in the renaissance of Harvard football. Everyone knows that "great pre-seasons" will mean nothing on Saturday. Everyone knows that consistency, time of possession, solid defense and the final score will mean everything.

"If we beat Columbia, it will make a statement to the rest of the league," Frantz says. "A lot of people are expecting Columbia to beat us. I think we will surprise a lot of people this weekend."

Despite Frantz's optimism, it's not going to be easy for Harvard. Columbia returns a powerful set of defensive weapons to its arsenal; the Lions lost only two defenders to graduation. Defensive tackles Eric Keck, a first-team All-Ivy selection, and Frank Congiusta once again anchor the Lions' crucial defensive line, while Rory Wilfork, who had a team-leading 127 tackles in 1994, and Jake Lill both return at linebacker.

Harvard has a talented, but untested, counter-punch to the Columbia defense. Harvard quarterback Vin Ferrara is coming off reconstructive anterior cruciate ligament surgery. He's had few problems so far, but no one knows if he can really hold up play after play, hit after hit. The inexperienced offensive line is another concern, although the players and Murphy universally note their faith.

The good news on the offensive side of the ball is the return of a powerful tailback tandem and a group of experienced hands. Ivy League Rookie of the Year Eion Hu was nothing short of sensational last season, and Kweli Thompson has great potential if he can stay healthy. Furthermore, Harvard returns the top seven receivers from 1994.

Columbia's offense should be weaker than its defense but formidable nonetheless. The Lions have lost quarterback Jamie Schwalbe, but replacement Mike Cavanaugh scares Harvard with his athleticism. The Crimson expects the Lions to challenge its defense by running the option.

"We are concerned most about is the running game," Frantz says. "Cavanaugh is a really athletic guy, who is probably a better runner than their tailbacks. We expect to see the option a lot, and that is what we are looking to defend."

The defensive concern for Harvard is the injury of senior Clete Johnson, a starter at free season safety last season and one of the most experienced defenders on the club. Of course, the team also has youngster in key positions: the defensive line houses sophomores Chris Smith, Jason Hughes and Brendan Bibro.

"We are trying to make some adjustments in the defensive backfield," linebacker Frantz says. "We had a lot of defensive backs injured, but a lot have come back this week. We are moving some guys around, trying to make up for Clete's absence."

Even though the cards are stacked against the Crimson, and even though Harvard has been a doormat itself the last couple of years, Frantz remains optimistic about the teams chances against Columbia and beyond.

"I think we'll be one of the best teams in the league this year," said an earnest Frantz. "If we execute and don't make mistakes, we will win. We have all the tools."