Harvard Football Stays Undefeated with Strong Win Over Columbia
Xaviah Bascon led Harvard's offense by rushing for two touchdowns, while Seamus Gilmartin caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Jaden Craig. The Crimson secured a 31-14 victory over Columbia on Friday.
Season Highlights
- Harvard improved to 8-0 overall and 5-0 in Ivy League play, marking their best start since 2015.
- This is Harvard's first 5-0 Ivy League record since 2016.
- The team has already matched its total wins from each of the previous two seasons.
- Harvard has won seven consecutive road games, the longest active streak nationally.
Game Summary
Bascon opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run, concluding a 10-play, 80-yard drive. He added a second touchdown with just 11 seconds left before halftime. Craig connected with Gilmartin twice for scores in the second quarter.
"The first came following an interception by Columbia’s Chase Goodwin that Jack Donahoe secured and returned to the Columbia 2-yard line."
After Columbia's missed field goal attempt on their opening drive, their subsequent possessions ended in punts, interceptions, or halftime. Columbia scored their first points early in the fourth quarter on a touchdown pass from Goodwin to Titus Evans, followed by another touchdown and a two-point conversion later in the quarter. Their final onside kick attempt was unsuccessful.
Columbia's Efforts
- Columbia fell to 1-7 overall and 0-5 in the Ivy League.
- Despite difficulties, they managed to score in the fourth quarter but could not overcome Harvard's lead.
Summary: Harvard's undefeated run continues with a commanding 31-14 victory over Columbia, driven by strong performances from Bascon, Gilmartin, and Craig that highlight their best start in nearly a decade.