The Yale Columbia football rivalry is one of the most historic and enduring in the Ivy League. The two teams have been competing against each other since 1872, with Yale currently holding a significant lead in the series. The Bulldogs have won 72 games, while the Lions have won 23, and there have been 5 ties. This rivalry is not only significant because of its longevity but also due to the academic and athletic excellence that both universities represent.
History of the Rivalry
The first game between Yale and Columbia was played on November 16, 1872, with Yale winning 3-0. Since then, the two teams have met annually, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II. The series has been marked by periods of dominance by both teams, with Yale generally holding the upper hand. However, Columbia has had its share of victories, including a 26-20 win in 2016 that marked the Lions’ first victory over the Bulldogs since 2006.
Notable Games and Moments
One of the most notable games in the series was the 1934 matchup, which Yale won 41-0. This game was significant not only because of the lopsided score but also because it marked the beginning of a 17-game winning streak for the Bulldogs. Another notable moment in the series was the 1968 game, which Columbia won 24-21. This victory marked the Lions’ first win over Yale since 1954 and was a significant upset at the time.
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Yale | 27-10 |
| 2018 | Columbia | 17-10 |
| 2017 | Yale | 23-6 |
| 2016 | Columbia | 26-20 |
| 2015 | Yale | 40-13 |
Current State of the Rivalry
In recent years, the Yale Columbia football rivalry has been marked by a series of closely contested games. The 2018 matchup, which Columbia won 17-10, was a significant upset, as the Lions were considered underdogs going into the game. The 2019 game, which Yale won 27-10, was also closely contested, with the Bulldogs pulling away in the fourth quarter. The series continues to be highly competitive, with both teams fielding talented rosters and coaching staffs.
Coaching and Players
Both Yale and Columbia have experienced coaching staffs, with Yale’s Tony Reno and Columbia’s Al Bagnoli having extensive experience in the Ivy League. The teams have also produced talented players, including Yale’s Zane Dudek, who was a first-team All-Ivy League selection in 2019, and Columbia’s Anders Hill, who was a second-team All-Ivy League selection in 2018. The rivalry has also seen the emergence of talented young players, including Yale’s Griffin O’Connor and Columbia’s quarterback Ty Lenhart.
What is the history of the Yale Columbia football rivalry?
+The Yale Columbia football rivalry dates back to 1872, with the two teams having met annually since then, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II. Yale currently holds a significant lead in the series, having won 72 games to Columbia's 23, with 5 ties.
What are some notable games and moments in the series?
+Some notable games and moments in the series include the 1934 matchup, which Yale won 41-0, and the 1968 game, which Columbia won 24-21. The series has also seen the emergence of talented players, including Yale's Zane Dudek and Columbia's Anders Hill.
In conclusion, the Yale Columbia football rivalry is a historic and enduring series that represents the academic and athletic excellence of both universities. The series has been marked by periods of dominance by both teams, with Yale generally holding the upper hand. However, Columbia has had its share of victories, including a 26-20 win in 2016 that marked the Lions’ first victory over the Bulldogs since 2006. The rivalry continues to be highly competitive, with both teams fielding talented rosters and coaching staffs.
