After a tough loss to Holy Cross last weekend, Dartmouth returns to Hanover this weekend to take on Columbia for the annual Homecoming football game on Saturday. A win would break the Big Green's 17-game losing streak.
Although Columbia (2-3, 1-1 Ivy) is historically one of the weakest teams in the Ancient Eight, posting an 86-282-5 record against Ivy League opponents since 1956, the Lions have put on a relatively strong showing this year.
And while Dartmouth (0-5, 0-2 Ivy) is still hunting for its first win, Columbia already has a 38-0 shutout against Princeton under its belt.
Conner Kempe '12 started for the Big Green at quarterback for the first time this season against Holy Cross last weekend, amassing 312 yards and two touchdowns in the team's loss.
Despite the strong performance of Nick Schwieger '12 at running back, the team's net rushing yardage is only 368 yards for the season.
"We're looking to run the ball early and often, which we're hoping will soften up the Columbia defense," Schwieger said. "We just need to keep attacking and we'll be fine."
In last year's game against the Lions, the Big Green was down by just one point going into the third quarter. Dartmouth ultimately lost 21-13, and had offensive trouble, compiling just 174 yards overall.
Columbia will be a force to reckon with this year, as senior running back Ray Rangel leads the Ivy League with 420 rushing yards. Another threat will be Austin Knowlin, who, with 28 receptions and 344 yards, has set a single-season record for the Lions.
Saturday's forecast calls for a 90 percent chance of rain. Precipitation traditionally favors run-heavy offenses like Columbia's.
Kempe said that the team is prepared for this weekend's game and does not feel added pressure surrounding Homecoming.
"To us, it is just another game that we need to go out and perform our best," he said. "We are more experienced, more confident, and are more enthusiastic [than last year.]"
