PRINCETON, N.J. (Interstat) — The Princeton Tigers, utilizing a three-quarterback system and a stifling second-half defensive performance, rallied from an early 10-point deficit to defeat the Columbia Lions 17-10 on Friday night at Princeton Stadium.

Both teams evened their season records at 1-1 with the result, which defied pregame projections that heavily favored the Tigers. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Princeton 33, Columbia 12, and its ELO system gave the Tigers a 59.5 percent probability to win, despite Columbia being installed as a 4.5-point pregame favorite.

The Lions (1-1) dominated the first quarter, capitalizing on their opening drive with a 29-yard field goal from Hugo Merry. Columbia then engineered a 13-play, 69-yard scoring drive late in the period, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run from Lucas Bullock to take a commanding 10-0 lead.

Columbia quarterback Chase Goodwin was sharp early, methodically moving the offense. He finished the game completing 19 of 28 passes for 165 yards. His primary target was Titus Evans, who hauled in eight receptions for 93 yards. The Lions’ ground game was led by Griffin Johnson, who rushed for 46 yards on 10 carries, while Bullock added 29 rushing yards and the game’s only touchdown for Columbia.

Princeton’s offense, however, was stagnant for much of the first half until a critical mistake by Columbia provided an opening. With under two minutes remaining in the second quarter, Columbia’s Chase Goodwin was intercepted by Princeton linebacker AJ Pigford, who returned the ball to the Lions’ 1-yard line. Two plays later, Princeton quarterback Asher Weiner plunged in from a yard out to cut the deficit to 10-7 at halftime.

The Tigers (1-1) seized control in the second half, completely shutting out the Columbia offense. The Lions managed just 64 total yards after halftime and were forced to punt on all five of their second-half possessions until a final, frantic drive in the last minute.

Princeton tied the game early in the fourth quarter on a 2-yard touchdown run by Ethan Clark, culminating a 71-yard drive. The Tigers then took their first lead of the night with 9:21 remaining in the game on a 38-yard field goal from Esteban Nunez Perez, making the score 17-10.

The Princeton quarterback rotation of Kai Colón and Blaine Hipa ultimately proved effective. Hipa provided a spark with his mobility, rushing for 38 yards and completing 7 of 10 passes for 93 yards. Colón, while completing just 7 of 17 attempts for 145 yards, connected on several key throws, including a 51-yard pass to Paul Kuhner and a 49-yarder to Roman Laurio, who finished with two catches for 67 yards. Josh Robinson was a versatile weapon for the Tigers, catching four passes for 73 yards.

Columbia’s final chance came with 1:54 left on the clock. Backup quarterback Xander Menapace, replacing Goodwin, led the Lions from their own 10-yard line to the Princeton 42-yard line, but his final pass into the end zone as time expired fell incomplete.

The loss overshadowed a strong defensive effort from Columbia, which included an interception by linebacker Jack Smiechowski and a fumble recovery by Keller Patterson. Princeton’s defense, however, was more impactful, securing two interceptions from Marco Scarano and AJ Pigford that led directly to 10 points.

Columbia will look to rebound next Saturday when it hosts Lehigh. Princeton will also be at home next Saturday to face Mercer.

Note: The provided information contained a discrepancy regarding the final score. The key plays listed the score as 14-10 entering the final drive, but the initial summary stated the final score was 17-10, with Princeton scoring 10 points in the 4th quarter. The recap has been written to reflect the 17-10 final score as the authoritative figure.