Ranking the Ivy League’s Linear TV Games
#IvyLeagueFridayNignts are back. Let’s talk about it! :)
Earlier this week, the Ivy League released their linear TV schedule for the upcoming season. This year will be the third season of the league’s deal with ESPN and the slate includes six games.
Every team is represented with Harvard, Princeton, and Yale receiving multiple appearances. Although the first #IvyLeagueFridayNight game is over three months away, rankings are still very necessary.
#6: Brown @ Princeton October 14, 7 ET ESPNU
The rankings start with the classic battle of unstoppable force against very, very moveable object. In recent memory Princeton’s offenses have been some of the most electric in the FCS and 2021 was no different as the Tigers averaged 33 points per game with Cole Smith throwing for 2570 yards and rushing for 420 non-sack rushing yards. On the other hand, Brown allowed an average of 42 points per game, with three offenses scoring over 50 points on them.
This year, the Tigers lose Smith, 2021 leading rusher, Collin Eaddy, and leading receiver, Jacob Birmelin. The defense allowed only 17 points per game but lose their top three tacklers including Samuel Wright III, who led the team in sacks with 11. With this much depth gone from Princeton, Brown could make it a competitive game.
However, Brown must deal with the loss of East-West Shrine Bowl MVP and Jacksonville Jaguar EJ Perry, who totaled over 3400 yards of total offense in 2021. The Bears do return their top two leading receivers, Wes Rockett and Graham Walker, who both exceeded 600 yards in 2021.
Last season, Princeton won a 56-42 shootout in Providence as the quarterbacks took center stage. Cole Smith had a near immaculate 25/27 for 476 yards and four touchdown passing line, while EJ Perry threw for 331 yards and 5 touchdowns to go with 82 rushing yards. Collin Eaddy also added four touchdowns and 130 yards on the ground for the Tigers.
#5: Harvard @ Cornell October 7 7ET ESPNU
Another battle between a title contender and a bottom-feeder serves as the kickoff for Columbus Day Weekend as Harvard travels to Ithaca to play Cornell. Harvard went 8-2 last season finishing a game back from the Ivy League title, while the Big Red finished 2-8.
While the Crimson lose 2021 leading rusher Aaron Shampklin, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys, 2019 Ivy League Rookie of the Year Aiden Borguet is ready to fill his shoes after rushing for over 600 yards last season. Additionally, the Crimson return several pieces to a defense that allowed less than 15 points per game, including Thor Griffith and Nate Leskovec who combined for 20 tackles for loss in 2021.
Cornell had their moments last year, beating Patriot League runner-up Colgate in a game where Jameson Wong became the first Big Red freshman to throw and run for a touchdown, earning Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors. Wong returns First Team All-Ivy selection Thomas Glover who caught 55 passes for 767 yards last season.
Despite the discrepancy in records, a blowout is unlikely as Harvard won the last meeting 24-10, with their final touchdown coming with under two minutes to go. Cornell is no stranger to upsets as they defeated 8-0 Dartmouth in 2019, ending all hopes the Big Green had for an outright title.
#4 Dartmouth-Penn: September 30, 7 ET ESPNU
The two-time defending Ivy League co-champion Big Green kickoff the Ivy League TV schedule in their only appearance on linear TV against 3-7 Penn. Quarterback Nick Howard, who ran for 787 yards and 15 touchdowns, while throwing only 18 passes anchors a strong run game, with Zack Bair and Noah Roper providing support.
Like Harvard and Princeton, the Big Green also have a strong defense, allowing 15 points per game with their leading tackler, Jalen Mackie (89 tackles) returning.
Penn had an uncharacteristic off year, going 3-7 with the offense averaging below 20 points per game as their quarterbacks only threw eight touchdowns on the season. While the offense struggled, the defense shined, allowing only 22 points per game with Jake Heimlicher notching 12.5 tackles for loss. Leading tackler Jaden Key also returns to the City of Brotherly Love.
Although the Quakers lost last year's meeting with the Big Green 31-7, this year's meeting is poised to be a close, low-scoring affair in Hanover.
#3: Columbia-Yale October 28, 6:30 ET ESPNU
This October 28th clash may arguably be the most underrated game of the linear TV schedule. After a win against Dartmouth on October 22nd, Columbia had a path to their first Ivy League title since 1961, but the Bulldogs quickly spoiled those plans, defeating the Lions 37-30 at the Yale Bowl the following week.
While the Lions lose 814-yard rusher Dante Miller, 2021 Ivy League Rookie of the Year, quarterback Joe Green plays a mistake-free brand of football, throwing only three interceptions in 265 passes last season. His main target was Alex Libman, who caught 33 passes last season. The defense allowed only 22 points per game last season, but loses key pieces like Cam Dillon, who had 8.5 sacks last season.
The Bulldogs are coming off a bit of a down year, going 5-5 in 2021, but a young quarterback also led their offense as Nolan Grooms threw for 1569 yards and ran for over 500 non-sack yards. Yale will hope to return to their 2019 Ivy League co-champion form next season and this trip to the Big Apple is a great test.
#2: Princeton @ Harvard October 21, ESPNU 7 ET
This matchup likely will decide the Ivy League title as it was the difference in Harvard not clinching a share last season. Last season’s game went into 5OT but was overshadowed by Illinois and Penn State’s 9OT Classic that same day.
Both teams entered last season’s game undefeated and the game headed into overtime with a 13-13 score. After only mustering a field goal each in the first two overtimes, the teams failed to convert their two point conversions in the next two overtimes until Jacob Birmelin caught the game-winning conversion for Princeton in the 5th overtime. Princeton wound up winning a share of the Ivy League with a 6-1 record, while Harvard finished 6-2.
#1: Yale @ Harvard: November 19, 12 ET ESPN Network TBD
Did you expect any other game to take the #1 spot. It is the biggest game in the Ivy League and still one of college football’s most revered rivalries. After a classic 2OT finish in 2019, the 2021 edition of “The Game” failed to disappoint.
Luke Emge’s 12-yard touchdown to Kym Wimberly gave the Crimson a 34-31 win and revenge for their loss in 2021. This year’s game will be the 138th edition of the storied rivalry and the only game on the Ivy League linear TV schedule played on a Saturday. That alone speaks volumes for the rivalry.
The Ivy League TV deal continues to be one of the best in the FCS and will showcase a league that should have significant parity this season. Football fans can not go wrong in choosing any of these games to kickoff their weekend football feasts.