The #18/19 Fordham University Rams (3-1) were able to earn their first victory on the road by defeating Columbia University (0-1) in NCAA Football action on Saturday, September 20, 2014.
Brian Wetzel. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/1495 Sports
Fordham was able to use the passing game to earn the victory as Quarterback Mike Nebrich compiled 435 yards through the air, completing 32-of-48 of his passes and recording four touchdowns. Nebrich tied his career-high in scoring tosses while also recording his fifth career 400-yard passing game, surpassing John Skelton’s former school record of four 400-yard games.
There were a wide assortment of receivers that shined in the victory over Columbia including Sam Ajala (164 yards) and Brian Wetzel (86 yards) each grabbing ten passes and Tebucky Jones, Jr. hauling in seven for 129 yards and two scores.
The defensive effort was stellar for the Rams, as the unit limited Columbia to just 165 yards of total offense, 82 of those coming in the fourth quarter, and nine total first downs.
The victory over Columbia allowed Fordham to keep the Liberty Cup was dedicated in 2002, a year after the Columbia-Fordham game was postponed due to the attacks of September 11, 2001. At least 43 Columbia alumni and 39 Fordham alumni and students died at the World Trade Center, including two former Fordham football players: Nick Brandemarti ’00 and Kevin Szocik ’97.
Fordham will next be in action on September 27, as they open up Patriot League action on the road against Holy Cross. The Rams will next be home at Jack Coffey Field on October 3, when they host Lafayette College.
Notes:
The Rams have amassed 1,307 total yards over the past two games… It was the second straight game of the year in which the Rams had two 100-yard receivers (Jones (124) and Ajala (114) each had more than 100 yards last week vs. Rhode Island)… Ajala now has ten career 100-yard receiving games, four behind the all-time leader, Javarus Dudley (2000-03)
For more information on Fordham University and the athletics program fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
http://www.fordhamsports.com/index.aspx