NEW YORK — Freshman Anthony Gaffney returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown and Princeton didn’t look back, beating Columbia 33-6 on Saturday in the Ivy League opener for both teams.
The Tigers (1-2) extended their lead to 14-0 behind a fake field goal, in which receiver Tom Moak threw a 14-yard touchdown to Des Smith.
Nolan Bieck, who missed all three previous field goal attempts this season, converted from 34-, and 20-yards to seal the victory for Princeton.
The win marks Princeton’s first of the 2012 season, ending a nine-game losing streak dating to last season. Princeton, which lost its previous two games by a combined four points, hadn’t won since Week 3 of the 2011 season when they beat Columbia 24-21.
Sean Brackett led Columbia (1-2) with 174 yards passing but threw two interceptions. Will Patterson led the Lions defense with nine tackles and a forced fumble.
