The numbers game

There was quite a bit of commotion in the Columbia press box as Austin Knowlin came out onto the field wearing jersey No. 4 instead of his normal 83. With his fellow senior Ray Rangel, out for the season because of a foot injury, Knowlin requested to wear Rangel's number.

Knowlin, a former Newington High star, will draw plenty of attention regardless of his uniform number. He is Columbia's all-time leader with 190 catches and needs 95 yards to become the Lions leader in career receiving yards.

Speaking of prolific receivers, Yale freshman Chris Smith not only made the trip but too part in pre-game drills. Whether his injured knee is well enough for him to play remains to be seen but the fact that he is out there is a good sign that the injury he suffered late in last week's loss to Penn is not as serious as it appeared.

Jordan Farrell, Yale's leading rusher, is also out going through warmups. He is slowed by the flu and bronchitis so it will be interesting to see how much he can play. While Jordan Forney, who missed the Penn game with a concussion, is back and figures to see plenty of time.