This article is also featured on Roar Lions Roar

Since then, four of those Homecoming games have been against Penn and the average score has been 42-14, Quakers.-That is not to say that every game since 1996 has been a blowout. Last year's game was especially close and Columbia appeared like the more talented team in a 15-10 loss at Franklin Field -This rivalry has a seminal year to examine: 1982. Coming into that season, Penn had never won even a share of an Ivy title. But the Quakers emerged as a powerhouse that year, tying for the title and never really looking back from there Penn has been a contender almost every year ever since. On the other hand, 1982 launched a tougher era for Columbia football that the previous 26 seasons of league history.

It seems Penn's jump to the top of the league somehow came at the Lions expense. Some would argue that this is the most wide open year for Ivy football since 1982. It was so open that three teams tied for the title in Harvard, Dartmouth and Penn. If ever there was a year that Columbia could hurdle some of its longstanding rivals, it seems like 2009 is it. Hurdling Penn on Saturday would be a huge step, perhaps just as huge as Penn's miraculous last second win over Harvard at Franklin Field in 1982.-Beating Penn by any score would send a message to the league much louder than the 38-0 shutout of Princeton two weeks ago. The Quakers are a tough team and it will not be easy, but the Lions are strong enough to win.

If Columbia fans and players were tired of losing to Princeton, then we're EXHAUSTED from losing to Penn. This must end now.Buy your tickets now and get ready to scream your head off Call your friends and family and get them to join you. Contact that old classmate of yours who is a cynic about Columbia football and convince them that this team is different Because it is different. The 2009 Columbia Lions deserve to see you pack Wien Stadium and they deserve to hear you on every play. This article is also featured on Roar Lions Roar.