Mitchell set to retake control of Quakers 'O'

In past seasons, Penn has dipped into its reserves by the fourth quarter against Columbia. Last year's 44-10 victory certainly permitted it.

Yet things have changed. This year's Lions are a much better team from last season and the Quakers will bring in a player who does not usual fill the role as backup.

After sitting out last week's game against Bucknell to rest his sprained ankle, Penn (4-0, 1-0 Ivy League) quarterback Mike Mitchell will look to return to the form he displayed before going down against Dartmouth -- where he had one the best statistical halves in Penn history -- and unleash his aerial assault tomorrow at Columbia's homecoming game.

"It brings a lot back to just the team's demeanor," junior defensive lineman Michael Sangobowale said.

"Having a fifth-year senior captain come back to the offense gives everyone a sense of assurance.... Having him back, we just have to rally the troops together and make sure we can do what we need to do both offensively and defensively."

Mitchell has been going to the trainer several times per day during the past week, warming his ankle in the whirlpool, followed by ice treatments. He has also been doing various stretching exercises outside of practice to help regain mobility. As a result, he feels that he will be close to 100 percent by tomorrow.

"We're confident that we're going to see the Mike Mitchell that we know," Penn coach Al Bagnoli said.

Bagnoli indicated that All-Ivy linebacker Steve Lhotak and tight end Brian Adams will both be probable for next week's game against Yale.

Defensive back Seth Fisher, who is recovering from a stinger in his neck suffered against Dartmouth, may play against the Lions.

First-year Columbia (2-2, 1-0) coach Bob Shoop has revolutionized expectations on the Upper West Side, already eclipsing last year's win total and defeating the Tigers in Princeton, N.J., for the first time since 1945. The win also marked Columbia's first Ivy League victory since Nov. 10, 2001, against Cornell.

"It's a whole different coach and a new attitude up there," Mitchell said.

Shoop has brought a new defensive system to New York, featuring a version of an eight-man front similar to the one Penn encountered against Dartmouth and Bucknell.

Both of Columbia's victories have been in the waning moments of the game, highlighted by a 49-yard hail mary heave from Jeff Otis to Wade Fletcher against Princeton on Oct. 4. The 33-27 win featured a 33-7 Lions run, as they trailed 20-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Against Bucknell -- a team Penn beat by virtue of a missed Bison field goal at the end of regulation -- Otis led the Lions offense 73 yards down the field to score a touchdown with 22 seconds remaining. Travis Chmelka's five-yard touchdown catch put Columbia ahead for good, 19-16.

"Not only are they 2-2, but they've been competitive in every game," Bagnoli said. Coach Shoop's "got his guys playing for 60 minutes, he's got his guys playing with some confidence and he's got his guys thinking that they're never out of the game."

Even when Mitchell is not directly involved in the offensive play, his presence on the field will affect Columbia's defensive mindset.

"I think it helps a little bit more in terms of the balance of running and passing as far as what teams have to prepare for," sophomore running back Sam Mathews said. "I think it's a great thing that we have him back and are able to open up our offense."

Whether he affects the Lions' thinking or actual play, the Quakers welcome the return of their offensive leader.

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