Penn Football Faces Lehigh: A Historic Showdown
This Saturday, the University of Pennsylvania football team is set for a big challenge as they take on No. 9/10 Lehigh in Bethlehem. It’s a notable matchup for Penn, marking their first time against a nationally-ranked opponent since 2019.
Penn is coming off a close win against Stonehill, winning 24-21. Meanwhile, Lehigh has rolled through their first four games, most recently defeating Bucknell 41-24.
The matchup is steeped in history, dating back to 1885. Penn leads their series against Lehigh with an impressive 47-15 record. The last time they met in Goodman Stadium, it was a high-scoring affair, with Penn winning 65-47 in 2017. In their most recent contest at Franklin Field, Penn shut out Lehigh 20-0 in 2021, showcasing their defensive strength by limiting Lehigh to just 119 total yards.
Insights on Lehigh
Lehigh has started strong this season, sitting at 4-0 and standing out with a solid rushing game, averaging 234.5 yards per game. The team’s success is partly due to players like Luke Yoder and Jaden Green, who recently combined for 301 rushing yards against Bucknell.
Defensively, Lehigh is just as impressive, allowing only 81.3 rushing yards per game, ranking seventh nationwide. This balance has helped them maintain an unbeaten record as they pursue a strong finish to the season.
Recent Trends and Player Highlights
In the past few years, Penn has dominated Patriot League teams, winning eight straight games, including wins over Colgate and Bucknell in 2024. In their first game of the 2025 season, Penn’s young stars shone, with freshman kicker Mason Walters kicking a game-winning field goal. Players like Jared Richardson are also making headlines; he has already amassed over 1,500 receiving yards, climbing the program’s all-time charts.
Interestingly, just this season, Penn ranks highly in multiple national categories: they hold the top position in fourth-down conversion rates and are third in punt return defense. These stats underline the squad’s push to compete at a higher level.
Historical Context
Historically, Penn is 21-56-3 against ranked teams, but they’ve had notable wins against teams ranked No. 10. Their most recent victory in this context was against No. 22 Princeton in 2022. As they prepare to face Lehigh again, the Quakers are reminded of their past victories against ranked teams, hoping to add to that legacy.
Conclusion
As the Quakers head into this clash with Lehigh, there’s a feeling of anticipation. It’s more than just another game; it’s a chance to establish their place in history against a strong opponent. With strong performances from both teams, this game promises to be an exciting chapter in their rivalry.
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