Turnovers Haunt Big Red in 41-24 Defeat at Yale: A Cornell University Athletics Recap

Yale Outlasts Cornell in Ivy League Showdown

In a tough Ivy League matchup, Cornell faced Yale and lost 41-24. The game took place at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut, and was filled with action, especially in the second half.

The game started with both teams trading touchdowns, ending the first half tied at 14-14. Cornell’s quarterback, Devin Page, kicked things off with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Yale quickly answered with a score from Josh Pitsenberger.

However, Yale turned the tables in the third quarter. They scored 13 unanswered points, thanks to two field goals from Noah Piper and a 20-yard touchdown pass from Dante Reno to Jaxton Santiago, pushing Yale ahead 27-14.

Cornell didn’t back down. They mounted a strong response with a quick seven-play, 80-yard drive. Page connected with tight end Ryder Kurtz for a 21-yard touchdown, narrowing Yale’s lead to 27-21.

Just when it seemed like Cornell could take control, Yale intercepted Page. This set them up for another touchdown, extending their lead to 34-24. The Big Red’s last hopes vanished when Abu Kamara returned another interception for a 65-yard touchdown with just 47 seconds left.

Defensively, Cornell’s Damon Barnes led the team with nine tackles, and Jeremiah Lewis added eight. The team demonstrated grit, with one sack and seven tackles for loss.

This matchup was a reminder of the intense competition in Ivy League football and the stakes for both teams. With turnovers proving costly, Page’s stats showed promise: he completed 24 of 53 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns, but the four interceptions defined his performance.

Looking Ahead

Next, Cornell will play Colgate on October 4 during Homecoming. This game will mark the 106th meeting between these rivals. Historically, Cornell and Colgate have been evenly matched, with a record of 51-51-3.

Recent trends in college football highlight the importance of protecting the ball. A study by the NCAA shows that teams committing fewer than two turnovers per game win approximately 73% of the time. This statistic emphasizes the uphill challenge Cornell faced against Yale.

As they prepare for Colgate, Cornell will need to focus on making smarter plays and reducing turnovers to turn their season around.

Source link