Princeton had more yards and won the turnover battle, but Harvard took the day in a heartbreaking 23-20 overtime victory over the Tigers to stay atop the Ivy League.
Both teams entered the day unbeaten and with high expectations: the Tigers (4-2, 2-1 Ivy) were seeking to break the tie for first place in-conference by beating Harvard (5-1, 3-0 Ivy) for the first time since 2013.
Once the game began, however, it seemed to be all Harvard. The Crimson defense absolutely shut down the Tigers to start the game, allowing no touchdowns over the first half. Although Harvard failed to put up explosive offensive numbers of their own, they still managed a score just over five minutes into the first quarter. However, Princeton managed to frustrate the Crimson attack throughout the game’s second period, allowing only one more touchdown to begin the second quarter and holding the visitors to a 14-0 advantage.
In the second half, it would be Princeton’s turn.
The Tigers finally found a way past Harvard’s defense, putting together a long 80-yard drive midway through the third quarter that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run from junior quarterback John Lovett. The Princeton defense stood firm, preventing any response from the Crimson, and freshman kicker Tavish Rice cut the Harvard lead to four with a field goal to end the third quarter.
The game returned to deadlock as the final period commenced, with neither team making any headway over the first nine minutes of the fourth. However, with only six to play, the Crimson finally managed a field goal to extend their lead, Harvard 17, Princeton 10.
As the game’s final minutes ticked down and a mighty Princeton drive fell just short with just over two minutes to play, it seemed that the Crimson would hold on to a seven-point win. However, with1:40remaining in the game, senior wide receiver James Frusciante fielded a punt for more than 30 yards, giving the Tigers one final shot at tying the game. Sure enough, Lovett punched into the end zone a minute later, leveling the score at 17 and sending the game to overtime.
In extra time, the Tigers went on offense first. However, their efforts to find the end zone were unsuccessful, and Princeton had to settle for a field goal and hope that their defense could stand fast against one more Harvard drive.
However, it was not to be. The Crimson ground out a brutal 12-play sequence, and finally punched the ball into the end zone for the score and 23-20 victory.
Despite the disappointing finish, the Tigers showed great poise and potential over the course of the game. The defense snagged three interceptions and forced two fumbles, while the Princeton attack managed 151 yards through the air and 172 on the ground.
In analyzing the finish, Princeton head coach Bob Surace '90 expressed disappointment at the final result, but ultimately pointed to the Tigers’ outstanding statistical performance as a bright spot to build on.
“I thought we were balanced,” he said. “[And] I thought that’s important for us.”
Read More
How Black football players find community on campus, on and off the field
Ify ObianwuThe Tigers played the first-ever official football game against Rutgers in November 1869. Today, the 2024 iteration of the Tiger squad looks very different. The ‘Prince’ sat down with three Black football players to learn how they build community on campus in the face of pressure on and off the field.
The Tigers played the first-ever official football game against Rutgers in November 1869. Today, the 2024 iteration of the Tiger squad looks very different. The ‘Prince’ sat down with three Black football players to learn how they build community on campus in the face of pressure on and off the field.
By The Numbers: Hockey win streaks and indoor track records shattered
Harrison BlankThis week in By The Numbers, the ice hockey teams continue their winning ways and a record on the indoor track. Despite these accomplishments, the Tigers won fewer of their games this week that the week prior, though they performed well at home.
This week in By The Numbers, the ice hockey teams continue their winning ways and a record on the indoor track. Despite these accomplishments, the Tigers won fewer of their games this week that the week prior, though they performed well at home.
Women’s basketball drops two games to Portland and Utah on West Coast trip
Max Hines and Emilia ReayPrinceton’s only trip out west this season began with a messy blowout loss to Portland, but the Tigers cleaned up their offensive turnovers in a closely contested loss against Utah.
Princeton’s only trip out west this season began with a messy blowout loss to Portland, but the Tigers cleaned up their offensive turnovers in a closely contested loss against Utah.
