Charlie Smith throws 2 touchdown passes to help Harvard hold off Brown 14-10 in Ivy League opener

Providence, R.I. (AP) — Charlie Smith contributed two touchdown passes in the first half, helping Harvard defeat Brown 14-10 in an Ivy League opener on Friday night. The Crimson, ranked 21st in the Championship Subdivision for the Championship Subdivision, defeated the Bears 14-10. Smith completed 30 of 37 passes for 205 yards with an interception, leading Harvard to a 7-0 advantage after the first quarter.

Xaden Benson intercepted James Murphy to set up a short scoring drive, and Smith delivered a 4-yard touchdown pass to Teigan Pelletier, extending the lead to 14-0 at halftime. Smith again scored a touchdown via a 15-play, 86-yard drive, ending with a 4-yard toss to Pelletier, giving Harvard a 14-0 halftime lead. Max Malo intercepted Smith's third pass in the third quarter, resulting in a 48-yard field goal by Drew Crabtree for Brown.

Jackson Bennett had a 29-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 14-10 for the Bears with 8:16 remaining. Benson intercepted Murphy once more, two plays after the two-minute warning, and Harvard took control at the Bears’ 39-yard line. They managed to run out the clock, sealing a 14-10 victory for Harvard. Murphy completed 18 of 24 passes for 121 yards, while Brown recorded a 1-1 season record.

Harvard has secured 10 of the last 11 victories against Brown and maintains a series record of 92-31-2, dating back to 1893.