Charlie Smith throws 3 TD passes, Harvard builds big lead then holds off Cornell 41-29

Charlie Smith illuminated the field with three touchdown passes, leading Harvard to a 41-29 victory over Cornell on Saturday. Initially trailing 10-0 in the first quarter, Harvard's resurgence began with three lengthy scoring drives of 75, 85, and 71 yards, granting them a 21-10 halftime advantage. Smith, who completed 23 of 27 passes for 275 yards, scored two touchdowns and managed just one interception during that half.

Smith's efficiency continued in the second half, as Harvard maintained a commanding 41-10 lead before Cornell's late rally. The Big Red secured three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to narrow the gap to 41-29. Cornell's total yardage advantage of 398-380 was partially attributed to a 61-yard run by Ean Pope and two touchdown passes from Garrett Bass-Sulpizio, who completed 20 of 38 passes for 158 yards. Bass-Sulpizio, however, was intercepted twice during the game.

Harvard's dominance in the historic series between the two teams is evident, having triumphed 18 times out of the past 20 matchups, including the last seven consecutively. Looking ahead, Harvard will face Holy Cross next Saturday, while Cornell will take on Lehigh in the same matchup.