Cornell defeats Lehigh 48-38 for first win over top-5 team since 1939

ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) — Garrett Bass-Sulpizio had a stellar performance, throwing for a career-high 366 yards and rushing for a career-high 103 yards as Cornell defeated Lehigh 48-38 on Saturday, marking the Big Red's first win over a top-five team since 1939. Lehigh, ranked No. 4 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, struggled to keep pace, trailing 14-0 in the first quarter and unable to close the gap throughout the game.

Cornell, which had only a 2-10-2 record against top-10 opponents before this match, dominated the first half, amassing 410 yards and 31 points. Bass-Sulpizio connected on five passes of 20+ yards, including a crucial 37-yard touchdown pass to Ja’von Broussard, leading to a 31-17 halftime lead. Lehigh managed three touchdowns in the second half, two via passes from Derek Morgan and one on a run by Luke Yoder.

Despite each score, Cornell responded each time, starting with Yoder's 3-yard run making the score 38-31 early in the fourth quarter. Cornell extended its lead to 45-31 with Jordan Triplett's 3-yard touchdown run. Lehigh briefly closed the gap at 45-38 on Morgan's 41-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Werner, but Cornell responded with a field goal.

Morgan's interception on Lehigh's final drive secured the victory. Lehigh's only bright spot came when Luke Denny recovered a Cornell fumble in the end zone and returned it 100-plus yards for a touchdown. Lehigh's passing game, spearheaded by Morgan with 204 passing yards and three touchdowns, was outgained 311 to minus-3 by Cornell, who secured the win with a 48-38 margin.