Ivy League: Dartmouth beats Harvard to top the standings
Grayson Saunier’s dual-threat performance and a record-setting defensive showing helped the Big Green end a four-game losing streak against the Crimson.
By Carolina Wood ·
Dartmouth defeated Harvard 24-14 on Friday night in Hanover, New Hampshire, to secure a tie for first place in the Ivy League. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak for the Big Green against the Crimson, marking only their fourth win in the last 23 meetings. Harvard retains a 75-49-5 lead in the all-time series.
Grayson Saunier led the offense with two touchdown passes and 107 rushing yards on 18 carries, including a rushing touchdown. Cameron Best-Alston recorded two of the five interceptions that halted Harvard drives. Xaden Benson picked off three passes, setting a single-season record for the Crimson with nine total interceptions. That total is the highest in the Championship Subdivision. The team’s 14 interceptions lead the Football Championship Subdivision.
Harvard’s offense stalled late in the fourth quarter. Running back Kise Flannery gained one yard and was then stopped on a fourth-down attempt from the Dartmouth 29-yard line with 11:39 remaining. The Big Green responded with a 7-minute, 26-second drive that ended with Owen Zalc kicking a 30-yard field goal to extend the lead to 24-14.
On the receiving end, Dylan Elder caught a 2-yard touchdown pass and Nick Lemon secured a 9-yard reception. Harvard quarterback Charlie Smith completed 23 of 37 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns while throwing five interceptions. The Crimson had won 13 consecutive games in October dating back to the 2023 season.
Both teams return to action on Nov. 7. Harvard hosts Columbia, while Dartmouth travels to Princeton.
