Yale Athletics

Saturday was a day to forget for the Yale football team, (1–1, 0–1 Ivy) as they were soundly beaten by Cornell (1–1, 1–0 Ivy) with a score of 47–23. The Big Red racked up 475 yards of offense on the Bulldogs, with quarterback Jameson Wang throwing for 278 yards and four touchdown passes. 

The biggest issue for the Bulldogs’ defense was the big plays of the Cornell offense, something that plagued them in their season opener against Holy Cross as well. Four of the Big Red’s touchdowns were on plays of 30 or more yards, including a 68-yard touchdown pass.

The Bulldogs’ defense left some large holes in some crucial areas of the field. They had trouble holding the middle, as Wang was able to run through the defensive line for multiple first downs along with running back Ean Pope squeezing through for a touchdown in the second quarter.

“Give credit to Cornell,” Yale head coach Tony Reno said to Yale Athletics. “They outplayed us in all phases today. We were inconsistent in all areas and made mistakes that keep you from winning football games. We have a lot of work to do this week to improve in all areas.”

The offense put up 23 points but also didn’t play well, as quarterback Brogan McCaughey ’26 went 14 for 21 through the air for only 172 yards. McCaughey also appeared to be dealing with an injury throughout the game, flexing his hand often and sitting out for one drive that was led by Marshall Howe ’26 instead. McCaughey already replaced Grant Jordan ’25, who was pulled from the season opener due to injury. 

The highlight of the day was the return of running back Josh Pitsenberger ’26, as he sat out week one against Holy Cross. Pitsenberger carried the ball 18 times for 70 yards and two touchdowns, showing that he deserves the lead back role every week if he’s healthy. 

David Pantelis ’25 also led the Bulldogs in receiving yards again with five catches for 86 yards. Six different Bulldogs caught a pass on Saturday, highlighted by tight end Ry Yates ’25 first career touchdown. 

The Bulldogs will certainly need a big week of practice to tighten up the mistakes that cost them against the Big Red. Looking towards their home opener this weekend against Central Connecticut, it’s expected that lots of work will be done to make sure the Bulldogs come out hot and secure their first home win.  

In the only other Ivy League game of the weekend, Brown (2–0, 1–0 Ivy) defeated Harvard (1–1, 0–1 Ivy) 31–28 on a touchdown with only 21 seconds left in the game. This was the first time Brown has won against Harvard since 2010.