Both the Big Red and the Tigers suffered overtime losses last week, as Cornell experienced a heartbreaker at Brown with a 28-21 loss in double OT, and Princeton fell to Harvard in one extra period, 23-20. Despite these defeats, both teams also came back from two-touchdown deficits to send the games into overtime.
Cornell’s loss came against a previously winless team in conference play, while Princeton fell to an undefeated Ivy League squad in Harvard. However, there were certainly positive aspects to these losses. Quarterback Dalton Banks continued a stellar sophomore season going 21-of-37 for 201 yards and three touchdowns, despite two interceptions, while classmate Chris Walker ran for a solid 75 yards. For the Tigers, the team’s defense gave up 23 points, but Rohan Hylton, James Gales, and Samuel Huffman all recorded interceptions.
With the Big Red standing at 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Ivy League, the team has certainly cooled off since its undefeated start. Princeton, on the other hand, is 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play. These stats lead one to believe that the Tigers will make easy work of Cornell. I would not be shocked if Princeton jumps out to an early 21-3 lead, as the Big Red’s defense has given up an average of about 30 points over the past four games. However, I predict another solid start from Banks for Cornell to at least keep the final score close. With a stat line similar to his last start against Brown, the sophomore should go about 25-of-40 for 200 yards and three touchdowns.
This will bring the final score to 34-24, Princeton over Cornell. The Big Red won’t be able to catch up to the Tigers like they did last week against Brown, but the game won’t be a blowout even though Cornell’s rally will fall short.
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