Grayson Saunier delivered a historic dual-threat performance to dismantle the Harvard Crimson, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for 107 yards and a score on 18 carries. The Big Green’s dominant offensive display was complemented by a suffocating defense, as Cameron Best-Alston recorded two of Dartmouth’s five interceptions. This aggressive defensive showing allowed Dartmouth (4-3, 3-1) to secure a 24-14 victory on Friday night, effectively snapping a four-game losing streak against the Crimson and moving the Big Green into a tie for first place in the Ivy League.
Big Green snap four-game skid and climb into tie atop Ivy League standings
The defensive unit’s performance marked a historic milestone for the program, as Xaden Benson recorded his third interception of the night to break the school record with nine picks this season. Benson’s nine interceptions are the most in the FCS Championship Subdivision, while Dartmouth leads the entire FCS with 14 total interceptions. Notably, the Big Green have generated all 10 of their interceptions in just the past three games, signaling a significant surge in defensive consistency that has been pivotal to their recent turnaround.
Harvard (6-1, 3-1), ranked No. 13 in the Stats Perform Top 25, entered the game with a 13-game winning streak in October dating back to the 2023 season, but their momentum stalled in the fourth quarter. With 11:39 remaining, Crimson quarterback Kise Flannery was stopped for no gain on a critical fourth-and-1 from the Dartmouth 29-yard line. Dartmouth capitalized on the turnover, driving for over seven minutes before Owen Zalc kicked a 30-yard field goal to seal the 24-14 final score and extend their series dominance against the Crimson.
Source: Yahoo Sports
