Harvard Crimson Secure Win Over Colgate Raiders with Last-Second Play

Being at an Ivy League institution sometimes has its perks. A smart lateral play combined with a false start penalty led the Harvard Crimson to a 20-17 victory over the Colgate Raiders on Saturday night.

As the game neared its end, the Raiders believed they had the win secured. With just 27 seconds remaining, quarterback Jake Stearney threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Matt Fogler. However, the Crimson seized the opportunity to change the game’s outcome.

Harvard’s quarterback, Charlie Smith, managed to advance the ball close enough for kicker Francisco Moscoso to attempt a tying field goal. A false start penalty by Harvard’s special teams, though, pushed them out of field goal range.

With one final chance, Smith launched a pass to Teigan Pelletier, who ran valiantly but wasn’t near the end zone. Pelletier, faced with several Raiders defenders, spotted Nate Bailey and pitched him the ball. Bailey then dashed into the end zone, clinching the win as the clock expired.

This triumph elevated Harvard’s record to 3-0. The thrilling game moment quickly spread across social media, captivating college football fans.

Nate Bailey had an impressive game, finishing with 16 receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown. This achievement is the second-highest reception count in a single game in Harvard history, just five catches short of Carl Owens and surpassing Kyle Juszczyk by one.

Charlie Smith contributed significantly with 369 passing yards and two touchdown passes. On the other hand, Jake Stearney completed 21 of 39 passes, accumulating 188 yards and one touchdown pass. Matt Fogler ended the game with 12 catches, totaling 138 yards and a touchdown.

As a result of the game, Colgate’s season record fell to 4-2.