Penn 31, Yale 21 — Valeri Guevarra, DP Sports editor
With Penn football’s proven scoring power and defensive strength, Yale needs some stars to align for a win.
The Quakers are second in the Ancient Eight in scoring, with star duo senior quarterback Liam O’Brien and senior wide receiver Jared Richardson leading the charge. O’Brien has remained consistent in his passing percentage and is second in the Ivy League in passing yards, while history-maker Richardson leads the conference in receiving yards and touchdowns. Last week, the Quakers’ sloppy and turnover-heavy first half against an inconsistent Columbia defense was a concern, but the Red and Blue’s rebound and ability to adjust keep me confident in the offense. This skill will be important this week as star senior running back Julien Stokes will be out with a fibula injury. The nation’s leader in punt return yards has been instrumental in creating short fields for the offense.
On the other side of the ball, the Red and Blue defense has its work cut out for it against the Bulldogs’ powerful run game. The Quakers are No. 6 in the conference against the run, and Yale running back Josh Pitsenberger leads the Ivy League in rushing yards and touchdowns. However, last week, the Penn defense also proved its ability to respond and adjust. The Quakers and Lions were tied up 14-14 at halftime, but Penn’s secondary shone in the second half, including shutting Columbia out in the fourth quarter. Senior linebacker John Lista, who is No. 6 in the nation in solo tackles per game, will no doubt lead the charge.
Penn 31, Yale 24 — Walker Carnathan, former DP Sports editor
It’s been a season to remember for Penn’s offense, which has averaged over 30 points per game en route to the team’s best start since 2022. Most of that success has come in the air, with O’Brien’s 1,308 passing yards good for second in the Ivy League.
This week, Penn faces an opponent that moves the ball in a less glamorous way. Pitsenberger paces the conference in rushing, racking up 107.8 yards per game and reaching the end zone eight times so far this season. That could pose a problem for a Quakers front that ranks in the bottom half of the league against the run. Penn has given up 146.6 rushing yards per game, including 213 against Dartmouth.
But a strong game on the ground does not always equate to a win for the Bulldogs. Two weeks ago, I watched Pitsenberger gash Dartmouth for 138 rushing yards in a game where Yale scored just 16 points and lost on a last-second field goal. It will take more than that for Yale to outpace Penn’s red-hot scoring attack, and I think the first two levels of Penn’s defense will do enough to win the day. Watch for more than 10 tackles from Lista and a fourth-straight win for the Red and Blue.
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Penn 31, Yale 17 — Justin Lee, DP Sports editor
Penn football is off to its strongest start since 2022, and I don’t think its momentum is stopping anytime soon.
The Bulldogs are coming off of a one-sided 47-7 victory against Stonehill, in part due to Pitsenberger, who currently leads the Ivy League in rushing yards. However, the Bulldogs have struggled on defense, letting up 400 offensive yards against Cornell and losing to a last-second field goal against Dartmouth.
Meanwhile, the Quakers have an explosive offense of their own. Last week’s victory against Columbia highlighted another impressive performance from O’Brien and reigning FCS Offensive Player of the Week Richardson. Richardson’s bout against Yale in 2023 ended with him setting a program record for 191 receiving yards in a game. Just last week, Richardson surpassed all-time 2,000 receiving yards, being the sixth player in program history to do so. The stage is set for the O’Brien-and-Richardson duo to keep up the pace and notch another conference win.
Penn 28, Yale 21 — Madison Knier, DP Sports reporter
The members of this Penn football team started this year with fire in their eyes — the same eyes that are now locked onto visions of a championship ring. Yale may put up a fight, but Penn will not let the Bulldogs interfere with its much larger plans.
Yale presents a strong offense, managed by quarterback Dante Reno along with his right-hand man Pitsenberger, who currently leads the Ivy League in rushing yards. However, Penn possesses an even stronger offense led by unshakable veterans: O’Brien, who leads the Ivy League in passing touchdowns; Richardson, who leads the league in receiving yards; and Owens, who has accumulated an impressive 379 receiving yards this season. Not to mention, this offensive trifecta remembers their respective underperformances against Yale last year and will be making sure not to make the same mistakes twice.
Experience alone will help push Penn towards a victory in their brawl against the Bulldogs. Yale may have an impressive stat sheet, but mere numbers won’t be enough to conquer a Penn team that has something to prove.
Yale 27, Penn 24 — Cavance Snaith, DP Sports reporter
This will be a difficult midseason test for Penn. The Quakers are looking for revenge after they fell to Yale last year 31-10. The Bulldogs are coming off an impressive 47-7 blowout win last week against Stonehill, who the Quakers just barely beat 24-21 at the start of the season.
The Bulldogs’ defense has generally been able to remain competitive, while Penn’s defense is going to have to strategize a way to stop Yale’s rushing game. Pitsenberger is currently the Ivy League’s rushing triple-crown leader.
The Quakers’ defense is not the only one who has to worry. Penn’s offensive unit is going against a very hungry defense, with Yale defensive lineman Ezekiel Larry leading the Ivy League with the most sacks.
This will be a close game for the Quakers. The 81st matchup between Penn and Yale will be a competition between two good teams who are aiming to punch a ticket to the FCS playoffs. Unfortunately, I see the Bulldogs handing Penn its first Ivy League loss of the season.
