Xaden Benson’s 4 Takeaways Elevate No. 25 Harvard Over Brown 14-10 in Ivy Opener

Junior defensive again Xaden Benson recorded three interceptions and recovered a fumble as No. 25 Harvard survived a second-half rally by Brown to win its Ivy League opener 14-10 on Friday at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Benson’s 4 takeaways tied a Harvard program document for a single recreation. He additionally leads FCS gamers with 4 interceptions by means of two video games this season.

Harvard quarterback Charlie Smith was dominant within the first half, finishing 21 of 24 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns to stake the Crimson to a 14-0 lead. Wide receiver Ryan Tattersall hauled in a fade-route rating, and tight finish Teigan Pelletier caught a contested four-yard cross on fourth down for the second.

Brown responded with 10 unanswered factors within the second half, closing to 14-10 on a 29-yard landing run and a 48-yard discipline objective. Rain and powerful winds from an approaching nor’easter made circumstances tough for each offenses all through the second half, limiting Harvard’s potential to reply.

The comeback fell brief, and Harvard improved to 2-0 general and 1-0 in Ivy League play. Brown dropped to 1-1 and 0-1 within the convention.

The Crimson have now gained 14 of their final 15 conferences with the Bears. Friday’s recreation was performed at Centreville Bank Stadium, dwelling of USL males’s soccer membership Rhode Island FC, after the initially scheduled Saturday contest at Providence was moved to a brand new date and venue.

Harvard hosts Colgate for its dwelling opener subsequent.