Dartmouth football’s 21-point loss at Harvard the largest in a decade
In a significant Ivy League matchup, Dartmouth football fell to Harvard University with a score of 31–10 after a difficult fourth quarter. Jack Zipper ’28, Abby Byrne ’28, and Kyle Greason ’29 reported from Cambridge.
Outside Harvard Stadium on a chilly November Saturday, the Dartmouth Big Green players stood quietly. Having just suffered a heavy defeat, several defenders gathered together, arms linked, as team captain and safety Sean Williams ’26 offered a few words of perspective.
“Look ahead.”
After the huddle, the players returned to the locker room, packed their gear, and boarded the buses bound for Hanover for the long trip home.
“It is what it is,”
head coach Sammy McCorkle said. “We didn’t play the game we wanted to. It's not the outcome we wanted.”
A Rough Start
The game began with high spirits from Dartmouth fans filling the stands, energized by their pregame gatherings. Yet, from the opening possessions, the team struggled to find rhythm. Harvard’s offense converted three third downs on their first drive, taking an early 7–0 lead. Dartmouth’s first offensive series ended in a quick three-and-out and a punt.
“We came out excited, ready to go, and we didn’t have a great start,”
starting quarterback Grayson Saunier ’27 said. “We can’t be inconsistent. This is the first time we went three-and-out on the first drive all year.”
Aftermath
The defeat marked Dartmouth’s largest loss in a decade, underscoring the challenges the team faces as the season progresses.
Author’s summary: Dartmouth’s 31–10 defeat to Harvard was its most decisive loss in ten years, exposing early-game struggles and a need for stronger consistency.