Dartmouth intercepts Harvard five times in 24-14 victory

Dartmouth ended Harvard’s unbeaten start to the season with a 24-14 win on October 30, using five interceptions to move into a tie with the Crimson for first place in the Ivy League. Both teams are 3-1 in league play; Harvard is 6-1 overall and Dartmouth is 4-3.

Cameron Best-Alston intercepted Harvard quarterback Charlie Smith twice, with one coming on Harvard’s opening play. Matthew Boydell and No’Koi Maddox also picked off Smith, while Sean Chester made the fifth interception late in the game. Xaden Benson had three interceptions for Harvard, setting a school record with nine this season.

Dartmouth took an early 14-0 lead, with Grayson Saunier scoring on a one-yard run and throwing a two-yard touchdown pass to Dylan Elder. Harvard narrowed the gap with Smith’s touchdown pass to Nate Bailey, and the teams went into halftime with Dartmouth ahead 21-14. Smith threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns, but was intercepted five times.

Dartmouth held its 10-point advantage in the fourth quarter after Owen Zalc kicked a 30-yard field goal. The Big Green’s drive lasted more than seven minutes and included 13 consecutive running plays. Dartmouth finished with 229 rushing yards.

Harvard hosts Columbia on November 7, while Dartmouth visits Princeton that day. Princeton is 2-1 in league play, behind the tied leaders.