The Cornell Big Red football team opened its season with a 28-22 victory over Virginia Military Institute Keydets on Saturday afternoon at Foster Field.
Cornell’s defense dominated for the first three quarters, forcing three turnovers with two more turnovers on downs, as well as picking up a huge goal-line stand. The team had six sacks and nine total tackles for loss. However, things did not come as easy in the fourth quarter as VMI scored 20 points to make it a one-score game but ran out of time as the Big Red held on for the win.
Sophomore quarterback Jameson Wang completed 5-of-10 passes for 42 yards and two touchdowns, both to senior William Enneking – his first two career catches. Freshman running back Gannon Carothers had 16 carries for a game-high 57 yards and a touchdown in his first collegiate game. In all, four different rushers had at least 20 yards on the ground as Cornell piled up 159 yards.
Senior linebacker Jake Stebbins made eight tackles, including two on the key goal-line stand in the first quarter, and added a half-tackle for loss and a fumble recovery. Fletcher’s 11-yard interception to the house, senior captain Demetrius Harris’ pick for 17 yards, and Lundeen’s strip-sack also highlighted the defensive effort.
Cornell will open its home and Ivy League schedules when it welcomes Yale next Saturday at 2 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].