Cornell football could not overcome a difficult first half Saturday afternoon, falling to Colgate 20-7 at Andy Kerr Stadium in its season opener. The Big Red dropped to 0-1, while the Raiders improved to 3-1.
Colgate scored on each of its first four possessions and built a 20-0 halftime advantage before Cornell’s defense settled down. The Big Red held the Raiders scoreless throughout the second half, forcing two turnovers, four punts and a missed field goal.
The Raiders struck quickly after Cornell went three-and-out on its opening possession. Jake Stearney connected with Matt Fogler for an 85-yard touchdown just 2:03 into the game, putting Colgate ahead 7-0.
Cornell appeared to answer with a touchdown on its next possession, but an offensive pass interference penalty erased a 29-yard connection from Garrett Bass-Sulpizio to Samuel Musungu. The drive eventually ended with Cornell turning the ball over on downs.
Colgate then marched 78 yards for another touchdown, with Danny Shaban scoring on an 8-yard run late in the first quarter. Luke Vogeler added two field goals in the second quarter, including one as time expired, to send the Raiders into halftime with a 20-0 lead.
Cornell’s defense responded after halftime. Tommy MacPherson intercepted Stearney on Colgate’s opening possession, then later recorded a sack and forced fumble that Ian Wall recovered. MacPherson finished with 11 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, forced fumble and interception.
William Smith soccer edged by New Paltz The Big Red finally reached the end zone in the fourth quarter. Bass-Sulpizio sparked an 87-yard drive with two long runs before Jordan Triplett scored from six yards out with 10:22 remaining.
Cornell had two more chances late but turned the ball over on downs both times.
Bass-Sulpizio completed 18 of 37 passes for 132 yards and rushed for 52 yards. Cornell managed 238 total yards while Colgate finished with 374.
Cornell opens Ivy League play next Saturday, September 26, against Yale at 1 p.m. at Schoellkopf Field.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.