ITHACA, N.Y. — In a remarkable display of offensive prowess, Liam O’Brien led the University of Pennsylvania to a thrilling 67-49 victory over Cornell on Saturday, marking one of the highest-scoring games in Ivy League history.
O’Brien achieved an impressive tally of seven touchdowns, breaking the Penn record of six previously held by Jim Finn since 1998. The combined score of 116 points ranks as at least the third highest for a game in the history of the Ivy League, showcasing a relentless battle between both teams.
Interestingly, O’Brien was not the only Ivy League quarterback to shine that day, as Yale’s Grant Jordan also threw for seven touchdowns in a separate game earlier in the day.
The match was highly competitive, with Penn overcoming a significant 14-point deficit after Cornell surged ahead to take a 21-7 lead by the end of the first quarter.
During the game, O’Brien demonstrated his versatility, throwing one touchdown in the first quarter and following it up with two more in the second. He added to his impressive performance with a rushing touchdown in the third before completing two additional touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.
At one point in the third quarter, Penn managed to take a narrow lead at 32-28, briefly falling behind again at 35-32 before striding ahead to a commanding 60-35 lead in the fourth quarter.
O’Brien’s numbers were noteworthy as he passed for 341 yards, supported by Malachi Hosley’s significant contribution of 192 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Jared Richardson was also instrumental, catching nine passes for 141 yards and three touchdowns.
On the opposing side, Cornell’s Jameson Wang put up 401 passing yards with five touchdowns; however, he also faced challenges, throwing three interceptions. Wang’s offense featured two standout receivers: Samuel Musungu with an impressive 14 catches for 148 yards and three touchdown receptions, alongside Ryder Kurtz who tallied 101 receiving yards.
This high-scoring matchup is sure to be remembered as one of the most exhilarating contests in Ivy League football history.