Dartmouth football’s 21-point loss at Harvard the largest in a decade
In a pivotal Ivy League matchup, Dartmouth football fell 31–10 to Harvard University after a difficult fourth quarter. The defeat marked the team’s largest margin of loss in ten years.
Emotions ran high after the game
Outside Harvard Stadium on a cold November afternoon, the Dartmouth Big Green players stood quietly, processing the result. A small group of defenders gathered in a circle, still wearing their uniforms.
“Look ahead,” said team captain and safety Sean Williams ’26 to his teammates.
After a brief moment together, they walked back to the locker room, packed their gear, and boarded the bus for the long trip to Hanover.
“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.”
Slow start set the tone
The stadium was filled with Dartmouth supporters, energized from tailgates and pregame excitement. But on the field, their team struggled to find rhythm. The defense allowed Harvard to convert three third downs on the opening drive, quickly falling behind 7–0.
Dartmouth’s offense then stumbled, punting after just three plays on its first possession.
“We came out excited, ready to go, and we didn’t have a great start,” said starting quarterback Grayson Saunier ’27. “We can’t be inconsistent. This is the first time we went three-and-out on the first drive all year.”
Key takeaways
- Dartmouth lost 31–10 to Harvard, marking their heaviest defeat in a decade.
- The team struggled early, conceding on Harvard’s first drive.
- Coaches and players emphasized resilience and learning from the defeat.
Author’s summary: Dartmouth’s tough 31–10 loss to Harvard highlighted slow starts and inconsistency but also a call for focus and determination as the team looks ahead.