NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Tied 14-14 at halftime, the Yale football team exploded for 27 second-half points to defeat Cornell, 41-24, at the Yale Bowl, Class of 1954 Field. The victory moves the Bulldogs to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in Ivy League play, while the Big Red fell to 0-2 and 0-1 in the league.

Key Players
The Bulldog defense delivered a historic performance, totaling 99 tackles (the most since 108 vs. Lehigh in 2016), four interceptions (last accomplished in 2014 vs. Columbia), seven pass breakups, three sacks, three quarterback hurries, two blocked kicks, and two forced fumbles. Their collective impact set the tone for the win.

Turning Point
With three seconds left before halftime, the Yale defense blocked a Cornell field goal attempt that would have given the Big Red the lead. The momentum-shifting play carried into the second half, where the Bulldogs took control.

Notes

• First win over Cornell since 2022 (38–14 on the road).
• Most points scored against Cornell since 2018 (49).
• Inumidun Ayo-Durojaiye posted a career-high 17 tackles, surpassing his previous best of 12 (Nov. 9, 2024 vs. Brown). His 17 stops were the most by a Yale player since Foye Oluokun had 16 vs. Colgate in 2014.
• Josh Pitsenberger recorded his second straight game with three rushing touchdowns, finishing with 142 yards on 28 carries. His three scores moved him past Dick Jauron and into a tie for fifth on Yale's career rushing touchdowns list with Zane Dudek (28).
• Abu Kamara had two interceptions - including a 65-yard pick-six. 
• Joshua Tarver collected his first interception of the season in the fourth quarter.
• Jaxton Santiago scored his first career receiving touchdown.
• Charles Barkley-Smith recorded his first career interception in the third quarter.
• Noah Piper converted his first career field goal, a 50-yarder in the third quarter.

Postgame Perspectives
"I'm really proud of how our players battled against a very strong Cornell team," said Tony Reno, Joel E. Smilow '54 Head Coach. "Our guys showed grit, energy, and passion throughout the game, and they never backed down. Cornell made us earn everything, and I thought our resilience really stood out today. We know there are areas we need to clean up, and we will, but the way this group competed today is something we will build on moving forward."

"It's never about the statistics," said senior Inumidun Ayo-Durojaiye. "This is about running to the ball and playing to our standard. So, I credit (the 17 tackles) to the scheme and my teammates. There are no individuals on this team that makes plays by themselves. It's all 11 of us out there."

Up Next
The Bulldogs travel to Bethlehem, Pa., for their first road contest of the year at Lehigh on Oct. 4.