Nathan Denney’s late touchdown lifts Yale over Holy Cross 38-31

College sports

Denney ran for two touchdowns on the day.

By Associated Press

September 21, 2024 | 18:44

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) – Nathan Denney ran for two touchdowns in the final 6 1/2 minutes – the second with 12 seconds left – and Yale opened its 151st football season with a thrilling 38-31 victory over Holy Cross on Saturday.

Denney’s 5-yard run with 6:32 left gave Yale a 31-24 lead. After Holy Cross’ Jayden Clerveaux scored on a 1-yard run that tied it for the fifth time, Denney scored the winning score on a 3-yard run that capped a 10-play, 64-yard drive that took 3:18 off the clock.

Assisting on Yale’s winning drive, Holy Cross committed a personal foul and a pass interference on a fourth-down play.

Brogan McCaughey completed 18 of 32 passes for 217 yards with a touchdown for Yale (1-0). Denney had 29 carries for 80 yards with the two touchdowns.

Clerveaux scored three touchdowns and had 49 yards rushing for Holy Cross (1-3). Joe Pesansky was 12 of 26 passing for 279 with a touchdown. Max Mosey had five receptions for 129 yards.

This was the fifth straight time Yale opened its season against Holy Cross and the Bulldogs lead the series 30-8.

The Bulldogs have won or shared the Ivy League title in each of the last two seasons and in four of the last six years. The Crusaders have won or shared the Patriot League championship for five consecutive seasons.