The University of Pennsylvania football team lost to ninth-ranked Lehigh with a score of 44-30 at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Penn managed to score 30 points against a Lehigh defense that had not allowed more than 24 points in its previous four games. Despite this offensive performance, the Quakers struggled to contain the Mountain Hawks’ offense.
With this result, Penn’s record stands at 1-1 as they prepare for their home and Ivy League opener next Saturday. Lehigh remains undefeated at 5-0.
Lehigh began the game by scoring on its first three possessions, including a field goal from Nick Garrido and a touchdown pass from Hayden Johnson to Matt D’Avino. Penn responded quickly with Liam O’Brien connecting with Bisi Owens for a 48-yard touchdown. At the end of the first quarter, Lehigh led 13-7.
Early in the second quarter, Penn turned over the ball deep in its own territory but limited Lehigh to another field goal. The Quakers then executed an eight-play drive ending with an O’Brien rushing touchdown, narrowing the gap to 16-14 by halftime.
After halftime, Penn took its first lead following Julien Stokes’ kickoff return and two quick completions from O’Brien to Jared Richardson. However, Lehigh regained control after converting a fake field goal into a touchdown run by Geoffrey Jamiel.
A fumble recovery gave Penn another opportunity, but they could not capitalize and instead lost possession again due to another turnover. Lehigh extended its lead early in the fourth quarter with a Johnson-to-Jamiel touchdown pass.
Penn answered with Richardson scoring on an 18-yard reception after his initial catch was overturned upon review. The Quaker defense forced Lehigh’s first punt of the game soon after but then surrendered an interception that led to another Mountain Hawks touchdown run by Luke Yoder.
Penn narrowed the deficit again when Stokes made a long reception leading to Mason Walters’ field goal, making it a one-score game late in the fourth quarter. Needing a defensive stop, Penn was unable to prevent Lehigh from running down most of the clock before Yoder scored his second rushing touchdown of the half.
Penn will play Dartmouth at Franklin Field next Saturday for both teams’ Ivy League opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
For updates on Penn football, follow @PennFB on X (formerly Twitter), @PennFootball on Instagram, or visit their website at PennAthletics.com.
