Reno’s decision to start freshman quarterback Griffin O’Connor versus Brown was the perfect move at the right time. O’Connor exploded for 436 passing yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. He was named STATS FCS Player of the Week, Co-Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week, and Ivy League Freshman of the Week. Klubnik and Shohfi were unstoppable as they each caught two touchdowns and had over 100 yards receiving. Rouse bounced back with 5 catches for 67 yards and a dynamic punt return. The offensive line had its best performance of the season opening holes for the running backs and keeping the defenders away from O’Connor. Lamar finished with 76 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Alston added 67 yards and a touchdown.
The defensive linemen and linebackers were simply too much for Brown to handle. Brown was held to -27 yards rushing on 17 attempts thanks to the physicality of our front seven. The Bulldogs sacked McGovern 7 times and racked up 8 tackles for losses. Ryan Burke was a key contributor with 6 tackles, 2 sacks and 3 tackles for losses. Rodney Thomas had a great diving interception. The pass defense wasn’t nearly as dominant as the run defense. McGovern threw for 358 yards as we struggled to stop the outside passes to running backs, tight ends and receivers. Pass interference penalties helped keep Brown drives alive on a couple of occasions.
Yale racked up an embarrassing 12 penalties for 131 yards on the afternoon. The special teams were much improved, although the field goal team still struggled. The coaching staff did a fantastic job preparing for Brown and we need that to continue this week heading into the most difficult contest of the season.