Led by strong safety Vince Alexander’s two interceptions and Rob Milanese’s 10 catches for 111 yards, the Penn football team upset fourth ranked Lehigh at Franklin Field Saturday night 24–21. Lehigh had won 26 consecutive regular season games going into the contest. Penn’s offense staked a 10–0 lead in the first quarter despite not moving the ball effectively, due to Alexander’s interceptions and returns giving good field position. Lehigh cut the lead to 10–7 on a 13-play drive in the second quarter, capped by Jermaine Pugh’s four-yard touchdown run. Penn responded with a 3-play, 66-yard drive before halftime expired. Milanese broke Penn’s all time receiving yardage mark on the drive, and threw a key block to spring Stephen Faulk for the touchdown on a well executed hook and ladder. Penn took a 24–7 lead into the fourth quarter, the same deficit Lehigh recovered from a week ago against Princeton. History came close to repeating itself as a blocked punt leading to a touchdown by Eric Roth and a 46 yard touchdown drive cut the lead to 24–21. Matt Douglas missed a 28 yard field goal with just over a minute remaining to seal the win for Penn.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.