Penn, Harvard clash for Ivy title

Penn sophomore Billy Ragone isn’t the only Ivy League quarterback who can run the ball.

When the Quakers (7-1, 5-0 Ivy) face second-place Harvard (6-2, 4-1) at home Saturday afternoon, they will have a few obstacles to overcome before they can once again call themselves Ivy champions.

Crimson quarterback Collier Winters, who was named Preseason Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year, has run for three touchdowns in his first two starts after missing five games due to a torn adductor muscle.

Though Winters’ touchdown runs were all from five yards or less, his ability to punch it in for the Crimson is strikingly similar to Ragone’s, whose versatility has allowed the Quakers squad to thrive.

“They’re similar,” Penn coach Al Bagnoli said. “Billy’s a little bit bigger version, but … both throw the ball and if nothing is there … they take off and run.”

And the comparison is noted on both sides of the field.

“People underestimate [Ragone’s] ability to throw — but we’re not one of them,” said Harvard coach Tim Murphy. “Collier is the same thing.”

And paired with the Crimson’s Gino Gordon, who averages 114.1 rushing yards per game, the Red and Blue defense, which allows just 65.2 yards on the ground per game, will have its hands full.

“On defense, your first premise is always to stop the run,” Bagnoli said. “They’ve got two tailbacks and a really good offensive line, good tight ends.”

While the defense will be busy with Winters and Gordon, the offense will utilize its recent success to continue Penn’s march toward another undefeated Ivy season.

And with just two weeks left to play, a win tomorrow would guarantee the Quakers at least a share of the title.

“It’s definitely in the back of everyone’s mind that this is the game that’s going to make or break the season,” Ragone said.

Despite the pressure, Bagnoli has prepared his team like he would any other game. And Penn’s 52-10 rout over Princeton didn’t hurt.

“Last weekend definitely gained confidence not only for me, but for the rest of the offense, receivers, even the coaches,” Ragone said.

Ragone threw for 182 yards and ran for another 75 in the blowout. But most importantly, he completed a 39-yard touchdown pass to David Wurst, Ragone’s longest of the season.

Harvard ranks next-to-last in the league in pass defense, but ironically leads the league in interceptions with 13.

Meanwhile, Penn touts the worst turnover margin in the conference.

“Their kids are making plays, but they’re obviously giving up plays too,” Ragone said. “You just have to be smart with the football.”

If the Quakers can minimize turnovers and other mistakes, they can continue to showcase their dominance.

Because, according to Murphy, “Penn is the best team in the league.”

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