The picks are in: Penn football vs. Georgetown

Last week, Penn football faced its first setback of the season, as it fell to Dartmouth in overtime, 23-20, after trailing for much of the contest. This week, though, it has a chance to bounce back, as the Quakers (2-1, 0-1 Ivy) will play Georgetown (3-2) in their final non-conference game of 2023. Here's how members of The Daily Pennsylvanian's Sports Department think Saturday's contest will go.   

Penn 38, Georgetown 17 — Caleb Crain, Sports Editor

Last week's defeat against Dartmouth was certainly a setback for Penn football and its quest for an Ivy League title. But while the team may be down, they're far from out. The Quakers will likely come back with a fury and show the mettle to prove lofty preseason predictions right. Last year, Penn's offense put up 59 points against this team, and junior quarterback Aidan Sayin has some new weapons at his disposal this time around. While the offense may not explode to that extent, the Quakers should have no problem moving the ball. On the other side of the ball, even though Georgetown scored 28 points in 2022, 14 of them came on a pair of kick-return touchdowns. Penn's run defense should hold firm, and don't count out the secondary forcing a turnover or two. 

Penn 21, Georgetown 17 — Walker Carnathan, Deputy Sports Editor

Do not let Penn’s 31-point blowout victory in 2022 fool you — the Quakers are in for another non-conference test. Not a test of their quality, but of their consistency. At their best, the Red and Blue have more than enough talent to comfortably dispose of the Hoyas. But after last week’s mistake-laden loss, I see a closer battle taking shape. Georgetown running back Joshua Stakely is the driving force behind a Hoya offense that has looked solid through five games, except for a shutout loss to Columbia. Stakely’s 6.1 yards per attempt will pose a challenge for the Penn defense, but the Quaker defensive line is up to the task. I see the Red and Blue holding Stakely to under 80 yards on the ground, and that effort will give way to a much-needed victory. 

Penn 24, Georgetown 27 — Vivian Yao, Sports Associate

After a disappointing loss against Dartmouth, Penn will be more than ready to right the ship against an opponent that it outmatches on paper in nearly every facet. However, this year’s Georgetown team is very different from the team that the Red and Blue routed last year. The Hoyas have already picked up three wins on the season, and last year’s humiliation to the Quakers ensures that they will come to Franklin Field with an appetite for some sweet revenge. Hopefully, a close loss to Georgetown will be a wake-up call for the team to really crack down and improve for what could end up being a very long and disastrous Ivy League campaign.

Penn 42, Georgetown 21 — Griffin Bond, Sports Associate

Last week was obviously not what coach Ray Priore and the Quakers were looking for in their first Ivy League matchup of the season. Despite the loss, Sayin looked good, throwing for 357 yards and two touchdowns. The rushing game faltered though, only mustering a measly 11 net yards. Luckily for Penn, Georgetown has given up over 100 rushing yards in four of its five games. Two weeks ago against Columbia — the only Ivy League opponent the Hoyas have faced — they surrendered 222 net rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. It should be a swift bounce back week for the Quakers as they look to repeat last year's 59-28 trouncing.

Penn 34, Georgetown 24 — Kristel Rambaud, Sports Reporter

This Saturday, all eyes will be on the end zone when the Georgetown Hoyas travel up to Philadelphia for Penn’s final non-conference match. Sure, Penn won in a blowout last year, but Georgetown still put up 28 points. The Hoyas are not a team to scoff at offensively, with equal focus and success on their running and passing game.

But they’re also a vulnerable offensive team that was shut out by Columbia. Similarly, Penn, coming off that overtime loss in a game of miscues and turnovers, is also vulnerable. But the game left a bitter taste in the Quakers’ mouths and now they have something to prove, which I think will be a strong motivation for them to return to form.