Powerful second-half performance fueled a season-opening victory for Penn over Colgate

If one were to only go off the final score, fans in attendance for Penn’s opener certainly received the cost of their ticket in entertainment value.

Bolstered by a dominant second-half performance, Penn edged Colgate, 25-14, outscoring the Raiders 22-0 in the second half.

Penn sophomore quarterback Aidan Sayin got off to a slow start, throwing a pair of interceptions in the first half, which helped Colgate mount a 14-3 halftime lead. Marquis Cooper returned Sayin’s second interception 68 yards for a touchdown just minutes before halftime — despite both teams struggling offensively.

However, Penn regained momentum with a stellar second-half touchdown drive, narrowing Colgate’s lead to 14-9. Once Sayin established a rhythm with fast releases to wide receivers Joshua Casilli and Rory Starkey Jr., the Quaker offense easily maneuvered its way down the field, dissecting the Raiders’ zone defense.

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After two more quick stops by the defense, the Quakers’ offense found the end zone twice more, with a well-timed mix of delayed handoffs and quick play-action passes to take a commanding 22-14 by the start of the fourth quarter. A strategic drive to wind down the clock late in the fourth was sealed by a Graham Gottlieb field goal with 1:27 remaining.

“At halftime, we said to the guys, ‘They didn’t go anything. You allowed them everything that they got,’” Penn head coach Ray Priore said. “I’m really happy and pleased to watch our leadership from a great group of seniors and fifth-year kids.”

Sayin’s commanding second half led him to finish with 289 yards passing, and two touchdowns, blanketing his pair of early interceptions. He nearly matched his career-high in pass attempts.

Additionally, Penn defensive back Kendren Smith also had a strong opening to his senior campaign, posting six tackles and locking down his side of the field after missing the majority of last season due to injury.

“Personally, [getting back on the field] is everything,” Smith said. “Today was a feeling that everything would just come to fruition. [It’s really from all the work with [defensive coordinator Bob] Benson, work with the players, work with the DBs, late nights, early morning.”

The Quakers welcome another Patriot League foe to Franklin Field in Lafayette (1-1) next Saturday (1 p.m., ESPN+ and NBC Sports Philadelphia).