Harvard is still undefeated, somehow, after pulling off one of the most insane game-winning plays you’ll ever see against Colgate, snatching a 20-17 victory with just four seconds left on the clock. It was a Hail Mary for the ages, complete with a lateral that had everyone losing their minds.
The Play That Had Everyone Screaming
Picture this: Harvard trailing, the clock ticking down, and quarterback Charlie Smith hurls a deep pass. Tight end Teigan Pelletier snags it, but he’s short of the end zone, absolutely wrapped up by a Colgate defender. Most guys go down there, game over, but not Pelletier. Knowing he wasn’t going to break free, he pulled a move straight out of a backyard football game, pitching the ball backward to wide receiver Nate Bailey. Bailey took the lateral, sprinted untouched to the left corner of the end zone, and just like that, Harvard won. It was pure chaos, pure brilliance, and honestly, pure luck all rolled into one. You gotta wonder what Colgate’s defensive coordinator was thinking watching that.
A Play From the History Books
If that play felt familiar, you’re not wrong. It was eerily similar to that wild one Randy Moss pulled off back in 2003 against the Denver Broncos. Moss caught a Hail Mary from Daunte Culpepper, realized he wasn’t getting in, and flipped it over his head to a streaking Moe Williams, who then walked into the end zone. Pelletier and Bailey just gave us the college football version, cementing their place in highlight reels for years to come. This win pushes Harvard to a perfect 3-0 on the season, while Colgate drops to 4-2 after that gut-wrenching loss.
Crimson Eyeing Another Playoff Berth
This 3-0 start is huge for the Crimson. They’re trying to punch their ticket to the FCS playoffs for a second straight season, especially now that the Ivy League lifted its postseason ban before the 2025 season. Last year, they actually made the playoffs despite ending their regular season with a loss to Yale. Unfortunately, that run didn’t last long, as they got stomped 52-7 by Villanova in the first round. But a play like this, a win this dramatic, shows they’ve got that fight. Keeping that undefeated record alive with a move that wild? That’s the kind of confidence builder that can propel a team. They’re making a statement, and the rest of the FCS better be ready.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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