Harvard capitalizes on 3 takeaways to beat New Hampshire 31-7 in season opener

DURHAM, N.C. -- , Nate Bailey scored two touchdowns in the final minute of the first half and Harvard capitalized on three takeaways to beat New Hampshire 31-7 on Saturday. Harvard, the three-time defending Ivy League champion, opened its season ranked No. 25 in the Stats Perform poll against fellow 2025 playoff participant New Hampshire. The Crimson pulled away late in the second quarter with 14 quick points. Bailey gave Harvard a 14-7 lead with 53 seconds left in the first half on a 23-yard reverse. Then DJ Thomas intercepted a pass along the sideline and returned it 30 yards, leading to Bailey’s 13-yard touchdown grab on the next play to make it 21-7 with 18 seconds left. Xaden Benson intercepted a deep pass in the endzone midway through the third quarter to keep Harvard’s two-touchdown lead.