Cornell University will host Brown University at Schoellkopf Field on Saturday, October 25, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. The Brown Bears enter the game with a 3-2 overall record and are seeking their first Ivy League win after a recent 40-21 loss to Princeton.
Brown’s offense is led by quarterback James Murphy, who has thrown for 1,039 yards and six touchdowns in five games. His primary receivers are Ty Pezza, who has 16 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns, and Michael Nesbit, who has 14 receptions for 159 yards. The Bears’ running game averages 128 yards per contest, with Matt Childs and Qwentin Brown combining for nearly 500 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
On defense, Brown has recorded 13 sacks and forced six interceptions. The team is anchored by leading tacklers Miles Brophy, who has 38 tackles and one interception, and John Perdue, who has 37 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. However, the Bears have struggled with ball security, throwing eight interceptions so far this season.
Brown’s overall record stands at 3-2, with a 0-2 mark in Ivy League play. The team is 1-1 at home and 1-1 on the road. In the Ivy League preseason poll, Brown was picked to finish eighth. Head coach James Perry is in his sixth season with an 18-37 record.
Statistically, Brown averages 342.6 yards of total offense per game, including 214.6 passing yards and 128 rushing yards. The team converts 40 percent of its third downs and scores on 82.4 percent of its red zone opportunities. Defensively, Brown allows 24.2 points and 375.2 yards per game.
Cornell and Brown have met 71 times since their first game in 1895, with Brown leading the series 39-31-1. In their most recent meeting on October 26, 2024, Brown narrowly defeated Cornell 23-21.
Key players for Brown include quarterback James Murphy, running backs Matt Childs and Qwentin Brown, wide receiver Ty Pezza, and defenders Miles Brophy and John Perdue.
Cornell averages 17 points per game while allowing 27 points. The team gains 330 total yards per game and allows 282.5 yards on defense. Cornell’s rushing offense averages 120 yards per game, while its pass defense allows 127 yards per contest.
The matchup will be an opportunity for both teams to improve their Ivy League standings and address areas of concern highlighted by their recent performances.
