Princeton quarterback Quinn Epperly has had Harvard’s number the last two years. After coming off the bench to orchestrate a last-minute drive to upset the Crimson in 2012, Epperly took the reins as the starter this year, amassing 407 total yards and six touchdowns.

Many expected a shootout. But in all likelihood, they could not have predicted the offensive showcase that took place at Harvard Stadium on Saturday.

In a game that featured nearly 1,000 total yards of offense, Princeton quarterback Quinn Epperly had the last word and led his squad to a 51-48 victory over the Crimson—its second dramatic win in the matchup in as many years.

Epperly had a career day by any measure. The junior threw for 321 yards and a program-record six touchdowns, including the game-winning score to receiver Roman Wilson in triple overtime.

“I don’t think it’s quite hit me yet,” Epperly said. “As far as just the moment, that’s probably one of the greatest moments I’ve ever been a part of on a team. It’s just paid off for how hard we’ve worked.”

The Princeton offense established a rhythm early in the game, amassing 176 yards in just the first quarter. Epperly capped off two surgical drives with touchdown passes, the second coming on a leaping, fingertips catch by tight end Des Smith.

The Tigers seemed to keep the Harvard defense on its heels all game long. Employing a lightening-fast tempo, Epperly often received the snap with 30 seconds left on the play clock. Inventive formations and shovel passes out of the backfield took their toll, as well.

But Harvard would also have its fair share of participation in the offensive display. On a fourth down early in the second quarter, junior quarterback Conner Hempel lofted a pass to senior receiver Ricky Zorn, who came down with a 33-yard touchdown reception after the ball deflected off the Princeton cornerback. Zorn would finish with a career-high 168 receiving yards.

On the Crimson’s very next drive, sophomore running back Paul Stanton broke a tackle, scurried to the sideline, and flew sixty yards down the field for the score.

Hempel threw for four touchdowns, including three to senior tight end Tyler Ott. But in the end, the team’s 48 points would not be enough for a win.

“We did some good things today, but in the first half we weren’t executing,” Harvard captain Josh Boyd said. “It was a breakdown in fundamentals. Hats off to Princeton.”

A DRAMATIC FINISH

Things did not look good for Harvard with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Down a touchdown, the Crimson offense was struggling to move the football, and Princeton looked to run down the clock and ice the game.

But senior corner Brian Owusu made all that change in an instant. As Tiger running back DiAndre Atwater took the handoff up the middle, Owusu busted through and wrenched the ball loose. Senior defensive back Jaron Wilson scooped it up and ran all the way into the Princeton red zone.

It would take Harvard just three plays to tie the score, as Hempel found Ott for a ten-yard touchdown strike. Just when it seemed the game was over, the Crimson had found life once again.

The drama continued in overtime, as each team punched in a touchdown on its first possession. Harvard converted on another Ott touchdown reception and Princeton scored on a flashy reverse to Wilson.