Harvard stops a 2-point conversion attempt on the final play to beat Holy Cross 35-34

Oct 19, 2025, 09:22 pm

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- — Cooper Barkate caught the go-ahead touchdown with 45 seconds left and Harvard stopped a 2-point conversion attempt on the final play of the game to beat Holy Cross 35-34 on Saturday.

Harvard led 27-7 with 2:02 left in the third quarter before Holy Coss scored 21 straight points to take a 28-27 lead with 1:44 left.

Harvard almost started its final drive at the 11-yard line after the officials ruled a kickoff returner did not signal for a fair catch. But the call on the field was reversed on review.

Barkate secured back-to-back catches of 20-plus yards to get near midfield. After his 18-yard touchdown catch, Xaviah Bascon took a shovel pass into the endzone for the 2-point conversion to make it 35-28.

Holy Cross marched down the field and had a few chances to win it in the closing seconds. Byron Shipman's end zone catch with 25 seconds left was disallowed for offensive pass interference.

Justin Shorter then snared a tipped Hail Mary attempt but the nose of the football hit the turf before he was able to secure it. The play was reviewed and the officials put one second back on the clock.

Joe Pesansky escaped pressure and found TE Jacob Petersen over the middle for a touchdown as time expired. Despite having 246 yards rushing on the day, Holy Cross opted to pass it on the 2-point conversion attempt to win it and Pesansky's throw went through the hands of Shorter.

Jaden Craig finished 20 of 25 for 257 yards and three touchdowns for Harvard (4-1).

Pesansky also threw for three touchdowns and 277 yards for Holy Cross (3-5). Jayden Clerveaux rushed for 165 yards and two scores, and Max Mosey made six catches for 149 yards and two TDs.

------

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football