Brown powers Cornell to last-minute win

MOUNT VERNON - A Cornell football supporter told head coach Vince Brautigam that she hadn't met freshman quarterback Daniel Brown.

So, Brautigam introduced them, but it came after Brown made his presence felt on the field.

Brown spurred Cornell to a second-half come-from-behind victory, marching the Rams 57 yards and scoring a 5-yard run with 28 seconds remaining to upend St. Norbert, 28-27, Saturday at Ash Park.

Brown has shared playing time with senior starter Kyle Stennes this season. Brown rallied the Rams, amassing 202 total yards and throwing for two touchdowns.

'My teammates have always told me I'll get my time to shine,” Brown said. 'I always make the most of my opportunities to the best of my ability.”

Brown performed more like a veteran than someone who arrived on campus from Lake Mary, Fla., about two months ago. He accounted for 42 of 57 yards on the final drive that started with 2:26 left in the fourth. He threw for 27 and rushing for 15, including the game winner.

'He gave us options with his feet down the stretch,” Brautigam said. 'That is why he stayed in.”

The Rams (2-1) stalled on three previous drives, trailing by a score. He listened to the advice of his coaches, adapting to plays the defense allowed. Cornell took advantage of the X receiver getting to the sideline at least three times to set up the late heroics.

'I kept that in mind for the final drive,” Brown said. 'We ran it that a couple times and it was always there for that five yards when we needed it. It was very clutch for us.”

Brown sparked the Rams, who trailed 21-7 at the break. He tossed two touchdown passes that cut the deficit to one score.

The first hit former Lisbon prep Ben Knake in the back of the end zone. Knake made a spectacular leaping grab, getting his toes inside the end line, for a 13-yard TD. The score provided a boost of confidence.

'Ben is just an outstanding athlete,” Brown said. 'I knew if I could put the ball in the right spot he'll go get it no matter how many people are on them.”

Brown connected with Brit Connor for a 22-yard scoring strike with 2:02 left in the third. He showed poise on the busted play, scrambling away from a blitz and hitting Connor on an underneath crossing route.

'It got hectic and I couldn't stay there,” Brown said. 'I tried to buy some time with my feet. Britt did a wonderful job working across the field, getting my attention and waving me down. I got him the pass and he took care of the rest.”

Stennes, who gave the Rams a 7-0 lead in the first on a 1-yard run set up by a 36-yard run by Knake, threw for a team-high 158 yards. Brown finished with 150 passing yards and 52 rushing, which was more than twice as many as the rest of the Rams combined.

Brautigam said Brown's athleticism is a big asset, and it can overcome youthful mistakes. Brown ran more in high school, but is transitioning into more of a passer in college.

'We have a big veteran (offensive) line in front of me,” Brown said. 'I feel like I can do more stepping behind them than with my feet.”

The Cornell defense stifled St. Norbert for most of the second half, setting up the offense up with two turnovers resulting in 14 points. Alex Latow forced a fumble that was recovered by Henry Gonzlaez, leading to Knake's TD catch. Maliek Ketchens picked off St. Norbert's James Tringali, giving the Rams the ball at the opponent's 43 that resulted in Connor's scoring reception and the Rams pulling within six.

'We did it by just getting everybody to the ball,” Latow said. 'We do pursuit drills every day. We just said we need 11 people to the ball and good things happen. We had turnovers in the second half because we were all trying to get to the ball.”

Latow, who had 10 tackles, helped stop a rush by St. Norbert kicker Randy Hill on a fake PAT that made it 21-14 in the third. The failed conversion was the difference in the game.

'That was a designed play,” St. Norbert Coach Steve Opgenorth said. 'I was going to call the most physical and aggressive play no matter what.”

When Hill missed a last-ditch 57-yard field goal as time expired, the Rams capped a strong second half that was improved in all three areas of the game. Brautigam praised his player's resolve, turning the tables on the Green Knights (2-2), who had won two straight close games over Cornell.

'It is the biggest reason a team can be successful,” Brautigam said. 'Our motto is ‘Find a way.' We're always looking at the next play.

'It was the seniors' time for a gut check. They made a lot of plays. Some other kids stepped up, but that is the atmosphere we're trying to create.”

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