FAIRFIELD, CONN. – Ernest Howard intercepted Dartmouth's Nick Howard on fourth down to seal the comeback victory for the Sacred Heart University football team. The Pioneers rallied from down 14 in the third quarter to beat the Big Green, 38-31, in front of 6,293 fans during SHU's Homecoming game.

Records:
Sacred Heart: 2-2
Dartmouth: 1-1

Statistical Leaders:
Malik Grant: 103 yards, 20 carries, 3 TDs
Marquez McCray: 274 yards (31-36)
Ernest Howard: 11 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 INT

Up Next:
Sacred Heart is back at home Saturday to take on Norfolk State at 1 p.m.


Of Note:
SHU got the ball to start overtime. Quarterback Marquez McCray rushed for five yards on third down to keep the drive alive. Running back Malik Grant crossed the goal line to give SHU its first lead.
 
On its turn on offense, Dartmouth got the ball to the five-yard line. SHU's defense pressured Howard and his desperation attempted was plucked by SHU's Howard.
 
A Dartmouth field goal put the visitors ahead 31-17 with 5:34 left in the third quarter. Grant took over from there. 
 
He capped a 69-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run on 3^rd & 5. SHU stopped Dartmouth on its next two drive – including a John Wood interception – and got the ball on its own 12 yard-line with 6:11 to play. 
 
McCray and receiver Rob DiNota connected on a 47-yard reception to put the ball into Dartmouth territory. Kenneth Womack hauled in an 18-yard pass then three plays later Grant found the endzone again.
 
With the win, Sacred Heart stopped Dartmouth's 20-game, non-conference winning streak, which was the longest in the FCS. SHU topped the Big Green for the first time since 2012.
 
The Big Green had the advantage on the ground (393-134), but SHU countered with 293 air yards. McCray threw for a career-high 274 yards on 31 completions. He is the first Pioneer signal caller with 30 or more completions since 2011.
 
The win was Sacred Heart's first when trailing by 10 or more points and when trailing in the fourth quarter since the 36-33 overtime triumph on October 26, 2019 at Saint Francis.
 
For the second time in his career, Grant crossed the goal line three times. He rushed for 104 yards on 20 carries.
 
In addition to the interception, Howard led the team with a career-best eight tackles, including two for a loss. Linebacker DeAndre Byrd followed with eight stops.