ALFRED, N.Y. - After a tough Week 1 loss to nationally ranked Johns Hopkins University, the Ithaca College football team bounced back in resounding fashion on the road Saturday at Alfred University. The Bombers offense ignited for 45 points behind a dominant passing attack as they picked up their first victory of the 2025 campaign by a score of 45-14. 

The team was led by junior quarterback Matthew Parker, who posted an impressive 78-percent completion percentage as he threw for 303 yards with three passing touchdowns. He leaned on sophomore wideout Tian Murray who had a breakout performance. Murray, who only appeared in three games last season, entered this contest with two career receptions and zero touchdowns. Murray went off today for 150 receiving yards along with his first collegiate touchdown. 

The Bombers got on the board first with a 28-yard field goal from sophomore Caleb Wandell after a five-minute drive that saw the Bombers enter the red zone but stall just outside the 10.

After the defense forced a three and out on the next drive the Bombers were able to get six. Parker marched the team downfield with 74 yards passing on the drive before sophomore running back Chris Scully punched it in from four yards out, his first collegiate touchdown. 

After the Saxons were able to get on the board with a 7-yard touchdown, the Bombers pulled away scoring 28 unanswered points. 

The Bombers were set up in a great spot for their second touchdown after Marcus Boyle nearly returned a punt for six. The junior defensive back had a 73-yard return down to the Saxon's one yard line. The return was the seventh-longest in school history. Junior quarterback Michael Reed snuck it in to add to the Bombers' lead. 

The Bombers got one more score before the half with a 20-yard touchdown to Murray and the Bombers entered the locker room with a comfortable 24-7 lead. 

IC got the ball first in the second half and picked up right where it left off. Parker compiled 51 more passing yards on the drive including a 34-yard pickup to Murray that got the team in the red zone. Two plays later on second down Parker threw a 14-yard touchdown to senior tight end Brendan Stapleton and after the PAT the Bombers had an insurmountable 31-7. 

The defense also did their part today for the Bombers as they prevented the Saxons from getting anything going on the ground. The Saxons only had 35 total rushing yards with an average of 1.5 yards per carry. Junior linebacker Henry Takacs led the way with eight tackles and a sack. This was Takacs' first career sack and a career high in total tackles. 

The Bombers will look to keep the momentum going with their final non-conference game when they visit Hilbert College next Saturday before starting Liberty League competition on September 27 when they host defending Liberty League champion Hobart University who lost to the Saxons in Week 1.