If I had a nickel for every time the Quakers started the Ivy League game 0-3 and their starting quarterback was out with an injury that forced them to start their secondary quarterback in their game against Brown, I would have two five cents, which is not much, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice, right?

Three years ago, it was then-freshman quarterback Aidan Sayin who took over at center after then-senior John Quinnelly was out with an injury. Now, there was Sayin on the sidelines, sidelined by injury, and junior Liam O’Brien taking the snaps.

It was night and day compared to their game against Yale last week when O’Brien came on unexpectedly after Sayin went down with an elbow injury. Last week, he only completed eight of 13 attempts through the air. This week he was 18 of 24 for 247 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first game with a touchdown pass since Penn’s last win against Bucknell, which was three weeks ago.

Regardless of who starts at quarterback next week, Penn needs to throw the ball.

Don’t get me wrong: The running game led by sophomore running back Malachi Hosley has been consistent and phenomenal, but Saturday’s matchup is a reminder of how strong a team Penn is when it brings in its receivers.

Junior wide receiver Jared Richardson put the nation on notice last season and was named FCS Preseason All-American and first team All-Ivy. He became the go-to guy and an absolute threat once he got the ball, averaging 11.8 yards per catch. And it absolutely still is. Just look at his touchdown catch from the Brown game. His athleticism allows him to dominate the game.

But Richardson hasn’t gotten the touches he needed. In last week’s loss, Richardson received the ball once. Once. In the full 60 minutes of play.

Of course, Sayin was injured early on and the game plan had to change, but the offense quickly became one-dimensional. Richardson was only attacked four times. Against Brown, he was targeted 10 times and caught the ball seven. Obviously, he can’t catch the ball every time, as sometimes it will be double or even triple, but you have to create opportunities for him to try to get the ball.

And it doesn’t just apply to Richardson. Junior wide receiver Bisi Owens also burst onto the scene last season. At 6’4, he is another top athlete who can make big plays if given the opportunity. He also skyrocketed in receptions compared to the previous week, jumping from one to six, and his 89 yards were the most this season.

What stood out in this Brown game was how much more willing they were to throw the ball, either because they felt they had an advantage over Brown’s defensive secondary or because O’Brien felt more comfortable this time. Regardless of the reason, throwing the ball worked.

With a successful week under their belt, Penn should build on this offensive momentum. Trust O’Brien and the receiving corps. The next step should be to add more receivers. Against Brown, only five different players received the ball. More receivers could create a more varied offensive attack and take pressure off Richardson, who receives additional pressure.

And now there are three games left. To win, Penn needs to incorporate all aspects of the offense. They need to get the ball to Richardson, Owens and the rest of the receivers, regardless of who the quarterback is. You have one of the best receivers in the conference in Richardson; It would be remiss not to use it.

The last time Penn started 1-3 in an Ivy League game, it finished 1-6. It’s time to see if this time it will be different.