"They block one-on-one at the line, and it's effective. There's nothing fancy about it," Restic said. "But there are variations in defense we can use to offset the pattern. Carm (Cozza) hasn't changed much over the years, and their basic system is the same. It's power football, and we'll have to find some way to stop it. It's that simple."

Harvard's offensive power is almost a polar opposite from that of Yale, disdaining ball control for a big-play game plan that outfinesses opponents. "We won't be controlling the ball, but then again we never do. We'll just have to take advantage of the breaks that come out way and hope for a good game from Kubacki. Out strength (defense) will have to outplay their strength (offense), and the rest will take care of itself," Restic said.

With an outside chance of getting a share of the Ivy League title, and the traditions of The Game pervading the atmosphere, the Crimson has spent the week preparing for the contest that will decide the season. Restic's new wrinkles (don't forget the single wing) may be the key for what appears to be a slightly overmatched Crimson squad, and the coach won't be bashful about using them.

"The element of surprise is something we're always putting to use, and we'll continue to do so until it stops working in our favor. There's no reason to hold back now," Restic said.

A trainload of 772 Yale students will be arriving in Boston around noon today, replete with 200 gallons of mixed drinks inside them and hopes for the Ivy championship riding high. The scene is one that occurs in Cambridge every two years, though recently it has been heacaches and disappointment and not the Ivy trophy that has accompanied the riders back to New Haven.

How long can this go on? Not forever, but Harvard fans hope that the string can be extended for just one more afternoon. We've seen it all before, and we'll see it all again.

The Game will decide The Season.