For those with a memory, the trip to Hanover was the highlight of the year. Not because the Big Green was a worthy opponent, but because Harvard hadn't beaten Dartmouth since 1978. "This is like a Yale game in the middle of the year." said Vignali, who dashed to 177 yards as the Crimson triumphed, 21-7.

By the time the real challenge came around, the season was halfway over. At Princeton, everything came together in a 17.15 squeaker. The defense, led by senior cornerback Brian Bergstrom (2 interceptions). Stymied the most explosive offense in the lvies.

Harvard's ground attack centered on Vignali, who fired on all cylinders to the tune of 171 yards. But the key play of the game came with 2:40 remaining, when Harvard had a third and eight on its 22. White scrambled for 19 yards and the Crimson held onto the ball until only II ticks were left on the clock. when it was too late for the Tigers toscore again.

Next came Brown, and detense again looked great. Harvard took a 14-0 lead into the second half, then quickly upped the margin to 17. The Bruins mounted a comeback, but the Crimson put the game away with five play, 75 yd. drive.

Everyone was waiting for penn, the showdown for the title that had been in the works since the start of year. The two best teams, the histroy the rivaly. "Penn's not a rivalry; it's a war." senior offensive tackle Roger Caron said. "Nothing would be better (than beating Penn). It would be bigger than Yale. Definitely bigger."

What it was Harvard's worst loss since 1973's 35-0 debacle at the Yale Bowl. Harvard scored on its first drive and its offense promptly collapsed. From then on it was Penn, Penn, Penn, with a first-half injury to white thrown in for good measure.

Harvard had a chance to tie it the score at the end of the first half, but the Crimson missed two straight field goal attempts. A tight 10-7 game turned into a blowout when the Quakers returned the second half kickoff 92 yards for touchdown. Three touchdowns later Harvard was ready to play Yale. for second place.