Cornell could have one of the Ivy League's best-kept secrets in Detrick Harmon's replacement.

With Harmon--currently employed by the San Francisco 49ers now dancing through the backfields of the National Football League, senior fullback Tony Baker will finally get a chance to strut his stuff.

Now Baker's not a total unknown to the rest of the Ivies--he is, after all, Cornell's leading returning rusher--but playing behind All-American Harmon didn't give the 6-ft., 203-lb. Colden, N.Y. native a chance to earn much praise.

So this could be Baker's year, especially if he steers clear of the injuries that plagued his first two years on the varsity. And that could mean a much better year for the Ithacans, who have steered clear of the Ivy title since formal league play began in 1956.

Certainly Cornell will surprise a few people this year, and could finish in the top four. Few really expect the Big Red to challenge for the league crown, but almost all agree that the squad will be instrumental in deciding who eventually comes out on top.

The turnaround in the Cornell program began seven weeks into last year's schedule, when the Big Red won its first game of the year and the first of a season-ending three in a row.

Or perhaps more accurately, the upswing in Ithaca began when Cornell hired former All-American and All-Pro Maxie Baughan at the start of last year.

With Baughan now entering his second year at the helm, with the Baughan system now well intact and with the Big Red still on a high after its final three victories, expectations at Cornell are at an all-time high.

With good reason.

Foremost is Burlington, Mass. native Shawn Maguire, a junior quarterback who started every game as a sophomore last fall and who Baughan says "is now bigger, stronger and faster."

Joining Baker and Maguire in the backfield are a host of experienced fullbacks, including last year's offensive captain, Mark Miller.

A junior college transfer from Kansas, Doug Baker, will vastly improve the receiving corps and could take some of the pressure off Tony Baker.

But what Baughan is keeping quiet is a rebuilt offensive line, which insiders say just might be one of the major surprises of the league.

Defensively, Cornell is not as experienced, though three cornerbacks and two defensive tackles return.

The problem area is linebacker, where only senior Jim Studnicka returns from last year's starting unit.

The kicking game will definitely be improved (Baughan says it has to since it can't get much worse than a year ago), especially with the return of senior placekicker Bill Goldy, who missed last year with an injury.

THE CUBE PREDICTS: Fifth