HARVARDEDGE PENN QUARTERBACK: Brian White, the fourth most prolific passer in Harvard history, has showed great poise in each of Harvard's come-from-behind victories the last two weekends. Though he's seemed somewhat flustered this year, the two-year starter last week led Harvard to its biggest fourth-quarter rally in history. Nevertheless, his completion percentage is still a measly 444. Has thrown five touchdowns and five interceptions. Knows Multiflex well. Can run and throw.
Even QUARTERBACK: Penn runs two-thirds of the time, but junior quarterback Jim Crocicchia (88-171-1059-9 TD-9 INT) is one of the Ivy's top throwing threats. He trails only Doug Butler in terms of statistics and ability in the league, and keeps opposing defenses looking for the pass all the time. Will severely test Harvard's linebackers.
RUNNING BACKS: The squad's most disappointing area at season's start, this unit has become one of its best. The leader--and the best runner in the Ivy League--is senior fullback Robert Santiago, who scored one touchdown rushing and another passing last weekend, when he rushed for 185 yards. That marked the fifth best rushing day in Harvard history. The All-Ivy runner has picked up 657-yards this year, and needs just under 100 more to become the fifth leading rusher in Harvard history. The loss of junior halfback Rufus Jones to a knee injury has hurt this group, but juniors George Sorbara and Joe Pusateri have filled more than adequately. Lots of speed in this group.
Even RUNNING BACKS: Harvard sees today the most balanced rushing attack it will face all year. Tailback Rich Comizio (146-697-4 TD), the Ivy League's leading rusher, leads the talented attack. His main helpers are sophomore Chris Flynn (67-426-2 TD), who has returned two punts for touchdowns this year, and fullback Mike O'Neill (59-230-1 TD). This group is big and quick, and will present a good challenge to Harvard's defensive corps.
RECEIVERS: Sophomore LaMont Greer won the starting split end job a month ago, and has been impressive ever since. So, too, has been his backup, junior Joe Connolly. Like the running backs, Harvard's receivers have blazing speed. And there's plenty of people here, too. Eight Cantabs caught a pass two weeks ago, and a Harvard wide out last week caught a touchdown pass for the first time in 33 straight games. The biggest threat, though, is Santiago, who's caught twice as many passes as anyone. He's hauled in 20 receptions for 227 yards and one touchdown.
Even RECEIVERS: The top target here is split end Brian Moyer (25-280-3 Td). But Comizio (18-208-1 TD) and tight end Brent Novoselsky (13-163-3 TD) provide diversity. This unit has provided Penn with the ability to put the ball in the air when its rushing game fails, but it can't carry the Quakers to a victory. Not much depth here.
OFFENSIVE LINE: The squad's weakest area, this group hasn't given the Crimson runners the holes they enjoyed a year ago. Nor has it provided adequate protection for White. Perhaps its only bright spot of the season came in the second half against Brown two weeks ago. But that was probably more a result of Bruin problems. The leader of this unit, which will have its hands full with the outstanding Penn defensive line, is senior left tackle George Kostakos. Main problem here is lack of size and lack of depth. Must improve tremedously today if Harvard is to win. *
OFFENSIVE LINE: An experienced offensive line is one of the main reasons Penn (6-1-1) has reeled off five straight Ivy victories this year. The mammoth line, led by senior center Steve Buonato, has provided more than adequate holes for Comizio and Co., and has given Crocicchia fantastic protection. There are three seniors and two juniors in this unit, with plenty of depth on the bench.
DEFENSIVE LINE: One of Harvard's most improved units, the defensive line that includes Bill Ross, K.C. Smith and Jerry Garvey has been very stingy this year, allowing just 113 points. The Crimson has allowed an average of just 14 points a game over the past month. Will have to stop the talented Penn rushing attack today. *
DEFENSIVE LINE: The Quakers' front three may be the best in Penn history, and that's saying a lot. Will give the Crimson its biggest test of the year. Defensive tackle Tom Gilmore, one of the squad's two captains, is a candidate for Ivy Player of the Year honors. He's flanked by junior nose tackle Dexter Desit and senior Ken Coombs.
LINEBACKERS: Senior linebacker Brent Wilkinson leads Harvard in tackles with 79. This is one of the Crimson's top areas, with Scott Collins and Bob Joyce providing more than adequate support for Wilkinson. Will have to provide support for Harvard's defensive line. Only potential problem is lack of speed.
Even LINEBACKERS: Probably the best linebacking corp in the league. Outside linebacker Gavin O'Connor has 11 sacks, and has been tremendous against the run. Inside linebackers Bob Chizmar and Denton Walker lead the team in tackles. This unit is very quick, very aggressive and very experienced.
DEFENSIVE SECONDARY: This is the area many consider Harvard's best. Led by senior safety Cecil Cox, who has picked off five passes, the Harvard defensive secondary will have to continue to play well for the Crimson to succeed. So far this season, this extremely aggressive unit hasn't been burned. In particular, Lee Oldenburg has been a pleasant surprise, picking off a team-high five balls. In all, the Crimson has already picked off 15 passes, three more than it had all of last year. *
DEFENSIVE SECONDARY: The weakest link on the team, the defensive secondary has been snaky in spots this year. There are no experienced starters among this group, which includes two juniors and two seniors. Cornerback Duane Hewlett is the top back with two interceptions. The Quakers use a rover back, but that shouldn't confuse Harvard, which has seen several rovers this year.
