The Big Red's dangerous rushing duo of 1989 IvySophomore of the Year John McNiff and fullbackScott Oliaro won't miss them, either. Neither willHofher--but the rookie coach is too busy worryingto get too relieved about anything these days.
"They lost to a very good football team lastweek," Hofher fretted. "Before that, six points intwo games. I don't care who you're playing That'sdamn good defense."
Behind the scenes, Restic will be tinkering,adjusting, still searching for the skill positioncombinations that will bring him an Ivy title.Andy Bell and Rodney Taylor will start at runningback and split end, respectively, but theirbackups will press them for playing time.Lazarre-White has earned the starting nod forgood, but how often he will take to the airremains to be seen.
But today's war will probably be decided in thetrenches and to the winner goes a big head starton the Ivy race.
"There's no doubt that what happens at the lineof scrimmage will be a tremendous determinant,"Hofher said. "It's so critical to the tempo, towhat everybody's trying to get done. We haven'tdone a good job there the last two weeks innon-league games."
But this week counts.