Play after play, Hirsch would rush through the Tigers line and, with defenders draped on him, leap forward to gain extra ground. On the Crimson's touchdown drive during the second quarter, the Tigers could not stop Hirsch.
On third down and seven with the ball on the Princeton 46, Mike Giardi dished to Hirsch on the left side. The burly back charged forward, but lost his balance at the line of scrimmage. Picking himself up, Hirsch leaped ahead over a Princeton lineman before finally being knocked down by free safety Marvin Williamson.
All day long, Coach Joe Restic looked to Hirsch for important yardage. And, whether it was third-and-long or deep in the Harvard end, Hirsch delivered.
"I felt like there were some nice holes," Hirsch said. "I felt very aware, felt like my vision was good. I really felt like I could break it out in the open."
Restic, for one, could not have been more happy about Hirsch's performance.
"Robb Hirsch stood out today," an exuberant Restic said after the game. "He did an outstanding job. Those were critical plays when we needed the yards. He gave us the tough yardage."
Versatile Weapon
Indeed, one of the reasons the Crimson did so well today was because Restic placed his faith in Hirsch. And with good reason.
All season long (most notably against Fordham), Hirsch has demonstrated that he is a versatile offensive weapon. He can rush along the sideline and barrel through opposing lines. On the next down, he can slide into the flat and grab a ball with skill and poise.
In fact, Hirsch may be most talented as a receiver. He leads the Crimson in receptions and, with 26 so far, is on pace for a record year.
One play, in particular, remains unbelievable. With the ball on the Harvard 19, Giardi tossed the ball to Hirsch who was breaking right across the middle. The junior dove forward, extended his left arm to the ball, and pulled it in before crashing to the ground.
"I don't know how he caught that ball," Restic said. "That was a key play for us."
Key plays. That's what Hirsch gave the Crimson today: the yardage, the blocking, the competitive fire.
Hirsch, quite understandably, was ecstatic after the game.
"I can't tell you how good it feels. It feels good. Real good."