Hill's 61 yards, Hirsch's 57 yards and Joyce's 42 yards on the ground accounted for half of the Crimson's total yardage.

The media guide describes the Multiflex system as one that combines the best attributes of the wishbone and run-and-shoot offenses.

Giardi seemed to have perfected the wishbone part with his timely pitches that he released when practically in the grasp.

Although Giardi overthrew several of his targets, his passes were generally on the mark. He completed 14 of 23 passes (61 percent).

"For a sophomore to run the show is a really big honor," Giardi said. "I was nervous in the beginning. I didn't want to overthrow the ball, so I just floated it in there. In the second half, I was more conscious of my passes."

Most impressive was Giardi's ability to throw on the run, and throw deep. Less than three minutes into the game, a scrambling Giardi hit Colby Maher on a 19-yard crossing TD strike.

Giardi also showed the ability to complete mid-and-long-range passes.

His 24-yard TD strike to Chris Taylor and four completions for 50 yards to Maher highlighted Giardi's mid-range passing.

But perhaps the day's most impressive play came off of the 79-yard Hail Mary bomb that was called back. Giardi withstood the pressure in the pocket and struck deep. The ability to throw long was one of Harvard's offensive weaknesses last year.

Giardi will start next week against Columbia at The Stadium.