Harvard reasons, quite correctly, that it must focus on shutting down the Princeton rushing game to win. Princeton is blessed with hands-of-glue receiver Michael Lerch, but it is also cursed with arms-of-jello quarterback Joel Foote, so the Tigers' passing game generally takes a back seat to Elias and Co.

Harvard's rush defense could be up to the challenge today. It's currently ranked second in the Ivies, giving up only 112 yards per game.

The offense, though, has been as come and go as Ross Perot this season. Against Lafayette, the Crimson attack may have revived itself. Quarterback Mike Giardi did the magical things that earned him lavish praise last year, and the receivers and backs made the key plays. Harvard piled up 29 points, the most it has scored all season. OK, Lafayette's defense is one of the worst in the Patriot League. Yes, the Crimson's hands still look like they're dripping 10W-40. And, sure enough, Harvard did, lose to Lafayette.

But Harvard players said the Lafayette game gave them something they've needed all season: confidence and focus. "Lafayette gave our offense some confidence it didn't really have in the earlier games," Hill said.

Giese said that the Crimson is now a different team: "This is the game that's been in our minds. Immediately after Lafayette, we could finally feel it coming together. It's here, we said. We have that positive feeling that things are finally here."

If these things aren't here today, you can bet that come November 21, the Ivy League ring won't be either.

SPORTS CUBE PREDICTS Jay K. Varma, Sports Editor Princeton  17 Harvard  14 Y. Tarek Farouki, Sports Staff Writer Harvard  22 Princeton  17 John B. Trainer, Sports Staff Writer Princeton  31 Harvard  16 Dante E.A. Ramos, Design Editor Princeton  27 Harvard  24