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Old Battle With a New Twist: Crimson vs. Ailing Crusaders

H. Cross Is No Longer a Powerhouse, But Rivalry Still Intense

Giardi is hoping to use the Multi-Flex to full potential to find holes in the seemingly watertight Crusader defense.

"Holy Cross doesn't allow big plays. But if we mix up our offense, we can get opportunities. We had an opportunity last year even though I wasn't in there," the Mather sophomore said.

Even Cooler

But here's an ever cooler number: behind freshman quarterback Andy Fitzpatick, Holy Cross averages only 198 yards per game. What has really hurt is turnovers: 11 of them in three games.

"They actually move the ball well," said senior defensive back James Ellis. "They like to run and throw to their tight end and split end. But they hurt themselves with turnovers."

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Fitzgerald is a quarterback in the Giardi mold, looking to run as well as pass. But unlike Giardi, Fitzgerald isn't very good at it. In three games, Fitzgerald is 17-of-44 for 162 yards and four interceptions and averages 1.1 yards per rush.

Having said that, it must be noted that the Harvard defense is showing him respect.

"He leads a balanced attack," Giese said. "He can run. He can pass. He can be dangerous."

But the Holy Cross offense will not move on the pass. It will move on the run, a particularly sensitive area for Harvard. Last week, W&M piled up 170 rushing yards--in the second half.

Last year, Fuller danced all over the Crimson 'D'. This year, Orlando Cepero (86 yards per game) will try to do the same. The key is the Crimson defense and particularly the line. Will fans see a game like Columbia (13 rushing yards total) or the W&M debacle?

"Hey, remember the first half against William and Mary," Giese said. "They tried to stuff it down our throats but it didn't work."

One more thing. Against Holy Cross, then-junior defensive tackle Phil Furse had a big day: nine tackles and a pass break-up. This year, he's on the sidelines with a bad ankle.

Just something to think about.

SPORTS CUBE PREDICTS Jay K. Verma, Sports Editor Harvard  21 Holy Cross  17 Phil P. Pan, Managing Editor Harvard  17 Holy Cross  10 John B. Trainer, Sports Staff Writer Harvard  16 Holy Cross  13 Dante E.A. Ramos, Design Editor Harvard  14 Holy Cross  13

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