As Harvard coach Tim Murphy enters his third year, his first recruiting class has finally come of age. A last-minute win over Yale provided an uplifting conclusion to a disappointing season, giving Harvard fans reason to hope in 1996. With All-Ivy selection Eion Hu poised to break Harvard's all-time career rushing records, the Crimson may finally have the talent to contend for the Ivy title.

In the post-game conference following Harvard's dramatic 22-21 shocker over Yale, then-junior Eion Hu was asked about his reaction to the victory in the face of so many disappointing losses.

"This doesn't make up for the whole season," Hu said. "[But] It's a great feeling...for now."

Ten months later, the euphoria of The Game has worn off and Hu and his teammates are preparing to repay last season's wounds which smart even now.

Led by Hu, the running game is clearly the Crimson's strength. Hu has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons and stands poised to break Harvard's all-time career rushing records. One of the hardest-working players on the team, Hu is a powerfully-built, between-the-tackles type runner.

A perfect complement to Hu, sophomore Troy Jones has the speed to get outside on halfback sweeps and matches up well one-on-one against opposing linebackers in passing situations.

Harvard's fullbacks had a restricted role in the Crimson's offense last season, serving primarily as blockers in both running and passing situations. By giving seniors Nate Storch and Rich Thomas an expand- ed role in the offense, the Crimson might keep opposing defenses off-balance, limiting their ability to key on Hu and Jones.

But if Harvard is to emerge as an Ivy League contender, junior quarterback Jay Snowden will need to provide timely passing to counterbalance the Crimson's potent ground attack. Although the 6-1, 200-pound Snowden possesses the physical tools, the jury is still out on his passing accuracy. Used primarily as an option quarterback in two-point conversion situations last season, Snowden quickly gained the respect of his teammates, who seemed equally comfortable with him as with Ferrara.

"Jay's going to have to throw the ball," Harvard coach Tim Murphy said. "He's been a very capable passing quarterback [in pre-season]. We need to maintain a diverse and balanced offense."

Snowden's primary target this season will be junior flanker Colby Skelton, who led Harvard in receptions with 35. Skelton runs the out pattern as well as anyone in the league and has the toughness to catch quick slants over the middle.

An ideal complement to Skelton's short-to-medium range patterns, sophomore Kadar Lewis is the Crimson's deep threat. Unfortunately, Lewis has been hampered by health problems during the pre-season and his ability to play has yet to be determined. Nevertheless, the Harvard coaching staff is aware that the Crimson did not complete a pass of more than 40 yards last season--expect that to change this year.

"Our biggest need to recruit when we came here was speed," said Murphy, who cited the additions of Lewis and Jones in that area.

Protecting Snowden and opening holes for Hu and Jones, Harvard's offensive line developed little cohesiveness last season due to multiple injuries. An offense which averaged over 20 points per game during the first four contests ground to a halt during the middle of the season when the line wore down.

"The offensive line played pretty well early [last season]...but at Cornell it all came apart," Murphy said. "We have good people up front. If they stay healthy, they'll be a very solid unit."

Captain Sean Riley, one of the Crimson's emotional leaders, anchors the strong unit which returns four of its five starters.

However, the success or failure of Harvard's season will most likely rest on its defense--while the offensive unit will put points on the score-board, it remains to be seen if a young Crimson defense can hold the lead.