Senior free safety Jeff compas is the leader of the group, a ferocious hitter who is one interception away from tying the school career record. Compas also has the distinction of being the first-ever four-years starter for Harvard and is six tackles away from being the second-leading tackler on school history.
Yale: The Bulldogs' secondary is porous. This unity is riddled by inexperience and opposing passers. The defensive backs are the weakness of the defense and can be exploited.
Three of the starters are sophomores and one corner is a freshman. They could have a long day because Harvard uses is passing attack to set up the run.
ADVANTAGE: Harvard
OVERAL DEFENSE:
Harvard has been amazing this season, allowing only three Ivy touchdowns for an average of 6.3 points per league game. Opponents have found running the ball to be almost impossible, since Harvard has always made run defense is first priority.
The Crimson ranks second nationally in scoring defense at 12.9 points per game and third in rushing defense with 79.6 yards per game.
This year, the pass defense has caught up with the run defense. In the past four games, the secondary has allowed just 35-percent completions touchdowns versus eight interceptions. This has helped make Harvard's pass efficiency ration fifth best in the country.
While the defensive front seven is the strength of Yale's team, the Bulldogs allowed 52 points to Brown and 37 to Cornell, both passing offenses. Since they are effective against the run, look for Harvard to test the secondary early and often.
ADVANTAGE: HARVARD
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Harvard: The Crimson has had very inconsistent performance from its kicking specialists, though the coverage has been good. The kickoffs have been handled by Jonathan Patton, Ryan Korinken and now Mike Giampaolo, none to the delight of Murphy.
Giampaolo also handles punts and place kicking. Since kicking the game-winning field goal against Princeton, he has not been as effective. A back injury has hurt his ability to get consistent loft on his kicks.
Yale: Freshman Mike Murawczyk handles the place kicking and punting duties for the Bulldogs. While he has only kicked two of three field goals, he has placed 18 punts inside the 20-yard line.
ADVANTAGE: EVEN