"They return a lot of guys we saw last year on defense," Linden said. "Martucci is a great defensive end, and their secondary is very experienced and really fast."
Having to face the strong Hawks defensive front, it is imperative that the O-line stand its ground for Menick and Nwokocha. Lehigh defends exceptionally well against the run, limiting opponents to 2.3 rushing yards per carry.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Crimson will also have to show some improvement against the Hawks. Harvard has given up a total of 414 yards on the ground over its first two games, and an additional 318 in the air, while allowing 58 points.
While those numbers aren't encouraging, the Crimson defense has forced ten turnovers this season and showed signs of improvement against an explosive Colgate offense, containing the Raiders' option attack for three quarters.
And the defense will have to continue to improve, as it will have its hands full against the potent Lehigh offense. The Hawks send senior All-Patriot League quarterback Phil Stambaugh, who has 800 yards and five touchdowns in three games, against Harvard.
Lehigh also boasts a solid group of receivers led by senior Deron Braswell--also an All-League selection--who has 245 yards receiving on the year. Senior Joe Falzone and junior Kody Fedorcha, who combined for over 100 receptions last season, also provide targets for Stambaugh.
Senior running back Brian Baker provides the running threat for the Hawks, averaging over 100 rushing yards per game.
"They have a real good quarterback with a strong arm," Kacyvenski said. "And they have a nice corps of receivers. Braswell is a great player, and their back, Baker, is a fast and tough running back."
With threats at all of the skill positions the Crimson will have to be ready for the Lehigh attack from any player at any time.
"We aren't focusing on any one player on their team," Kacyvenski said. "We are just going to go out there and play our usual attacking style of defense."
The Crimson defense is led by defensive lineman and two-time captain Brendan Bibro and Kacyvenski.
Bibro and the rest of the defensive front must put pressure on the quarterback, something Harvard has been unable to do thus far, as it has totaled only two sacks on the season. Stambaugh has thrown four interceptions, so if the Crimson can generate a pass rush a few pick-offs could come its way.
Tomorrow's game against Lehigh is a must-win for the Crimson. While a loss against the non-conference Hawks would not affect the Ivy standings, a 0-3 start would be a demoralizing blow to the defending champions.
"We definitely did not expect to be 0-2 at this point," Kacyvenski said. "We really need a win, so we're just taking it one game at a time. Right now the biggest thing in the world for us is the Lehigh game."