With its swarming style, Big Green is especially proficient at stopping the run at the point of attack. For the third consecutive week, Menick will face a tough run defense. Two weeks ago, he had 167 yards against Holy Cross, which entered in the top five in run defense. The Tigers, who were No. 2 against the run entering the game, limited him to just 56.

Dartmouth's bunched style of defense means that Menick will have plenty of running room if he can break through the line.

On the other side of the ball, the Big Green offense has not struck fear in the hearts of its opponents. Its best result came in a 45-24 loss to Colgate.

Dartmouth will most likely try to establish the run early in the game and build off last week's success. It had been rotating two tailbacks--senior Eric Davis and junior Reggie Belhomme--with little success, averaging two yards per rush. Davis distinguished himself last week, averaging an even five yards per carry.

"We want to shut down the run," junior linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski said. "Both backs are pretty fast, but Davis is especially quick like our Chuck [sophomore tailback Chuck Nwokocha]."

Spearheading the Crimson's recent turnaround, the defense has really coalesced as a unit. It kept Harvard in last week's game after giving up a 10-0 lead and sealed the win when junior defensive back Ben Green intercepted a pass with 1:23 remaining. Kacyvenski, senior linebacker Scott Larkee, and an improving line have led the transformation back into last year's form.

"Now that we have gotten it going, we have got to keep the ball rolling," Kacyvenski said. "We are gelling as a team."

Because that proverbial ball has started to roll, Harvard controls its own destiny. Penn, Princeton, and Yale are the other 2-1 teams, and Harvard has yet to play the Quakers and Elis.

Winning the remainder of its schedule assures the Crimson of no worse than a share of first place. Although Dartmouth may appear the easiest of Harvard's final opponents, any letdown might be fatal to Harvard's title chances.

"This is a big game for us," Wilske said. "We are at a crossroads as a team, and a win would be a huge stepping stone."

Last year's win was a huge stepping stone to Harvard's 7-0 Ivy record. This year, Dartmouth will be out for a little revenge.