For once, the problem for the Harvard football team in 1998 wasn't a lack of respect. It was the inability to live up to billing.

Probably out of respect for its amazing 9-1 (7-0 Ivy) 1997 season, the Crimson began the year as the favorite in the preseason media poll, with 11 of 16 first-place votes.

But injuries, offensive ineffectiveness and the struggle to replace the defensive line that had led the Crimson to the Ivy championship resulted in a disappointing 4-6 season. Furthermore, midway through the season, competition between juniors Rich Linden and Brad Wilford planted the seeds of a quarterback controversy.

"I don't think there's any question we probably have more competition than we saw a year ago," said Harvard Coach Tim Murphy after the Spring Game May 8. "A year ago, Rich was the clear starter, but Brad has improved and developed to the point where it is now legitimately a competition that won't be decided until a week or week-and-a-half before the opener."

Harvard finished sixth in the league with a 3-4 record, but with two weeks left, it controlled its own fate.

The year was a roller coaster that began with a shocking 24-0 loss at Columbia, but entering Week Nine, the Crimson was 3-2 in the Ivy and had the opportunity to secure a tie for the title by beating Penn and Yale. Two losses ended those repeat dreams.

Harvard traveled to New York for its traditional season opener with Columbia (4-6, 3-4 Ivy) expecting to get the season off to a good start.

Instead, it ran into a defensive unit that dominated the Crimson's offensive line, allowing only 169 total yards and forcing four turnovers.

It was Harvard's first shutout loss since 1994, and Linden only had 60 passing yards despite completing 10-of-17.

"I hate to steal Ray Tellier's line from last year, but at least no one got killed," Murphy said. "We got beat up in the trenches. Last year, that was our strength."

The Lions put consistent pressure on Linden, and junior running back Chris Menick only mustered 42 yards on 13 carries. In 1997, Menick rushed for a school-record 1,267 yards.

Harvard's defensive line was porous, surrendering 196 rushing yards.

The next week, on the road against Colgate, probably the best team on Harvard's schedule, the Crimson dropped a 34-14 contest despite forcing seven turnovers.

Four Harvard drives started in Red Raider territory, but the two touchdowns were not enough to counter Colgate's dominant freeze-option attack.

Quarterback Ryan Vena passed for 245 yards and three touchdowns and carried for 80 more yards. Flanker Corey Hill caught seven passes for 131 yards and two of Vena's touchdown tosses.