Yet even knowing that Walland was going to throw on every play, the Harvard defense couldn't protect the zone as the Bulldog receivers slipped between the linebackers and the secondary for short gains over the middle.

"I couldn't imagine getting that many catches before The Game," Johnson said. "But it was just a lot of short passes."

The problem with the Crimson pass coverage wasn't limited to any single individual. Although the Crimson's front four was outstanding at stopping the rush, they simply didn't put enough pressure on Walland when he dropped back to pass.

Given all the time he needed in the pocket and four excellent receivers downfield on every play, Walland could hardly miss.

In fact, Walland hardly missed all year, throwing just four interceptions.

In addition to Johnson's 244 yards receiving, junior wideout Tommy McNamara pitched in with 10 receptions of his own for 82 yards, while captain Jake Fuller, Yale's big play specialist, added 64 yards on only four receptions.

In total, all four Yale receivers ended the day with more receptions and receiving yards individually than Harvard's leading wideout, senior Terrence Patterson, who had only 3 catches for 35 yards in The Game.

No matter what defensive combination Harvard coach Tim Murphy tried to slow down the Elis' passing game, Walland would simply find a way around it.