But the offense, taking over at its own 41, went three-and-out. Worse, Jones fumbled on third-and-7, losing 10 yards on the play. That gave Yale great field position and gave probably the greatest quarterback in Yale history one final chance.
"We've made big plays all season," Walland said. "We run the two minute drill better than anyone in the league. We were calm and relaxed and made plays."
Walland and Johnson absolutely crippled the Crimson. Walland went 42-for-67, throwing for 437 yards, the most Harvard has ever given up in a game. Likewise, Johnson caught 21 balls for 244 yards, averaging 11.6 yards per catch.
The pair were able to rack up their numbers because Siedlecki decided to scrap the running game in the second half. Eli senior tailback Rashad Bartholomew carried the ball just once after halftime as the Crimson had shut him down in the first. He finished with 57 yards on 13 carries.
Over the past four games, the Harvard defense has given up just 114 rushing yards on 101 carries.
"This is the first time I have ever abandoned the running game completely," Yale Coach Jack Siedlecki said. "I just knew that we were going to have to win this through the air."
Walland executed his record-setting day despite running a 103.1-degree fever and requiring hospitalization on Friday night for tonsillitis.
"Eric Johnson is a hell of a football player, but Joe Walland is special," Murphy said. "Walland is one of those quarterbacks who wills things to happen. He should have legendary status in this neck of the woods now."
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