After getting his chance in the second half against Holy Cross, Wilford completed his first five passes and ended up 10-of-16 for 98 yards and a touchdown in Harvard's 20-14 overtime win.

Murphy has always maintained that he wants a clear No. 1 to emerge. It seems that he got what he wants.

Both quarterbacks have strengths and weaknesses, and if he could, I'm sure I'm sure Murphy would combine them into one.

Linden's smaller (6'0, 180 lbs.), but he's also more agile. He can scramble and avoid the rush better than Wilford (6'3, 220), and he is a legitimate running threat as well. Linden's better at running the option and is more spontaneous, although he sometimes tries to do too much, as in The Game.

But Wilford can do things Linden cannot. Wilford's arm is stronger, and he can throw deep and to the sidelines with authority. He threw one pass last year that almost knocked the receiver down, and the only reason the wideout caught it was self-defense. Wilford's also big enough to stay tall in the pocket when things break down.

Murphy said what he saw was a simple matter of the cream rising to the top. Linden peaked early but hasn't improved markedly in recent years. Wilford, on the other hand, took more time but has continued to improve.

The playing time shows that trend. Linden played in eight games as a freshman, Wilford none. Linden led Harvard to the title as a sophomore, while Wilford threw three passes. Now, Linden will get a series, and Wilford will be the man.

The offense looked more explosive with Wilford at the helm last year, and the team has had some time to adjust to the news. Although it's got to be painful for Murphy, he doesn't feel he has a choice.