"I just played in between the QB and back," Balestracci said. "It was just a natural read into the backfield."
A natural read? On that formation? That's good.
Balestracci picked off the ball in more conventional fashion later in the game, plucking the pass out of the air and running down the field untouched for a 53-yard score. And into the Harvard history books.
With his first two collegiate interceptions under his belt (and first 12 points), Balestracci has added another page to his scouting report. More importantly, he's an irrepressible defensive force on a team that lost eight defenders to graduation last year-- and he's only a freshman.
Maybe the only criticism that can be leveled at the Crimson's Athlete of the Week is one that is reminiscent of the Minnesota Viking's Chris Carter: Balestracci only catches touchdowns.