In Harvard's only two Ivy losses, a converted field goal would have made the difference in the closing seconds and in the last two Games, converted field goals would have put Harvard on top. Perhaps the only consolation for Crimson fans is that the second worst placekicking team in the Ivy League will be on the other side of the ball tomorrow.

Ultimately, The Game isn't only about football. For each school, it is a brief moment in the spotlight, and for students it is another reason to be, as a Yale alum once put it, "youthful and irresponsible."

But most important for the players involved, it is a time of sincere emotion and focused intensity. Mike Clare will wear his Crimson uniform one last time tomorrow, and he described what he will be thinking about when that time comes.

"It's the last time I'll be able to suit up with 120 of the best guys that I know. Playing football at Harvard has been the best experience of my life," Clare said. "It'll be a sad day for the seniors on the team, but hopefully we can make it a good day and let our seniors go out with a bang."

And despite all of the question marks and uncertainties surrounding The Game tomorrow, one thing is clear.

For the 31,000 people lucky enough to witness the 117th playing of college football's most storied rivalry, there will be plenty of "bang" to go around.