While the losses will not reflect on Harvard, the mere fact that the Crimson has played so many tough teams will work to its advantage. And even in the midst of the team's current losing streak--its longest slump since 1989--the Crimson still has been playing well. Both of Harvard's league losses, as well as its losses to Penn State and Hartford, came on the road.

In addition, several of the losing decisions could have easily gone the other way. Against Brown, it can easily be said that Harvard dominated in every phase of the game except the score. And if a couple balls had taken more fortuitous hops against Penn State, Harvard might well have toppled the then-No. 6 Nittany Lions.

"Our strength of schedule is really high," Moore said. "We have played a lot of good teams and we've played them tight."

Indeed, the Crimson's strength of schedule and its high level of play against the nation's best teams will likely loom large in the minds of the selection committee on Sunday. A win over Columbia tomorrow can, and should, gain Harvard a berth.

"It is going to be tough because [the Northeast] is just a solid region," Moore said. "But we were ranked No. 1 [regionally] not more than a week ago, so it would be real tough luck if we didn't get in. I think we deserve it, and I think that the committee will recognize that."