Position-by-Position: Harvard vs. Yale

By Alexander M. Sherman, Crimson Staff Writer November 14, 2001

“I think this Harvard secondary is without a doubt the best in the Ivy League, and one of the best in Division I-AA,” Alford said. “I have never personally seen a better Harvard secondary but I can only say that with confidence in regards to the last five or six seasons of which I’ve seen on tape. I would however project that we are one of the top secondaries in school history, if not the best, based on the level of competition that we’ve faced in the Ivy League this year. I can’t imagine that there was ever a year that the Ivies featured more offensive firepower than this one, and we rise to the occasion every day.” Mama always said, when in doubt, listen to Willie.

ADVANTAGE: HARVARD

SPECIAL TEAMS

OK, so Yale finally wins one. But not by much. Maligned kickers Anders Blewitt and Robbie Wright have made great strides in recent games, with Blewitt nailing a game-winning field goal against Dartmouth.

Sophomore punter Adam Kingston has been inconsistent throughout the year but has the capability of booming kicks at an NFL level.

Yale’s 250 lb senior kicker Justin Davis has nailed 5 of 7 field goals this year, though he has only converted 17 of 22 PATs. Blewitt is 20 of 20 on extra points. Both Davis and Kingston share a 38.6 yard punting average.

ADVANTAGE: YALE, SLIGHTLY

INTANGIBLES

Yale has defeated Harvard the last three years. The game is at Yale. Harvard is looking to win an Ivy League Championship outright and finish the year undefeated and untied for the first time in over 80 years. This is the last chance for Harvard’s seniors to defeat Yale, an accomplishment they have not yet attained. Yale will try to play the spoiler. But this year, there’s no Eric Johnson.

ADVANTAGE: HARVARD

OVERALL

Harvard is better in nearly every single category. The Crimson’s games tend to be close, so the final score may not be as lopsided as one would expect. Nonetheless, if you are making the trip to New Haven, be sure to wear your running shoes, because chances are you will find yourself charging the field when the final buzzer sounds.

ADVANTAGE: HARVARD