Brown enters this season without its top two offensive performers from

last year, both lost to graduation. Gone are quarterback Eric Webber,

the nation’s leading passer last season, and All-American wideout

Stephen Campbell, who set a I-AA record with 120 catches.

Still, the Bears kept enough talent to be a potent offensive force.

Among the returnees is tailback Michael Malan, the Ivy’s leading rusher

from last season with more than 1200 yards. Malan rushed for 190 yards

against the Crimson in last year’s game.

“To stop Malan, you have to rally around and get as many guys to the

football as possible,” sophomore linebacker Dante Belastracci said. You

really have to make sure you tackle him.”

Also returning is physically imposing wide receiver Chass Gessner. Gessner, who stands 6’5 and weights 210 pounds, has been selected by some publications as the preseason offensive player of the year in the Ivy League.

Fifth-year senior Kyle Rowley will take over at quarterback for the Bears. He’ll throw to his brother Travis, who should start opposite Gessner at receiver.

“They’ve got outstanding receivers and great balance on offense,” Murphy said. It’s not going to get any easier defending them, that’s for sure.”

On the other hand, Harvard’s defense looks to be much improved since