One thing that wasn’t there in the fourth quarter last year was the clutch field goal. In fact, the first through third quarters weren’t much better.

In ten games last year, Harvard kickers were 4-for-14 on field goals. The primary placekicker, Robbie Wright, endured a difficult freshman campaign. Although he hit all 34 of his point-after attempts, he missed over half of his tries from further out, including game-winners against Cornell and Pennsylvania.

But despite last year’s failures, Wright will still be called upon in the same situations.

“Those guys have a tough job,” Murphy said. “It was especially tough because we had a freshman doing it, and he was clearly the best guy. I think with just being a sophomore and having been through that situation, it will be a little easier to handle. It’s like anything else—I can’t tell you that when we get in that situation I’ll bet my mortgage on [making the kick], but I believe we’ll do it.”

Wright has apparently come into camp in superb condition. Although how much of a practical difference that will make in the team’s success rate has yet to be seen, it has been enough to impress Murphy.

“Robbie and [junior backup placekicker] Anders Blewett clearly put a lot of time and effort into their summers,” Murphy said. “They came back in great shape, worked extremely hard, and they’re just confident kids.”

Of course, the Crimson hopes that the team’s experience and depth on both lines will prevent last-second field goals from becoming an issue. The rest of the team wants to make sure that if Wright is called upon in seniors will, I’m sure, have an impact.”

Captain Ryan FitzGerald, who will again anchor the defense at left tackle, believes that the large number of seniors will make his leadership role much easier.