Allen pointed to his team’s missed opportunities—the second-quarter fumble at the Harvard 23, the Crimson’s goal line stand that resulted in Vella’s 21-yarder and Vella’s missed 45-yarder—as the key points in the game.

Harvard got a scare on its ensuing possession when Rose was hit hard on a quarterback keeper up the middle. He stayed down on the field for about two minutes before walking off under his own power.

When he reached the sideline, he sought out Murphy and gestured to his head. Rose, who had back problems in the weeks leading up to the game, did not return for the rest of the game.

“I felt fine out there,” Rose said. “I just took a couple shots to the head, then that third one rung my bell and the doctors were a little conservative and wanted to keep me out.”

“The doctor stole my helmet from me and hid it in a bag,” Rose said with a smile.

The Crimson turned to the running game a bit more with sophomore Ryan Fitzpatrick filling in for Rose, but wasn’t able to get another touchdown to put the game away.

—Staff writer Jon P. Morosi can be reached at morosi@fas.harvard.edu.