In last year’s rain-drenched opener, Harvard more than achieved that mission, handcuffing Silva to 31 yards on five carries while holding Akande to 29 yards for good measure.

This week, however, Holy Cross head coach Tim Gilmore sees a noticeably different team overall—a squad that isn’t like the one that the Crimson downed by scores of 35-0, 43-23, and 28-23 in 2004, 2003, and 2002.

“I think a lot of things have changed since last year. We’re playing with a lot more confidence,” Gilmore says. “But we understand they’re a top-ranked opponent, and we respect the level of talent and coaching Harvard has here.”

That talent in Cambridge is somewhat different this year, though. The Crimson will feature youth at the quarterback position between two sophomores, Tulane transfer Richard Irvin—who will start this weekend—and heralded recruit Liam O’Hagan. Neither has started a game for Harvard.

And as for the defense and captain Erik Grimm, this will be the first true test of the year.

Their buzz saw will be waiting in Worcester at 1 p.m.

—Staff writer Pablo S. Torre can be reached at torre@fas.harvard.edu.