Then, on Harvard’s opening drive of the second half, a false start and another Fabiano personal foul quickly turned a 2nd and 6 into a 3rd and 19.

“There’s no excuse,” Murphy said. “We talked about it coming in that our style of football is make people beat us, don’t beat ourselves.... Sometimes you get an aggressive penalty, but today they were completely unnecessary, really put us behind on two drives in the first half, and we will address it.”

NO JOSUE? THAT’S OKAY

Following the graduation of Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year Josue Ortiz ’11, one of the biggest questions facing the Harvard defense coming into the season was how it would replicate the pressure generated by the defensive tackle, who had a league-high 10 sacks last season.

But while the secondary notably struggled in the absences of graduated star cornerback Matthew Hanson ’12 and injured number one corner Brian Owusu—allowing 12 catches and 135 yards to San Diego wideout Brandon White—the defensive line looked like it hadn’t missed a beat from last year, when it helped Harvard lead the league in rush defense and sacks.

The Crimson had Toreros quarterback Mason Mills under heavy pressure all afternoon, sacking him six times. Sophomore Zach Hodges and senior John Lyon each collected two sacks that went for a combined 30 yards in losses.

“Lyon’s [sacks] are more of an effort thing,” Murphy said. “Zach’s got some really special ability to change direction and rush the passer.”

The Crimson also held Toreros’ running backs Joe Ferguson and Kenn James to just 36 yards, forcing Mills into 63 passing attempts.

“There’s nothing better as a linebacker,” captain Bobby Schneider said. “It was exactly what we want from those guys.”

—Staff writer Scott A. Sherman can be reached at ssherman13@college.harvard.edu.