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Heading into the season opener last Friday, the Harvard football team faced a slew of questions. How would the program rebound after losing a stout senior class? Who would replace two-year starter Scott Hosch at quarterback? Could this year’s Crimson deal with the expectations that come with three straight Ivy titles?

While some uncertainty still lingers, many doubts were silenced last weekend thanks to a 51-21 rout of the Rhode Island.

INTRODUCING JOEY FOOTBALL

Harvard football has had its share of solid quarterbacks. Last year Hosch led the Crimson to a 9-1 record and its first ever three-peat in the Ancient Eight. Before that Connor Hempel recorded 21 touchdowns versus six interceptions in the final 12 games of his career. And a decade before that, Ryan Fitzpatrick commanded Harvard Stadium, captaining the team to an undefeated season in 2004.

Suffice it to say, coach Tim Murphy knows a good playcaller when he sees one.

Before Friday night’s game, quarterback Joe Viviano had never complete a collegiate pass - a fact that many, including this paper, made a point of mentioning. Plagued by injuries throughout his career, the senior made his first start against the Rams.

But if there were any doubts about what he could do, the 6’5” Viviano put them to bed early.

After three-and-a-half quarters, the starter left the game with 290 yards through the air to complement 51 rushing yards. He accounted for four of the Crimson’s seven touchdowns, tossing three and running for one.

“I thought Joe played very well,” coach Tim Murphy said. “[He] has had not only little to no playing time, but he [also] has had very limited practice time…. He’s made the most of the opportunity.”

While quarterback success is nothing new, an interesting contrast emerges when comparing Viviano’s playing style with the strengths of previous playcallers. Neither Hempel nor Hosch surpassed 300 running yards in a season; Viviano is on track to accumulate nearly 500. This mobility gives Murphy more play-calling flexibility and could prove to be a crucial factor in Harvard’s quest for a fourth straight Ivy League title.

When watching Viviano, the on-field comparison that jumps out immediately is Johnny Manziel. Both have a creative ability to extend plays with their feet when protection breaks down.

For instance, take Viviano’s rushing touchdown at the end of the first quarter against Rhode Island. As the pocket collapsed and defenders closed on him, Viviano spun out left but collided with a defender and offensive lineman. He then jumped back, side-stepped another defender, and scampered in for the touchdown. This play was remarkably reminiscent of Manziel, specifically his touchdown pass against Duke in the 2013 Chick-Fil-A Bowl.

“I just try to run the plays the way they’re designed,” Viviano said. “If stuff breaks down, I’ll just try to make a play with my feet. Ideally throw, but if I have to, run.”

SHOTGUN FUN