“Last year, we saw him bounce off guys that were trying to tackle him and just sling the ball,” Murphy said. “This is the ultimate trap game for us.”

Besides the many interceptions, Banks has posted solid numbers in 2017—over 250 yards per game and a completion rate of 58 percent. A sluggish ground game has hurt Cornell, though. The Big Red has totaled a paltry 219 rushing yards compared to 718 for opponents.

Like Banks, junior running back Chris Walker stands out physically but holds spotty statistics. Last year, he landed on the All-Ivy first team—a major accomplishment for a sophomore. But in 2017, he’s averaging 2.9 yards per carry.

Crimson junior Charlie Booker III has had more success. The runner has rumbled 7.2 yards per go, good for ninth in the nation. He scored two touchdowns against Georgetown.

The great mystery for Harvard exists at the quarterback position, where fifth-year senior Joe Viviano and Jake Smith are battling for the job.

Viviano, the first-game starter, has completed 60 percent of his passes for 408 yards. However, he flamed out in the second half of 2016, throwing eight interceptions over the last five games.

Smith comes with none of this baggage. Inexperience is his fatal flaw instead. He tossed two picks last week, both on ill-advised throws. At his best, Smith makes quick decisions and demonstrates impressive evasiveness. At his worst, he looks like a true freshman.

After three games, Murphy has yet to name a starter. That announcement seems likely to come in the next week or two.

“My mindset is that it’s a fluid situation,” the coach said. “I’m making no guarantees.”

Staff writer Sam Danello can be reached at sam.danello@thecrimson.com.