“I wouldn’t say we have any [major] weaknesses on the defense,” Hutton said. “Our ceiling is pretty high.”

Harvard will line up across from Rhode Island quarterback Tyler Harris, a redshirt junior who has already tossed eight interceptions. When Harris targets his own team, he has solid receivers in Aaron Parker (sophomore) and Marven Beauvais (junior), both of whom average over 80 yards a contest.

The Rams also have a steady option in running back Harold Cooper. The senior has put together a celebrated career, totaling close to 2,000 yards on 413 carries. Last season, though, the Crimson limited the rusher to 21 yards.

Despite the 0-2 record, Rhode Island has shown signs of life in 2017. In their season opener, the Rams pushed Central Michigan to overtime before falling, 30-27.

“The struggle has been turnovers—six in the first game and two in the second,” Murphy said. “This is an improved team that’s 0-2…. They’re a very dangerous team and a much different team from the one we played last year.”

Even so, the key battle tomorrow involves no program from Rhode Island. In the season opener, Harvard will face the specter of 2016.

Shelton-Mosley certainly seems ready. Before taking the field, he’ll listen to a final song—“Hills and Valleys,” a Christian ballad about overcoming difficulties.

Those lyrics, and that message, apply to this team.

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