But while Scales’ offensive breakout was expected, Owusu’s two picks came as a bit more of a pleasant surprise.
In fact, his first interception, which came midway through the first quarter, was on the rookie’s second defensive snap of the year.
“To be on the field itself was a great honor, and to just help this team out and do whatever I can—whether it’s on the sideline pumping our team up or on the field making plays,” Owusu said. “It was great to get that first pick, but you know that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about getting that victory.”
Owusu’s first pick was a momentum-killer for Cornell, who had just gotten the ball back after Harvard’s first touchdown. On the third play of the drive, Big Red quarterback Ben Ganter dropped back and threw the ball up for a short pass. Owusu read the play and hauled the ball in at the Cornell 35-yard line.
Though the Crimson would not capitalize on the chance—senior kicker Patrick Long went wide left on a 25-yard field goal attempt—Owusu did his best to make sure that the Big Red never got a chance to get back in the game.
When Cornell received the ball after Harvard’s second touchdown, Owusu gave the Crimson a repeat performance. On a first-and-10 Big Red play, Ganter aired it out downfield right into Owusu’s waiting hands.
Instead of the Big Red marching into the Harvard red zone, the Crimson hung onto the ball for the final minute of the half to end the threat.
“Working hard in practice, it shows in the game,” said Owusu, who also recorded a tackle. “It’s a privilege just to be out here and just to be able to play ball.”
The two rookies have given Murphy good reason to give them many more chances to play the game they love.
“We’ve got a lot of great kids and playmakers,” Murphy said. “One of the great things about coaching these kids is that, to a man, they’re very humble...You know, it’s an intangible, it’s a dynamic, but if you don’t have that great chemistry it just doesn’t work. These kids are all like that. It’s a pleasure coaching them.”
—Staff writer Kate Leist can be reached at kleist@fas.harvard.edu.