Harvard Football is having a remarkable season, standing undefeated at 8-0 as they approach their last regular-season games. The Crimson are gearing up to compete against Penn and Yale, showcasing a strong performance that has positioned them perfectly for the playoffs, particularly as the Ivy League participates in FCS playoffs for the first time.
Harvard’s Dominant Season
Under the leadership of Coach Andrew Aurich, in his second year, the team has outperformed expectations after graduating 13 starters the previous year. The Crimson’s current scoring average of 40.1 points per game leads the Ivy League, while their defense holds opponents to just 11.6 points per game. Each victory this season has come with an average margin of 28.5 points.
Key Players and Achievements
- Jaden Craig: The senior quarterback has set a school record for touchdown passes and is close to breaking the passing yardage record.
- Ty Bartrum: The team captain and first-team All-Ivy selection plays a crucial role in the defense, which now ranks as the best in the league.
- Xaviah Bascon, DJ Gordon, and Jordan Harris: The running back committee has collectively rushed for 1,127 yards this season.
Bartrum noted that the team’s progress began during the summer. Increased player attendance and cohesion in training allowed them to build a strong foundation for success. “Once we hit camp, we could kind of tell that we had a lot of guys stepping up,” he remarked.
Aiming for the Ivy League Title
With a chance to secure an automatic playoff berth, winning the Ivy League title is the Crimson’s immediate goal. They can clinch the championship by defeating Penn and Yale, with the latter matchup being particularly significant. Harvard aims to break a three-game losing streak against Yale, a rival that has historically challenged them.
Coach Aurich expressed his ambition for the team: “If we have an opportunity to win a national championship, then that should be one of our goals.” He emphasized the importance of showcasing the program’s history and making alumni proud through teamwork and success.
As the playoff opportunity aligns perfectly with their impressive season, all eyes are on Harvard Football as they strive for both local and national glory.
