The Harvard University football team, also known as the Harvard Crimson, has a rich history of competing at the highest level in the Ivy League. With a legacy of producing talented players and employing innovative game strategies, Harvard has consistently been a force to be reckoned with in college football. In this article, we will delve into 10 key game strategies that have contributed to Harvard's success on the field, highlighting specific tactics, player skills, and coaching decisions that have made a significant impact.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Harvard’s Game Plan
At the core of Harvard’s football strategy is a strong emphasis on fundamentals, including ball control, defensive discipline, and special teams play. By mastering these basic elements, the Crimson has been able to build a solid foundation for its more complex game plans. For example, in the 2019 season, Harvard’s running back, Devin Darrington, rushed for over 1,000 yards, demonstrating the team’s ability to control the ball and wear down opponents.
Strategy 1: Establishing a Strong Running Game
A key component of Harvard’s offense is its running game, which has consistently been one of the most effective in the Ivy League. By establishing a strong ground attack, the Crimson is able to control the clock, wear down opponents, and set up play-action passes. In the 2018 season, Harvard’s running back, Aaron Shampklin, averaged over 5 yards per carry, highlighting the team’s ability to dominate on the ground.
| Season | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2,345 | 23 |
| 2019 | 2,567 | 26 |
| 2020 | 1,890 | 18 |
Strategy 2: Utilizing Play-Action Passing
Once the running game is established, Harvard’s offense often employs play-action passing to catch opponents off guard. By using fake handoffs and bootlegs, the Crimson is able to create big-play opportunities down the field. In the 2020 season, Harvard’s quarterback, Charlie Dean, threw for over 2,000 yards, highlighting the team’s ability to balance its running and passing attacks.
Some of the key play-action passing concepts used by Harvard include:
- Bootleg passes: Where the quarterback fakes a handoff and rolls out to the opposite side of the field, looking for an open receiver.
- Play-action fades: Where the quarterback fakes a handoff and launches the ball down the sideline to a receiver, often resulting in a big gain.
- Draw plays: Where the quarterback fakes a pass and hands the ball off to the running back, who then runs through a hole created by the defense's aggression.
Defensive Strategies
On the defensive side of the ball, Harvard employs a variety of strategies to shut down opponents' offenses. Some of the key defensive concepts used by the Crimson include:
Strategy 3: Utilizing the 4-3 Defense
Harvard’s base defense is a 4-3 scheme, which features four defensive linemen and three linebackers. This alignment allows the Crimson to stop the run and rush the quarterback effectively. In the 2019 season, Harvard’s defensive line recorded over 20 sacks, highlighting the team’s ability to disrupt opponents’ passing attacks.
Some of the key benefits of the 4-3 defense include:
- Improved run defense: The 4-3 defense allows Harvard to stack the box and shut down opponents' running games.
- Increased pass rush: The 4-3 defense provides Harvard with more opportunities to rush the quarterback and create turnovers.
- Better coverage: The 4-3 defense allows Harvard's defensive backs to play more aggressively, knowing that the front seven is capable of stopping the run.
Strategy 4: Employing Defensive Back Blitzes
Another key defensive strategy used by Harvard is the defensive back blitz. By sending a defensive back to rush the quarterback, the Crimson is able to create pressure and confusion in the opponent's backfield. In the 2020 season, Harvard's defensive backs recorded over 10 sacks, highlighting the team's ability to create chaos with its blitz packages.
| Season | Defensive Back Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 8 | 12 |
| 2019 | 10 | 15 |
| 2020 | 12 | 10 |
Special Teams Strategies
Harvard’s special teams unit is a crucial aspect of its overall game plan, providing the team with a field position advantage and scoring opportunities. Some of the key special teams strategies used by the Crimson include:
Strategy 5: Employing a Strong Punting Game
Harvard’s punting game is a key aspect of its special teams unit, allowing the team to flip field position and pin opponents deep. In the 2019 season, Harvard’s punter, Jonah Lipel, averaged over 40 yards per punt, highlighting the team’s ability to control field position.
Some of the key benefits of a strong punting game include:
- Improved field position: A strong punting game allows Harvard to flip field position and pin opponents deep, making it more difficult for them to score.
- Increased defensive opportunities: A strong punting game provides Harvard's defense with more opportunities to make stops and create turnovers.
- Better coverage: A strong punting game allows Harvard's coverage unit to be more aggressive, knowing that the punt will be downed deep in opponents' territory.
Strategy 6: Utilizing Kickoff Returns
Harvard's kickoff return unit is another key aspect of its special teams strategy, providing the team with big-play opportunities and field position advantages. In the 2020 season, Harvard's kickoff return unit averaged over 25 yards per return, highlighting the team's ability to create explosive plays in the return game.
| Season | Kickoff Return Yards | Kickoff Return Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 600 | 2 |
| 2019 | 650 | 1 |
| 2020 | 700 | 2 |
Game Management Strategies
Harvard’s coaching staff is known for its expert game management, often making key decisions that impact the outcome of games. Some of the key game management strategies used by the Crimson include:
Strategy 7: Managing the Clock
One of the key aspects of Harvard’s game management strategy is its ability to manage the clock. By controlling the tempo of the game, the Crimson is able to limit opponents’ possessions and create scoring opportunities. In the 2019 season, Harvard’s coaching staff made several key clock management decisions, including a memorable timeout call</
