The Yale University Bulldogs and the College of the Holy Cross Crusaders are two prestigious institutions with a rich history in athletics, particularly in American football. Yale, a member of the Ivy League, and Holy Cross, a member of the Patriot League, have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to 1904. Over the years, the two teams have faced each other numerous times, with Yale holding a significant advantage in the series.
History of the Rivalry
The first meeting between Yale and Holy Cross took place on November 12, 1904, with Yale winning 24-0. Since then, the two teams have played each other 49 times, with Yale leading the series 32-16-1. The rivalry has been marked by several notable games, including a 1926 matchup that saw Yale win 40-0, and a 1955 game that ended in a 7-7 tie. Despite the lopsided series record, Holy Cross has had its share of victories, including a 28-21 win in 1983 and a 22-19 win in 2002.
Notable Games and Players
One of the most notable games in the series was the 1969 matchup, which saw Yale win 28-14. The game featured a standout performance by Yale’s quarterback, Joe Caldwell, who threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Another notable player in the series was Holy Cross’s running back, Robbie Mazzone, who rushed for 154 yards and a touchdown in the 1983 game. The series has also featured several notable coaches, including Yale’s Carm Cozza, who led the Bulldogs to 10 wins over Holy Cross during his tenure.
| Year | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1904 | 24-0 | Yale |
| 1926 | 40-0 | Yale |
| 1955 | 7-7 | Tie |
| 1983 | 28-21 | Holy Cross |
| 2002 | 22-19 | Holy Cross |
Recent Matchups and Trends
In recent years, the series has been marked by a resurgence in competitiveness, with Holy Cross winning three of the last five meetings. The 2019 game saw Holy Cross win 31-23, with the Crusaders’ quarterback, Connor Degenhardt, throwing for 251 yards and two touchdowns. The 2020 game was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the series is set to resume in 2023. Yale will look to regain its dominance in the series, while Holy Cross will aim to continue its recent success.
Team Statistics and Analysis
A review of the team statistics reveals that Yale has a significant advantage in terms of overall offense, with the Bulldogs averaging 24.5 points per game compared to Holy Cross’s 18.2 points per game. However, Holy Cross has a strong defense, allowing just 17.1 points per game compared to Yale’s 22.1 points per game. The series has also been marked by a number of close games, with 12 of the last 20 meetings being decided by 10 points or less.
- Yale's offense averages 373.5 yards per game, compared to Holy Cross's 312.1 yards per game.
- Holy Cross's defense allows just 92.5 rushing yards per game, compared to Yale's 123.1 rushing yards per game.
- Yale's passing offense averages 250.5 yards per game, compared to Holy Cross's 219.5 yards per game.
What is the all-time series record between Yale and Holy Cross?
+Yale leads the series 32-16-1.
Who is the all-time leading rusher in the series?
+Yale’s Mike McLeod is the all-time leading rusher in the series, with 434 yards in four games.
