Inexperienced Crimson Displays Poise; B.U. Game Looms as Tough Encounter

It took three years for Resticball to produce an opening day victory. So Crimson coach Joe Restic is especially proud that this year's team achieved one with a 24-7 romp over UMass Saturday.

"There were a lot of inexperienced players starting, but they held their poise," Restic said yesterday. He was very happy with the way the defense maintained its cool after the 46-yard touchdown play in the opening quarter.

"A good team will keep their heads and stick with the game plan," he said. "They did just that."

Neal Miller, who scored two touchdowns and picked up 79 yards, was the surprise of the game. He added a new dimension to the Crimson running attack. His five-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust style is a change from the elusive open field running of Mark Wheeler and Ted DeMars.

"Miller adds a new dimension to our offense. He has great balance, hits the poles well and is quick on his feet, "Restic said. "He fits very well into the ball-control type offense we're running this year," he added.

Harvard came out of Saturday's game in good shape as far as injuries go. The only new casualty was Bob Kristoff, a line backer, who hurt his ankle. Kristoff, however, is not expected to miss next week's game against B.U.

Not many people, excluding the Crimson coaching staff, are worried about the Terriers. But in spite of the impressive UMass victory, Restic says he is worried about B.U. "They have a very aggressive front line and are tough against the run, "Restic said.

Ivy Season Openers

Restic said that he felt Ivy League teams should schedule other Ivy teams for the season openers in order for them to have "a fair chance" in the game. "Opening the season against a team that has already played three games is very tough, "Restic said.

But for the moment Restic has only the rest of this season to worry about. A win against B.U. is a lot more important now than the team the Crimson will face in next season's opener.