Gridders Favored Against Cornell

Last year at The Stadium, the Harvard football team gave Cornell a gridiron gift: Turnovers and shoddy defense turned a once-close game into a 31-13 blowout in the Big Red's favor.

From there, Harvard went into a four-game tailspin while Cornell rebounded to finish fourth in the Ivies.

This season looks a little different for Harvard (2-1 overall, 1-0 Ivy) as it enters the contest today in Ithaca, N.Y. The Crimson finds itself in the unlikely position of the favorite.

Recently, Cornell (0-3 overall, 0-1 Ivy) has been the team fumbling the year away, and although the Big Red has come up with big numbers statistically, a zero still looms in the win column.

Cornell quarterback senior Bill Lazor has led an efficient Big Red passing attack to an average of 271.7 yards a game. The Cornell offense has converted on almost half its third down opportunities, but the team just can't get a win.

The problem? Eleven turnovers in three games this season, and although Lazor has impressive yardage numbers, he has also thrown six interceptions already.

Cornell has lost to Princeton, Colgate and Lehigh, and the Big Red's play this season has deteriorated with every game. While the team challenged the Ivy League-leading Tigers 18-12, it settled quite comfortably in its underdog role at Lehigh, losing 35-13.

Positioned as Favorites

With cautious confidence, Harvard, on the other hand, has forged a position of the favorite for itself. Quarterback Mike Giardi, who needs to score one touchdown to set the school touchdown record for, has shown all season he knows how to push all the right buttons on offense, and the Multi-flex machine looks well-oiled and smooth.

And after a disappointing showing at William and Mary, Harvard proved its mettle against Lafayette as the defense led the way to a 21-16 victory.

Today's game may turn out to be an individual duel between Giardi and Lazor, two signal-callers who can change the faces of football games as quickly as Michael Jackson changed his complexion.

But for Harvard, a better scenario would be a game which showcases the Crimson players who have turned in quiet but solid performances this season.

Captain Brian Ramer leads the team in tackles with 34. Junior halfback Mark Cote has collected 162 yards on the ground with a 4.8 average per rush. Cote has also caught 6 passes for 95 yards. Sophomore David Sprinkle rushed for a 75-yard touchdown. Cornerback Jae Ellis has three interceptions already.

At this juncture in the year, anonymity has proven to be Harvard's best friend.

But now that the Crimson has assumed the role of the favorite, it has entered dangerous territory. A loss this weekend throws Harvard back into the doghouse, and two good wins over Columbia and Lafayette become two big flukes.

Look for the Crimson to savor its current position, though, and exploit a sloppy Cornell offense. Giardi has quietly slipped his way into the record books, and following his lead, Harvard should enjoy another weekend of fame.