The 1968 Harvard Yale football game is one of the most memorable and iconic games in the history of American college football. The game was played on November 23, 1968, at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts, and it marked the 85th meeting between the two Ivy League rivals. The game is often referred to as the "Harvard Beats Yale 29-29" game, which is also the title of a 2008 documentary film about the game.
Background and Context
The 1968 Harvard Yale game was a highly anticipated matchup between two of the oldest and most storied programs in college football. Harvard and Yale had been playing each other since 1875, and the game was always a intense and closely contested affair. In 1968, both teams were having excellent seasons, with Harvard sporting a 6-1 record and Yale at 7-0. The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd of over 40,000 fans at Harvard Stadium, and it was broadcast nationally on television.
Game Summary
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns and field goals throughout the contest. Yale took an early lead, but Harvard came back to tie the game at 22-22 with just over 10 minutes remaining. Yale then scored a touchdown to take a 29-22 lead, but Harvard responded with a touchdown of their own to cut the deficit to 29-28. With just 42 seconds remaining, Harvard’s Pete Varney kicked a 26-yard field goal to tie the game at 29-29. The game ended in a tie, which was a rare occurrence in college football at the time.
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Harvard | 29 |
| Yale | 29 |
Aftermath and Legacy
The 1968 Harvard Yale game had a profound impact on the college football world. The game’s outcome was seen as a major upset, and it marked a shift in the balance of power between the two schools. Harvard’s tie with Yale was seen as a moral victory, and it helped to establish the Crimson as a force to be reckoned with in the Ivy League. The game also had a lasting impact on the players involved, many of whom went on to successful careers in football and other fields.
Player Profiles
Several players from the 1968 Harvard Yale game went on to achieve great success in their careers. Harvard’s quarterback, Frank Champi, was a standout player who led the Crimson to several victories during his time at the school. Yale’s running back, Calvin Hill, was a highly touted prospect who went on to play in the NFL. Other notable players from the game include Harvard’s Pete Varney, who kicked the game-tying field goal, and Yale’s Bob Levin, who scored a touchdown in the game.
- Frank Champi: Harvard quarterback
- Calvin Hill: Yale running back
- Pete Varney: Harvard kicker
- Bob Levin: Yale wide receiver
What was the final score of the 1968 Harvard Yale game?
+The final score of the 1968 Harvard Yale game was 29-29, a tie.
Who was the quarterback for Harvard in the 1968 game?
+The quarterback for Harvard in the 1968 game was Frank Champi.
What was the significance of the 1968 Harvard Yale game?
+The 1968 Harvard Yale game was significant because it marked a turning point in the rivalry between the two schools and was seen as one of the greatest games in college football history.
In conclusion, the 1968 Harvard Yale football game was a historic and memorable contest that had a lasting impact on the college football world. The game’s outcome, a 29-29 tie, was a shock to many, and it marked a shift in the balance of power between the two schools. The game’s legacy continues to be felt today, and it remains one of the most iconic and enduring moments in the history of American college football.
