The Yale Harvard game, also known as "The Game," is one of the most historic and iconic rivalries in American college football. The rivalry between Yale University and Harvard University dates back to 1875, with the two teams having played each other 138 times as of 2022. The game is typically played on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and is considered one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the Ivy League athletic conference.
History of the Rivalry
The first game between Yale and Harvard was played on November 13, 1875, at Hamilton Park in New Haven, Connecticut, with Yale winning 3-0. The early years of the rivalry were marked by intense competition, with both teams vying for supremacy in the Ivy League. The rivalry gained national attention in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the game being played in front of large crowds at iconic stadiums such as the Yale Bowl and Harvard Stadium.
Notable Games and Moments
One of the most notable games in the series was the 1968 game, known as the “Harvard Beats Yale 29-29” game. The game ended in a 29-29 tie, with Harvard coming back from a 16-point deficit in the final minutes to tie the game. The game was notable not only for its exciting finish but also for the fact that it marked a turning point in the rivalry, with Harvard beginning to gain the upper hand in the series.
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1875 | Yale | 3-0 |
| 1968 | Tie | 29-29 |
| 2019 | Yale | 50-43 (2OT) |
The rivalry has also been marked by a number of notable moments, including the 2019 game, which saw Yale win 50-43 in double overtime. The game was notable for its high-scoring offense and exciting finish, with Yale coming back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win the game.
Team Statistics and Performance
As of 2022, Yale leads the series 68-61-8, with Harvard having won 10 of the last 15 meetings. The teams have combined for 27 Ivy League championships, with Yale winning 17 and Harvard winning 10. The rivalry has also produced a number of notable players, including NFL stars such as Calvin Hill and Pat McInally, who both played for Harvard.
Coaching and Player Development
The teams have been led by a number of notable coaches, including Walter Camp, who coached Yale from 1888 to 1892 and is credited with developing many of the rules and strategies of modern football. The teams have also produced a number of notable players, including Eric Johnson, who played for Yale and was a member of the 2001 Ivy League championship team.
The rivalry has also been marked by a number of notable performances, including the 2019 game, in which Yale's Kurt Rawlings threw for 344 yards and 2 touchdowns, leading his team to a 50-43 victory. The game was notable for its high-scoring offense and exciting finish, with Yale coming back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win the game.
What is the significance of the Yale Harvard game?
+The Yale Harvard game, also known as “The Game,” is one of the most historic and iconic rivalries in American college football. The game is significant not only for its intense competition and high-stakes rivalry but also for its enduring spirit of sportsmanship and tradition.
Who has won the most games in the series?
+As of 2022, Yale leads the series 68-61-8, with Harvard having won 10 of the last 15 meetings.
What are some notable moments in the series?
+Some notable moments in the series include the 1968 game, known as the “Harvard Beats Yale 29-29” game, and the 2019 game, which saw Yale win 50-43 in double overtime.
