The rivalry between Yale and Harvard is one of the most storied and enduring in American sports, with the two universities facing off on the gridiron for over 140 years. The first game between the two schools was played in 1875, with Harvard emerging victorious by a score of 4-0. Since then, the teams have met 137 times, with Harvard holding a slight edge in the series, 69-60-8. The rivalry is fueled by the proximity of the two schools, as well as their long histories of academic and athletic excellence.
History of the Rivalry
The Yale-Harvard football rivalry has a rich and complex history, with the two teams competing for bragging rights and the coveted championship of the Ivy League. The series has been marked by periods of dominance by both teams, with Yale winning 18 straight games from 1880 to 1898, and Harvard winning 12 straight from 1909 to 1921. The rivalry has also been marked by controversy, including a 1968 game that ended in a 29-29 tie, with both teams claiming victory. The game is often referred to as the “Harvard-Yale Tie” and is still debated by fans of both teams.
Notable Games and Moments
There have been many notable games and moments in the history of the Yale-Harvard rivalry. One of the most famous games was the 1968 tie, which was played in front of a crowd of over 40,000 fans at Harvard Stadium. The game was marked by a series of dramatic plays, including a touchdown pass by Harvard quarterback George Lalich with just seconds remaining in the game. The tie was seen as a fitting end to a season in which both teams had struggled, with Yale finishing 2-7 and Harvard finishing 4-5. Other notable games include the 1982 matchup, which Yale won 22-7, and the 2001 game, which Harvard won 24-19.
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1875 | Harvard | 4-0 |
| 1968 | Tie | 29-29 |
| 1982 | Yale | 22-7 |
| 2001 | Harvard | 24-19 |
Statistics and Records
The Yale-Harvard rivalry has been marked by a number of impressive statistics and records. Harvard holds the record for most wins in the series, with 69 victories, while Yale has won 60 games. The series has also seen a number of notable individual performances, including the 1968 game in which Harvard quarterback George Lalich threw for 272 yards and 2 touchdowns. Yale running back Alex Thomas has been one of the most dominant players in the series in recent years, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of the past three seasons. The series has also been marked by a number of coaching changes, with both teams experiencing a high level of turnover in recent years.
Coaching and Player Development
The Yale-Harvard rivalry has been marked by a number of notable coaching and player development stories. Harvard coach Tim Murphy has been one of the most successful coaches in the series, leading the Crimson to 18 wins in his 25-year tenure. Yale coach Carm Cozza was also highly successful, leading the Bulldogs to 10 wins in his 32-year tenure. The series has also seen a number of notable player development stories, including the rise of Harvard quarterback Colton Chapple, who threw for over 2,000 yards in each of his four seasons with the Crimson. The recruiting process has also played a key role in the series, with both teams competing for top talent from around the country.
What is the history of the Yale-Harvard football rivalry?
+The Yale-Harvard football rivalry dates back to 1875, with the two teams competing for over 140 years. The series has been marked by periods of dominance by both teams, as well as controversy and notable individual performances.
Who has won the most games in the series?
+Harvard has won the most games in the series, with 69 victories. Yale has won 60 games, and there have been 8 ties.
What is the significance of the 1968 game?
+The 1968 game is significant because it ended in a 29-29 tie, with both teams claiming victory. The game was marked by a series of dramatic plays, including a touchdown pass by Harvard quarterback George Lalich with just seconds remaining in the game.
