Harvard Faces Tigers in "Must" Game

Harvard's surprising varsity football team, which was expected to finish in the second division at best, will be the underdog again as it puts its unbeaten record on the line against dangerous Princeton and its single wing offense.

Harvard's defense is rated the best in the country, and Princeton's ground attack is rated second only to the University of Southern California, the number one team in the country.

Harvard has looked better in every game. Vic Gatto is the all time rushing leader at Harvard and Ray Hornblower is still leading the Ivy League in total rushing yardage. Against undefeated Penn last week, junior fullback Gus Crim ran wild, and it will be difficult for the Tiger defense to decide whom to key on.

Crim and tackle Fritz Reed have been sick with the flu the past week but both should start today. "Princeton's too big; you play even if you're sick," Reed said, and he expects the Crimson to be at full strength.

Biggest Surprise

Quarterback George Lalich has been the biggest surprise, however. Coach John Yovicsin elected to go with him at the beginning of the year, and his decision has paid off tremendously. Lalich typifies the team, and runs the squad with poise and confidence.

On those rare occasions when he has to pass or make the big play, he has shown an amazingly strong arm. He should continue to surprise today, even in the staid confines of Palmer Stadium.

Despite the potent Crimson offense and strong defense, Princeton remains a three point favorite in the Associated Press picks.

The Tigers, after a surprising upset by Penn, walloped Brown last week, 50-7. Sophomore tailback Brian McCoullough scored four touchdowns, ran for 91 yards, passed for 36 to pace the Tiger romp.

Ready to Fight

Harvard should be ready to fight, however, with the memory of last year's 45-6 humiliation before the television cameras still fresh in its minds. Princeton has defeated Harvard four years in a row, including an 18-14 upset of the previously unbeaten 1966 Crimson. It was that loss which cost Harvard an undefeated season and gave Princeton a share of the Ivy League title that year.

Harvard will be showing off some of their own sophomores to compare with Princeton's McCoullough. Sophomore end Pete Varney, used only sparingly so far this season because the ground attack has mostly eliminated the need for passes, could see a good deal more of the ball today.

Equally pleasant sophomore surprises this year are defensive halfback Rick Frisbee and linebacker Gary Farneti. Farneti started against Penn and tied for the game defensive honors with eight unassisted tackles.

But Princeton has backs besides McCoullough who should give the defense trouble. Fullback Ellis Moore, who scored ten touchdowns last year, five of them against Harvard, is pressing Hornblower for the league rushing lead. Today's game should decide that question.

Princeton has been hot and cold this year. Harvard has never let up. Solid, steady improvement, if it continues as it should, could upset the Tigers on their home field.

"Revenge!" didn't last last year, but today it might be another story.