Restic Confident About Yale Game, Expects Team Defense to Bounce Back

As far as coach Joe Restic is concerned, the whole football season comes down to this Saturday's game with Yale. And as is true every year with this game, he said yesterday, past records mean nothing.

By the time the Crimson travel to New Haven this weekend, Restic is confident his team will be ready to contain Yale's big offensive line and strong running game. Though Yale has a pair of good receivers, Restic said he doesn't think their passing game is much of a threat.

This weekend's game is important to Harvard and Yale for more than sentimental reasons, for both teams have Ivy League title hopes riding on the outcome.

All Tied Up

The Crimson, with a 5-1 record now, needs a win to guarantee themselves at least a tie for the crown. If Yale, 4-2, wins, and Princeton defeats Dartmouth, the Bulldogs would gain a share of the title.

Harvard, coming off a 35-32 win over Brown last weekend, will be full force for the Yale game, Restic said. Running back Neal Miller, who sat out the second half of the Brown game with a head injury, is back at practice this week. And Restic said cornerback Joe Sciolla will be ready to play Saturday, after an injury that has sidelined him for three weeks.

Restic said he doesn't think the game Saturday shows the Crimson have any defensive problems, despite the 32 points the squad gave up. "It's important that when the defense has a tough day, the offense is able to make up for it," Restic said. "That's the mark of a good team."

"Brown moved the ball well against us," he said, "and I give them credit. But I'm not concerned about our defense. They'll be able to bounce back. I think people will be surprised by them this weekend."

Restic said he is putting the team through their normal practice routine this week. He plans no personnel changes for the game Saturday but said he will show Yale some new offensive and defensive sets.

"We have a total system," he said, "and change our play sets every week. This gives us the ability to adjust to each team we play. We stay strong but keep our options open."

Restic is full of confidence for the Yale game. "Our team is strong," he said. "We're in good spirits, and we had an outstanding practice today. Based on what the team's done so far, I see every reason to think we'll win."