In Photos: Harvard Rolls Past Merrimack to Remain Undefeated at 5–0
By Nicholas T. JacobssonLast Saturday at Harvard Stadium, the Crimson added another win to the season’s record, going up to 5-0 (2-0 Ivy) with a commanding 31–7 victory over in-state rival Merrimack. The win propelled Harvard up the national rankings, climbing to No. 14 in the Stats Perform poll and No. 17 in the FCS Coaches Top 25.
Sophomore wide receiver Brady Blackburn secures a 46-yard strike from senior quarterback Jaden Craig, showcasing his deep-threat ability down the sideline. Blackburn notched his third straight 100-yard performance, hauling in four receptions for 110 yards.
On just eight carries, sophomore quarterback DJ Gordon delivered a breakout performance, rushing for 104 yards and scoring on both 19-yard and 24-yard touchdown runs that reignited the Crimson offense and kept Harvard in full control.
Gordon was grabbed by the facemask at the 9-yard line on his 24-yard touchdown run, prompting flags from nearly every official on the field. Gordon powered through the contact, dragging the defender into the end zone and scoring a statement.
Senior captain Ty Bartrum closes in to break up a pass, showcasing his leadership and defensive awareness in the Crimson secondary.
On the final play of the first half, sophomore defensive back Xaden Benson intercepts Merrimack’s Hail Mary attempt and returns it to the 46-yard line, halting the Warriors’ late chance to score and sending the Crimson into halftime with momentum.
Senior wide receiver Dean Boyd battled to reel in a pass from Craig during a drive that got the Merrimack defense flagged once for holding and twice for pass interference.
Craig showcased greater mobility in this matchup, building on his rushing touchdown from the previous week against Cornell. He ran to extend plays while throwing for 305 yards and scoring a touchdown to lead the Crimson offense.
A wide-open senior tight end Ryan Osborne hauled in the first touchdown of the game, capping off a well-executed Crimson drive that set the tone early for Harvard’s dominant performance.
The Harvard defense continued stellar form, applying relentless pressure throughout the game and solidifying its standing as second in the FCS in total defense.
Junior tight end Seamus Gilmartin was a steady target in the passing game, succeeding in seven receptions for 53 yards and helping sustain multiple Crimson drives with his reliable hands and route-running.
During a timeout, Harvard students took part in a lighthearted race against Sasha, the HUPD’s beloved community engagement dog. Sasha easily claimed victory to the crowd’s delight.
Harvard’s special teams unit launches an effort to block an extra point. The Crimson has been nearly impenetrable this season, holding opponents to just 11 points per game — the second-best mark in the nation.