By Oliver Fox
NEFJ Correspondent
CAMBRIDGE – Harvard had a lot to play for on Saturday night at its home opener at Harvard Stadium.
Long-time coach (30 years) Tim Murphy was in attendance for the dedication of the new playing surface, “Tim Murphy Field,” and Harvard was looking to avenge the upset loss they suffered last year to Ivy League rival Brown.
They got that revenge and then some, demolishing the Bars 41-7.
The Crimson defense wasted no time. On the first play of the game, linebacker Dorsey Benefield intercepted Brown quarterback James Murphy and returned it for a touchdown. Dorsey credited his teammates on the play.
“The D-line getting the quarterback caused the bad throw and we went from there,” said Dorsey.
“Disrupting the football by hitting the quarterback when he’s trying to throw the ball,” Harvard head coach Andrew Aurich said when talking about the focus of his defense.
Brown’s quarterback Murphy certainly felt that pressure, gifting the Crimson another interception on the following drive. Junior cornerback Austin-Jake Guillory capitalized on the errant pass, setting up Harvard’s offense with great field position deep in Brown territory. Harvard quarterback Jaden Craig made quick work of the situation, hooking up with wide receiver Dean Boyd for a 21-yard contested touchdown catch.
The Bears responded on the ensuing drive, going 75 yards down the field and finishing the march off with a nine-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Ty Pezza, making it 14-7.
From there it was all Crimson, led by Walter Payton Award preseason watchlist senior quarterback Jaden Craig.
“I always talk about the ball, execution, and attacking,” Aurich said when talking about his fantastic QB. Craig certainly attacked in the first half, going 18-21 for 228 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with wide receiver Dean Boyd (21-yard touchdown catch), tight end Seamus Gilmartin (16-yard touchdown catch), and wide receiver Cam Henry (44-yard touchdown catch).
The Crimson run game added 80 yards of its own in the first half with a running-back-by-committee approach.
Brown’s second half started eerily similar to the first.
Murphy’s first pass attempt was thrown into the heart of the Harvard defense, ending up in the hands of senior safety Ty Bartrum. Capitalizing on the sudden change, Craig connected with Cam Henry on a deep pass, setting the Crimson up in the red zone. On the ensuing play, he threw to senior tight end Ryan Osborn for his fourth touchdown of the night, extending the lead to 41-7.
Craig had a career night, finishing 24-31 for 317 yards and four touchdowns. When asked about his performance, he was quick to shout out his offensive line.
“All five up front and six when we bring in Enzo [Agostini] are doing a tremendous job,” said Craig. “When I have time like that I feel like I can make any throw.”
With 5:35 left in the game, Craig was relieved by junior Dante Torres.
Craig certainly was the star of the show, but not to be overlooked was the suffocating performance of the Crimson defense. Not only did Harvard force three interceptions – all of which led to touchdowns – but they also had strong red zone execution, forcing a turnover on downs early in the fourth quarter.
