Image courtesy of Harvard Magazine

It’s only Week 2, but Friday night’s Ivy League matchup under the lights at Harvard Stadium against Brown is a big one.

The Crimson didn’t really face much push back in the season opener, while the Bears had to scratch and claw to steal an exhilarating win over in-state rival Bryant in its opener. The Crimson had quite a defensive performance against St. Thomas, led by Ty Bartrum who earned Ivy DPOTW honors thanks in large part to a 96-yard pick six. He’s hoping his squad can have a similar showing against Brown, but knows it won’t be easy.

“Their quarterback’s a senior (Jake Wilcox), he’s been in the system for a while,” Bartrum said when asked who the Crimson will have to hone in on. “He had a great game last week. They’ve got some weapons outside, good running back. They’ve got weapons. We’re ready for that and preparing for that.”

As for the Harvard defense being ranked one of the top in the country already – even though it’s just one week – Bartrum acknowledged it’s good to get that recognition, because it means you must’ve done something right.

“It was great, that’s what you want to do as a defense, as a whole, as a team,” he added. “That’s our goal every week, to be the best defense in the league and in college football. So, yeah, it felt great.”