Take advantage of the Multiflex: It's a given that Harvard's offense, minus the line, is in synch.

Outside of Giardi, who looked like a veteran last year, the rest of the group is seniors, each experienced in the countless options the Multiplex offers.

W & M hasn't seen the `Flex since 1986, so with creative coaching and on-field decision-making, Harvard could keep the Tribe defense in a state of perpetual confusion and run up the score. It's happened before.

Tune up the offensive line: The Multiflex won't flex much if Giardi's on his back or running for his life. Columbia was enough of a problem for the young line, but the Crimson will have to give everything it has against the more seasoned Tribe trenchmen. W & M held Boston University to only 13 rushing yards last week in a 31-21 win.

Be sparing on the blitz: W & M quarterback Shawn Knight is a skilled scrambler and a deft passer. Harvard should concert its efforts on defending the Tribe's potentially potent aerial attack.

The most important task, of course, is mental. The Columbia game was disheartening, but the glorious memory of Army still lingers.

"More important for us than winning is setting the tone for the Ivy season," Giese said. "We want to show that Harvard is a team to be reckoned with. Maybe we can turn some heads and maybe we can get some respect."

Maybe.