The Running Men

The outlook for the Harvard rushing attack is both clear and muddled. Theoretically, the Crimson offense is a big-play passing offense, feeding off the talent of QB Neil Rose and his plethora of wide receivers. But in practice, the running game has become an almost equally potent force.

In the beginning of the year, the Harvard tailbacks suffered so many injuries that the only players Head Coach Tim Murphy had available were sophomore fourth-stringer Nick Palazzo and a converted defenseman, Dan Miree. So of course Murphy tried to keep the ball in the air as much as possible.

However, Palazzo was so impressive, with his explosive speed and slick moves that the offense went to him more and more. He racked up some 100-yard games and Murphy was hooked.

Then sophomore Matt Leiszler became healthy again, and instead of reducing Palazzo's carries, the offense used both of them. Leiszler's ability to run hard up the middle complemented Palazzo's lightning-quick moves.

Saturday's game has only confused things more. Since Harvard built up a large lead, and former first-stringers Chuck Nwokocha and Brent Chalmers recovered from their respective injuries, everyone got a chance to play, and all played well.

Palazzo ran for 78 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, including a 39-yard beauty that set up Harvard's first score. Leiszler also pounded his way for 78 yards, picking up a touchdown on 16 carries.

Chalmers fumbled the ball on his first touch, but made up for it by gaining 51 yards on his next seven carries. Nwokocha played often but in a different capacity. Murphy used him primarily as a split end, and Nwokocha's speed allowed him to get three receptions for 45 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter.