Zorn’s carry moved the ball to the 12-yard line and put the Crimson in the driver’s seat. A few plays later, junior kicker Andrew Flesher—who missed a potential game-winning try last week against Princeton—converted a 23-yard attempt to give Harvard the lead.
Having left the field with 5:46 left in the fourth quarter, the Big Green offense did not get another shot until just 43 seconds remained on the clock. With the game hanging in the balance, Harvard had seized it for its own with one big drive.
“It’s one game at a time, but we knew this was a must-win game,” said senior defensive tackle Nnamdi Obukwelu. “We said we’re not going to lose at home. We lost last week and wanted to start a winning streak this game.”
ADAPTING TO INJURIES
Hit hard by injuries this season, the Crimson offense was missing several of its key cogs as it took the field Saturday evening.
Senior tight end Cam Brate was sidelined due to a hurt knee, and sophomore receiver Andrew Fischer was kept off the field with a hamstring injury. Hempel adjusted by relying on junior Seitu Smith, who racked up a season-high seven catches, and also targeted Miller and junior tight end Tyler Hamblin.
The adjustment was not as smooth on the offensive line. With senior center David Leopard out with a broken ankle, Harvard was beset with penalties and committed seven false starts. But the Crimson line did a good job protecting Hempel and only surrendered a single sack.
Harvard was also forced to turn to Flesher at kicker, as a leg injury has kept senior David Mothander on the bench the past few weeks. Despite missing an attempt in the fourth quarter, Flesher converted three other field goals including the game-winner. The junior was named Ivy Special Teams Player of the Week following last Saturday’s loss to Princeton.
“We’re a little bit, on offense, like a team of misfit toys,” Murphy said. “This is an unbelievable group of kids. The thrill ride isn’t over. I think I aged about 10 years tonight, but this team will fight.”
—Staff writer David Steinbach can be reached at david.steinbach@thecrimson.com.