The Big Green traveled to Boston this past weekend seeking revenge from last year's loss to Harvard at home, and revenge was exactly what they got.
Through rain and mud, Dartmouth powered past a struggling Harvard squad and came out with a 23-7 victory that puts the Big Green on a four game winning streak.
"We won," tailback Greg Smith said after the game. "That's about as quick as I can say it."
Dartmouth started out somewhat slow allowing the Crimson to strike first. Harvard tailback Eion Hu slashed through the Big Green defense for a dazzling 57-yard run that set up a 12-yard keeper by Crimson quarterback Vin Ferrara, giving the Crimson the first score of the game.
Despite this first lapse, the consistent Dartmouth defense held strong the remainder of the game, proving why it is ranked number 13 in the nation for total defense.
Whenever the Big Green has faltered this season, their defense has been there to pick up the slack, and Saturday's victory at Harvard proved to be no different.
In two important situations the Big Green defense came up huge, forcing two key Harvard turnovers, shifting the momentum from the Crimson back to the Big Green.
The first fumble came with 5:31 remaining in the first quarter when Ferrara pitched back into the Harvard endzone to Kweli Thompson. Thomson was slammed and coughed the ball up to Eric Swanson '96.
Swanson's recovery in the end zone gave the Big Green a quick six, which was followed by an extra point conversion kick by Dave Regula '98.
Regula '98, who came on with three field goals in last weekend's Homecoming game, repeated his performance. He would post nine of Dartmouth's 23 points with field goals from 25, 29 and 35 yards.
The Big Green offense continued to shine in the second quarter when quarterback Jon Aljancic '97 capitalized on a Dartmouth drive, taking the ball in on a keeper to put another six on the board for the Big Green.
Leading 23-7, Dartmouth had a secure lead in the second half, but the Crimson refused to surrender. Harvard remained poised pressing deep into Dartmouth territory with less than eight minutes to go in the game.
But the Big Green defense again stayed strong with its second key defensive stop.
On a pass from Ferrara to Andrew Laurence, Matt Dancewicz '97 forced a fumble at the goal line that was recovered by Zach Walz '98.
The Crimson turnover virtually crushed Harvard's remaining morale and cemented the victory for the Big Green.
"You always think the key statistic is going to be turnovers," Harvard Coach Tim Murphy said. "That was obviously the case."
Truer words have never been spoken. Dartmouth did not turn over the ball once. Harvard did four times allowing the Big Green to keep possession of the ball for twice as long as foe Harvard.
With the extra time on the clock, the Big Green offense racked up valuable yardage.
Dartmouth's running offense, led by Greg Smith '97, ran for 224 yards, 102 more yards than the Crimson. Smith had another 100 yard day, scampering for 107 yards. Captain Pete Oberle '96 tacked on an additional 56 yards.
Passing percentage continued to suffer as Ren Riley '96 and Aljancic once again split the quarterbacking duties.
Riley threw for 125 yards on five completions and 14 attempts. Aljancic threw for 25 yards in his three for 10 contribution.
On the receiving end, Zach Ellis '98 came up huge with one catch for 75 yards, which was more yardage than the Crimson's entire air attack for the day. Ellis was run down at the Harvard five, but his reception set up a 29-yard Regula field goal which put the Big Green in the lead for good.
"The defense came up big for us today and I'm pleased with our play," Coach John Lyons said. "I'm happy to come away from here with a win."
