"It's an exciting time for us," co-captain and linebacker Bronson Green '14 said. "It's a position Dartmouth football hasn't been in in recent history, but obviously we have to make the most of the opportunity."
Harvard, despite blowing a 24-point fourth-quarter lead in last week's loss to Princeton, has the Ivy League's best offense, averaging 39.8 points and 515.8 yards per game.
"The key to keeping their offense quiet is keeping them on the sideline," Dartmouth head coach Buddy Teevens said. "Our offense will help our defense."
Crimson quarterback Colton Chapple, who currently owns the second-best passing efficiency rating in the country at 177.0 and is fourth in total offense with 2,149 yards, has repeatedly targeted tight ends Kyle Juszczyk and Cameron Brate. The duo has combined for 65 catches and 945 yards in six games, and Juszczyk and Brate rank first and second in the Ivy League in touchdown catches with six and five, respectively.
"They're great athletes," Green said. "They are their go-to guys on offense, and they want to feed them the ball."
Quarterback Alex Park '14, who led the Big Green offense on a game-winning drive last week against Columbia University, will once again be without star running back Dominick Pierre '14. Pierre suffered an injury on Oct. 6 against Yale University and missed the following week's game against Sacred Heart University before returning last week against the Lions. But Pierre carried the ball just seven times last week before re-aggravating the injury, and the timetable for his return is uncertain.
With Pierre out, running back Brian Grove '16 and option quarterback Greg Patton '13 will receive increased playing time, according to Teevens.
"The key is to execute thoroughly in all facets of the game," Teevens said.
Given the Crimson's talented personnel, much of the game will be dictated by individual players' ability to win one-on-one matchups.
"In past years, we'd start to look at our opponents, and look at the what-ifs," Green said. "A big push this season is just doing our own job and making sure we're doing the right things."
Teevens echoed Green's sentiments, noting that players must remain focused on what will be an emotional night.
"If you put too much emphasis on the game, guys can try to do too much," Teevens said.
Last week, Princeton's ability to force multiple turnovers ended Harvard's 14-game win streak. On Saturday, the Big Green defense must come up with big plays.
"It's going to be four full quarters of football, and as a team, we haven't necessary played up to our capability for a full four quarters," Green said.
The Big Green has only forced one interception and four fumbles this season. Green said that Dartmouth has played significantly better in the second halves of games this year and must start out strong in order to keep the Crimson at bay. Last year, Harvard steamrolled the Big Green 41-10 during a snowstorm in Cambridge, Mass., and holds a 65-45-5 lead in the all-time series.
"It's a great night for Dartmouth and the role our football team plays," Teevens said. "We've got a prime-time opportunity, and we want to make sure we present well. Now you've got to go out and do what you've been coached and trained to do."
Here is a look at what papers around the Ivy League are saying about the upcoming game.
Cornell Daily Sun: Harvard over Dartmouth. Harvard will be angry after losing its first game since September of last year.
Columbia Daily Spectator: Harvard over Dartmouth. Blowout alert Harvard will be angry, and Dartmouth will be its victim. The Big Green played a sloppy game to beat Columbia last week and will need a much better effort to compete with the Crimson.
The Dartmouth: Yes, we know that Harvard is favored. Yes, we know that Harvard has better player personnel. But you know what? We don't care. It's Dartmouth Homecoming, which means anything is possible. Dartmouth 21, Harvard 20.
