Get ready for a historic moment in college football! The long-standing rivalry between Harvard and Yale, a tradition that has endured for over a century, is about to enter a new era.
This iconic rivalry, often simply referred to as “The Game,” has a rich history that predates some of the biggest names in college football today. Yet, surprisingly, neither Harvard nor Yale has participated in a postseason football game since the early 20th century.
But here’s where it gets controversial… These prestigious institutions, along with their Ivy League counterparts, had self-imposed a ban on postseason play since World War II. Why? They didn’t want to be part of the growing commercialization of college football, a sport that has since become a multi-billion-dollar industry.
However, this all changed this past offseason, and it’s all thanks to the students. The students pushed for and successfully convinced the league to lift the ban, allowing them to compete in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs.
Now, the winner of this Saturday’s Harvard-Yale game will represent the Ivy League in the FCS playoffs, a division below the more well-known Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
And this is the part most people miss… Despite being in a lower division, the Harvard-Yale rivalry has a rich history and a strong following. The average attendance at their games is over 50,000, which is more than the average attendance of any Major League Baseball team!
The cultural significance of this game is also immense. It has been featured in one of the most beloved episodes of “The Simpsons,” adding to its legendary status.
On the field, both teams are bringing their A-game. Harvard is currently ranked 10th in the FCS, with an impressive scoring offense and defense. They’ve won their games by an average of over 25 points, an impressive feat. Yale, ranked 25th, has also performed well, with a strong defense and winning their games by double digits.
History suggests that this game will be a close one. The last five meetings between these teams have been decided by a touchdown or less. But this game carries even more weight, as the winner will secure the Ivy League title and a spot in the playoffs. The loser will have to rely on an at-large bid.
So, who will it be? Harvard or Yale? This game promises to be an exciting showdown, and the outcome will write a new chapter in the history of college football.
What do you think? Will the rich history of these teams influence the outcome, or will it be a modern-day upset? Let’s discuss in the comments!