The 1968 Harvard Yale football game is one of the most memorable and iconic games in the history of American college football. Played on November 23, 1968, at Harvard Stadium in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this game marked the 85th meeting between the two Ivy League rivals. The game is often referred to as the "Harvard Beats Yale 29-29" game, due to the dramatic and unexpected outcome.
Background and Significance
The 1968 season was a remarkable one for both Harvard and Yale. Both teams had talented squads, with Harvard led by quarterback George Lalich and Yale by quarterback Brian Dowling. The game was not only a rivalry match but also had significant implications for the Ivy League championship. Yale was undefeated going into the game, with a 6-0 record in the Ivy League, while Harvard was 4-2. A Yale win would have secured the championship outright, but a Harvard victory would have given them a share of the title.
Game Summary
The game itself was a thrilling and back-and-forth affair. Yale dominated the first half, scoring 22 points to Harvard’s 0. The Bulldogs’ offense, led by Dowling, was nearly unstoppable, with Dowling throwing for two touchdowns and running for another. However, in the second half, Harvard staged an incredible comeback. The Crimson scored 29 points in the final 42 minutes of the game, with Lalich throwing for three touchdowns and running for another. The most memorable play of the game came with 42 seconds left, when Harvard’s Pete Varney caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Lalich to tie the game at 29-29.
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale | 22 | 7 | 29 |
| Harvard | 0 | 29 | 29 |
Impact and Legacy
The 1968 Harvard Yale game has had a lasting impact on the rivalry between the two schools and on college football as a whole. The game is often referenced as an example of the unpredictability and excitement of sports. The game also marked a turning point in the Harvard Yale rivalry, with Harvard’s comeback victory giving the Crimson a newfound sense of confidence and competitiveness. In the years since the game, the Harvard Yale rivalry has continued to be one of the most intense and closely followed in college football.
Rematch and Future Games
Although there was no official rematch between the two teams in the 1968 season, the game’s outcome had significant implications for the Ivy League championship. Yale was declared the champion, but Harvard’s comeback victory gave them a share of the title. In the years since the game, the two teams have continued to compete annually, with the rivalry remaining one of the most intense and closely followed in college football. The 1968 game’s legacy continues to be felt, with the game’s outcome and dramatic comeback often referenced in discussions of the rivalry.
What was the final score of the 1968 Harvard Yale game?
+The final score of the 1968 Harvard Yale game was 29-29, with the game ending in a tie.
Who was the quarterback for Harvard in the 1968 game?
+The quarterback for Harvard in the 1968 game was George Lalich.
What was the significance of the 1968 Harvard Yale game?
+The 1968 Harvard Yale game was significant because it marked one of the greatest comebacks in college football history and had implications for the Ivy League championship. The game’s outcome also had a lasting impact on the rivalry between the two schools.
