The Yale Harvard football game, also known as "The Game," is one of the most iconic and enduring rivalries in American sports. The two teams first met on the field in 1875, and since then, they have played each other nearly every year, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II. The rivalry between Yale and Harvard is not just about football; it's also about the long history of competition and camaraderie between the two prestigious Ivy League universities.
History of the Rivalry
The first game between Yale and Harvard was played on November 13, 1875, at Hamilton Park in New Haven, Connecticut. Yale won the game 3-0, and the series has been closely contested ever since. Over the years, the two teams have played each other 138 times, with Yale leading the series 68-60-8. The games have been played at various locations, including the Yale Bowl, Harvard Stadium, and even Fenway Park in Boston. The rivalry has been fueled by the proximity of the two universities, as well as their shared history and academic excellence.
Notable Games and Moments
There have been many notable games and moments in the history of the Yale Harvard football rivalry. One of the most famous games was the 1968 game, which ended in a 29-29 tie. The game was played in the midst of the Vietnam War and social unrest, and it was seen as a symbol of the changing times. The game was also notable for the fact that it was the first time that the two teams had tied since 1916. Another notable game was the 2005 game, which Yale won 34-13. The game was played in front of a crowd of over 50,000 fans at the Yale Bowl, and it marked a turning point in the series, as Yale began to dominate the rivalry in the 2000s.
| Year | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1875 | Yale 3, Harvard 0 | Hamilton Park, New Haven, CT |
| 1968 | Yale 29, Harvard 29 (tie) | Harvard Stadium, Cambridge, MA |
| 2005 | Yale 34, Harvard 13 | Yale Bowl, New Haven, CT |
Current State of the Rivalry
In recent years, the Yale Harvard football rivalry has continued to be one of the most competitive and closely contested series in the Ivy League. The two teams have been evenly matched, with Yale winning four of the last six games. The 2020 game was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the series resumed in 2021, with Harvard winning 34-31. The 2022 game was played in front of a crowd of over 50,000 fans at the Yale Bowl, with Yale winning 19-14.
Coaches and Players
The coaches and players have played a significant role in the history of the Yale Harvard football rivalry. Some notable coaches include Carmen Cozza, who coached Yale from 1965 to 1996, and Joe Restic, who coached Harvard from 1971 to 1993. Some notable players include Brian Dowling, who played quarterback for Yale from 1966 to 1968, and Pat McInally, who played wide receiver for Harvard from 1971 to 1974.
- Carmen Cozza: Yale coach from 1965 to 1996
- Joe Restic: Harvard coach from 1971 to 1993
- Brian Dowling: Yale quarterback from 1966 to 1968
- Pat McInally: Harvard wide receiver from 1971 to 1974
What is the history of the Yale Harvard football rivalry?
+The Yale Harvard football rivalry dates back to 1875, when the two teams first met on the field. The series has been closely contested over the years, with Yale leading the series 68-60-8.
Who are some notable coaches and players in the history of the rivalry?
+Some notable coaches include Carmen Cozza, who coached Yale from 1965 to 1996, and Joe Restic, who coached Harvard from 1971 to 1993. Some notable players include Brian Dowling, who played quarterback for Yale from 1966 to 1968, and Pat McInally, who played wide receiver for Harvard from 1971 to 1974.
